The Elixir is for You, The Poison is for Me

#252 - Risking one's life

Lu Jing glanced around and noticed that although the guests nearby were chatting with each other, the corners of their eyes were all intentionally or unintentionally glancing in his direction, as if they wanted to know who was bold enough to strike up a conversation with Gu Caiwei.

Subsequently, Lu Jing brazenly sat down next to Gu Caiwei amidst these furtive glances.

Seeing this, Gu Caiwei subtly shifted her body to the other side, creating some distance between herself and Lu Jing, while simultaneously twirling her folding fan and saying, "Brother, this action of yours isn't very wise."

"Why do you say that?"

"Since you've come to congratulate Guild Master Jiang on his birthday, you must be seeking something from him. By sitting here, the matter you seek will likely be ruined."

Lu Jing didn't answer Gu Caiwei's words, but instead said, "Then what about you? You know you're unwelcome, yet you still eagerly came to congratulate him on his birthday. It doesn't seem like you're any wiser than I am, does it?"

"I'm different," Gu Caiwei shook her head. "I didn't come to offer birthday wishes, but to cause trouble."

"Your goods were seized by the constables? Shouldn't you go to the yamen?" Lu Jing asked.

"That's what they say, but who doesn't know that the area from the west side of Longjin Bridge to Maxing Street is Guild Master Jiang's territory? There, his words are more effective than the magistrate's. Without his consent, my goods wouldn't have been seized, and if I want to get them back, he has to nod his head first."

"Is a batch of goods worth risking yourself?" Lu Jing said.

However, as soon as he said these words, he realized he had misspoke.

He hadn't asked Gu Caiwei what kind of business she was in, so logically, he shouldn't know how much her batch of goods was worth.

As expected, Gu Caiwei's eyes flashed with a hint of vigilance after hearing his words.

However, she didn't immediately question Lu Jing about where he had learned about her business. Instead, she said nonchalantly, "May I ask what your name is, brother?"

"Feng Jiulang, previously a ginseng merchant in the Northland," Lu Jing replied.

"A ginseng merchant? Brother Feng is indeed very brave." Gu Caiwei was clearly aware of the risks involved in digging and selling ginseng in the Northland. Most of these people were both merchants and bandits, with blood on their hands.

However, she didn't discriminate against Lu Jing because of this. She cupped her fist and said, "My surname is Gu, and my given name is Cai. I run a firewood and charcoal business in the city. May I ask what brings Brother Feng all the way from the Northland to the capital?"

"Oh, I have a batch of old ginseng on hand and want to find a good buyer. I heard that the Qianyuan Merchant Guild is the largest merchant guild in the capital, with deep pockets, so I came here to try my luck," Lu Jing continued to use his talent for fabrication.

Gu Caiwei didn't suspect anything and simply said, "That's good then. There are many dignitaries in the capital. As far as I know, old ginseng, especially ginseng that has been aged for many years, doesn't have to worry about finding a market. If Guild Master Jiang doesn't offer you a good price, you can always find someone else. But remember to find merchants outside of the Qianyuan Merchant Guild to buy it."

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Gu," Lu Jing said.

"You're welcome, Brother Feng," Gu Caiwei shook her fan, then picked up the teacup in front of her, which meant that this conversation between the two had come to an end.

She and this Feng Jiulang, who claimed to be a ginseng merchant from the Northland, were only newly acquainted. There weren't many topics to talk about, and it wasn't appropriate to delve into many things. In addition, Gu Caiwei couldn't figure out Feng Jiulang's background, but the other party seemed to know a certain amount about her.

This feeling of her being in the open while the other party was in the dark made Gu Caiwei feel a little uncomfortable, so she simply stopped talking.

While drinking tea, Gu Caiwei couldn't help but think of someone again.

Although she had made many preparations for tonight's events and was certain that Jiang Yuanmao wouldn't do anything to her in front of everyone, coming here for the banquet was ultimately a dangerous situation. Now, with wolves all around and a Feng Jiulang of unknown allegiance by her side,

Gu Caiwei appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, she felt a lot of pressure in her heart.

If that person was still here, even a situation a hundred times more dangerous than this could probably still be easily resolved.

Lu Jing had actually left Gu Caiwei his contact information before leaving, but because the seizure of the goods had only happened this morning, Gu Caiwei didn't know if Lu Jing could return within a day.

In addition, although the situation wasn't good, it was still within her ability to handle. Gu Caiwei didn't want to trouble Lu Jing at the slightest sign of trouble, after all, Lu Jing should also have important things to do when leaving the capital.

And she was no longer the small widow in Wujiang City two years ago who could only rely on others to struggle for survival.

On the contrary, she also wanted to prove that she could become someone else's reliance, especially that person's reliance.

Thinking of this, Gu Caiwei couldn't help but puff out her chest.

At this moment, the restaurant suddenly became lively. The guests stopped talking and stood up from their seats, as tonight's birthday celebrant had finally appeared.

Jiang Yuanmao was sixty years old, but he maintained his body very well. He didn't have the bloated physique of other merchants and looked radiant, with brisk legs and feet. He strode up from downstairs.

Then, he greeted everyone in the room. As the head of the Qianyuan Merchant Guild, Jiang Yuanmao had a wide range of contacts and many friends in all aspects, including members of the imperial family, officials, literati, martial arts figures, and merchants from the Qianyuan Merchant Guild.

Jiang Yuanmao even exchanged a few words with the famous courtesans and singers who came to support the occasion, but he didn't have any interaction with Gu Caiwei, who was sitting at the table, as if the latter was just air.

It wasn't until Jiang Yuanmao had made a full circle that he finally came to the table where Gu Caiwei was, but his gaze didn't look at Gu Caiwei. Instead, he looked at Lu Jing beside Gu Caiwei and said, "Forgive my old eyes, but who is this friend...?"

"Not blind, not blind. My name is Feng Jiulang. I haven't met Guild Master Jiang before. I came here especially to congratulate you on your birthday, having heard of your reputation."

Jiang Yuanmao frowned. He had no impression of this name, but he had asked his two sons to greet guests downstairs. Since this Feng Jiulang could be let in, he must have some background.

But how did this person get mixed up with Gu Caiwei?

Could he be an old acquaintance of Gu Caiwei? However, Jiang Yuanmao glanced at Gu Caiwei's slightly guarded posture and felt that the relationship between the two might not be that deep.

Before he could figure out the situation, Jiang Yuanmao could only vaguely respond, "Good to hear, good to hear."

Then, he finally turned his gaze to Gu Caiwei.