Inside the clay kiln, there was a deathly silence.
The flame of the oil lamp had dimmed at some point, as if it were about to go out at any moment, just like the flickering light of hope in Shen Ruoxin's heart at this moment. The news that Afu brought back, every word and sentence, was like a heavy hammer, shattering all her previous hopes of luck.
The new salt Transport commissioner, Zhao Bingjun, with the sharp sword hanging over the head of the Splendid Pavilion, has already begun to sharpen its edge, and they are the first to be targeted for the flag sacrifice. The investigation of "hidden shares" is merely a grandiose excuse. The real aim is to uproot the Jinxiu Pavilion and completely clear away this small pebble on the path of progress of Su Ji and the forces behind it.
The escape route of Pingjiang Prefecture has been completely blocked. Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang were struggling to hold on over there, but it was only a waste of time, treating the symptoms rather than the root cause. In Fengqiao Town, Zhao Baopi's hands were moving more and more frequently. It was obvious that he had sensed the change in the wind direction, and his patience was gradually running out.
We can't wait any longer!
That mysterious person... There hasn't been any reply yet. Placing all hopes on an uncertain person is no different from gambling, and it is a gamble with a very small chance of winning.
Shen Ruoxin closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the cold and damp air, and forced her confused mind to calm down. She must save herself! Before the last hope arrives (if it will come), she must try every possible way to fight for a glimmer of hope for the Splendid Pavilion and for the dozens of lives in this cave dwelling!
Since the other party's goal is to benefit and clear obstacles, then... Can we use profit to buy off this knife that is about to fall?
This idea was crazy and bold, yet it was the only driftwood that could be grasped in a desperate situation.
"Uncle Wang," Shen Ruoxin opened her eyes, her gaze exceptionally sharp in the dimness. She looked at the old butler who had been silent and frowning all along, "This new Lord Zhao, since he's here for profit, then we..." Just give him benefits!
Wang Bo suddenly raised his head, a trace of shock flashing in his cloudy eyes: "What the second young lady means is..." ?"
"Send money!" Shen Ruoxin said resolutely, her voice not loud, but with a resolute determination to go all out. "No, it's not just about giving money!" It's for sending... A generous gift that he couldn't refuse! One copy... It was enough for him to temporarily put down the butcher's knife, and even... In turn, consider the generous gift of our value!
Ah Fu and Sun Dayong were also startled by this and their eyes turned to Shen Ruoxin in unison.
How to deliver it? How much to give? Uncle Wang's voice was a little dry. The Jinxiu Pavilion already has a limited amount of cash available on its account. It also has to deal with the turnover from Pingjiang Prefecture and the difficulties of its elder brother. It can be said that it is struggling to make ends meet.
It's not one-off silver. Shen Ruoqi shook his head. "One-time silver can't satisfy his appetite, nor can it buy long-term peace." What we are going to offer is... The gentle and enduring "filial piety"!
Her gaze swept over everyone, and she said word by word, "The Splendid Pavilion..." Annual net profit... Twenty percent!
What? ! Twenty percent? "!" Wang Bo let out a cry of surprise and could hardly believe his ears.
What is the net profit of Jinxiu Pavilion in a year? Although the decline has occurred in the past two years due to the death of Shen's father and the suppression by Su Ji, a dying camel is still bigger than a horse. That's no small number! Should 20% of the net profit be used every year to "show respect" to a salt transport commissioner? This is simply cutting flesh to feed a tiger! And it's a permanent cutting of flesh!
Miss Two! Under no circumstances! Wang Bo said anxiously, "Once this opening is made, his appetite will only grow bigger and bigger!" The future is likely to be... "Swallow up the entire Splendid Pavilion!"
"I know." Shen Ruoxin's tone was unusually calm, so calm that it was almost cold. "But do we have any other options now?" Uncle Wang, what do you think? If we do nothing, the Splendid Pavilion... Can we get through this month?
Uncle Wang opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word. He knew that what the second young lady said was the truth. Zhao Bingjun was sharpening his sword with great fanning, his elder brother was keeping a close watch inside, and Su Ji was fanning the flames outside. The Jinxiu Pavilion was already on the verge of extinction.
"Twenty percent pure profit is truly like cutting out one's heart and flesh." Shen Ruoxin continued, "But this is also showing him our 'value'!" Jinxiu Pavilion can make money and keep making money continuously! As long as the Jinxiu Pavilion exists, he can receive this huge "contribution" steadily every year. This might be better than a one-time raid, offending countless people and earning a reputation as a "cruel official", perhaps... Is it more beneficial to him?
"Moreover," she paused, a glint flashing in her eyes, "this can also help us..." Buy time! As long as he lets us off for the time being, as long as he gives us a few months, or even just one month... Perhaps, things will take a turn for the better!
She didn't explicitly state what the turning point was, but Wang Bo vaguely guessed that the second young lady was still waiting... Wait for that mysterious person, or... Wait for her plan about "peculiar silk" to be launched.
With an annual profit of 20%, I'm trading for a glimmer of hope and precious time!
This is a crazy bet, but it is indeed the only seemingly feasible "profit survival strategy" at present.
Uncle Wang fell silent. The cave dwelling was once again deathly silent, with only the pattering of rain outside and the heavy breathing of the people audible.
After a long while, Uncle Wang raised his head, his eyes filled with struggle and pain, which eventually turned into a moment of determination: "All right!" Second Miss, old slave... Let's make the arrangements right now! Just... This matter is extremely risky. We must find someone who is absolutely reliable and can connect with Lord Zhao to handle it. And... The words should be spoken in an extremely subtle way, just to the point. We need to make him understand our "sincerity", but at the same time leave no evidence for us.
"This person..." Shen Ruoxin looked at Wang Bo, her eyes filled with an inquiry.
Wang Bo pondered for a moment and said, "I do know someone. I met him when I was traveling around the country in my early years. His surname is Qian and he is called 'Qian Shi Ye'. He specializes in the business of intermediary and matchmaking. His methods are unconventional and he is very strict with his words." Just... It will probably cost a lot to persuade him.
"Money is not a problem!" Shen Ruoxin immediately said, "As long as we can get in touch and have him deliver our sincerity to Lord Zhao in its entirety, it's worth it no matter what the cost is!" Uncle Wang, this matter is extremely urgent. Please handle it yourself right away! Remember, only talk about "filial piety", only talk about "sincerity", never mention the word "bribery", and never leave any written evidence!
"Yes!" The old slave understands! Wang Bo nodded vigorously, no longer hesitating, and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Shen Ruoxin called him back, took out a small and anciently styled jade pendant from her bosom and handed it to Uncle Wang, "This is what my mother left behind. Take it with you." If that Mr. Qian hesitates, then show him this thing. Maybe... It can be of some use.
Wang Bo took the jade pendant and held it in his hand. It was warm and smooth, with a subtle "willow" character mark engraved on it. His heart gave a jolt. Without asking any more questions, he solemnly put the jade pendant close to his body and quickly disappeared into the dark entrance.
Time passed bit by bit in the anxious wait.
Shen Ruoxin was fidgeting restlessly, repeatedly imagining in her mind the possible conversations between Wang Bo and Qian Shi Ye, and Qian Shi Ye and Zhao Bingjun. Every detail and every variable made her heartstrings tense.
20% net profit... This is already the biggest asset she can offer and also her last line of defense. Will Zhao Bingjun be tempted? Will he temporarily let go of the Splendid Pavilion for this long-term and huge benefit?
After an unknown period of time, an extremely faint, agreed-upon secret signal came from outside.
It's Uncle Wang who's back!
Shen Ruoxin's heart suddenly rose to her throat, and Afu and Sun Dayong immediately became vigilant.
Wang Bo's figure appeared at the entrance. His steps were somewhat unsteady, his face paler than when he went there, and his eyes were filled with unbelievable shock and... A deep sense of despair.
"Uncle Wang?" How's that?? "!" Shen Ruoxin rushed forward eagerly.
Wang Bo's lips quivered a few times, as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't make a sound. He staggered to the stone mill, leaning on the cold stone wall to manage to stand steadily, with bloodshot eyes.
"Second Miss..." He finally regained his voice, but it was as hoarse as the friction of sandpaper. "It's over..." It's all over...
What's over? ! Speak up quickly! Shen Ruoxin's heart sank to the bottom in an instant.
Wang Bo raised his head and looked at Shen Ruoxin, his eyes filled with endless bitterness and coldness: "Old slave..." I met Master Qian. He indeed... I got connected with Lord Zhao...
"Well..." Then what did Lord Zhao say? "!"
"Lord Zhao..." Uncle Wang's voice carried a strange calmness, a calmness of utter despair. "He..." After hearing the "sincerity" conveyed by Master Qian, he not only remained unmoved... Instead... Instead, it made Master Qian pass on a message to the old slave...
What words? Shen Ruoxin's heart almost stopped beating.
Uncle Wang closed his eyes, seemingly reluctant to recall. After a long while, he said in a voice almost like a whisper, "He said..." With just 20% of the profit from a mere Brocade Pavilion, he... I still don't like it...
He also said... Uncle Wang's voice grew deeper and deeper, carrying a bone-chilling coldness. "Let's..." There's no need to waste your efforts. Because... As early as half a month ago, the owner of Su Ji Cloth Shop, Mr. Su, had already paid a personal visit to him. Shopkeeper Su... Not only was a generous gift presented, but also a promise was made... After the matter is accomplished, all the properties under the name of Jinxiu Pavilion will be transferred... The price is 30%! "Show filial piety to Lord Zhao!"
Boom!
It was as if a bolt of thunder had exploded in Shen Ruoxin's mind!
Su Ji! It's Su Ji again!
Not only have they long colluded with the new salt transport commissioner, but even... Even the "division of spoils" plan after the annexation of the Splendid Pavilion has already been agreed upon! The price is 30%! What a vicious Su Changmao! What a greedy Zhao Bingjun!
It turned out that the so-called "investigation of hidden stocks" was, from the very beginning, a trap they had jointly set for the Jinxiu Pavilion! A doomed trap!
Her self-righteous "profit survival strategy" is simply a ridiculous and overreaching joke in front of the tight net that others have already set up!
Coldness, bone-chilling coldness, instantly swept through Shen Ruoxin's entire body. She staggered and took a step back, slumped onto the cold stone mill, and the last glimmer of light in her eyes was completely extinguished.