He was highly trusted by Xiao Yu, and the management of the entire Jiangnan estate was delegated to him.
However, he also cared about Rong Sheng, so anyone who touched Rong Sheng, Xiao Qingyu would want to meet.
Yue Lian was led through several archways, and it took a good half an hour to traverse the opulent garden and reach the main hall.
The main hallâs front eaves were supported by four pillars adorned with carved beams and painted rafters; the ten-meter-high hall was spacious and grand, commanding an authoritative presence.
Xiao Qingyu, dressed in a light aqua robe embroidered with emerald bamboo, sat in the place of honor. A gold-trimmed, sandalwood folding fan lay beside him, and the fragrance of snow sprout tea gently wafted from his cup.
âThe scent of tea fills the air; Young Master Xiao has quite the refined taste,â Yue Lian said as she approached Xiao Qingyu, nodding slightly in greeting.
Xiao Qingyu was equally polite, displaying a smile, âMiss Yue, now in charge of Qianji Pavilion, no need for such courtesy, please have a seat.â
Xiao Qingyu was younger than Yue Lian and appeared amiable, but when he spoke, a hidden sharpness slowly revealed itself, âMiss Yue is certainly capable, and your husband was once the top assassin of Silver Moon Pavilion, but forgive my candor, Doctor Rong is the female genius doctor of Tongchang Medical Center. As long as I, Xiao Qingyu, am around, I absolutely wonât permit anyone to harm her or to pry into her private affairs. Do you understand, Miss Yue?â
Yue Lianâs lips tightened slightly; her steward standing behind her was discovered probing for information and was âinvitedâ over by the Xiao family.
Source: novgo.co
The stewardâs eyebrows were tightly furrowed, âMiss, Young Master Xiao is closely guarding Doctor Rong, itâs best we stop inquiring.â
To oppose the Xiao family for a mere whim of Zi Wei wasnât worth it at all.
The Xiao familyâs influence spread throughout the whole Jiangnan region, even more formidable than the official state government. In just a few days, they had thoroughly grasped their background.
Although Yue Lian was a woman, she had held her own for many years and was not easily frightened by Young Master Xiaoâs words.
She thought that since she had met Xiao Qingyu today, she might as well negotiate a deal with him.
âYoung Master Xiao cares for Doctor Rong, and I care about my husband. Why donât we cooperate? Fulfill my husbandâs wish, and I will cease to trouble Doctor Rong,â Yue Lian said, her gaze steady as she looked at Xiao Qingyu.
Xiao Qingyu smiled, âIs Miss Yueâs husbandâs wish to court that most exalted lady of our time? If so, I advise Miss Yue not to waste your efforts.â
âWhether Iâm wasting efforts is my own business. Previously, Eldest Young Master Xiao expressed an interest in having me design a batch of devices to save on transportation costs. I have agreed to this task. Now, I ask you, Young Master Xiao, to persuade that most noble Your Highness to come to Jiangnan.â
Yue Lianâs delicate features were indeed poised and composed.
If it had been any other woman speaking thus, Xiao Qingyu wouldnât have given her a second glance.
But Yue Lian had the ability, and he chuckled lightly, âI can relay the message, but whether or not Her Highness comes is up to her. However, as for this batch of devices, I hope that they are definitely made for my elder brother.â
âNo problem,â Yue Lian agreed immediately.
The steward, standing behind her, was very worried, âMiss, these devices are not easy to make!â
If it had been possible to agree earlier and cooperate with Xiao Yu in a lucrative deal, Yue Lian would have already done so.
The delay in agreement was due to the difficulty of the design and the high production risks, wasnât it?
Now she had used this as a bargaining chip with Xiao Qingyu, but whether that Highness would come was uncertain!
This deal, no matter how Yue Lian calculated it, seemed like a loss!
Yue Lian left Xiao Qingyuâs Bamboo Garden with her steward; no matter how he tried to persuade her along the way, she wouldnât listen and only said one thing,