TRWSB – Chapter 156 Schemes, Secrets, and the Rise of Qingcheng

Qi Shaorong looked at Zhuang Hao with a touch of helplessness, thinking: This guy Zhuang Hao, looking all upright and proper, actually has a habit of eavesdropping? When did he pick up such a bad habit?

Staring him down, Qi Shaorong said, “What’s wrong with you? Eavesdropping isn’t exactly a good habit.”

Zhuang Hao turned away and replied, “I wasn’t eavesdropping, I was studying!”

“Studying? How in the world are eavesdropping and studying related?” Qi Shaorong crossed his arms and thought to himself, That excuse is so half-baked, it’s almost insulting.

“I just wanted to see how others chase after their wives,” Zhuang Hao said, spreading his hands.

“So? Learn anything?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“Not much from Hailing and Bi Liuyun’s side,” Zhuang Hao said a bit dejectedly.

“What about Mu Tingxuan and Yi Fan?”

A faint blush crept onto Zhuang Hao’s face. “Mu Tingxuan said to Yi Fan, ‘Let’s do it,’ and Yi Fan said, ‘Okay!’ Shaorong, when are you going to say something like that to me? If you ever feel the urge—I’m ready anytime.”

Qi Shaorong blushed under Zhuang Hao’s glittering, expectant eyes.

He gritted his teeth, mentally kicking himself—Why did I even ask?

“Mu Tingxuan and Yi Fan’s case isn’t very instructive either,” Qi Shaorong said, turning his face away to hide the flush.

Zhuang Hao nodded in agreement, still a bit down. “Exactly my thoughts. You’re nothing like Mu Tingxuan, after all.”

“With Yi Fan’s ability, he should never have been able to catch someone like Mu Tingxuan. He just took advantage of a moment when Mu Tingxuan was vulnerable.”

“Since their relationship isn’t much of a case study, I thought I’d check out Hailing and Bi Liuyun.”

Qi Shaorong chuckled. “And? Picked up any tricks?”

“Hailing is thick-skinned. Apparently, shamelessness is in style these days,” Zhuang Hao quipped.

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Just as Zhuang Hao was about to say more, Heisha burst in, “Lord Mayor, we’re out of wine—even the cellar’s dry!”

Qi Shaorong let out a subtle sigh of relief.

Zhuang Hao glared fiercely at Heisha and walked off in a huff.

Watching him leave, Heisha muttered, “Lord Mayor, your pretty-boy boyfriend just gave me the evil eye. What, is he mad I drink too much? That guy’s petty! If you’re planning to marry someone that stingy, better think it through.”

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Zhuang Hao, overhearing this from not too far away, made a mental note to settle that score later.

Imperial Capital – Yi Fan’s Residence

“Any news from the Young Master?” Mu Tingxuan asked.

Yi Fan nodded, “Yes. He says everything is well. Apparently, Liuyun ran into an old flame over there and is feeling a bit emotionally tangled.”

Mu Tingxuan smiled. “Oh? Maybe Liuyun will be the next to marry… or perhaps Zhuang Hao and the Young Master will beat them to it.”

“If it’s about wedding banquets, I’m betting on Liuyun. Zhuang Hao? Still a long way to go,” Yi Fan said flatly.

Mu Tingxuan looked at him sideways. “Ah Fan, do you have something against Zhuang Hao?”

Yi Fan shook his head. “Not really. I don’t hate him. I just don’t think he has what it takes—because, well, he’s kind of dumb.”

Mu Tingxuan sighed, “You, seriously…”

After a pause, he added, “By the way, the Qi family’s been trying to insert people into the Qingcheng Cosmetics stores. What’s your take on that?”

Qingcheng Cosmetics was originally Qi Shaorong’s business. Given the blood ties, the Qi family’s attempt to place people there wasn’t unreasonable—especially since business was booming and stores were short-staffed.

Yi Fan smiled. “It’s not a big deal. The Young Master wants to expand into the sea tribes’ territory. He opened a new Qingcheng store in the Blue Sea Plains and is thinking of opening branches. If the Qi family wants to send people, we’ll just have them go there.”

Mu Tingxuan hesitated. “Is that okay?”

Yi Fan replied coolly, “Why not?”

“But the Blue Sea Plains are dangerous,” Mu Tingxuan cautioned.

“That’s perfect. If they’re not willing to take the risk, it’s a polite way to refuse them,” Yi Fan said with a grin.

Imperial Capital – Qi Family

“Shaofu, what’s got you so down?” Shen Yuan asked.

“My father wants me and some cousins to work at Qingcheng Cosmetics, but Yi Fan is sending us to manage a branch in the Blue Sea Plains,” Qi Shaofu said, a bit lost.

Shen Yuan chuckled. Since partnering with the Merchants’ Guild, Qingcheng Cosmetics had boomed. With Mu Hangzhi backing them, Yi Fan’s expansion was fearless, and their reputation had even spread to neighboring nations.

The Qi family, despite being the original owners, had gained almost nothing from the company. Meanwhile, Yi Fan and Mu Tingxuan had profited enormously. The elders must be tearing their hair out watching this unfold.

“Are you going to the Blue Sea Plains then?” Shen Yuan asked.

Qi Shaofu nodded. “I don’t really have a choice, do I? I’m not like my fourth brother—I can’t just ignore the elders.”

“That place is pretty dangerous, though,” Shen Yuan noted.

“I’m not too worried about the danger. I’m more concerned about my fourth brother.”

Because of past family issues, Qi Shaorong harbored deep resentment toward the Qi family. Every attempt to reconcile had failed, and Shaofu was the only one who maintained a thread of a relationship with him—though even that was fragile.

“He’s a fair person. He won’t blame you for others’ mistakes,” Shen Yuan reassured.

“I hope so,” Shaofu said weakly.

His mission this time wasn’t just managing a store—it was trying to mend the rift between Qi Shaorong and the Qi family. The thought alone gave him a headache.

“I’ll go with you to the Blue Sea Plains!” Shen Yuan said cheerfully.

Shaofu looked puzzled. “You? What business do you have there?”

Shen Yuan’s expression deflated. “I’m there to deliver an imperial edict.”

“What edict? Is the Emperor planning to recall my fourth brother?”

“No, the Emperor wants him to acquire some Sea Sand Mithril,” Shen Yuan said grimly.

Shaofu frowned. “Seriously?”

Sea Sand Mithril was a strategic material needed to make magic crystal cannons. It was incredibly rare, buried deep in the ocean, and its price on the black market remained sky-high. If a steady supply were secured…

“That’s the order,” Shen Yuan sighed.

Shaofu scowled. My brother is not someone who takes orders lightly. He was already unhappy being posted to the Blue Sea Plains, and now this?

“You know what my brother’s like,” Shaofu said.

“I do,” Shen Yuan muttered. “He plays by his own rules and doesn’t care about consequences.”

Shaofu: “…”

“I’m just the messenger. Whether he obeys or not is above my pay grade,” Shen Yuan added.

“Even if he’s willing, finding that material is no easy task,” Shaofu said.

“Well… it could be. Rumor has it your brother did some cosmetic work for two major sea tribe figures. If he taps those connections, he might actually pull it off,” Shen Yuan said.

Shaofu blinked. “You sure know a lot.”

Shen Yuan smirked. The Qi family probably knows too—they just didn’t tell you.

Qi Residence – Main Hall

Qi Yao looked at Qi Shaofu and said with weighty concern, “When you see your fourth brother, talk to him properly.”

Shaofu nodded. “I understand.”

Father was always proud and distant, Shaofu thought. Now he’s finally humbled. My fourth brother’s influence has already surpassed the Qi family’s.

The Qi family had hit a growth ceiling, while Qi Shaorong’s power was still on the rise—and no one knew where it would end.

Qi Yao added, “You’re the only one he gets along with. Don’t let things sour.”

“I know,” Shaofu replied softly.

As he left the hall, he saw his younger sister Qi Shaoru leaning against a pillar, gazing wistfully inside.

He approached. “Fifth sister, are you alright?”

“You’re off to the Blue Sea Plains, huh?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Looks like you’re about to rise to power,” she said with a tinge of jealousy.

Closing her eyes, Qi Shaoru felt a wave of frustration. Ever since Qi Shaorong rose to prominence, the elders began resenting her. Things only worsened as Qingcheng Cosmetics took off. Even her once doting father now seemed annoyed by her very presence. Those who used to court her favor had long found new allies.

She’d hoped Qi Shaorong would fall, that conflict with the sea tribes would ruin him—but instead, he had thrived.

Shaofu sighed, looking at her. “Shaoru… you’ve let this obsession go too far.”