Chapter 93: A Trip To Lin Laifu’s Estate

Leaving the bustling market behind, Lu Feng, Han Lin, and Ye Chenxue made their way toward the main carriage station near the edge of the trade district. The afternoon sun shone warmly over the paved streets, reflecting off the polished lacquer of the passenger carriages lined up along the stone curb.

Lu Feng approached a clean, well-maintained horse-drawn carriage bearing the bronze crest of a reputable transport guild. After agreeing on a fare, the driver opened the wooden door, and the three of them stepped inside. The velvet-lined interior was comfortably shaded, offering a welcome reprieve from the lively noise and heat of the central market.

"To the Lin Estate in the upper district," Lu Feng instructed as he sat down opposite Han Lin and Ye Chenxue.

The driver called out to the horses, and with a soft clatter of hooves against cobblestones, the carriage rolled smoothly forward, navigating through the broad avenues of Crimson Vale.

After a short ride through the quiet, tree-lined thoroughfares of the upper district, the carriage came to a steady halt before a grand pair of iron gates. Beyond the perimeter wall, the sweeping tile roofs and manicured gardens of Lin Laifu’s estate were clearly visible.

As Lu Feng and the ladies stepped down from the carriage, the estate guards immediately recognized Lu Feng. The head guard bowed respectfully, signaling his subordinates to swing the heavy gates wide open.

"Welcome to the Lin Estate, Young Master Lu," a senior head butler greeted them warmly as they walked up the stone pathway toward the main reception hall. The butler bowed deeply, his hands neatly tucked into his long silk sleeves. "Master Lin is currently out attending to an urgent matter at the merchant hall, but he is expected to return very shortly. Please, allow us to escort you to the guest parlor to rest."

"That is fine," Lu Feng replied calmly. "We did not send word in advance, so we do not mind waiting."

The butler led them into a spacious, elegantly decorated guest hall overlooking an inner courtyard lotus pond. Sunlight filtered through delicate wooden window lattices, casting soft patterns across the polished rosewood furniture and woven floor mats.

Within minutes, a small procession of attentive servant girls entered the room carrying wooden trays. They arranged a bountiful spread of delicate dishes across the low central table—steamed spirit-grain dumplings, braised rare meats infused with mild medicinal herbs, crisp seasonal vegetables, and a pot of freshly brewed Jasmine Spirit Tea that filled the room with a soothing, floral aroma.

To conclude the meal, the servants brought out refined desserts: chilled sweet lotus-seed soup and golden, flaky honey-glazed pastries.

Han Lin took a small bite of a pastry, her eyes brightening. "Lin Laifu certainly knows how to treat his guests. This tea is exceptional."

Ye Chenxue took a quiet sip from her porcelain cup, nodding slightly in agreement. "The hospitality of a prosperous merchant house is always thorough."

They had just finished their tea when heavy, hurried footsteps echoed down the wooden corridor outside. The sliding doors parted, and Lin Laifu stepped into the parlor, wiping his brow with a silk handkerchief. Upon seeing Lu Feng and the ladies, a broad, warm smile broke across his round face.

"Young Master Lu! Miss Han, Miss Ye!" Lin Laifu greeted them enthusiastically, coming forward with quick steps and cupping his hands in a respectful salutation. "Please forgive me for keeping you waiting! Had I known you were coming today, I would have cleared my schedule entirely to receive you at the gates."

Lu Feng stood up and returned the greeting with a light wave of his hand. "There is no need for apologies, Master Lin. We came unannounced on a whim after finishing some errands in the market. We could not have expected you to sit around waiting for us."

"Ah, you are too kind, Young Master Lu," Lin Laifu said with a jolly laugh, taking a seat across from them while a servant quickly refreshed his tea cup. He took a satisfied sip before looking at Lu Feng with keen interest. "So, what brings my esteemed guest to my humble doors today? I take it this isn’t purely a social call?"

"Partially," Lu Feng said, settling back into his chair. "I have two main matters to discuss with you. The first concerns a potential business arrangement."

Lin Laifu’s eyes gleamed with the sharp focus of a veteran merchant. "Oh? I am all ears."

"I intend to begin refining spiritual pills secretly," Lu Feng stated smoothly, leaning forward slightly. "However, I have no interest in dealing with the public hassle, setting up storefronts, or revealing my identity as the alchemist behind them. I want to supply the refined pills directly to you. With your established connections and reputation in Crimson Vale, selling them quietly through your network would be effortless."

Lin Laifu stroked his chin, nodding slowly as he considered the proposition. The prospect of exclusive access to high-quality pills from a capable alchemist was an enormous commercial advantage.

"A discreet partnership," Lin Laifu murmured, a pleased smile spreading across his lips. "That is a fantastic proposal, Young Master Lu. Your anonymity will be completely protected, and I can easily distribute top-grade pills like the last one you gave to me to high-end buyers without raising unwanted questions. We shall certainly sit down and iron out the specific details, profit splits, and supply batches another time when you are ready to begin production."

"Good," Lu Feng nodded, satisfied. "The second matter is more immediate. I came today primarily to secure reliable staff for my estate."

"Staff?" Lin Laifu asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Yes," Lu Feng explained. "The estate is large, and managing day-to-day upkeep ourselves is inefficient. I need a small team of trustworthy workers to handle cleaning, general maintenance, and carrying supplies around the grounds. Additionally, I require two disciplined guards to man the front gates."

Lu Feng paused, adding a subtle emphasis to his instructions. "The guards do not need to be meant for combat defense—my estate’s protection is already taken care of. Their sole duty will be to open and close the gates, maintain order at the entrance, and immediately report to me whenever guests arrive."

Lin Laifu listened attentively, nodding with total confidence. He slapped his knee lightly with a reassuring grin.

"Consider it done, Young Master Lu!" Lin Laifu assured him warmly. "I have several vetted, loyal retainers under my house who fit those exact descriptions. I will personally select hardworking, tight-lipped servants and two reliable guards who know how to follow orders without asking unnecessary questions. I will have them dispatched to your estate by tomorrow morning."