(Let's hope the young master will stay that way until our lord finds the solution for his Broken Meridian Physique...)
The mysterious individual said. From the tone used, it is obvious that this individual also greatly cared about Yang Chunqiu's well-being. Unfortunately, regardless of how attentive they were, they wouldn't have guessed that the actual Yang Chunqiu they're so protective about had already died from alcohol poisoning a few days ago.
(I couldn't wait to see how the others would react once they saw the three siblings standing side by side, supporting one another inside the royal court. That would surely be a spectacle nobody could forget...)
(At that time, we'll be able to tell them that it is wrong to try to mess with the Yang Household!)
The mysterious individual said. But the excitement quickly went down silently because the housekeeper simply chuckled once before leaving that spot.
...
...
...
"Young master, do you have anywhere you wanted to go later after your meeting with Pavilion Master Yang Xiao?" Yang Xuan asked if he had to make a few preparations in advance. He could be a local, but even a local doesn't know everything available in Yuanling City.
"There's a possibility that we'll go around and look at places that sell fruits. Maybe you can pay attention to the details here." Yang Chunqiu gave the question a study and answered. It was like he was telling the guard leader where they'd be going after his meeting with the Pavilion Master.
While the guard leader pondered the answer, Yang Chunqiu had already made his way up the stairs, heading straight to the third floor, where the Pavilion Master's room is situated.
"Subordinate Yang Xiao greets the young master," Yang Xiao cupped his fists immediately and stood from his seat as soon he saw Yang Chunqiu step inside the office. The room is humbly decorated with plenty of plants and greeneries, making this room feel a little heavenly and one with nature.
As for the precious treasures, they were lesser than those on the first and second floors but much more precious in comparison.
Out of courtesy, Yang Xiao stepped aside from his seat to surrender the spot to Yang Chunqiu.
"At ease, Pavilion Master." Yang Chunqiu responded to the greeting with an amicable smile.
"Since the position of Pavilion Master belongs to you, that seat over there is naturally yours to sit on. Unless there's a reason for me to do so, I will not put myself on that spot." Yang Chunqiu added. His words were both supportive and a warning to Yang Xiao while unofficially declaring his standing in this Treasured Pavilion.
Hearing Yang Chunqiu's words also made Yang Xiao's mind at ease. At least for now until sometime in the future, his position as the Pavilion Master wouldn't be a problem.
"From what my attendant says, you need me here for something. May I inquire what that would be for?" Yang Chunqiu asked and took a seat in the more spacious lounge. He was curious, as it had only been a day since he gave the order to buy all the Pearl Rice from the Farming Association.
By common knowledge, it should be too early for the Treasured Pavilion and Farming Association to complete a deal or sign any written contract.
Unless... The negotiation had already gone on for a while, and his participation in this matter was purely coincidence.
"Yes, young master. I am pleased to tell you that the deal we've discussed with the Farming Association has reached its final stage. All we require is your approval before signing and stamping the paperwork with them," said Yang Xiao.
"What kind of approval you need from me?" Yang Chunqiu asked in a gullible tone. His guts and experience told him that something fishy was transpiring here.
"The Farming Association had given us the exact answer of the stock in their hand. From what I've been told, their storage had thirty thousand Jin of Pearl Rice, ten thousand above what we estimated."
"But simultaneously, they're asking for one and a half Silver Ingot for each Jin of Pearl Rice. This means our total cost will be increased from 200 to 450 Gold Ingots." the Pavilion Master answered.
"I'm asking because the Yuanling City's Annual Warrior Competition will be held soon, and the Treasured Pavilion has planned to sponsor the event. I worried that using a third of the pavilion's funding on the Pearl Rice would make the main branch question our decision." said Yang Xiao.
"I hope the young master understands... Worst come to worst, I'm afraid that this decision would risk my job and trustability..." Yang Xiao ended his words here.
It was a long and farfetched explanation but detailed enough for Yang Chunqiu to catch what Yang Xiao was trying to say. He was indeed sneaky to try doing this in a roundabout way to avoid his true intention from getting exposed.
If the current Yang Chunqiu was the one before, perhaps he would be gullible enough to fall into his trap. Unfortunately, Yang Xiao calculated wrongly.
He must have been planning to embezzle some of the gold used in this Pearl Rice Contract, hence the meeting with the Farming Association. But Yang Chunqiu's addition to this gave them some complications and opportunities.
Before, the amount of gold embezzled was likely small, considering the estimated weight was only around 20,000 Jin. But by logic, could a Farming Association, which should have a proper bookkeeping record, wrongly estimate the crops they had in their warehouses?
To make it worse, by 10,000 Jin?
"Pavilion Master," Yang Chunqiu gave the explanation a thought and came up with an idea of how to counter Yang Xiao.
"Yes, young master." Yang Xiao smiled while responding to Yang Chunqiu's call.
"I will be straightforward with you. How much would you get from this 450 gold we'll use to buy the Pearl Rice? My decision will be based on the honesty of your answer." said Yang Chunqiu. His words swung at Yang Xiao's head like a hammer, knocking him muddled.
"Young - Young master," Yang Xiao stuttered for a moment as his brain ran at full capacity on how to respond to Yang Chunqiu's words.
"Do you think that I'm really a brat that knows nothing for believing that a Farming Association could underestimate their stock by 10,000 Jin?"
"How dare you, Pavilion Master Yang Xiao!"