Chapter 8: The Assassin Industry

Liu Zheng extended his hand, pushing Biyu and Lvyu in front of Shen Mo, his serious expression tinged with a hint of sadness and reluctance

Both of them are the daughters of officials. I, an old man, saw their pitiable condition and decided to buy them, treating them as my own daughters and educating them with great care. As a solitary old man with no family, I have no other concerns, but the only thing I cannot let go of is these two girls

As for traditional women's skills, they are passable; in the areas of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, although they do not reach the level of a master from a bygone era, they have dabbled in these arts and can manage reasonably well in public. The most important aspect is that their ability to serve others is undoubtedly first-rate

The young nephew first expressed his gratitude for the strong support from his uncle. The uncle replied that there was no rush, as there were still some matters that needed to be sorted out first, to avoid any disputes in the future. As the saying goes, even close brothers must keep clear accounts, don't you agree, uncle?" With a silent smile, he cupped his hands in thanks, understanding the deeper meaning behind Liu Zheng's words. Although it was said to be full support, it was limited to within certain boundaries, which left him somewhat displeased. He decided to lay everything on the table; if they could not reach an agreement, he could always go solo. Even without the support of the Shen family, he could still thrive and make a name for himself.

He also understood Shen Mo's thoughts; currently, their strength is too weak to be ostentatious. There is no need to worry about other aristocratic families for the time being. The real concern should be the other members of the Shen family. Therefore, it is better to act discreetly and earn money quietly, as that is the true path to success

With a face full of confusion, he felt an inexplicable tightening in his heart. What does the old man mean by this?

Father

Stop it!" Liu Zheng shouted sharply, his old face contorted with anger as he puffed out his cheeks and glared. The little fox is indeed very cunning, but you still underestimate me. Am I a greedy person? Besides, I am already of advanced age, with one foot in the grave; what do I need so much money for? The most infuriating thing is that I have already laid my cards on the table, yet you little rascal still remain so wary of me? This truly drives me to the brink of fury. The most infuriating thing is that I have already laid my cards on the table, yet you little rascal still remain so wary of me? This truly drives me to the brink of fury.

"Your words are indeed reasonable, dear nephew." Liu Zheng's smile grew even more pronounced, and his gaze towards Shen Mo changed significantly. Even an old man like me dares to be schemed against; I truly misjudged this young man in the past. This fellow is simply a little fox that has cultivated itself into a spirit. Good, very good. Without this kind of courage and wisdom, I would indeed be somewhat disappointed.

Two silly girls, when you were five years old, I bought you and taught you, watching you grow up. In my heart, I have long regarded you as my own daughters. I do not have the ability to marry you off in a grand manner, so I can only do my best to secure some benefits for you and prevent you from being bullied.

Jade and green willows weep like rain, sobbing and wishing to kneel in gratitude. The grace of Lord Liu is as profound as a rebirth, and in this life, there is no way to repay it. The only option is to serve as a cow or horse in the next life to repay the debt.

Marrying a man can certainly provide them with a certain level of security, but if they marry the wrong person, the outcome can be equally tragic. After all, the two women are the dependents of an official, and their status as slaves means they cannot be wives. He has been troubled by this matter for a long time. Rather than allowing them to take the risk of marriage, it would be safer for them to be with a man they know well. He does not require Shen Mo to treat the two women particularly well; he only needs to ensure that they are not bullied too harshly by the legitimate wife. This is his only condition; if they do not agree, then they will part ways.

"Dear nephew, your uncle understands your difficulties. Speak, how much can you offer to your uncle?" Liu Zheng's thin, aged face suddenly broke into a peculiar smile, his timeworn wrinkles gathering together like a blooming old chrysanthemum.

Liu Zheng's thin face was filled with sorrow and reluctance. If it were not for the two women's status as slaves, he would have preferred to let them marry honest farmers, as at least they would not have to worry about being bullied by the main family. After all, the dowry he had prepared was sufficient for the two women to live a stable life. Choosing silence was also a helpless decision.

This enormous pie that has fallen from the sky, who would refuse it is a fool, well, Shen Mo would rather die in silence than admit he is a fool

"What conditions?" Shen Mo asked nervously, his mind instantly racing like a dual-core processor, speculating on what conditions Liu Zheng might propose. Oh, Jiang is indeed still as cunning as ever; it seems he has been somewhat careless and underestimated the situation.

The elder has already learned of the young nephew's plans. This business cannot be solely enjoyed by the young nephew. In order to successfully carry out the business, it is essential to share the profits with other prominent families. At least a few shares must go to families such as the Fu, Yan, and Wang Duan. Additionally, various officials in the county also need to be appeased, which will likely take away another share. The method of making money was devised by the young nephew, but he has not been able to retain much for himself. Silently counting on his fingers, with a pitiful expression on his face, he lamented to Liu Zheng, "Uncle Liu, I am truly suffering and in a pitiable state. You must understand my plight."

"You two come here." Liu Zheng cast a strange glance at Shen Mo, then waved to the jade-like Bi Yu and the green willow standing elegantly in the corner.

"One percent? It's not that it's impossible, but I have a condition," Liu Zheng frowned and said, lowering his head in contemplation for quite a while, his old face displaying a rather dissatisfied expression.

He acknowledged that the two young ladies were exceptionally beautiful, comparable to the beauty that could make flowers shy and the moon hide, and they could be considered rare beauties among thousands. Moreover, they were intelligent, gentle, well-behaved, and understanding. Importantly, after years of guidance from Liu Zheng, they were well-versed in reading, writing, and accounting. Currently, all the accounts in the village were managed by these two women, making them undoubtedly the new women of the old era.

Fifth Master

In silence, he scratched his head desperately; despite his countless calculations, he never anticipated that Liu Zheng would stage such a dramatic act of entrustment, leaving him feeling somewhat at a loss. His eyes instinctively shifted to Bi Yu and Lu Liu.

The young nephew first expresses gratitude to the elder for his understanding, stating that he can only offer 10%. Does Mr. Liu find this acceptable? Silently, he extends a finger and cautiously inquires, as 10% is one-tenth, while his bottom line is 20%. In business, both parties must naturally negotiate until they reach a satisfactory and reasonable price. Offering 10% is a concern that Liu Zheng might demand an exorbitant price.

To speak frankly, even the most foolish person knows that Liu Zheng's conditions are not conditions at all; on the contrary, they are a loss. However, Shen Mo has always believed that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. This pie falling from the sky makes him suspect that Liu Zheng might be using a beauty trap, placing two beautiful spies around him.

Liu Zheng spoke softly, his aged voice carrying a hint of worry and reluctance. He had pondered for a long time on how to properly arrange for the two girls. If he were still alive, he could ensure the safety of the two little ones. Although he had left them a substantial fortune, this was a society where the weak are preyed upon by the strong, and where male superiority prevails over female. The beauty of the two girls and their considerable family wealth would not only fail to provide them with safety; rather, it could potentially bring disaster.

He captured a wealth of important information from the silent words, even deducing some of his long-term plans. To be able to see this clearly and to have brought in the fathers of those young masters who were exiled by their families, this wisdom and calculation alone is enough to earn admiration, and it is also the reason that truly solidified his determination

However, since you are wary of me and plotting against me, I shall not hold back. Playing games with me, young one, you are still a bit inexperienced. Do you not consider that I was once known by the nickname "Sleeve of the Universe" for a reason? Very well, it is just the right time to settle the burdens I have carried for many years, heh heh

Very well, my dear nephew, you may act freely; in Cang County, your uncle can still take full control. Liu Zheng stroked his long beard, his thin face filled with a satisfied smile. Setting aside the various shortcomings of Liu Langjun, even a talented and diligent young man may not be able to consider matters so thoroughly. This young man's performance is quite impressive, very good, I am very pleased.

Biyu and Lvyu were taken aback, their eyes reddening, and they hurriedly knelt down, but were stopped by Liu Zheng, who prevented them from doing so