Although Huang Biao had acted on his own when he threatened Zhao Feng into mortgaging his farmland, Li the Landowner could not escape responsibility either. He had come in person to apologize, so he adopted a very humble attitude.
Zhao Feng did not speak immediately. Only when the sweat on Li the Landowner's forehead dripped onto the ground did he nod.
"So it's Landowner Li. There's no need to stand on ceremony."
Li Jinbao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He straightened up and said with a broad smile:
"Master Zhao, your success in becoming a Martial Scholar has brought great honor to our village. Even a humble man like me shares in your glory and can hold his head high outside! So I've prepared a few modest gifts and come to offer my congratulations."
"Bring them in," he said, turning to Steward Liu.
Steward Liu and the servants unloaded three large chests from the carriage. When the first was opened, it revealed fine, sturdy cotton cloth packed to the brim-a full ten bolts.
The second chest was filled with silk and satin, including Su Brocade, also about ten bolts.
The third held fine aged wine, tea, and preserved delicacies from the mountains and seas.
The neighboring villagers' eyes dazzled at these precious gifts, the likes of which they had never even seen before.
Tian Cuihua rubbed her hands and looked at Zhao Feng. When he nodded, she immediately began excitedly directing the servants to carry everything into the courtyard.
"Come inside, Landowner Li," Zhao Feng said evenly.
Li Jinbao breathed another sigh of relief. After entering, he waited until the servants had carried everything inside before asking Zhao Youlin to close the gate. Then he took a chest of silver from a servant and presented it to Zhao Feng.