Chapter Seven, Maternal Uncle.

The Fang family is prosperous and their business is thriving, and it is likely that many people are envious of the Fang family's success; at this moment, they must be drooling with desire.

The steward was taken aback by Fangcun's words, looking over in astonishment.

In a state of anxiety, perhaps some quick-reacting individuals have already sensed a certain trend and are eager to take action.

The funeral banquet arranged in the Fang residence saw very few attendees. It is unclear whether it was due to the long wait or if some individuals gleaned something from the hasty proclamation of the imperial edict by the messenger from the celestial palace. What was initially a bustling scene, filled with a throng of mourners, evidently lacked the patience to wait until nightfall, and they had already dispersed, some without even a word of farewell.

On weekdays, this Young Master Fang Er is notorious for being a libertine, spending money like water, and has committed countless outrageous acts. Everyone secretly calls him a fool. Who would have thought that at this moment, he would suddenly speak such words in front of everyone

... ...

He furrowed his brow as he spoke: "Now that my elder brother has passed away, my parents are grieving, and the situation is chaotic. As relatives, my maternal uncle and aunt should not only refrain from causing more trouble but also offer some support. Yet, you take advantage of this moment to come and profit from our misfortune. What kind of business is this?"

Originally, according to the plan, these individuals should not have acted so quickly. After all, even a dead tiger retains its ferocity. Even if Fang Chi is dead, his identity and status remain. Moreover, no one knows whether he has any powerful friends or acquaintances who might support him after so many years of cultivation. Therefore, even if these individuals are envious, they should not have revealed their claws so soon. Yet, the incident at the Immortal Palace has occurred.

Even the uncle and his wife clearly did not expect that their own son could display such fierce authority with just a glare. After their initial shock, they surprisingly revealed a hint of joy on their faces, looking at the imposing Cao Chang standing in the center of the arena, appearing somewhat excited.

He understands that the master of the Fang family is not actually a person who knows how to do business, and that the family fortune of the Fang family was not created by him

Currently, the business of the Fang family spans across seven cities, nine prefectures, and twelve counties. However, in reality, many of these businesses have been established by individuals seeking the protection of the Fang family's name, voluntarily coming to seek refuge under their banner. When the elder brother was present, they naturally obediently offered their profits. But now that the young immortal master Fang Chi is no longer around, the great tree has fallen, and these shops seeking protection will naturally disperse as they should.

Fang Cun smiled and said, "One must be well-prepared, for the Fang family's business is likely about to face a pack of wolves ready to devour it!"

Splash!

Master Fang is a weak individual who has never liked to quarrel with relatives. Moreover, he truly does not understand the business at hand, and being heartbroken and distressed, his thoughts are in disarray. He helplessly waved his hand and merely said, "You handle it as you see fit..."

The butler's face showed anger upon hearing this, exuding a certain degree of authority. He was well aware of the treacherous nature of the world, yet having arrived at the Fang family in his youth, he had grown accustomed to the presence of that little immortal master of the Fang family. It was indeed more difficult for him to accept this reality than to fit it into his mind. He could not help but feel that countless people had sharpened their wits in hopes of seeking protection from the Fang family, and he had never heard of anyone daring to undermine the business of the Liu Lake Fang family.

Brother, brother, you are indeed a dignified immortal master, how have you ended up in such a state

At this moment, the maternal uncle began to shout, his voice nearly shattering the hall, waving his arms, filled with assurances.

The family of the maternal uncle all displayed joyful expressions, exchanging glances and raising their eyebrows.

It was not until the rain ceased in the evening that the decree from the celestial palace finally arrived

A rude voice was angrily shouting: "You are someone who enjoys a life of comfort at home, but the business inside and outside the city has all been managed with our help. When have we ever complained about the gold and silver earned day by day? Now that Brother Chi is gone, we must properly handle matters and plan ahead. The land deed and business seal for the Twelve Linked Docks outside the city that you gave me, there is no doubt about it... Now that Brother Chi is gone, we must properly handle matters and plan ahead. The land deed and business seal for the Twelve Linked Docks outside the city that you gave me, there is no doubt about it..."

Fangcun nodded slightly and proceeded towards the inner hall. Before he could enter, he heard a commotion coming from within the hall

The furious shout from the cousin startled everyone in the hall.

Why must it be this way? We are all relatives, how did it come to this?

The square courtyard adorned with white lanterns, under the veil of light rain, appears even more desolate and cold, with sparse figures.

The maternal uncle was left blushing by what he said, his face resembling a swollen pig's liver, and after a while, he finally exclaimed: "Are you saying that your relatives want to harm you?"

The sturdy and heavy table was directly smashed down by him, turning into a pile of debris

Where is the father

What relatives are not relatives

The maternal uncle was momentarily taken aback, then dissatisfied, he admonished Fang Cun: "I am doing this for the good of the Fang family, how can you say that I am being overly concerned?"

Brother-in-law, do you not trust your own family?

Given the foundation of the Fang family and their extensive business spread across various counties, it is unreasonable to expect that the total amount of cash they could reclaim in one go would be limited to just this.

Chang'er, you this ... ... you this ... ...

One side's aunt saw her uncle Zhang with his mouth wide open like a thirsty fish, unable to utter a word for a long time. She immediately became anxious but did not dare to speak carelessly in front of the young master of the Fang family, so she quietly nudged her cousin Fang Cuntang, who was sitting in the middle, and gestured with her lips.

There is no need to be angry, it is merely a common human sentiment

Moreover, the one who read the decree was merely a plump eunuch, who hastily recited it and then departed. As for the Seventh Prince, who was initially rumored to personally comfort the Fang family on behalf of the Celestial Emperor, he did not make an appearance at all. The Fang family could only kneel in the mud to express their gratitude for the celestial grace, bury their garments, and then assist the drenched Master and Mistress of the Fang family back to their residence.

The maternal uncle was suddenly rendered speechless by his question, opening his mouth but unable to utter a word

The identity of the elder brother Fang Chi should be quite high, yet how could he leave in such a desolate manner

If they are allowed to plunder, it is feared that in the end, not even a drop of profit will remain

Seeing the calmness of Fangcun, the old steward hesitated for a moment before responding in a low voice

At present, he is still just a mortal, unable to prevent these events, so he has made preparations. As for the businesses outside, they can be let go. As long as he preserves the Fang family's business in Liuhu City, it will be sufficient for the daily expenses of the Fang residence

They dare

Feeling parched, I picked up a cup of tea beside Lord Fang and drank half of it before setting it down. I then turned to look at my uncle, who came from a family of butchers and had a face full of flesh, and said: "Ten years ago, my uncle's family moved from the southern mountains to Liuhu. Considering we are relatives, my family has given so much for that house, land, and shop. Now, we have no less than a thousand acres of good farmland outside the city, and there are seven or eight villages. Even my cousin was only able to enter the Bai Xiang Academy by relying on my brother's influence, transforming himself into a Qi Refining Master!"

This ... ...

A flicker of emotion stirred within Fangcun's heart, and a layer of coldness immediately enveloped her face as she stepped inside

Unexpectedly, Fangcun did not show any signs of surprise or anger; instead, he appeared quite indifferent. He merely said softly: "Inform the shopkeepers of all parties not to stir up trouble recently, as the situation is unfavorable. It is better to temporarily close down. If there are suitable shares, sell them. As for one's own business, if there are any attempts to forcibly seize it, do not resist others stubbornly. Everything should prioritize preserving life. If it cannot be maintained, then let it go!"

Having experienced more than half a lifetime, how could he not understand the ways of the world? It is merely a matter of being unable to accept it for the moment. Now, seeing the notoriously dissolute second son, he finds that this person is even more perceptive than himself, which evokes a sense of emotion within him.

Not bad, it will last for a while

... ...

Old Master Fang clearly did not expect that his previously simple and foolish nephew would suddenly reveal such a fierce side. Shocked and angry, he nearly fainted from fright, his face turning extremely pale as he leaned backward. Fortunately, a maid nearby reacted quickly, hurriedly coming over to support him while anxiously calling out and rubbing his chest.

How to speak

He walked through the bustling front yard, then crossed the desolate inner courtyard, observing everything with a cold gaze. In his mind, he was also recalling the time of the funeral during the day, the long-awaited visit to the celestial palace for condolences that never came, and a slight sense of melancholy began to arise in his heart, silently sighing.

One cannot let the old gentleman and the lady go hungry

Fangcun set down the tea cup and said: "I also know that my maternal uncle is a relative and should not harm me, but I am somewhat curious. The business of the Twelve Linked Forts outside the city only gave my maternal uncle's family a small share, and every year they just receive some dividends. When has it ever been managed by my maternal uncle? Moreover, why is my maternal uncle in such a hurry to manage some business at this time, needing land deeds and business seals?"

He glared at Fangcun, who was seated in the grandmaster's chair, with a furious and icy demeanor, his gaze as if it were ready to devour a person.

How do you speak to my father

You... you... this child speaks in a very unpleasant manner

Opposite the master of the Fang family sat his uncle Cao Ren, dressed in fine silk and satin, along with his aunt and cousin Cao Chang's family. On the two rows of chairs at the lower end sat the shopkeepers and small business owners who had come from the seven cities and nine prefectures, filling the entire hall.

is ... ...

When the coffin was finally buried, it was already late at night

In the inner hall, conversing with several relatives and the young master

Soaked to the skin, Fang Cun returned to the Fang residence, changed into a clean set of clothes, and stepped out again

The so-called Twelve Linked Docks are actually twelve piers that connect to the lake, strategically guarding the major trade routes coming from the south and north. This business is indeed one of the most profitable in the territory of Liuhu City. Originally, this business would not have fallen into the hands of the Fang family. However, back then, there were many river monsters in the water that harmed the people and collided with the ships. It was Fang Chi, who was still cultivating in the Jiuxian Sect at that time, who led a group of fellow disciples to slay the river monsters and clear the waterways. They earned the gratitude of the many shipmen, which led them to collectively invest in the Fang family.

A single remark immediately drew the attention of everyone in the hall.

Fangcun's cousin, surnamed Cao and named Chang, is one year older than Fangcun. He has a stout build, with one eye larger than the other, giving him a squinting appearance. He is robust and fierce-looking. Two years ago, he entered the Baixiang Academy, and now he has already cultivated his magical abilities, becoming a proper little Qi Refiner. To the eyes of ordinary people, he is akin to a small immortal who can summon the wind and rain.

What needs to be safeguarded now is merely some shops that originally belong to the Fang family

The butler, exhausted after a long day, wore a weary expression, and the sorrow lingered. Seeing that the mourning banquet had not yet concluded, the second young master approached to inquire about the family's business. He felt a deep sense of discomfort in his heart, yet he answered honestly: "In response to the second young master, during these seven days, many managers and small business owners from the seven cities and nine prefectures have indeed come to pay their respects to the eldest young master. However, among those who came, only half managed to bring silver. The rest claimed that the time was too short to gather cash. Even those who did bring silver contributed only a meager amount..."

The son has become successful

... ...

As he spoke these words, his expression was not particularly pleasant

At this moment, Mother’s brother, Cao Ren, was indignantly speaking to the master of the Fang family, mentioning a particular business of the Fang family

Fangcun smiled and said: "The affairs of the world are like a game of chess, and human emotions are like a knife. What is easily gained can also be easily lost, so there is no need to feel heartbroken over it"

After such a long period of cultivation, have you not made a few close friends or acquaintances?

The surrounding shopkeepers and the young master exchanged glances, some sighed softly and shook their heads, yet no one offered a word of caution

Inside the inner hall, Master Fang held a cup of ginger soup, trembling as he drank it. Meanwhile, Madam Fang, having been overly sorrowful during the day, had already been assisted by the maidservants to rest. This day marked the funeral of their eldest son, and the grief was profound. Additionally, they had endured the cold wind and rain for most of the night. Being mere mortals and of advanced age, it was only natural that they struggled to cope. Had it not been for their usual good health maintenance, they would surely have fallen ill.

Buried at noon, celebrated at night, this is a custom; however, the square inch cannot be disregarded

It is uncertain whether there are some individuals with ulterior motives who might develop ideas due to these matters

The businesses around Liu Lake City are meant for my parents' retirement, so my maternal uncle should not concern himself with them

Everyone in the entire hall suddenly turned to look at Fangcun, their expressions filled with astonishment

... ...

The nonchalance of the celestial palace has already become an attitude, which may lead to extremely dire consequences

At that moment, Fangcun entered the inner hall, took a seat in the upper position of the master chair, and signaled the maid to bring a cup of hot tea.

Old Master Fang, having calmed down, was pale-faced and earnestly persuading.

He was there, dazedly eating pastries from the Fang residence, when his mother gave him a push. Only then did he come to his senses, his neck, veined and tense, swallowing the pastry in his mouth. Suddenly, he straightened his face and slammed his hand down hard on the zitan wood table beside him

The eldest son of the Cao family is also a prominent figure in Liuhu City, known for his notorious ruthlessness; he is ready to take action without uttering a word

Considering these issues, he summoned the steward and asked, "How much cash has been collected from the various shops?"

All counted together, it amounts to no more than over a hundred thousand taels

Cao Changwei's imposing presence remained undiminished. To the eyes of the onlookers, it seemed as if a flame-like aura was swirling around him, bringing an immense pressure to the inner hall. It was as if he were being targeted by a large, fierce creature with white markings on its forehead. His gaze coldly swept over Fang Cun and Old Master Fang, and he shouted sternly: "You still think this is the past? The eldest of the Fang family is dead, and from now on, you will have to rely on me. I am here to discuss business with you properly, yet you come to wrongfully accuse my father. Let me tell you the truth: whether you agree or not, you must hand over the land deed and the business seal!"