Chapter 255: Manipulation - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 255: Manipulation

Others might not know the reasons behind his rapid promotion, but Feng Jinxu understood well that it was Xiao Tingyi who had orchestrated it as a reward for the intelligence he brought back from Jinling. The clear distinction between rewards and punishments made those who followed him even more loyal.

He himself was prepared and just waiting for the day he officially took office.

In Dongdu City, everything was proceeding as planned. However, Liang Quanbin, who had recently arrived in Jinling, faced a troublesome situation.

“Master, the Zhu family is here again to request an audience. Should we refuse them once more?”

The speaker was the steward who had come with Liang Quanbin to take up his new post, now frowning as he asked.

Since their arrival in Jinling, the Zhu family had been trying to meet with Liang Quanbin daily. However, Liang Quanbin had ignored them completely. This was because, before arriving in Jinling, he had learned a secret.

The four prominent families of Jinling—Chi, Min, Cao, and Zhu—had long been known to him, and he had intended not to offend any of them.

But unexpectedly, the Cao family had risked their lives to meet him on his way. They had revealed that the Zhu family had conspired to kill the previous Cao Supervisor in detail.

He still remembered the intense hatred in the Cao family head's eyes when he spoke of the Zhu family, as if he wished to eat their flesh and drink their blood!

“Refuse them. I did not come here to handle such matters of life and death. The Cao family must have used their power to bully the Zhu family many times before. The two families have deep-seated enmity. Now that the Cao Supervisor is dead, they want to use my new position to strike back. The Cao family’s calculations are quite precise.”

“Since you know the Cao family has ulterior motives, why not meet with the Zhu family and hear their side?”

Liang Quanbin smiled, showing a shrewd demeanor.

“What’s there to argue about? If the Cao Supervisor wasn’t killed by the Zhu family, would the Cao family believe it? But if the Cao Supervisor was indeed killed by the Zhu family, can the Cao family do anything about it? Since I can’t wipe out the Zhu family in one go, and the Cao family wants to use me to harass the Zhu family, it’s a fool’s dream. I won’t be in conflict with the Zhu family.”

The steward was puzzled and did not understand Liang Quanbin’s intentions.

Liang Quanbin continued slowly, “Let the Zhu family think that I am persuaded by the Cao family and therefore refuse to meet them. This will lead the Cao family to prepare a generous gift to show their gratitude, which is one benefit. The Zhu family, eager to avoid their previous plight, will also try to find a way to meet me. By then, their gifts will be no less generous, which is the second benefit. When both families have requests of me, it will be easier to manipulate them, which is the third benefit.”

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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

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The steward, who had been loyal to Liang Quanbin for over twenty years, was fully aware of his master’s plans and had no fear of leaks, so he listened carefully.

“Master, that’s a clever strategy! This way, you will gradually take control of Jinling.”

“Don’t be so optimistic. The Chi and Min families are not easy to handle. The Chi family is powerful, and the Min family is influential. The Cao and Zhu families are not comparable to them. We need to proceed cautiously.”

Having said that, Liang Quanbin set down his tea cup, looked at the sky outside, and whispered a few words to the steward before smiling and watching him go out to speak with the Zhu family’s representatives.

In the large office of the Transport Supervisor, there were many items left by the previous Cao Supervisor.

It was foolish to believe that a whole family met with such a mysterious disaster without anyone behind the scenes. Liang Quanbin, having held his position in the Supreme Court for years, still had some investigative skills and did not think the situation was as simple as it seemed. He did not believe the Zhu family was truly behind the assassination.

Therefore, he decided to take his time to investigate thoroughly before making any decisions.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiangxian, who was about to marry in less than two months, was throwing a tantrum.

The head of the Zhu family, looking at the gift meant for the Transport Supervisor’s office, had it returned unchanged and simply said, “Still not seen?”

“Not seen! This Liang Supervisor is so upright and refuses to accept any reward. He has blocked me outside.”

Zhu Hong, the head of the Zhu family, glanced at his younger brother Zhu Tu and asked calmly, “What do you think, Second Brother?”

Although the Zhu brothers were full siblings, they were quite different in appearance.

Zhu Hong was plump, with a round face that gave him a somewhat kind appearance.

In contrast, Zhu Tu was very thin, with little flesh on his face. He had a sharp, calculating look, especially with his slanted, triangular eyes, which made others feel as if he intended to bring them harm.

Over the years, the Zhu brothers had worked together effectively: one profiting as an official in the Transport Office, and the other helping to conceal and embezzle the official grain. Their cooperation was seamless.

Even the Prince Ding’s people had not been able to uncover their accounts, demonstrating Zhu Tu’s skill.

When Zhu Hong asked, Zhu Xiangxian looked at his second uncle with respect, eager to hear his opinion.

Zhu Tu pondered for a moment and then spoke slowly.

“In this world, everyone is bustling for profit. There is no deal that can’t be closed, only money that isn’t tempting enough. I suspect that the new Liang Supervisor wants to manipulate us and the Cao family. Simply offering superficial gifts won’t open his door. If we used 30% of the official grain to bribe him, perhaps my elder brother’s position could be advanced.”

Zhu Tu was sharp-eyed and had discerned Liang Quanbin’s intention.

Having engaged in business for so many years, he was certainly good at reading people!

After hearing this, Zhu Xiangxian was somewhat displeased.

“Thirty percent! With the continuous rain this year, we might not even have half of last year’s official grain. If we add 30%, won’t we end up filling the gap ourselves?”

Zhu Hong smiled, noting his son’s youthful impulsiveness.

“You don’t understand the old saying, ‘You can’t catch a wolf without enticing the child.’ If 30% of the official grain can bring an opportunity for both you and me to advance, it’s a good deal.”

Zhu Tu also smiled, agreeing with his elder brother’s insight.

Zhu Hong’s words enlightened Zhu Xiangxian. He was about to marry the legitimate daughter of the Chi family’s fifth house. If he could also advance in his official position, it would be double joy. Realizing this, he understood the situation better.

He clasped his fists and said, “Father and Second Uncle, rest assured. I will handle this matter. Since we still have that batch of official grain on hand, it’s better to give it to Liang Supervisor. Trading a year’s profit for this is indeed worthwhile.”

Hearing this, Zhu Hong was relieved. “You are about to start your own family. This matter must be handled properly, understand?”

“Father, rest assured! I will do my best.”

After watching Zhu Xiangxian leave, Zhu Hong turned to his second brother Zhu Tu. “I wonder how the influential people will handle this matter after learning of it.”