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Chapter 676: Chapter 681 No Reward Without Merit_1
"I had the coroner re-examine the bodies, and one of them showed signs of poisoning. The three, judging by their physiques, are indeed the Xuan Family’s Three Brothers," Qin Longyun stroked his chin. 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑝𝑢𝘣.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Erhu came to town to tell him about this, and he immediately ordered an investigation.
Qiao Duo’er nodded, "Then it seems I was overthinking it."
"Xuan Eagle Mountain Village is not to be underestimated. One cannot be too cautious," Lord Qin said, narrowing his eyes.
For years, Xuan Eagle Mountain Village had committed all manner of crimes in the area and had been involved in the illegal salt and iron trades. He always felt that Xuan Eagle Mountain Village shouldn’t have fallen so easily.
Especially Xuan Da—usually he kept a low profile, but he was extremely cunning and strategic.
Seeing Qin Longyun taking the matter seriously, Qiao Duo’er decided not to worry unnecessarily and thought it better to chat with Chen Yiling instead.
In the short time, Qin Longyun had been busy at the Government Office every day, surely leaving Chen Yiling feeling bored and stifled.
After lunch, Qiao Duo’er went to the Cloth Shop.
As soon as they entered, the Shopkeeper came to greet them.
"Fourth Master Tan, Madam, my owner has requested the pleasure of your company," said the Shopkeeper with utmost respect.
Tan Zhenghong asked with suspicion, "Store Manager, may I ask what this is about?"
They had no interactions with the Owner of the Cloth Shop, and now this sudden invitation made him wary of a possible deceit.
"This is the situation: my owner has heard that you have opened an Embroidery Room and would like to discuss business with you. I wonder if you would be interested," the Store Manager explained.
Qiao Duo’er courteously replied, "Please lead the way, Shopkeeper."
Ji Xiang Cloth Shop had connections and a bit of fame throughout Mansion City. Now that they had come knocking, there was no reason to refuse.
The Store Manager made a welcoming gesture and led the two of them to the back courtyard.
The Cloth Shop’s back courtyard was arranged with refreshing elegance, which made Qiao Duo’er somewhat expectant of its owner.
Study Room.
The Store Manager knocked on the door: "Madam, Fourth Master Tan and Mrs. Tan are here."
He opened the door after receiving a response from inside.
"I am the owner of Ji Xiang Cloth Shop. My family name is Qian, my given name is Xian," Fang Xian introduced herself.
She had been a widow at an early age and seldom interacted with outsiders, which is why she always felt somewhat uneasy.
Qiao Duo’er and Tan Zhenghong bowed: "Madam Qian."
"No need for formalities. Please take a look at this contract I have drawn up. I think you will find it satisfactory," Fang Xian said bluntly.
She was not interested in these two, and her actions were entirely due to the request of an old friend.
As for who that friend was, she could only say it was a poor sod.
Qiao Duo’er and Tan Zhenghong carefully read through the terms of the contract, and after finishing, shock was evident in both their eyes.
The price was simply... unbelievably low!
Qiao Duo’er spoke earnestly, "Madam Qian, we appreciate your kindness, but we cannot sign this contract."
She didn’t know why Madam Qian would make such an offer, but she believed in not accepting a reward without rendering a service.
Tan Zhenghong very much supported Qiao Duo’er’s decision. He never believed that pies fell from the sky, and even if they did, they wouldn’t land on his head.
Because he had exhausted all his luck the day he married Qiao Duo’er.
"We are all in business, so why reject such a good opportunity when it presents itself?"
Fang Xian asked curiously, her interest in the couple piqued.
"Earning money and taking advantage of a situation are two different things, and they shouldn’t be conflated," Qiao Duo’er said slowly.
Fang Xian tried to detect any pretense on Qiao Duo’er’s face, but throughout the conversation, Qiao Duo’er remained tranquil and honest.
It seemed money was not important in her heart.
But is there really someone in this world who doesn’t like silver?
