Chapter 2, a single branch in full bloom surpasses the twin blossoms
From the moment Li Mengyun took her seat, the young man beside the governor had been staring at her. That man was Jiang Xian, the son of Governor Jiang Yang. Jiang Xian had a frail physique and a face that was as pale as a dead fish, clearly someone who had spent years in the underbelly of society. Li Mengyun frowned, feeling a strong aversion to Jiang Xian's gaze.
The courtyard echoed with the rhythmic sounds of martial arts practice, the voices filled with youthful vigor and remarkable energy. It seems that the strength of the Li family's guard team should not be underestimated. Lu Sheng's attention was also drawn to the series of grunts and shouts.
Li Nantian and his companions arrived at the fourth floor of the Star Picking Tower, instantly drawing the attention of everyone present. This was the newly appointed president of the chamber of commerce for this year. In previous years, there had only been one president, but this year, there was unexpectedly an additional one. Furthermore, rumors suggested that the governor had some discord with the former president of the chamber. Everyone understood the underlying implications, and most adopted a watchful attitude, observing the unfolding drama with cold indifference
Qian Baiwan was well aware that words alone were not credible; Li Nantian's casual remarks would likely not be fulfilled when the time came. However, it was also not appropriate to express his dissatisfaction.
After changing into the clean clothes of the Li family, Lu Sheng and Zhu Xin were taken to the woodshed, where they were instructed to handle some trivial tasks related to chopping wood and starting fires. They did not require much guidance. Lu Sheng thought that he and Zhu Xin had settled down at last, unaware that this would lead to a series of unexpected twists and turns in his life.
Within the Li residence, there are several hundred guards specifically responsible for its security, and the number of servants handling daily chores exceeds one thousand. Such a vast estate naturally requires an exceptionally astute steward, who is Li Fu. He manages over a thousand individuals in the Li residence, ensuring that everything is organized and in order.
Today, the Li family is primarily attending the Southern Business Alliance Conference at the Star Tower, which is held once every four years. At that time, every prominent family in the South will be present. This year is different from the past; it is said that the situation may change. You all need to stay alert. Do you understand
Around the room were long tables, at which sat prominent business leaders from various provinces in the south. The Governor of Nanyang was seated in the center on the west side, exuding an air of high authority. Next to the Governor on his left was another chamber of commerce president, Qian Baiwan. Born into a family of merchants, Qian Baiwan came from a wealthy background and was a figure of considerable influence in Jingyang Province. The seat to the right of the Governor, however, was empty, naturally reserved for the second chamber of commerce president, Li Nantian.
"Little Lu Sheng... does not... Li Sheng, what instructions does the young lady have?"
Li Fu squinted his small eyes, sizing up Lu Sheng and Zhu Xin from head to toe. Lu Sheng felt as if the gaze emitted from Li Fu's eyes was like a sharp blade, cutting through the clothes on his body... He couldn't help but shiver.
Li Fu nodded in satisfaction and followed Li Mengyun outside. Lu Sheng hurriedly followed, but in his heart, he was pondering quietly. The Southern Merchant Alliance Conference is a grand event held once every four years. As the economic center of the South, Jingyang Province is particularly valued by the governor for this conference, which has remained unchanged for many years. However, this time, Li Nantian unexpectedly brought along the young lady, which raised some questions.
The servant behind Butler Li quickly bent down and replied, "Certainly! I will take care of it right away, you can rest assured, Butler Li!"
Qian Million patted his protruding belly and chuckled at Li Nantian, revealing two front teeth that had turned yellow and black from years of exposure to opium smoke. He said, "President Li is being modest; it is well known that President Li's talent and wisdom are exceptional. To have the fortune to seek your guidance is a great blessing for me, Qian."
... ...
Upon entering the Li residence, Lu Sheng must change his surname to Li. Although he is unwilling in his heart, he has no choice but to comply. He secretly vows to establish his own surname in the future
The Governor cleared his throat and said: "Our Eastern Dragon Kingdom adheres to the mandate of heaven, and the people are blessed by the longevity of our sovereign, enjoying peace and the well-being of all living beings. This can be seen from our southern trade routes; the once sparse and quiet merchant associations have now become prosperous and prominent, like a myriad of flowers blooming, with each vying for beauty. Therefore, this year, the merchant association has appointed an additional president, namely the head of the Li family, Nan Tian. I hope President Li can strengthen business exchanges with President Qian, seeking greater welfare for the people of our Eastern Dragon Kingdom."
"Li Sheng, you need not work in this woodshed today. The young lady is going to attend the business alliance conference and has specifically requested to take you with her. Being favored by the young lady is a stroke of good fortune for you, do you understand?" Li Fu said to Lu Sheng.
The Li residence, located in the southeast of Luofeng City, covers an area of several hundred acres. Pavilions and towers are arranged in a pleasing manner, adorned with glazed tiles and golden roofs, while vermilion doors and windows are prevalent throughout. Majestic stone sculptures of lions and qilins can be seen everywhere, guarding the feng shui and fortune of the Li family's grand estate. In the back garden, a variety of exotic flowers and plants create a dazzling display, with many flowers competing to bloom even in the cold winter.
Li Fu seemed quite pleased with the reactions of Lu Sheng and Zhu Xin, slowly nodding his head. He called out to the person behind him: "Li Tian, find two sets of clean clothes, take these two boys to take a bath, and don't disgrace the Li family. By the way, clear out the woodshed; from now on, they will sleep in the woodshed."
Lu Sheng is actually not very interested in martial arts, believing it to be the domain of brutes. A gentleman should wield a feather fan and wear a silk cap, enjoying the gentle breeze, discussing the world with laughter and ease, and reveling in the pleasures of nature and romance.
"You should urge her; the conference will begin in one hour. As a representative of www.hetushu.com, it is absolutely unacceptable to be late," Li Nantian said, his voice not loud but very authoritative.
That is only natural. Since I am the newly appointed president, I, Li, will certainly do my utmost to serve the people. In the future, I hope President Qian will take good care of me.
The two individuals usually engage in overt and covert competition in business, being extremely calculating. Yet, in this public setting, they converse as if they are old friends who have not seen each other for many years, which truly reveals the depth of their scheming.
Li Mengyun slightly parted her crimson lips, revealing a row of pearly white teeth, and said: "It is not impossible for me to go, but I must bring someone along."
Hahaha, this is easy to say, we are all on the same side, let us not let these trivial matters harm our harmony. At worst, I can share my 20% share in the private salt market with you, after all, we should prosper together.
"It is you. What is your name?" Li Mengyun asked, pointing at Lu Sheng.
Only then did the guard Li raise his strong hand, and the actions of over one hundred guards immediately came to a synchronized halt, respectfully gazing at guard Li
The Star-Picking Pavilion, an exceptionally exquisite and elegant structure, is named "Star-Picking," implying the ability to pluck stars from the sky. However, despite its name, the pavilion does not possess such lofty aspirations. Its height is neither too tall nor too short, perfectly proportionate to its overall size. The four-tiered pavilion is adorned with layers of beauty, and the angles of the roof complement each other harmoniously
From the outside, the Star Picking Tower appears small, but once inside, one finds it quite spacious and bright. Even with hundreds of people gathered here, there is no sign of congestion.
As the tea was being prepared, the young lady arrived before Li Nantian under the guidance of Li Fu. Lu Sheng peered carefully through the low window of the woodshed at this young lady of the Li family. He couldn't help but gasp in astonishment; what a beautiful person she was! Her clear eyes were captivating, her eyebrows arched like the peaks of Mount Emei, her skin as white as congealed fat, and her lips as red as cherries. Lu Sheng had never seen such a light beauty before, and his gaze flickered, unable to meet hers directly. This was the eldest daughter of the Li family, Li Mengyun. What a beautiful person she was! Her clear eyes were captivating, her eyebrows arched like the peaks of Mount Emei, her skin as white as congealed fat, and her lips as red as cherries. Lu Sheng had never seen such a light beauty before, and his gaze flickered, unable to meet hers directly. This was the eldest daughter of the Li family, Li Mengyun
Heng Ha! Heng Ha! Heng Ha!
"Has Meng'er arrived?" Li Nantian asked Li Fu.
Though twin flowers blooming together are beautiful, they are still not as admirable as a single branch in full bloom. The saying goes that one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers, and this principle is well understood by all.
The grand sedan came to a stop in front of the guard Li. Li Fu hurriedly stepped forward to pull open the curtain of the sedan. The head of the Li family, Li Nantian, descended from the grand sedan. Not yet in his forties, Li Nantian exuded an impressive aura, with thick sword-like eyebrows and a high nose bridge, giving off an air of calmness that was inscrutable.
"Please wait, the young lady is currently dressing and will be here shortly," Li Fu replied respectfully
The young man understood and thanked the steward for the reminder. Although Lu Sheng was puzzled as to why the young lady had called for him, he did not dare to ask further. Having often eavesdropped on the discussions of scholars, he had learned quite a bit and understood the importance of discretion. As he presented himself as a servant, he knew he must adhere to the rules of servitude.
Li Mengyun walked straight towards the woodshed, which caused everyone to widen their eyes in surprise. Li Nantian looked at Li Mengyun with confusion, while Li Fu closely followed the young lady, fearing that any mishap might occur.
Guard Li nodded in satisfaction and respectfully stood among the ranks. At this moment, the grand sedan chair of the Li family head was being carried out from the inner courtyard, followed by four men in black. Each stood eight feet tall, with robust physiques, standing like pine trees, exuding a calm and imposing presence. Guard Li's gaze towards the four men clearly revealed a sense of fear.
Everyone pretended not to see this situation, merely discussing some business matters with those around them. The quadrennial business conference concluded after a lengthy exchange lasting two hours
The conference this time cost millions, which left him quite frustrated, yet he could not express his anger. As soon as the business meeting concluded, he left the Zhaixing Building.
"President Li, everyone knows that the fabric market in the south has always been controlled by my Qian family. Anyone else wishing to enter must obtain my permission and share 40% of their profits with me. Yet, you have quietly seized two-thirds of the entire market, taking away four hundred thousand taels of silver from me in just one year. Is this not inappropriate?" After a few cups of wine, Qian Million could no longer contain his anger and questioned Li Nantian.
Understood! More than a hundred guards responded in unison, their voices soaring into the sky
Li Nantian walked calmly to his seat, cupping his fists in salute to the business leaders around him. He sat down cross-legged, while Li Mengyun sat beside him, her exquisite figure resembling a celestial being descended to the mortal realm.
Li Nantian watched Qian Baiwan leave, then whispered to the governor before leading his guard team out. The others also began to exit, leaving only Li Fu, Li Mengyun, and Lu Sheng, along with the esteemed Governor Jiang Yang and Jiang Xian in the vast Star Picking Tower
"I will go right away," Li Fu said, then bowed and hurried towards the young lady's boudoir
Li Nantian nodded in agreement
Although Lu Sheng had numerous doubts in his heart, he did not dare to ask too many questions. As a newly arrived servant in the Li residence, it was naturally better to be obedient and follow the rules.
Lu Sheng watched as the young lady of the Li family approached and quickly turned around to pretend to chop firewood with Zhu Xin
On the second day, at the break of dawn, Lu Sheng and Zhu Xin were awakened to chop firewood. The intense cold of the morning penetrated to the bone, causing Lu Sheng to shiver uncontrollably
The four individuals are all well aware of the situation, yet none would dare to expose it. Their ability to navigate the business world for so many years and become titans of industry is undoubtedly due to their exceptional acumen. Currently, Li Nantian and Qian Baiwan are the two major giants within the Southern Chamber of Commerce, and others do not dare to offend them