Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 69 Different thoughts

"I thought you invited us here, but it was for this thing." After hearing her put it bluntly, Tan Li stopped pretending. "I guess you haven't forgotten your status. If that's the case, you need to think carefully about your choice. We, the Tan family, think highly of you and are willing to let you get close to us. Without us as your backing, you're nothing."

"Master Tan, that indenture is a handle on both the Tan family and me. If the Tan family were found to have coveted the betrothal gift of a deceased man from the Shentu Mansion and bought a Hu slave to marry their daughter, would that be honorable? Of course, you don't care about the honor of doing such a thing, but the competition for the position of Imperial Merchant is so fierce. Where did the Tan family's huge losses come from, and how did they make up for it? Wouldn't it be used by those with ulterior motives to make a fuss?"

"Old Madam Shentu has put so much thought into finding a bride for her eldest son who died in battle, only to be repeatedly teased by you. If this respectable official's wife were to file a complaint with the prefect and seek justice from the Tan family, would you be able to handle it? If it comes to that, I'll be kicked out of the house and become a slave to the Hu people again, but why would we both suffer in such a situation? Master Tan, instead of threatening me with this indenture, wouldn't it be safer to establish some kind of profitable relationship with you?"

These words made Tan Li's face turn pale and green. He knew his family's dirty deeds best, and unless he was pushed to the limit, he would never want to argue with Tan Huaike to that extent. But it was not so easy to get him to compromise in a few words and hand over the most important thing in his hand that could control Tan Huaike.

Tan Li snorted, "A transaction based on personal gain? Right now, you can't even sell one or two of my shops. You're only concerned with making money as the boss. Why would you talk to me about personal gain?"

"Selling the shop is a big deal, and I'm short on cash, so I have to think it over carefully. If Mr. Tan is willing to return the indenture to me, I can find a way to make arrangements as soon as possible. If Mr. Tan still has doubts, I won't rush. Anyway, the shop is there, it won't disappear on its own, and I won't stop you from selling it to someone else. No one will suffer a loss, right?"

"I have both the indenture and the shop, and I have the final say on how the transaction will proceed. Since you're not in a hurry, we can discuss it again when you're ready."

"Well, that's all we can do." Tan Huaike said regretfully.

Seeing that she remained unmoved, Tan Li's expression faded. "Don't blame me for not reminding you. Business requires sharp vision, quick action, and ruthlessness. You're so indecisive that you'll miss the opportunity right in front of you. Besides, the Shentu Mansion has big ambitions too. Why do you think they're letting you stir up trouble outside? Don't let yourself be taken advantage of without even realizing it."

Tan Huaike nodded calmly, "Don't bother Mr. Tan with that. I've only just started my business, and I know that biting off more than I can chew is a good idea. I can tell for myself which are good opportunities and which are traps."

The sliding door of the private room was knocked, breaking the tense atmosphere inside.

Tan Huaike just stood up and left: "The food is served, everyone, enjoy it. I won't disturb you as an outsider."

After she left, the Tan family members had different thoughts.

Tan Li had never expected that this "out-married girl" would be so disobedient. What he thought was an easy task actually hit a wall. Mrs. Tan thought she was just a slave who was getting ahead of herself and looked down on her even more. Tan Anfeng had no prejudice against this fake sister. On the one hand, he thought the food in this restaurant tasted very good. On the other hand, he was thinking about whether he could borrow some money from her to make a fortune in the gambling house. Tan Anfu gritted her teeth. She really couldn't bear to see Tan Huaike's smug look.

Tan Anfu ate without savoring the meal. She had given up her position as the headmistress of the Shentu Mansion, and the restaurant was also a gift from the Tan family. It was one thing for this Hu slave to be ungrateful, but when was it her turn to bargain with the old man? And the Shentu Mansion was ridiculous, allowing this widowed bride to flaunt herself everywhere!
By the way, this bitch just mentioned the indenture contract.

As long as her indenture contract is still in the Tan family, there will be no problem in catching this imposter.

Next time this bitch dares to act arrogantly again, she can just set a trap...
-
After dealing with this group of "in-laws", Tan Huaike was full of confidence that there would be no more particularly troublesome customers. Just as she was about to relax, she felt the hem of her skirt and the surface of her shoes get wet.

Shentu Ji deliberately poured a cup of fruit wine at her feet and said sarcastically, "Oh, who did I think it was? Isn't it my poor and weak widowed sister-in-law?" Tan Huaike greeted her with a smile, "I am flattered that your uncle has come to support us today."

Shentu Ji snorted coldly, "Do you think I want to come? You gave my mother an invitation, but do you really think she would pay any attention to you? No one in the family wants to come and embarrass herself. It's just because you're my eldest brother's new wife that my mother asked me to come, just to make it look good, so that outsiders won't say we're mistreating you and not giving you, a widow, a chance to live."

Tan Huaike was not annoyed when he heard this. Instead, he said with relief, "My restaurant is about to open, so naturally I should send an invitation to Aunt Jun. It's a matter of etiquette. As for whether Aunt Jun is willing to honor you, I can't force it. But since Aunt Jun asked my uncle to come to support this event, no matter what, I am very grateful in my heart. At least Aunt Jun still cares about me, her new bride."

"Don't you understand what's good and what's bad?" Shentu Ji asked. "You don't really think you're that great just because you're the boss, do you? You're just a merchant, the most despised profession in Daxuan. I thought you'd behave yourself after marrying into my family, but who could have imagined you'd cause so much trouble! You even dared to do that shabby dance in public. Do you know what others say about you? You've disgraced the Shentu family by selling your smiles on the balcony!"

"I can't control or care what others say, but I want to know what Jun Gu has to say."

"Mother? Mother is an official's wife. She wouldn't bother with you, a half-barbarian from a merchant family. She's kind and compassionate. She said she'll let you mess around for now. As long as you don't get too out of line, there's no need to punish you!"

"Uncle, think about this. If Aunt Jun didn't want me to do this, would she really just let it go? If she really wanted to punish a widow like me, she has plenty of ways and means to do it. She could just use any excuse to lock me up in the courtyard for life. Why would she worry about what outsiders would say and even ask you to come to my restaurant just to pretend?"

"What do you mean?" Shentu Ji frowned.

"It's nothing special. I just think that the Shentu Mansion has been able to hold on until today despite all the turmoil. Aunt Jun's wisdom and talent are truly admirable." Tan Huaike called the waiter over, "Please bring another bottle of fruit wine to my uncle and treat him well."

The guy agreed and went to get the wine.

Shentu Ji was both angry and confused: "Who cares about your wine!"

Tan Huaike coaxed her, saying, "I almost forgot. You're still young and can't drink too much... How about this, I'll have them buy some for you, and you can take it back for Aunt Jun to taste as a token of my gratitude."

Shentu Ji felt as powerless as if his fist was hitting cotton.

He was so busy on the opening day that he felt dizzy and dizzy. By closing time, Tan Huaike was so tired that his back and waist ached and he could not stand up.

She thought that Shentu Zhuo would not be able to come back today.
-
　Next chapter: Why do I feel that Tan Li has bad intentions?

　　
　
(End of this chapter)