Chapter 2082: Just Wait and See
Despite Zhao Diâs untimely demise, the prefectural magistrateâs brother-in-law couldnât help but lament the loss of such a useful lackey, henchman, lapdogâone who charged into battle with reckless abandon.
Originally intending to authorize Zhao Di to request the Mulberry Field title deed from Zhao Shu, the brother-in-law never anticipated his demise due to drunkenness.
Nevertheless, Zhao Diâs penchant for frivolity ultimately sealed his fate, a sacrifice the brother-in-law deemed acceptable.
Putting Zhao Diâs demise behind him, the brother-in-law promptly approached Zhao Shu himself.
Politely declining the request, Zhao Shu cited the ancestral significance of the Mulberry Fields, claiming it as the inheritance of his maternal grandparentsâa gift he couldnât simply relinquish without dishonoring their memory.
Furthermore, the magnitude of the request was egregious, far beyond the bounds of propriety.
In a thinly veiled rebuke, Zhao Shu offered a token of apology in the form of antiques worth 50,000 taels of silver, a gesture meant to placate the brother-in-lawâs ire.
Infuriated by Zhao Shuâs refusal and his perceived arrogance, the brother-in-law departed with a sneer, vowing retribution as he left with the meager offering.
Fortunately, Uncle Qingâs shrewd bribery of the Grandmaster beside the magistrate averted a potential disaster. The Grandmaster wisely cautioned against such actions, highlighting the potential repercussions of publicizing Zhao Shuâs retribution. Such an event could trigger widespread panic among the affluent families, leading them to safeguard their assets and seek refuge, which would not bode well for Lordâs interests.
Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, the prefectural magistrate of Hangzhou acquiesced, feigning ignorance to preserve appearances and allowing his brother-in-law free rein.
Despite his compliance, the brother-in-law nursed a grudge against the Grandmaster, convinced that the latter harbored animosity towards him and deliberately impeded his ambitions.
Despite Zhao Shuâs reputation as the wealthiest man in Jiangnan, the prefectâs brother-in-law saw the demand for the 100,000 mu of mulberry fields as a trivial matter, unworthy of the fuss stirred by that troublemaker.
Determined to vindicate himself and demonstrate his authority, the brother-in-law resolved to pursue the matter further, convinced that his actions would not yield any adverse consequences.
However, upon reflection, he acknowledged the rashness of his previous approach. Adopting a more calculated strategy this time, he dispatched his trusted aides to engage Zhao Shu in discussions tinged with threats.
This time, the brother-in-lawâs demands were temperedâhe sought only 30,000 mu of the mulberry fields and the accompanying title deed.
Zhao Shu bristled at the brother-in-lawâs stipulation of secrecy, coupled with the demand for the profits from the 30,000 acres annually. It was a veneer of generosity, masking a predatory intent that left Zhao Shu seething with anger.
To him, the concession of non-interference was no gift at allâit was an insult.
Unbeknownst to Zhao Shu, the brother-in-law harbored far-reaching ambitions. His demand for 30,000 acres was just the beginning of a calculated scheme to gradually devour Zhao Shuâs holdings. Once he obtained the initial parcel, his demands would only escalate.
30,000 acres today, 20,000 tomorrow, and 10,000 the day afterâeach concession granted by Zhao Shu would only embolden the brother-in-law to press for more. Ultimately, the entirety of the coveted 100,000 mu of mulberry fields would fall into his grasp.
Furthermore, when the opportune moment arrived, the brother-in-law planned to publicly proclaim that Zhao Shu had lost the mulberry fields to him in a wagerâa narrative that would undermine Zhao Shuâs reputation and cement the brother-in-lawâs control over the prized asset.
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