Chapter 33: A Business Deal Raises Suspicion

Over half an hour later, Zhao Xichi finally came over, his face unable to hide the joy he felt. As soon as they met, he bowed deeply and apologized.

“Master Yuntai is truly capable! I was overjoyed at the birth of my youngest son and lost myself in the moment, thus I neglected you. It was truly discourteous.”

Before the child was born, he had been half-convinced, half-doubtful. But the other party had confidently predicted a boy, and indeed, the child was born at sunrise just as he had said. His wife was also unharmed—just exhausted from the long labor.

Now, Zhao Xichi completely believed that this man had genuine ability.

He Yanxin smiled and offered his congratulations in return.

“The dining hall has been prepared with breakfast. Master, please join me for a meal. This way!” Zhao Xichi personally led the way.

Although He Yanxin wasn’t very hungry after eating some pastries earlier, mealtimes were the best moments to talk business. He adjusted his sleeves and followed behind.

It was still not yet 8 a.m.—too early for drinking—so Zhao Xichi replaced wine with tea and offered him a respectful toast.

The breakfast spread wasn’t luxurious. In front of each of them were a few delicate, thin-skinned dumplings that whetted the appetite, a bowl of white porridge, and several small side dishes.

It was obvious that Zhao Xichi hadn’t yet eaten breakfast. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he elegantly began eating the porridge with the small dishes.

He Yanxin, who originally thought it would be easier to talk business at the table, fell silent. He had forgotten that in this culture, one didn’t talk during meals or before sleep—conversation usually only happened at banquets.

After the meal, Zhao Xichi gently set down his chopsticks. A maid approached with her head lowered, bringing over a cup of strong tea and a spittoon.

He rinsed his mouth, discreetly spitting into the cup behind his sleeve. The maid turned around to put the items down, then handed him a cloth. After wiping his mouth, he returned the cloth.

Seeing this, He Yanxin couldn’t help but think: Wow, this really is a scholarly noble family—the formality is on full display.

If he hadn’t read Dream of the Red Chamber back in school, he probably wouldn’t have known what this whole ritual was about.

After all, the original host’s family wasn’t this particular, and as a wandering soul later, he hadn’t been bored enough to watch others eat or rinse their mouths.

Still, in those five years, the original host had picked up a fair bit of knowledge and seen many things—which now all benefited He Yanxin.

He also put down his chopsticks and followed the same procedure—rinsing and wiping his mouth.

After breakfast, they didn’t return to the same parlor where they had previously met. This guest hall, where the meal had taken place, was in a central location and considered more formal for receiving guests.

“Apologies for the plain meal,” Zhao Xichi said.

“Not at all. Compared to eating in the wild while traveling, this is already a gourmet feast for me.” After saying this, He Yanxin appeared slightly embarrassed and gave a shy smile.

“To be honest, besides the matter of the Literary Star descending, I also dared to intrude today hoping to receive a bit of good fortune and earn some travel expenses. I hope you won’t find it laughable.”

It was time to introduce the real topic. While pretending to be a master was enjoyable, he shouldn’t forget his true purpose in coming here—to earn some money to improve his life.

Zhao Xichi didn’t hesitate upon hearing this. He immediately said it was only proper and was about to summon someone to fetch two silver ingots worth ten taels each.

“No need to rush, My Lord. In fact, there is one more matter I wish to discuss before we move on to anything else.”

Twenty taels was already a generous amount—worth over 10,000 yuan in modern currency.

But he had another, much more important reason for coming here—to give advance warning about Prince Qi’s upcoming rebellion.

As the county magistrate, Zhao Xichi had the authority to do much more. If he reported this to the emperor, he might even stop Prince Qi’s plans.

“Please, Master, speak. I’m all ears.”

“This concerns the fate of the empire. I ask that you dismiss the attendants,” He Yanxin said.

Zhao Xichi hesitated for a moment but then waved his hand, dismissing everyone nearby.

“I shouldn’t reveal heavenly secrets, but I sense a karmic connection between you and this matter, so I must tell you. However, revealing this will come at a personal cost to me—so let’s treat it as a message I am selling to you.”

He really was connected to this. After all, Zhao Xichi had encountered him. If he left Qizhou early, his life could be saved.

“I ask only two hundred taels of silver. Once you hear it, My Lord, you’ll know it’s worth every bit.”

He Yanxin wasn’t trying to make an outrageous demand—this information truly was worth that much. If the price were too low, the magistrate might not even believe it.

Besides, as a man from an elite family, Zhao could definitely afford it.

“What is this matter?”

What kind of information could be connected to the fate of the empire? And be worth 200 taels? Zhao Xichi’s annual salary as a magistrate was only fifty taels of silver.

He Yanxin leaned in and whispered in his ear.

Zhao Xichi’s body froze as he listened. After a moment, his entire demeanor shifted—his eyes sharp as blades stared directly at He Yanxin.

“Is what you said true?”

He truly hadn’t expected something so serious. Prince Qi plotting rebellion?! How could this man possibly know that?

Seeing the magistrate’s reaction, He Yanxin wasn’t afraid. He had mentally prepared himself before coming.

He knew that revealing this kind of news about Prince Qi would place him in serious danger. With no evidence, it could be seen as slandering royalty—an offense punishable by death.

He could’ve just taken the twenty taels and left. But how could he watch the magistrate walk into a fire pit? His conscience wouldn’t allow it.

“What I said is entirely true—heaven and earth can testify. I urge you, My Lord, to leave Qizhou as soon as possible, or your life and family may be at risk.”

He Yanxin’s tone grew serious.

Then, to prove it, he shared some of Prince Qi’s recent actions—enough to show signs of rebellion.

But he didn’t go into too much detail, only describing the general direction.

Anything too specific would be suspicious. If you speak too much or too precisely, people won’t just think you’re skilled—they’ll think you’re not human.

After finishing, he smiled calmly. “I’m just a man from beyond the worldly realm. My sect has strict rules forbidding involvement in state affairs. The reason I speak today is only because I cannot bear to see the common people suffer.”

So, in other words: Believe me quickly, please. Report this to the court and maybe you can stop that lunatic Prince Qi.

Zhao Xichi pondered for a full quarter of an hour.

Unlike others, he had not tried to curry favor with Prince Qi, and Yongqing County was far from the provincial capital. So, there was much he didn’t know.

But based on Prince Qi’s past behavior, Zhao Xichi realized—it was very possible he could stage a rebellion.

Moreover, having witnessed Master Yuntai’s extraordinary accuracy earlier, he was already seventy to eighty percent convinced.

Who would dare joke about something this big?

Zhao Xichi looked at He Yanxin, his expression unreadable. Should I keep him here?

In the end, he decided against it.

Today, this Master Yuntai had not only brought him the joyful news of a safe delivery and healthy son but had also risked himself to reveal such an important secret.

Claiming to be fated to meet him—but in truth, it was clearly out of compassion for the people. He truly was a man of great virtue and righteousness!

He Yanxin: Uh… if you want to see it that way, I guess that’s fine.

“Master, your great kindness and virtue—I shall never forget it. If you have nowhere else to go, would you consider staying at my humble abode? That way, I can properly repay you.”

Zhao Xichi asked tentatively. Maybe he’ll agree to stay and serve as a witness later?

“No need. I appreciate your generosity, My Lord, but my sect has rules. During my travels, I must not linger nor interfere in such matters.”

He Yanxin stood up and bowed in farewell.

“It’s getting late. I must set off for the next town today, so I’ll have to take my leave now.”

(End of Chapter)