Grand Opening

The next day.

Xu Chuan, along with Bai Jing, Xu Mingwei, and the other siblings, took a carriage to the West Market of Qingjiang County Town.

They first settled into the courtyard house in the West Market.

"Father, is this the house Second Brother bought?"

"It's even bigger than our own home."

Xu Chuan looked around; it was his first time here too, so he observed for a while.

"It's barely enough for the family to live in, but if Shitou and A Yuan get married and have children, it won't be enough anymore."

"That's true." Bai Jing smiled in agreement. "Shitou is almost sixteen now; in a few years, we should pick a family for him to marry into."

She turned to Xu Chuan. "Husband, do you have anyone in mind?"

"What's the point of me having someone in mind? What matters most is that our Shitou likes them himself."

Xu Chuan took Bai Jing's hand and rubbed it gently. "Wife, go see if there's a room you like. We can come and stay here often in the future."

"No need."

Bai Jing shook her head. "Wherever my husband is, this concubine will be."

Xu Mingxian and Xu Mingshu were full of curiosity, wandering all over the courtyard, with Little White Tiger frolicking beside them.

"A Yuan, take your mother and the others to the Fruit Shop later. I'm going out for a while. You don't need to wait for me; I'll come directly."

"Got it, Father."

After Xu Chuan left, he headed toward the County Office.

"Who are you, and what business do you have at the County Office?"

The Yamen Runner at the door stopped Xu Chuan and questioned him by rote.

"This Humble One is Xu Chuan, from Dongxi Village. I've come to visit County Lieutenant Yang."

"You know County Lieutenant Yang?"

"Brother Yamen Runner, just go and report, and you'll find out."

The middle-aged Yamen Runner pondered for a moment, then said, "Then come with me. If you're lying, you'll be in for it."

Xu Chuan gave a faint smile and replied, "Yes."

He followed the Yamen Runner into the County Office and arrived outside the study where the County Lieutenant worked.

The Yamen Runner knocked on the door and said, "County Lieutenant, there's a Xu Chuan here to see you."

"Xu Chuan? From where?"

"Dongxi Village."

"Let him in."

"Mr. Xu, the County Lieutenant asks you to enter."

Knowing that Xu Chuan was an acquaintance of County Lieutenant Yang, the Yamen Runner immediately put on a smiling face and then tactfully left.

"Brother Xu, long time no see."

"Sit down and talk."

Yang Zhao smiled slightly and made a gesture of invitation.

In just a few years, he had risen from Registrar to County Lieutenant, all thanks to Xu Chuan's strategy for pacifying the people back then.

He had originally thought that the other party would soon come to him for help or use the Yang Family's name to elevate the Xu Family to the next level.

Who would have thought he'd be waiting for over five years?

The Xu Family had gained immense wealth, yet they remained as before—neither arrogant nor impatient, steadily developing.

This made him admire them even more.

He also knew that the Xu Family was planning for a foundation that would last a hundred generations.

"County Lieutenant, your official duties keep you busy; how could I dare to disturb you lightly?"

"You and I are about the same age. When no one's around, just call me Brother Yang." Yang Zhao said, "Did you come to ask Yang for help with something?"

Xu Chuan shook his head. "Brother Yang misunderstands. I've long heard of your selflessness. Today, I only came to invite you to take a look at my newly opened Fruit Shop. If you could inscribe a few words as a favor, that would be even better."

"Haha, such a small matter is no problem at all."

Yang Zhao laughed heartily, then looked at Xu Chuan and added, "So you're finally ready to develop the Xu Family toward the county town?"

"It seems you're confident you've gained a foothold in the county town."

"Brother Yang is teasing me. The county town has countless Families, and there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers everywhere. Our Xu Family is just opening a Fruit Shop in the West Market to make a living; talking about gaining a foothold is far from it."

Yang Zhao said no more. "When does it open?"

"In a little over an hour."

"Then there's no rush. Let me finish the official documents at hand first, and then I'll go with you."

Xu Chuan nodded and sat down leisurely to one side.

Nearly an hour later.

Yang Zhao rose and cupped his hands. "I've kept Brother Xu waiting. Let me change into casual clothes, and we'll go. I hope we won't miss the auspicious hour."

"You're too kind, Brother Yang. Your presence alone is a great honor for my Xu family."

Soon after, the two left the county office and headed toward the West Market.

At this moment.

In front of the Xu Family Fruit Shop.

Crackling firecrackers sounded without end.

Many people had already been drawn by the lively atmosphere, stopping to watch.

Even several wealthy merchants and prominent households known throughout the county came to deliver gifts.

Chang Haowen had arrived, but he did not show himself.

Instead, he sat by a window on the second floor of the tavern across the street, drinking wine and watching the bustle at the Xu Family Fruit Shop.

Beside him stood the maidservant named Xiao Mei as always.

"Setting up shop in a place like the West Market—this Xu family really doesn't know how to pick a location."

"You can't say that. Though the West Market isn't as bustling as the East Market, this street is mostly food stalls. If people get tired of greasy fare, wouldn't fruit be just the thing to cleanse the palate?"

"Buy a few catties to take home, and the whole family can enjoy them together."

"Ah, hearing you say that, Young Master, it does make some sense. This Xu family knows how to scheme."

Chang Haowen shook his head with a faint smile, looking down at the scene below and finding it rather dull.

"Hm? Yang Zhao is here? Does he have ties to the Xu family? Could the Yang family be backing them behind the scenes?"

As a member of another major clan in the prefecture city, Chang Haowen naturally recognized Yang Zhao.

They were of the same generation, but there was a considerable age gap between them. He had only met Yang Zhao once as a child, when he went to the Yang residence with his father and eldest brother.

"The person beside Yang Zhao looks familiar too. His features resemble those of Xu Mingyuan and his brothers—probably an elder of the Xu family."

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He suddenly found the situation interesting.

Just seeing Yang Zhao come here made the trip worthwhile.

"Shitou, A Yuan, Tantou, Xue Ji, Yun Nu, come and greet your Uncle Yang."

"Greetings, Uncle Yang."

The Xu Family Five Sons bowed respectfully to Yang Zhao.

Yang Zhao studied them. Setting aside the young Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian, the other three all had restrained inner radiance, full of vitality and spirit, clearly extraordinary.

"I truly envy you, Brother Xu, for having such fine children. Each one is gifted."

"Gifted? They're just a bunch of wild monkeys raised in the countryside. They don't deserve such praise from you, Brother Yang."

Xu Mingshu, unafraid of strangers, asked curiously, "Uncle Yang, why have I never seen you before during the holidays?"

Yang Zhao pinched her tender cheek and said with a chuckle, "Though your father and I have met only a few times, we appreciate each other deeply. We've long been friends in spirit."

"Friends in spirit? How does that work? Can I be friends in spirit too?"

Hearing this, Yang Zhao burst into laughter.

The others were also amused by the child's innocent words, unable to suppress their smiles.

"This little girl is truly endearing. I'm almost tempted to take her as my goddaughter. Would Brother Xu be willing?"

Xu Mingshu immediately bowed with a smile. "Xue Ji greets her godfather."

"Xue Ji is the only girl in our family. Everyone dotes on her, which has made her a bit unruly. Please don't mind, Brother Yang." Xu Chuan shook his head with a wry smile.

"She's quite different from my Hua'er in temperament, but she's very charming."

"Come, this is your godfather's gift for you."

Yang Zhao unfastened a jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Xu Mingshu.

"It's beautiful. Thank you, godfather."

"Brother Xu, since you invited me to write the inscription, let's do it now," Yang Zhao said.

"Mm. Shitou, A Yuan, go fetch the brush and ink."

"Yes, Father."

Just as Yang Zhao began to write, a disdainful voice suddenly rang out. "Since when can any random cat or dog write inscriptions?"

"Xu Chuan, is your shop sign so casual? Do you want me to introduce you to a few esteemed calligraphers?"

Yang Zhao's brow instantly furrowed into three lines, and his lotus-like face froze over.

But he did not lose his temper on the spot. After all, he had come only to offer congratulations to a friend and had no desire to flaunt his official status.

With the voice, four or five people pushed through the crowd and arrived in front of the shop.

"Second Uncle, Godson, he's Xu Chuan. He sneered at our Xu Family and harbors ill intentions toward us. We can't let him off easy today."

"Maor, you don't need to say more. I have my own judgment."

Xu Mao's Second Uncle, Xu Zhen, had lived long enough to have considerable experience, and he wasn't someone to be fooled by a few words.

"Xu Family Head, I am Xu Zhen."

"So it's Second Master Xu." Xu Chuan smiled, cupping his hands as he stepped forward. "When I was with the Xu Family in my early years, I often heard of your renowned reputation, but this is our first meeting."

Seeing the other party so courteous, Xu Zhen was somewhat surprised.

But he also knew that many people were smiling tigers, fond of stabbing others in the back.

Thus, he did not let his guard down in his heart.