Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Long Yulai's Definitive Decision (2)

The server hesitated, "Miss, the owner is dealing with some trouble. Perhaps you should go elsewhere."

Leng Jiu's gaze turned cold, "Am I blind? Can't I see that? Just do your job and stop trying to send customers away."

The server, a bit miffed but well-meaning, went to make the tea and soon delivered it to Leng Jiu, then walked off with a towel.

Leng Jiu poured herself a cup of tea and watched the commotion outside. The Zhu family's matriarch sneered at the tea house, "Zhu Kongyang, thinking of flying high now that your wings are hardened? I told you that you reaped plenty while serving our master. Now, with your leg healed and a fancy shop, who knows how much you've embezzled?"

The chubby Zhu heir waved his ring-laden fingers dismissively, "Why waste words? Zhu Kongyang, hand over the money, and we'll overlook this. If you don't, prepare for jail!"

Zhu Kongyang remained calm, "You drove my mother and me out without a penny, and you accuse me of embezzling? If you have proof, I'll accept the accusations. But without evidence, you're just making empty threats. I could charge you with disturbance and my injured leg. Let's settle this in court and see who deserves jail."

The Zhu heir scoffed, "You think you can take us to court? You won't know how you died!"

"Oh?" Zhu Kongyang retorted, "Is the court under your control, or have you bribed the officials?"

The Zhu heir began boasting about his influence, about to reveal a secret liaison, but was abruptly cut off by the matriarch, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

The Zhu heir, confused, "I didn't say anything wrong..."

The matriarch, exasperated, "Why bother talking to him? The shop must be funded by embezzled money. If he won't give it to us, we'll just destroy it. No need for more words!"

Zhu's arrogant son immediately commanded with a haughty gesture, "Come on! Smash everything in this place for me!"

"Yes!"

A dozen servants rolled up their sleeves, grabbing clubs and eagerly approaching. Zhu Kongyang tensed up, ready to defend his shop at all costs, even if it meant his life.

"Charge!"

As several men swung their clubs, Zhu Kongyang instinctively moved to block, but was startled by three sudden shouts. Opening his eyes, he saw three of his assistants leap into action with swift, agile kicks, taking down the dozen men in moments. They landed gracefully back at Zhu Kongyang's side, each grabbing a club and adopting a defensive stance, coldly eyeing the men on the ground.

The onlookers, expecting Zhu Kongyang to be beaten again, were astonished to see three martial arts experts emerge, their moves as elegant as professional performers. Zhu Kongyang himself was taken aback, unaware of the skilled fighters among his staff.

The frightened servants, barely able to see their opponents' moves, retreated, too scared to advance.

The Zhu heir, dissatisfied with their retreat, shouted, "What are you afraid of? Go on! Can't you, a dozen men, beat just three?"

The crowd gave him looks of disbelief. Hadn't he seen that these were skilled martial artists? One round of combat had already sent his men rolling on the ground. Another attempt would likely end the same.

The Zhu matriarch, slightly more perceptive, sensed the complexity of the situation. She turned to Zhu Kongyang with a hateful tone, "Don't be smug, we'll see!" Dragging her son away, she announced, "Let's go!"

The Zhu heir, still bewildered, protested, "Go? Weren't we going to smash the shop?"

The matriarch, exasperated, glared fiercely and forcefully pulled him away.

Zhu Kongyang, regaining his composure, didn't immediately question the three defenders. Instead, he addressed the gathering crowd, "Fellow villagers, you've all seen what happened. Today, it was Zhu's matriarch and son who pressed me hard. I, Zhu Kongyang, had to defend myself. Should I ever be unjustly imprisoned, I ask you to be my witnesses. Today, on the second day of Yuran Tea House's opening, such an incident has disturbed you. I won't conduct business today, but please allow me to offer you all a cup of tea as my treat, and I hope you won't mind the inconvenience."

Hearing about the free tea, the crowd immediately became enthusiastic. One after another, they approached Zhu Kongyang, saying, "Shopkeeper Zhu! We saw everything today and will surely stand up for you when needed!"

"Exactly! Justice resides in the heart of the people. Even if he's a high official, he can't wrongly accuse the innocent!"

"Shopkeeper Zhu is a good man. Heaven will surely bless you!"

Zhu Kongyang, smiling at their complimentary words, welcomed them inside. The assistants, though slightly disgruntled about his generosity, quickly prepared the tea. Zhu also ordered some snacks, and soon the large shop was bustling with activity.

After handling everything, Zhu Kongyang finally relaxed. As he was about to inquire about the three defenders, he noticed Leng Jiu by the window and approached her in surprise, "Miss! When did you arrive?"

Leng Jiu poured herself another cup of tea, smiling, "I've almost finished a whole pot of tea!"

Zhu Kongyang sat beside her, somewhat embarrassed, "Some trouble just came up, making a fool of myself in front of you!"

Leng Jiu sipped her tea, "You handled it well. At least you've shown me you're not a coward."

Zhu Kongyang, remembering the three men, asked in a low voice, "Are those three men yours?"

"You are now my money tree, so naturally, I can't let you fall. Those three are my people, but they are under your command now. How to use them is up to you!"

Zhu Kongyang gratefully responded, "Rest assured, Miss! I, Zhu Kongyang, will not disappoint you!"

Leng Jiu put down her cup and stood up, "I must go now. I have other matters to attend to."

"Shall I escort you?"

"No need," Leng Jiu replied, walking away. She then turned back to Zhu Kongyang, "Today's expenses will be deducted from your salary!"

Zhu Kongyang agrees amiably, without a hint of reluctance: "Yes!"

The curious tea server approaches Zhu Kongyang: "Do you know that lady? Could she be your special friend?"

Zhu Kongyang warns him: "Better not to ask. Remember, if she visits again, serve her the best pre-Qingming Longjing tea and finest pastries."

The server gapes, "Pre-Qingming Longjing is a tribute tea, worth a fortune per liang!"