Chapter 94: Each to Their Own (2)

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the real Master Yang arrived. The burly man who had impersonated him earlier followed behind as his servant.

The real Yang Dong wasn’t as tall; he was of average height, around forty years old, and appeared quite scholarly, like a learned man. Upon arrival, he courteously apologized to Shen Xiling. After sitting down, he praised her, saying, “Miss Fang is so young yet has such keen insight, truly admirable.”

Shen Xiling exchanged a few polite words with him and then heard him say, “To be honest, my health hasn’t been great these past few years, so I rarely meet people for business. Mostly, my servant handles it. He’s been doing this job for many years, seldom being seen through. I wonder how Miss Fang discovered the truth?”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiling smiled inwardly.

In her view, Master Yang looked rosy-cheeked and in good health, well taken care of. His claim of poor health seemed merely an excuse after being exposed. By saying he rarely met people these days, he implied he was giving her, a junior, face, expecting her to appreciate it.

Though young, Shen Xiling was not inexperienced. Despite Yang Dong putting on airs and giving her a veiled warning, she felt no fear. After all, the authority of ten Yang Dongs combined couldn’t match that of Qi Ying. Being around him daily, though she sometimes feared him, few others could unsettle her now.

Thus, she remained composed. She first politely said, “Thank you for coming in person today,” then glanced at the jade thumb ring on his right hand and smiled, “Master Yang’s thumb ring is quite beautiful.”

Her statement made her meaning clear.

It was rumored that Yang Dong loved jade, and the thumb ring he wore had been on for many years. There was a saying that wearing jade nurtured both the jade and the wearer, making long-worn jade more lustrous. Though the fake Yang Dong also wore a thumb ring, the jade’s quality wasn’t high, nor did it show signs of prolonged wear, allowing Shen Xiling to see through the ruse immediately.

Yang Dong understood her implication, paused momentarily, then resumed normally, asking, “Does Miss Fang understand jade?”

Shen Xiling didn’t claim expertise but had seen many rare treasures over the years, developing some discernment.

She smiled and replied, “I wouldn’t say I understand jade, but recently, I’ve been preparing to take over a jewelry shop and did some research—laughable, perhaps.”

Yang Dong nodded, then looked around the bustling Yi Lou with appreciative eyes, saying, “Miss Fang excels in business. No matter the trade, she thrives, truly possessing a talent for commerce.”

Shen Xiling naturally responded modestly. She acknowledged her average abilities, crediting Qi Ying’s guidance and support for her smooth journey thus far. If anything, her diligence was commendable.

Yang Dong said, “No need for excessive modesty, Miss. Having walked the commercial path for many years, I’ve seen all kinds of people. You indeed have talent—is there any elder in your family involved in business?”

This question startled Shen Xiling.

She wasn’t sure if she had talent, but the Shen family… was indeed skilled in financial management.

Though she had no actual ties to that legendary family, due to her father, she carried their bloodline. It was said that at its peak, the Shen family’s wealth rivaled even the Qi family’s. Her father had once held the position of Chief Minister of Finance, overseeing Jiangnan’s revenue and expenditure, taxes, and salt and iron monopolies.

A single surname, richer than a nation.

But what use was it? Overnight, everything collapsed, leaving not a trace, just a fleeting dream. How many lives were lost for this illusion?

Thinking of this, Shen Xiling couldn’t help but become lost in thought. When she regained focus, she noticed Yang Dong looking at her with some curiosity.

Her heart suddenly tightened, realizing: this Master Yang was probing her background.

He likely wasn’t interested in her family or elders but wanted to know if she had backing. As part of the guild, he surely knew of Qi Ying’s previous protection of her but might be unsure of their relationship’s strength.

His willingness to sit here today wasn’t about giving her face but fearing the person behind her.

Understanding this, Shen Xiling felt a subtle discomfort.

She didn’t dislike Qi Ying’s care, but… she also didn’t want to rely on him for everything. Not for other reasons, she just wanted him to know she had grown up and could handle things independently.

She hoped he would stop seeing her as a child.

These complex thoughts weren’t for others to know; she kept them to herself. Facing Yang Dong’s question, she simply gave a polite response and steered the conversation towards business.

There were two main issues: first, the incident of Feng’s fabric shop being vandalized needed addressing, and second, the guild’s demand for Shen Xiling to raise prices required resolution. Both parties needed to reach a consensus for harmonious profit.

However, openly accusing the guild of vandalism would escalate tensions, making price discussions impossible.

Shen Xiling wasn’t confrontational and could tolerate some losses. She could address Feng’s injustice indirectly, compensating later. The priority now was the price hike.

Yang Dong, sipping Yi Lou’s fragrant tea, earnestly told Shen Xiling, “Miss Fang, raising prices is genuinely difficult for the guild.”

He set down his teacup, lightly caressing his jade thumb ring, and continued slowly, “The guild must balance among various businesses. While Miss Fang prospers, other shopkeepers struggle, naturally turning to the guild. This price hike isn’t solely the guild’s decision but reflects the collective wish of Jiankang’s weaving industry.”

He sighed, looking at Shen Xiling with apparent warmth, adding, “From Miss Fang’s perspective, this might seem unfair, but possession of valuable goods invites trouble—it’s sometimes unavoidable. I’d like to help, but I’m powerless.”

He paused, then glanced at Shen Xiling, showing a conceding expression, saying, “Of course, if Miss wishes to seek assistance from someone, for him, this is merely a word’s matter. Then, not only the guild but any shopkeeper would dare not object, leaving everything to Miss Fang’s discretion.”

Layer by layer, seemingly gentle, yet progressively pressing.

First, he absolved the guild under the guise of collective opinion, then cited the so-called crime of possessing valuables, finally subtly mentioning Qi Ying. The implication: if Shen Xiling refused the price hike, she relied on connections, bullying others with power.

Though the guild vandalized Feng’s shop, in Master Yang’s narrative, it became Shen Xiling’s fault. Such distortion upset even mild-mannered Song Haotang, prompting him to retort but restrained by Shen Xiling’s subtle gesture.

Qi Ying had taught her: the calmer you appear when upset, the better. Revealing emotions only aids opponents; staying calm finds opportunities to turn the tables.

His advice was never wrong.

Shen Xiling took a light sip of tea, eyelids slightly lowered. When she raised her enchanting eyes again, they were calm and unruffled.

She smiled faintly, speaking very evenly, “Helping others helps oneself—I understand this. We are all in the same trade, and I don’t intend to ruin anyone’s livelihood. But one shouldn’t be forced into submission just because of possessions. Everything should be negotiable, aiming for mutual satisfaction.”

Seeing her composure despite her youth, Yang Dong admired her and asked, “How does Miss Fang propose we negotiate?”

Shen Xiling gently placed her teacup on the table and replied, “If shopkeepers want to match my prices, it’s not only about me raising prices. If everyone lowers prices, the result is the same.”

Yang Dong frowned, asking, “What do you mean?”

Shen Xiling calmly continued, “Other shops charge higher prices because they can’t find affordable plantations for white cotton. Fortunately, I have surplus stock, which I can sell cheaply to shopkeepers. Shopkeepers like Feng trading with me should give me a two-point profit margin, but initial cooperation requires goodwill. If other shopkeepers agree to lower prices, I’ll offer another point of profit. Wouldn’t that be ideal?”

Upon hearing this, Yang Dong’s gaze deepened.

This young lady was clever. Mutual benefit and an extra profit point sounded appealing. Though following her plan could resolve the current deadlock, ultimately, she still gained the most. While offering profits, she also leveraged other shops’ sales channels. With hundreds of fabric shops in Jiankang, accumulating small gains meant significant profit for anyone.

She was shrewd.

While Yang Dong pondered, Shen Xiling softly added, “I prefer handling this through the guild, but if Master Yang is busy, I can contact shopkeepers directly—business is business, after all.”

Her words sounded soft but carried weight.

Shen Xiling’s offer of an additional profit point would attract smaller shops, but the guild might interfere, either concealing the message or using tactics to hinder cooperation.

Shen Xiling’s phrase “business is business” hinted Yang Dong against using non-business tactics. Yang Dong couldn’t ignore this: if Shen Xiling invoked her powerful backer, he’d have no room to argue, and even the elder Fu behind him might be powerless.

Yang Dong remained silent for a while, then showed his scholarly smile, seemingly interested in her proposal, and said, “I understand Miss Fang’s intention, but this matter involves much complexity and needs deliberation. Could Miss wait for my reply?”

Such matters naturally required negotiation and couldn’t be rushed. Hearing this, Shen Xiling nodded, saying, “Thank you, Master Yang.”

Author’s Note: Boss Shen also sounds official-like, wonder who she learned it from (next chapter has interactions with counterparts~)