NFBE Chapter 140: A Blatant Threat
Chapter 140: A Blatant Threat
Zhang Xuzi changed to a kind and gentle expression and said with a smile.
"Oh, what you said, Madam Fang, really makes this old man uncomfortable. I had no right to stop Madam Fang from leaving or not leaving."
"I simply wish to make friends with Madam Fang and discuss the issues surrounding the improvement of the Tao Te Ching!"
Hum, old fox.
“What are you saying, Master Zhang? What discussion? I’m just a junior, I haven’t even been to school for more than a few days, how dare I work with you to perfect something as sacred as the Tao Te Ching?”
"I am truly flattered, but unfortunately I know nothing about perfecting the Tao Te Ching. I hope the Confucian sage will seek someone else!"
Fang Xiaoxiao shook her head and waved her hands repeatedly to indicate that she couldn't do it.
From the moment she first met Zhang Xuzi, she clearly sensed that he was no ordinary person, and even felt a chilling aura about him.
This Xu Zi looks like he has white hair but a youthful face, with an air of otherworldly elegance, and his appearance gives people a kind and benevolent feeling.
But she knew that the more someone was like that, the more ruthless their methods would be.
As a time traveler, it's best to stay as far away as possible from someone who pretends to be weak while actually being strong.
Seeing that he was being so disrespectful, a hint of coldness flashed in Zhang Xuzi's eyes, but he quickly turned away and said with a smile.
“My lady, I don’t like hearing that. I heard from that wicked disciple that when you two were composing poems in the brothel, you blurted out the second half of the Tao Te Ching.”
"My lady should know that I have devoted my life to perfecting the Tao Te Ching, which was written after I encountered an immortal in a dream and received some enlightenment from him."
"However, in the Tao Te Ching, the first and second sentences never quite match up, because the second half of the Tao Te Ching has not been enlightened by the immortals."
The old man went on and on, recounting the origins of the Tao Te Ching.
In fact, everyone present had heard what he said many times before, but no one dared to express any dissatisfaction, otherwise they probably wouldn't even know how they died.
The Confucian sage was second to none in the entire Dayu Dynasty in terms of both personal influence and strength; even the emperor had to show him deference.
Not to mention those merchants and lowly officials.
After the old man finished telling the story about the Tao Te Ching, he came to his senses and looked at Fang Xiaoxiao with a kind and eager gaze.
“What I just said came from the bottom of my heart. I hope that Madam Fang will not refuse again. Perfecting the Tao Te Ching is a great thing that benefits the country and the people.”
"Such a thing is not something that just any ordinary person can obtain. I hope Madam Fang will consider it carefully."
"If there is any urgent matter at home, I can ask the eldest prince to help my wife resolve the matter."
Good heavens, is this old man planning to put himself under house arrest?
She had been thinking about how to refuse the old man, but now, not only could she not refuse him, but if she resisted, he would probably use Pei Zuo's power to plunge her into an endless abyss.
The common people have never succeeded in fighting against the officials throughout history, let alone the royal family of a feudal dynasty. That would be like lighting a lamp in a toilet – courting death!
This is the thought.
Fang Xiaoxiao understood her current situation very well; she had no choice but to agree.
She immediately smiled, her expression filled with admiration, and nodded.
"I am deeply grateful for the Confucian sage's kindness. If there is any issue with the content of the Tao Te Ching, I am afraid I can only do my best to improve it."
"I hope the Confucian Sage will not take offense. If there is anything wrong, I hope the Confucian Sage will not be angry."
Her words also implied that she agreed to the other party's request.
As the saying goes, a wise man submits to circumstances. I'm not stupid. All that talk about pride is pure nonsense. In the face of real strength, one has no choice but to bow down.
Zhang Xuzi nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this, and his gaze towards her softened.
Those who follow me will prosper, and those who oppose me will perish.
He dislikes disobedient people, like Pei Yan; if someone is disobedient, then there's no point in them living in this world.
Next, the two went to the private room that Zhu Wen had arranged.
The private room is the Orchid Room among the bamboo, orchid, plum, and chrysanthemum.
The room was furnished with unparalleled luxury, with desks and chairs made of old rosewood that were practically works of art.
If sold in modern times, even a single grand master's chair would fetch at least a six-figure price tag, while all the furniture made of huanghuali wood in this room would be valued at least in the hundreds of millions.
It's no exaggeration to say that the world of the wealthy, whether in ancient or modern times, is absolutely the same: they all love antique wooden furniture.
Zhang Xuzi sat upright in the armchair behind the desk, his eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Zuo standing in front of the desk.
"Madam Fang, when would you like to begin discussing and refining the second half of the Tao Te Ching together?"
"!!!"
No, old man, are you out of your mind? People say that you need to take deep breaths before hanging yourself.
Good heavens, you didn't even give me a minute to sit down before you were eager to start working. Don't you know that the Tao Te Ching is very mentally taxing?
Fang Xiaoxiao couldn't help but criticize and despise him.
She has learned to keep her emotions in check over the past six months.
Even though she was filled with displeasure, she still maintained a lovely and beautiful smile.
She has dimples on both sides of her mouth, and her smile is absolutely captivating.
Pei Zuo, standing beside her, was so captivated by her beauty that he almost forgot his own name.
Fortunately, Zhang Xuzi spoke up at this moment to remind him.
"What, does Madam Fang want to go back on her word? If so, I can immediately send someone to escort you and your husband away."
However, this would likely mean that the lady would be separated from her seven husbands forever.
"And our eldest prince will soon have an extra concubine."
The meaning behind his words was clear to everyone: it was a blatant threat, one that was even impossible to resist.
Fang Xiaoxiao thought to herself, "Old fox," and then gave a forced smile.
"Ha, the Confucian sage really likes to joke. But don't worry, although I only discovered the second half of the Tao Te Ching by chance, I can complete the entire Tao Te Ching now."
Pei Zuo stood beside her and asked with great concern.
"My lady, aren't you digging your own grave by saying this? What normal person would dare to say such a thing? If you offend the Confucian Sage, even if Zhu Wen and I plead for you, it probably won't end well."
"Please, my lady, do not act rashly. Let's follow my teacher's plan first!"
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness."
Fang Xiaoxiao replied calmly and quietly.
The two whispered conversations did not escape Zhang Xuzi's notice.
He gave the two of them a cold glance, but the look was fleeting and easily missed if you weren't paying attention.