Chapter 13: Everything Ready

The jade pendant was made of mutton fat white jade, two inches square, its edges carved with a cloud dragon pattern.

One side depicted the great sea with rising waves, a lone island suspended amidst it; the original touch of vivid red on the white jade had been carved into a peach forest on the island, giving rise to a feeling of standing apart from the world.

The other side was engraved with "Deep in the white clouds there is a pure sound; sleeping among flowers, listening to dreams, a wisp of wind," which happened to contain the names of Wu Mianfeng and his mother Mu Qingyin.

This was specially prepared by Feng Heng for Wu Mianfeng; it was something Wu Mianfeng deeply cherished and never left his side.

Shopkeeper Wei did not know Fang Xiu's intention, but he was quite shrewd; he picked up the jade pendant and examined it carefully, clicking his tongue in admiration, yet he did not press for details, quietly waiting for Fang Xiu to continue.

Fang Xiu looked at the jade pendant, reluctance in his eyes: "I wonder how many silver taels this jade pendant could fetch at Shopkeeper Wei's place."

Shopkeeper Wei replied seriously: "Top-grade mutton fat jade, fine and warm in texture, plus exquisite carving — it's worth fifty taels of silver.

However, if Sixth Young Master is short on funds, just say the word; the Wei family has been under Peach Blossom Island's care for many years, a little silver is not a problem."

Fang Xiu shook his head; expedient measures for urgent times — he could use Peach Blossom Island as a pretext, but he was unwilling to take advantage empty-handed; given the original Wu Mianfeng's personality, he even less wanted to accept any benefit from Peach Blossom Island again; it was just that when Fang Xiu wanted to pawn this jade pendant, a surge of sorrow welled up in his heart — Wu Mianfeng's influence on him remained.

But now, after all, it was Fang Xiu's mind in control; if it were Wu Mianfeng he probably would never have stepped into this pawnshop — this kid was clearly Eastern Heretic's disciple, yet at a young age he carried three parts pedantry; no wonder he didn't catch Huang Yaoshi's eye.

"Not hiding it from Shopkeeper Wei, the younger generation has run into some trouble and urgently needs silver, but I absolutely won't randomly ask for money; this matter also has nothing to do with Peach Blossom Island.

If Shopkeeper Wei is willing to help, let it be fifty taels of silver; I trouble Shopkeeper Wei to cherish the jade pendant well — perhaps there will still be a day I redeem it."

Shopkeeper Wei had dealt with Peach Blossom Island disciples many times and knew their proud, aloof personalities; since things had been said to this point, he no longer insisted.

"Since Sixth Young Master has encountered trouble, I wonder if Wei needs to lend a hand or two."

At this moment Fang Xiu was also not polite; he had no connections in Gushan County, and some things indeed required Shopkeeper Wei's help.

"Trouble Shopkeeper Wei to prepare a red banner for me, at least two zhang long and three chi wide, and also prepare two bamboo poles one zhang high; I will write the characters on the banner myself.

Also slaughter four live sheep, remove the skin and innards, keep them whole, and deliver them to the Fang Market before noon; today I want to treat people to meat.

The cost of the banner and the sheep, just deduct from those fifty taels."

Shopkeeper Wei pondered and calculated for a while, then nodded in agreement: "The banner we have at home, can be ready right away. The butcher next door keeps a few live sheep year-round; however slaughtering sheep takes considerable effort, but fortunately there is still over an hour until noon; if we hurry it can also be done.

These two matters I'll take care of; please Sixth Young Master rest assured."

Fang Xiu clasped his hands in thanks: "Many thanks, Shopkeeper Wei; also trouble Shopkeeper Wei to prepare brush and ink for me — the younger generation needs to write a letter."

The Four Treasures of the Study were immediately presented; under Feng Heng's tutelage, these five years Wu Mianfeng did nothing but practice martial arts and diligently study poetry and books, gaining some insight into calligraphy, which was now inherited by Fang Xiu.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the letter was finished; Fang Xiu placed it in an envelope and sealed it, then handed it to Shopkeeper Wei.

"Shopkeeper Wei, the kid has to go handle business now; if after three days you don't see the kid return, trouble Shopkeeper Wei to deliver this letter to Peach Blossom Island, and hand it to the Island Master."

After waking up in the morning, Fang Xiu had already thought of a way to rescue A Ku; it required taking risks and gambling on human nature; if he lost the bet he would naturally die, and Fang Xiu would have nothing to say; but Fang Xiu would not let off the Beggar Sect scum who caused his and A Ku's deaths even in death.

The letter clearly wrote out the series of evil deeds by Qingyu Guan and the Beggar Clan Gushan Branch seizing boys and girls; it frankly stated that if Huang Yaoshi saw this letter, Wu Mianfeng's soul would already have returned to the nine springs below, reunited with his Aunt; he hoped Huang Yaoshi could collect his corpse, and preferably his tomb could be a bit closer to Feng Heng's.

Fang Xiu did not mention a word about asking Huang Yaoshi for revenge; however, given Huang Yaoshi's personality, even if Wu Mianfeng had been expelled from Peach Blossom Island, it was not others' place to bully him — just like when Mei Chaofeng was surrounded and attacked by the Jiangnan Six Freaks and Guo Jing, although he deeply hated Mei Chaofeng, he still intervened.

Plus Fang Xiu deliberately brought up Wu Mianfeng's relationship with Feng Heng; as long as this letter reached Huang Yaoshi's hands, Qingyu Guan and the Beggar Sect scum would undoubtedly die.

This was also a back-up plan Fang Xiu left for himself; although influenced by Wu Mianfeng he held considerable resentment toward Huang Yaoshi, adults always know how to adapt; and when that time truly came, Fang Xiu would already be dead — where would he still care about face.

How could the one who killed me continue to live on in this world.

All matters settled, Fang Xiu clasped his hands and took his leave; Shopkeeper Wei gave him forty taels of silver; Fang Xiu didn't understand the prices here, but he knew Shopkeeper Wei gave extra; however he didn't mind — if he still lived afterward, favors must be repaid; if he died, all matters end.

The pawnshop was at the end of the Fang Market; Hongyun Restaurant was at the mouth of the Fang Market; it wasn't yet the noon market, but Hongyun Restaurant had already opened; the waiters were sweeping and sprinkling; the restaurant shopkeeper had moved a small stool to sit at the entrance, holding a purple clay teapot, leisurely and content.

Fang Xiu walked up to the shopkeeper, smiling and bowing: "Shopkeeper, troubling you again today."

At this moment Fang Xiu's appearance had changed greatly; the shopkeeper didn't recognize him at once; just as he was about to return the bow, he suddenly realized this rich young master was actually the little beggar from two days ago.

"You're Fang Xiu? This getup of yours almost fooled my eyes; I said early on you weren't an ordinary person; tsk tsk, with this outfit changed, you're like a completely different person."

"Fang Xiu encountered calamity a few days ago; many thanks to Shopkeeper for your help; grateful beyond words.

Coming here today is to borrow your esteemed place to handle a matter; I wonder, for today's noon market, if I book the venue how much silver would it cost."

The shopkeeper sized Fang Xiu up and down again, a professional smile emerging: "My restaurant's noon business has always been good, you know that too; if booking the venue it's at least thirty taels of silver — that's only because you, Fang Xiu, and I have fate; otherwise at least forty taels."

Fang Xiu took out all the silver from his sleeve and handed it to the shopkeeper: "Here is forty taels total; the kid also doesn't want Shopkeeper to lose out; thirty taels counts as booking the venue; those regular customers on weekdays, trouble Shopkeeper to invite them over, do a personal favor — just say Fang Xiu is treating; fill the seats; what dishes to serve is up to Shopkeeper.

The remaining ten taels, trouble Shopkeeper to set up a porridge shed, prepare rice porridge and steamed cakes, so those beggars around can also have a full meal.

Also, I bought four live sheep; I want them roasted in front of the restaurant; they'll be delivered before noon; today Fang Xiu has distinguished guests to entertain; I wonder if our restaurant's chefs have anyone expert in this?"

Hearing Fang Xiu's words, the shopkeeper was delighted; his quoted price actually had a lot of padding; he didn't expect Fang Xiu to not bargain at all — today was a big profit.

"There are, there are; my back kitchen has two Northern Chefs expert at roasting meat; I'll have the two of them help you — not to boast, but the fragrance will definitely drift ten miles."

Fang Xiu smiled faintly; fragrance drifting ten miles was exactly what he wanted.

Now everything is ready; just waiting for the noon market to open — bait to catch the golden turtle.

Today is the fifth working day since release; according to platform process, today we'll know if we can sign a contract; but this book is worrying — actually pursuing readers and investment are already half the collection count; alas the base is really too small, a bit dangerous; after all everyone is looking at data now.

So today updating two more chapters to prepare.

Hope everyone supports a lot.

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(Chapter End)