Zhu Dongfeng broke into laughter on the spot, feigning surprise as he said, “If that is the case, then I must thank you three gentlemen.”
Three gentlemen? How did it become three?
To the side, Wang Fugui and You Qianjin looked at him in utter disbelief, filled with resentment they dared not voice.
He was planning to catch all of them in one single sweep!
Zhu Dongfeng continued, “I invited the three of you here today precisely for the salt business in your hands. You call each other brothers every day and ought to function as one in business. How could it be that one agrees while the other two stay out of it?”
Before any of the three could reply, Zhu Dongfeng added, “Today, I’ll take the liberty to make the call—the Ten-Thousand-Dan Barque is at your disposal to use as you please. Feel free to transport whatever cargo you wish.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Fugui and You Qianjin’s faces paled instantly.
They hastily waved their hands, declining with a trace of panic in their voices, “There’s no need! Our business already relies on designated transport fleets; there’s no need to trouble Boss Zhu.”
Their business naturally involved the illicit trade of smuggled salt—how could they possibly dare use Zhu Dongfeng’s Ten-Thousand-Dan Barque? What’s more, Shen Yanzhi, the Palace Censor-in-Chief himself, was sitting right beside them!
Yet Zhu Dongfeng said, “Since you’re already here, how could I let you leave empty-handed?”
With a playful tone, he added, “A few days ago when chatting with Boss Zhao, he mentioned that the three of you joined forces in the salt transport business to look out for one another. Such camaraderie is truly rare. It is merely borrowing a ship—why stand on ceremony?”
At these words, terror gripped the room even further.
Shen Yanzhi, sitting to the side, suddenly raised his eyes. Looking at the trio calmly, he asked, “Oh? The three of you run a salt transport business together? What kind of business requires such mutual support, to the extent of borrowing Boss Zhu’s Ten-Thousand-Dan Barque?”
His voice remained low and measured, yet it struck terror into the hearts of everyone present.
The three salt merchants felt their hearts sink in fright.
Their bodies went rigid as the color instantly drained from their faces.
Attempting to act composed, they put on a forced front of calm, though panic raged within their minds.
They were terrified that Zhu Dongfeng would blurt out something even more scandalous, exposing their salt-smuggling operations. If the Palace Censor-in-Chief caught wind of a handle to report to the Emperor, their entire clans would be executed within three days!
Zhao Youcai gave a sycophantic smile and said, “We were truly being foolish! How could we possibly refuse such a wonderful opportunity? We agree to everything Boss Zhu said today.”
Wang Fugui and You Qianjin hurriedly chimed in as well.
At this stage, they had no other choice but to comply. If they pushed back any further and caused Zhu Dongfeng to turn against them, their good days would come to an end!
Watching the trio yield, the smile at the corners of Zhu Dongfeng’s lips deepened.
He raised his wine cup toward them and said, “The three bosses are straightforward indeed! May we have a pleasant collaboration in the future!”
As Shen Yanzhi watched the scene unfold, a faint flicker of emotion crossed his eyes, yet he asked no further questions.
Lou Tingxue was left completely dumbfounded.
Well played, Zhu Dongfeng! So bringing the Censor-in-Chief here was your actual intention all along!
In other words, the Censor-in-Chief held a role akin to a chief prosecutor subordinate, with the entire Censorate belonging directly to the Emperor to monitor officials. Merchants like them could least afford to offend such a figure—a single misstep could cost them their heads!
Yet Zhu Dongfeng had insisted on inviting the Censor-in-Chief to oversee their business talks, which furthermore involved illicit dealings. He truly had nerve!
Lou Tingxue stared at him in equal parts shock and dread, feeling as though this man had gone completely mad.
Zhu Dongfeng, however, lowered his gaze to look at him, his eyes filled with even greater amusement as he mouthed: I won.
Lou Tingxue swallowed hard and gave him a silent thumbs-up.
You’re something else!
Breaking out in a cold sweat from fear, Zhao Youcai quickly pulled out a silk handkerchief to wipe his brow.
With things having reached this point, he was powerless to change anything and could only press forward, saying, “Speaking of which, I brought along three drop-dead gorgeous, gentle-as-water songstresses on this trip. If Young Master Zhu doesn’t mind, why not keep them by your side to serve you?”
Lou Tingxue glanced at Zhu Dongfeng.
He saw the man set down his wine cup with an unruffled expression, saying, “Boss Zhao is very thoughtful, but I have never cared for women who are as soft as water—too bland, lacking any thrill.”
The moment he finished speaking, Zhu Dongfeng looked over at Lou Tingxue beside him and added, “In my view, a beauty is only interesting when they have sharp edges. If they are somewhat cold and proud, they become all the more captivating.”
These words flew out like a frigid arrow, striking Lou Tingxue square on.
His entire body went rigid as a shudder ran down his spine, sending a sudden chill through his back.
Zhu Dongfeng’s words were unabashedly direct, and the amusement in his eyes made no effort to disguise that he was referring to him.
Suppressing the panic in his heart, Lou Tingxue’s mind raced rapidly, coming up with an idea in mere moments.
Adopting a gentle expression, he picked up the wine cup on the table, offering a posture of respectful and tender devotion as he said, “Boss Zhu truly has exquisite taste. Allow me to toast to you.”
This sudden display caused everyone at the table to exchange bewildered glances.
Zhu Dongfeng’s smile only broadened.
He raised his own wine cup, clinked it lightly against Lou Tingxue’s, and drained the alcohol in a single gulp.
Setting down the cup, Zhu Dongfeng deliberately glanced at Lou Tingxue with a smile, saying, “How thoughtful of you. I thoroughly enjoyed this drink.”
Lou Tingxue felt as though he were sitting on a bed of needles.
Before long, the music of string and wind instruments gradually faded.
Still wearing an elegant smile, Zhu Dongfeng personally escorted Zhao Youcai, Wang Fugui, and You Qianjin to the door.
With grim expressions, the three were desperate to leave as fast as possible and quickly vanished from sight.
After seeing them off, Zhu Dongfeng turned back, only to bump into Shen Yanzhi.
The man was still sitting in his original spot, holding a cup of lukewarm Biluochun tea as he gazed at him calmly.
Zhu Dongfeng let out a chuckle and said, “I’ve treated you to quite a show. Why hasn’t Young Master Shen left yet? Could it be that you wish to stay the night at Fan Tower?”
With a cold expression, Shen Yanzhi set down his teacup heavily and said, “You certainly have a lot of nerve, daring to fool even me. If I were to report this to the Grand Censor, your head would roll.”
Zhu Dongfeng remained unfazed and replied, “Haven’t you refrained from telling him yet?”
The two locked eyes for a moment, neither yielding an inch.
Shen Yanzhi let out a cold snort and said, “Zhu Dongfeng, given our years of friendship, let me offer you a piece of advice: do not dabble in the salt merchants’ business. Be careful not to play with fire and burn yourself, for no one will be able to save you when the time comes.”
He had seen through all of Zhu Dongfeng’s calculations for today long ago.
Inviting him over served to use his status as Censor-in-Chief to intimidate the salt merchants, while simultaneously coercing the trio to yield so he could grasp the salt transport business in his own hands.
Zhu Dongfeng merely smiled and asked, “And what if I insist on meddling? Will you help me, or won’t you?”
Shen Yanzhi remained silent.
Just at that moment, Lou Tingxue suddenly returned.
Noticing the tense, dagger-drawn atmosphere between the two, he refrained from speaking. Seeing him, Zhu Dongfeng immediately pulled him over with a smile.
Shen Yanzhi’s gaze slowly drifted over Lou Tingxue as he remarked, “It seems Young Master Zhu has not only gained a business deal today, but a beauty as well.”
Lou Tingxue: ???
Shoving Zhu Dongfeng away, he said, “You’ve misunderstood. I have no romantic connection with him—we are business partners.”
Shen Yanzhi, however, knitted his brows in confusion.
He could not comprehend how a mere Kunze had the audacity to conduct business alongside Zhu Dongfeng, nor why Zhu Dongfeng did not even refute the claim.
Zhu Dongfeng simply smiled without a word.
Lou Tingxue stubbornly maintained, “We are strictly doing business together—nothing more!”
Seeing this, Shen Yanzhi did not press further and said, “This gentleman possesses an extraordinary demeanor. May I ask your honored name?”
Before the words had fully landed, Zhu Dongfeng took the initiative to speak, “Since he is with me, he naturally shares my surname, Zhu.”
Lou Tingxue’s brows furrowed, glaring at him with a flash of anger.
What kind of world is this?! Since when did people take their husband’s surname! He despised such feudal dross the most!
First of all, he and Zhu Dongfeng did not share that kind of relationship.
Secondly, even if they did, he would never be willing to take Zhu Dongfeng’s surname—it was a complete erasure of one’s individuality and utterly disrespectful!
Furious, Lou Tingxue jabbed Zhu Dongfeng with an elbow before turning to Shen Yanzhi and stating, “My surname is Lou.”
Shen Yanzhi paused slightly, his brows knitting tighter, “The surname Lou?”
Zhu Dongfeng suddenly cut in again, “You are well aware that my Ten-Thousand-Dan Barque frequently visits Huainan in the Land of Zhou. The scenery there is exquisite, and the people are even more breathtaking. Huainan is truly a blessed land of talent and beauty. If you ever wish to visit, just say the word.”
Shen Yanzhi offered a faint smile and replied, “Perhaps another time. Imperial court affairs keep me occupied, so I doubt I’ll find the leisure.”
Zhu Dongfeng smiled in return, “If that is the case, then as you wish, Young Master Shen.”
Shen Yanzhi slowly rose, cupping his hands toward Lou Tingxue in a flawless, courteous gesture, saying, “I am Shen Yanzhi, currently serving as the Palace Censor-in-Chief. My residence is at the Shen Manor in the Imperial City.”
Lou Tingxue quickly stood up to return the courtesy, “Lord Shen is too polite.”
Zhu Dongfeng watched the two from the side.
Though a smile hovered at the corners of his lips, his eyes were cold, making it impossible to tell what was truly on his mind.
Before long, Shen Yanzhi’s figure had completely vanished, leaving only Zhu Dongfeng and Lou Tingxue in the room.
Lou Tingxue raised his eyes to look at Zhu Dongfeng, saying in a cold voice, “By coercing those three salt merchants today, you made them lose face in public. Those three hold power and influence in Great Liang with deep roots—your days ahead will certainly not be easy.”
His words were by no means mere alarmism. That Zhao Youcai and his associates could secure a firm foothold in the salt transport business was due to the Emperor standing behind them as their backer.
Today, Zhu Dongfeng had used the Censor-in-Chief to intimidate them into surrendering their business, thoroughly offending all three. It was inevitable that they would seek retaliation in the future.
Zhu Dongfeng, however, chuckled nonchalantly, saying, “No matter. I, Zhu Dongfeng, have always been blessed with immense luck; they won’t be able to do anything to me.”
Lou Tingxue couldn’t help but sigh.
He was beginning to wonder how on earth Zhu Dongfeng had managed to become the wealthiest merchant in the world. He truly lacked any sense of tact!
Zhu Dongfeng’s gaze gradually turned playful as he leaned his upper body forward slightly.
Lowering his voice as if whispering a secret, he added, “However, Young Master Lou is genuinely worried about me. If something were to actually happen to me, what would Young Master Lou do?”
What would he do? Pack his bags and leave, going their separate ways for good, of course.
After all, Zhu Dongfeng was the one insisting on keeping him confined here—it wasn’t as if he wanted to stay. There was no genuine affection between them to begin with.
Lou Tingxue thought as much, yet he didn’t dare say it out loud.
Living under another’s roof, he knew exceptionally well which words were meant to be spoken and which were better left unsaid.