Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The Zhong Clan had an unusual position in the northwestern region, so Yan Liqiang wasn’t arrogant about it either. After receiving the news from home, he immediately left the archery academy and returned to the Yan Fortress. As soon as Steward Zhou saw Yan Liqiang was back, he directly led him into the drawing room.

When the maidservants saw Yan Liqiang, all of them stood at the side and bowed to him. Yan Liqiang nodded to them, then talked to Steward Zhou while walking through the corridors of his residence. “Oh right, where is my father? Is he entertaining the guests from the Zhong Clan?”

“Yes, the Old Master is entertaining the guests in the drawing room. He is well-aware of the Zhong Clan’s prestige and is mindful of his manners. In fact, the Old Master was still working in the blacksmith workshop just now. After the Zhong Clan sent their greeting card, he changed into a fresh set of clothes before going to meet them. He instructed me to wait for you here, and bring you to the drawing room as soon as you are back!” Steward Zhou had to speed up to almost a jog to barely keep up with Yan Liqiang’s pace.

Yan Liqiang chuckled, for he knew that his father wasn’t good at conversations and rarely entertained guests. Yan Dechang might be able to chat with his acquaintances, but he was most likely struggling with the people from the Zhong Clan now. At this very moment, he was probably wishing very badly for his son to be back as quick as possible.

When Yan Liqiang arrived outside the drawing room, he heard a man’s hearty laughter coming from the inside. “Old Master Yan, you’re too modest! Throughout Gan Province, who hasn’t heard of your blacksmithing skills? I even have two kukri knives among the exquisite products made by the Yan Blades in my collections at Pingxi City…”

Just by listening, Yan Liqiang could tell that the man was enlivening the atmosphere. Since his father was a blacksmith, the man was probably trying to engage him in a conversation through topics about blacksmithing to avoid an awkward silence.

As soon as the man’s voice ceased, Yan Liqiang had gone past a flower vase and stepped into the drawing room.

Four people were sitting in the room. Yan Dechang was in the main seat. Without any introduction, Yan Liqiang immediately recognized the person sitting beside his father was the second-in-command of the Zhong Clan, Zhong Hongzhang. Beside him was a beautiful lady who looked like she had come straight out of a painting, and in the next seat was a chubby, smiling man. He was probably the one who was making the conversation earlier.

Yan Liqiang felt that the lady’s face was oddly familiar at first glance. Upon a closer look, he suddenly remembered that she was the one whom he saw in the carriage back at Pingxi City’s wharf. On that day, he caught a thief called Yang Si the Water Snake, who stole something from her carriage. That was how he met the lady.

Zhong Ruolan apparently recognized Yan Liqiang too. A strange glow flashed across her eyes. She didn’t expect the young man she met at Pingxi City’s wharf to be Yan Liqiang.

Their gazes briefly met before they pretended as though nothing had happened.

As soon as Yan Liqiang entered, the four people in the drawing room stood up almost at the same time.

Yan Dechang seemed extremely relieved at the sight of Yan Liqiang, and introduced the people around him to his son. “Great timing, Liqiang. We have guests from the Zhong Clan today! This is Zhong Clan’s second-in-command, Zhong Hongzhang, and his niece Zhong Ruolan. This is Manager He from Pingxi Prefecture’s Datong Monetary House…”

“It’s an honor to meet all of you…” Yan Liqiang smiled as he cupped his fist at the three guests. “We didn’t expect to be graced by your presence today, so please forgive us if we are ill-prepared for this reception!”

“Haha, you’re too courteous, Young Lord Yan. We should be the ones who are honored to meet you. Please excuse us for our sudden visit!” Zhong Hongzhang smiled in response and cupped his fist at Yan Liqiang.

“Ahem, since Liqiang is here, I’ll excuse myself now. Keep Lord Zhong entertained as I… I… need to check on the workshop…!” Yan Dechang looked as though a heavy burden was lifted from his shoulders when he saw Yan Liqiang greeting the three guests from the Zhong Clan. He immediately found an opportunity to escape.

After Yan Dechang took his leave, Yan Liqiang and his three guests looked at each other and smiled before returning to their respective seats.

After they exchanged some pleasantries and before Zhong Hongzhang could even delve into the main agenda, Yan Liqiang already knew the thoughts that were running through the latter’s mind through the Psychic Serpent effortlessly, and had completely figured out the intention of Zhong Clan’s visit.

Yan Liqiang was extremely surprised by the fact that the Zhong Clan would place their bets on him just after witnessing his duel at the Heavenly Lake. The ultimate goal of their visit this time was none other than forming an alliance through marriage, and the bride would be the lady named Zhong Ruolan. It went without saying that forming a connection through marriage was a matter that required skill and strategy. For an influential clan like the Zhong Clan, they couldn’t possibly force their women on someone. Therefore, they had come with the purpose of discussing business with Yan Liqiang this time. Zhong Ruolan would stay behind in Pingxi City as the focal person of this matter. She would look for opportunities to spend time with Yan Liqiang and eventually achieve their purpose.

For the sake of looking for a worthy bride, the Zhong Clan had assessed every unmarried girl of suitable age back home over the past few months. The Zhong Clan owned many properties, businesses and had many members, so they had a more complex structure. Zhong Ruolan was from the branch house of the Zhong Clan rather than the main house, yet she was sort of related to the clan head, so she was in a slightly special position…

After speaking a little bit more with Yan Liqiang or more like, showering praises at each other, Zhong Hongzhang reached into his robes and took out a box. He placed it in front of Yan Liqiang, then spoke with a serious face.

“On behalf of the Zhong Clan, we would like to extend our gratitude to Young Lord Yan for giving us some face over the incident with the Transportation Office. Truth be told, the Zhong Clan wasn’t informed of Jiang Tianhua and the Transportation Office’s actions beforehand. After knowing about it, we didn’t approve of their actions either and agreed that Jiang Tianhua had indeed overstepped his boundaries. However, the Zhong Clan runs many businesses and we rely on the support from the imperial court and local bureaucracies on many things. We had no choice but to smooth things over due to the dealings we have with the Transportation Office. Let’s hope we can make peace and forget about this incident. Please accept this as a token of appreciation from the Zhong Clan to you, Young Lord Yan…”

Yan Liqiang already knew the content of the box, but he pretended to be surprised and curious. “Lord Zhong, what is inside this box?”

A smile broke across Zhong Hongzhang’s face as he stroked his beard. “This is a contract for the Mount Kang Iron Mine of Gan Province’s Kangcheng Prefecture. It is a huge mine that is rich in minerals and can produce more than ten million jin of iron every year. The crude iron that your workshop at home and the manufacturing bureau purchase are mostly produced by the Kangcheng Iron Mine. Since Young Lord Yan has talent in the path of mechanics and the investigation of things, this iron mine would be a fitting gift for you. Please do not refuse our goodwill…”

Damn, as expected of the most influential clan in the northwestern region. They were really generous enough to throw away a huge iron mine as the first gift.

Yan Liqiang licked his lips as he stared at the box on the table, secretly impressed by the Zhong Clan’s boldness…