"So itâs like that, Master Qu, please help us divinate this matter as soon as possible." Mu Nan was on very good terms with this uncle; he had learned many business strategies from him and could be considered his enlightening mentor. When he heard that something bad might have befallen him, he grew anxious and urged Qu Shanling to proceed.
"Mu Nan, when adults are talking, what are children butting in for? Do you think itâs that easy to ask Master Qu for help? Grandfather will decide everything; itâs not your turn to take charge." Mu Huaidong seized the opportunity to sternly scold him.
The Third Elder also frowned. Despite Qu Shanling being an old friend of many years and now sharing drinks at the same table, their statuses were different after all. Was it really that simple to request the services of a renowned Star Divination Master?
"Master Qu, please donât be offended; this child has been spoiled by me since he was little. He does not know the severity and lacks manners. I know the Star Divination Technique consumes the spirit and requires peering into the Heavenly Secret, courting heavenly retribution. Just tell me how many silver taels are needed," the Third Elder said apologetically.
"Not to worry, not to worry, the Sixth Young Master is entrusted by the stars, and I would have wished for him to ask me myself. As for silver taels, are you not looking down on me by mentioning that? Even if not for your sake, for the Sixth Young Masterâs sake, I could not possibly accept any silver taels," Qu Shanling replied with a hearty laugh.
Hearing the phrase "entrusted by the stars" again, Mu Huaidongâs face was filled with frustration, and after listening to the rest, he felt so annoyed that he almost spat blood.
One moment itâs for the Sixth Young Masterâs sake, the next itâs also for his sake. Exactly how many favors has he done for you that youâre going to such lengths to speak so well of him?
Wait, somethingâs not right. Although Mu Nan was greatly favored by the grandfather, his allowance was still very strictly controlled. He couldnât possibly have more money than me, so how could he offer a higher price?
Could I have misunderstood Qu Shanling? Watching Qu Shanlingâs calm and composed smile, full of a lofty personâs demeanor, Mu Huaidong even started to doubt his previous judgment.
"Then I must thank Master Qu. Please help divine for my uncle," Mu Nan said to Qu Shanling urgently.
Speaking of which, while this old man might seem like a God-man, he actually had genuine abilities; otherwise, Mu Hanyan wouldnât have signed a twenty-year indenture contract with him.
By now, he had also seen that Mu Hanyan was very selective in his evaluation of people. If one couldnât catch his eye, he wouldnât waste effort on them, with the exception of cases like Yuan Tianbo and Fourth Miss Zhao.
"The Star Divination Technique cannot be applied carelessly; it requires a ritual of bathing, changing clothes, burning incense, and praying. For such a grave matter, several days of fasting are necessary. If I were to divine something over the dinner table, would you believe it?" Qu Shanling asked.
Believe, of course, I would believe. Mu Nan said to himself; he remembered that Mu Hanyan had no difficulties with knowing things in advance without effort at Longyan Mountainâno need for bathing rituals, burning incense, and praying, let alone several days of fasting. By then, the dish would have gotten cold.
However, seeing Qu Shanlingâs attitude towards Mu Hanyan, itâs likely that their Star Divination Techniques were not on the same level, so Mu Nan just muttered in his heart and didnât say it out loud.
"Then please, Master Qu, stay at the Mu residence for a few days and find some time to divinate for Ziqing," the Third Elder said.
"Thereâs no need for that; I have formally joined the Nanmu Auction. You can come and find me in a few days," Qu Shanling replied.
"The Nanmu Auction?" The Third Elder was a bit puzzled as he had been busy the whole day making arrangements for the banquet to honor Qu Shanling and had not heard of the happenings in the city yesterday.
"Are you talking about the Nanmu Auction that signed the Heaven and Earth Contract with Longyan Academy? Thatâs right, I heard that a Star Divination Master, who is also a Treasure Appraisal Master, joined Nanmu Auction at the same time. So it was you, Senior Qu," Mu Huaidong said, having heard some rumors and speaking in surprise.