Phi-Fic Chapter 22 A swift and successful deal, with both host and guests enjoying themselves.
Chapter 22 A swift and successful deal, with both host and guests enjoying themselves.
The magnificent carriage bearing the insignia of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion slowly came to a stop in front of the Xuanzhen Temple.
The trusted aide whispered, "Master, we've arrived at Xuanzhen Temple."
The carriage curtain was lifted, and a distinguished-looking man stepped out. He was none other than Chu Wenchen, the current master of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
He was casually looking around when he discovered that the area around Xuanzhen Temple was full of life.
Although the city and its surroundings were still covered in thick snow and ice, this place seemed to be blessed by the heavens.
As the snow melts, the damp soil is revealed, and the tender green leaves of new grass sway gently in the breeze.
Like a piece of emerald green, it is set on the snow-covered earth.
He was filled with doubt and wonder, wondering to himself: Could it be that the geography here is rather special?
Thinking this through, Chu Wenchen composed himself and gestured for his men to knock on the door.
A moment later, the door opened slightly.
The same young Taoist boy answered the door.
He opened half of the door, and as usual, first looked at the clothes of the people opposite him. He said politely, "Master Lin is not here. If you two have something to ask of him, please leave your names and purpose. I will pass on the message when the Master returns."
The confidant's expression remained unchanged as he asked directly, "Young Taoist priest, may I ask if two young women came to visit Xuanzhen Temple yesterday morning?"
The young Taoist priest became somewhat wary and said, "If it's not related to the Taoist temple, I have nothing to say. Besides, I haven't been ordained and am not worthy of being called a Taoist priest. If there's nothing else, please leave."
“Oh, boy, you’ve misunderstood.” Chu Wenchen had no choice but to step forward. “I am Chu Lengyu’s uncle, not a bad person. I’ve come here to give my niece some things.”
His trusted aide was indeed carrying a bundle.
Before Lin Jiuxiao and Chu Lengyu left, they had already given the young Taoist boy some instructions. Now, upon hearing the newcomer introduce himself, he immediately recognized the man before him as Duke Zhenguo, Chu Wenchen.
A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes as he stepped aside, saying, "Then you two can come in."
Chu Wenchen and his men then walked in through the half-open door.
Upon entering the courtyard, they immediately felt much warmer. The gentle breeze that brushed against their faces carried a hint of warmth, creating a stark contrast to the icy, snowy, and frigid environment outside.
Moreover, looking around, everything was lush and vibrant, full of life, which was not at all like the scene one would expect in the dead of winter.
Such a strange situation cannot be explained by mere geographical peculiarities.
There must be a hidden meaning behind it.
Chu Wenchen then asked, "May I ask, young boy, outside the ice and snow cover the land, the cold wind howls, and all the grass withers, why is it that only inside Xuanzhen Temple the wind is gentle and the scenery is beautiful, and the plants are reviving?"
"Hey, you've come at the right time." The young Taoist priest showed a hint of pride, or rather, an expression of honor, but he still tried to downplay it, "It is the ancestral master's divine intervention that bestowed a spring breeze, making the temple different from the outside world."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Wenchen and his men were even more surprised.
"The ancestral master has manifested?!"
Chu Wenchen wanted to ask if it was true or not, but was afraid of angering everyone, so he simply used a provocation tactic, saying in a suspicious tone, "You're not trying to trick me, are you? Even if I burn more firewood at home, it will still melt the ice and snow."
His trick worked perfectly. The boy's eyes widened as soon as he heard this, and he pointed into the courtyard and said, "Why would I lie to you! Everyone in the temple witnessed that spring breeze this morning! The warmth still lingers in the courtyard. You can feel it for yourself. Even the abbot said it was the compassion of the patriarch."
The young Taoist was very excited, but seeing Chu Wenchen's thoughtful expression, he suddenly came to his senses and realized that he had fallen for his trick. He turned his head away and decided to ignore him.
Because of the exciting scene of the "patriarch's manifestation", everyone in the temple was invigorated and worked hard to do their homework. However, they did not encounter a single person along the way.
The young Taoist priest led them to a guest room, told them to wait there and not to wander off or touch anything, and then left on his own.
Chu Wenchen and his confidants sat down in the guest room and waited quietly.
……
Two flowers bloom, one branch each.
Lin Jiuxiao heard that Chu Lengyu wanted to buy the estate, and it was the Xie family's garden that had gotten into trouble.
After thinking about it for a while, he felt that although the garden was a bit unlucky, it was a great deal, so he offered to negotiate the price for her without hesitation.
Chu Lengyu naturally wouldn't refuse, and also brought Lüyun along. The four of them rode in the Xuanzhen Temple's carriage and went out together.
The four first went to Xie's family home, which was now uninhabited, with only a few servants guarding it.
Lin Jiuxiao led them inside and showed them around several areas. He had been here a few times and was quite familiar with the layout.
The Xie family put a lot of thought and resources into building this garden, and it is quite well-decorated. Moreover, the adjacent mountain forest has been fenced off by the Xie family and is also part of the estate's territory.
Chu Lengyu didn't have any particular requirements for her accommodation; comfort and safety were enough.
She liked the fenced-off woods behind it the moment she saw it.
It was spacious and quiet, perfect for her to practice her swordsmanship.
Seeing that she was satisfied, Lin Jiuxiao took her directly to the Xie family to visit and discuss the purchase.
Upon arriving at the Xie family's residence, the Xie family members, after a brief moment of surprise upon hearing that Abbot Lin had found a buyer for them so quickly, hurriedly and warmly greeted them.
Chu Lengyu followed behind her martial uncle, sizing up the Xie family and making a mental assessment. They were a well-off family, not lacking in money, and didn't seem wicked. Buying their garden shouldn't cause any further trouble later.
As for the real culprit who plotted against three members of the Xie family, Chu Lengyu would rather welcome him if he dared to harm her.
After Lin Jiuxiao's introduction, the Xie family learned that the beautiful girl following behind him was the buyer, and that she came from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
The names of these four kings and eight dukes were truly intimidating; once they were mentioned, the Xie family couldn't muster any other thoughts.
Outsiders were unaware of the awkwardness of her identity. Once the Xie family heard that she was the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and with Lin Jiuxiao vouching for her, what reason did they have to doubt her?
In addition, the Xie family had encountered a series of misfortunes and was in a hurry to sell, so they were willing to sell at a low price and form a good relationship with Chu Lengyu.
The deal was settled in just a few words. After signing the contract, Chu Lengyu immediately took out gold bars to pay the bill, which drew everyone's attention.
After completing the formalities with the government, the garden would belong to her completely.
Seeing that the young girl was so straightforward and trusting, paying the full amount without hesitation, the Xie family immediately said, "Then the furniture and utensils in the garden will be given to Miss Chu. If you like them, you can keep them; if you don't, you can throw them away. There's no need to be polite."
Thus, both host and guests enjoyed themselves.
Lin Jiuxiao had never done such a straightforward and efficient business deal before, and as the middleman, he felt proud and shared in their joy.
Green Bamboo stood to one side, still a little confused. How come she only came out once, and the young lady bought the garden so quickly?
But they have a new home now!