Hu Maolin sent servants carrying several burdens of generous gifts and stood openly outside the Lu Mansion.
Li Ying and Lu Xunguang exchanged a knowing look.
The on - looking commoners, though keeping their expressions calm, couldn't help but cast curious or inquisitive glances at the Lu Mansion.
In contrast, Hu Maolin looked as serene as a clear sky. If the two sides continued to be at a stalemate, it might end up making the Lu family seem petty.
After a brief moment of thought, Lu Xunguang put on a polite smile, bowed his hands, and invited Hu Maolin into the mansion.
"Brother Hu, what are you saying? It was our Lu family's thoughtlessness. Since we were going to make such a big move in the capital, we actually neglected to inform our senior salt merchant in advance."
The two entered the mansion politely, blocking out the whispers of the commoners.
Li Ying knew that these aristocratic families usually didn't like a woman like her getting involved in business matters. So, she found an excuse and left.
When the servants saw Hu Maolin out later, both of them still wore expressions of having had a pleasant conversation and feeling like old friends at first sight.
"In that case, Master Lu, it's settled. In the future, in the official salt business, we brothers should take care of each other. Your Lu family's servants can also go to our Hu family's salt fields to learn at any time."
Hu Maolin waved his hand generously, and Lu Xunguang nodded frequently.
The next day, rumors spread in the streets. It was said that the Hu and Lu families had finally buried the hatchet. From then on, the ordinary people in the capital no longer had to worry about offending either side and could just buy salt with peace of mind.
"Master, the Hu family is clearly just pretending to be friendly with us. Now they are using the public opinion in the capital. Are we really going to let them boast about themselves?"
Hearing the worried words of the Lu family servant, Lu Xunguang just squinted his eyes indifferently.
"Hu Maolin is being so eager. He must have a follow - up plan. We'll just deal with whatever comes our way."
For several consecutive days, Hu Maolin came to visit warmly. He even brought a young and charming girl.
"Brother Lu, this is my younger sister. She has been spoiled at home and is not used to hard work. As her elder brother, I want to train her character. But all the servants in our Hu family are afraid of her status. So, I had no choice but to send her to your Lu Mansion."
Hu Maolin wore a polite smile on his face. The girl behind him timidly hid behind him, looking extremely cautious.
Lu Xunguang frowned unhappily and was about to speak when Hu Maolin pushed the girl forward.
The girl staggered and walked a few steps in a rather embarrassed manner.
Before Lu Xunguang could refuse, Hu Maolin seemed eager to get away. He left a few more gifts and hurriedly walked out of the door.
Li Ying and the girl looked at each other. Lu Xunguang's expression immediately showed a hint of impatience.
"Prepare a carriage for Miss Hu and escort her back safely. Make sure nothing goes wrong!"
Without even looking at the girl, he took Li Ying's hand and turned to leave.
The girl took a deep breath, as if summoning great courage. She quickly reached out and grabbed Lu Xunguang.
"Master Lu, Miss Li, please keep me. If I'm sent back like this, my elder brother will never forgive me!"
"You can send someone to watch me. I will never spy on any of the Lu family's secrets! Keeping me here will make the people in the capital praise the Lu family's noble character. It will only be beneficial to your reputations!"
She was so determined and straightforward, looking at the two of them with burning eyes.
Lu Xunguang remained unmoved, but Li Ying somehow felt a bit of pity.
She cast an inquiring look at Lu Xunguang, and Lu Xunguang understood her meaning. Frowning tightly, he finally said coldly, "Since A Ying is pleading..."
Miss Hu thanked them profusely and was taken away by the salt store manager. When her figure disappeared from sight, Li Ying tentatively spoke.
"Lu Lang, I..."
Lu Xunguang said in a deep voice, "A Ying, I know you have your reasons. Moreover, the Hu family must have a follow - up plan for sending this girl. This is also a way to turn their scheme against them."
Just as they had expected, within half a day, news spread in the capital. It was said that the Lu and Hu families were indeed on very good terms. The news about Miss Hu also spread quickly, and there were even rumors that the two families might form a marriage alliance. Master Lu was young and promising, and perhaps he would enjoy the happiness of having two wives.
Li Ying didn't take this matter to heart at all. She and Lu Xunguang were deeply in love.
"Master, Madam! Please go and have a look quickly! There's another commotion at the salt store!"
Lu Xunguang raised his eyebrows. How could things become so chaotic again after only a couple of peaceful days?
"It's the government officials. They refused to listen to the manager's explanation and insisted that the nine - baked bamboo salt in our salt store hadn't been inspected by the Honglu Temple. Such things should be presented to the emperor. If they can catch the emperor's eye, they should be sent to the palace!"
A group of officials looked fierce. When Li Ying and Lu Xunguang rushed there, these people even exaggerated the matter as if it were a crime of deceiving the emperor, scaring the commoners away.
Li Ying frowned and stared at the coming and going officials. She exchanged a look with Lu Xunguang, and they immediately understood that someone must be scheming against the Lu family in secret.
As for who could do such a thing and collude with the officials, there was no doubt that it was the Hu family.
As if to confirm their speculation, Hu Maolin slowly walked out of the crowd, wearing a pained expression on his face.
"Brother Lu, you're so confused! How could you do such a foolish thing!"
"We're both salt merchants. If there are any rare things in the salt store, they should all be presented to the emperor!"
He paused for a moment and then continued, "Brother Lu, even though the nine - baked bamboo salt is a rare item that can earn a lot of silver, but... for your own personal gain, you've damaged the tribute to the emperor. You're really..."
It was well - known in the capital that the Hu and Lu families had been on good terms recently. So, with his testimony, it was quite convincing.
Lu Xunguang snorted and looked around at the commoners and officials present indifferently.
Those officials had obviously received a lot of benefits from the Hu family. Without any further ado, they were about to arrest Lu Xunguang for questioning.
But Li Ying stepped forward and blocked in front of Lu Xunguang. She sneered and said, "Who says we're only seeking personal gain and disregarding the law?"