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

Do you know me?

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the middle-aged woman in front of him with some surprise.

He was certain that he had never seen this person before.

Even after searching through all of his past life's memories, there was no such person at all.

"I don't know you, but I recognize you!"

The middle-aged woman nodded, but then gave a heavy snort, walked past Jiang Xiaobai, and went straight into Yipinlou.

Ok?

Jiang Xiaobai stood there, his face full of surprise.

He didn't know this woman at all, so why did she act as if he owed her money when she saw him?

Moreover, that cold snort was clearly filled with dissatisfaction towards him.

Beside her, the eldest princess was also somewhat surprised and turned her head to glance at Jiang Xiaobai.

Did Jiang Xiaobai offend this person?

Judging from Jiang Xiaobai's current reaction, he clearly doesn't know what's going on either!

"teacher……"

Seeing the woman's attitude, Fang Tong hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "You and her..."

"Oh, I don't know her!"

Jiang Xiaobai frowned, looking at the middle-aged woman's retreating figure with a face full of doubt: "First time seeing her!"

Could it be that this person is also hostile towards Xiao Qingxiu because of him?

But that's not quite right either.

The person who is in charge of the current No. 1 bank and has been invited here must be quite capable and intelligent.

Even if she has some relationship with Xiao Qingxiu, does she have to show her attitude so openly as soon as they meet?

But apart from that, Jiang Xiaobai really couldn't think of any other reason.

It's really inexplicable.

"Tong'er!"

Just then, a voice rang out from the side.

Fang Tong looked up and saw a middle-aged man walking towards them. He immediately took two steps forward and called out, "Dad!"

Then, Fang Tong turned around and introduced Jiang Xiaobai, "Teacher, this is my father!"

Jiang Xiaobai's gaze fell on the middle-aged man, and he smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Jiang Xiaobai from the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion!"

"Hehe, I heard about the young master's reputation when I arrived in the capital yesterday!"

The middle-aged man smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "My name is Fang Rongshan. I manage some merchant caravans. If the young master needs anything in the future, please feel free to contact me!"

"Mr. Fang, you're too kind!"

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and agreed.

"By the way, I've also heard about my son becoming the young master's disciple!"

Fang Rongshan nodded, glanced at Fang Tong again, and continued, "However, young people can be a bit impulsive sometimes."

"I hope that Young Master Jiang will not take this matter too seriously!"

"Dad, what are you saying!"

Fang Tong's expression changed. He hadn't expected his father to bring up this matter so soon after meeting Jiang Xiaobai.

"hehe!"

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow slightly, then smiled: "Don't worry, Boss Fang, if Fang Tong ever wants to leave his apprenticeship, he can leave anytime!"

"There will be absolutely no obstacles!"

Jiang Xiaobai could tell that Fang Rongshan was unwilling to let Fang Tong become his disciple.

That's not hard to understand.

Fang Tong's former teacher was a senior member of the Qingshan Society, whose status and reputation carried great weight among literati.

And what about him?

Although he has gained some fame, in the end, he is just a writer for the Green Robe Society.

Putting both sides together, it's understandable that Fang Rongshan, as a father, felt uncomfortable.

Upon hearing Jiang Xiaobai's words, Fang Rongshan visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"father!"

Fang Tong panicked and immediately said, "I've already accepted you as my master, and I absolutely will not back down!"

"Hmph, what do you know, young man!"

Fang Rongshan frowned, glared at Fang Tong, and didn't continue speaking. He simply cupped his hands in greeting to Jiang Xiaobai and then walked into Yipinlou first.

After Fang Rongshan left, Fang Tong sighed and looked at Jiang Xiaobai, saying, "Teacher, don't worry, I will definitely handle this matter well!"

"When I have some free time, I'll go back to the main hospital and explain things to the Grand Secretary in person!"

"Okay, sure!"

Jiang Xiaobai nodded slightly.

Since Fang Tong was willing to acknowledge him as his teacher, he naturally wouldn't refuse.

But... if Fang Tong changes his mind in the end, he won't force him.

Seeing that Helian Zhaoyue and the others had already gone inside, Jiang Xiaobai didn't say anything more and led the princess into the building.

However, as he walked further in, Jiang Xiaobai still glanced twice at the back of the middle-aged woman.

It's very strange, when exactly did he provoke this person?

Could it be someone the original owner had offended in the past?

But the original owner had absolutely no recollection of this matter.

Shaking his head, Jiang Xiaobai temporarily suppressed his doubts.

Upon entering Yipinlou, Xie Qiulai personally led the way and invited them all into the inner room.

The interior room was spacious and had been tidied up.

Seats were arranged on both sides of the lobby, and tea and pastries were prepared in advance.

Helian Zhaoyue led the people of Beiyu to take their seats first, while the people of Qi also went to the other side.

The middle-aged woman and Fang Rongshan and the others also chose their seats and sat down.

Jiang Xiaobai glanced around and was about to walk forward when Xie Qiulai quickly stepped forward and blocked his way.

"Young Master Jiang!"

Xie Qiulai raised his hand and gestured towards the outermost seat, saying, "Our young prince instructed earlier that you... should sit on the outermost seat!"

After speaking, Xie Qiulai glanced at Jiang Xiaobai cautiously.

That's right, he's genuinely a little scared when he sees Jiang Xiaobai now.

This guy attacks him at the drop of a hat, and now he's terrified.

But he had no choice; he dared not disobey the young prince's orders.

Oh?

Jiang Xiaobai glanced in the direction Xie Qiulai pointed.

That spot was right by the door; sitting there was practically the same as being kicked out, let alone participating in the negotiations.

It seems Xiao Qingxiu had planned this all along, just waiting to make things difficult for him.

"It seems your young prince won't be able to make it today!"

After chuckling twice, Jiang Xiaobai looked away and said to Xie Qiulai, "Moreover, cough cough... I have a very close relationship with your young prince."

"Now that he's not here, someone has to take charge here, right?"

what?

Xie Qiulai opened his mouth, and a bad premonition immediately arose in his heart.

"so……"

Jiang Xiaobai lifted his foot, walked around Xie Qiulai, and headed towards the head seat at the very top of the hall: "Chairman, I'll trouble you to temporarily fill in for him!"

"hiss!"

Xie Qiulai was dumbfounded.

Those present also looked up, their gazes falling on Jiang Xiaobai, their expressions slightly surprised.

"Oh, right!"

Jiang Xiaobai approached the main seat, then, as if remembering something, looked at Xie Qiulai and said, "I charge for what I do for others!"

Without waiting for Xie Qiulai's expression, Jiang Xiaobai slowly sat down in the main seat and said, "Not much, a friendly price of ten thousand taels will do!"

"Let me make this clear first, you absolutely mustn't give me too much, otherwise... hmph, don't blame me for getting angry with you!!!"