Chapter 48: The Fire Strikes Twice

“Hang Shuyao, take twenty guards and come with me.”

As Lu Zijin spoke, Qianxue quickly sent a servant boy to summon them.

 

In the end, Lu Zijin took Qianxue, Meng Bai, Hang Shuyao, and twenty guards, all hurrying to the dyeing workshop.

 

This dyeing workshop was the third under the Lu family’s banner.

It wasn’t considered very large, but a whole warehouse of cloth burning down would still cause considerable losses.

 

However, Lu Zijin had prepared in advance to avoid such incidents.

Most of the cloth to be supplied to the palace had been transported to the Lu residence’s warehouse.

After all, the Lu residence’s security was very thorough.

Every hour of the day, guard patrols were on duty.

Lu Zijin had also arranged for shadow guards to watch over the residence’s warehouse, not allowing others to approach.

 

But even so, some of the cloth destined for the palace was still damaged.

And the other cloth meant for distribution to various places for sale also suffered significant losses.

“Young lady, the warehouse is just ahead.

We’ve already reported it to the authorities, but the inside is completely burned out.

We can’t find the cause of the fire.”

The manager responsible for this dyeing workshop was dripping with cold sweat.

He bent over respectfully as he spoke, almost not daring to look Lu Zijin in the eyes.

“I reminded you long ago that these cloth matters are of utmost importance and cannot tolerate the slightest error.

The warehouse needs someone watching it at all times.

What did you do?

Burning so much cloth, even selling you all wouldn’t cover the cost.”

Lu Zijin’s icy voice echoed through the courtyard.

The workers in the yard knelt in a row, terrified that Lu Zijin would dismiss them all with a single word.

“Shuyao, take some people to investigate.

See if there are any clues left behind.”

Lu Zijin tried to keep her voice steady.

“Yes.”

Hang Shuyao immediately accepted the order and led the guards into the warehouse, whose roof had been burned away.

 

Lu Zijin frowned and asked, “What about the dyeing materials?

How much is left?”

“Boss, they… they’ve almost all been burned.”

The manager was almost in tears.

 

Lu Zijin’s expression turned completely dark.

“Qianxue, go withdraw all the silver from this place’s accounts.

Everyone in this dyeing workshop is fired.”

“Boss, please forgive us just this once.

We all have families to support.

Please give us another chance.”

The manager continued to plead.

The other dyeing workers also sobbed uncontrollably.

“I am a businessman, not a bodhisattva.

An entire warehouse of cloth has burned.

The Lu residence will lose tens of thousands of taels of silver.

For me not to pursue the matter further is already my greatest mercy to you.”

With that, Lu Zijin waved her hand, and guards immediately stepped forward to drive them away.

 

Lu Zijin understood in her heart that this matter was likely done deliberately by someone.

But the manager and workers of this dyeing workshop were also responsible.

After all, she had instructed them many times before that the warehouse must have someone watching it at all times.

Now that a fire had broken out, it meant these people had not followed her instructions.

 

The guards ignored the workers’ cries and drove them all out.

 

Fortunately, only the warehouse at this dyeing workshop had burned; the other buildings were still intact.

Lu Zijin thought for a moment and said, “Transfer people from the other dyeing workshops.

The dyeing work will continue.

From now on, store all the cloth in the other warehouses.

As for the cloth for the court, have it all transported to the Lu residence.

Oh, and tell everyone that the warehouses need to be staffed at all hours.

If something like this happens again, I will not be as lenient as I was this time.”

“Yes, this servant will send people to arrange it immediately.”

Qianxue quickly said.

 

Lu Zijin nodded slightly.

But this meant she would need to purchase cloth for distribution from other sources.

Lu Zijin thought for a moment and had someone contact the owners of the other cloth weaving and dyeing businesses in the city.

 

After doing this, Lu Zijin sat in her chair, a cold smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

If there was anyone in Panyang City who hated her the most, it was definitely Chen Zhou.

But after the lesson with Dacheng Gambling House, Chen Zhou had probably been more cautious this time when he sent someone to set the fire.

Without evidence, it would be hard to do anything to Chen Zhou.

 

However, Lu Zijin was not someone who would take things lying down.

She had Qianxue lean in, and she briefly instructed her.

 

After hearing this, Qianxue quickly left the room.

Soon, Hang Shuyao came over.

 

She bowed to Lu Zijin and said, “Young lady, the inside was burned very clean.

The culprit left nothing behind.”

 

Lu Zijin wasn’t particularly angry.

She nodded.

She had already anticipated this situation and had warned all the dyeing workshops about it.

But the managers below hadn’t taken it seriously, which led to today’s incident.

This fire would at least serve as a wake-up call for those people.

“Alright.

Have someone help clean up the area.

We’re returning to the residence.”

Lu Zijin had many other matters to attend to.

The dyeing workshops were only a small part of the Lu residence’s businesses.

She didn’t have time to waste entirely on them.

 

When Lu Zijin returned to the residence, some of the bosses in Panyang City she had sent people to contact had already arrived and were waiting in the Lu residence.

 

Lu Zijin had one of the bosses invited into the study and then discussed cloth prices in detail.

That boss clearly also wanted to do Lu Zijin a favor, offering a very fair price.

The two even drafted a document directly, and Lu Zijin paid a deposit.

 

Not long after that boss left, Chen Zhou came calling.

 

He thought to himself that Lu Zijin’s losses must be severe, that she would definitely be unable to complete the court’s assigned task by the end of next month.

He had prepared the cloth the court needed half a month in advance, all for this day.

Not only would he secure half the quota, but he would also make Lu Zijin beg him to sell his cloth to her at a high price.

 

Thinking this, a smile appeared on Chen Zhou’s face.

He straightened his clothes and said to Su Er beside him, “Go announce our arrival.

Tell them I have important matters to discuss.

I have a batch of fabric that can help Lu Zijin get through this crisis.”

“Yes, young master.”

Seeing Chen Zhou so confident, Su Er also puffed out his chest and walked towards the main gate of the Lu residence.

 

But when he got there, the guards at the Lu residence gate stood straight and tall, ignoring Su Er.

After all, the situation at the Lu residence had changed.

Before, they might have tried to curry favor with Chen Zhou because he might have become the master of the Lu residence.

But last time, the young lady wouldn’t even let him through the gate.

Plus, everyone in the Lu residence now knew the young lady doted on the master.

The two were doing well together and wouldn’t suddenly divorce.

So Chen Zhou had no part in it.

 

Seeing no one paid him any attention, Su Er had to put away his arrogance and smile awkwardly.

“Excuse me, could you please announce our arrival?

My young master has urgent business with Miss Lu.

He has a batch of fabric that can help the Lu residence through this crisis.

Would you be willing to pass the message?”

 

Only after hearing this did someone get up and go inside to announce.

 

That guard trotted to Jingchen Courtyard and told Qianxue, who then brought him to the study.

 

The guard bowed to Lu Zijin.

“Young lady, the young master has arrived.

His attendant says they have cloth that can help you through the crisis.”

 

Lu Zijin laughed coldly, her gaze sweeping over the guard.

“Tell him to get lost.

Shedding crocodile tears.

Oh, and tell the Chen residence that my Lu residence is not a place they can come to whenever they please.

Next time, send a visiting card in advance.

If they don’t even understand such basic etiquette, do I need to teach them?”

“Yes, young lady.”

The guard glanced at his young lady’s expression and saw that she truly detested the people from the Chen residence.

He understood what attitude to show them.

 

Soon, the guard returned to the main gate.

He exchanged a few words with the other guards and then resumed his post.

 

Chen Zhou thought he would be allowed inside.

He smiled at Su Er.

“See?

When there’s trouble, they have to come to me.

Like I said, a Kunze is just a Kunze.

She’s just trying to be strong.

In the end, she still needs my help.

With that useless live-in wife of hers, the Lu residence will go bankrupt sooner or later.”

“Young master speaks the truth.

Everyone knows you are one of the most outstanding talents in Panyang City.

How could that waste Wei Lan compare to you?”

Su Er quickly flattered.

 

Hearing this, Chen Zhou felt very pleased.

He straightened his clothes, thinking to mock the Lu residence guards a bit.

After all, he still remembered clearly the last time he was blocked from entering.

 

With that thought, Chen Zhou stepped towards the Lu residence gate.

But just as he reached it, he was stopped by the guards.

 

The refined expression on Chen Zhou’s face nearly cracked.

He gritted his teeth and said, “Get out of my way!

I am your young lady’s honored guest.”

“Our young lady told you to get lost.

Stop shedding crocodile tears.

And next time you want to visit our Lu residence, send a visiting card in advance.

You have no manners at all.

Get lost, get lost.”

 

After the guard finished speaking, the other Lu residence guards also laughed.

They looked at Chen Zhou with expressions of intense mockery; no one gave him any face.

 

The refined expression on Chen Zhou’s face completely cracked.

The veins on his forehead bulged.

His gaze swept over the guards as he gritted out, “Have you lost your minds?

How dare you stop me?”

“Our Lu residence has only two masters: our young lady and the master.

Who do you think you are?

Our young lady told you to get lost, yet you still have the nerve to stand here with such a thick face.

Your skin is really thick.”

“Exactly.

No shame at all.”

“Just go already.

What a joke.”

 

Chen Zhou, furious, pointed at the guards.

“Fine, very fine.

Just you wait.

You wait!”

 

Chen Zhou turned and left in a rage, even kicking Su Er.

As he walked, he shouted loudly, “I’ll make Lu Zijin come and beg me herself!

Otherwise, I will never help her!”

 

The Lu residence guards looked at Chen Zhou like he was an idiot.

They hadn’t thought so before, but the more they looked at Chen Zhou now, the more pathetic he seemed?

 

Chen Zhou angrily kicked his own carriage and shouted at the driver, “Get down!

Can’t you see I want to get on?”

 

The driver quickly got off to let Chen Zhou board.

Their young master appeared decent on the surface, but was actually very petty.

He couldn’t be offended.

 

Because of the sudden incident with the cloth, Lu Zijin had an extremely busy day.

Fortunately, everything was handled properly.

 

She had too many matters to attend to and worked late into the night, so she didn’t go to see Wei Lan.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, that night, the largest cloth warehouse under the Chen family banner suddenly went up in raging flames.

Fortunately, it was a standalone warehouse; otherwise, the surrounding buildings might have been affected too.

 

Chen Zhou, still upset about being turned away, had been so angry he didn’t even eat dinner.

He went to bed early.

Half-asleep, he heard someone shouting outside that something terrible had happened.

 

Chen Zhou grabbed a tea bowl from the low stool by the bed and threw it.

“Get lost!

Look at the time!

You’re disturbing my rest!”

“Young master, the warehouse of Chen Ji Cloth Store is on fire!

A huge fire!

It’s all burning!”

Su Er sounded like he was about to cry.

Just yesterday, they had secretly sent people to set fire to one of the Lu residence’s dyeing workshop warehouses.

He never expected it to be their turn so soon.

 

Chen Zhou immediately jumped out of bed.

“What?

What are you people good for?

Did you catch the arsonist?”

“No… no.

The fire is huge.

The cloth inside is probably completely lost.”

Su Er said cautiously.

 

Chen Zhou quickly dressed and ran outside.

Their Chen family wasn’t as wealthy as the Lu residence.

Losing an entire warehouse of cloth would mean a loss of tens of thousands of taels of silver.

What’s more, if they couldn’t fulfill orders on time, they would have to pay penalties.

 

Chen Zhou hurriedly got into a carriage.

When he arrived, the warehouse was already nothing but ashes.

 

He looked at the warehouse, burned to nothing, and cursed, “Lu Zijin!

This was definitely done by Lu Zijin’s people!

I won’t let her get away with this!

Have someone report it to the authorities!”

 

The servants quickly went to report it.

But they had no evidence, so they couldn’t determine who had set the fire.

 

Chen Zhou, however, was not willing to let it go.

He went to visit the City Lord’s residence early the next morning.

Lu Feng had already been displeased at being woken in the middle of the night by the Chen residence’s people.

Now, with Chen Zhou coming again so early, Lu Feng had no good expression for him.

“City Lord, this matter was definitely done deliberately.

Someone deliberately set the fire.

I suspect it was Lu Zijin!

Her own warehouse caught fire, so she was resentful and sent people to burn mine!”

Chen Zhou shouted angrily.

“Evidence?

If you have no evidence, you are slandering others.

I, Lu Feng, am always fair.

Everything requires evidence.

Miss Lu’s family warehouse was burned, yet she didn’t go around biting people like you.

I have already sent people to investigate, but your warehouse has been burned to ashes.

There’s no way to determine who set the fire, or if your own people accidentally caused it.

Please leave.”

Lu Feng issued an eviction order to Chen Zhou.

 

Chen Zhou wanted to say more, but gritted his teeth and held back.

He had already lost one warehouse.

If he offended the City Lord too, it would be even worse.

 

With no choice, Chen Zhou had to slink away from the City Lord’s residence.

After leaving, he began meeting with various bosses in Panyang City, trying to buy cloth from them.

 

Finally, he reached an agreement with one boss.

This time, the Chen family would lose at least a hundred thousand taels of silver.

Just thinking about it made Chen Zhou’s teeth ache.

“Lu Zijin, fine, very fine.

I originally wanted to marry you, but now, I only want to destroy the Lu residence.”

The sound of ceramics shattering echoed continuously from Chen Zhou’s room.

 

Whenever their household went out for supplies, the most frequently purchased item was ceramics.

After all, Chen Zhou liked to smash the vases and jars in his room whenever he was displeased.

 

Lu Zijin, meanwhile, was in a much better mood as she ate breakfast.

In the past, she hadn’t been in control of the situation and had needed to lay low.

But now, there was no one in Panyang City who could make her lay low.

Whoever struck at the Lu residence, she would strike back, one by one.

 

***

 

Wei Lan had also heard about what happened in the residence these past few days, but she didn’t go to see Lu Zijin.

Her wife was so busy; she didn’t want to disturb her.

 

Wei Lan hadn’t been idle either these days.

She had finished carving the entire set of twelve zodiac Qiemo blue jade plaques.

Wei Lan carefully wrapped these jade plaques in cloth.

She checked the time; in the middle of each month, Xiao Nanyan would be at Yuyaxuan inspecting.

 

She thought about taking these jade plaques to sell, and also asking about the fox jade plaque.

Although her wife had made her feel very comfortable, why hadn’t Xiao Nanyan explained to her wife that she had bought it!

 

Wei Lan took a small bundle.

Just as she was about to go out, she thought for a moment and decided to bring Xi Ye along.

Recently, because of the royal merchant matter, Panyang City had been unsettled.

Since her secret identity was already out to her wife, bringing a guard along was fine.

 

Wei Lan called Xi Ye.

Xi Ye followed behind Wei Lan, silent the whole way.

But even though she was a delicate-looking female Qiankun carrying a large ring-pommel sword on her back, it made quite a few people stare.

Xi Ye, however, paid no attention to this; her gaze remained fixed on Wei Lan.

Since she had been assigned to Wei Lan, she naturally wouldn’t let Wei Lan come to any harm.

 

Soon, the two arrived at Yuyaxuan.

“Manager Zhao, is Nanyan here today?”

Wei Lan asked.

“The owner arrived not long ago.

She’s resting in the study.

I’ll take you there.”

Zhao Chengye said with a smile.

Seeing Xi Ye behind Wei Lan, he paused for a moment and asked, “And this is?”

“Oh, this is my personal guard.

The city has been unsettled lately, with two warehouses set on fire.

My wife was worried about me, so she assigned a guard to protect me.”

Wei Lan explained.

“I see.

Then please follow me, you two.”

Zhao Chengye smiled and led the way.

 

After passing through a corridor, they arrived in the courtyard.

Wei Lan saw Xiao Nanyan sitting at her desk, drinking tea.

 

Wei Lan said to Xi Ye, “Wait for me.

It’s safe here.

No problem.”

“This young lady, come with me.

There’s tea prepared out front.

Go have some.”

Zhao Chengye smiled.

 

Xi Ye looked at Wei Lan.

Wei Lan nodded. “Go.

I’ll come find you when I’m done.”

“Yes.”

Only then did Xi Ye go with Zhao Chengye to a small tea room out front.

 

Wei Lan walked towards Xiao Nanyan’s study.

Xiao Nanyan saw Wei Lan, and the smile on her lips never faded.

“Oh, a rare guest.

What brings you here today?”

“Here to sell jade.

And what about last time?

If you’re going to wear that fox jade plaque, fine, but why didn’t you explain it clearly to my wife?”

Wei Lan very casually moved a chair and sat across from Xiao Nanyan.

 

Xiao Nanyan smiled at her.

“Your wife didn’t ask.

I just said Carver Qinglan carved it.

What’s wrong?”

“My wife already knows that I am Qinglan.

She thought the one around your neck was a gift from me.”

Wei Lan gritted her teeth.

She had been her wife’s little dog all night just to calm her down.

Although she had enjoyed it…

 

Hearing this, Xiao Nanyan perked up.

“Oh?

Was she jealous?

Did she punish you?

I never would have guessed that Qinglan, the top carver of Panyang City, is afraid of his wife.

Hahahaha.”

 

Xiao Nanyan couldn’t help but laugh.

Wei Lan was truly different from ordinary Qiankuns.

Very interesting.

 

Wei Lan glared at her and retorted, “That’s not being afraid.

That’s called respect.

I respect my wife.

You wouldn’t understand.

You’re not married.

Hmph.”

“Fine, fine.

I’m not married.”

Xiao Nanyan was thoroughly amused by Wei Lan.

And she said she wasn’t afraid of her wife?

“Stop laughing.

If you keep laughing, I won’t sell you my jade plaques.”

Wei Lan hugged her small bundle and pretended to leave.

 

Xiao Nanyan quickly said, “Alright, alright.

I won’t tease you anymore.

Let me see.

What do you have this time?”

 

Only then did Wei Lan put her small bundle on the table.

She untied it.

The jade inside were all wrapped in soft cloth.

Wei Lan unwrapped them one by one.

 

As soon as Xiao Nanyan saw the jade, her expression turned serious.

Her eyes swept over them, and she immediately understood.

“This is… a set of twelve zodiac jade plaques?”

“Mm-hmm.

This rough stone was good.

The jade looks beautiful carved.”

Wei Lan said.

 

Xiao Nanyan picked up a jade plaque, a look of amazement on her face.

Even the ordinary animals were carved vividly by Wei Lan.

“Your carving skill is truly exceptional.

How much silver do you want for them?”

 

Wei Lan said, “Five thousand taels and up.

After all, last time they sold for around that price.”

 

Xiao Nanyan nodded.

“Certainly.

But you have to leave me some room to make a profit.

How about six thousand taels each?

What do you think?”

 

Wei Lan thought about it.

Six thousand taels each meant she could sell these twelve pieces for seventy-two thousand taels.

In modern terms, that was over seventy million yuan.

That was no small sum.

“I can do that.

But at this price, can you still make a profit?”

Wei Lan asked.

“Of course.

I can at least add another thousand taels.

Don’t worry.

Although we’re friends, I wouldn’t lose money on myself.

In a few days, I’m going to Jiangcheng.

I’ll sell these plaques there.”

Xiao Nanyan smiled.

“Alright then.

Six thousand taels each.”

Wei Lan smiled.

“Mm.

Wait here for a moment.

I’ll send someone to get the silver notes.”

Xiao Nanyan said, then had Qi Ji fetch the silver notes.

 

Soon, seventy-two thousand taels in silver notes were brought over.

 

Xiao Nanyan handed the silver notes to Wei Lan and smiled.

“Your wife is really lucky.

She’s already good at business, and now she has you, a money tree.”

“Of course.

My wife has the best taste.”

Wei Lan was all smiles.

She finally had private savings again!

 

After chatting with Xiao Nanyan for a good while longer, Wei Lan tucked the silver notes away and left with Xi Ye.

 

As the two passed by Chen Ji Bookstore, they saw that the place was packed inside.

Wei Lan found it curious and wanted to go in and have a look.

After all, all the ‘Chen Ji’ businesses in Panyang City belonged to Chen Zhou.

“Xi Ye, come with me to take a look.”

Wei Lan said.

“Yes, master.”

Xi Ye immediately acknowledged and followed Wei Lan as they squeezed inside.

 

She saw many people crowded in one place and asked, “What are you all buying?”

“Ah, storybooks.

They’re full of good stories.

If you don’t queue up and grab them now, they’ll be gone soon.”

The person next to her quickly said.

“Oh, okay then.

I’ll buy a few too.”

Wei Lan was about to queue up.

 

But Xi Ye stopped her.

“Master, let me.”

 

Wei Lan looked at Xi Ye and thought she was probably better at pushing through crowds than she was, so she nodded.

“Alright.

Here’s some silver.

Buy a few for me.”

 

Wei Lan gave Xi Ye ten taels of silver, and Xi Ye began to queue.

 

Soon, the shop assistants brought out the books.

People immediately started grabbing and buying them.

 

Xi Ye looked thin and frail, but she was really strong.

She managed to push her way in and bought five books for Wei Lan.

But the price of these books was really expensive – one tael of silver each.

In modern terms, that was about a thousand yuan, which was very expensive.

 

Wei Lan was curious why the books sold for so much.

But as she flipped through a few, she understood.

This world had paper, but no movable type printing.

All these books were copied by hand, including the books in Lu Zijin’s study.

So it was no wonder these storybooks were so expensive.

 

Wei Lan’s heart leaped with joy, but she quickly suppressed it.

She would see what was written inside.

“Let’s go.

I’ll read them back at the residence.”

Wei Lan had earned silver and was in a very good mood.

Xi Ye carried the books and followed behind Wei Lan.

 

She had been at the Lu residence for a few days and had figured out Wei Lan’s routine.

Wei Lan usually didn’t like to go out.

Unlike other masters of wealthy households, she didn’t go out carousing.

Instead, she would lock herself in her room carving jade.

When she did go out, it was just to jade shops.

So her job had become very simple.

Xi Ye spent her free time practicing martial arts or exercising in the courtyard.

 

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