Chapter 172: Chapter 115: Chamber of Commerce (3)

Chen Qing nodded and said in a low voice, “I appreciate all your efforts.”

’He had to admit, Wu Manqing was an exceptionally clever woman. She handled things flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism.’

Seeing Chen Qing’s reaction, Wu Manqing knew he had taken note of her goodwill. The smile on her face became a bit more genuine. “Brother Chen, there’s no need to be so polite. It was my pleasure. It’s getting late. We should be on our way.”

The two then set off, leaving the teahouse for the Zheng Family’s estate.

The Zheng Family’s mansion was located in the very heart of the Prefecture City.

The towering vermilion gates stood over thirty feet high, with a massive, gold-gilded plaque hanging above the lintel.

In the white jade plaza before the gates, a constant stream of magnificent carriages came and went. They were pulled by extraordinary, spirited steeds, and occasionally, even Exotic Beasts.

Figures dressed in all sorts of beautiful brocade robes, their auras deep and profound, filed in under the guidance of servants.

Wu Manqing presented a gold-stamped invitation card. After inspecting it, the guards respectfully allowed them to pass.

Stepping into the Zheng Mansion was like entering another world.

The courtyards were deep, with winding, nine-bend corridors. Carved beams and painted rafters were everywhere, and the flying eaves and bracket sets were all crafted from ancient wood and jade.

Rare flowers and strange plants dotted the landscape, emitting a refreshing and unique fragrance.

Water trickled down a massive rockery, which was surprisingly carved from a single block of warm jade, nurturing rare Treasure Fish within its streams.

Male and female servants moved about like a weaver’s shuttle, each one light on their feet, clearly possessing some martial skill.

Chen Qing marveled inwardly. ’Truly worthy of being a top-tier Martial Arts Family.’

This was the grandeur of the Zheng Family, a top Martial Arts Family in Yunlin Prefecture—an atmosphere that could only be achieved through a century of accumulation.

At that moment, many others were entering the venue alongside Chen Qing and Wu Manqing. They were clearly all prominent figures in the Prefecture City.

Wu Manqing lowered her voice. “Brother Chen, look at those people over there. They are all famous masters in the Prefecture City. Today is a rare opportunity. If you’re interested, you might want to get to know one or two of them.”

As she led Chen Qing further inside, her gaze swept across the crowd, and she began making quiet introductions. “That burly man is Luo Wei, the Chief of the Debao Escort Agency. He’s a Late-stage Embracing Pill master with countless experts under his command, and his escort routes extend throughout three prefectures. The one next to him in the Profound Black Martial Attire is the Steward of the Xuanjia Sect’s commercial branch in the Prefecture City. His strength is equally unfathomable.”

“And that one, the man in the green robe with the long beard, is Li Chouyun, the Elder in charge of external affairs for Qixia Manor. He is renowned throughout the Yunlin Martial World for his Broken Saber technique.”

The two continued their quiet conversation as they walked toward Juxing Tower.

Juxing Tower wasn’t just a single building, but a massive complex of several exquisite halls and pavilions built against a mountain and beside the water.

The space was exceptionally vast, easily accommodating several hundred people without feeling crowded.

Dozens of large rosewood tables were artfully arranged, laden with Spirit Fruits, rare delicacies, and fine nectars, their aromas filling the air.

A middle-aged man stood at the entrance, a smile on his face as he welcomed the arriving guests.

Wu Manqing stepped forward, cupped her fist, and said, “Young Master Zheng! I am Wu Manqing of the Wu Family.”

Upon hearing this, the man smiled. “Ah, from the Wu Family. Please, come in, come in.”

With that, he beckoned a servant girl to lead Chen Qing and Wu Manqing inside.

Wu Manqing whispered, “That man just now was the Zheng Family’s Steward, Zheng Tong…”

She had wanted to add that despite his genial smile, the man was incredibly ruthless.

But remembering they were on the Zheng Family’s territory, she held her tongue, realizing that even a whisper could be overheard.

’Zheng Tong!?’

A thought struck Chen Qing.

He had heard of the Zheng Family’s head steward, Zheng Tong. He was said to be the third most important figure in the family.

Just as Wu Manqing and Chen Qing stepped into the main hall, a cheerful, surprised voice called out, “Manqing! You’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you forever!”

Looking toward the voice, they saw it was Gu Ruo Hua and Li Wan.

Both women were also dressed up for the occasion. Gu Ruo Hua wore a goose-yellow Yunjin Brocade jacket and skirt, as vibrant as a flower, while Li Wan was in a moon-white, Suzhou-embroidered long dress, her temperament serene.

They walked over quickly to greet them, their eyes discreetly sweeping over Chen Qing with a hint of curiosity.

“You two arrived so early.”

Wu Manqing smiled warmly and affectionately linked arms with them.

“Of course. Who would dare be late to the Zheng Family’s year-end gathering?”

Gu Ruo Hua said with a beaming smile, then turned her gaze to Chen Qing. “You must be the renowned Elder Chen!”

Li Wan also smiled and nodded in greeting. “It’s a pleasure, Elder Chen.”

Wu Manqing smiled and introduced them. “These are my good friends, Gu Ruo Hua and Li Wan.”

“A pleasure, Miss Gu, Miss Li.”

Chen Qing returned the cupped fist salute, his expression calm, neither servile nor arrogant.

“Manqing, look.”

After a few pleasantries, Gu Ruo Hua lowered her voice. “That man over there talking with Young Master Zheng Hui is the Patriarch of the Chang Family from the Yunlin Commerce Association, ’Iron Abacus’ Chang Jing. He controls the Chang Family’s vast businesses spread across three prefectures and is a pivotal figure in the association.”

“He was the one who first rejected your Wu Family’s entry into the association, though he didn’t voice any objections later on.”

Chen Qing looked over. Chang Jing was of medium build. Although he was chatting and laughing, there was an air of authority about him. His aura was deep and heavy; he was at least a Late-stage Embracing Pill master.

Wu Manqing nodded. “If there’s an opportunity, I should try to get acquainted with him.”

Li Wan pointed to a spot not far away and whispered, “Ye Qingyi of Cold Jade Valley is here too. She’s said to be a guest of honor of Eldest Young Master Zheng.”

’Ye Qingyi!?’

Chen Qing’s interest was piqued, and he followed her gaze.

He saw a woman in Moon White Ice Silk Martial Attire standing alone by a railing. Her posture was as straight and tall as a slender bamboo stalk. Her waterfall of black hair was held in place by a single, simple Jade Hairpin.

Her looks weren’t top-tier, but she exuded a cold and arrogant temperament.

This was precisely the prodigy of Cold Jade Valley’s younger generation, one of the Seven Talents, Ye Qingyi.

A few people around her tried to strike up a conversation, but her expression remained completely indifferent.

If one had to choose a leader among the Four Great Sects of Yunlin Prefecture, it would undoubtedly be Cold Jade Valley.

Not only was their Sect Leader a peerless genius of stunning talent, but Cold Jade Valley’s disciples now held an astonishing four of the spots among the Seven Talents and Five Heroes.

Just then, a faint commotion stirred at the hall’s entrance.

Everyone’s gazes were involuntarily drawn in that direction.

A young man was seen walking in at an unhurried pace.

The man was in his early twenties, exceptionally tall, and handsome, with a sharp aura about him.

His arrival instantly made him the focus of the entire hall. Even Zheng Hui immediately broke off his conversation with Chang Jing and went to greet him with a smile.

“It’s Liu Han!”

A bright light flashed in Gu Ruo Hua’s eyes.

The newcomer was none other than the Young Master of the Liu Family, currently one of the Seven Talents.

It wasn’t just Gu Ruo Hua; Li Wan and several other young ladies from the Noble Families nearby all turned to look.

…..

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep