My family has been wielding knives for generations, but now it's my turn to wield a pen!

"this……"

Jiang Xiaobai looked at Fang Tong, who was bowing respectfully, and his eyes flickered.

Merchants?!

To be honest, this... actually made him somewhat tempted.

It should be noted that his current liquor business is only located in Beijing.

But what if, in the future, the beverage business could be expanded to cover the entire Greater China region?

Even just thinking about it made Jiang Xiaobai's breathing quicken.

With the support of our customers, this is not impossible!

After a moment's thought, Jiang Xiaobai's gaze fell on Fang Tong, and he said, "In that case, I'll accept you!"

Thank you, teacher!

Fang Tong's body visibly trembled, and with a sudden movement, he knelt down on the spot, his expression respectful.

Get up!

Jiang Xiaobai waved his hand: "I'm only taking you as my disciple because of your family's business dealings, because... I really need you!"

As Jiang Xiaobai finished speaking, Tang Ningshuang's gaze turned strange.

This guy... is way too direct!

Not only Tang Ningshuang, but also the princess and the young man and woman were somewhat surprised.

That's right. If it were someone else, even if they really had such thoughts, they would at least hide them.

But I never expected Jiang Xiaobai to be so blunt.

Fang Tong didn't think anything of it; on the contrary, he thought Jiang Xiaobai was genuine.

It's good to speak your mind!

Fang Tong immediately responded respectfully, stood up from the ground, and couldn't hide the excitement on his face.

"Teacher, please feel free to let me know if you need anything in the future. I'm happy to serve you!"

Fang Tong said with a serious expression.

"Sure, sure!"

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and agreed.

At that moment, the young man and woman standing behind Fang Tong exchanged a glance.

Fang Tong took that step after all.

There's no going back now.

Furthermore, if this matter were to reach the Green Robe Society, and if Elder Shen were more open-minded, things might turn out alright.

But... if Elder Shen keeps pressing this matter, he might also have some complaints about Jiang Xiaobai.

In addition, Fang Tong has taken a peer as his teacher, which will probably make him a laughing stock.

After all, what kind of reputation does Grand Secretary Shen have?

Others wanted to worship but couldn't, but Fang Tong just gave up on it.

It looks a bit too silly no matter how you look at it.

But there's nothing that can be done; Fang Tong is just that kind of person—too stubborn.

Once a decision is made, it's very difficult to change it.

This is also why neither of them offered much advice.

"teacher!"

At this moment, Fang Tong looked at Jiang Xiaobai and respectfully said, "Then, we'll take our leave now!"

When Fang Tong said "teacher" again, his voice still trembled slightly.

It was clearly due to excitement.

Go!

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and nodded.

After hearing this, Fang Tong bowed to Jiang Xiaobai again before leading the young man and woman outside.

After the three left, the courtyard quieted down again, and Jiang Xiaobai leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face.

The guests at the courtyard set up a challenge.

Clearly, this is paving the way for the delegations from the two countries that follow!

Indeed, if these guests gain an advantage in the capital, they will certainly receive more attention when the Qi and Beiyu delegations officially enter the capital.

Even... they'll speak with more confidence.

Therefore, these visitors need to be suppressed, and suppressed quite severely!

With this thought in mind, a hint of indifference flashed across Jiang Xiaobai's face.

"You...have something in mind?"

Tang Ningshuang noticed Jiang Xiaobai's expression and couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity.

"without!"

Jiang Xiaobai shook his head and said, "But... let's just do it!"

That's right, there's no need to make any special plans for these hospital guests.

Simply crush it!

"..."

Upon hearing Jiang Xiaobai's words, Tang Ningshuang frowned immediately: "Vulgar!"

Upon hearing this, the princess standing behind Jiang Xiaobai moved her red lips slightly beneath her bamboo hat and couldn't help but spit out a "pui".

Of course, the sound was very soft.

After all, if she actually spoke up, she might be suspected.

She doesn't yet know Jiang Xiaobai's exact thoughts, so she can't reveal her identity as a 'maid'.

"Heh, it's better to be a little crude when dealing with some malicious people!"

Jiang Xiaobai didn't think much of it. While speaking with a smile, he leaned back in his chair and focused on enjoying the princess's shoulder massage.

Having the eldest princess massage his shoulders—this is something most people probably never get to experience in their entire lives.

Thinking about it that way, keeping this princess by my side isn't a bad idea.

……

For the next two days, Jiang Xiaobai remained in the Marquis's residence.

After all, the competition will begin in three days, so there's no need to rush.

But on the very next day, as Jiang Xiaobai was sitting at his desk writing, Zhang Xinnian pushed open the door and walked in.

"Your Highness!"

"Um, is something the matter?"

Jiang Xiaobai looked up briefly, then looked down again, but quickly raised his head once more, his brow furrowing: "Who hit you!"

Indeed, Zhang Xinnian in front of us looked somewhat disheveled.

The clothes were filthy, and in some places, they were torn to shreds.

Especially on Zhang Xinnian's left cheek, there is a bright red handprint that looks extremely obvious.

That half of my face is swollen!

"They're...they're from Beiyu!"

Zhang Xinnian gritted his teeth and said, "I happened to see people from Beiyu today when I went to deliver wine to Zuixian Restaurant!"

"Then we disagreed and started fighting!"

At this point, Zhang Xinnian's expression darkened further: "The result... my subordinates were able to win!"

"Your Highness!"

Zhang Xinnian grew increasingly angry, gritting his teeth as he said, "Let's mobilize 30,000 troops and wipe them out!"

"..."

Jiang Xiaobai's expression flashed with helplessness.

The last time troops were mobilized to surround the Ministry of Justice, it was for the benefit of certain people, and also for the benefit of the emperor.

But this time, sending troops to Zuixian Restaurant again was somewhat reckless.

Moreover, it targets hospital guests.

If this gets out, people will just laugh at us.

As Jiang Xiaobai shook his head, Zhang Xinnian immediately became anxious: "Young Master, you don't know, those Northern Yu people are just too arrogant!"

"and……"

At this point, Zhang Xinnian paused, his expression clearly hesitant.

"And what?"

Jiang Xiaobai asked.

"Your Highness, these people have come with ill intentions."

Zhang Xinnian took a deep breath, looked around, and lowered his voice, saying, "The men who hit me, let me say a few words to the Marquis!"

"But I dare not say this to the Marquis, so I can only speak to you, Young Master, first to see what to do!"

"Oh?"

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow slightly: "What did they want you to say to my father?"

"That person said..."

Zhang Xinnian gritted his teeth, pointed to his face, and said, "I'll show this slap to the Marquis when I get back!"

"Um?"

Jiang Xiaobai's gaze turned cold as he looked at the handprint on Zhang Xinnian's face, his voice becoming low.

"So, that slap on the face was intentional?"