Nightfall

Local Government Runner Injured and Elder Taoist beside Altar

Gu Xiaoqiong became dumbfounded and replied, “Mr.Qi, how unethical you are! How can you raise prices in such a way?”

Mr. Qi then yelled. “D*mn unethical! You’re poaching business from our elder brother. How can I be virtuous with you?”

That scolding made Gu Xiaoqiong blush. Then he bit his teeth and said to Ning Que, “500 taels of silver! No bargaining! All that I’ve earned in the trade of the previous two shops are offered, so I can’t afford a higher price anymore.”

Mr. Qi made a sarcastic face and mocked. “Look how stingy you are! Did Ironhead Song teach you flunkies in such a miserly way? Let me, your master, show you the way to offer a price.”

He turned to Ning Que and said with pride, “Young boss, if you agree to continue your business on this street, no one would dare to collect rent from you so long as I’m still ali… ”

Ning Que waved his hand to stop him before the last two letters, “ve”, were uttered. He asked with a gentle smile, “Mr.Qi, previously you promised to exempt me of rent for one year?”

Mr. Qi stood stiffly, answering, “Yes.”

“OK.” Ning Que turned back and made a bow to Gu Xiaoqiong and the gang of brutes, apologizing with his consistent gentle smile. “Sorry, I have made up my mind to continue my business here. You may go back now.”

Hearing his words, those bystanders surrounding the Old Brush Pen Shop were stunned, not because of the decision he had made, but because he should rush to adopt the previous condition before a new one was about to be uttered, under the condition that he was well aware of the sky-high price that Mr. Qi planned to offer, which meant he could use the shop for free.

Mr. Qi sank in shock for quite a while, seriousness gradually crawling over his face. He made a bow with great respect and said in a powerful way, “Young boss, you have a good sense of justice despite your young age. Just because of what you have said, you can mention my name whenever you’re in trouble. And moreover, you can do anything you want at least in the scope of Eastern Area.”

Gu Xiaoqiong also remained stunned for a long while, with his blank eyes alternating between Ning Que and Mr. Qi. Before leaving, thinking of the curses he would receive from the elder brother Ironhead Song, the traces of the slaps that would be on his face, and the deadline of the patron of the elder brother, he instinctively turned to those two local government runners under the tree.

Today, gangs gathered at Lin 47th Street. Although their verbal conflict didn’t turn into a violent fight, it was obviously a breach of duty for the two government runners of Chang’an to take an indifferent attitude. Only after receiving the pitiful eyes of Gu Xiaoqiong did they slightly make some coughs and walk toward the Old Brush Pen Shop, tightly holding the official swords at their waists.

Catching sight of the two local government runners, Mr. Qi, not knowing that he appeared to think of something sad, suddenly showed cruelty and indignation. He then said to Ning Que with a cold voice, “Young boss, did I mention that you could do anything you want within the scope of Eastern Area?”

Nobody knew what had made Ning Que answer him at such a subtle moment. He just said, “Yes,” with a smile. And then Mr. Qi responded with a grim smile, “Well, let me show you why I dare to make such a boast now.”

“Why do you gather around here? You want to make trouble?” The two local government runners walked toward the crowd and harshly scolded them.

“Yes.” Mr. Qi answered indifferently, and then waved his hand, saying, “I do want to make trouble, and even make big trouble. Hey brothers, go and greet these two officers.”