The Eldest Legitimate Daughter is Both Beautiful and Valiant (ELDBBV) - Chapter 105

Standing at Bai Qiyun’s right side, the illegitimate uncle from the Shuoyang Bai clan put on a deferential face as he spoke, then reached out to pull Bai Qiyun. He wanted to take the chance to slip away with Bai Qiyun, for the clan’s reputation was far more precious than mere money. They were already in the wrong and further confrontation would inevitably expose their flaws.

Without a word, Bai Jinzhi blocked the three men’s path, gritting her teeth, her voice hoarse with rage, “Now you say you daren’t accept it?! Just now, the ones pressuring my aunt to gather 450,000 taels by tomorrow, was that not you?! The ones who bossed us around, demanding we buy our way out, was that not you?! You keep praising my grandfather’s great righteousness, yet in truth you implied that we widows of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence were unrighteous and slandered the clan! Do you think I’m too stupid to understand this?! Since it is so… Do you dare swear before my grandfather’s spirit tablet that you did not force my eldest aunt? If you dare swear… Then today I, Bai Jinzhi, shall die to atone before the clan! Do you dare?!”

Which one of the three elders from Shuoyang truly dared to make such an oath?

As Bai Jinzhi’s impassioned words fell, the sound of an urgent gallop arrived. A fine horse was reined in sharply, stopping steadily before the gates of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence.

Draped in a white cloak, Xiao Rongyan leapt lightly from horseback. He handed his whip to the guard who accompanied him, straightened his robe respectfully outside the gate, then ascended the steps of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence.

Without a word upon entering, Xiao Rongyan first bowed deeply in full ritual. Only then did he rise, giving Dong-shi a deep bow.

Dong-shi and Bai Qingyan returned the courtesy. Before Xiao Rongyan could speak, Bai Qingyan opened her mouth first, “Mr Xiao must already have met with the steward of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence. I wonder if Mr Xiao is interested in purchasing our shops, farms, and fertile lands? The clan is pressing urgently, demanding the money by tomorrow. Mother and I thought it over… Looking across the capital, only Mr Xiao, the world’s wealthiest merchant, could come up with 500,000 to 600,000 taels overnight! We had intended to have the housekeeper and steward bring the contracts to your door, once we gained your approval. We had not expected Mr Xiao would come in person.”

Xiao Rongyan looked at Bai Qingyan, speaking slowly and calmly. He reached out his hand. His attendant immediately handed him a finely crafted rosewood box.

Xiao Rongyan offered the box with both hands, his warm voice slow and steady, “The loyalty and valour of the Bai family of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence is known throughout the world. I, Xiao, am also moved by the loyalty and righteousness of the entire Duke’s family! Being but a merchant of lowly status, the only thing I can offer are gold and silver! Here are banknotes from Huitong Bank worth one million taels, freshly issued. If it’s not enough, tomorrow I shall send another two million taels! Whatever First Madam or Eldest Miss asks. I will produce as much as you want.”

Beneath the flickering lanterns of the mourning hall, Xiao Rongyan’s tall and slender form stood composed and calm.

The lamplight framed the refined silhouette of his features, while his tranquil, profound gaze flickered with the flames, giving him a gentle, noble, and mature air.

Bai Qingyan knew that when the opportunity was placed before Xiao Rongyan, he would always surpass her expectations…

Such magnanimity towards the widows of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence not only displayed his immense wealth, riches to rival a nation, but also won him great renown.

As she heard the civilians praising Xiao Rongyan’s lofty righteousness, her eyes grew ever darker.

From today on, Xiao Rongyan’s title as the world’s wealthiest merchant would be firmly secured. He would also be known as a righteous businessman… not to mention anything else.

Dong-shi bowed lightly, “Many thanks, Mr Xiao, for your assistance. The Zhenguo Duke’s residence accepts Mr Xiao’s kindness. However, business is business… We must abide by the rules. Mr Xiao, please have the shopkeepers and stewards come with our accountants to determine the value of the shops, farms, and fields. Whatever the worth is, that is what it shall be! We must not allow Mr Xiao to pay even a penny more.”

“First Madam…”

Dong-shi raised her hand, signalling that Xiao Rongyan need not press further. Her expression was gentle, “Mr Xiao’s willingness to aid in our hour of need is already rare indeed! The whole household of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence is deeply grateful. However, the Duke’s residence has strict family rules. Even if we are reduced to utter ruin, we must never take a needle or a thread more than is due from others! The family rules cannot be violated, and our integrity cannot be broken! What’s more, we women are still here. The Duke’s residence has not yet reached the end of its rope.”

Xiao Rongyan bowed earnestly in apology, “I was rash. Though the men of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence perished on the battlefield, the unyielding spirit of the residence endures. You have my admiration! Then, it will be as First Madam says…”

“However…” Xiao Rongyan’s gaze swept over the three Shuoyang Bai clan elders blocked by Bai Jinzhi. “Since these three elders of the Shuoyang Bai clan are in such a hurry, then let the money be handed to them first. The deceased is of the greatest importance. The Zhenguo Duke’s residence is in deep mourning, so let the funeral be handled first. When the rites are done, then we can slowly settle the business accounts and transfers. What does the First Madam think?”

“Mr Xiao is kind, the Zhenguo Duke’s residence is deeply grateful,” Bai Qingyan bowed respectfully and said, “Mother, the settling of accounts will take some time. Since we already promised the uncles to prepare everything by tomorrow, we must not break our word. Now the residence is overwhelmed with the funeral. Since Mr Xiao trusts us, then why not first ask Mr Xiao… to give these three uncles the 450,000 taels? We’ll reconcile and hand over the accounts after the Duke’s residence’s funeral is over.”

Dong-shi nodded, “Then we must trouble you, Mr Xiao.”

At that, Xiao Rongyan handed the brocade box back to his attendant, who drew out four notes of 100,000 taels and five notes of 10,000 taels. Holding the wooden box in one hand and the silver notes in the other, he walked up to Bai Qiyun and his companions, offering the notes with a casual air.

Bai Qiyun was no fool. It would not have been a problem if he had accepted the 450,000 taels behind closed doors, but there had been such a commotion with both nobles and commoners watching. The clan had forced the widows of the Bai family to sell off their estate to raise money for the clan, and now a merchant had instead come to offer money to the Bai family. If he accepted this money, then the Bai clan would truly become a laughingstock throughout the world.

Bai Jinzhi goaded Bai Qiyun, “Uncle, the silver notes are here… Why are you afraid to reach out and take them? Could it be that you’re afraid because Grandfather showed his spirit? Is it possible that Grandfather’s words of promise to the clan were nothing but lies you made up to seize the estate of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence?!”

Bai Qiyun involuntarily thought again of the flame flickering without wind and the incense breaking twice. His palm grew slick with nervous sweat.

Bai Jinxiu, who had been kneeling before the spirit tablet, lifted her head and spoke slowly,
“Uncle is so hesitant. Could it be that Fourth Sister’s guess is true? Is Uncle afraid that if he accepts this money against his conscience, the loyal souls of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence will come to settle the account with Uncle in the night?”

Bai Qiyun panicked and stepped back, blustering weakly, “Nonsense! This… This was what all agreed upon beforehand!”

Though he spoke so, Bai Qiyun still did not dare to reach out and take the silver notes. His fear was plain to see.

It was instead the elder behind Bai Qiyun who gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and accepted the notes with both hands.