Chapter 20: Sudden Wealth

Chapter 20: Sudden Wealth

In the VIP lounge of the Treasure Pavilion, Yu Xian slumped in his chair, his face pale and breathing slightly labored. His back was already drenched in sweat from the intense spree of buying, which had rapidly drained his mental energy, pushing him well beyond the limits he had set for himself.

Yet, at the thought of the tens of thousands of silver taels soon to be in his possession, his weary body seemed infused with new vigor.

“Sir, are you alright?” Yulan, who had never seen Yu Xian in such a state, couldn’t help but worry.

Yu Xian exhaled a breath of stale air and reassured her, “It’s nothing, just need a good rest.”

“You watch the situation outside for me, I’ll rest for a while.”

He gave a brief instruction and, without waiting for Yulan’s reply, leaned back in the chair, propping his head with his hand, closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state.

The spirit energy mainly consumes one’s mental strength, much like staying up late for ordinary people, and can be replenished with sufficient rest. Although Yu Xian had never encountered any secret arts related to spirit energy, he was familiar with simple meditation.

Perhaps due to the heavy exhaustion, this time his meditation went unexpectedly smoothly. His body seemed to become a statue devoid of thought, while his consciousness grew remarkably sharp. His spirit extended from his body like countless tiny tendrils, cautiously probing the outside world, accompanied by a warm sensation.

How long he remained like this, he could not tell.

Suddenly, before his eyes, a flash of blood-red light appeared as if a great horror was descending. He jolted awake.

“Damn!”

With a bang, the teacup on the table was knocked over by his swinging arm, shattering like a water lily and splashing water all over the floor.

Yulan, who had been dozing, immediately woke up and hurried over.

“Sir, what’s wrong?!”

Recalling the scene he had just seen, Yu Xian’s heart shuddered with unease. Could this be some kind of omen?

Even ordinary people have a sixth sense, and as a cultivator, his spirit was even more sensitive to the natural world. Such sudden impulses could not be ignored.

Could it be that his recent windfall had brought about mortal danger?

This was the only reason Yu Xian could think of.

Since becoming a steward for the Prince’s Mansion, he had kept a low profile, casually traveling with his sister for leisure, with no chance to make enemies.

The only suspect was that steward Ding Le, but Yu Xian wasn’t arrogant—Ding’s strength was barely enough to cast a fireball.

Moreover, Ding wouldn’t bear a grudge that could cost him his life over a matter of pride and a thousand silver taels.

So what could have triggered this sense of impending danger?

Yu Xian fell into deep thought.

Seeing Yu Xian suddenly fall silent, Yulan was also frightened and held her breath, afraid to disturb him.

After a long while, Yu Xian rubbed his brow and exhaled deeply.

Damn it, my brain’s useless—I can’t figure anything out.

But it must be connected to the large sum of silver he had just acquired. To be safe, he decided to take the money and retreat back to the Prince’s Mansion.

He knew that ever since the assassination attempt by Chen Xiao, the Prince had invested heavily in fortifying the mansion, now filled with traps and secret passages.

If trouble came knocking, the Prince would be the first to face it.

“Yulan, what time is it now? How are those stones coming along?”

Seeing the room had been lit, Yu Xian asked.

Yulan answered truthfully, “Sir, the hour of the Dog (7 to 9 p.m.) just passed; you’ve been asleep nearly two hours. Today’s jade exhibition has ended. Manager Liu said not to disturb you while you rest. Also, about the stones you selected, about half have been opened. Manager Liu said to continue tomorrow, and once the news spreads, more customers will be interested, so the prices should be higher.”

Yu Xian, now feeling more refreshed, got up and opened the door.

But just outside, Lan Xiaohe was standing guard, nodding off slightly, clearly exhausted as well.

“Miss Lan,” Yu Xian called softly.

Lan Xiaohe immediately woke and greeted him respectfully.

“Lord Yu.”

Yu Xian asked, “Miss Lan, are you waiting for me?”

Lan Xiaohe replied, “Yes, my lord. Manager Liu said to invite you over once you woke.”

...

Yu Xian soon met Manager Liu, who was flushed with health and spirit, chatting with the bearded Lu Yuan.

The second-floor exhibition hall was not as deserted as he had imagined.

On the contrary, many people remained.

Besides the patrolling guards of the Treasure Pavilion, nearly every exhibition room had one or two caretakers.

The jade stones on display were no trifles; they were heavy blocks rather than small trinkets that could be wrapped and carried off easily. Just moving them up had been a great effort.

So apart from some lighter and precious jades being stored away, it made sense for their own people to watch over the heavy pieces.

The whole second-floor exhibition was brightly lit by candles, illuminating the hall clearly—no worries about accidents in the dark.

“Steward Yu, you truly are a divine being!” Manager Liu bowed deeply upon seeing Yu Xian approach, nearly prostrating himself.

Yu Xian shook his head with a smile, “Manager Liu, you flatter me too much.”

“Not at all, not at all,” Liu said proudly, “This event must be recorded for posterity, inscribed on my tombstone so future generations remember the glorious occasion their ancestor witnessed.

Ninety-six consecutive stones, not a single mistake—each yielded a treasure. If I hadn’t been personally involved, I wouldn’t have believed such a miraculous event.

Fortunately, I was there to experience the overwhelming excitement firsthand.

Steward Yu, do you know the guests nearly went mad?

Even our Pavilion Master was stirred. Upon hearing you were resting, he said he hopes to meet you in person next time.”

Yu Xian waved his hand, “I don’t care about all that. I just want to know how much silver was made. Is it enough for ninety thousand taels?”

Manager Liu turned and brought out a wooden box, opening it to reveal stacks of silver notes so numerous they looked like scraps of paper.

“Steward Yu, mission accomplished. There is a total of 126,540 taels here.”

Yu Xian’s eyes brightened as he turned to Lu Yuan.

“Brother Lu, I’ll give you a 10% discount—89,000 taels, money and goods settled.”

Having witnessed the afternoon’s frenzy, Lu Yuan was comfortable enough to call him “big brother” without hesitation.

“Brother Yu, you’ve earned so much. Why haggle over this small amount with me?”

Yu Xian hesitated briefly, then replied earnestly, “It’s not about haggling but integrity. Whatever we agree on is final.

If you arbitrarily raise prices or quarrel over petty gains, that’s not the way of business, nor will you last long or become a great merchant.

Since you call me big brother, I can’t let you go astray!”

Lu Yuan was silenced by this speech but inwardly exclaimed, “Damn, I’ve learned something.” He obediently accepted the 89,000 taels and sold the treasured piece.

In the end, the Treasure Pavilion took a 10% commission—12,000 taels. Manager Liu generously waived the remainder, so the purchase price was 98,000 taels, leaving a balance of 16,500 taels.

Yu Xian calculated that his wealth was steadily increasing.

Looking at the remaining pile of raw stones, an idea suddenly struck him.

“Manager Liu, I want to propose a deal with the Treasure Pavilion. Are you authorized to make decisions?”

Liu was momentarily caught off guard but confidently answered, “Within the Treasure Pavilion, I have that authority.”

“Good. I intend to sell these stones to you as a package. What price can you offer?”

Yu Xian was content and did not intend to squeeze out the last copper coin.

Just as he was willing to pay a 10% commission to the Pavilion, which on paper was more than fair, the Pavilion’s official backing saved him a lot of trouble.

“Ah?” Liu was startled and cautiously asked, “How much silver does Steward Yu intend to ask for? If it’s too much, I may not have the authority.”

Yu Xian said, “There are at least two hundred raw stones left, but I only want 150,000 taels, and I guarantee every stone contains valuable material.

But this offer is only valid today and must be settled in gold.”

“That’s natural. Steward Yu’s prowess has been witnessed by all today,” Liu complimented, then after a moment’s thought said, “This matter is significant. I must consult the Pavilion Master. If Steward Yu can wait one hour, I will give you an answer.”

“Agreed,” Yu Xian nodded.

Since he planned to avoid trouble by retreating to the Prince’s Mansion, he had no intention of going out again, even if it meant earning less.

For added safety, he exchanged the silver notes for gold. Silver notes depended mainly on the bank’s credit, but gold was hard currency and could be refined into forging materials if necessary.

One hour later.

Yu Xian boarded the Treasure Pavilion’s carriage.

Inside the carriage, besides two attendants, was a piece of jade originally priced at 100,000 taels, and a chest of gold valued at 150,000 taels.

(End of Chapter)