Chapter 385
Xiao Rongyan gazed at Bai Qingyan with an honest look.
Bai Qingyan suddenly understood.
Her trusted Ji Tingyu was near Niujiao Mountain, which was why Xiao Rongyan came to find her.
She glanced at the map, tapping the stone table with her finger as she asked, “Mr. Xiao, the business you mentioned, is it related to these mountains?”
Xiao Rongyan stood up straight and looked at Bai Qingyan seriously. “To be honest, Miss Bai… there are iron mines in these mountains.”
He had thought it over carefully, putting aside personal feelings. Since Bai Qingyan’s people were hiding in this area, it would be impossible to keep his mining activities from her.
Rather than engaging in a battle of wits and courage with someone as strategic and intelligent as Bai Qingyan while dealing with negotiations with various countries, it was better to be frank. This way, they could form a partnership that would benefit both parties.
Moreover, if Bai Qingyan watched over these mountains, he wouldn’t have to worry about Jin’s Imperial Court noticing.
Bai Qingyan looked into Xiao Rongyan’s eyes with a hint of a smile. “Mr. Xiao, it seems more like you plan to entice me with profits instead of just doing business. But I wonder what Mr. Xiao can offer me.”
Under the lamp, Xiao Rongyan’s gaze was as calm as water, sincere and unperturbed, unfathomable like a deep pond. Seeing Bai Qingyan holding the lamp with her bright eyes ready to smile, he couldn’t help but recall the night they parted in Wanping City. The clear moonlight shone on her exquisite features and slender neck, highlighting her fair and graceful curves. Her eyes were serene, but her ears, as carved from warm jade, were blushing shyly, an image that lingered in his mind.
He focused his gaze on Bai Qingyan, unable to resist stepping slightly closer, lowering his mature voice as he spoke slowly, “I intend to join hands with Miss Bai for mutual success. Miss Bai hides people in these mountains and creates bandit threats. I understand why, and Miss Bai is fully aware. Miss Bai wants to hide troops in the mountains for future use and needs weapons. Yan needs weapons to strengthen its troops and nation.”
Xiao Rongyan stood quite close, crossing the bounds of propriety without showing any frivolity, simply gazing at her with warm, profound eyes that reflected the light of the lamp.
Her grip on the lamp tightened slightly as the deep and elusive scent of agarwood from Xiao Rongyan stirred her breath. She withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyes, and looked at Xiao Rongyan’s ornate belt and pendants before turning away from him quietly, focusing on the map.
“So, Mr. Xiao, what kind of business do you intend to do with me?” Bai Qingyan asked indifferently.
“I have no roots in the Jin Kingdom and lack manpower. The Bai Clan is well-established… instead of going through the trouble of sending loyal and capable Yan people to the Jin Kingdom, it’s better to join hands with Miss Bai. I’ll buy the mountains… you mine them. Three parts of the yield will go to Miss Bai,” Xiao Rongyan said.
This was quite an advantageous condition for Bai Qingyan, given that she only needed to provide manpower and would get three parts of the yield from the mines.
Moreover, Xiao Rongyan’s visit at this moment could solve Bai Qingyan’s major concern.
Maintaining troops requires both food and weapons.
While the training of troops in Shuoyang City could be done openly, Ji Tingyu currently has fewer people to deal with. In the future, when there are more soldiers and weapons, what about those in the far south, like Ah Jue? Even with the help of the Bai family generals, their numbers are limited, and a large number might arouse the suspicion of the Jin Court.
“If the Bai family mines, we must protect this mountain from being discovered by the Jin Court. Once found, it would be a disaster…” Bai Qingyan tapped her finger on the goatskin map. “Mr. Xiao, it sounds easy, but the Bai family seems to take greater risks.”
“Business involves risks, and there is a saying among merchants: ’Seek wealth amidst danger,’” Xiao Rongyan looked down at Bai Qingyan’s delicate profile, the intricate curves of her earlobes and neck causing an involuntary reaction as he leaned slightly closer to her ear, his voice low. “Miss Bai and I are the same kind of people. Once we have a plan, we won’t waver.”
Bai Qingyan’s palm tightened, her ear felt slightly itchy. They were so close that her shoulder almost brushed against Xiao Rongyan’s chest, his breathing could be felt with every word he said.
The rain intensified. The blue tiles of the pavilion roof glistened as they were washed, and the lake surface became increasingly misty with the rain.
Bai Qingyan steadied herself, set aside the main lamp, and turned to face Xiao Rongyan half a step away. Her expression was clear, and she spoke calmly, “If the Bai family mines the iron and forges it into usable weapons to hand over to Mr. Xiao, the Bai family should get a fair share. Fifty-fifty.”
Xiao Rongyan looked at Bai Qingyan with a smile, his fingers caressing the edge of the stone table as he moved closer. “Miss Bai should know that a seventy-thirty split is already a significant concession from me.”
Bai Qingyan did not retreat an inch. “The Yan Kingdom is vast, with numerous mines, especially after reclaiming Nanyan, which greatly increased our national strength. If I’m correct, Mr. Xiao is mining iron in the Jin Kingdom for the future Yan Army stationed against the Rong. Instead of transporting iron ore to the Rong and having reliable individuals forge weapons there, why not let the Bai family handle it all? Regardless of whether we send iron ore or weapons, the risk remains the same. The Bai family’s involvement allows Mr. Xiao to utilize Yan’s loyal and capable individuals elsewhere, laying a more solid foundation for future endeavors.”
Future endeavors…
Xiao Rongyan’s breathing became heavier. Bai Qingyan truly understood him.
Those who achieve great things have a broad perspective, never confined by immediate interests.
For the future of Yan, as long as today marked the beginning of cooperation between Xiao Rongyan and Bai Qingyan, one day, when Yan gains enough strength to seize the Central Plains, Bai Qingyan might be invited to join.
Xiao Rongyan never forgot that Bai Qingyan once said… the Bai family protected the people of Jin, not the Lin family’s imperial power of Jin.
“Alright.” Xiao Rongyan agreed decisively but did not step back. He simply gazed into her eyes.
Bai Qingyan’s palm tightened slightly. Xiao Rongyan’s steady presence was indeed distracting. She said, “If Mr. Xiao has no other matters, I won’t see you off. I will arrange for my steward to coordinate with Mr. Xiao’s steward later.”
She had no interest in romance, but she had to admit that Xiao Rongyan was a highly attractive man.
Though his looks weren’t as stunning as his brother, the Emperor Yan, his features carved with depth and the wisdom accumulated from life experiences exuded profound charm beneath his gentle demeanor.
As a wealthy merchant in Wei, Xiao Rongyan, even if of humble origin, possessed remarkable talent and bearing. Among nobles, he stood out, earning the admiration of many noblewomen.
A cool breeze carrying moisture swept through the hallway, causing the hanging lanterns to sway and rattle. The sudden gust lifted the goatskin map spread on the stone table, prompting both Bai Qingyan and Xiao Rongyan to press it down.
In the next moment, Bai Qingyan collided with Xiao Rongyan. Her forehead brushed against his warm lips.
The sound of rain hitting the lake filled the air, the lanterns flickered, their light dancing, and occasionally a koi fish would leap from the water, causing a splash.