Chapter 103: I Raise the Price! (First Update)

"You! You! Murong Fu! Are you truly determined to set yourself against me?" Zhuge Jun could not help but point a finger at the smug Murong Fu, demanding an answer.

Murong Fu, however, could not be bothered to address the question; he was dead set on antagonizing Zhuge Jun.

"I will add another hundred taels of gold!" Seeing that the owner of the Jade Linglong was clearly swayed by Murong Fu’s terms, Zhuge Jun gritted his teeth and made his move.

"What the hell?! Why is there such a desperate need for this Jade Linglong? Even if it is luxurious and made of rare material, it isn't worth a hundred taels of gold, is it?" Fang Xu, hearing the bid from Zhuge Jun beside him, could not help but mutter in disbelief.

"That is because you don't understand," Shangguan Lian said with a playful smile, watching Fang Xu, who simply shrugged.

"Since Miss Shangguan knows, would you be so kind as to enlighten me?" Fang Xu asked, shrugging toward Shangguan Lian, who turned her head away in feigned annoyance.

"Good grief! If you don't intend to tell me, then don't start the conversation in the first place!" Fang Xu decided to ignore her attitude.

"You! You! What kind of attitude is that! And remember, didn't someone promise something earlier?!" Shangguan Lian muttered, her head still turned away.

"Miss Lian'er?! Can you tell me now?" Fang Xu asked with a twitch of his lips and a smile. Only then did Shangguan Lian nod, smiling back at him.

The young masters and officials' sons seated around them watched the pair with strange expressions. Hearing their exchange, they were instantly filled with curiosity regarding Fang Xu’s identity. In the eyes of these young nobles, one would have to be very close to Shangguan Lian to dare address her so familiarly.

More importantly, they were stunned by Shangguan Lian’s behavior toward Fang Xu. Was this truly the same overbearing Shangguan Lian they knew? Could it be that she, the tomboy in everyone’s eyes, actually knew how to act like a coquettish young girl?

They finally understood why Zhuge Jun had acted the way he did toward Fang Xu earlier—he was truly a "hero" who dared to challenge the status quo! Even Zhang He, sitting beside Murong Fu, noticed this and wondered when Fang Xu had become so intimate with the Shangguan family's prized treasure. Had they known each other before? But back at the county magistrate's office, it had certainly seemed like their first meeting.

Fang Xu, however, ignored the speculation and remained curious as to why Zhuge Jun would go to such lengths—even exceeding the item's value—to acquire the jade.

In high spirits, Shangguan Lian answered all of Fang Xu’s questions without reservation. It turned out that Zhuge Jun’s grandfather, the previous head of the Zhuge family, was about to celebrate his eightieth birthday. His grandfather had always loved collecting such jade trinkets, and it was unclear how Zhuge Jun had learned that this particular Jade Linglong would appear here. If not for that, why would he have bothered to come?

So, this silly fellow was actually a filial son? Fang Xu looked at Zhuge Jun with unexpected interest; one truly cannot judge a book by its cover.

However, in Fang Xu’s view, the owner of the jade would likely still prioritize the conditions offered by Murong Fu. It was inevitable; most of the guests at the banquet were sons of regional officials in the areas surrounding Danyang, all of which fell under the jurisdiction of the Murong family. Gaining the favor of the Murong clan was like grabbing onto an incredibly powerful lifeline. No one would hesitate to choose that. Yet, they couldn't afford to slight Zhuge Jun either, so Fang Xu understood that the owner was likely waiting to see if Murong Fu would increase his offer.

Unfortunately, Murong Fu had no intention of adding anything further. To him, the jade was useless—a mere decorative trinket. If not to spite Zhuge Jun, he wouldn't even have bothered to compete. But since he had entered the fray, he intended to win. He felt certain of his victory, knowing the background of the jade's owner and that the youth’s elders were under the "care" of the Murong family. He doubted they would dare defy his will. A faint smile played on Murong Fu’s lips. The Murong and Zhuge families were at odds, and he figured his father wouldn't blame him for dampening the Zhuge family’s spirits.

"Hurry up and announce your choice! Don't waste my time," Murong Fu said, toying with his feather fan and smiling at the owner of the jade.

"Sigh... then I choose..." The owner sighed slightly, realizing Murong Fu would not raise his bid. He thought that if he could exchange the jade for the friendship of the Murong family, that would be fine, even if it didn't maximize his profit.

"Wait!" Just as the youth was about to announce his decision, he was interrupted.

"Is there someone else who wants to bid?!" Murong Fu, who had been so certain of his victory, asked with visible displeasure. Everyone around them was curious—who would dare insert themselves into a struggle between two powerful, wealthy families? Were they tired of living?

But when all eyes turned to Fang Xu, who had his hand raised beside Zhuge Jun, the crowd was stunned. Even Zhuge Jun was taken aback.

"Young Master! Young Master! Please, stay calm!" Old Wu tugged at Fang Xu’s sleeve. He knew the state of the Great Qin Empire and that they didn't have the funds for Fang Xu to be throwing around.

Fang Xu understood Old Wu’s concern, but he gave him a reassuring look. For some reason, that look only made Old Wu feel more uneasy.

"Wait! I certainly wish to increase the bid!" Fang Xu stood up, smiling at the stunned Zhuge Jun and Murong Fu. Neither of them had expected Fang Xu to get involved.