Chapter 349: Chapter 349: She Can Be a Concubine_i

Qi Zhen looked at Wei Ruo unabashedly, disappointment clearly visible in his eyes.

Ordinary, was Qi Zhen’s overall evaluation of Xu Heyou.

Based on Fan Chengxu’s description, he expected someone a little more outstanding, not this nondescript young man who could easily get lost in a crowd.

If he had seen him on any other day, he wouldn’t have spared him a second glance.

Mindful of Qi Zhen’s gaze, Wei Ruo instinctively looked back at him.

Seeing this, Fan Chengxu introduced the two, “That’s right, this is Brother Heyou that I mentioned, a good friend and business associate.”

After answering Qi Zhen’s question, Fan Chengxu turned to Wei Ruo and said, “This is the young master Qi from the Capital City, he happens to be drinking’ tea here today.”

Fan Chengxu didn’t tell Wei Ruo Qi Zhen’s name, but his description allowed Wei Ruo to guess his identity.

He must be Qi Zhen, the third son of the Qi Family from the Capital City who Chu Lan had mentioned!

I must say, his appearance is pleasing. With an elegant and handsome face, and a pair of captivating eyes, he definitely attracts attention.

However, he pales in comparison to Chu Lan, and not to mention my second brother.

“Greetings, Young Master Qi.” Wei Ruo greeted Qi Zhen courteously.

Qi Zhen responded with a smile, “Ah, Brother Xu, I’ve heard so much about you. After having a taste of your tea and alcohol at Brother Fan’s place, I’ve wanted to meet you in person.”

“That might disappoint you, Young Master Qi. I am merely a commoner, making a modest living through small businesses.” Wei Ruo replied.

Fan Chengxu interjected, “Brother Heyou, don’t be so humble. Your business ventures are far from small. You don’t realise how popular your tea and wine are.”

Qi Zhen also chimed in, “Indeed, your tea and wine are exceptional. Especially the wine, I’ve never tasted such a full-bodied liquor in the Capital City.” Brother Heyou, please sit down and join us for a cup of tea,” Fan Chengxu invited Wei Ruo warmly.

Fan Chengxu wasn’t very keen on entertaining Qi Zhen, but since he came, Fan Chengxu couldn’t turn him away.

And Xu Heyou was someone he wanted to meet and chat with. Now that he had the opportunity, he wouldn’t let him slip away.

After pondering for a moment, Wei Ruo took his seat.

Fan Chengxu poured some tea for Wei Ruo personally.

Noticing Fan Chengxu’s hospitality, Qi Zhen remarked with a smile, “I’ve heard Brother Fan speak highly of you for many times these past few days. He said you are the most interesting person he has met in Taizhou prefecture.” “Boss Fan flatters me. I’m just a money-loving commoner, far from being interesting,” Wei Ruo responded.

Aptly enough, everyone seated here is common,” Qi Zhen commented, folding the fan in his hand and pointing towards Fan Chengxu, “Brother Fan appreciates wealth, and as for me, I appreciate beautiful women.”

Qi Zhen was quite straightforward about his penchant for beautiful women.

Oh? Has Young Master Qi met any beautiful women in Taizhou prefecture this time?” Wei Ruo inquired.

“Jiangnan is indeed known for its beautiful women. I did meet a young lady who captured my interest; delicate and endearing, different from the women raised in the Capital City,” Qi Zhen commented.

In that case, Young Master Qi, you should seize the opportunity. Find a gentle wife, who will add charm to your nights, and her gentle warmth in your arms will make you feel like the richest man in the world,” Wei Ruo suggested.

Hearing this, Fan Chengxu laughed, “Brother Heyou, if you think this way then it means you don’t know much about Young Master Qi. He holds a significant position in the Capital City, and the maidens of Taizhou prefecture can’t become his direct wife. He is used to passing dalliances.”

Qi Zhen protested, “Brother Fan, don’t make me sound like a libertine. I truly admire beautiful women and while I can’t offer them an official position, I also don’t degrade them. If they consent, I am willing to elevate their status and bring them home as concubines.”

Fan Chengxu replied, “So, it was you who was caught having a secret rendezvous with the second miss of the Wei Family? Do you also plan to take her as a concubine?”

Qi Zhen answered with a subtle smile, “As long as the Wei Family agrees, why not?”

Fan Chengxu retorted, “I must remind you, although the Wei Family has declined, their ancestors held high rank and their nobility hasn’t been revoked. How could they agree to let their legitimate daughter become your concubine?” Qj Zhen retorted, “That is up to the Wei Family to decide. If they are not willing, I can t force them. But I truly like the second miss of the Wei Family. Her delicate demeanour has left a deep impression on me, unlike any other beauty I’ve met.”

Fan Chengxu mockingly said, “Speaking of which, the reputation of the second miss from the Wei Family has already been tarnished. It wouldn’t be impossible for her to become your concubine, but it would be hard on Wei Family’s older daughter.”

If the second daughter of the Wei Family becomes a concubine, it will certainly affect the eldest daughter. No family of considerable standing would want to marry the eldest daughter as their main wife.

“That’s not my concern,” Qi Zhen responded with a smile, clearly uncaring about the predicament of the Wei Family’s daughters.

Wei Ruo listened to their conversation casually, enjoying his tea and not interrupting, as if he were an outsider listening in on gossip.

Suddenly, Fan Chengxu turned to Wei Ruo and asked, “Brother Heyou, are you interested in beautiful women? If you are, you can join us at the Yanmeng Pavilion tonight for a music recital.”

No, thank you. I’m more interested in making money,” Wei Ruo declined politely, then asked Fan Chengxu, “Brother Fan, why have you been looking for me recently?”

Fan Chengxu didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at Qi Zhen before saying, “I want to ask Brother Heyou, can you supply me with a few more jars of Thyme?”

With Qi Zhen present, there were some matters he couldn’t discuss, so Fan Chengxu could only bring up what was suitable to talk about.

“Why does Boss Fan want extra jars of Thyme liquor?” Wei Ruo asked.

Because it’s too delicious. Now, many people in the Capital City are asking me for it,” Fan Chengxu replied with a hint of helplessness.

Fan Chengxu elaborated, “A while ago, Lu Yuhong, the young master of the Lu Family, somehow managed to get his hands on several jars of Thyme. He transported it all the way back to the Capital City to present to his grandfather, who is a liquor enthusiast. After tasting Thyme, he couldn’t stop praising it and even invited his friends to taste it. This caused quite a stir and when people learned that the liquor came from Taizhou prefecture, they all came to me. Even my family members are asking me for it.”

Anyone who could be a drinking companion of Lu Yuhong’s grandfather would undoubtedly be influential figures in the Capital City.

Once these high-ranking people took a liking to Thyme, there were naturally others who sought to curry favour by finding means to present it as a gift.

Qi Zhen added, “If there is surplus, I would like to buy a couple of jars at a high price.”