Chapter 29: First Volume, Chapter 29: A Promise Worth a Thousand Tael

First Volume, Chapter 29: A Promise Worth a Thousand Tael

The forces behind Zui Xian Lou are intricately entangled; not even a mere Wanfu could afford to challenge it—even high-ranking officials must tread carefully, for one misstep could bury their entire career and life.

Qin Feng actually claimed he would shut down Zui Xian Lou within half a month; to Liu Hongyan, this was pure nonsense.

As the Qin Family's Financial Director, Liu Hongyan had an uncanny instinct for money.

If Qin Feng truly replaced Zui Xian Lou, the Qin Family's status would rise another notch.

With the Di invading the northern border, Shedynasty is in dire need of silver; holding Silver Notes is equivalent to accumulating political power at court—Qin Tianhu would only grow more favored by the Liang Emperor.

For the sake of the silver, Liu Hongyan decided to give Qin Feng a chance: "If you truly have the ability to replace Zui Xian Lou, I'll grant you one favor as a reward."

Qin Feng, who had been slumped and listless, instantly perked up; his fear of Liu Hongyan vanished, replaced by excitement, and he leaned in eagerly.

Seeing Qin Feng's predatory look, Liu Hongyan's cheeks flushed faintly—she knew her brother too well; there was nothing Qin Feng wouldn't dare do.

What if this brat actually made some outrageous demand? What should she do?

Liu Hongyan felt a pang of guilt but forced a calm expression, even lifting her chest, preparing to intimidate Qin Feng with her aura.

Unfortunately… Qin Feng found her feigned arrogance far too potent—he couldn't help but swallow hard.

"Any demand at all?"

At these words, Liu Hongyan's heart sank halfway; but words spoken were like water spilled—she had no choice but to maintain her composure.

"As long as it doesn't violate morality or law, name it."

Qin Feng began counting on his fingers, pretending to analyze seriously: "Sister, you're Liu, I'm Qin—we're siblings in name only, with no blood tie."

"Besides, I'm old enough now—I'm at the age to marry."

"And… honestly speaking, whether in looks, figure, demeanor, or even personality—you're exactly my type…"

Hearing this, Liu Hongyan's cheeks turned crimson as if dripping blood.

Neither Shedynasty's law nor the current moral climate imposed any restriction on Liu Hongyan and Qin Feng's relationship.

In a certain sense, if they wished, they could become husband and wife instantly—publicly, legitimately, with proper marriage rites.

In the past, Liu Hongyan would have kicked Qin Feng away without hesitation.

What a toad dreaming of swan meat.

But since Qin Feng changed after falling into the river, he had become an entirely different person—especially in ability; across all of Jingdu, there was no second like him.

Moreover, this fellow was fiercely loyal to family; though his personality was brazen and even mad, in matters of romance, it might not be a bad thing.

Thinking of this, Liu Hongyan's breathing quickened.

Just as Liu Hongyan bit her lower lip, preparing to decide, Qin Feng's voice suddenly spoke again.

"Sister, don't overthink it—I meant, with your beauty, help me find a bride."

At this, Liu Hongyan feigned relief with a heavy sigh, yet inside, a strange sense of disappointment settled.

What she didn't know… Qin Feng had been observing her reaction all along.

Seeing her first blush, then clench her tiny fists, Qin Feng feared she might suddenly explode and grind him into the ground.

Damn it! So sibling bonds won't work?!

Bullshit about "rabbits don't eat the grass near their burrows"—Qin Feng felt as if he'd lost millions of taels of silver, utterly despondent.

Liu Hongyan calmed herself, grabbed Qin Feng's ear, and scolded: "You little brat, what are you thinking about all day?"

Qin Feng clutched his ear, grimacing in pain, yelling loudly: "I just like women like you! As a man, what bad intentions could I possibly have?"

His loud outburst drew glances from several maids and servants.

Liu Hongyan's cheeks flushed again, and in anger, she kicked him hard in the buttocks.

To prevent him from uttering any more shocking words, she pinched his lower back hard.

This hurt far more than pulling his ear! Qin Feng yelped and leapt several feet away, clutching his waist as he fled.

Back in the Back Courtyard, Qin Feng seethed inwardly: good water shouldn't flow to someone else's field—the Qin Family had raised Liu Hongyan to be so exquisite; how could she be wasted on outsiders? He only wanted to protect his sister for life—what harm was there in that?

Qin Feng sighed, checked the White Sugar in the warehouse, confirmed everything was correct, then returned to his room to rest.

Exhausted from the day's exertions, he slept soundly until the next day, when the sun was high, and Xiao Xiangxiang woke him.

"Young Master, wake up—it's already late! If Master sees you like this, you'll surely get another scolding," Xiao Xiangxiang fretted beside his bed, tidying his scattered clothes and chattering like a housekeeper.

Qin Feng always hated waking early; he pulled the Quilt over his head, but when the noise became unbearable, he yanked it off and, catching Xiao Xiangxiang off guard, yanked her inside.

Xiao Xiangxiang turned pale with fright, wanting to scream but fearing the Servants would hear and she'd never wash away the scandal—she could only beg Qin Feng for mercy.

Seeing Xiao Xiangxiang's flushed cheeks, short breaths, curled-up, shamefaced posture, Qin Feng found it hilarious.

"What are you afraid of? Can this Young Master really eat you?" Qin Feng wrapped one arm tightly around Xiao Xiangxiang and pinched her nose with the other.

Having been bullied by Liu Hongyan for so long, Qin Feng thought this was finally his chance to dominate—and he wouldn't let this little maid off easily.

Xiao Xiangxiang's cheeks burned crimson, her breath shallow as if she might faint: "Young Master, you are of noble blood—how can you dally with a lowly slave? Won't that tarnish your status? If Master or Miss sees this, they'll think I've seduced you—I'll be flayed alive!"

Though in Jingdu, Young Masters "playing" with maids was practically an unwritten rule, outwardly, marriage still demanded social parity—especially for noble families, who could only wed women of equal rank. Even the most beautiful maid could at best become a concubine.

A concubine was no wife—she was merely a servant allowed to share the bed, with no status whatsoever.

If a Young Master was caught meeting a maid before marriage, the maid's fate was usually grim.

Qin Feng had no intention of harming Xiao Xiangxiang—but this little maid was simply too adorable—he couldn't bring himself to let her go.