Chapter Seventy-Four: Threat

Faced with Huang Dalang’s invitation, Qin Zhen pondered briefly before rising to follow him.

“Miss Fang, let us discuss this matter later,” Qin Zhen said.

Fang Lan understood that Qin Zhen was leaving room for negotiation, so she nodded slightly.

Huang Dalang let out an ambiguous chuckle and turned to leave.

The Huang family’s banquet was far more spacious and grand than that of the Fang family, and a single glance revealed the place was packed with people.

Before Qin Zhen could even make out their faces, the crowd surged forward, surrounding him.

“So this is the young hero Qin Zhen? Indeed, so talented and impressive at such a young age!”

“I didn’t expect Brother Qin to be so skilled in woodcraft, able to create such a marvelous weaving machine! The future is limitless for you!”

“It is truly a blessing for Coastal County to have someone like Brother Qin!”

The sudden wave of flattery caught Qin Zhen off guard.

As he surveyed the falsely enthusiastic faces, Qin Zhen immediately realized this was an attempt to drown him in praise.

“You flatter me,” he replied, neither humble nor arrogant, his tone calm and measured.

Within, he felt no pride, only wariness.

“This is Master Zhang from Prosperity Grain Shop.”

“This is Steward Yan from Blossoming Saltworks.”

“That is Master Zheng from Cozy Inn…”

Huang Dalang tirelessly introduced one merchant after another. These shopkeepers and bosses, who ran businesses in clothing, food, lodging, and transport, clearly held up half the commercial world of Coastal County. This was not just a network of connections, but also a testament to the Huang family’s power.

At last, Huang Dalang pointed to a wooden chair at the end of the table.

He spoke bluntly, “Qin Zhen, why not work for me from now on? Leave the cloth-making behind and focus on crafting weaving machines for me.”

He patted Qin Zhen’s shoulder, his tone brooking no dissent.

“I’m willing to pay one thousand taels! For your craft!”

A gasp swept through the room.

One thousand taels was a fortune—more than an ordinary person could save in several lifetimes! Even among these wealthy merchants and shopkeepers, none could so casually offer a thousand taels of silver for Qin Zhen’s loyalty.

Chen Shu and Li Han were already stunned speechless by Huang Dalang’s lavishness.

Everyone thought there was no way Qin Zhen would refuse.

Even Huang Dalang seemed assured, gesturing for Qin Zhen to take a seat.

Yet—

Qin Zhen shook his head, and under everyone’s astonished gaze, calmly and decisively refused Huang Dalang’s offer.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot agree to this.”

Weaving was the livelihood of the villagers in the little fishing village—he could not forsake it.

A thousand taels might let Qin Zhen live in comfort, but it would also plunge the villagers who depended on weaving back into hunger and poverty.

The fishing village was his root.

How could he fish the pond dry for fleeting gain?

Besides, a mere thousand taels—he could earn that himself!

Huang Dalang clearly had not expected Qin Zhen to refuse. The friendly mask he wore flickered almost imperceptibly.

“Too little?” he asked, with the arrogance of the wealthy. “Then how about two thousand taels?”

Another wave of astonished cries.

Two thousand taels! In just moments, the price had doubled!

Chen Shu found it hard to breathe; he knew that in Qin Zhen’s place, he would probably have bowed to Huang Dalang already.

Two thousand taels was simply too much!

Yet—

Qin Zhen still shook his head.

“It’s not about the money. Over two thousand people in the fishing village rely on this to live. If their livelihood is cut off, how could I face my fellow villagers?”

He could disregard everyone else, but the villagers he could not.

His elder brother had died young, and he had grown up eating from the villagers’ tables. Without their help, he would not have survived till now.

One must know how to repay kindness.

“So, you truly intend to compete with the Huang family for business?” Huang Dalang could not comprehend Qin Zhen’s thinking. In his eyes, those so-called commoners were merely tools to be exploited for the Huang family’s profit!

Naturally, he could not understand why Qin Zhen would give up such a promising future for the sake of a few insignificant commoners.

“I can let you make a fortune, or I can ruin you!” When enticement failed, Huang Dalang switched tactics and began to threaten.

“You’re young, Qin Zhen, so I won’t hold it against you. But you should know, one must recognize and accept kindness!”

“Are you threatening me, Master Huang?” Qin Zhen’s expression did not change in the slightest.

No matter what happened, he remained as steady as a rock.

This composure and courage left everyone present in awe.

Qin Zhen was but a youth—how could he be so steady?

“I am an honest businessman. I never bully or strong-arm others. You are young and may not understand the depths of these affairs,” Huang Dalang said, feigning earnest concern. “Business isn’t as simple as you think. As the saying goes, those who heed advice eat their fill.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Master Huang,” Qin Zhen replied without flinching. “But I only believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The room fell silent.

No one dared breathe too loudly; everyone was waiting to see how this would end.

“So lively, I see!”

A familiar voice broke the tension.

It was Captain Chen.

Now the city guard of Coastal City, Chen Kuai strode in.

Today, he wore the red robe of a military officer, his energy high, exuding an air of authority. At his waist hung a bronze emblem; his brocade garments spoke of recent success. Gone was the small-time constable of the past—now he exuded the bearing of a man of power.

Clothes indeed make the man.

“What’s all this, then? Face to face and nose to nose?” Chen Kuai walked over to Qin Zhen, threw a friendly arm around his shoulders, and asked with a grin.

“Brother Qin, what’s gotten Master Huang so upset? We’re all family here—let’s not have any hard feelings!”

This small gesture made everyone’s heart skip a beat.

Their view of Qin Zhen changed instantly.

Who didn’t know Captain Chen was now the most favored official in Jiangnan Circuit? He had military merit! Though new in town and not yet fully established, in terms of authority, he was second only to the city lord in Coastal City! The city guard all answered to him!

And such a man was so close to Qin Zhen?

“No wonder. I heard that when Captain Chen fought the pirates, the villagers from the fishing village joined the battle too. That means Captain Chen and Qin Zhen are comrades-in-arms!”

“If Captain Chen supports him, it looks like Master Huang might be forced to back down today.”

Huang Dalang put on a genial smile once again.

“It’s nothing! I was merely offering some advice as someone with more experience.”

“As long as everything’s fine,” Chen Kuai said, casting Qin Zhen a meaningful glance, which Qin Zhen understood.

After a few pleasantries, Chen Kuai took Qin Zhen away.

Watching their departing backs, Huang Dalang narrowed his eyes, his intentions unreadable.