After Sheng Jun Chapter 5 (Part 2)
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 5.2 The Richest Man in Jiuzhou (part 2)
Zhong Ming frowned, and just as he was about to explain something, Jiang Xingzhi said, "But you seem even more anxious about the Kouyue Sect's affairs than I am. Could it be that your enemy is there?"
The conversation halted, and a pair of pitch-black eyes glanced at him. "Perhaps."
This answer was ambiguous, and even someone as carefree as Jiang Xingzhi was taken aback: since it was such a deep blood feud, shouldn't he be taking it more seriously?
However, considering their limited friendship, Jiang Xingzhi didn't pursue the topic further. The carriage moved steadily forward, and he took this time to send a message to Zhu Yan, who remained in the outskirts of Xunyang.
The gist was that he had left Xunyang City, and told the other party to send messages in advance if there were urgent matters, otherwise distant water couldn't quench a present thirst.
In the space-limited carriage, there were only Jiang Xingzhi and Zhong Ming. He didn't avoid the latter while sending the message, but after ending the transmission, he heard a faint voice from across, "You care for him quite a bit?"
Jiang Xingzhi put away the transmission stone, "Well, he's the second person I met after returning to... jianghu, might as well help him till the end."
Zhong Ming folded his arms and snorted with an unclear meaning.
Jiang Xingzhi looked him over a few times, suddenly smiling, "Brother Bai, you're acting like you're jealous."
After saying this, he prepared himself for the sneering mockery from across, and had even thought about how to respond, but after waiting for a while, no rebuttal came.
Jiang Xingzhi: "......"
He stared intently at the man opposite: why such silence, say something!
The carriage remained quiet for a few breaths, then suddenly a light laugh broke the awkward atmosphere. Jiang Xingzhi looked up to see Zhong Ming looking at him with a curved smile, "Feeling awkward?"
"........."
Jiang Xingzhi took a deep breath, his fist clenching.
****
Before long, the carriage stopped with a gentle shake, arriving at the Shang family residence.
The city was already prosperous enough, but entering the Shang mansion revealed true luxury.
Carved beams and painted rafters, vermillion pillars with intricate engravings. As Jiang Xingzhi walked along the corridor, two rows of serving girls in sheer gauze and cloud-patterned brocade followed at his sides, like floating celestial clouds.
Jiang Xingzhi pointed at their plain clothes and asked Zhong Ming, "Look, don't we look like guards?"
Zhong Ming glanced at his pale face, "You don't look like one, you look like an attendant."
Jiang Xingzhi: "......"
Just as these words fell, a bright laugh came from ahead, the voice clear and pleasant, instantly creating a good impression, "Our distinguished guests jest. Our household merely has some worldly possessions, nothing compared to the heavenly treasures you've seen. Moreover, having such honored guests visit truly brings glory to our humble home."
Jiang Xingzhi looked toward the voice and saw a man in elegant clothes standing before the hall, exuding nobility from head to toe. He had proper features and had reached the late Nascent Soul stage in cultivation.
He must be one of those fifty or so "venerable."
The accompanying maids and Hu Lin, who had been leading the way, all bowed, "Family Head!"
Shang Luxing nodded and stepped forward to personally welcome Jiang Xingzhi and Zhong Ming into the hall, "I am Shang Luxing. May I know how to address the two seniors?"
That word "senior" from a thousand years ago almost made Jiang Xingzhi's hair stand on end, and he quickly said, "Surname is Jiang, Family Head Shang may address me as you wish."
Shang Luxing seized the opportunity, warmly saying, "Brother Jiang."
Zhong Ming glanced at the two of them. Shang Luxing then asked, "How should I address this senior?"
Zhong Ming: "Surname is Bai."
Since he didn't say "as you wish," Shang Luxing addressed him as, "Senior Bai."
Jiang Xingzhi followed with, "Senior Bai."
Zhong Ming: "......"
Zhong Ming said, "Address me as you wish."
The three sat down, and the household maids served a pot of the rare and precious Jade Dragon Silver Needle tea.
Amidst the rising white steam, Shang Luxing sighed deeply, expressing regret, "I have investigated the matter. It was people from my clan who were tempted by greed. I truly apologize for the offense."
His words were sincere, his expression remorseful, as if he had truly been deceived.
Jiang Xingzhi took a sip of the hot tea, "Mm."
Shang Luxing continued, "I wish to make compensation to Brother Jiang and Brother Bai. If it's money or treasures, the Shang family certainly doesn't lack those. If there are other needs, I shall do my utmost to help."
Jiang Xingzhi didn't respond, but Zhong Ming spoke up, "Other needs, such as?"
His features were cold and handsome, unlike the approachable-looking Jiang Xingzhi. When he raised his eyes, they carried a sharp edge, and his direct question cut through all the groundwork Shang Luxing had prepared.
Shang Luxing hesitated for a moment, then decided to be straightforward, "Such as the Kouyue Sect's banquet. Would the two of you be interested in attending together?"
Hearing this, Jiang Xingzhi's fingertips traced the smooth edge of the porcelain cup, secretly marveling at the other's shrewd mind.
Surely Shang Luxing had already heard that rather misleading account from Ting Wu and the others, and immediately sensed his purpose. This show of apology was actually an attempt to establish good relations, though it was unclear when he had formed this intention to build connections—was it from when Hu Lin reported back, or even earlier?
Otherwise, making such a big search for the "culprits" just for three clan members seemed excessive.
During Jiang Xingzhi's silent contemplation, Shang Luxing's confident smile showed a hint of wavering.
He steadied himself and waited quietly until Jiang Xingzhi decisively nodded, "I suppose I'm somewhat interested."
Shang Luxing almost couldn't maintain his perfect smile—what a decisive "somewhat"! He took a slight breath, "It's good that Brother Jiang is interested... Oh yes, while checking the accounts with my servants, I discovered something interesting."
As he spoke, he pulled out a paper contract from his sleeve. Jiang Xingzhi's eyelashes trembled: it seemed to be his "chive seedling."
What the shopkeeper couldn't discern would certainly be crystal clear to someone as astute as Shang Luxing.
Sure enough, the next moment, Shang Luxing said, "Though it's nothing major. If Brother Jiang finds my shopkeeper useful, that's good enough."
If it were someone else, having their scheme exposed face-to-face would surely make them feel guilty and ashamed. But Jiang Xingzhi had thick skin, and he simply nodded, "That's wonderful then."
The perfect smile wavered again.
In the silent atmosphere between the three, there was a light "thud" sound that broke the stillness—it was Zhong Ming putting down his teacup.
"For the Kouyue Sect's banquet in two days, under what title does Family Head Shang plan to bring us?"
Getting back to the main topic, Shang Luxing coughed lightly and said, "If Brother Bai and Brother Jiang don't mind, our Shang family would be honored to have you as distinguished guests, attending under the title of honorary elders."
A dark light flashed in Zhong Ming's eyes.
Once such a close relationship was established, it meant they were in the same boat—this might have been the Shang family's intention from the start.
But to attend the banquet together, the identity of mere outsiders wouldn't suffice...
"That might not be appropriate," Jiang Xingzhi spoke up. "We've already received such great kindness from Family Head Shang, how could we presume to be honorary elders, spending our days seeking pleasure and living in drunken revelry in this luxurious mansion, occupying a position above others while eating and drinking for free?"
Zhong Ming: "......"
Shang Luxing: "......"
His description was too specific, as if he had already planned everything out the moment he heard "honorary elder."
Even Shang Luxing, who was intent on building connections, hesitated for a moment about his decision after hearing this, "Then...what does Brother Jiang suggest?"
"I wouldn't dare call it a suggestion, just that I have my own plans." Jiang Xingzhi's gaze slowly swept over the crystal blue glass lamp on the hall table.
Noticing his unusual gaze, Shang Luxing, who had navigated the business world for many years, suddenly felt a tremor in his heart, inexplicably giving rise to a sense of vigilance.
He probed, "May I ask what plans?"
"Don't worry, it's all under control," Jiang Xingzhi's eyes gleamed with certainty. "I guarantee that on the day of the banquet, the Shang family will outshine all others and be the most dazzling presence!"