novelraw Chapter 81: Young Master
Chapter 81: Young Master
It made no sense to the merchant why the noble youth would need to buy a noble title. Only very powerful clans would assign this many warriors just to protect their heir. The boy's father was influential enough for the boy to command so many Qi warriors. So, why would this boy be in need of a second noble title? However, Zhu kept his doubts to himself—he was being paid well for his role.
After several days of travel, they arrived in Huanghou, the place where a noble title could be purchased. After scouring the whole of Huanghou, they realized most of the noble titles had been sold long ago. Only a very few were left. Merchant Zhu proved his worth, and over the next few weeks, he introduced Wuyi to three clans willing to sell nobility.
The first two only offered a lower status with minimal standing in the clan; this was not what Wuyi wanted.
The third was the declining Qingshan clan, now down to a single drunken heir named Qing Xu, who was the head of the family, along with his wives. A lifetime of drinking and gambling had ruined whatever was left of Qing Xu and the Qingshans.
But the price he demanded was very hefty. When Wuyi robbed the Luyao clan, he had collected around a hundred thousand gold taels' worth of treasures. Over their journey, Wuyi had spent no more than five thousand gold taels and was able to gather around twenty loyal followers.
This showed how costly the introduction to the noble title was. The price for the title was going to be massive; Wuyi knew this. It did not surprise him when Qing Xu eagerly agreed to relinquish the clan's leftover estate, title, seal, records, and all assets for 50,000 gold taels to Wuyi. The deal meant giving up his ancestry, but desperation had brought him low.
Wuyi nonchalantly produced 30,000 gold taels and some precious jewels and statues, which combined were worth around fifty thousand gold taels, from his storage ring. Both Qing Xu and the merchant Zhu Dexin were visibly shocked.
The first reason for surprise was that the boy was roaming around carrying this large amount of wealth on him, and the second reason was they now realized this was no ordinary youth, but a young noble Qi warrior with access to rare spatial storage.
Zhu Dexin started to regard this young master with greater respect. One could acquire riches, but storage rings and interspatial devices were nearly impossible to obtain through normal means. The youth must have connections and talents beyond his years.
Qing Xu's eyes lit up greedily at the wealth on display. He hurried to retrieve the Qingshan clan's ancestry records and registration documents.
When he returned, he immediately began the process of transfer.
"What shall I put for your name, young sir?" Qing Xu asked eagerly.
After a moment's thought, Wuyi replied, "Add 'Shizi'."
Both the merchant and Qing Xu were surprised. "Shizi" translated to "Young Master." In a noble household, every young generation child is called Young Master. However, this youth desired to be permanently named Young Master.
But neither of them questioned this mysterious youth; he was beyond their comprehension.
Qing Xu nodded, swiftly adding Wuyi's new moniker to the clan records. With the name entered, stamps formalizing the transition, and all clan accessories handed over, Wuyi was now officially the noble patriarch and only heir to the declining Qingshan legacy. While Qing Xu would still be part of the clan, he would be serving Wuyi from now onwards.
Wuyi had not many expectations from the drunkard but intended to use him as long as he could.
Wuyi was not done yet. Turning to Zhu Dexin, Qing Xu, and his retainer Meiying, he spoke just like a Young Master of the clan would: "We must start acquiring back the Qingshan clan's lost lands, manors, and businesses. I intend to restore my clan's standing in this region."
He looked at Zhu Dexin and spoke, "You will be rewarded well for your efforts."
Zhu Dexin had been shocked too many times already that he had stopped being surprised. However, this young master had goals that would be very difficult to achieve, as most of the businesses of the Qingshan clan were acquired by powerful clans presided over by patriarchs with Qi adept level one or two, and some even had Qi masters in their ranks.
But still, Zhu Dexin agreed, as this young master was unfathomable to him.
Over the following months, many of the smaller properties and businesses once belonging to the Qingshans were purchased back through Wuyi's wealth. But for the main businesses and properties that were acquired by other strong clans, Wuyi decided not to interfere for now; he had other businesses to take care of before he decided to make a few new enemies.
For the present properties that they were able to acquire, servants were hired, trades re-established, and a semblance of the Qingshan clan's former prestige began to regain.
Wuyi believed he had made good use of the money robbed from Luyao. With the trades now, he would have some consistent flow of income.
After all the expenses, he still had some amount left. But now, with his followers and servants as a noble, he had mouths to feed, so he planned to invest wisely. He might not be the most mature or wisest of people, but one thing Wuyi was certain of was that he would not lack in money-making.
Before they left Huanghou, Wuyi signed some trade agreements with Zhu Dexin to take care of his trades there. He also left a few Qi warriors to look after his interests.
After finishing, he made a list of things they needed to buy now that he was a proper young master—he could not travel poorly. He had promised himself once he gained a noble title, he would live a good life in luxury.
After the list was made, he specially assigned Yun Ming, who had seen the high noble life of the north, to make sure every requirement should be met so wherever they travel, no one should doubt his noble heritage.