Chapter 35: Inheritance

Chapter 35: Inheritance

Nie Qingqing stood by the railing, basking in the warm midday sun as people bustled along the street.

The young man walked with his hand on his sword, not rushing back in a panic. His calm demeanor was evident as he bought a few green tangerines, squeezed the juice onto his body, and ate the peels and fruit together, clearly using this to conceal the smell of alcohol.

"No wonder my father doesn't want me to talk to him much," Nie Qingqing smiled, touching her forehead, and then called for someone to clean up.

She personally served each table on the second floor with a pot of wine, chatting casually with familiar customers.

After half an hour, she heard the sound of horse hooves outside, and then Nie Yinian and Zhang Guinian came upstairs together.

"Uncle Zhang, Father," Nie Qingqing led the two of them into the private suite.

"What's going on?" Nie Yinian was busy with martial services and received a message that there was trouble at the Intoxicating Moon Tower, so he hurried over.

Zhang Guinian also had a stake in the Intoxicating Moon Tower, so they came together.

Nie Qingqing wasn't in a hurry. She first served tea and then began to explain the situation.

After listening, Nie Yinian didn't think it was a big deal to have offended the prince. He laughed and said, "Old Zhang, look, some people are used to living comfortably, and they think the peaceful world is naturally like this. They think whoever is powerful is the one who deserves it. They've forgotten that status and power are just the surface, while swords and fists are the essence. These people are like children playing house; they can't keep playing house forever, or they'll be considered fools and destined to be servants their whole lives!"

He spread his hands and continued, "You might think Xiao Chuanjiang has insight, but he's always thinking about those few taels of silver. You might think he lacks insight, but he knows who to trust. He realized early on that the Empress Dowager and the Prince of Trust didn't get along, and since I'm a person of the Empress Dowager, he's not as foolish as Liu He, who switched allegiances. He's also not foolish enough to stand idly by; instead, he knows who to curry favor with.

"Father, judging by actions and not the heart, there are no good people," Nie Qingqing spoke up for Meng Yuan.

"If he's honest, then I'm a saint!" Nie Yinian was annoyed and continued, "Also, you've only known him for a few days, and you're already calling him Meng Gongzi? He hasn't renounced his citizenship, and he's just a castrator by origin. How can he be a young master?"

Nie Qingqing smiled and said, "He acts righteously, helps those in need, and has the spirit of an ancient knight. How can he not be called a young master?"

"You're always talking for outsiders!" Nie Yinian was getting angry as his daughter kept speaking up for others.

Nie Qingqing smiled and said, "Father, I've already agreed on your behalf that Meng Gongzi will help you and contribute to the family expenses. Don't make it difficult for me."

"Which of us is the father here? You're speaking on my behalf?" Nie Yinian huffed, "Do you know how hard it is for me to earn money? I have to send money to a bunch of dogs waiting to divide it up, and hardly any is left for me!"

"I've already agreed. If you don't need help, I'll figure something out myself."

Nie Qingqing cleverly bowed to Zhang Guinian and said, "Uncle Zhang, please advise my father not to cheat people out of their money anymore. It's pitiful."

After speaking, Nie Qingqing left.

Only then did Zhang Guinian speak up, asking, "Did you cheat him out of his money?"

"It's the bounty," Nie Yinian replied. "The bounty was originally earned by Xiao Chuanjiang, but he insisted on treating us to show off. Who should I blame?"

"You also said that the bounty was earned by Xiao Chuanjiang's hard work. Even if he spends it on flowers and wine, he won't be able to finish it, right? Old Nie, take a look. If you don't, you'll end up losing your daughter!" Zhang Guinian teased.

Nie Yinian remembered his daughter's words and indeed fell silent.

"Old Nie, what do you think?" Zhang Guinian smiled, seeing Nie Yinian's silence. "I can tell you like that kid. This time, he's standing up for Qingqing, and even if he embarrasses that foolish young master, it's not a big deal. You've been through life and death with the Empress Dowager's brother, and she remembers your loyalty. One word from her, and the matter will be settled."

"There's no need to involve the Empress Dowager for such a minor matter."

Nie Yanian sighed and said, "I was thinking of finding someone to take over for me. In a few years, I won't be able to wield a sword anymore. I only have one daughter, and no other family members. I'm worried that she'll be left without support, so I need to find someone to protect her."

"Are you planning to pass on your true abilities and have him take over for you?" Zhang Guinian asked curiously.

"Damn it! That castrator is too good at climbing up the ladder. I've already passed on my true abilities!"

Nie Yanian sighed, "I was thinking of choosing between Ren Debiao and Wu Changsheng. I've been observing them closely, and both are good kids. Ren Debiao is quick to improve in martial arts, and in just over two years, he's almost at the eighth rank. As for Wu Changsheng, he's observant and has decent talent. I actually favor Wu Changsheng. If he's properly guided, even if he doesn't achieve great fame, he can still take over my business. If he has a mentor's support, who knows, he might even surpass me."

"So, who did you choose in the end?" Zhang Guinian asked curiously.

Nie Yanian pointed to the south, "This kid came and immediately surpassed both Ren Debiao and Wu Changsheng. Not only does he have exceptional martial talent, but he also entered the ranks in just a few months, working harder than I did when I was learning martial arts! Not to mention his temperament, he's very principled. During the fight with the Buddhist Demon at Peach Blossom Ridge, Wolf One fought desperately, but Little Castrator was even more ruthless, and that's how he killed Wolf One. Ren Debiao has been learning martial arts for so long, but when Wolf Two fought desperately, he got scared and didn't dare to fight back."

"This incident revealed their true characters. Ren Debiao doesn't have the same courage and fighting spirit as Little Castrator, and he's also more cautious. If it were Wu Changsheng today, he probably wouldn't dare to throw a punch directly. He's been outdone by Little Castrator, hasn't he?"

"I think so. I know when to say what to whom!" Nie Yanian laughed, "The Empress Dowager asked me to teach those kids, saying it's fine to teach them casually. Among all the children, only he had the audacity to ask to borrow money from me! After getting the bounty, he spent it all on wine. I've never met someone so shameless!"

"He doesn't see you as an outsider, and you've been intentionally nurturing him," Zhang Guinian observed, "As long as he's not an ungrateful person, it's fine. If you teach him your abilities and he knows to repay you, then it's worth it."

"Let's see how it goes. Young people's temperaments aren't set yet, who knows what might happen," Nie Yanian sighed, "It's not urgent for now. The Empress Dowager is good at reading people, I'll bring him to her later for her to take a look."

"Alright, it's your business anyway." Zhang Guinian stood up, "I need to go back. Aren't you going to wipe his butt?"

"Wipe his butt?" Nie Yanian laughed, "You know Xun Mei, right? She's the Empress Dowager's personal accountant! He's charmed Xun Mei, and she thinks he's an honest and kind person. Believe it or not, he's probably charmed her again, so it's not my turn to wipe his butt!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end