Chapter 315

First Volume, Chapter 315: The Complete Jade Returned Unblemished

Soon Qin Feng discovered the problem.

Behind the Six Ministries Zidi sat a man, legs crossed, smug expression, whispering occasionally to those around him.

Oh!

So that's how it is!

These bastards actually planned to gang up and fleece Qin Feng.

They'd collude to abstain from bidding, letting the Six Ministries Zidi snatch the priceless Liu Li Wine Cup for just one thousand liang, then resell it at a high price and split the profits.

Qin Feng gave the lead Zidi a long look—it was no one else but Qian Yu's son, Qian Cheng.

At the court meeting, Qin Feng had blocked Qian Yu's path to becoming Grand Commandant, and now Qian Cheng had come to avenge his father.

When will this cycle of revenge end?

But then again—

They're trying to fleece me?

Auntie can tolerate it, but Uncle cannot!

Qin Feng raised his Wooden Hammer slowly and asked casually: "Any other bidders?"

As his words faded, a voice came from the corner: "I bid five thousand liang!"

All eyes instantly turned toward the speaker.

The bidder wore fine robes but was utterly unfamiliar.

Could he be a wealthy Country Gentleman from afar, drawn by reputation?

The Six Ministries Zidi immediately turned to Qian Cheng; seeing him nod, they raised the bid: "I bid seven thousand liang!"

The unfamiliar Country Gentleman showed no hesitation: "Ten thousand liang."

The crowd erupted.

Not because the man was rich—but because he dared to undermine the Six Ministries Zidi.

Everyone knew the Six Ministries Zidi were just puppets; the real mastermind was Qian Cheng, son of the Minister of Justice.

The other Zidi avoided bidding mostly out of fear of Qian Cheng.

Qian Cheng's face flickered with clear displeasure.

The Six Ministries Zidi understood, turned, and glared fiercely at the foreign Country Gentleman, forcing back his anger: "I bid fifteen thousand liang! You brat, daring to bid against me? Do you even belong here?"

Facing the Six Ministries Zidi's threat, the foreign Country Gentleman remained unfazed, dismissing it lightly: "I am a merchant. Where profit lies, I never yield. Everyone here knows the value of this Liu Li Wine Set. Even fifteen thousand liang is a steal—any price under ten thousand liang can be flipped for profit."

As he spoke, he pulled a banknote from his sleeve: "This is a Ten Thousand Liang Banknote. This Liu Li Wine Set belongs to me alone."

The foreign Country Gentleman's extravagance stunned the Six Ministries Zidi.

Beyond ten thousand liang, the Six Ministries Zidi had no authority—they could only look to Qian Cheng for help.

Qian Cheng didn't hesitate. He stood, sneered: "A country bumpkin Country Gentleman dares to show off in Jingdu? How laughable."

"Ten thousand liang? What's that?"

Qian Cheng waved his hand: "Fifteen Wan Liang! Qin Feng, wrap this wine set carefully and deliver it straight to Qingya Pavilion—for Shen Miss. Qingya Pavilion is refined in every way, yet lacks an object to command the room. This set will add just the right nobility."

At these words, the crowd burst into applause.

The Zidi looked at Qian Cheng with pure admiration.

Though many had long admired Shen Qingci, faced with Qian Cheng's lavishness, they couldn't help secretly concede: they stood no chance. If anyone in Jingdu deserved to marry Shen Qingci, Qian Cheng was certainly one.

Everyone knew the Liu Li Wine Cup was worth nothing near this sum—but who else would spend fifteen Wan Liang for a woman's smile?

Qin Feng was deeply astonished.

Buy my goods, then hand them back—just to win a woman's smile? And slap me in the face, reminding me that Jingdu's waters run too deep for me to ever fathom, that someone will always tower over me?

What a brilliant move!

Qin Feng felt no shame—only delight. He slammed his Wooden Hammer down and announced loudly: "No wonder you're Young Master Qian—truly a grand gesture! This Liu Li Wine Set is sold to Young Master Qian for fifteen Wan Liang. And as Young Master Qian said, the set will be donated free of charge to Qingya Pavilion."

Amid waves of admiration, Qian Cheng wore a look of supreme pride.

This act not only humiliated Qin Feng but also won Shen Qingci's favor and earned him a fine reputation in Jingdu.

Truly a threefold victory!

But at that moment, Qin Feng waved to the foreign Country Gentleman: "Come here. Take the wine set to Qingya Pavilion. Be careful on the way."

Under the bewildered stares of the Zidi, the lavish "foreign Country Gentleman" scurried onto the stage, accepted the wine set with both hands, bowed low, and said: "Master, could you spare me an assistant? This set's heavy—I can barely carry it alone."

The man posing as the foreign Country Gentleman—really Qin Feng's "stooge"—pulled out the banknote and casually tossed it aside.

The crowd finally realized.

That wasn't a banknote—it was just scrap paper!

After a moment of stunned silence, the hall erupted in deafening curses.

"Qin! You treacherous bastard—you staged this whole thing!"

"You bid on your own goods? No one does this!"

Especially Qian Cheng—his pride had vanished, replaced by fury. Others were merely fooled; he'd paid real White Silver.

Fifteen Wan Liang—wasted, and Qin Feng had stolen it clean!

Qian Cheng gritted his teeth: "Qin Feng, you dare mock me!"

Qin Feng ignored the accusations, winked at Qian Cheng: "Mock you? Where's the mockery? You bought this wine set to give to Elder Sister, didn't you? Your goal's already achieved. Don't worry—I'll speak well of you to her."

Hearing this, Qian Cheng's expression eased slightly.

Though he resented losing fifteen Wan Liang, if the set reached Qingya Pavilion, it was still a win—after all, winning Shen Qingci's hand couldn't be measured in silver.

At that very deadline, Qin Xiaofu rushed over, grinning mischievously: "Master, I just ran to Qingya Pavilion. Elder Sister said, thank you for Young Master Qian's kindness."

Qian Cheng's eyes lit up instantly.

These Fifteen Wan Liang of Silver were well spent!

Just as the young disciples stared in envy and hatred, Qian Cheng beamed with pride, feeling he had taken another giant step toward winning Shen Qingci, Qin Xiaofu's voice rang out again.

"But…"

"Elder Sister also said that Qingya Pavilion serves only tea and strictly forbids alcohol; this Liu Li Wine Set is of no use, so she's giving it to Young Master."

Qin Feng feigned great surprise: "No wonder she's my elder sister—she spoils me too much! If that's the case, then This Young Master will accept it…"

Then, under countless murderous stares, Qin Feng placed the very Liu Li Wine Set he had just sold back onto the auction podium: "Heh, man plans, heaven laughs—this Liu Li Wine Set has come full circle! But since it's already been auctioned off, I can't resell it. How about this: if anyone likes it, they can make a private deal with me…"