Brother Xie, Want to Sell Salt?

"If Brother Du doesn't believe me, please look at this." Xie Xian pulled two papers from his sleeve and handed them over. "These are the property and land deeds for Fenghua Tower."

Du Lingfeng released the dagger in his sleeve, took the deeds, and glanced at them before looking up. "Brother Xie, you carry these things with you?"

"No, I knew you would ask this question, so I prepared them in advance."

"Brother Du, will you still deny selling private salt?"

Du Lingfeng remained silent, looking at the deeds again.

They had Fang Zheng's endorsement and bore an official seal.

Few would dare to forge such documents. The consequences would be a hundred times more severe than selling private salt. Xie Xian had no reason to deceive him with such things.

What he said earlier also made sense.

He had indeed done business with the Sun family, which was undeniable.

Du Lingfeng sighed. "Brother Xie, even if I did sell private salt, what of it? Why did you call me here today?"

"I'm here to warn you! What else would it be? Do you think I want to report you to the authorities?!"

"Brother Xie, you..."

Xie Xian put on a righteous expression. "We're both scholars who have fallen to become merchants. Though we've only known each other for a few days, we've already become close friends."

"Brother Du, though you sell private salt, I consider it beneficial to the common people."

"I won't say anything, but I can't guarantee others will keep quiet, so I wanted to warn you. I have no other motives!"

Du Lingfeng stared at Xie Xian, feeling a hint of gratitude.

It doesn't sound like a lie! There's no other reason!

If he wanted to harm me, with evidence in hand, he could have done so directly. Why put on this act?

"Brother Du, from our interactions these past days, I can see you're quick-witted. Why engage in this business?"

"I believe becoming a Juren wouldn't be difficult for you!" Xie Xian said regretfully.

Du Lingfeng's tension and vigilance began to diminish.

The mention of scholarly pursuits diverted his attention.

Who would choose to struggle in business if they could become an official? There must be difficulties.

Du Lingfeng shook his head. "Brother Xie, there's something you don't know."

"Though I'm a Xiucai, I was a Xiucai of the Qian Dynasty... With the country fallen and home lost, what use is talking about becoming a Juren? Former Qian Dynasty candidates can take the exams to become officials, but they're only assigned to the north!"

"In officialdom, we must tread carefully, always inferior to others. Even if fortunate enough to be reassigned to our hometown, we'd face contempt."

"Unwelcome everywhere, why subject myself to such hardship?"

As he continued, Du Lingfeng began to sigh. "As a scholar, how could I not dream of becoming a great official? But that path is already closed to me, hopeless in this lifetime! Since I cannot ascend to high office, I might as well seek wealth!"

"So you went into selling private salt?" Xie Xian interjected.

"Yes..." Du Lingfeng nodded bitterly.

At this point, there was no use denying it.

"Such is fate, cruel indeed! You were misled by circumstances, I was deceived by corrupt officials... both of us fallen wanderers." Xie Xian appeared deeply moved.

Du Lingfeng smiled bitterly. "I originally admired Fang Zheng, thinking he was truly a good official dedicated to the people. I never expected him to be a beast in human clothing!"

".........., Ah! Let's not talk about him. What do you plan to do now? Leave Jianjiang?"

Du Lingfeng relaxed against the chair back. "Since Brother Xie has warned me, what reason do I have to stay?"

"Putting me aside, I thought Brother Xie was wealthy from Fenghua Tower. I never expected you'd already become a bride for another. What are your plans for the future?"

Xie Xian shook his head. "I don't know. Fenghua Tower has been my life's work. It would be difficult for me to start another business now."

"Ordinary small profits hold no interest for me!"

"By the way, Brother Du, since we're being honest with each other, I'd like to ask: is selling salt profitable?"

"If it weren't profitable, how could I afford to come to Fenghua Tower?" Du Lingfeng asked in return.

"Heh, true." Xie Xian laughed self-deprecatingly. "Others think I'm flourishing, not knowing I've lost everything."

"Fang Zheng hasn't sent anyone to find me yet, but if one day he sends someone to replace me, even this facade of prosperity will vanish."

Du Lingfeng carefully observed Xie Xian's expression, then suddenly asked, "Brother Xie, would you like revenge?"

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Today you kindly warned me, so I should return the favor. Otherwise, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't repay kindness?"

"Please continue!" Xie Xian sat up straight.

Interesting, I haven't even started and he's already taking the initiative...

Looks like he wants to recruit me...

After pondering for a moment, Du Lingfeng spoke. "Since the Sun family is so loose-lipped, I can't stay in Jianjiang anymore."

"But the private salt business has its own rules. If I leave, I'd have to hand over these profits to someone else."

"Rather than giving it to a stranger, why not to you, Brother Xie? Do you... have the courage to do it?"

Du Lingfeng was constantly calculating.

He couldn't stay in Jianjiang now. The new prefect had just arrived, and this was a critical time for him to make his mark.

Xie Xian already knew his identity, which posed a risk.

But abandoning such a large market was really a shame.

Perhaps Xie Xian could be developed as his man, and he could just wait to share in the profits!

Xie Xian first showed fear, then nervousness, and finally forced calmness. "This is a capital offense! Besides, what does this have to do with revenge?"

"Brother Xie, you..."

Du Lingfeng took in all his expressions, smiling. "Actually, it's not that dangerous."

"You're at Fenghua Tower now, with countless resources at your disposal. You can easily sell salt privately."

"If one day Fang Zheng finds someone to replace you, you can pin it on that person, then leave Jianjiang with your head held high. If the authorities investigate, won't the trouble fall on Fang Zheng? This way, Brother Xie, you make money and Fang Zheng suffers as well."

"But... how would I pin it on someone else?" Xie Xian asked.

"That depends on your abilities. I'm just suggesting a method; the details are up to you. With your insight, I believe such a small matter won't be a problem. How difficult would it be to set up Fang Zheng to suffer the consequences?" Du Lingfeng wore a faint smile, now dominating the conversation.

"Now you just need to answer me: are you willing or not? If not, that's fine too."

"If you're willing, I'll help you!"

Xie Xian looked at Du Lingfeng and questioned. "Brother Du, it's not that I don't trust you, but I've been deceived more than once."

"If the profits are so enormous, why would you simply hand them over? What's in it for you?"

Du Lingfeng felt increasingly confident.

Good, this shows Xie Xian is seriously considering it. The more concerns he has, the more stable the situation.

"Heh, don't rush! This isn't as simple as you think. Even selling private salt requires qualifications!"

"Actually, all my salt comes from the Lu family in Haiyuan City."

"The Lu family, one of the four major salt merchants?"

"Correct! When the Qian Dynasty still existed, the Lu family was already incredibly wealthy, and their position remains stable. If you want to sell private salt, you must go through the Lu family. To qualify, the Lu family will first investigate your background. With your former connection to Fang Zheng, you wouldn't qualify to sell salt."

"But with my endorsement, this... won't be a problem!"