Disclaimer: this is an abridged version of Chubby Cheeks‘ translated chapter. Please follow the link for the complete chapter, translator notes, characters lists, etc.
Chapter 81: Bargaining
Bai Xiao Sheng was not a person but an industry.
In the thirty six trades and seventy two industries, there were also people who belonged to the three religions and nine schools of thoughts. There were times when these people from the three religions and nine schools of thoughts would maintain and preserve the sporadic relationship between the Imperial court and the pugilist world.
And Bai Xiao Shen was one of those industries.
As the name suggested, Bai Xiao Sheng was similar to detective agencies and in over a hundred years, this industry did not appear much and ordinary people would have never heard of it. But not knowing did not meant that it didn’t exist. The Feng Xian Pawnshop in the Ding capital was currently Ming Qi’s Bai Xiao Sheng.
That red clad woman’s eyes stared in awe and it was Mo Qing and those behind who felt somewhat weird. Even though they were in the army and roamed the pugilist world, they did not know about Bai Xiao Sheng.
“Young Lady is…”
“Here to make a deal.”
Hearing that, the red clad woman’s expression slightly changed, following which she spoke to Shen Miao under the little shop assistant stunned eyes, “This Young Lady’s stuff must be expensive, as such please follow me to discuss at the back.”
Mo Qing and the rest wanted to follow but were held back, “These few are not required.”
“Young Lady…” Jing Zhe was somewhat worried that Shen Miao would encounter an accident if she were to enter alone.
“You all remain back.” Shen Miao said, “I will return upon the completion of the deal.”
After Shen Miao and the red clad woman left, Mo Qing and the rest were left at the outer hall. One of the guards said, “Brother Mo, what is Young Lady here for?” Since they had killed people, they had intuition for danger. That red clad woman’s expression and the conversation between Shen Miao made these people feel that the matter was not simple at all.
“I too do not know.” Mo Qing shook his head with a wry smile and looked towards the corridor that led inside, “Young Lady has a sense of propriety.”
The red clad woman brought Shen Miao through the corridor. This corridor was very long and at the end of it there was a square pagoda that was six floors high. There was a veil at the highest floor which made one unable to see inside but the renovations were done extremely beautifully. Even the wood that was used to make the pillars were Wan Xiang wood which was valued at thousands of gold.
Outsiders spread rumours that the owner of Feng Xian Pawnshop was extremely wealthy, else it would not have been maintained for so many years outside expectations. It bought the most expensive large piece of land in the Ding capital but its income does not cover expenditures, and that was something not just anyone could bear.
But Shen Miao knew that the reason why Feng Xian Pawnshop was so rich and powerful was because the money they earned did not require capital and was pure profit.
The red clad woman welcomed her into the lowest level of the pagoda and let her sit in a room at the lowest floor. It was a tea room with lifelike carvings of landscapes and was filled with mahogany tables and chairs. One was able to see the high artistic craftsmanship with one glance. It really was worth a lot of money.
“I am called Hong Ling,” The woman smiled and it seems that drops of water could almost flow out from her eyes. It was like flirty expressions were engraved into her bones. She asked, “How to address this Young Lady?”
“My surname is Shen.”
When Shen Miao was sizing up the other person, Hong Ling was also sizing Shen Miao up. Hong Ling had done business in Feng Xian Pawnshop for so many years and it was her first time to meet such a young client which made her feel unsure as to how much the other person knew. Most likely this was the first deal and she wondered if she needs to elaborate.
“So it is Shen Young Lady.” Hong Ling smiled, “Not sure if Shen Young Lady is in our Feng Xian Pawnshop to buy or to sell?”
Shen Miao said, “To buy and to also sell.”
Putting away her shocked heart, Hong Ling continued to smile, “Then one does not know the deal that Shen Young Lady wants to do is worth how much?”
Shen Miao shook her head.
Hong Ling did not really understand her intention, “Shen Young Lady…”
Shen Miao’s voice was very calm, “Just now I have already said to the one in front of the store. The deal I am making is too big, he cannot see and you are also unable to see. If this is to be discussed, get your master to come over.”
This was the first time Hong Ling had such a rude client. She initially wanted to flare up but when she raised her head and looked at Shen Miao’s eyes, she felt that the look that the other person was giving her really had no trace of fear.
After doing so much business with others, she was able to see one clearly. This young lady’s air… was a little shocking. She did not know what went on that made her feeling somewhat anxious.
“Shen Young Lady, I am the supervisor here so all the dealings made are naturally done by me.” Despite feeling that Shen Miao’s identity was not normal, Hong Ling was not afraid and the smile on her face was much more beautiful. “No matter how much money it is, it is not as though I have never seen it before.”
“It has nothing to do with money.” Shen Miao slightly smiled, “I had said before, you cannot make the decision for this deal.” She looked around, “I came with sincerity but you all do not have any. Bai Xiao Shen is no more than this.”
Hong Ling’s facial expression became a third colder before saying, “I instead feel that Shen Young Lady is not sincere in doing business. Since Shen Young Lady cannot trust me then I have no choice.”
Shen Miao stared at her. After a long while, she said, “Like this, I will first sell a news to you.”
Hong Ling paused.
“In the beginning, JiangNan’s Yu province’s Chen family’s younger sisters were missing and current whereabouts are unknown. How about selling this news to you? If this news is valued, please let me meet the manager and then discuss the news to buy.”
Hong Ling looked at her in shock. After a moment, she corrected her expression and said, “May Shen Young Lady wait for a moment, Hong Ling will withdraw first.”
Shen Miao looked at the light tea in her hands. The tea was premium Yin Zhen Jun Shan and it had a very rich flavor. The light touch of incense in the tea room that accompanied made one not help but feel relaxed and happy. It was obvious that the owner knew how to enjoy themselves.
This Bai Xiao Sheng industry dealt with pugilist world’s news and was focused on the buying and selling of news. There were people who want to buy news, there were people who want to sell news. When the seller and buyer of news are linked, this business deal was considered successful. The Bai Xiao Shen industry was like the fire beacon transfer point in a battlefield and linked the buying and selling side together.
And this news that Shen Miao was selling was a sensational case in Ming Qi. JiangNan’s Yu province’s Chen family had two younger sisters that were stunning beauties. With this kind of appearance, if they were to enter the Palace, they would be able to gain the position of a consort.
The Chen family was a big household and had a big family business and having two daughters like this was not a good thing. When daughters’ appearance are too magnificent and there was not enough protection, it would only bring disaster to the family. It was fortunate that not only was the Chen family the richest in JiangNan, they also had a status in the pugilist world. The Chen family had a good network, had many friends and Old Master Chen did a favor to a sect so the Chen family also had backing.
Who knew that even as such, when the sisters were sixteen, during the Lantern Festival, they disappeared under the Chen family’s eyes. The Chen family had been unsuccessfully searching for a long time and three years has passed since the Chen sisters went missing. The Chen family still spent a lot of energy and money to find these two daughters even though they knew the odds were not in their favor, but they never gave up. They even went to look for Bai Xiao Shen and spent heavily in gold to buy news.
But there was no news in all this time.
Chen family’s remuneration was very high so that even if Bai Xiao Sheng were to only do this one business, even if it was only a fraction, they would be able to gain quite an amount of money.
Business people would talk according to money. Shen Miao did not believe she would not be able to find the master behind the scenes.
The pagoda inside of Feng Xian Pawnshop was called Xian Lin Jian. The first floor was a place for business but from the second to the sixth floor, it was for the enjoyment of the Family Master.
At this moment at the table in the tearoom on sixth floor sat three people.
“Yu Shi, how did you arrive here so quickly?” Gao Yang frowned, “Did not even greet at all.”
Opposite him sat an especially adorable youth. Gao Yang’s gentle temperament was like water but this youth had an inexplicable sense of affinity. He wore a lake green long robe and when he smiled, it was rather lively and joyous. He said, “Heard that there are changes in the Ding capital plans and know that you two would definitely need someone who possesses remarkable abilities like me to help out, so I specifically returned to lend a hand.”
What answered him was Gao Yang’s cold laughter.
“But Third Older Brother Xie!” The youth who was called Yu Shu suddenly turned to him and said, “Yi Cui Lou’s Young Lady Shao Yao recently treated me indifferently and I felt terrified. Third Older Brother has always been liked by young ladies, why not teach me a move or two?”
This youth looked amiable and harmless but was a veteran in playing games.
Xie Jing Xing did not even look at him, “Looking at appearance.”
“Ah.” The youth’s face reddened. “Could it be that Third Older Brother thinks that a person like me with such looks is not handsome? Thinking of that year, I was… Considered a flower and sought after by tens of thousands of people. Is Third Older Brother saying such stuff due to jealousy?”
Gao Yang could no longer stand it and knocked Yu Shu’s head, “Ji Yu Shu, you can return for saying these words.”
“Ke.” Yu Shu immediately sat up straight and spoke seriously, “Third Brother, let’s talk about the plan for this trip.”
He had yet to complete his words when he saw a red clad woman coming from downstairs. She did not enter but stood across the gauze and called out, “Family Master.”
“Hong Ling ah.” Yu Shu guided patiently, “Told you many times that even though you are good looking, when I am talking to my brothers, it is better not to come up. Even though I dote on you but one must have a sense of propriety.” His young and tender looks were like one who did not know about the world but his words were like those of an old fox.
“Family Master, it is… It is a big business. Customer insists on seeing you.”
Yu Shu waved his hands, “Which family’s youngster is so arrogant? My Feng Xian Pawnshop has no lack of money, who cares about losing that business of his? No deal then no deal, let him leave. There is not even a door to see this Lord!”
“But Family Master, that deal is not normal…”
“Already said no deal. Feng Xian Pawnshop does not serve those people.” Yu Shu’s hand reached out to eat the snacks in front.
Hong Ling was somewhat troubled but was also helpless. Just as she was about to withdraw, the youth in purple asked, “What is the deal?”
Hong Ling was startled and looked at Yu Shu. She knew that these two people had close relations with Family Master but at the end this matter was very confidential, so if it was spoken like that, one was afraid… Yu Shu looked at her hesitant eyes and slapped his thighs, “You were asked to speak then you should speak. These two are our own people and also the managers of Feng Sian Pawnshop. Their words are my words. If I am not here in the future, they are the managers.”
His voice hardly landed when Gao Yan laughed.
Seeing as such, Hong Ling calmed down before speaking with a smile, “Here to sell news. The news is related to the case of JiangNan’s Yu province’s Chen family’s sisters three years ago.”
The voice just finished when Gao Yang was the first one to shout in surprise, “The Chen family’s case, to have news even after three years. This deal is a little big.”
“Exactly.” Xie Jing Xing also spoke, “The Chen family has extensive forces in the JiangNan area. By taking this deal, regardless of silver, there would be additional benefits.”
“Speaking this and that means that it has to be done.” Yu Shu grabbed his head and said, “Since you all have said as such, then I will go and take a look which youngster it is who dares to bother this Lord? This Lord’s appearance is very expensive.”
Hong Ling could not help but laugh, “It is not a youngster but a young lady.”
“Young lady?” Yu Shu’s expression changed and suddenly said in all smiles, “Looks refined?”
“Very refined. With one look, one can tell that she is highly cultured and steeped in propriety.”
Yu Shu stood up in a short moment and patted his robes before cupping his hands and smiling, “Two older brothers, this younger brother will take leave first.” Finishing, he turned around and rushed over to Hong Ling before saying, “Where? Quickly walk. Hong Ling, why did you not say this earlier…”
After they left, Gao Yang sighed and had an expression of hating iron for not becoming steel before speaking to Xie Jing Xing, “I thought that since there would not be any use for him in Ding capital, you can let him return.”
“It is also suitable as a target,” Xie Jing Xing lightly said.
*****
Shen Miao sat in the tea room and looked down at the tea leaves that were raising and falling in her cup.
There were sounds of footsteps from the door, followed by the lifting of the curtains. Hong Ling walked in and respectfully bent over slightly before guiding the person behind.
The oncoming person was a youth with a look of rare innocence. He wore a lake green colored long robe with embroidered deer like patterns. People said that the clothes one wear would tell the character of the person, and this youth character was most likely cheerful which was fitting of his age. Shen Miao pondered a while. To manage the Feng Xian Pawnshop properly and also hold the lifeline of the Bai Xiao Sheng industry, it really was best not to underestimate him. This youth was definitely not as simple and virtuous as he appeared on the surface.
“This one is Ji Yu Shu.” He sat opposite Shen Miao and greeted Shen Miao with cupped hands.
“Manager Ji.”
“Not know what is Young Lady’s age?” He threw out an irrelevant question out first.
Shen Miao was slightly surprised for a moment before replying.
“Oh. It is at a splendid age.” He rubbed his hands and there was a touch of enthusiasm in his eyes, “Not knowing if there is already a marriage partner in mind? Are there any sisters in the family?” It sounded like how young ladies were teased in plays.
Hong Ling lips pulled back as she turned her head over, seeming unwilling to see her Family Master’s rogue-like behavior.
Shen Miao chuckled, “It seem that Manager Ji is not here to make deals.” Finishing she stood up to leave.
“Hey!” Ji Yu Shu jumped in shock, “Shen Young Lady must not be anxious, let us talk about business now.”
Only then Shen Miao stopped.
Ji Yu Shu muttered, “Looks like a gentle character, how can one be so fierce…” With a glance he saw Shen Miao’s bright eyes, he sat up straight and said, “Shen Young Lady wants to sell news of the JiangNan’s Chen family. Do bear with me for saying something, three years ago Young Lady was really too young, how would one know about the matter.”
“As long as it is not fake, the seller and buyer of the news would after all meet. Be it real or fake news, it would be decided by the other side so what is Manager Ji worried about?”
When these words were out, Hong Ling’s and Ji Yu Shu’s had a stunned expression at the same time and their eyes looking at Shen Miao were filled with deeper meaning. Hearing from Shen Miao’s tone, it was as if she was very familiar with the various aspect of the process, but Hong Ling and Ji Yu Shu were very sure that Shen Miao had never been here before.
“Ke. Be that as it may… But how does Shen Young Lady knew the business of Feng Xian Pawnshop?” Ji Yu Shu asked again.
“Accidentally chanced upon and decided to give it a try.” Shen Miao replied in ten words but it was watertight, making Ji Yu Shu’s feigned smile to stiffen.
Ji Yu Shu’s eyes turned and suddenly he changed the topic, “Then how much is Shen Young Lady willing to sell this piece of news for?”
“If Manager Ji is able to sell the news I want to buy then I will not accept a single tael from JiangNan’s Yu province’s Chen family’s money and even give you some.”
Ji Yu Shu sucked in a cold lump of air.
To be honest, Feng Xian Pawnshop has been open for so many years and many matters were handled by Hong Ling, since Ji Yu Shu was one who gets others to work but does nothing himself there was very little brain work involved. Who knew that with the conversation with Shen Miao, one felt that there were many curves and corners in her words which made him somewhat overwhelmed. Just like this, it was something that Ji Yu Shu was unable to comprehend.
But he still remembered that he was a businessman so he questioned, “What news does Shen Young Lady want to buy? At the look of things, it would not be small. If it cannot be found, one would be afraid that the money would be put on hold for many years and I do not think it is a good option.”
“If Manager Ji is willing, it would not require years as it is possible at the moment.”
“What does this got to do with my willingness?” Ji Yu Shu stared with wide eyes, “I am not the selling side.”
“The news I want to buy is that the Prince Yu residence is seeking to rebel but this news is not bought for myself but for the Imperial family of Ming Qi. Does Manager Ji understand?”
Ji Yu Shu looked at Shen Miao like she was insane. Hong Ling also stared wide eyed, watching Shen Miao calmly say those treacherous words. She felt a little faint.
The tea room became quiet for a long time until the incense burned to half before Ji Yu Shu said, “Hong Ling, go out.”
Before she left she gave Shen Miao a look, and the latter picked up the cup with eyes as calm as water.
“Shen Young Lady.” Ji Yu Shu said, “You are not buying news but creating news.”
She wanted to borrow Bai Xiao Shen to spread some rumors and let these rumors ‘randomly’ spread to the Imperial family.
Bai Xiao Sheng has many contacts in the three religions and nine school of thoughts and they were like slippery autumn loaches. At that time, just make a prick in the crowd, it would be done cleanly as no one would be able to find the source.
Shen Miao was fearless towards even an official’s family but to implicate the Imperial family, the Shen family could not take the risk themselves.
“Whether it is selling, buying or creating news, wealth is in the risk.” Shen Miao smiled gently, “Manager Ji does not dare to take this business up?”
Ji Yu Shu scratched his head and seemed troubled, “I am naturally very tempted with Shen Young Lady’s terms but Feng Xian Pawnshop is not for decorations and is not used as tool for chess.” He clasped his hands together, “Currently the Bai Xiao Shen industry is like feathers of a phoenix and horns of a unicorn, one will be unworthy to face the ancestors if Feng Xian Pawnshop lands in trouble due to this one’s greed. I cannot take the risks. Apologies to Shen Young Lady.” He stood up and gave Shen Miao a greeting, “This pawnshop will not take up Shen Young Lady’s deal of creating news but if one’s decision of selling the news is not changed, I will order people to record it down. Once the news from the Chen family of JiangNan arrives, this one would get someone to inform Young Lady. As for when and where, Young Lady can come to the pawnshop ten days later.”
After finishing, Ji Yu Shu smiled at her full of apologies and turned around to leave. Just when his steps were almost out of the tea room, Shen Miao voice rang from behind, “Manager Ji, since the bargaining chip for the deal is not enough, will this proceed with the addition of Formidable Great General residence’s Shen family?
Ji Yu Shu was surprised for a moment before turning around.
The young lady’s voice was calm but there was a trace of heavy tension which made the entire tea room feel suffocating.
“If you agree to do this business, the Formidable Great General residence in Ding capital will then become your Bai Xiao Sheng’s network.”
*****
Upstairs, Gao Yang and Xie Jing Xing were still drinking tea when they suddenly heard a tensed voice, “Older brothers, it is not good!” They looked up and saw Ji Yu Shu running in recklessly.
He lifted the beaded curtain with one hand and sat in front of the table. He poured a full cup of tea to fill his stomach before catching his breath and saying, “Scared me to death!”
“What’s with you?” Gao Yang joked, “Just now did you not go down in a hurry to look at the beauty? Why? The beauty was not beautiful?”
“Very beautiful, very beautiful.”
“Then that is strange.” Gao Yan touched his chin and thought, “Could it be that the beauty is fierce and you have provoked the other person?”
Such a frivolous person like Ji Yu Shu, one would shout and beat at him. It was much better with shy young ladies but those slightly older would be unhappy with his merriment.
“More than very fierce!” Ji Yu Shu had some lingering fear in his heart, “Simply a monster! Ke. I have been doing Bai Xiao Sheng work for so many years but it is the first time meeting such a deal like this.”
“Is not it the JiangNan’s Chen’s family matter? Could it be that she is robbing in the daylight and wants lots of money?” Gao Yang asked.
“More than daylight robbery! It is like a bottomless pit!”
“What exactly is it?” Xie Jing Xing glanced at him, “If you do not speak properly, I will throw you out from here.”
“Ke. This customer does not want money for the sale of JiangNan’s Chen family’s news but said to use the money to buy news. Do you know what news she wants to buy? She wants to buy news for the Imperial family, the news is that Prince Yu of the First Rank residence is conspiring to rebel! Damn it!” Ji Yu Shu could not help but curse, “This is letting us, Feng Xian Pawnshop, build the rafts for her!”
When Gao Yang and Xie Jing Xing heard that, their expression gradually turned serious. Ji Yu Shu was playful and did not know the seriousness of this, but both of them knew the danger in Ji Yu Shu’s words.
The techniques that this customer used were really brutal.
Ji Yu Shu was still unreconcilable, “On what basis! On what basis does my good Feng Xian Pawnshop have to be a raft for others? In the future if trouble arises, she will flee and the one suffering will be my pawnshop. Thinks I am stupid!”
“Since it is like that, you can just not agree to it,” Gao Yang said.
“Hei hei.” Ji Yu Shu suddenly changed and laughed twice before saying, “Good thing I bargained and forced her to talk and offer a bigger price. You guess what is it?”
“What?” Xie Jing Xing lazily asked.
“It is the Formidable Great General Shen’s family in Ding capital. When this business is successful, the Shen family will be one of Bai Xiao Sheng’s network. I just came back and have already helped you a great deal, quick thank me!” Ji Yu Shu laughed wildly.
Shen family?
Xie Jing Xing stared at him and slowly opened his mouth, “Who was that person?”
“A little Young Lady that looks quite good and bears the Shen surname, most likely is a member of the Shen family.” Ji Yu Shu scratched his head, “It is just that she is very fierce and turned a blind eye at my magnificence.”
Dramas On My Mind 