’When dealing with a man like this, you have to be able to intimidate him, but you also have to let him feel like he’s co out ahead. Otherwise, you risk creating new problems. If he went back on his word and forced Zhang Jiatting to sever ties with Mr. Liu, it would defeat the entire purpose.’
’So, this matter can’t be rushed.’
「The next morning.」
Chu Lingguang went to the Martial Arts Hall to train first thing. Guo Wei had gone to find Feng Zhiwen to help him activate more of his Bloodline Dragon Elephant. With him gone, Chu Lingguang had to train even harder than before. Once he finished his training, he would go and earn the Favor Points he needed.
"Senior Brother, do you know Landlord Zhang?"
After his training session ended, Chu Lingguang sought out Hei Hu and asked.
"The Landlord Zhang from Zhang Family Gully?"
Hei Hu asked in return.
"That’s him."
Chu Lingguang nodded.
"Why are you suddenly asking about him? Did he offend you?"
Hei Hu looked curious.
"No, I have so business with him, but I don’t know anything about him. I was wondering if you knew him."
Chu Lingguang said casually.
"He’s what you’d call a minor landlord, but taxes have been heavy in recent years, so he hasn’t been doing too well lately."
Hei Hu remarked.
"A landlord?"
Chu Lingguang was taken aback for a mont, then a look of delight appeared on his face.
After dinner, Chu Lingguang went to Zhang Family Gully and had Zhang Da take him to find Landlord Zhang.
"Master Zhang, my nephew is here to see you about sothing."
Zhang Da shouted at the door.
"What nephew?"
An impatient voice ca from inside the house.
"Chu Lingguang from Liu Family Gully. He’s from my wife’s side of the family."
Zhang Da replied casually.
"BANG!"
The door was yanked open, and Landlord Zhang ca scurrying out. After all, as a minor landlord, his courtyard and house were the largest in Zhang Family Gully. Landlord Zhang himself was also quite a bit larger than the average person.
"Scholar Chu, I didn’t know you were at the door! As for the Niu Clan’s goat, I’ve already returned it. If that’s not enough, I’ll send them another one."
Landlord Zhang thought Chu Lingguang had co about Mr. Niu’s goat.
"Master Zhang, you misunderstand. I’ve co today to trouble you with another matter."
Chu Lingguang held up the two gift boxes in his hands.
"Oh, Scholar Chu, please co in."
Landlord Zhang was inwardly puzzled. A Martial Scholar coming to see a minor landlord like him, and with gifts, no less—it all felt strange. But he didn’t dare stop Chu Lingguang. He hurriedly had soone tidy up the house, invited Chu Lingguang inside, and prepared plenty of wine.
"Uncle-in-law, I’d like to speak with Master Zhang alone."
Chu Lingguang first sent Zhang Da away.
Zhang Da took the hint, nodded, and left. Ever since Chu Lingguang had made a na for himself, the people of Zhang Family Gully had started to treat him with more respect. This was the first ti he had ever entered Landlord Zhang’s ho so casually.
"Jiatting, bring the tea, quickly."
"Right away, Father."
Landlord Zhang didn’t dare to be neglectful.
A mont later, a woman in her early thirties brought in the tea. She was the Zhang Jiatting Mr. Liu had spoken of—his illegitimate daughter.
Landlord Zhang had no biological children; he had bought Zhang Jiatting. She now had a husband who had married into the family, but Landlord Zhang was still the one who called all the shots in the household.
But now, facing Chu Lingguang, his face was filled with apprehension.
"Master Zhang, Mr. Niu told yesterday that you gave him a big, fat goat as a replacent. On his behalf, I thank you. These two boxes of pastries are a small token of my gratitude."
Chu Lingguang placed the gifts on the table.
"Scholar Chu, you’re too kind. I was insatiably greedy before. I hope you won’t hold it against . I’ll change my ways."
Landlord Zhang was extrely deferential.
"I heard from my senior brother that the Court has increased taxes and that the harvest from Master Zhang’s fields hasn’t been very good lately."
Chu Lingguang said, changing the subject.
"Sigh... tis are tough. Between natural disasters and man-made calamities, it’s been pretty much the sa for everyone, in the village and out, for the past few years."
Landlord Zhang nodded.
"If the Court could exempt Master Zhang from taxes, what would you think of that?"
Chu Lingguang inquired.
"Scholar Chu, you must be joking. The Court’s laws are strict. If you don’t pay your taxes, you have to perform corvée labor, and at my age, I can’t endure that."
Landlord Zhang said with a dismissive wave and a laugh.
"And what if I beco a Martial Arts Scholar in the future and can get you a tax exemption, Master Zhang?"
Chu Lingguang asked again.
"This..." Landlord Zhang’s expression froze. He looked at Chu Lingguang with suspicion and said, "What have I ever done to deserve such help from you?"
Landlord Zhang knew that even if Chu Lingguang beca a Martial Arts Scholar with the power to grant tax exemptions, the number of exemptions was limited. He was no friend or relative to Chu Lingguang, so why would the man help him so easily?
Being shrewd and cunning, he had already guessed that Chu Lingguang had another motive.
Chu Lingguang didn’t rush to speak. He simply watched Landlord Zhang with a wide grin.
"Was it that old geezer Liu who sent you to find ?"
Understanding dawned on Landlord Zhang, and he said urgently.
"Mm."
Chu Lingguang nodded slightly.
"That’s impossible."
Landlord Zhang said bluntly.
’Chu Lingguang was surprised, but he also felt it was to be expected. Landlord Zhang had no children of his own. He had bought Zhang Jiatting, who now had a live-in husband. He was counting on his daughter and son-in-law to care for him in his old age. If Mr. Liu took Zhang Jiatting away, what good would a tax exemption be?’
Chu Lingguang had identified Landlord Zhang’s pain point. So he said, "Master Zhang, no need to get worked up. You may be misunderstanding the situation. I am only here to facilitate Mr. Liu’s acknowledgnt of his daughter, not to have him take her away."
Chu Lingguang’s senses had evolved.
He noticed that when Landlord Zhang ntioned Mr. Liu, Zhang Jiatting, who was in another room, jolted. It was obvious that she must already know the truth about her birth.
’Mr. Liu must have approached her before.’
"That’s not acceptable either."
Landlord Zhang wouldn’t back down.
Chu Lingguang said unhurriedly, "Master Zhang, have you ever considered who Mr. Liu’s life savings will go to after he passes away? The truth is, even if he formally acknowledges your daughter, he will continue to live in Zhang Family Gully and teach. He is only hoping that, when his ti cos, soone will be there to see him off."
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