"So you're the ones here to buy land?"
The man dressed as a steward swept a scornful glance over Shen Tang and her party.
His gaze finally settled on Wei Lou.
More precisely, it landed on the Literary Heart Sigil at Wei Lou's waist.
His expression shifted. The scorn he'd worn at first gave way to a measure of respect. He cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask how this gentleman is addressed?"
Wei Lou said, "This is my Lady."
The steward gave a knowing smile. It was plain that he hadn't taken Shen Tang seriously. For one thing, she was a woman. For another, her clothes weren't as fine as Wei Lou's. What sort of lord looked so down on her luck? As a Literary Scholar, Wei Lou might have fallen from grace, but he would surely rise again one day. He was naturally more worthy of the steward's attention and respect. Still, since Shen Tang was the one buying the land, he would show her a little courtesy.
"May I ask how much land you'd like to buy, Lady? What sort of quality?"
Shen Tang asked, "How much does your master own?"
The steward's expression changed in an instant. He sneered, "That's quite a bold claim, Lady. You think you can buy all my master's land?"
"Why not?"
The steward slammed the table and sprang to his feet. "You're seeking death!"
He might have been a servant in his master's household, but he was a man of consequence among the tenant farmers and commoners. Who didn't address him with respect? Shen Tang had come in and toyed with him, showing no sincerity about making a deal. To him, it was an insult. It would have been strange if he could stomach it.
He called for his men