Previously on Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life...
Ye Qiu returns to his family home during a tumultuous era. His family's vast wealth attracts the covetous Prince Donghe, while his sister, Ye Lu, schemes with Prince Linsan. After his family is ultimately betrayed and ruined in the past, Ye Qiu resolves to forge his own path, refusing to rely on any vassal king.
"Qiu’er, do you truly understand the gravity of your words?"
"You… why do such thoughts even form in your mind?"
"And why shouldn't we entertain such thoughts? What is truly lacking in our Ye Family? In these tumultuous times, if we wish to raise soldiers, with sufficient funds, who can we not recruit? As for horses, our family possesses two ranches, and weapons can be forged. Why must we remain subservient to others? Uncles, have you not grown weary of conducting business under the whims of others?" Ye Qiu spoke with fervent conviction.
"However, this is simply unheard of; we are mere merchants."
"Unheard of? Look at the Vassal Kings today; each acts with complete autonomy. Which among them can claim to be conventional? In this era of widespread conflict and contending heroes, if they can do it, why can't our Ye Family? Have you not both analyzed the situation? Regardless of whom we rely upon, there remains an inherent risk, does there not? Why should our Ye Family exhaust our fortune only to bow to the dictates of others?"
"But Prince Donghe and Prince Linsan's forces are soon to arrive in Jing'an City. Our family only has a handful of guards; how can we possibly contend with them?" Ye Qiu's uncle voiced his doubts.
"If, this time, I can ensure the Ye Family's safe passage, will my two uncles then fully endorse my grand ambition for the future?" Ye Qiu inquired, his gaze filled with aspiration.
The two uncles exchanged looks, and finally, one affirmed, "If you can indeed safeguard the Ye Family completely, then we shall entrust you with that capability and pledge our full support hereafter."
"Excellent! With your words, my heart is at ease. You uncles simply await good tidings. However, I have one small request: that our discussion today remain confidential from Mother and Third Sister for the time being."
Ye Qiu was the eldest legitimate son, born to the previous wife. With Li Dezhen entering the household later, a degree of discord between them was inevitable and widely known. Especially considering Ye Cheng's earlier analysis, their stepmother harbored intentions of aligning with Prince Linsan. Thus, the news indeed could not be disseminated before the matter concluded.
"Rest assured, Qiu'er. Neither your younger uncle nor I are prone to loose talk."
Ye Cheng also cupped his hands, stating, "Eldest Brother, I shall remain silent."
"It is precisely because I place my trust in my two uncles and my second brother that I share these candid thoughts. Second Brother, prepare yourself tomorrow, and accompany me to the City Lord's Mansion."
Ye Cheng pondered for a moment before tentatively inquiring, "Eldest Brother intends to leverage the City Lord's influence...?"
"Precisely," Ye Qiu confirmed with a nod.
Ye Cheng's brow furrowed. "But the City Lord is a man loyal to Prince Donghe. Would he, in his esteemed position as City Lord, truly heed our words?"
"City Lord Liu is a sagacious individual. When we demonstrate sufficient leverage, he will undoubtedly comprehend what is prudent," Ye Qiu replied with a cryptic smile. Ye Cheng did not fully grasp the implication but chose to place his faith in him.
"Sect Leader Ye, your esteemed presence graces us, a loss for not having welcomed you sooner." The City Lord of Jing’an City, Liu Dong by name, had held this post for ten years. Despite Jing’an City's modest size and the nation's chaotic affairs, under his administration, the city had remained remarkably peaceful, a testament to his considerable abilities.
City Lord Liu presented a gentle and amiable facade, radiating an aura of kindness and friendliness. He warmly clasped Ye Qiu's shoulder, exhibiting no trace of a City Lord's usual formality.
"Sect Leader Ye, now that you have finally come to see me, you absolutely must not depart without partaking in drink. Did Sect Leader Ye bring along the Drunken Immortal Wine today? Your family's Drunken Immortal Wine is truly something I profoundly miss!"
"City Lord is overly kind. Simply address me as Ye. Knowing the City Lord's particular fondness for Drunken Immortal Wine, how could I possibly arrive without it?" Ye Qiu responded with utmost respect, yet his demeanor exuded an extraordinary presence, neither servile nor overbearing, thus earning admiration.
Liu Dong sighed inwardly, lamenting the current state of affairs. Had circumstances been different, he would have gladly offered his daughter in marriage to the young man before him. However, the Ye Family's considerable standing might portend an uncertain future.
"Come, let us drink! Had Ye not arrived today, my wife would still not permit me to indulge in wine." Liu Dong harbored hidden intentions, yet his countenance betrayed nothing, maintaining an unassumingly genial disposition throughout.
"City Lord is most courteous. I shall initiate the toast to you, but please, endeavor not to become intoxicated. I have come with the intention of discussing certain matters with the City Lord," Ye Qiu stated plainly.
The smile on City Lord Liu's face gradually waned, his gaze becoming profound. "Sect Leader Ye, I have a feeling that today, we should simply enjoy our drinks and meal with contentment."
Ye Qiu met his gaze and smiled gently. "To be candid, Ye has come today seeking the City Lord's assistance."
City Lord Liu's smile vanished entirely. He placed his wine cup down with a thud. "I may surmise the reason for Sect Leader Ye's visit today, but I must, with regret, decline to assist in this particular matter."
"No, City Lord Liu will assist me."
"Then, I can only have the honor of seeing you off. What a pity for this Drunken Immortal Wine; I fear I am not blessed enough to savor it."
"As long as you assist me with this matter, City Lord, you may partake in as much Drunken Immortal Wine as your heart desires."
"It hardly seems worth it for a mere cask of Drunken Immortal Wine."
"Then how about for the City Lord's beloved wife?"
Liu Dong's gaze instantly became sharp: "What do you imply?"
"The City Lord must surely be aware that our Ye Family's business operations extend nationwide. Coincidentally, we recently procured a thousand-year-old ginseng, which should offer some benefit for your wife's ailment." Ye Qiu produced a box from his chest and unveiled it, revealing a fully formed, human-shaped ginseng right before Liu Dong's eyes.
His eyes gleamed with an almost palpable excitement, as if a single careless glance might animate the root and send it scurrying away.
"It is already widely known that the City Lord cherishes his wife deeply, scouring the nation for renowned medicinal treasures for her. You need only lend me your aid in this small undertaking, and this remarkable ginseng shall be yours. Furthermore, should you ever desire more Drunken Immortal Wine, simply dispatch someone to the brewery; it will always be readily available," Ye Qiu continued with a smile.
Observing his remarkably composed demeanor, Liu Dong inwardly lamented the man's apparent lack of foresight: "You have brought only your brother today, without a single guard in tow. You must realize that if I desired this ginseng, there would be nothing you could do to prevent me from taking it."
Ye Qiu let out a hearty laugh: "My daring to come unguarded stems solely from my profound trust in the City Lord's integrity."
Liu Dong emitted a deep sigh: "You possess no small amount of courage. While I am indeed tempted by this ginseng, the prospect of subsequently opposing both Prince Donghe and Prince Linsan makes this arrangement rather unfavorable. I cannot agree to it."
"The City Lord worries unnecessarily; how could I possibly place you in an untenable or unrighteous position? My only requirement is that, at this juncture, the City Lord maintain a stance of neutrality, refraining from involvement in the actions of either faction."
"Oh?" Liu Dong's expression shifted to one of suspicion, "Does Family Head Ye possess some ingenious stratagem?"
"I would not presume to call it ingenious. It is merely that our Ye Family has been engaged in commerce for many years and possesses certain established methods for safeguarding our interests." Ye Qiu chuckled bashfully, divulging no specifics of his plan.
Liu Dong suddenly erupted into boisterous laughter: "The younger generation today is truly full of potential! I confess, I am growing old, and having recently caught a chill, I intend to take my wife to the countryside tomorrow for a period of quiet recuperation."
Ye Qiu offered a deep bow: "Then, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the City Lord!"
