Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 351: Chapter 70: Tragedy! The City Lord’s Double Happiness_2

He dared to take a share of the profits from the Wealth Casino because it was a hidden income that all city lords had turned a blind eye to for generations. It would be a waste not to take it.

But if Wang Shouzhe wants to use money to crush him and get him involved in the family feud, wouldn’t that be a disadvantage? After all, it’s a loss that can’t be offset.

“City Lord Xiahou is overthinking.” Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, “If I wanted to use you in the family feud, wouldn’t I initiate it after the fact? I’m just interested in your military and martial arts connections. I’m just selling some wine to diversify the family’s income sources. This is purely business cooperation and has nothing to do with anything else.”

“Of course, if it’s reasonable, legal and within your duties, I would be grateful if you would give us some help. It’s a way of mutual assistance.”

“Alright.” Unable to resist the temptation, Xiahou Hongde agreed with a smile, “I can only promise you to provide some convenience within my term that is in accordance with Daqian Law. Meanwhile, I will also hint at the Huangfu Clan not to mess around during my term.”

“In that case, thank you, City Lord Xiahou.”

Wang Shouzhe bowed to him, and the smile on his face became more sincere.

He did believe that Xiahou Hongde would hint at warning the Huangfu Clan, as this also pertained to Changning’s peace during his term.

However, it’s useless. Xiahou Hongde had overestimated his deterrence in the eyes of the Huangfu Clan and underestimated the tremendous pressure they faced for survival and promotion.

The development of the situation was destined to disappoint Xiahou Hongde~

After the benefit collaboration, Xiahou Hongde’s attitude towards Wang Shouzhe changed considerably.

After a few more words, Xiahou Hongde took leave with several bottles of Fire Crystal Burn gifted by Wang Shouzhe.

After getting off the carriage, his nonchalant demeanor disappeared without a trace, his face flushed with embarrassment and discomfort.

Finding a corner, he didn’t care about anything else and flew towards the City Guard Mansion.

Because that damned Fire Spirit Stone had unknowingly slipped into his stomach and entered an indescribable, longest organ of the human body.

…

Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe had just seen off City Lord Xiahou and already had another guest.

It was Fang Youan, the Direct Disciple of Purple Abode Academic Palace.

He still had the calm and gentle demeanor of a Prominent Family’s son, even his way of tasting spiritual tea was particularly graceful.

He teasingly said, “Junior Brother Shouzhe, you’re too popular. Now I have to line up to see you.”

“Haha, Senior Brother Youan is joking.” Wang Shouzhe sat across from him, his expression slightly apologetic, “I know why Senior Brother Youan is here. I am indeed at fault today. I stirred up some trouble while you’re in Changning, using the prestige of the Academic Palace to deter the Old Ancestor Hua Ye, making him temporarily dare not to act rashly.”

Although Fang Youan and other disciples of the Academic Palace did not speak or take a stand in this matter, it doesn’t mean that they weren’t part of Wang Shouzhe’s calculations.

In fact, if they weren’t present, the Celestial Huangfu Family and Old Ancestor Hua Ye might have been able to cover things up given their influence in Changning, and Xiahou Hongde might not have decided to rectify the situation so swiftly and decisively.

After all, the Academic Palace does have significant influence officially. Xiahou Hongde was also afraid that any hesitation on his part would affect his forthcoming promotion and reputation.

Therefore, the presence of Fang Youan and other disciples of the Academic Palace was, in fact, the most crucial factor for the perfect execution of this plan.

“No harm done. It’s your skill that you were able to navigate the situation.” Fang Youan smiled lightly, “After all, the opposition did have some connection to the Yinsha Sect. Since you’ve dealt with them, you could be said to have made a contribution to Daqian.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother Youan,” said Wang Shouzhe with a smile. “You’ve come at an opportune time. Here, try some of my homemade ‘Iceberg Burning.’”

Saying so, he raised his hand and took out a jug of spiritual wine.

“…”

Fang Youan was slightly curious.

‘Iceberg Burning’ is also a high-grade liquor. However, Wang Shouzhe’s ‘Iceberg Burning’ was made from Baiyu ZhiLan Spirit Rice and Ice Dew Grass, making it as clear and translucent as ice and exuding a slight chilliness.

As soon as the liquor was poured into the specially thickened glass, wisps of white mist coiled and rose, giving it a fairy-like appearance.

“This wine, when paired with an ice-spirit stone, is even better.”

As he spoke, Wang Shouzhe took out an Ice Spirit Stone, activated it with mysterious energy, and dropped it into the cup.

In an instant, the white mist turned into frost, and a beautiful layer of frost formed on the rim of the cup.

“Interesting, I’ll try it.”

Fang Youan picked up the double-layered glass and was about to drink.

Wang Shouzhe recalled a previous caution and quickly advised, “Senior Brother Yu An, do not drink the Spirit Stone along with it.”

Fang Youan gave Wang Shouzhe a strange look, “Junior Brother Shouzhe, why do you need to remind me? Do you think I am a fool who would swallow a spirit stone?”

“Ah … ha, ha~ I guess I spoke too much.” Wang Shouzhe forced a laugh and raised his hand, “Senior Brother Yu An, go ahead.”

Fang Youan sniffed and then gracefully took a sip.

The next moment, his calm expression shifted slightly, then shifted again, and then once more. His eyes became somewhat blurred, as if he had fallen into a certain emotional memory.

After a good ten breaths, his eyes regained their clarity and he said with a hint of emotion, “I now understand why this drink is called ‘Iceberg Burning’. The initial taste is like ice wine, and it gives a refreshing feeling all over the body, but right after that, it feels like your internal organs are being roasted by fire. Great drink. But…”

“Senior Brother Yu An, do you find it lacking in some way?” Wang Shouzhe asked humbly.

“There’s nothing lacking, just the name… it could be changed.” Fang Youan half-closed his eyes, “The drink at first sight appears to be like a gentle and innocent girl, and the first sip is wondrously indescribable. But when you actually drink it, you realize she turns out to be as furious as fire, torturing you until you’re in excruciating pain. But when you come back to your senses, you realize you’ve fallen in love with this inexplicably wonderful taste. How about renaming it to – ‘Ice Lady’.”

“…”

Wang Shouzhe was speechless; it seems that Senior Brother Yu An’s life experiences were quite diverse~

I wonder which senior sister managed to wrap him around her finger.

But the Ice Lady huh——

Sure! As long as you’re happy. After all, who are we to argue with a Tianren Realm Cultivator? Might is right.

Wang Shouzhe decided to use Senior Brother Yu An’s description for the packaging of the drink in future, and he would make sure to credit the source.

Wouldn’t you want to try a drink that even the Direct Disciple of Xue Palace approves?

Afterwards, Wang Shouzhe persuaded Fang Youan to help sell the drink in the same old way.

Don’t look at him as a Direct Disciple of the Xue palace, but even such disciples are people who also need resources to strive for the Purple Abode, right?

It’s a win-win situation~

…

After Fang Youan left, the carriage “borrowed” by Wang Shouzhe welcomed a queuing customer again.

It was Lady Ji disguised by Wang Mei.

In the recent action of eliminating the vassals of Huangfu Clan, she made a great contribution. Moreover, her identity would still be useful in the upcoming strategic arrangements.

Especially after Ji Mingyu unintentionally certified it, her identity representing Lady Ji was now “indisputable”.

“Wang Mei.” Wang Shouzhe served her with another “Biyu Hook Green” and said, “You have worked hard this time and still need to endure for a while longer.”

“Master Shouzhe, please call me ‘Lady Ji’.” Lady Ji coquettishly said, with a trace of long-standing resentment in her eyes, “Don’t mess up my name.”

“Hiss~”

Wang Shouzhe was helpless. Wang Mei was good in all other aspects, but once she stepped into her role, it was quite exhausting for him.

“Um…” Wang Shouzhe coughed, “Aren’t you afraid that the Huangfu Clan will get furious if they find out you came to see me late at night?”

“Afraid of what?” Lady Ji’s eyes turned, her voice unspeakably charming, “The more I provoke them, the more they fear me running away, and the more they understand the value of cherishing. It’s the same with men…”

Uh…

What you said makes sense, but I’m afraid my wife may not understand.

Wang Shouzhe was silently resigned.

…