My elder sister is so noble, this time it's my turn to strike back

Guo Yian and the others knew about it, but what did the dog-licking general mean?

Ge Wanjin instinctively didn't believe it.

"Sir, are you mistaken? My Ge family and the Guo family have no hatred in the past, nor do we have any grudges recently."

The attendant, A Kuan, also frowned and added, "General Guo is the Empress's brother and holds immense power. Furthermore, Su Wen is a man of integrity. Logically, he wouldn't target a minor figure like our young master for no reason. Isn't he afraid that if this matter becomes a big deal, it will affect his reputation within the court?"

"laugh!"

Wan Zilang sneered and asked, "Then, may I ask, Patriarch Ge, you've traveled extensively for so many years, always presenting yourself as a benevolent businessman, never taking a single penny you shouldn't, and even claiming to be wholeheartedly serving the people? But what is the reality? Is Patriarch Ge truly as renowned as the outside world claims, never once taking a single ill-gotten gain?"

"If that's true, then what do these priceless antiques filling the room, the rare and exotic plants scattered throughout the yard, and even the tribute tiles, pearl screens, and white jade paving from foreign nations mean?"

As Wan Zilang finished speaking, everyone's expressions, including A Kuan's, turned grim.

Merchants are all about profit, and profit comes first. Where can you find a truly benevolent businessman who doesn't embezzle a single penny? I'm afraid they would have been eliminated by their peers long ago.

At this moment, everyone in the Ge family finally realized that what Wan Zilang said was very likely true.

With a "bang".

Ge Wanjin slammed the teacup to the ground and cursed, "This is too much! This is simply too much!"

"Even if he's a general commanding a large army, so what? Does that mean he can take human life lightly? My Ge family has never provoked him, yet he actually wants our Ge family to be extinct. I swear, I wouldn't be a father if I don't avenge him."

Ge Wanjin was so angry that his face turned red, and he looked like he was determined to fight the other party to the death.

Wan Zilang reminded him, "Let me remind you, while it's certainly fine for Patriarch Ge to avenge his son, you should know that the Guo family is currently at the peak of their power. Not to mention Guo Yi'an himself is a highly respected general who has just made great achievements in Guanzhong. There's the Empress in the harem, and Prime Minister Guo in the previous dynasty. To be frank, even if the Ge family mobilized their entire family, they probably wouldn't be able to move a hair on the Guo family."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, pouring down on everyone in the Ge family.

Since ancient times, the people have never fought against the government, let alone a powerful family like the Guo family. The Ge family had no chance of winning.

At this time, seeing that the light in everyone's eyes was about to go out, Qian didn't know where she got the courage from, but she suddenly took a step forward and knelt down in front of Wan Zilang with a plop.

"Sir, I know you will find a way to help us get revenge. I beg you, for the sake of my poor child, to show me the way out. No matter what the cost, I am willing to do it."

That was not all. Qian even ignored the obstruction of the maid behind her, and kowtowed to Wan Zilang with her head on the ground.

After just a few breaths, his forehead became red and swollen.

Ge Wanjin, who was about to step forward to stop them, suddenly stopped.

Qian was right. For now, if we want to avenge Long'er, we can only rely on external help.

After thinking about it and going through a mental struggle, Ge Wanjin gritted his teeth and knelt down in front of Wan Zilang, begging:

"Master Wan, since you have the guts to come to my Ge family alone and tell me the truth, I will never forget this kindness. Normally, I shouldn't bother you with this matter, but my Ge family is now at the brink of life and death, so I shamelessly ask you to show me a way forward. I am willing to give you half of the Ge family's fortune."

As Ge Wanjin finished speaking, the scene suddenly fell into silence.

You can hear the needle drop.

Wan Zilang narrowed his eyes, fixed his gaze on Ge Wanjin, and asked, "Does Patriarch Ge really mean what he said?"

The Ge family is the richest family in the entire Daxia. With half of their wealth, they can be said to be rich enough to rival a country.

If the Wan family can get this money, it will not only help the elder sister to bribe her own people in the harem, but also use the money to run some businesses and compete with the Guo family.

Ge Wanjin gave a bitter laugh and said, "To be honest, if this was really done by Guo Yian, then in order to prevent my revenge, I'm afraid they've already started making plans to suppress my Ge family. So, sooner or later, I won't be able to protect these assets in my hands. It's better to take them out and make a deal with Master Wan. From now on, I, Ge Wanjin, am willing to follow Master Wan's lead."

Ge Wanjin spoke sincerely and looked fearless.

"Great! Patriarch Ge is so generous, I admire him. Then let's have tea instead of wine. I wish us a happy cooperation and to defeat Guo Yian together."

At this moment, Wan Zilang was full of admiration for Qiu Ning in his heart. She had indeed predicted everything.

The Ge family was actually willing to give up half of their property just to avenge Ge Wanglong.

Moreover, the Wan family was able to win over the Ge family, a powerful assistant, without spending any manpower. In this way, my sister's position in the harem became more stable.

……

Several days passed, and soon it was the day for the Chu delegation to enter the capital.

A teahouse in the suburbs of Beijing. It was the busiest time of the day, and most of the guests coming and going would stop here to rest and relax before entering the city.

In the bustling teahouse lobby, there are storytellers telling the latest gossip, which is one of the few entertainment activities for the people.

At this time, an old man walked in with a boy who was about seven or eight years old. Behind him were several muscular men. They all had bulging temples, broad shoulders and waists, and sharp eyes. They were obviously martial artists.

The shopkeeper was sharp-eyed and immediately saw that this person had an extraordinary background. He immediately greeted him warmly:

"Hey, gentlemen, are you planning to stop by for a meal or stay the night? We can provide free tea."

Ban Ge pulled out a silver ingot from his pocket, tossed it into the shopkeeper's hand, and instructed, "First, arrange some good rooms for us, and then prepare a table with all your best wine and food. Also, feed the horses in the yard. I'll call you if there's anything else."

The shopkeeper liked generous customers like Ban Ge, so without saying anything, he went downstairs to make arrangements with a smile.

Chu Shaochen was originally planning to go upstairs, but when he turned around, he happened to see a simple Luban lock placed on the antique shelf on the left wall. There was also a sign placed together with it, which read: Challenge Competition.

"Shopkeeper, what does this mean?" Chu Shaochen couldn't help but ask the shopkeeper.

"Young Master, you may not know this, but this is a foreign item that a passing merchant bought. It's called the Luban Lock, and it has a sophisticated mechanism built into it. It can only be unlocked by turning the keys in the correct order and steps. It's been in our shop for quite some time, and no one has been able to unlock it yet.

The merchant said that whoever could unlock it would receive five taels of gold."

When Ban Ge and his group heard this, they all looked surprised: "How much?"

Five taels of gold would support an ordinary family for more than ten years, yet they just gave it out as a reward?

And the shopkeeper also said that no one has been able to solve it after such a long time?

You know, their prince Chu Shaochen was already very good at playing with this level of Luban Lock when he was only three years old.