This seemingly lofty noble young master is naturally none other than Wang Shouzhe’s future brother-in-law, Chen Fangjie. The ’unremarkable’ household general standing behind him is actually Wang Shouzhe himself in disguise. Of course, both had already put on makeup, applied personally by Wang Mei. Although it wasn’t to the point of being unrecognizable, unless someone was very familiar with them, they definitely wouldn’t be recognized. When Chen Fangjie first heard about this plan, he thought it was quite amusing. There aren’t many occasions where one can please their future in-law’s relatives in such an interesting manner. Moreover, Wang Shouzhe inviting the Chen Family to participate in this plan was not something that could go unrewarded for their efforts. Therefore, to play the role of a young master with his eyes high above, Chen Fangjie even brought out a robe custom-made for him by his family to hold up appearances before and after the wedding. Wang Shouzhe, playing the household general, was also quite speechless about this. This future brother-in-law seemed very serious on the surface, quite having the demeanor of a noble Young Clan Leader, yet at his core, he was still a bit—reservedly flamboyant. This half-reclining lazy posture, with half-opened and half-closed eyes, radiating a disdainful and contemptuous look, was indeed very well-portrayed. The faces of the Liu Family members had turned pale. Liu Yongzhou, a talented young man of the Liu Family, had his face flushed red, showing a look of readiness to explode with indignation. "Ahem." Patriarch Liu Shengye of the Liu Family, after all, was an old fox who could keep his calm, smiling broadly as he cupped his hands, "This young master must be the illustrious Young Master Tantai of the East Sea King’s Tantai Family, indeed worthy of the Tantai name, truly majestic and unparalleled." As he spoke, he also gave Liu Yongzhou a look, signaling him to endure small annoyances to achieve big plans. "Tantai Heyu, this transaction, I was not originally looking for you; you insisted on getting involved," Zhong Luoxian’s tone was cold with a hint of displeasure, "The Liu Family has saved my life, please respect that." "Yes, yes, since they are Miss Luoxian’s benefactors, I shall show them some courtesy," Chen Fangjie slightly straightened his body, glanced sideways, and said, "Speak, how much grain do you wish to borrow?" Liu Shengye’s heart was pleased, and he promptly cupped his hands, "Our Liu Family needs to borrow ten thousand dan of grain to quell the disaster in our jurisdiction. We are willing, after the next harvest season, to return twenty thousand dan of grain to your noble family." "Ten thousand dan?" A smirk appeared at the corner of Chen Fangjie’s mouth, showing a half-smile, half-not expression. He didn’t respond to Liu Shengye, but looked at Zhong Luoxian and said, "Luoxian, it’s not Tantai Heyu belittling people. For such a trivial matter, you actually seek to use our Tantai Family’s favor?" "Zhong Luoxian" seemed to have quite an opinion on Tantai Heyu, but merely said coldly, "This transaction is indeed but a small amount to you. However, it’s intended for the Liu Family to aid the disaster victims, hoping Heyu will be accommodating." Liu Yongzhou’s heart skipped a beat. Luoxian was actually pleading with that detestable Tantai Heyu for him. He felt humiliated and enraged, thinking, isn’t this guy looking down on small business? He immediately said, "Twenty thousand dan, our Liu Family needs twenty thousand dan." As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Shengye almost lost his footing. This time, it’s to be said that the Liu Family has an approximate shortage of fifteen thousand dan. By mixing some sand with the rice, over ten thousand dan could also address the situation somehow. Yet unexpectedly, for the sake of face, Liu Yongzhou directly mentioned twenty thousand dan. "Really uninteresting," Chen Fangjie didn’t even blink, as if reluctantly agreeing, "But, considering Luoxian’s face, a mere business of twenty thousand dan of grain, just do it." "Worthy indeed of the East Sea King’s Tantai Family, truly magnificent, then lend twenty thousand dan," Liu Shengye, at this moment, could only accept this number, otherwise, he feared this temperamental Young Master Tantai might leave in anger. "For twenty thousand dan of old grain, billed at 5 Large Copper per dan, that would be 1000 Qian Gold," Chen Fangjie stated indifferently, "Our Tantai Family firmly supports the Daqian Law, resolutely refusing to speculate on grain prices. Therefore, our contract must stipulate that this transaction is a Qian Gold borrowing transaction, we lend your family 2000 Qian Gold, to be repaid within five months, only needing to pay an additional 1000 in interest. Additionally, your family must mortgage more than 3000 Qian Gold worth of property. If the loan is not repaid after the period, the collateral belongs to us." The entire Liu Family’s face changed, those terms were quite harsh! Even compared to the Sun Family, they were only slightly better, but ultimately still limited in generosity. Moreover, needing property as collateral made everyone particularly wary. All eyes were on Liu Shengye. Liu Shengye’s expression was also quite solemn and serious. After careful consideration in his heart, he cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Tantai, could the clan’s property collateral be waived? Our Ping’an Liu Family is willing to use our reputation as a pledge." "Reputation?" Chen Fangjie sneered, "To me, the reputation of these lower-rank noble families is worth less than half a wen. Could it be that you’re planning to default, which is why you won’t use your clan’s property as collateral? Hmph, this Young Master doesn’t have time for such idle games with you." Seeing the Liu Family seemingly quite troubled, Zhong Luoxian glanced at Liu Yongzhou and slightly bit her lips, her voice containing a trace of pleading, "Tantai Heyu, I also know that grain is hard to come by right now. But could you consider that the Liu Family is trying to aid disaster victims and offer some more concessions?" In an instant, Liu Yongzhou’s heart trembled. Luoxian, Luoxian actually pleaded with that high-headed Tantai Heyu for him. Chen Fangjie, however, laughed heartily, "Since Luoxian has asked, I’ll waive 500 Qian Gold in interest for this Young Master. But the Liu Family’s property collateral must become a transfer. After clearing the loan and interest, it will be returned." The reduction of 500 Qian Gold immediately brought joy to the faces of the Liu Family, truly a substantial concession. Yet upon hearing the property must transfer ownership... everyone’s hearts still skipped a beat. "The property to be transferred should ideally be a manor type," Chen Fangjie squinted, his gaze falling on Zhong Luoxian, "Luoxian has been in a bad mood lately. Since she wants to travel and relax outside, she should at least have a place to stay temporarily, let it be named under Luoxian’s for now." "Young Master Tantai is so straightforward, then Liu Shengye won’t be pretentious," Liu Shengye’s eyes lit up, smilingly cupping his hands, "Since business is business, let us exchange the grain for the manor’s transfer documents. Before this, Miss Luoxian can first move in to her new residence." Under the name of the Liu Family, there is an estate that has been developed for over ten years, with picturesque scenery. It includes comfortable villa-style buildings, 800 acres of fertile fields, and a lotus pond of about 200 acres, with room for further development in the surrounding areas. The total value of this estate, even if slightly less than three thousand Qian Gold, isn’t too far off. The only concern for Liu Shengye is that after transferring the ownership of the estate, he might not get the food reserves. And he doesn’t have the power to seek trouble with the King of the Eastern Sea. "Cash and goods cleared, that is indeed the right way," Chen Fangjie agreed, then impatiently waved his hand, saying, "Alright, all of you withdraw. This transaction will be entirely handled by Luoxian." His attitude was so casual, it was as if this transaction involving two or three thousand Qian Gold was too trivial to mention. The Liu Family had never before felt such disdain. However, the arrogance of such a person naturally stems from their capital. If it weren’t for Miss Zhong’s mediation, how could such a figure even be approached? The older members of the Liu Family didn’t mind, but Liu Yongzhou’s face flushed, as if a fire was stifled in his heart. As Liu Shengye led his family out of the attic, a mocking laughter echoed from inside, belonging to "Tantai Heyu": "Luoxian, I know you don’t Young Master, and that’s why you ran away from home in protest. What a pity, what a pity. When I return, I’ll ask the ancestor to arrange the marriage, who can refuse?" "You!" Zhong Luoxian’s voice was restrained and angry, "Luoxian is merely an ordinary person, why must you entangle me so endlessly?" "The more I can’t have something, the more this Young Master desires it. Zhong Luoxian, you can’t escape from my grasp." That voice grew increasingly arrogant, "But consider it my kindness to you, letting you enjoy the last moments of freedom." The people of the Liu Family had little reaction to those words. For a Celestial Human Family descendant, talking about love and grudges had nothing to do with them. However, no one noticed that Liu Yongzhou’s eyes had started to redden, his entire body trembling, never in his life having felt such humiliation and heartbreak. He understood, finally realized that Luoxian wanted to be close to him but seemed to have enormous concerns. He originally thought it was just a status gap between noble families, not expecting such an obstacle to exist. But he was, after all, just a direct descendant of a Ninth-Grade Lower-Rank Noble Family, with no power to change any of this. No matter how furious, in the eyes of that high-society Young Master, it’s nothing but a joke. The Liu Family’s boat drifted farther, and Liu Yongzhou’s heart seemed to sink along with it. The pained expression flashed from Luoxian’s eyes couldn’t be erased from his mind. Meanwhile, inside the cabin of the boat. Chen Fangjie was in a good mood, sipping tea with slight excitement: "Shouzhe, how did your foolish brother do just now, did I look like a second-generation ancestor of the Celestial Human Family?" Wang Shouzhe looked him up and down: "Is this your true nature? As the Clan Leader, do I have the right to cancel this marriage arrangement for my sister?" "Pfft!" Chen Fangjie spit out tea, hastily saying, "Wrongfully accused, most unjustly wronged. I was just acting as you told me, by all means, don’t misunderstand. I, Chen Fangjie, am a handsome man, a piece of uncarved jade, pure in nature." "Alright, Brother Chen, keep this piece of jade for my sister to slowly refine," Wang Shouzhe said, "Quickly adjust your mood, we have guests to receive in the afternoon." Chen Fangjie’s cheeks twitched slightly, the term made him grit his teeth. Yet this future brother-in-law is no simple character, the more he gets along with him, the more unfathomable he seems. Likewise, Wang Mei grew more satisfied with the Patriarch by the day. Her ancestors for generations were Wang Family Generals, naturally loyal to the family. But this loyalty was only towards the family. No matter who became the Patriarch, she would work diligently. But Patriarch Shouzhe was different; calm demeanor, wisdom overflowing, perceptive of human nature, exceptionally considerate, and most importantly, incredibly handsome and valiant. Encountering such a perfect Patriarch, my luck as Wang Mei is indeed very good. If the Patriarch were to require company at night... what then? What role should Meimei play then? Hehehe~~ the more she thought about it, the happier she became.