Chapter 43: The Choice To Reconcile
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Chapter 43: The Choice To Reconcile
At the break of dawn, a light drizzle lent a refreshing coolness to the summer air of Li City.
"The Chieftain has summoned me?" Wu Yuan, who had just finished his breakfast at home, was greeted by the hurried arrival of Steward Fang, who came in such a rush that he had no time to bring an umbrella.
"Young Master Yuan, it's someone from the Xu faction." Uncle Fang replied hastily.
The news of Wu Yuan's special recruitment by the sect hadn't been officially disseminated, but Uncle Fang, who had witnessed the event the previous night, had tactfully begun addressing him as 'Young Master'.
"The Xu faction? The general's faction?" Wu Yuan was slightly taken aback.
Uncle Fang nodded in affirmation.
"Mother, please see to Uncle Fang. Do serve him some hot soup before he leaves," Wu Yuan requested.
"Alright. Since the chieftain is asking for you, you should hurry. I will take care of things at home," Wanqin replied.
...
With each step Wu Yuan took, he covered a distance of several zhangs, swiftly arriving at the ancestral mansion. There, he found Wu Qiming and Steward Xu from the Xu Manor in the study.
"Steward Xu." Wu Yuan said, looking straight at him without courtesy.
"Ah, Young Master Yuan has arrived," Steward Xu responded with utmost politeness, seemingly ignoring Wu Yuan's cold demeanor. This was a stark contrast to his attitude when Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming first visited the Xu faction.
"Wu Yuan," Wu Qiming said with a slight smile on his face, "Steward Xu is here on behalf of General Xu to congratulate you on your special recruitment by the sect. He has brought 10,000 silver taels to show the Xu faction’s support for you."
"10,000 silver taels? From General Xu?" Wu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly.
"That's right!" Steward Xu replied with a smile, "The general was overjoyed to hear of Young Master Yuan's achievements. It's been many years since such a martial arts prodigy emerged from Li City. The general specifically asked me to bring this generous amount of silver." As he spoke, Steward Xu presented a stack of silver notes.
Wu Qiming observed from the sidelines. Clearly, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Xu faction, and whether it was to be accepted depended entirely on Wu Yuan's attitude. Wu Qiming did not want Wu Yuan to harbor resentment towards him.
"The prosperity of the Xu faction is beyond our Wu Clan's reach," Wu Yuan said indifferently, "I appreciate General Xu's goodwill, but there is no need for this silver." This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
"The last gift of 5000 silver taels had a significant and unforgettable impact on our Wu Clan and me."
"When you return, I hope you’ll tell General Xu to guard Li City more diligently in the future, ensuring that the hooligans don't run wild," Wu Yuan expressed placidly. There was neither scorn nor joy in his tone, as if he was merely stating a matter of fact.
Steward Xu's half-extended hand stiffened, the color of his face changing slightly. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. As someone trusted by Xu Shouyi, how could he not understand the implications of Wu Yuan's words?
Previously, 5000 silver taels had almost caused the Wu Clan's ruin. Would they dare accept 10,000 taels this time?
"Haha, children don't understand such matters," Wu Qiming laughed, casually guiding Steward Xu's hand and the stack of silver notes back to his chest, "Steward Xu, you've had a long journey. When you return, please tell General Xu that our Wu Clan is a benevolent and law-abiding family. We'd never wish to get into conflicts with others. We hope the general can rest assured."
Having been given a path of retreat, Steward Xu regained his composure, revealing a smile once again, "Young master Yuan is kind indeed, I understand the Wu Clan's intentions and will surely relay it to the general, in hopes of fostering a good relationship between both families."
Wu Yuan gave a slight nod, not continuing the conversation.
Not long after, Wu Qiming and Wu Yuan watched Steward Xu depart.
"Chieftain, what do you think?" Wu Yuan asked quietly.
"Does Xu Shouyi intend to reconcile with us?" Wu Qiming shook his head, "But Headmaster Zhang Da settled our grievances with 10,000 silver taels, and the general sent another 10,000 taels? I don't understand."
10,000 silver taels was not a small sum!
Although the Middle Land was filled with chaotic, bloody battles between martial artists, top-tier powerhouses could easily amass large sums of wealth. But that was only applicable to first-rate Adepts and above. For third-rate Adepts, if they did not risk their lives to loot and pillage, they might not even possess 10,000 silver taels.
Take for instance the Wu Clan of Li City, with nearly a thousand mouths to feed if rounded up. Considering their fixed assets such as mansions, courtyard houses, and fabric shops, their net worth was around 200,000 silver taels. And if they were eager to liquidate their assets, they would suffer substantial losses. As for liquid assets? At their most affluent, they might have tens of thousands of silver taels, but during hard times, they struggled to scrape together even a few thousand.
Therefore, 10,000 silver taels was not a small sum. But, this depended on the person! And the circumstances!
The Wu Clan and Xu faction bore such deep grudges. Wu Yuan was about to be specially recruited by the martial academy, and his status had skyrocketed. Did the Xu faction think they could resolve this feud with a mere 10,000 silver taels?
I don't blame the chieftain! But, having such strength yet unable to wield it due to various considerations? A hard-to-suppress killing intent welded up Wu Yuan's heart.
Those who possessed strength tended to aggression. And Wu Yuan was someone who could already exert 100,000 catties of strength.
...
After some time, at the Xu Manor.
Clip-clop~ Clip-clop~ The carriage carrying Wu Qiming slowly departed, heading in the direction of the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion.
On the second floor of the three entryway courtyard of the Xu Manor.
"Steward Xu, do you believe Wu Qiming's words? Can Wu Yuan and the Wu Clan truly let go of the resentment between our two families?" Xu Shouyi, dressed in a black robe, asked in a deep voice.
"Judging by their deeds and words, Wu Qiming's words do not seem false." Steward Xu respectfully replied.
Xu Shouyi subtly nodded.
"But..." Steward Xu hesitated.
"Whatever you have to say, just say it." Xu Shouyi stated.
"As the leader of a clan, Wu Qiming has many considerations, he is trustworthy." Steward Xu said, "But after observing Wu Yuan's behavior today, I believe he has a stubborn character. This young hero might not be able to swallow such a grudge."
"A young hero, is it?" Xu Shouyi murmured.
"Alright, you may leave!"
"Yes." Steward Xu respectfully replied and descended the stairs.
Wu Qiming. Xu Shouyi watched as the Wu family's carriage disappeared around the corner of the main street. I am willing to trust you, but, can I trust Wu Yuan?
My sincerest apologies. This time, I cannot keep my promises. I cannot afford to take this gamble!
......
At the Wu Clan’s ancestral mansion.
“Wu Yuan, these 30,000 silver taels are a gift from General Xu." Wu Qiming handed them to Wu Yuan.
For two hours, Wu Yuan had been waiting in the ancestral mansion.
"Chieftain, since the negotiations have ended fruitfully, take it. Consider it as compensation from the Xu family to our clan.” Wu Yuan said.
"But this is...”
"Chieftain, as I've said, it's for the clan." Wu Yuan firmly shook his head, refusing to be persuaded.
Wu Qiming sighed, “Wu Yuan, I hope you don't blame me.”
"Chieftain, I don't blame you, I just blame myself for not being strong enough. " Wu Yuan shook his head faintly, "If I had the power of a Savant expert now, would we have to go through such trouble?"
Wu Qiming opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Alright. Chieftain, you should rest. Your injuries haven't healed yet, don't overwork yourself. I'm going home now." Wu Yuan walked into the hazy rain.
Wu Qiming sighed deeply, but remained silent.
......
Night fell.
The drizzle continued to envelop Li City. The curfew was in effect, and not a sliver of moonlight illuminated the land. All streets were filled with darkness.
In a secluded alley not far from the Wu family's street.
Three shadowy figures appeared soundlessly, moving at ghostly speed toward the Wu family's street.
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Chapter 43: The Choice To Reconcile
At the break of dawn, a light drizzle lent a refreshing coolness to the summer air of Li City.
"The Chieftain has summoned me?" Wu Yuan, who had just finished his breakfast at home, was greeted by the hurried arrival of Steward Fang, who came in such a rush that he had no time to bring an umbrella.
"Young Master Yuan, it's someone from the Xu faction." Uncle Fang replied hastily.
The news of Wu Yuan's special recruitment by the sect hadn't been officially disseminated, but Uncle Fang, who had witnessed the event the previous night, had tactfully begun addressing him as 'Young Master'.
"The Xu faction? The general's faction?" Wu Yuan was slightly taken aback.
Uncle Fang nodded in affirmation.
"Mother, please see to Uncle Fang. Do serve him some hot soup before he leaves," Wu Yuan requested.
"Alright. Since the chieftain is asking for you, you should hurry. I will take care of things at home," Wanqin replied.
...
With each step Wu Yuan took, he covered a distance of several zhangs, swiftly arriving at the ancestral mansion. There, he found Wu Qiming and Steward Xu from the Xu Manor in the study.
"Steward Xu." Wu Yuan said, looking straight at him without courtesy.
"Ah, Young Master Yuan has arrived," Steward Xu responded with utmost politeness, seemingly ignoring Wu Yuan's cold demeanor. This was a stark contrast to his attitude when Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming first visited the Xu faction.
"Wu Yuan," Wu Qiming said with a slight smile on his face, "Steward Xu is here on behalf of General Xu to congratulate you on your special recruitment by the sect. He has brought 10,000 silver taels to show the Xu faction’s support for you."
"10,000 silver taels? From General Xu?" Wu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly.
"That's right!" Steward Xu replied with a smile, "The general was overjoyed to hear of Young Master Yuan's achievements. It's been many years since such a martial arts prodigy emerged from Li City. The general specifically asked me to bring this generous amount of silver." As he spoke, Steward Xu presented a stack of silver notes.
Wu Qiming observed from the sidelines. Clearly, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Xu faction, and whether it was to be accepted depended entirely on Wu Yuan's attitude. Wu Qiming did not want Wu Yuan to harbor resentment towards him.
"The prosperity of the Xu faction is beyond our Wu Clan's reach," Wu Yuan said indifferently, "I appreciate General Xu's goodwill, but there is no need for this silver." This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
"The last gift of 5000 silver taels had a significant and unforgettable impact on our Wu Clan and me."
"When you return, I hope you’ll tell General Xu to guard Li City more diligently in the future, ensuring that the hooligans don't run wild," Wu Yuan expressed placidly. There was neither scorn nor joy in his tone, as if he was merely stating a matter of fact.
Steward Xu's half-extended hand stiffened, the color of his face changing slightly. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. As someone trusted by Xu Shouyi, how could he not understand the implications of Wu Yuan's words?
Previously, 5000 silver taels had almost caused the Wu Clan's ruin. Would they dare accept 10,000 taels this time?
"Haha, children don't understand such matters," Wu Qiming laughed, casually guiding Steward Xu's hand and the stack of silver notes back to his chest, "Steward Xu, you've had a long journey. When you return, please tell General Xu that our Wu Clan is a benevolent and law-abiding family. We'd never wish to get into conflicts with others. We hope the general can rest assured."
Having been given a path of retreat, Steward Xu regained his composure, revealing a smile once again, "Young master Yuan is kind indeed, I understand the Wu Clan's intentions and will surely relay it to the general, in hopes of fostering a good relationship between both families."
Wu Yuan gave a slight nod, not continuing the conversation.
Not long after, Wu Qiming and Wu Yuan watched Steward Xu depart.
"Chieftain, what do you think?" Wu Yuan asked quietly.
"Does Xu Shouyi intend to reconcile with us?" Wu Qiming shook his head, "But Headmaster Zhang Da settled our grievances with 10,000 silver taels, and the general sent another 10,000 taels? I don't understand."
10,000 silver taels was not a small sum!
Although the Middle Land was filled with chaotic, bloody battles between martial artists, top-tier powerhouses could easily amass large sums of wealth. But that was only applicable to first-rate Adepts and above. For third-rate Adepts, if they did not risk their lives to loot and pillage, they might not even possess 10,000 silver taels.
Take for instance the Wu Clan of Li City, with nearly a thousand mouths to feed if rounded up. Considering their fixed assets such as mansions, courtyard houses, and fabric shops, their net worth was around 200,000 silver taels. And if they were eager to liquidate their assets, they would suffer substantial losses. As for liquid assets? At their most affluent, they might have tens of thousands of silver taels, but during hard times, they struggled to scrape together even a few thousand.
Therefore, 10,000 silver taels was not a small sum. But, this depended on the person! And the circumstances!
The Wu Clan and Xu faction bore such deep grudges. Wu Yuan was about to be specially recruited by the martial academy, and his status had skyrocketed. Did the Xu faction think they could resolve this feud with a mere 10,000 silver taels?
I don't blame the chieftain! But, having such strength yet unable to wield it due to various considerations? A hard-to-suppress killing intent welded up Wu Yuan's heart.
Those who possessed strength tended to aggression. And Wu Yuan was someone who could already exert 100,000 catties of strength.
...
After some time, at the Xu Manor.
Clip-clop~ Clip-clop~ The carriage carrying Wu Qiming slowly departed, heading in the direction of the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion.
On the second floor of the three entryway courtyard of the Xu Manor.
"Steward Xu, do you believe Wu Qiming's words? Can Wu Yuan and the Wu Clan truly let go of the resentment between our two families?" Xu Shouyi, dressed in a black robe, asked in a deep voice.
"Judging by their deeds and words, Wu Qiming's words do not seem false." Steward Xu respectfully replied.
Xu Shouyi subtly nodded.
"But..." Steward Xu hesitated.
"Whatever you have to say, just say it." Xu Shouyi stated.
"As the leader of a clan, Wu Qiming has many considerations, he is trustworthy." Steward Xu said, "But after observing Wu Yuan's behavior today, I believe he has a stubborn character. This young hero might not be able to swallow such a grudge."
"A young hero, is it?" Xu Shouyi murmured.
"Alright, you may leave!"
"Yes." Steward Xu respectfully replied and descended the stairs.
Wu Qiming. Xu Shouyi watched as the Wu family's carriage disappeared around the corner of the main street. I am willing to trust you, but, can I trust Wu Yuan?
My sincerest apologies. This time, I cannot keep my promises. I cannot afford to take this gamble!
......
At the Wu Clan’s ancestral mansion.
“Wu Yuan, these 30,000 silver taels are a gift from General Xu." Wu Qiming handed them to Wu Yuan.
For two hours, Wu Yuan had been waiting in the ancestral mansion.
"Chieftain, since the negotiations have ended fruitfully, take it. Consider it as compensation from the Xu family to our clan.” Wu Yuan said.
"But this is...”
"Chieftain, as I've said, it's for the clan." Wu Yuan firmly shook his head, refusing to be persuaded.
Wu Qiming sighed, “Wu Yuan, I hope you don't blame me.”
"Chieftain, I don't blame you, I just blame myself for not being strong enough. " Wu Yuan shook his head faintly, "If I had the power of a Savant expert now, would we have to go through such trouble?"
Wu Qiming opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Alright. Chieftain, you should rest. Your injuries haven't healed yet, don't overwork yourself. I'm going home now." Wu Yuan walked into the hazy rain.
Wu Qiming sighed deeply, but remained silent.
......
Night fell.
The drizzle continued to envelop Li City. The curfew was in effect, and not a sliver of moonlight illuminated the land. All streets were filled with darkness.
In a secluded alley not far from the Wu family's street.
Three shadowy figures appeared soundlessly, moving at ghostly speed toward the Wu family's street.
Chapter 43: The Choice To Reconcile At the break of dawn, a light drizzle lent a refreshing coolness to the summer air of Li City. "The Chieftain has summoned me?" Wu Yuan, who had just finished his breakfast at home, was greeted by the hurried arrival of Steward Fang, who came in such a rush that he had no time to bring an umbrella. "Young Master Yuan, it's someone from the Xu faction." Uncle Fang replied hastily. The news of Wu Yuan's special recruitment by the sect hadn't been officially disseminated, but Uncle Fang, who had witnessed the event the previous night, had tactfully begun addressing him as 'Young Master'. "The Xu faction? The general's faction?" Wu Yuan was slightly taken aback. Uncle Fang nodded in affirmation. "Mother, please see to Uncle Fang. Do serve him some hot soup before he leaves," Wu Yuan requested. "Alright. Since the chieftain is asking for you, you should hurry. I will take care of things at home," Wanqin replied. ... With each step Wu Yuan took, he covered a distance of several zhangs, swiftly arriving at the ancestral mansion. There, he found Wu Qiming and Steward Xu from the Xu Manor in the study. "Steward Xu." Wu Yuan said, looking straight at him without courtesy. "Ah, Young Master Yuan has arrived," Steward Xu responded with utmost politeness, seemingly ignoring Wu Yuan's cold demeanor. This was a stark contrast to his attitude when Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming first visited the Xu faction. "Wu Yuan," Wu Qiming said with a slight smile on his face, "Steward Xu is here on behalf of General Xu to congratulate you on your special recruitment by the sect. He has brought 10,000 silver taels to show the Xu faction's support for you." "10,000 silver taels? From General Xu?" Wu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly. "That's right!" Steward Xu replied with a smile, "The general was overjoyed to hear of Young Master Yuan's achievements. It's been many years since such a martial arts prodigy emerged from Li City. The general specifically asked me to bring this generous amount of silver." As he spoke, Steward Xu presented a stack of silver notes. Wu Qiming observed from the sidelines. Clearly, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Xu faction, and whether it was to be accepted depended entirely on Wu Yuan's attitude. Wu Qiming did not want Wu Yuan to harbor resentment towards him. "The prosperity of the Xu faction is beyond our Wu Clan's reach," Wu Yuan said indifferently, "I appreciate General Xu's goodwill, but there is no need for this silver." This chapter was first shared on the Nvl1n platform."The last gift of 5000 silver taels had a significant and unforgettable impact on our Wu Clan and me." "When you return, I hope you'll tell General Xu to guard Li City more diligently in the future, ensuring that the hooligans don't run wild," Wu Yuan expressed placidly. There was neither scorn nor joy in his tone, as if he was merely stating a matter of fact. Steward Xu's half-extended hand stiffened, the color of his face changing slightly. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. As someone trusted by Xu Shouyi, how could he not understand the implications of Wu Yuan's words? Previously, 5000 silver taels had almost caused the Wu Clan's ruin. Would they dare accept 10,000 taels this time? "Haha, children don't understand such matters," Wu Qiming laughed, casually guiding Steward Xu's hand and the stack of silver notes back to his chest, "Steward Xu, you've had a long journey. When you return, please tell General Xu that our Wu Clan is a benevolent and law-abiding family. We'd never wish to get into conflicts with others. We hope the general can rest assured." Having been given a path of retreat, Steward Xu regained his composure, revealing a smile once again, "Young master Yuan is kind indeed, I understand the Wu Clan's intentions and will surely relay it to the general, in hopes of fostering a good relationship between both families." Wu Yuan gave a slight nod, not continuing the conversation. Not long after, Wu Qiming and Wu Yuan watched Steward Xu depart. "Chieftain, what do you think?" Wu Yuan asked quietly. "Does Xu Shouyi intend to reconcile with us?" Wu Qiming shook his head, "But Headmaster Zhang Da settled our grievances with 10,000 silver taels, and the general sent another 10,000 taels? I don't understand." 10,000 silver taels was not a small sum! Although the Middle Land was filled with chaotic, bloody battles between martial artists, top-tier powerhouses could easily amass large sums of wealth. But that was only applicable to first-rate Adepts and above. For third-rate Adepts, if they did not risk their lives to loot and pillage, they might not even possess 10,000 silver taels. Take for instance the Wu Clan of Li City, with nearly a thousand mouths to feed if rounded up. Considering their fixed assets such as mansions, courtyard houses, and fabric shops, their net worth was around 200,000 silver taels. And if they were eager to liquidate their assets, they would suffer substantial losses. As for liquid assets? At their most affluent, they might have tens of thousands of silver taels, but during hard times, they struggled to scrape together even a few thousand. Therefore, 10,000 silver taels was not a small sum. But, this depended on the person! And the circumstances! The Wu Clan and Xu faction bore such deep grudges. Wu Yuan was about to be specially recruited by the martial academy, and his status had skyrocketed. Did the Xu faction think they could resolve this feud with a mere 10,000 silver taels? I don't blame the chieftain! But, having such strength yet unable to wield it due to various considerations? A hard-to-suppress killing intent welded up Wu Yuan's heart. Those who possessed strength tended to aggression. And Wu Yuan was someone who could already exert 100,000 catties of strength. ... After some time, at the Xu Manor. Clip-clop~ Clip-clop~ The carriage carrying Wu Qiming slowly departed, heading in the direction of the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion. On the second floor of the three entryway courtyard of the Xu Manor. "Steward Xu, do you believe Wu Qiming's words? Can Wu Yuan and the Wu Clan truly let go of the resentment between our two families?" Xu Shouyi, dressed in a black robe, asked in a deep voice. "Judging by their deeds and words, Wu Qiming's words do not seem false." Steward Xu respectfully replied. Xu Shouyi subtly nodded. "But..." Steward Xu hesitated. "Whatever you have to say, just say it." Xu Shouyi stated. "As the leader of a clan, Wu Qiming has many considerations, he is trustworthy." Steward Xu said, "But after observing Wu Yuan's behavior today, I believe he has a stubborn character. This young hero might not be able to swallow such a grudge." "A young hero, is it?" Xu Shouyi murmured. "Alright, you may leave!" "Yes." Steward Xu respectfully replied and descended the stairs. Wu Qiming. Xu Shouyi watched as the Wu family's carriage disappeared around the corner of the main street. I am willing to trust you, but, can I trust Wu Yuan? My sincerest apologies. This time, I cannot keep my promises. I cannot afford to take this gamble! ...... At the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion. Wu Yuan, these 30,000 silver taels are a gift from General Xu." Wu Qiming handed them to Wu Yuan. For two hours, Wu Yuan had been waiting in the ancestral mansion. "Chieftain, since the negotiations have ended fruitfully, take it. Consider it as compensation from the Xu family to our clan. Wu Yuan said. "But this is... "Chieftain, as I've said, it's for the clan." Wu Yuan firmly shook his head, refusing to be persuaded. Wu Qiming sighed, Wu Yuan, I hope you don't blame me. "Chieftain, I don't blame you, I just blame myself for not being strong enough. " Wu Yuan shook his head faintly, "If I had the power of a Savant expert now, would we have to go through such trouble?" Wu Qiming opened his mouth, but no words came out. "Alright. Chieftain, you should rest. Your injuries haven't healed yet, don't overwork yourself. I'm going home now." Wu Yuan walked into the hazy rain. Wu Qiming sighed deeply, but remained silent. ...... Night fell. The drizzle continued to envelop Li City. The curfew was in effect, and not a sliver of moonlight illuminated the land. All streets were filled with darkness. In a secluded alley not far from the Wu family's street. Three shadowy figures appeared soundlessly, moving at ghostly speed toward the Wu family's street.
