Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

Chapter 106: Chapter 105: The World Sneers_1

Standing to the right of Bai Qiyun, the junior master of the Shuoyang Bai family, with a respectful demeanor, finished speaking and reached out to pull Bai Qiyun. He wanted to take the opportunity to leave with Bai Qiyun, for the reputation of the clan was more valuable than this money. They were already in the wrong; continuing to confront would inevitably expose their lies.

Bai Jinzhi said nothing and blocked the three men’s way, gritting her teeth and screaming hoarsely: “Now you dare not accept it?! Wasn’t it you who aggressively demanded my aunt to gather 450,000 taels by tomorrow?! Wasn’t it you who arrogantly ordered us to buy our way out?! You speak highly of my grandfather’s integrity, but you insinuate that the Duke of Zhen’s widow is an unjust person… maliciously framing the clan! Do you think I’m too stupid to understand?! If so… do you dare swear in front of my grandfather’s shrine that you did not force my aunt? If you dare to swear… I, Bai Jinzhi, will apologize to the clan with my life today! Do you dare?!”

Which of the three masters from Shuoyang dared to swear such an oath?

As soon as Bai Jinzhi’s angry and high-pitched voice fell, a galloping horse suddenly halted, stopping steadily in front of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion.

Clad in a white velvet cloak, Xiao Rongyan leaped off the horse, casually handed the whip to an accompanying guard, tidied his attire respectfully at the door before stepping up the steps of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion.

Xiao Rongyan entered without speaking, first bowed deeply, and then rose to respectfully salute Mrs. Dong.

Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan returned the salute. Before Xiao Rongyan could speak, Bai Qingyan said: “Mr. Xiao must have already seen the steward of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion. Mr. Xiao, do you intend to purchase our shops and farmlands? The clan urges us urgently; they demand the money by tomorrow. Mother and I have thought about it… and realized that in Dadu, only you, the number one wealthy businessman in the world, could possibly produce such a sum overnight! We originally planned to get your confirmation first and then let the steward and the steward bring the contracts to your door. We didn’t expect you to come in person.”

Xiao Rongyan, looking at Bai Qingyan who spoke leisurely and calmly, reached out to his followers, who immediately handed him an exquisite and valuable redwood box.

Xiao Rongyan presented the box with both hands, his gentle voice gradually spreading: “The loyalty and bravery of the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion are witnessed by all. Xiao also admires the loyalty of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion! As a businessman, Xiao’s status is low, and the only thing he can offer is this yellow and white valuables! Here are one million taels in silver notes from Huitong Bank, freshly printed. If this is not enough, I will send another two million taels tomorrow! Madam Princely Heir, Miss Bai, feel free to ask. Xiao can provide as much as needed.”

Under the flickering light of the lanterns in the Bai family’s mourning hall, the tall and upright figure of Xiao Rongyan stood with calm and composure in his black eyes.

The room’s candlelight outlined his extremely elegant and distinct features. His serene, abyssal gaze fluctuated with the fire’s dance, exuding a mature, refined, and noble demeanor.

Bai Qingyan knew that with the opportunity presented in front of Xiao Rongyan, he would only exceed her expectations…

Such a show of wealth to the Duke of Zhen’s widow demonstrated immense financial power comparable to a nation, garnering a good reputation.

Hearing the public praise Xiao Rongyan’s high integrity, her eyes deepened further.

After today, the title of the world’s number one wealthy businessman was secured for Xiao Rongyan, and the title of the righteous businessman would also be his.

Mrs. Dong gently curtseyed: “Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for your assistance. The Duke of Zhen’s mansion owes you a favor. However, business is business… it must be conducted according to the rules. Mr. Xiao may order the shopkeeper and steward to come to our mansion to calculate the value of the shops and farmlands accurately. We will not allow Mr. Xiao to spend a penny more.”

“Madam Princely Heir…”

Mrs. Dong raised her hand, indicating Xiao Rongyan need not persuade further, her demeanor gentle: “Mr. Xiao, aiding us in this difficult time is already a great help! The Duke of Zhen’s mansion is deeply grateful. However, the family law of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion is strict. Even if at our wits’ end, we must not take advantage of the people! The family rules of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion are inviolable, and our backbone is unbreakable! Especially since there are women like us in the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, we are far from desperate.”

Xiao Rongyan solemnly saluted to apologize: “It is Xiao’s recklessness. Although the men of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion have all perished, the mansion’s unyielding spirit endures. Xiao admires this! Therefore, we shall follow the Madam Princely Heir’s instructions…”

“But…” Xiao Rongyan’s gaze swept over the three Shuoyang Bai family masters blocked by Bai Jinzhi, “Since these three masters of the Shuoyang Bai family are anxious, why not give them the silver notes first. The deceased is most important, and the Duke of Zhen’s mansion currently has a major mourning. Let’s handle the funeral first. After the funeral is over, we will slowly settle the business accounts. What do you think, Madam Princely Heir?”

“Mr. Xiao is highly virtuous, the Duke of Zhen’s mansion is deeply grateful.” Bai Qingyan respectfully saluted and said, “Mother, since the setttling of accounts might take some time, and we promised the three clan uncles to prepare the sum by tomorrow, we can’t break our word. The Duke of Zhen’s mansion is in the midst of a grand funeral, and we are extremely busy. Since Mr. Xiao trusts the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, why not ask Mr. Xiao to first give 450,000 taels to the three clan uncles. After the funeral, we shall settle the accounts.”

Mrs. Dong nodded: “Then we must trouble Mr. Xiao.”

Xiao Rongyan then handed the brocade box to the guard behind him. The guard took out four silver notes of 100,000 taels each, and five silver notes of 10,000 taels each. He held the box containing the silver notes in one hand and the silver notes in the other, walking to Bai Qiyun and the other two, casually handing over the silver notes with one hand.

Bai Qiyun was no fool. Accepting these 450,000 taels in private might be fine, but after such a commotion, with nobles and commoners alike watching, the clan forcing the Bai family’s widow to sell the Duke of Zhen’s property to gather silver for the clan, now a businessman giving money to the Duke of Zhen’s mansion instead, if he accepted this silver, the Bai clan would indeed be ridiculed by everyone.

Bai Jinzhi provoked Bai Qiyun: “Uncle, the silver notes are here… Why don’t you dare to take them? Are you afraid because of Grandfather’s spirit? Isn’t it true that Grandfather’s promise to the clan was just a lie you made up to seize the Duke of Zhen’s property?!”

Bai Qiyun couldn’t help but recall the flickering candles without wind and the incense that broke twice, causing his palms to sweat profusely.

Bai Jinxiu, who had been kneeling in front of the shrine, lifted her head and spoke slowly: “Uncle, your hesitation, could it be that my fourth sister’s guess is true? Are you afraid to accept the silver guiltily, fearing our Duke of Zhen’s spirits might come for retribution at night?”

Bai Qiyun, in a panic, stepped back, his voice faltering: “What nonsense are you speaking?! This… this was agreed earlier!”

Even as he spoke, Bai Qiyun hesitated to reach out for the silver, his fear evident.

However, the junior master standing behind Bai Qiyun gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and took the silver with both hands.