A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1116: The Fox’s Tail Finally Shows

"Not lacking people!"

After stating this, he turned to depart!

A person nearby immediately stepped forward, pleading earnestly.

"Young master, this young lady is truly pitiful!"

"You are wealthy beyond measure, why not extend a helping hand and save a life?"

"Indeed, a truly pitiable girl!"

"Such filial piety!"

The crowd joined in, creating an atmosphere as if Xia Tingfeng would be committing a grave offense by not purchasing her and attempting to leave.

Zhao Qichen, looking astonished, swiftly intervened to object.

"You people are being utterly unreasonable!"

"Is it not permissible for us to choose not to buy?!"

"Our money was not acquired by chance!"

"We shall spend it as we see fit; your interference is unwelcome!"

Being a mere ten-year-old, he deliberately masked his true demeanor, employing exaggerated gestures to perfectly portray the image of an unrestrained prodigal son from a wealthy merchant family!

His tone might have been lacking, but his argument held weight.

The onlookers found themselves unable to retort further, merely shaking their heads and resuming their subtle criticisms.

"Oh! What a truly pitiful young lady!"

"The world seems to be deteriorating!"

"To endure such hardship demonstrates true resilience, it’s simply..."

"There’s no alternative when some individuals refuse aid!"

"The poor are exceptionally impoverished, while the rich are excessively wealthy!"

"Precisely! If one were to take her in and provide training for a couple of years, she would undoubtedly blossom into a fine young woman..."

The collective murmuring started anew.

Growing increasingly impatient, Xia Tingfeng seized Zhao Qichen and made for the exit.

The surrounding crowd, however, swiftly converged upon them once more, their incessant chatter filling the air.

Xia Tingfeng, at his absolute wit’s end, threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Enough, enough!"

"I shall pay, I shall pay!"

A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd, and the young woman, tears of joy streaming down her face, performed repeated kowtows.

"Thank you, benefactor! Thank you, esteemed sir!"

"I can never adequately repay your life-saving kindness!"

"From this moment forth, my life belongs to you; even in death, my spirit shall remain bound to yours!"

She launched into an extended declaration that tried Xia Tingfeng’s patience to its limit.

He tossed a silver ingot in her direction and waved his hand dismissively.

"No need for such vows!"

"I have no shortage of subordinates; use this for your father’s funeral expenses!"

The joy previously upon the girl’s face instantly vanished, replaced by a tremor as she inquired.

"No shortage of people?"

"Sir, young master, I am capable of all tasks, be it laundry, cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes – any manner of difficult and menial labor..."

She spoke with a sense of urgency, trying to convince him.

Clutching the silver ingot as if it were scalding hot.

Murmuring to herself intermittently.

"No shortage of people? Then how can I accept this money? Young master... my conscience is troubled..."

Zhao Qichen, having finally reached his limit, stepped forward and took the silver ingot.

"If your conscience troubles you, then do not accept it. Do not be ungrateful!"

"Father, let us depart!"

He pulled Xia Tingfeng along, eager to leave.

The surrounding onlookers still attempted to impede their progress.

Fury flared in Zhao Qichen’s voice: "We have already paid! If you dare to obstruct us again, do not hold me accountable for any discourtesy!"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, uncertain of their next move?!

Xia Tingfeng helplessly spread his hands wide and moved away from the throng!

What were they to do? What could they do?

Now that their intended recipient had slipped away, discovery by the authorities would surely lead to punishment!

What was to be done?!!

Just as their scheme was about to unravel, leaving them in a state of quandary regarding how to proceed,

The young woman suddenly rose and pursued them, prostrating herself before Xia Tingfeng and Zhao Qichen.

"Sirs, please do not be angered!"

"I lost my composure earlier; my understanding was lacking; I beg your forgiveness!"

Zhao Qichen was about to scoff, but Xia Tingfeng intervened, stopping him.

"Since this is the case, accept the silver ingot, and we shall take our leave! Consider it a good deed performed, accruing merit, alright?"

The girl hesitated for a moment but ultimately accepted the money.

Just as she was about to depart, clutching the silver ingot with a sense of disappointment,

Liu Shouwei, clad in simple attire and diligently on patrol, made his appearance.

After grasping the essence of the situation,

He strode forward and clapped Xia Tingfeng heartily on the back.

"Well done!"

"This gentleman is indeed a benevolent soul!"

"May I humbly inquire as to your name?"

Xia Tingfeng surveyed Liu Shouwei from head to toe, his gaze eventually settling on the noticeable patch adorning Liu Shouwei’s chest, before replying with a smile.

"My surname is Xia, hailing originally from Jiangnan; I am a merchant who travels extensively, and this is my inaugural venture selling goods in this locality!"

"Might I be so bold as to ask your esteemed identity, sir?"

Liu Shouwei swiftly offered his own introduction.

In the process, he deliberately underscored the significant role Xia Tingfeng played as a traveling merchant!

"Alas! Our region is remote and underdeveloped; the populace rarely encounters novel merchandise throughout the year!"

"It is thanks to dedicated merchants such as yourself that we have the opportunity to acquire new items and broaden our perspectives!"

The effusive praise left Xia Tingfeng feeling somewhat bashful, and he quickly offered a polite demurral.

"Your commendations are far too generous, sir!"

Liu Shouwei, however, continued his laudatory remarks!

"Brother Xia, there’s no need for modesty; having traveled so far, you are an esteemed guest in Yinshan City!"

"The residents of Yinshan City possess warm hearts and offer sincere hospitality!"

"Please pardon any rudeness from earlier; do not take it to heart, Brother Xia!"

Xia Tingfeng offered a nod of agreement.

"It was merely a minor issue, not worth a second thought!"

Liu Shouwei continued with his praise.

"Brother Xia, you truly have a magnanimous spirit, brimming with benevolence!"

"And who might this young one beside you be?"

With a gentle smile, Xia Tingfeng made the introduction.

"This is my son. He is ten years of age, struggles with his studies, and is perpetually mischievous, so I brought him along to experience the wider world!"

Liu Shouwei observed the child with attention.

The boy bore a resemblance to his father, and accepting the explanation, he proceeded to offer Zhao Qichen further accolades.

Xia Tingfeng did not engage in any debate, instead reciprocating the flattery.

"Scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant."

Given the low societal standing of merchants, it was customary for them to show deference and offer praise when encountering officials.

Xia Tingfeng contemplated for a moment, swiftly formulating some choice words.

He and Liu Shouwei engaged in a reciprocal exchange of compliments.

Through this back-and-forth, they found common ground and developed a sense of fellowship.

Liu Shouwei seized the moment to extend an invitation.

"Where are you currently residing, Brother Xia? I happen to have a vacant estate. Should you find its simplicity acceptable, you are welcome to move in!"

"It has been an age since I encountered someone with whom I connect so readily!"

"Shall I consider you a friend, what do you say?!"

Xia Tingfeng inwardly chuckled.

His thoughts raced: The seasoned strategist finally reveals his intentions?

As the ancient wisdom states, to know yourself and your adversary guarantees triumph; one cannot capture the tiger's cub without venturing into its lair!

Since you extended the invitation first, do not fault me for abandoning proper etiquette.

After a period of feigned reluctance and polite refusal, Xia Tingfeng was eventually persuaded by Liu Shouwei's insistence.

That evening.

The entire entourage departed from the inn and took up residence in Liu Shouwei's estate.

The following evening.

Upon concluding his rounds, Liu Shouwei departed directly from the Yamen and made his way to the estate!

Having finally lured him here, the initial crucial phase had been successfully accomplished.

Naturally, the next objective was to cultivate his trust.

Xia Tingfeng appeared to have anticipated this development.

That night, he arranged for a lavish spread to be prepared.

The table was laden with fine wine and delectable dishes, and the three men commenced their drinking.

After several rounds of toasts,

Liu Shouwei's speech began to slur.

He placed a hand on Xia Tingfeng's shoulder, articulating with noticeable effort.

"Xia... Brother Xia!"

"You... are truly... a friend found over wine... a thousand... a thousand fewer are needed!"