Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1186 - 1175: Wealthy Merchant

&34;Mother is discussing Prince Linsan’s impending arrival in our Jing’an City?&34;

Upon hearing the name Prince Linsan, both Li and Ye Lu’s gazes immediately brightened. Ye Lu, in particular, displayed a distinct expression of eager anticipation.

&34;Yes, precisely. What are your thoughts on this matter?&34; Li inquired, a note of excitement threading her voice. Seemingly aware that her current demeanor might be unbefitting of her station, she cleared her throat subtly before continuing, &34;Our Ye Family has become a target of attention. Who can say how many individuals are observing us with covetous eyes? While I understand it would be more convenient to align with the nearby Prince Donghe, I have it on good authority that Prince Donghe is known for his ruthlessness, and his treatment of others may not be kind.&34;

Ye Qiu offered a nod in agreement: &34;Indeed, I have also heard such whispers.&34;

&34;It is good that you are aware. However, Prince Linsan presents a different prospect. He is young, possesses great potential, and has expressed a particular interest in offering Lu’er a position as a concubine. Should we succeed in supporting Prince Linsan, would this not represent a complete reversal of our fortunes? And if Lu’er were to bear his child, that would be even more advantageous.&34;

&34;Mother’s reasoning is quite sound.&34; Ye Qiu continued to nod.

A wave of delight washed over Li and Ye Lu: &34;So you concur? I shall make the necessary arrangements to prepare for the reception of Prince Linsan’s retinue.&34;

Ye Qiu then adopted a concerned expression: &34;However, I have heard that Prince Donghe has also dispatched troops in this direction. What if they attempt to impede us?&34;

&34;Fear not; Prince Linsan will undoubtedly provide his assistance.&34;

&34;But considering she is the legitimate daughter of our Ye Family, is it truly fitting for her to accept the role of a concubine?&34; Ye Qiu voiced his hesitation once more.

Li’s gaze instinctively shifted to Ye Lu, and upon receiving a slight nod from her daughter, she reassured him, &34;Though it may be as a concubine, the distinction between a concubine and a main wife is not so vast in practical terms. Furthermore, our Lu’er possesses such remarkable beauty. Why should we concern ourselves with her ability to capture Prince Linsan’s affections? I have heard that Prince Linsan’s current main wife has been unable to conceive. If Lu’er were to join him and bear his son, would that not place her in a uniquely favorable position?&34;

As she listened, a flicker of ambition ignited in Ye Lu’s eyes. This development seemed to be precisely positioning for the protagonist’s narrative. Before the heroine’s eventual marriage to the male lead, Prince Linsan was indeed without an heir. This particular detail had once offered a fresh perspective when reading the novel; now, it was proving advantageous to her. As for the heroine, whose current whereabouts remained a mystery, her apologies were in order, for Prince Linsan would inevitably belong to her now.

&34;Even so, we have yet to formally agree to any alliance with Prince Linsan, and he is already extending an offer for a concubine position. I find myself feeling rather uneasy about this.&34;

Upon hearing these words, Ye Lu experienced a surge of anxiety, inwardly chiding him for his perceived lack of fortitude. As the patriarch of such a distinguished merchant family, how could he exhibit such timidity? It was no wonder the Ye Family ultimately vanished from the narrative; he had likely brought about its downfall through his cowardice. Truly, a lamentable display.

Yet, he held the position of Family Head. If he did not consent, what support could she, a mere woman, possibly rely on to champion the male lead? Her brother's pronouncements were laughable. He harbored dreams of a collaborative relationship, as if she were unaware that merchants occupied the lowest rung of society, just above slaves, in ancient times. How could Prince Linsan, with aspirations of ascending the throne, possibly stoop to such a level?

However, Ye Lu failed to consider that merchants did not universally hold such low status across all dynasties, particularly during periods of upheaval. Behind every powerful Vassal King, there was often the financial backing of affluent merchants, a stark contrast to times of peace. Moreover, their own initiative in reaching out to Prince Linjiang had effectively diminished their standing. Could this approach not also be deemed foolish?

&34;Brother, I believe there is nothing amiss with this arrangement. Does it not signify Prince Linsan’s genuine intentions? Brother, place your trust in me; Prince Linsan is destined for greatness.&34;

&34;Is that so? You have yet to even encounter Prince Linsan, and yet you place such profound faith in him?&34; Ye Qiu looked up, his gaze fixed on her.

Ye Lu felt a prickle of unease under his scrutiny, offering an awkward smile: &34;Is this not based on the information gathered by those below us? Brother, consider the current state of affairs: the imperial court is in disarray. Apart from the rebellious factions, only a handful of Vassal Kings command significant influence. Yet, Prince Linsan, as the youngest among them, has never been associated with tyrannical rule in his domain, unlike Prince Donghe. I firmly believe his future accomplishments will be boundless.&34;

&34;Your points are well-taken. In that case, let us observe the situation. If Prince Linsan’s forces are willing to assist us in repelling Prince Donghe’s men, then I shall give it further consideration.&34;

Both Li and Ye Lu were overjoyed, interpreting Ye Qiu’s statement as a form of agreement, completely overlooking the conditional nature of his words regarding further consideration.

That same evening, Ye Cheng made his way to his own courtyard. Beyond imparting the Body Forging Technique to Ye Cheng, Ye Qiu also proceeded to replace all the outer staff within the Ye Family who had maintained loyalty to Li.

&34;Brother, the second and third uncles have reported that they have identified two potential locations. One possesses treacherous terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to assault, while the other, though less strategically advantageous, offers greater expanse.&34; Ye Cheng provided his report to Ye Qiu.

&34;Excellent. Dispatch personnel to secure both locations, and subsequently, mobilize craftsmen to commence the construction of fortifications. I desire the swift repair of the existing residences and the immediate hiring of additional personnel.&34;

"Additionally, I've compiled a roster of individuals from Mother’s side of the family who are currently managing the Ye Family’s enterprises. You may proceed with your actions whenever you deem fit, Brother."

"Maintain surveillance over them. Should they refrain from interfering with the Ye Family’s assets, allow them to continue. However, if they dare to follow Li’s directives and attempt to seize our assets to pledge allegiance to Prince Linsan, then act with absolute ruthlessness."

Ye Cheng’s visage took on a stern hue: "Understood."

Three days hence, Prince Donghe’s military contingent made their initial arrival, proceeding directly towards the Ye Family’s main entrance without any semblance of deference. The generals at the forefront were mounted on their steeds, casting condescending gazes upon the Ye Family’s assembled servants.

"Summon your Family Head to present himself and offer his respects." The command originated not from a general, but from a soldier positioned nearby, who ostentatiously pointed his sword at the servant, displaying a complete lack of courtesy.

Witnessing the blatant disrespect shown by the soldiers, the surrounding merchants and onlookers rapidly dispersed, disappearing in an instant. Even the Ye Family’s own gatekeeper was visibly trembling with apprehension. Prince Donghe’s infamous reputation was indeed a source of widespread dread, and his followers emulated their master’s arrogance, showing no regard for common individuals.

"Are you gentlemen representatives of His Highness Prince Donghe?" Ye Qiu, having been apprised of their arrival, emerged personally without awaiting a servant’s announcement. He executed a slight bow and stated, "My apologies for not coming out to greet you sooner. As humble commoners, we adhere strictly to the nation’s laws. Might I inquire as to the purpose of your esteemed visit?"

"Purpose?" The general peered down at Ye Qiu with palpable disdain. "His Highness has been informed that your Ye Family possesses a modest sum of two taels. His Highness extends the gracious favor of requesting its presentation."

Ye Qiu adopted a visibly troubled expression: "Well now..."

The general’s countenance darkened considerably: "Are you suggesting reluctance?"

"It is not a matter of unwillingness, merely a touch of surprise that His Highness Prince Donghe would find such a trifling sum of two taels of particular interest." Ye Qiu made a gesture as if reaching into his own coffers, adding, "I happen to have fifty taels right here on my person..."

"You dare mock me!" Before Ye Qiu could conclude his statement, the general was already incandescent with rage and drew his sword, lunging forward.

Ye Qiu narrowly evaded the strike, posing a question with feigned bewilderment: "I fail to comprehend your meaning, esteemed sir. You initially expressed a desire for merely two taels, and now you accuse me of offering more? If that is the case, then allow me to..."

"Hahaha!" Two audacious commoners, who had lingered to observe the unfolding spectacle, could not suppress their boisterous laughter. This unexpected reaction served only to further inflame the tempers of Prince Donghe’s soldiers.