"May I know your name, sir?"
Led by the Bai family's servants, they passed through a long corridor and skirted the front hall before arriving at Bai Shizhong's study.
Whether it was because Lord Bai was accustomed to being approachable or because the painting delivered was indeed to his liking, his tone softened considerably when he met Yuan Xingchi.
"This student's surname is Yuan. My humble name is not worth mentioning. If you don't mind, sir, you may call me Yuan San!"
Seeing Yuan Xingchi's humble attitude, Bai Shizhong's smile grew even brighter. Although he liked the painting very much, if Yuan Xingchi had been too arrogant, he would have unhesitatingly driven him out.
"So you are Mr. Yuan. May I ask where you come from? And what business brings you to me today?"
"You flatter me, sir. I have a small matter to discuss with you today..."
Yuan Xingchi did not stand on ceremony. After all, since he had come this far, it would be pointless to be evasive now.
"I like this painting very much. Although it is a fake, the brushwork is quite good. If you have something to say, please do so directly. As long as it is within my capabilities, I, Bai, will not refuse!"
Bai Shizhong spoke as he patted the painting placed on his desk again.
A perfectly genuine masterpiece was instantly called a fake by him. Even Yuan Xingchi had to admit that this fellow was truly shameless!
"I fear you misunderstand, sir. I have come to you today to propose a transaction!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Yuan Xingchi's words, Bai Shizhong's face immediately fell. A transaction and a request for a favor were two entirely different matters. If it were a transaction, both parties would be on equal footing. However, if it were a request for a favor, the situation would be completely different. Although he found the person before him somewhat interesting, it did not mean he recognized the other party's qualification to be his equal.
"May I ask what transaction you wish to make with me, sir?"
Bai Shizhong spoke as he leisurely sat down in the main seat of the study.
"I have another item here. If you would examine it, we can discuss further!"
Yuan Xingchi spoke as he took an envelope from his sleeve.
Bai Shizhong frowned, but he said nothing. However, after he wordlessly opened the envelope and glanced at its contents, his face immediately turned ashen.
"What are you trying to do? What do you mean by this?"
Bai Shizhong spoke, glaring at Mr. Yuan with palpable hostility.
"Sir, please do not misunderstand. Did I not tell you earlier? I have come today to propose a transaction!"
Seeing Bai Shizhong's ashen face, Yuan Xingchi felt more confident.
"I have no transaction to make with you, sir. You should take your item and leave now!"
At this moment, Bai Shizhong could no longer concern himself with the famous painting. Although the handwriting on the letter from Mr. Yuan was completely different from his own, that letter was the nightmare that haunted Bai Shizhong during countless sleepless nights. He could recite every word, every sentence on it by heart. Even after so many years, seeing the letter again instantly brought back all his memories.
"Sir, if this is your attitude, then I shall take my leave. Consider that I have never been here!"
Yuan Xingchi spoke as he walked towards Bai Shizhong with a cold smile, then reached out and picked up the painting, "Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers."
"Do you think you can threaten me with this?"
As Bai Shizhong said this, his killing intent was no longer concealed.
"Sir, if I intended to threaten you, I would not have come in person today. A mere servant would have been sufficient. Why would I risk such danger myself?"
"Then what are you doing here today?"
Upon careful consideration, even Bai Shizhong had to admit that Yuan Xingchi's words had a sliver of truth to them.
"I believe you know what this letter means to you, especially at this moment. It's just a pity that this item is not in my possession..."
"Then where did you obtain this item?"
Hearing this, Bai Shizhong became even more anxious. If this damning letter were truly in Yuan Xingchi's hands, perhaps he could resolve it with a small sum of money. However, if it were in the hands of some official, then the situation would be entirely different.
"I bought a copy of this from the steward of a certain dignitary's household at a great price..."
Yuan Xingchi spoke, his face unblushing, as he began to fabricate a story.
"Who has this item!"
This was Bai Shizhong's most pressing concern.
"This is the transaction I mentioned!"
Seeing the anxious look on Bai Shizhong's face, Yuan Xingchi immediately understood that from this moment on, Lord Bai was completely within his grasp.
"Qiantang County is in need of a magistrate..."
Bai Shizhong took a deep breath and directly made an offer. Despite being merely a county magistrate position, Qiantang County was one of the most prosperous regions in the realm. If this position were to be offered, the scholars and candidates in Bianliang City would likely go mad.
"Lord Bai, you jest. Do I look like someone who can still hold office in my current state?"
Yuan Xingchi spoke with a wry smile as he took a few steps. Seeing his limp right leg, Bai Shizhong's brow furrowed.
"Then name your price!"
This news was too important to him. At this moment, no matter how much money the other party demanded, he would agree without hesitation.
"Sir, do I look like someone who is short of money in my current state?"
Yuan Xingchi spoke as he casually flicked the jade pendant at his waist. Seeing the crystal-clear, palm-sized jade pendant, even Bai Shizhong was taken aback.
"Mr. Yuan, are you here to amuse me today?"
Not wanting money, nor a government position, and yet still proposing a transaction, Bai Shizhong was now unsure of what this young man truly wanted.
"You jest, sir. How would I dare to amuse you? You should be able to tell that I have a Guanlong accent, right?"
Yuan Xingchi spoke as he once again offered Bai Shizhong a humble smile.
"And so?"
Bai Shizhong's brow furrowed again.
"To be frank, sir, in my youth, I received a favor from the elder General Zhong. I recently heard that he is preparing to retire..."
Upon hearing this, Bai Shizhong's expression turned extremely peculiar. Was this young man connected to Zhong Shidao? But was that even possible?