Chapter 155: As the Parent Official of Qingxian City, Isn ‘t It Reasonable to Ask for Half of Your Wealth?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation        Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Qingxian City.

At the Gu Residence.

As Lu Xuan and Cheng Lingzhu entered the grand banquet hall of the Gu residence under the guidance of the household servants, Gu Yang was already waiting there. The Gu family, being the strongest and wealthiest among the three major families of Qingxian City, had their mansion built with extravagant splendor, especially the banquet hall reserved for guests.

Since there were some confidential matters to discuss after the meal, Gu Yang had ordered to set up screens in the hall, creating a private space.

“Magistrate Wu graces my humble abode; truly an honor,” Gu Yang rose to his feet, wearing a friendly smile, and greeted Lu Xuan.

Lu Xuan returned the gesture, exchanging pleasantries with Gu Yang. After a brief conversation, Gu Yang turned to Cheng Lingzhu, who was beside Lu Xuan, and inquired, “May I know who this is?”

“He is my advisor, always accompanying me,” Lu Xuan introduced.

This statement was meant to explain to Gu Yang that “Advisor Cheng” was his own person and brought along to Qingxian City, implying he could be trusted in the upcoming discussions.

After exchanging formalities, the three of them took their seats. Gu Yang had also brought someone along, a steward-like figure who was there to serve drinks and set the atmosphere.

Hosting the magistrate for a banquet certainly involved more than just eating. At Gu Yang’s command, the servants removed the screens, revealing the spacious hall. To entertain the magistrate, Gu Yang had prepared the mansion’s singers and dancers.

As soon as Lu Xuan sat down, the performances began. Despite their wealth, the Gu family lacked cultural refinement, and the performances were somewhat vulgar. The girls wore short skirts and revealing dresses, performing in a way that was meant to allure.

Lu Xuan watched with a critical gaze. Cheng Lingzhu, noticing his unwavering attention, ground her teeth and stepped on his foot.

“What does Magistrate Wu think of the dancers in my mansion?” Gu Yang asked.

“They are graceful and charming, all beautiful ladies… Your taste, Elder Gu, is undoubtedly excellent,” Lu Xuan complimented.

“Magistrate Wu understands me well,” Gu Yang winked, his expression laden with meaning. “I’ve heard that since taking office, you’ve solved many difficult cases and are revered as a just magistrate by the people. I admire that greatly.”

“It’s just solving some cases, trivial matters, nothing worth mentioning,” Lu Xuan responded modestly.

“Magistrate Wu is Qingxian City’s great hero,” Gu Yang raised his voice. “Since ancient times, heroes are paired with beauties. Seeing Magistrate Lu’s appreciation for beauty, I have a dancer who excels in singing and playing instruments… I would like to present her to you as a gift today. What do you think?”

Lu Xuan thought to himself, ‘This is not just a dancer, but a songstress.’

It was common for wealthy families to offer their concubines or performers to guests as a gesture of goodwill.

Gu Yang sat opposite Lu Xuan, smiling. Cheng Lingzhu sat beside Lu Xuan, arms crossed, silently observing.

After a moment of silence, Lu Xuan said to Gu Yang, “Cultivating such a talent must have taken considerable effort and resources. I would feel rather uneasy accepting such a gift…”

“What’s there to feel uneasy about?” Gu Yang responded righteously. “As the parent official of Qingxian City, you work tirelessly for the people. Even if I were to offer everything in my mansion, it would only be a small token of my gratitude.”

Lu Xuan blinked, emphasizing the word “your” in his response.

“Magistrate Lu, we are here to make a fortune together. There’s no need to distinguish between yours and mine,” Gu Yang caught the implication. “It’s all for the sake of Qingxian City.”

“Yes, for the sake of Qingxian City,” Lu Xuan raised his glass with a smile. “A toast to Elder Gu.”

Gu Yang quickly raised his cup, “I should be the one toasting the magistrate and the advisor.”

After finishing their drinks, the performances concluded and the screen was set back in place, restoring the private space.

As the meal progressed and the atmosphere became more relaxed, Gu Yang subtly signaled someone. The attendant who had been serving them excused himself, leaving only Lu Xuan, Cheng Lingzhu, and Gu Yang in the hall.

Though they had just drunk wine, Gu Yang’s eyes remained clear and sharp. He lowered his voice, “How does Magistrate Wu plan to handle this business?”

“I’ve just arrived in Qingxian City and am unfamiliar with the place,” Lu Xuan didn’t answer directly but instead asked, “I’m curious about Elder Gu’s plans.”

“Naturally, we start by exploiting the peasants,” Gu Yang stated matter-of-factly. “The Qingxian Festival is coming, and people will offer tributes to Qingxian. We can take this opportunity to collect money.”

He looked at Lu Xuan, “After the festival, repairing city walls, waterways, and exterminating bandits outside the city… That’s another big revenue. But we’ll need the magistrate’s help.”

Gu Yang wanted to collaborate with the magistrate to leverage the authority of the officialdom. Even though Qingxian Society dominated the city, they were still a civilian organization without legitimate backing.

Each year, after collecting taxes, Qingxian Society would dutifully transfer the yamen’s share, even giving more than required..