"Master Yu, it's been half a month. How have you been?"
Ye Tian arrived at the potato plantation and saw Yu Tianheng observing the growth of potato vines.
A farm worker quietly approached Ye Tian and said, "This Master Yu has brought many gifts."
"We originally planned to invite him to the courtyard for a break, but Master Yu insisted on visiting the potato plantation, so we brought him here."
"No problem, go back to your work," Ye Tian replied with a soft smile, waving his hand.
Hearing the voice, Yu Tianheng turned his head to look at Ye Tian. Holding a tender potato leaf, he remarked gently, "Young Master Ye, you are truly gifted to have discovered a new crop yielding thousands of catties per acre."
"You flatter me, Master Yu," Ye Tian replied humbly with a breezy demeanor.
A noble figure like Yu Tianheng never visits without a purpose. Coming to the Butterfly Farm, specifically heading straight to the potato plantation, clearly had ulterior motives.
Considering the Yu family's Lightning Commerce was engaged in the local grain trade, Ye Tian had a strong hunch: Yu Tianheng was likely here to stop him from helping the commoners grow potatoes.
Ye Tian had anticipated this ever since two weeks ago when Yu Tianheng rejected his suggestion to halt grain hoarding. As a partner, Ye Tian had already fulfilled his obligation to warn them.
If Lightning Commerce couldn't curb their greed, it was no longer his concern. Engaging in profiteering during famine years would naturally lead to consequences.
Still smiling, Ye Tian gestured to the expansive potato plantation, stretching over a thousand acres.
"I just want to contribute to alleviating the famine in Silvis Province. Next year, during the lean season, there will likely be no hunger here."
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng's face alternated between shades of green and purple, clearly irritated by Ye Tian's veiled jab.
Seven million gold soul coins in liquidity were a burden even for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. This negotiation had to succeed.
Suppressing his emotions, Yu Tianheng spoke calmly:
"Since we are all friends, there's no need to beat around the bush. I know, Young Master Ye, that you have a kind heart and wish to promote potatoes so the commoners won't suffer hunger."
"But could you delay your promotion by at least three months?"
Feigning confusion, Ye Tian raised his head. "Master Yu, your request doesn't seem right. Farming isn't like hosting a ceremony; it cannot be postponed at will."
"Farming follows the seasons. Crops must be planted at the right time to yield results. Otherwise, it will all be for nothing."
Hearing this, Gao Yao, Yu Tianheng's companion, couldn't hold back any longer. If Lightning Commerce failed to sell their grain, he would bear the blame.
Stepping forward, Gao Yao sneered coldly, "Ye Tian, my young master is being polite. Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."
"Do you know who you're dealing with? If you offend the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, we could crush you with a flick of our fingers!"
"And who let this mad dog bark here?"
Chen Jian, who had been standing silently behind Ye Tian, stepped forward with a cold expression. He glanced at Yu Tianheng before fixing his gaze on Gao Yao. "Is your surname Yu?"
"You!" Gao Yao's face flushed as he pointed angrily at Chen Jian.
"Don't think I won't act just because you're an old man!"
"Ha! Someone who can't even verify their own identity dares to call themselves part of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Utterly ridiculous," Chen Jian retorted indifferently.
These small fry dared to act recklessly on the farm, clearly unaware of the hidden guards stationed throughout. If they made a move, they might not even realize how they met their end.
Just as Gao Yao's fury was about to erupt, Yu Tianheng stopped him. Smiling faintly, Yu Tianheng said:
"Elder Chen, you jest. Gao Yao has been working for the Tyrant Dragon Clan for decades. In my eyes, he's long been a member of our clan."
Gao Yao, touched by Yu Tianheng's acknowledgment, puffed out his chest proudly. "That's right! Alive, I'm a member of the Tyrant Dragon Clan; dead, I'm its ghost!"
"So, Master Yu, you're admitting to the threats Gao Yao made earlier?"
Ye Tian casually dusted off his sleeves, smiling as he stared at Yu Tianheng.
"I never admitted to anything directly," Yu Tianheng replied lightly.
But the implicit confirmation in his tone was undeniable, and his veiled threats were evident.
Yu Tianheng added, "Rest assured, Young Master Ye. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, one of the three great sects on the continent, abides by its principles. We don't easily act against smaller factions."
Hearing this, Ye Tian chuckled softly.
This was essentially an indirect acknowledgment that, if necessary, the Tyrant Dragon Clan would crush any obstacle without hesitation.
Ye Tian's temper flared. The Tyrant Dragon Clan claimed to act with "principle." Did they think he, Ye Tian, lacked principles of his own?
He wouldn't provoke others but wouldn't bow to threats either.
This entire situation arose because of Yu Tianheng's greed. Out of goodwill, Ye Tian had offered advice, but they had been blinded by profit and ignored him.
Now, realizing they couldn't make money, they turned to threats and interference. Shameless.
Feigning ignorance, Ye Tian patted his chest and laughed.
"Haha, with your reassurance, Master Yu, I feel at ease. To be honest, your subordinate's threats earlier truly scared me."
Chen Jian, standing beside him, almost burst into laughter.
The young master's pretense of submission was enough to drive Yu Tianheng mad.
Sure enough, Yu Tianheng's chest heaved in anger. He prided himself on being straightforward, yet Ye Tian had pretended to misunderstand him. This was blatant disrespect toward the Tyrant Dragon Clan!
Yu Tianheng's expression darkened as he pointed to several carriages behind him.
"The goods on these vehicles are worth 150,000 gold soul coins. That's more than your farm could earn in decades."
"Additionally, I'm offering you 100,000 gold soul coins in cash."
"All I ask is that you immediately stop promoting potato cultivation."
(End of Chapter)
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