Chapter 100: A Lively Estate

With their agreements set and the three jade bottles securely stored inside Lin Laifu’s padded inner robes, the tension in the room finally subsided into a comfortable, easy quiet. The tea in their porcelain cups had grown lukewarm, but neither man seemed to mind.

Lu Feng poured another splash of warm water into his cup, gently swirling the aromatic leaves before taking a light sip. He looked across the table at the grand merchant, whose eyes were still practically glowing with excitement.

"Since we have established the terms," Lu Feng spoke, his voice cool and measured, "I expect results quickly. If you manage to appraise, market, and completely sell out all thirty pills before the end of this week, I will give you a generous tip—something that far exceeds gold or standard business margins."

Lin Laifu’s ears perked up instantly at the mention of a tip from Lu Feng. Given the young man’s mysterious background and his ability to produce flawless, impurity-free pills as if they were common candies, any reward coming directly from his hands was bound to be an extraordinary treasure.

"Before the week ends?" Lin Laifu repeated, a wide, confident grin spreading across his plump face as he slapped his hands onto his knees. "Young Master Lu, you underestimate the efficiency of the Lin Merchant House! With goods of this caliber, I won’t even need a full week. I will have my Appraiser inspect these by this evening, and I can very well host a secret auction to our highest-tier clients before tomorrow noon. Consider them sold!"

"I like your enthusiasm," Lu Feng replied with a subtle nod. "I shall hold you to your word."

Lin Laifu stood up from the silk cushions, carefully patting his chest to ensure the jade bottles were resting securely against his body. He adjusted his rich silk robes, smoothed down his sleeves, and offered Lu Feng a deep, formal bow of farewell.

"I shall take my leave now to begin the preparations," Lin Laifu said respectfully. "There is much work to be done, and I refuse to waste a single hour."

Lu Feng accompanied him out of the main hall and into the sunny central courtyard. By now, the estate was already transformed. Uncle Gao was walking along the perimeter, inspecting the timber beams and stone walkways, while Auntie Gao, Xiao Yun, and Xiao Ru could be seen through the open windows of the living quarters, diligently wiping down the furniture and arranging fresh linens.

Zhou Ran was waiting by the main entrance path, standing beside the sleek black-and-gold carriage. Old Ma sat attentively in the driver’s seat, holding the leather reins of the two magnificent horses, who snorted softly, their hooves tapping against the stone pavement.

As Lu Feng, Lin Laifu, and Zhou Ran reached the front entryway, the transformation of the household became immediately apparent.

Standing on either side of the heavy iron-reinforced entrance doors were Song Heng and Bai Bao. The two veteran guards were fully clad in their polished leather armor, holding their iron spears upright at their sides with rigid, flawless posture. The moment they spotted their former master approaching alongside Lu Feng, both men snapped to attention.

"Opening the gates!" Song Heng called out in a loud, clear voice.

Together, the two guards pulled open the heavy wooden doors with smooth, synchronized precision, bowing their heads respectfully as Lin Laifu stepped up to the carriage threshold.

"Farewell, Master Lin!" Bai Bao declared, his voice carrying deep respect for the man who had provided for them for years. "Thank you for granting us the honor of serving Young Master Lu!"

Lin Laifu paused at the carriage door, looking at his two former guards with a proud, warm expression. He nodded approvingly at their crisp demeanor and sharp appearance.

"Serve your new master with the utmost loyalty and diligence," Lin Laifu instructed them sternly, though an approving smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "If I hear that any of you slacked off or brought shame to my name, I will personally come back to settle the score."

"We would never, Master Lin!" both guards answered firmly in unison.

Satisfied, Lin Laifu turned back to Lu Feng one last time, clasping his hands together. "Young Master Lu, I expect we will be seeing each other very soon with a mountain of profit."

"Safe travels, Master Lin," Lu Feng replied calmly. "I will await your good news."

Lin Laifu climbed into the luxurious interior of the carriage he’d brought for Lu Feng, and Zhou Ran quickly boarded behind him, pulling the cabin door shut. Old Ma snapped the leather reins with a sharp flick of his wrist, and the two spirit horses let out a spirited whinny, pulling the heavy carriage smoothly out of the courtyard and onto the stone path leading into Crimson Vale.

Song Heng and Bai Bao immediately stepped back into position, pulling the thick iron gates shut behind the retreating carriage with a heavy, resounding thud. They slid the massive iron locking bar into place, effectively sealing the estate grounds once more.

Standing in the quiet courtyard, Lu Feng watched the guards take up their steady positions on either side of the entrance, vigilant and alert. For the first time since arriving in this world, his estate felt properly guarded, fully managed, and organized.

With the heavy gates firmly locked and the morning bustle settling down, a familiar quiet washed over the estate.

For the first time since Lu Feng had acquired the property, he didn’t have an immediate crisis to handle, an intruder to deal with, or a complex negotiation to navigate.

The sun hung high in the clear blue sky, casting a warm, golden blanket over the courtyard, and the soft rustle of leaves from the surrounding bamboo trees was the only sound echoing through the air.

Lu Feng took a deep breath of the crisp morning air and slowly stretched his arms. He walked along the paved stone path toward the rear gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Near the main hall’s outer veranda, Uncle Gao was busily inspecting the wooden pillars, checking for any wear or dampness, while Auntie Gao and the two young maidservants, Xiao Yun and Xiao Ru, were carrying freshly washed linens out into the sun to dry. Everyone moved with a calm, practiced rhythm, taking pride in their work without needing constant supervision.

Lu Feng paused near the garden archway, watching the serene scene unfold.

A moment later, light footsteps sounded from the side corridor. Ye Chenxue emerged from her private quarters, having finished her bath. Her long hair was still slightly damp, falling loosely over a clean, simple white robe that lacked her usual formal traveling gear.

Without the sharp aura of a cultivator guarding her every move, she looked noticeably more relaxed, though her eyes were still as clear and sharp as ever.

She stopped when she saw Lu Feng standing near the courtyard garden, offering a small, polite nod.

"The commotion is finally over?" Ye Chenxue asked, her voice carrying a rare softness.

"Lin Laifu and his steward have departed," Lu Feng replied, stepping closer. He also narrated his discussions with Lin Laifu to Ye Chenxue. He told her about the pills and their deal.

"The workers are settling in, and the estate is officially running itself. No noise and absolutely no chaotic merchants shouting at the gates." He ended his summary.

Ye Chenxue looked around the spacious garden, taking in the sight of the manicured flower beds and the steady, quiet work of the servants in the distance. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of her lips.

"The estate feels lively. It is... very peaceful," she admitted softly. "A stark contrast to the noisy inns and constant tension of traveling between cultivator territories."

Before Lu Feng could respond saying he knew nothing of such, the heavy wooden doors of the kitchen swung open, and Han Lin stepped out onto the patio holding a wide bamboo tray. On it rested a steaming pot of freshly brewed floral tea and a large plate stacked high with warm, golden-brown sweet cakes she had baked herself.

"Young Master! Sister Chenxue!" Han Lin called out cheerfully, her face bright with a broad smile. "Since everyone has finished their work for the morning, I brewed some honey-scented tea. Come sit under the pavilion!"

Lu Feng and Ye Chenxue shared a brief glance before walking over to the wooden pavilion nestled in the center of the garden. The structure overlooked a small pond where colorful spirit-fish lazily glided beneath the surface of the clear water.

They sat down on the smooth stone benches surrounding a low marble table. Han Lin set the tray down with extreme care, pouring three cups of the amber tea. The sweet, floral aroma immediately mingled with the fresh garden air, creating an inviting atmosphere.

"You’ve been busy," Lu Feng remarked, picking up one of the warm sweet cakes.

Han Lin sat down beside them, wiping her hands on her apron with a satisfied grin. "Auntie Gao helped me with the dough! Having a full kitchen staff makes everything so much easier. I didn’t even have to chop the firewood myself today."

Ye Chenxue picked up a tea cup, lifting it to her lips and taking a delicate sip. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, savoring the rich, soothing heat washing down her throat. "The tea is excellent, Han Lin."

"Thank you, Sister Chenxue!" Han Lin beamed, taking a bite of her own cake. "I was thinking... since we don’t have any pressing matters today, maybe we should clean out the old storage shed near the lotus pond later? Uncle Gao said there are some old stone tea sets and iron garden lanterns stored away in there."

Lu Feng leaned back against the pillar of the pavilion, looking up at the passing clouds. "There is no rush. Take the day off. Explore the grounds, rest, or just sit here."

Ye Chenxue looked at Lu Feng, observing his relaxed posture. "You seem entirely unbothered by the fact that you just handed over thirty priceless pills to a merchant house."

Lu Feng chuckled softly, taking a sip of his tea. "Lin Laifu wants gold and prestige, and I want a quiet, self-sustaining estate. He does the heavy lifting in the market, and we get to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this beautiful garden. It’s a fair trade."

Han Lin giggled, resting her chin on her hands as she watched a pair of birds flutter down onto the edge of the pond to drink. "If every day could be like this, I wouldn’t mind staying in Crimson Vale forever."