Building a Martial Dao Celestial Family by Laying Low

Three streams of qi, each with a completely different color and aura, swirled and intertwined within.

The Wealth Qi retrieved from the 4.5 million taels of silver had produced a massive amount of Looted Wealth Qi and a portion of Side Fortune Qi. Originally, these two streams had begun to stir, attempting to expand their territory.

But soon, as the Wealth Qi from the copper coins was extracted, the Righteous Wealth Qi trembled slightly. It firmly suppressed the two restless streams, forcing them to retreat to their respective corners. Although they still surged restlessly, they could no longer stir up any great waves.

Chen Li was lost in thought as he sensed the changes within the Treasure Basin.

He collected himself, took out the chests that had been drained of their Wealth Qi, and ordered the servants to temporarily move the chests containing the copper coins to the granary for storage.

After the flurry of activity, dusk was approaching.

The drizzle had stopped at some point.

Chen Li had dinner with his family. Afterward, he asked a few questions about the studies of his three children—Shoujing, Shouyue, and Shoucheng. Seeing that their progress was acceptable, he offered some encouragement.

Just as he was about to return to his room to rest with his wife, a maidservant hurried over to report, "Sir, Lord Luo Pingyuan has arrived and is waiting in the front hall."

Chen Li stopped in his tracks, slightly surprised.

’I had Shouheng send for him during the day, and he rushed here tonight through the rain and mud. It seems he really is desperate.’

"Please have Magistrate Luo wait a moment. I will be there shortly."

Chen Li turned and gestured slightly to Song Ying. "You go rest first. I’ll go see what this is about."

After he arrived at the study, Luo Pingyuan was ushered in by a maidservant.

Upon seeing Chen Li, a somewhat helpless smile appeared on his face. He cupped his fists and said, "To disturb the Patriarch late at night... it was truly unavoidable. I hope you can forgive me."

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Chen Li walked to the head seat and sat down. "You’ve visited several days in a row. What is it about?"

Luo Pingyuan said with a wry smile, "Patriarch, Lord Gao Changhe has already sought me out three times."

Chen Li nodded slightly and asked, "For what reason?"

"What else could it be for..."

Luo Pingyuan sighed and said, "When Governor Gao first sought me out, he used both threats and bribes. He wanted nothing more than for me to come forward and clarify that this matter had nothing to do with him."

He glanced at Chen Li’s expression. Seeing that the other man’s expression remained unchanged, he continued, "I did not yield. When Governor Gao saw that bribery wouldn’t work, it seemed he was ready to take desperate measures. Fortunately, Grandmaster Liu was by my side protecting me, so he didn’t dare to use force."

"And then?"

Chen Li nodded. Having Liu Zongying protect Luo Pingyuan was something he had arranged long ago, precisely to prevent Gao Changhe from getting cornered and lashing out.

Luo Pingyuan continued, "The afternoon before last, Governor Gao found me again, but his attitude had changed. He no longer mentioned the clarification. Instead, he proposed a reconciliation. He hopes to speak with you face-to-face, Patriarch. He said there have been many misunderstandings and hopes to bury the hatchet."

’Reconciliation?’

Chen Li smiled. ’This Governor Gao... still can’t let go of his pride, can’t see reality for what it is.’

’However, I can certainly keep applying pressure.’ After a moment of deliberation, he said immediately, "You send someone to reply to him. Three days from now, at midnight, on the summit of Mirror Mountain. I will be waiting for him there."

"Yes, I will send someone to the Commandery City with the message first thing tomorrow morning."

Luo Pingyuan quickly agreed, his heart settling slightly.

The main business concluded, but Chen Li saw that Luo Pingyuan hadn’t risen to leave. Instead, he looked hesitant to speak, so he asked, "Is there something else?"

Luo Pingyuan gave a wry smile. "Patriarch, there is one more thing. Regarding the Jiang Family... I’m afraid there’s been a development."

"The Jiang Family? Speak."

Chen Li’s expression didn’t change, as if he had long expected this.

"The Jiang Family... they know my Cultivation has been crippled, and that I can no longer suppress them..."

Luo Pingyuan’s voice was hoarse. "Currently, the Jiang Family has reached an internal consensus. Jiang Hongyi’s primary wife has now been placed under house arrest. They are sending men to Xiangzhou to ask Jiang Hongxin to return and take charge."

Chen Li listened quietly without a trace of surprise on his face, simply asking coolly, "What, is Magistrate Luo reluctant to let them go?"

Luo Pingyuan’s heart skipped a beat under Chen Li’s gaze. He quickly said, "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. It’s just that if he returns to take control of the Jiang Family, it will be much, much more difficult for you, Patriarch, to take the Jiang Family’s assets into your possession!"

He spoke with sincerity and earnestness, acting as if he were completely considering things from Chen Li’s perspective.

But Chen Li saw through him as clearly as if looking at a fire.

’How could Luo Pingyuan truly be considering my interests? He’s clearly just upset that he’s lost control of the Jiang Family. He’s simply reluctant to let it go.’

"Magistrate Luo," Chen Li’s tone turned cold, "when you act, you must know what to take and what to leave, and understand your priorities."

"The Jiang Family’s affairs are for me to handle. The most important thing for you right now is to handle the matter I’ve entrusted to you."

Luo Pingyuan knew his little scheme had been seen through. He didn’t dare say more. He quickly stood, cupped his fists, and said, "Yes, the Patriarch’s lesson is well-taken. I will return and make the arrangements at once."

Watching Luo Pingyuan’s departing figure, Chen Li’s gaze turned toward the curtain of rain.

’Jiang Hongxin? Xiangzhou?’

’Perhaps a nuisance, but right now, this little disturbance in the Jiang Family... is irrelevant. It’s no great loss.’