Chapter 31: A Grand Gift
“Yes, Your Highness. Following the Qin family’s ship is naturally no problem. This perfume is more important than this humble servant’s life,” Li San said with a playful grin.
“Glib tongue,” Xiao Ming glared at Li San, though he didn’t mind the latter’s slyness. In his view, a company—or in this case, his princely estate—needed all kinds of people. There had to be those who worked diligently in silence, as well as smooth-talkers who could handle tasks requiring different personalities.
The next day, Xiao Ming visited the Qin family’s residence.
Although the four major families had their businesses spread across various parts of Qingzhou, each of them maintained a residence within the city. Moreover, Xiao Ming knew that these families also owned assets in other provinces.
Xiao Ming’s arrival took the Qin family by surprise. He had most frequently visited the Wang family in the past, and it was rare for him to come to the Qin residence on his own initiative.
“Your Highness’s presence brings immense honor to the Qin family,” Qin Chuanyun said, leading his family out to welcome Xiao Ming after being informed by a servant. Qin Mu was also among them.
Compared to Xiao Ming’s Qi Prince’s estate, the Qin family’s courtyard was smaller, but it was no less impressive, with its gardens and rock formations.
As Xiao Ming walked inside, he said, “Master Qin, there’s no need for such formalities. I’ve come today to express my gratitude to the Qin family for procuring such high-quality spices for me.”
Qin Chuanyun was still somewhat overwhelmed. Among the four great families of Qingzhou, the Wang family ranked first, while the Qin family was slightly behind. In his view, this was largely due to the Qi Prince’s favoritism toward the Wang family. Although Qin Mu had previously tried to win over Xiao Ming, his efforts had not been very successful.
Nevertheless, Qin Chuanyun still hoped to gain Xiao Ming’s favor. The prince’s personal visit to the Qin family, especially after the recent incident involving Zhang Liang, made him feel more at
“Your Highness, you are too kind. It is an honor for the Qin family to be of service to you,” Qin Chuanyun said, guiding Xiao Ming to the main hall.
Xiao Ming gestured for Qin Chuanyun to sit down with him and said, “Even so, it was Master Qin who repeatedly came to my aid during difficult times.”