Over the next several days, Tianqi made a series of strategic visits to important clan allies across Jiangling City.
Dressed in refined yet approachable robes of deep emerald with subtle golden embroidery, he carried himself with the perfect balance of authority and humility.
He brought Mu Ronghua with him for several key meetings to present a united family front.
Her elegant presence, adorned in flowing sage-green and cream robes with the ornate pearl-flower hairpin and red earrings, added grace and undeniable legitimacy to every interaction.
The first major visit was to the residence of the venerable Merchant Zhou, an old ally who had suffered under the previous young master’s arrogance.
The Zhou family mansion was modest compared to the Wan Clan’s but well-maintained, reflecting steady prosperity in the silk and spice trade.
Servants led them to a quiet courtyard garden where Merchant Zhou awaited, an elderly man with a sharp gaze that still held wariness from past grievances.
Tianqi bowed slightly in genuine-seeming apology, lowering his head in a gesture of respect that surprised the older merchant.
“Senior Zhou, I come to express my deepest regrets for the past behavior of the Wan Clan under my father’s influence.
We treated loyal partners poorly.
The previous regime brought shame upon our shared history of cooperation.
I am here today not only as the new Patriarch but as a man seeking to atone and rebuild what was damaged.”
Merchant Zhou stroked his beard slowly, his expression guarded.
“Young Master Tianqi…
or should I say Patriarch now?
Your words are pretty, but words alone do not erase years of poor treatment.
Your father’s demands nearly ruined several of my caravans with unfair pricing and last-minute changes.”
Mu Ronghua stood gracefully beside her son, her hand resting lightly on his arm.
She spoke with elegant sincerity.
“Senior Zhou, my son has undergone a profound change since his recovery.
The heavens have granted him clarity.
We both wish to restore the trust that once existed between our families.
The Wan Clan is transforming, and we hope the Zhou family will be part of this brighter future.”
Tianqi continued with calculated humility and clear benefits.
“To prove our sincerity, I wish to make amends by offering significantly better terms on our next silk shipments.
A fifteen percent discount for the first year, priority access to our premium medicinal products that are currently in development, and flexible payment schedules that align with your caravan cycles.
Furthermore, we are willing to share limited intelligence on safer trade routes that our guards have recently secured.”
Merchant Zhou’s eyes widened slightly at the generosity.
He leaned forward.
“Fifteen percent?
And new medicines?
Your father would never have offered such concessions.
What is the catch, Patriarch?”
Tianqi smiled warmly, his predatory charisma tempered by sincerity.
“There is no hidden catch, Senior Zhou.
The only request is for renewed loyalty and honest cooperation.
In return, as our businesses grow together, we can explore deeper partnerships.
Joint ventures on certain routes, perhaps even shared investment in new warehouse facilities.
The Wan Clan is moving away from intimidation toward mutual prosperity.
Purity in our dealings will strengthen both our houses.”
The old merchant was silent for a long moment, studying both Tianqi and Mu Ronghua.
The Matriarch’s serene, supportive presence seemed to tip the scales.
Finally, Merchant Zhou let out a deep sigh and smiled.
“Your approach is refreshingly different.
I have heard rumors of your purge and reforms.
If you truly mean what you say, the Zhou family will stand with you.
Let us toast to renewed alliance.”
They shared tea and continued discussing specifics for nearly an hour.
Tianqi shared select insights into upcoming quality improvements in silk production and the revolutionary temperature-controlled medicinal processing methods.
Merchant Zhou grew increasingly enthusiastic, asking detailed questions and offering his own network of contacts in return.
By the end of the meeting, the old merchant was smiling broadly and pledging renewed cooperation.
“You have my full support, Patriarch Tianqi.
And Matriarch Mu Ronghua, your grace shines as brightly as ever.
Similar visits followed with other key allies.
At the estate of Trader Li, a major player in the medicinal herb market, Tianqi employed the same blend of apology and vision.
“Trader Li, our past dealings left much to be desired.
I take full responsibility for the actions taken under my father’s rule.
To demonstrate change, we offer you exclusive first access to our new layered medicinal pills once perfected.
These will feature timed release of effects, providing sustained benefits for cultivators and merchants alike.”
Trader Li, a shrewd woman in her fifties, raised an eyebrow.
“Layered pills with timed release?
That sounds like something from legend rather than practical production.
How do you intend to achieve this?”
Tianqi explained patiently, with Mu Ronghua adding elegant commentary on how these products would support pureblood cultivation practices.
“Through precise temperature shock methods and systematic testing.
We are recruiting the best specialists and maintaining strict quality controls.
Your family’s herb supplies would be invaluable in this endeavor.
In exchange for priority partnership, we offer favorable pricing and protection for your supply lines.”
The negotiations were long and detailed.
Trader Li pushed for more concessions, but Tianqi countered with strategic charm and data-backed projections of mutual profit.
By the end, she agreed to a trial partnership, visibly impressed by the depth of his planning.
Another significant meeting occurred with Elder Peng, a respected figure in the logistics sector.
Tianqi arrived with gifts of premium silk and rare herbs.
“Elder Peng, the Wan Clan wronged many loyal allies during the previous era.
I seek to correct those mistakes.
We propose standardized contracts with clear terms, shared use of our new promissory note system for safer transactions, and joint training of guards for caravan protection.”
Elder Peng listened carefully, asking probing questions about the promissory notes and quality reforms.
Mu Ronghua interjected gracefully at key moments, emphasizing family unity and long-term vision.
“My son leads with wisdom gained from hardship.
Together, we will ensure the Wan Clan becomes a partner worthy of trust once more.”
The dialogue stretched over two hours, covering everything from route security to profit-sharing models.
Tianqi’s modern-inspired ideas, presented as innovative clan developments, left a strong impression.
Elder Peng eventually clasped Tianqi’s hand firmly.
“You have convinced me, Patriarch.
The Peng family will renew our alliance on these improved terms.”
Throughout all visits, Tianqi skilfully mixed genuine apologies with manipulative charm and advantageous offers.
He listened more than he spoke in some meetings, building rapport by acknowledging past grievances before presenting clear paths forward.
Mu Ronghua’s presence was invaluable.
Her elegant beauty and calm authority lent credibility, while her subtle touches and supportive words reinforced the image of a harmonious, forward-thinking leadership pair.
XXXX
On the way back from the final visit of the day, the luxurious Wan Clan carriage rolled smoothly through the bustling streets of Jiangling City.
The interior was spacious and private, with thick curtains drawn for discretion and plush cushions lining the seats.
The gentle rocking motion of the carriage provided both cover and rhythm as Tianqi and Mu Ronghua sat close together.
Mu Ronghua leaned against her son, her elegant hand resting on his thigh.
The successful meetings had left her in a state of heightened affection and desire.
“You were magnificent today, my son,” she whispered softly, her breath warm against his ear.
“The way you charmed them while offering real benefits…
Mother is so proud.”
Tianqi turned to her, his hand sliding along her waist.
“It was easier with you beside me.
Your presence makes everything stronger.” His voice was low, already husky with growing need.
Without another word, Mu Ronghua shifted gracefully, straddling his lap within the confines of the carriage.
Her sage-green and cream robes pooled around them as she pressed her body against his.
She kissed him deeply but quietly, muffling their moans against each other’s mouths.
Her hips began to move in slow, sensual circles, grinding against the growing hardness beneath her. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
Tianqi’s hands slipped under her robes, caressing her smooth thighs and then higher, finding her already wet and ready.
“You are soaked, Mother,” he murmured against her lips.
“Thinking about this the whole way home?”
“Yes,” she breathed, her alluring eyes dark with obsession.
“Watching you command respect today made me ache for you.
I need you inside me now…
quietly.”
She reached between them, freeing his hardness and guiding it to her entrance.
With a soft, controlled gasp, she sank down onto him, taking his full length in one smooth motion.
Both of them stifled their moans, the carriage’s natural creaks and the sounds of the city outside providing cover.
Mu Ronghua began riding him slowly, her movements graceful and restrained to avoid drawing attention from the driver or passersby.
Her inner walls clenched tightly around him with every roll of her hips.
“Ahh…
so deep even like this,” she whispered, biting her lip to stay quiet.
“You fill Mother so perfectly…
my strong, brilliant son.”
Tianqi gripped her hips, guiding her pace while thrusting up gently to meet her.
The limited space made every motion more intimate.
“You feel incredible.
So wet and eager for me in the middle of the city.
My perfect matriarch.”
Their breathing grew heavier but remained hushed.
Mu Ronghua buried her face in his neck, kissing and gently biting as she rode him with controlled passion.
The carriage rocked steadily, masking their rhythm.
Dual cultivation energy flowed between them even in this quiet union, a warm current strengthening Tianqi’s vitality and enhancing Mu Ronghua’s graceful beauty.
“Harder…
but quietly,” she whispered urgently.
“Mother wants to feel you claim me right here.”
Tianqi thrust deeper, holding her down as he ground against her.
One hand slipped between them to rub her sensitive pearl, drawing tiny, suppressed whimpers from her.
“Come for me, Mother.
Quietly.
Let me feel you squeeze me.”
Mu Ronghua trembled, her climax building rapidly.
“I am close…
so close…
for you…
only for you…” Her body tensed, inner muscles pulsing around him as she reached her peak.
She pressed her mouth against his shoulder to muffle her cry, shaking in his arms as pleasure washed through her.
The sensation pushed Tianqi over the edge moments later.
He buried himself deep and released inside her with low, controlled groans, filling her with pulse after pulse of his essence.
The golden glow of their resonance appeared faintly in the dim carriage before fading.
They remained joined for several minutes afterward, breathing softly together as the carriage continued its journey.
Mu Ronghua caressed his face tenderly, her eyes shining with obsessive love.
“No matter where we are, I am always yours,” she whispered.
“Your devoted mother and partner.”
Tianqi kissed her forehead, holding her close.
The return journey felt far too short as they savored their secret, passionate connection.
The Wan Clan’s public image was strengthening, but their private bond remained the true source of their power.
End of Chapter 14
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