After waking up, Xiao Bao'er's aversion to the Xiao Mansion deepened. She couldn't wait to leave the Xiao Mansion immediately and return to the Sheng Family. However, she also knew in her heart that she couldn't leave the Xiao Mansion yet, at least not until she successfully avenged herself.
Meanwhile, far away in Quanzhou, Xiao Huayue, the fifth young master of the Xiao Family, was extremely anxious. He had originally planned to use the foreign goods he brought back from the South Seas this time as a stepping - stone to enter the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce.
The merchants who could join the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce were among the top in terms of both financial and political power in the Dayi Kingdom. Take Qin Yushan, the vice - president of the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce, for example. His industries were spread across the entire Dayi Kingdom and covered various fields.
His wealth was so great that it could rival that of a country. A merchant like him had connections throughout the court. Even if there was no one from his family serving as an official in the court, he could use his money to make the court officials on his side.
Even Prime Minister Xiao, who held great power in the court, would greet such a merchant with a smile and advocate for harmony.
If Xiao Huayue could join the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce, it would bring countless benefits to him and the Xiao Family. If he could get the support of the vice - president or the president, the Xiao Family's industries would reach a higher level.
However, just at this critical moment, the ship transporting the goods encountered a flood on the way. The ship collided with another one, and both sank in the Jingquan Grand Canal.
When Xiao Huayue learned that the ship had sunk, he beat his chest in regret. He had asked Xiao Bao'er before setting off, and she had advised him to take the land route. But for the sake of convenience, he still chose the water route.
The Xiao Family's business had grown so large partly thanks to Xiao Bao'er. He knew that Xiao Bao'er had a special destiny and should have trusted her words.
Previously, whenever he had difficulties in making business decisions, Xiao Huayue would always ask Xiao Bao'er, and she would always choose the right option.
On that ship, besides the precious South Sea treasures that Xiao Huayue had bought with half of his fortune, there was also a "Picture of the Twenty - Four Divine Statues" that Vice - President Qin had paid a large sum of money for him to buy in the South Seas. To curry favor with Vice - President Qin, he had also vowed to bring the things back to him intact.
Now, not only were the goods gone, but the "Picture of the Twenty - Four Divine Statues" was also lost. His hope of joining the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce was now in vain.
However, misfortune never came singly. Just as Xiao Huayue was calculating where to get another "Picture of the Twenty - Four Divine Statues", one of his shopkeepers rushed in in a great hurry. As he came in, his foot was caught by the doorframe, and he fell directly at Xiao Huayue's feet.
Xiao Huayue was already extremely irritable. Suddenly being startled, he kicked the shopkeeper hard on the buttocks.
"Shopkeeper Fan! Rushing in like a dog eager for food, do you know you've startled me?!"
Shopkeeper Fan's buttocks hurt terribly, but he was more concerned about something more important and didn't dare to delay. He quickly said, "Master Xiao! Something terrible has happened! Our ship collided with another one, and both ships sank..."
"I know!" Xiao Huayue kicked Shopkeeper Fan again impatiently and roared, "Do you have to remind me of this over and over again? Can't you tell me something useful?"
Shopkeeper Fan was on the verge of tears. He wanted to say something useful, but wasn't he interrupted by you?
Of course, Shopkeeper Fan didn't dare to say this directly. He could only silently complain in his heart. Then, observing Xiao Huayue's expression, he said carefully, "Master... the ship that collided with ours was also a cargo ship. The owner of that ship said he wants us to compensate for the losses..."
"What?! Bullshit! My ship also sank. Can I ask him to compensate for my losses?"
Interrupted again, Shopkeeper Fan's heart was already numb. "Master, the helmsman and the sailors on that ship all said that it was our ship that tried to cut in line to enter the ferry, which led to the collision of the two ships..."
"Get out of here! Just because they said it was our fault, it must be our fault? Don't they know we are from the Xiao Family? How dare they be so arrogant! I've been kind enough not to settle the score with them, and now they come to us. I'll break that brat's legs..."
"Which person's legs does Boss Xiao want to break?"
Just as Xiao Huayue was roaring angrily at Shopkeeper Fan, a group of strong men walked in from outside the door. The man in the lead walked in with his hands behind his back and entered the main hall. After sitting down, he crossed his legs and slowly adjusted his clothes.
When Shopkeeper Fan saw the person coming, his heart sank. He silently got up and shrank into a corner, pretending to be invisible.
The man sat upright on his seat. There was a seemingly kind smile on his square face, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Seeing this person, Xiao Huayue's aura unconsciously weakened. Cold sweat began to break out on his forehead. "Mr... Mr. Qin, your visit today really makes this place shine. If you have anything to order, just say a word, and I'll come to your place."
At first glance, Vice - President Qin seemed honest and kind, but only those who had known him for a long time knew that looks could be deceiving.
Qin Yushan founded the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce by himself when he was twenty - three. Now, at only thirty, he had made the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce prosperous in just a few years. One could imagine his shrewdness and means.
"If I hadn't come, how would I have known that Young Master Xiao is usually so irritable?" Vice - President Qin's steady and powerful voice sounded, and every word carried an undeniable authority.
Xiao Huayue was only twenty. In terms of both age and experience, he was no match for Vice - President Qin. Moreover, he felt guilty. So, in front of Vice - President Qin, he lost the arrogance of a young master from the prime minister's mansion and only wanted to curry favor with the person in front of him.
Now that the merchant ship had sunk, Qin Yushan must have known that the picture was also lost. Coming here suddenly now, he must have come to blame him. Xiao Huayue rolled his eyes and immediately came up with an idea.
He poured a cup of tea and handed it to Qin Yushan with both hands, putting on an indignant look. "Vice - President Qin, please forgive me. The Xiao Family's merchant ship was hit in the Quan Jing Grand Canal, and your 'Picture of the Twenty - Four Divine Statues' was also lost. I was just so angry for you that I lost my composure just now."
Hearing this, Qin Yushan raised his eyebrows, and his cold eyes swept over Shopkeeper Fan, who was constantly sweating nervously.
"Oh? Then what are you going to do next, Young Master Xiao?" Qin Yushan put down the teacup and looked at Xiao Huayue with a half - smile.
Xiao Huayue didn't notice the mockery in Qin Yushan's eyes. He said righteously, "The damage to the Xiao Family's merchant ship is a minor matter. I didn't really want to haggle over it. But since it involves you, Vice - President Qin, I'd like to borrow some people from you. I'm determined to go to the owner of that ship and get justice for you!"
"Humph!" Qin Yushan sneered and looked at Xiao Huayue coldly. "It seems that Young Master Xiao is really good at turning black into white. It really broadens my horizons."
Xiao Huayue frowned in confusion, while Shopkeeper Fan trembled and knelt down. Cold sweat had soaked his back.
Shopkeeper Fan stammered to Xiao Huayue, "Master... the merchant ship that collided with ours... belongs to Vice - President Qin..."