"Originally, there was no connection between us, but this time Master ordered me to go out and purchase some cultivation items for the Academy. According to the contract, we were supposed to cooperate with Nanyan Commerce," Ye Fengyun explained. "However, since Nanyan Commerce was newly established and I feared their limited capabilities might jeopardize the important matters of the Academy, I took the liberty of contacting a few other chambers of commerce as well, including the Yuan Family which has a deep-rooted business foundation."
Mu Hanyan felt a sinking feeling in her heart. She remembered that Wenren Qingqiu had said something different; according to their contract, they would only seek other chambers of commerce if Nanyan Commerce couldn’t supply what Longyan Academy needed. But Ye Fengyun hadn’t even asked before contacting other chambers of commerce, clearly using his authority to embarrass Nanyan Commerce intentionally.
"So that’s the case; then I’m relieved. After all, I have no relation with Nanyan Commerce, and since Young Master Ye made such a decision, he must have his reasons. As an outsider, it’s not my place to criticize," Mu Hanyan nodded calmly and said.
Her experiences in her previous life had matured her far beyond her outward appearance. It also taught her a lesson, never to reveal all her strengths until the very last moment, always leaving herself a lifeline.
The undercurrents in Heishi City were stirring. She didn’t want the Mu Family to repeat the mistakes of her former life. The existence of Nanyan Commerce might prove crucial at a critical moment.
She was also not worried about anyone deducing her connection with Nanyan Commerce from various subtle clues. After all, she was known as the number one playboy in Heishi City; enjoying life to the fullest and supporting several flatterers required money. Utilizing the identity of the City Lord’s Young Master to engage in profitable collusion between government and business was quite normal, wasn’t it?
"That’s also true. By the way, may I ask why Young Master Mu is visiting Yuan Family’s residence today?" Ye Fengyun nodded subtly and asked.
"I heard that a few servants from Nanyan Commerce were injured by people from Young Master Yuan’s residence, so I came to ask if Young Master Yuan was aware of this?" Mu Hanyan inquired.
"Are you here to seek justice for Nanyan Commerce?" Yuan Tianbo asked.
"Didn’t I already say that I have no relation with Nanyan Commerce? Even if there’s a need for justice, it’s not my turn to intervene. Besides, my father is the City Lord of Heishi City; how could I engage in such unlawful activities like causing trouble and seeking revenge privately?" Mu Hanyan retorted.
"What do you want, then?" Yuan Tianbo couldn’t help but interject.
"Oh, it’s —I heard that the people who injured them were quite strong. Coincidentally, my two personal guards have also improved their strength recently and are looking to exchange some moves," Mu Hanyan said with a giggle.
Mu Nan’s eyes lit up and he silently slapped his forehead. In Anyun Country, from nobles and wealthy families to commoners and tradespeople, inciting chaos and seeking revenge with martial might was forbidden by the law, but a sparring match between swordsmen was different. As long as a battle agreement was made, even the sovereign of a country could not interfere.
In fact, many conflicts between families were resolved in this manner. However, previously consumed by rage thinking of avenging his guards, Mu Nan had overlooked this point.
"Is that so? I’m sorry, but I don’t know who injured the people from Nanyan Commerce. You’ve got the wrong person," Yuan Tianbo of course wouldn’t admit to being responsible, saying with a disingenuous smile.
"It doesn’t matter. I heard that the Guard Leader of the Yuan Family is quite competent. Asking him for a sparring match would suffice," Mu Hanyan had already made up her mind to teach Yuan Tianbo a harsh lesson today. Otherwise, the advantageous position Nanyan Commerce had just established could be ruined, and she wouldn’t let him off easily with a feigned friendly smile and continued persistence.