Chapter Eighty-Five: Breaking the Deadlock

Is this an attempt to use Old Master Zhao to take action against Han Qing? But this old fox would never fall for such a trap.

"You have no choice, nor any grounds to negotiate with me."

Bai Jingming could only concede, though resentment took root in his heart. If it weren’t to pull Han Qing down from his perch, how could he have left such a handle for others to seize? His grievances against Han Qing grew ever deeper. He had planned to bide his time, keep a low profile, and wait until the moment was ripe to drag the Han family down as well. But now, he found himself powerless to act.

Yet, the secret dealings between the two did not escape the notice of Young Master Zhu. He already harbored suspicions toward the Bai family, even though they had done nothing truly villainous before. Still, he could not so easily agree to cooperate with Han Qing; surely, they harbored ulterior motives.

"The two of them are in contact again, probably up to some underhanded tricks. Aren’t you going to keep your guard up?" he asked.

"It’s nothing more than a bit of private dealing. Do you really think I care about Bai Jingming?" Han Qing patted him on the shoulder. "Who is using whom here is far from certain."

"Then why did you help him get his shop up and running before? You even gave him advice."

"I only wished to avoid a situation where one family monopolizes Beijun City. The Zhao family’s ambitions are too obvious—they want to control all the merchants here. It’s far too soon for that."

He spoke with composure, yet his methods had not been without ruthlessness. How could such a man hope for lasting success? What’s more, the covert maneuvers he had undertaken seemed to align perfectly with the Bai family's own interests.

"Did you really think the recent troubles were all the work of Bai’s second young master? The advisor giving him counsel was actually planted by Old Master Zhao."

What? How could that be?

"Someone as meticulous as that would never act rashly; he’d already arranged all his helpers well in advance," Han Qing said calmly.

Were it not for the few letters left behind by the Lady Pei, he might never have known the true hand behind the scenes belonged to Old Master Zhao.

"So that’s how it is," Young Master Zhu said, finally piecing it together. "But now that they’ve joined forces, doesn’t that make all our previous efforts pointless?"

"Not at all," Han Qing replied, shaking his head mysteriously. The two men had struck their deal less than two hours ago.

No sooner had their agreement been reached than the Ministry of Justice dispatched a small group to the Bai family’s cloth shop, rounding up all evidence and witnesses. Examiner Li’s crimes were swiftly judged, and as for the Zhao family’s shop, their murky dealings with several banks landed them directly in prison. Lord Wen acted with lightning speed, wasting not a single moment.

The news caused a great stir among all the merchants of Beijun City. None could have imagined that the prominent firms they’d placed their hopes in would all be embroiled in scandal. No one dared stir up trouble anymore; all conducted themselves with newfound caution, not daring to challenge authority.

No one, however, expected that an unexpected visitor would appear at Tinglan Courtyard.

"Husband, that beggar just now—he seemed to claim he was your friend?" Jiang Xiuxiu had initially taken the beggar for a mere vagrant asking for alms. After he explained his purpose, she was surprised but nonetheless offered him hospitality, instructing the servants to provide food and letting him wait in the garden until her husband’s return.

When Han Qing heard, he, too, was puzzled. How had the old beggar found his way here? They had met briefly before—after the man had helped him, he’d vanished without a trace, and even when Han Qing had sent people to search, nothing came of it.

"I still remember the debt I owe you for saving my life last time. May I ask, what brings you here today?" Han Qing asked.

"No, your debt has already been repaid. But I, an old wanderer, have taken a liking to you," the beggar replied.

What? Han Qing was taken aback, unsure what he meant.

"I have spent my life honing my martial arts, yet never found a worthy disciple. If you are willing, I shall teach you all I know."

Such an incredible fortune, falling right into his lap! Han Qing was stunned, but on reflection, suspected it couldn’t be so simple. This old beggar was clearly no ordinary man; he would hardly bestow a lifetime of mastery on someone without a price.

"What do you ask in return?" Han Qing inquired.

"Come with me to Blue City," came the simple reply.

That hardly seemed difficult—but why choose him?

"Is Beijun City no longer fit for you?" Han Qing asked.

"No, but Blue City is better suited to you. Take an old man’s advice: don’t confine yourself to the comforts of a single place."

Han Qing pondered for a moment, but the old beggar gave him no choice.

"Tomorrow at this time, I’ll come for you. If you wish to go, wait outside the city gates!"

With those words, the beggar left Tinglan Courtyard, mysterious as ever, unwilling to linger a moment longer.

Han Qing knew he must bid his family goodbye—he couldn’t simply vanish. At the very least, he needed a suitable excuse.

That night, he discussed the matter with his mother.

"Mother, I’ve taken first place in the county exams, and the capital exams await me. But if I remain confined to this small city, my horizons will always be limited and I’ll miss out on vital information…"

He explained all the pros and cons clearly. His mother was not unreasonable; she understood the benefits.

"My son, I support you. Going out into the world does broaden one’s experience. But Xiuxiu has been married here for years—won’t it be unfair to her if you leave so suddenly?"

"I will discuss it with her, and when the time is right, I’ll bring both of you to join me."

His mother nodded, unable to hide her reluctance, yet unwilling to clip her son’s wings.

He then spoke with Jiang Xiuxiu. She was understanding, immediately grasping his intentions, and reassured him to go without worry—she would manage all matters at home.

With everything settled, early the next morning, Han Qing waited at the city gate. Before a quarter-hour had passed, the old beggar appeared with two horses, clearly confident Han Qing would come.

"Let’s go!"

The two set off for Blue City. But midway, they met an old acquaintance.

"This isn’t the road back to Beijun. Where are you headed?" Young Master Zhu, just returned from Luo Capital, encountered them unexpectedly.

"I’m headed to Blue City for a look around. I won’t be back for a few days," Han Qing replied, keeping nothing back.

"Han Qing, you can’t really consider me a friend if you’d leave without telling me, can you?"