Warm medicine emits fragrance

At first, no one moved; everyone remained silent until a man in the far corner stood up.

"I'm sorry, the shop has been poorly managed in recent years, and my family's income has been insufficient to make ends meet. I really don't have the means to help." After saying that, he lowered his head and quickly left.

With him taking the lead, many people stood up one after another, and their reasons were endless.

Some were in debt due to gambling, some were afraid of their wives and had to go home to discuss it with them, and some were seriously ill and could barely afford their medicine.

In less than fifteen minutes, the table was more than half empty.

Those who left first were all small fry, and Li Chenxin's expression remained relatively normal until the owner of Qingyue Winery stood up.

Li Chenxin's face instantly darkened, and he said with a forced smile, "With Boss Qing's strength, there shouldn't be a situation where he has the will but not the ability."

The shopkeeper bowed and said, "Since you said it's all voluntary and there's no coercion, it's perfectly reasonable for me to refuse."

"I am just a businessman, without such lofty ideals. Since we have different paths, we cannot work together. I will take my leave now."

After saying that, he turned and left, completely ignoring Li Chenxin's expression.

After Boss Qing left, several other wealthy merchants who were prominent figures in Xingzhou City also left, leaving very few people at the banquet.

The grain merchant who brought Qi Weiming had planned to leave long ago, but Qi Weiming stopped him.

"Don't rush, let's take a look first."

The grain merchant whispered, "This isn't the time to watch the show; things aren't that simple."

He glanced at the people who remained and said, "Do you really think these people who stayed are acting out of a sense of righteousness? They say they're donating, but it's really just about taking sides."

"I'm just an honest and upright businessman. I don't want to take sides." With that, he waved away Qi Weiming's hand, got up and left in a hurry, without even making an excuse.

He was the last to leave, and his standing up drew everyone's attention to Qi Weiming.

Li Chenxin's gaze fell on Qi Weiming, and she frowned as she looked him over. "This young master looks unfamiliar. I don't think I've seen him before."

Qi Weiming stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am new to Xingzhou and have never met Master Li before. I am fortunate to be able to attend this banquet today thanks to my friend."

Li Chenbi scoffed coldly, "Since your friends have all left, what are you still doing here? If you're going to leave, then leave quickly."

Qi Weiming didn't move. "We were friends before, but after what just happened, I think I'm more like-minded with Master Li."

"Master Li is right. Every citizen has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation. Although my family is not wealthy or noble, I am willing to do my part."

A hint of surprise flashed across Li Chenxin's face, and her gaze toward Qi Weiming softened somewhat.

"It is truly remarkable that this young man possesses such enlightenment at such a young age. May I ask your honorable surname, your place of residence, and your occupation?"

"My surname is Qi. I come from Lizhou. My family..." Qi Weiming smiled shyly, "I am truly ashamed to say that my family made their fortune in gambling, which is hardly respectable."

"Ah, that's not right. There's no such thing as high or low when it comes to making money. Young Master Qi is willing to contribute to the country and the people, which is far more valuable than those selfish people."

Qi Weiming was filled with trepidation. "It is my honor to receive Lord Li's praise." As he spoke, he took out a silver note from his pocket and walked to the servant carrying the tray.

"I did not bring much money with me when I went out. To show my sincerity, I will donate one thousand taels today. Tomorrow I will write a letter to my family and ask them to prepare another five thousand taels."

Li Chenxin smiled and put his arm around Qi Weiming's shoulder, patting him gently. "Young Master Qi is a straightforward person. He will surely achieve great things in the future. Your support today will be rewarded in the future."

Upon hearing this, those who hadn't yet made a move immediately started pulling out their money.

After the donation was completed, Li Chenxin summoned dancers to start playing music and dancing, and they toasted each other.

When Qi Weiming was helped away from the Li residence by his companions, he was already quite drunk.

His companions helped him into the carriage, muttering, "Doesn't he know his own alcohol tolerance? He's so drunk!"

Qi Weiming slumped in the carriage, his face showing impatience. "Shut up."

His companion glared at him. "Shut up! I really want to slap you. Have you forgotten why we came here? You actually donated a thousand taels to Li Chenxin? Are you crazy?"

Qi Weiming snorted, "What do you know? This is called 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'! We came to Xingzhou City to find Prince Rong's supporters, and this is the best opportunity. How can I miss it?"

His companion sneered, "I think some people are up to no good; they're using their position for personal gain."

Qi Weiming glanced out the carriage window; outside were the high walls of the Li family mansion.

He didn't refute his companion's words, but he felt a little regretful.

I didn't see her today.

East Courtyard.

Fan Liuer was exhausted from Li Chenbi's antics and nestled in his arms, feeling drowsy and unwilling to move.

Li Chenbi held her, gently stroking her back until he was sure she was asleep, then released her and slowly got out of bed.

He picked up his clothes from the floor, put them on, and opened the door to his room.

He quickly went out and closed the door, making sure no cold wind blew in before turning to look at Li Qiuping who was guarding outside.

"Is it over there?"

Li Qiuping nodded, "Yes, the last guest just left."

Li Chenbi strode toward the study, and Li Qiuping immediately followed.

After entering the study, Li Chenbi extended his hand.

Li Qiuping immediately handed over a brand-new list, the ink on it still wet.

Li Chenbi's gaze swept across the list one by one, and he said in a calm voice, "Starting tomorrow, terminate cooperation with these people and sever ties with them."

"Yes."

"Be discreet, don't let anyone notice." After saying that, Li Chenbi's gaze fell on the last name.

"Qi Weiming..."

Li Qiuping immediately said, "He also donated money, one thousand taels, and said he would have his family send another five thousand taels."

At this point, Li Qiuping clicked his tongue and said, "No wonder this guy was acting so suspiciously. So he came here because of Prince Rong. No wonder he came all the way to Xingzhou. He wants to use my connection to side with Prince Rong."

Li Chenbi didn't respond to Li Qiuping's question, but instead asked, "How's the investigation I asked you to do last time coming along?"

"We found it. The physical characteristics described in the letter and even the attached portrait are similar to Qi Weiming from Xingzhou. As for his lifestyle and hobbies, the letter says that Qi Weiming has a sweet tooth, cannot eat spicy food, and likes to sing when he is drunk."

After Li Qiuping finished speaking, he immediately added, "These are all simple. Tomorrow I will have someone approach Qi Weiming, invite him for a drink, and he will see through everything."

Li Chenbi nodded. "You may step down."

Li Chenbi stayed in the study until midnight. When he returned to his bedroom, he saw Fan Liuer groping around under the covers.

She stretched out both arms to the spot where he had just been lying, searching for his presence.

Li Chenbi stared at her for a while until Fan Liuer couldn't find him and started to get impatient in her sleep. Only then did he take off his clothes and lie down next to Fan Liuer.

Fan Liuer found a source of heat, pressed her whole body against it, and snuggled into Li Chenbi's arms, falling into a deep sleep.