Chapter 123: Temporary Tranquility

These refugees are indeed born farmers.

In just a few days, the fields originally choked with weeds were cleaned up by them.

They plowed the land neatly, even digging an irrigation channel to divert clear river water into the fields.

Jiang Xiaomu was quite pleased in his heart.

He picked an older man from among these refugees, named Lao Gen, to put him in charge of managing the others.

And he promised:

"As long as you work hard, I, Jiang Xiaomu, will never shortchange you!"

Lao Gen was moved to tears, fell to his knees with a thud, and choked out:

"Sir, your great kindness and virtue, I will never forget!"

After the Persian Army withdrew from the Central Plains, Wangjiang Cheng regained its former prosperity.

The business of the Persian merchant Hawei also grew larger and larger, filling his pockets to overflowing.

That day, Jiang Xiaomu, having nothing to do, went to Hawei's shop to browse.

Hawei, upon seeing Jiang Xiaomu, immediately put on a beaming smile and went up to greet him.

"Lord Jiang! Rare guest, rare guest! What wind blew you here?"

"Nothing much, just happened to be passing by, taking a casual look."

Jiang Xiaomu responded indifferently.

Hawei rubbed his hands, wearing a fawning smile, and said:

"Lord Jiang, you are my great benefactor!"

"If it weren't for you, my little life would have already been lost in the hands of the Persian soldiers!"

"To repay your lifesaving grace, today you may take whatever you wish to buy—on the house!"

Jiang Xiaomu glanced at him.

"No need, I'm just browsing."

"Don't, Lord Jiang,"

Hawei grabbed Jiang Xiaomu's arm.

"You see, it's already mealtime; how about I invite you to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion for a drink, so we can chat properly?"

Jiang Xiaomu had intended to refuse, but then thought that Hawei, this Persian merchant, is well-informed; perhaps he could glean some useful information from him,

and so he nodded and agreed.

The two went to the most famous tavern in the city, ordered a pot of fine bamboo leaf green tea, and several plates of delicate side dishes.

Hawei, while eagerly pouring wine for Jiang Xiaomu, also flattered him, saying:

"Lord Jiang, you are a dragon among men; though young, you have already achieved such great merit—your future is surely limitless!"

Although Jiang Xiaomu showed no outward reaction, he inwardly felt quite pleased.

He lifted his cup, took a light sip, and said calmly:

"Boss Hawei, you overpraise me; I merely did what was my duty."

Hawei then poured another cup for Jiang Xiaomu, speaking mysteriously:

"Lord Jiang, I have recently obtained a treasure; I wonder if you are interested?"

Jiang Xiaomu raised an eyebrow and asked:

"Oh? What treasure is it?"

Hawei pulled out an exquisite little box from his bosom, opened it, and inside was actually a sparkling gemstone.

The gem was entirely greenish-blue, emitting a faint glow; at first glance it was clearly not ordinary.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart stirred; the gem seemed to contain some strange power.

"Lord Jiang, this is a treasure from the Western Regions, called the Night Pearl."

"It is said to possess miraculous power, able to ward off evil and misfortune, and prolong life."

Hawei introduced it with a proud expression.

Jiang Xiaomu, without changing expression, asked:

"Boss Hawei, how do you intend to sell this Night Pearl?"

Hawei extended a finger and said:

"One thousand taels!"

Jiang Xiaomu inwardly sneered; this Hawei truly is a profiteer, opening his mouth like a lion.

But he did not show it, instead pretending to be hesitant.

After a few more drinks, Jiang Xiaomu deliberately acted drunk and said:

"Boss Hawei, this gem is indeed fine, but I'm a bit short on funds now—could you lower the price?"

Seeing this, Hawei thought Jiang Xiaomu was truly tempted, and smilingly said:

"Lord Jiang, you are my valued guest; how about this: a firm price of eight hundred taels!"

Jiang Xiaomu shook his head and said:

"It's still too dear; at most five hundred taels!"

Hawei rubbed his hands and said:

"Lord Jiang, you're being too unfair; this is a treasure of the imperial household!"

Jiang Xiaomu belched and said:

"Buy it or not, anyway I don't lack this gem."

Having said that, he made a motion to rise and leave.

Hawei, seeing the situation, hurriedly grabbed him and said:

"Good, good, good, since Lord Jiang says so, five hundred taels it is!"

Jiang Xiaomu then nodded in satisfaction, took out a few banknotes from his bosom, and handed them to Hawei.

Having taken the Night Pearl, he tucked it into his bosom.

"Boss Hawei, this gemstone looks fine, but is it really as miraculous as you say?"

Jiang Xiaomu asked with a half‑smile, then poured himself another cup of wine.

Hawei's eyes darted about, and he instantly caught on.

He lowered his voice and spoke mysteriously:

"Lord Jiang, you may not know, but this Night Pearl is no ordinary gem."

"It comes from an ancient tomb in the Western Regions; it is said to have been a burial object of some emperor."

"I, a humble man, managed to obtain it only with the strength of nine oxen and two tigers."

Jiang Xiaomu listened without changing expression, but inwardly he scoffed at Hawei's words.

This Hawei talks nonsense, making it hard to tell truth from falsehood.

However, he did not call him out, but simply went along with Hawei's words and continued:

"Oh? If that's the case, then this Night Pearl really has some background."

"That's right!"

Seeing Jiang Xiaomu show interest, Hawei redoubled his efforts in boasting.

"It is said that this Night Pearl can communicate with spirits, foretell the future, and even grant immortality…"

Hawei was speaking with flying spittle when suddenly a light sound came from the neighboring table.

A man clad in black, holding a long sword, sat down with his back to them.

Jiang Xiaomu's gaze was involuntarily drawn over.

In his every gesture there emanated an unusual aura that clashed with his coarse cloth clothing.

What surprised Jiang Xiaomu even more was that he sensed a faint killing intent from the man.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart tightened, and he instinctively gripped the dagger at his waist.

Could it be that he's come for me?

Lately he has killed too many, making enemies everywhere; it's not impossible that someone would seek revenge.

He shook his head, striving to calm himself.

Perhaps he was overthinking, or perhaps his recent slaughter had left his nerves on edge.

"Lord Jiang, what's wrong?"

Seeing Jiang Xiaomu's off‑colour face, Hawei asked with concern.

"It's nothing," Jiang Xiaomu forced a smile.

"Maybe I just haven't rested well lately."

He glanced again at the man at the neighboring table, only to find that the man had turned his head and was staring at them.

The instant their eyes met, Jiang Xiaomu felt an inexplicable pressure.

"Boss Hawei, it's getting late; I should head back."

Jiang Xiaomu rose and said: