Since they had agreed to Chen Yuan’s proposal for peace with the Gu Family, the Zheng Family did not dawdle. They immediately sent representatives to inform the Gu Family that they were ready to sit down and discuss business. When Gu Changfeng and the rest of the Gu Family received the news, they were utterly bewildered. It wasn’t even noon on the second day. Had Chen Yuan already solved the problem?
Filled with doubts, they attended the meeting with apprehensive hearts. Because the Zheng Family relented and dropped the numerous harsh conditions they had previously insisted upon, the negotiations went smoothly. All of their business conflicts were resolved. The same went for the marriage agreement, of course.
To be on the safe side, Liu Ha Ma stated on the spot that he hoped they would pass a message to Gu Wantong, saying he had been presumptuous and begging for her forgiveness. The Zheng Family’s sudden change in attitude left the Gu Family staring at each other in disbelief. Was this still the same aggressively overbearing Zheng Family? However, they knew when to quit while they were ahead and didn’t dare demand any further concessions. They quickly finalized all the details.
After the peace talks concluded, Changfeng still stiffened his neck and asked, "Brother Zheng, may I ask if it was Chen Yuan who visited your esteemed residence to plead on our behalf?"
Zheng Suifeng chuckled. It turned out this old fool wasn’t even sure if it was Chen Yuan helping them out. He teased, "Indeed. Brother Gu, you truly have a keen eye for talent, recognizing Chen Xiaoyou when he was still weak and forging such a profound friendship. It just so happens that Chen Xiaoyou is a man of true character. Despite being treated so poorly by your family, he was still willing to let bygones be bygones and lend a helping hand. It truly makes me envious."
These words turned Changfeng’s old face bright red. He knew Suifeng was mocking him for completely ruining a winning hand, but it was an undeniable truth. He exchanged a few polite pleasantries and left.
Upon returning to the Gu estate, Changfeng let out a long sigh and slumped heavily into his large chair. Gu Ye spoke softly, "Brother, the fact that Chen Yuan could single-handedly make the Zheng Family change their minds means he is probably much stronger than we imagined."
If they had only treated Chen Yuan fairly, a broad and smooth road to prosperity would be laid out before them right now. Unfortunately, they had smashed that road with their own hands.
With a heavy heart, Changfeng said, "Say no more. Second Brother, prepare five hundred taels of silver and deliver it to Chen Yuan. While you’re at it, invite him to the estate as a guest. Tell him I wish to personally apologize and hope he will do us the honor of coming.
"Even if he refuses to come, you must insist he accepts the silver. It’s just a small token of our appreciation, not worth mentioning. Also, pass down an order. Everyone in the estate must treat Cheng Xiaoyu with the utmost respect. Even if the Miss suffers a grievance, Xiaoyu must not suffer at all. Understood?"
Ye found this rather bizarre. If that were the case, who was the real young miss here? However, he completely understood. This was a classic case of an entire family benefiting from one person’s rise to power. He accepted the order and departed.
After dealing with the Zheng Family’s affairs, Chen Yuan returned to Huo Courtyard. Barely an hour had passed.
He sighed emotionally to himself. Now that he possessed formidable strength, the things he once never dared to imagine had become trivial matters. Take the Black Dragon Gang, for example. He used to avoid them at all costs, but now, even their gang leader had to respectfully call him Master Chen. This was the law of this world. The strong were revered.
Chen Yuan practiced the Heart Intent Six Harmonies Fist in Huo Courtyard for another hour until it was almost time for lunch. At that moment, a disciple came to report that the man who sought him out yesterday had returned. Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow. Stepping out of the courtyard gate, he indeed saw Ye standing outside with a respectful smile on his face. Behind him stood a servant boy holding a leather chest.
"Steward Gu," Chen Yuan said faintly, offering a slight cupped-fist salute.
Ye hurriedly returned the salute, his words and demeanor even more humble than before. "Master Chen, I don’t deserve such a title. If you think highly of me, just calling me Brother Gu is fine."
Chen Yuan nodded. "It’s no trouble, I’m just used to calling you that. May I ask what brings Steward Gu here?"
Ye smiled. "I am here to thank you, Master Chen, for helping our Gu Family out of our predicament. The Patriarch wishes to host a banquet to entertain you and apologize for our past mistakes. I wonder if you would do us the honor of attending?"
Chen Yuan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "There is no need for a banquet. As long as Yu can live comfortably in the Gu Family, consider that as my repayment." He did not want to create any more entanglements with the Gu Family.
Ye’s face stiffened, a flash of dejection passing through his eyes. Sure enough, Chen Yuan had already drawn a clear line in his heart. He then squeezed out another smile. "Rest assured, Master Chen. Your sister will absolutely not suffer the slightest grievance in our family."
Saying that, he waved his hand. The servant behind him stepped forward, presenting the leather chest. Once opened, it revealed gleaming silver. Ye said, "To express our gratitude for your immense kindness, Master Chen, here is five hundred taels of silver. I hope you will kindly accept it."
Chen Yuan pondered for a moment. He counted out two hundred taels of silver and only accepted three hundred taels. He spoke slowly, "I understand the Gu Family’s good intentions, but five hundred taels of silver is too much. Steward Gu, please take these two hundred taels back."
He originally hadn’t wanted it. But practicing martial arts consumed a lot of silver after all, especially the cultivation of the dragon sinews. Now, one Strong Sinew Pill a day was already becoming somewhat ineffective. Rather than worrying about silver later on, it was better to accept it first. Setting aside the three hundred taels of silver was his way of stating his stance—he would only take what he deserved. This was to avoid owing them a favor and causing more trouble in the future.
Seeing Chen Yuan’s resolute attitude, Ye smiled bitterly and could only drop the matter. "Then I will hold onto these two hundred taels of silver for now. If you ever need anything in the future, Master Chen, please don’t hesitate to ask."
After returning to the estate, he reported the entire matter in detail to Changfeng. The study fell into a temporary, dead silence. Finally, only a long sigh remained.
The minor interlude with the Zheng Family did not disturb Chen Yuan’s peaceful life of martial arts practice.
In the afternoon, he continued heading to the small building on Funiu Mountain to practice his various techniques. He had also reported the news of breaking through the Muscle Gate to General Manager Li. However, because he was progressing too quickly, General Manager Li only raised his monthly allowance from eighty taels to one hundred and thirty taels. In addition, the ten Bone Strengthening Pills were exchanged for ten Muscle-Building Pills, bringing the total value of his monthly allowance to one hundred and eighty taels.