The harbor officials had completed their inspection. The unconscious First Mate had been taken into custody, and the poisoned corpse of the hooded man had been removed. With the authorities gone, the crew was left to unload the cargo while Zhao Ming and the others prepared to disembark.


    A group of well-dressed men stood at the harbor, their presence commanding respect. At the forefront was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an air of authority—Murong De. His long robe, embroidered with intricate patterns, swayed slightly in the sea breeze. Though he appeared calm, the moment his gaze fell on Murong Xue’s injuries, his expression darkened.


    “Xue’er!” His voice carried both concern and displeasure as he strode forward. “Who did this to you?”


    Murong Xue sighed, steadying herself as Zhao Ming helped her down from the ship. “Uncle, I am fine.”


    Murong De wasn’t convinced. His sharp gaze swept over her bandaged wounds, then shifted to Zhao Ming. “Explain.”


    Zhao Ming cupped his fists and spoke clearly. “The ship’s First Mate orchestrated a mutiny. They intended to seize the cargo and possibly the scholars. We fought back, and though we suffered losses, we managed to retake control. However, a storm hit us before we could reach the shore, damaging the ship further. We arrived in Beihai only by working together.”


    Murong De studied him for a long moment, his sharp gaze assessing Zhao Ming’s composure and words. Then, he gave a firm nod. “You did well. Keeping the ship intact through a mutiny and a storm is no small feat.”


    His attention returned to Murong Xue. “And you, leading the disciples into battle again?” His tone was stern, but there was a hint of approval beneath it.


    Murong Xue lowered her gaze slightly. “I did what was necessary.”


    Murong De exhaled deeply. “We will speak more later. For now, you need treatment.” He gestured, and several attendants rushed forward to assist the injured.


    <hr>


    As the injured were being escorted away, Gao Ren approached, arms crossed as he observed Murong De with mild interest. “You must be the famous Murong De. I’ve heard your trading house has quite the reputation.”


    Murong De turned to him, his expression unreadable. “And you are?”


    “Gao Ren, leader of these mercenaries,” he said, gesturing to his men. “My men and I played our part in suppressing the mutiny and making sure this ship reached Beihai in one piece.”


    Murong De’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he gave a nod. “Then I owe you my gratitude. The cargo and the scholars you helped protect are valuable.”


    Gao Ren smirked. “Gratitude is nice, but silver is better. My men don’t fight for free.”


    Murong De chuckled, amused by his bluntness. “Naturally. Come to Murong Trading House later. We will settle the payment properly.”


    “Good.” Gao Ren turned to Zhao Ming and patted his shoulder. “You should come find me sometime, Brother Zhao. We never got to drink properly on that cursed ship. Beihai’s got good wine, or so I hear.”


    Zhao Ming smiled. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”


    With that, Gao Ren and his men departed, making their way toward a local tavern while Zhao Ming followed Murong De’s group to Murong Trading House.


    Murong Trading House stood as a testament to its wealth and influence in Beihai. The estate sprawled across a vast area, enclosed by high stone walls adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts. The grand entrance bore a plaque with golden characters—"Murong Trading House"—polished to a shine. Armed guards stood at attention, their uniforms pristine despite the early morning hour.


    As Murong De and his group approached, the gates swung open, and a steward dressed in fine robes hurried forward to greet them. He was an older man, his neatly combed hair showing streaks of white, and his sleeves embroidered with silver thread to denote his status.


    “Master, you’ve returned!” The steward bowed deeply before his sharp eyes scanned the group, immediately noticing Murong Xue’s injuries. His expression tightened in concern. “Young Miss, you are injured—”


    “I’m fine, Uncle Luo,” Murong Xue interrupted with a small smile.


    Murong De didn’t waste time. “Summon the house physician immediately. Have him tend to Xue’er and the disciples. Any serious cases should be sent to the apothecary.”


    The steward, Luo Sheng, bowed. “At once, Master.” He turned and clapped his hands twice. A pair of servants rushed off to fetch the physician.


    Murong De continued issuing commands as they stepped into the estate. “Prepare guest quarters for the scholars and ensure they are well-fed. They have endured a difficult journey. Send a messenger to Beihai Academy and inform them of the scholars’ safe arrival.”


    A younger steward nodded. “Understood, Master.” He quickly departed to relay the message.


    The entrance courtyard bustled with activity as Murong De’s return sent the entire household into motion. Servants, guards, and clerks moved swiftly, carrying ledgers, scrolls, and bags of coin. Several shopkeepers and traders who had been waiting for an audience stepped back respectfully upon seeing the group.


    A middle-aged man with a thick beard and a merchant’s calculating gaze stepped forward, bowing. “Master Murong, you’ve been away for quite some time. There are matters requiring your attention—our latest shipment from Jiangzhou encountered delays, and the new spices from the southern seas have yet to arrive.”


    Murong De gave him a sharp glance but did not stop walking. “Handle it, Shopkeeper Wu. If the spices are further delayed, negotiate compensation with the suppliers.”


    Shopkeeper Wu hesitated for a moment before pressing on. “And the matter of the iron shipment from Taiyuan?”


    “Meet with Steward Luo later. I’ll review the accounts once I’ve settled my current matters.”


    “Understood, Master.” Shopkeeper Wu bowed and stepped aside.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    As they walked deeper into the compound, more clerks and traders approached with reports, each quickly summarizing their concerns before being assigned tasks.


    The group finally reached the inner hall of the trading house—a spacious chamber with high ceilings supported by red wooden beams carved with dragon motifs. Large lanterns hung from above, illuminating the polished stone floors. Rows of shelves lined the walls, filled with account ledgers and valuable goods from all across the empire.


    Murong De took his seat at the head of a long table, his presence commanding. The stewards and attendants gathered, waiting for further instructions.


    Murong De turned to Luo Sheng. “Have the cargo from the ship moved to the secure warehouse. Double-check the inventory—we cannot afford any discrepancies.”


    “Yes, Master.” Luo Sheng gestured for several clerks to follow him as he left to oversee the process.


    Murong Xue, despite her injuries, remained standing. “I will ensure my junio disciples are settled properly.”


    Murong De frowned. “You should rest first.”


    Murong Xue smiled. “I will, Uncle. But let me take care of my people first.”


    Murong De sighed but relented. “Very well. Don’t overexert yourself.”


    As Murong Xue left with the disciples, Murong De turned his attention to Zhao Ming. “Now, let’s talk.”


    Zhao Ming met his gaze calmly. “I’m listening.”


    Murong De leaned back, his sharp eyes assessing Zhao Ming once more. “You did well handling the mutiny and the storm. But I’d like to know—what are your plans now that you’ve arrived in Beihai?”


    <hr>


    Murong De sat in the main guest hall, across from Zhao Ming, sipping a cup of tea. His sharp eyes studied the young man before him.


    Murong De smiled. “You have no immediate plans, do you?”


    Zhao Ming exhaled and shook his head. “Not yet. I need to figure out my next steps.”


    Murong De leaned back, swirling his tea. “Beihai is a city of opportunities. With the right connections, a man can rise quickly. You helped my niece, my business, and the academy scholars—I would be a poor host if I didn’t offer you shelter.”


    Zhao Ming looked at him warily. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t wish to impose.”


    Murong De waved his hand. “Nonsense. Take your time to consider your path. You may stay at the Murong Estate until you decide. It will be better than wandering the streets.”


    Zhao Ming thought for a moment before nodding. “Then I’ll accept your generosity for now.”


    Murong De chuckled. “Good. Now, tell me—what do you know about Beihai?”


    Zhao Ming furrowed his brows. “Not much. I know it’s a major port city, a hub for trade.”


    Murong De smirked. “It is much more than that. Beihai is a place where merchants, scholars, and warriors converge. The Academy of Beihai is one of the finest in the region, producing talented officials. The city also has strong underworld ties—many groups operate behind the scenes, controlling different aspects of trade and security.”


    Zhao Ming absorbed the information. “And where does the Murong Trading House stand in all this?”


    Murong De chuckled. “Firmly in the center. We deal in silk, medicinal herbs, and rare goods. We maintain neutrality, but that doesn’t mean we lack influence.” He sipped his tea. “If you plan to make something of yourself, you should start by learning the power dynamics in Beihai.”


    Zhao Ming nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”


    Murong De finished his tea and stood. “Go get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll see what the future holds for you.”


    <hr>


    After Zhao Ming retired to his guest quarters, Murong De visited Murong Xue’s room. She was lying on a soft bed, her wounds bandaged, but her eyes immediately searched for someone else.


    “Uncle,” she greeted, her voice tinged with expectation.


    Murong De raised an eyebrow. “You don’t seem happy to see me. Were you expecting someone else?”


    Murong Xue bit her lip but didn’t respond.


    Murong De smirked. “You ask about Zhao Ming, don’t you?”


    Murong Xue turned her head away, her cheeks slightly pink. “…Where is he?”


    Murong De burst into laughter. “You didn’t even miss your dear uncle, but you miss him? Is he your lover now?”


    Murong Xue’s face turned bright red. “U-Uncle!” she protested, sitting up too quickly and wincing from her wounds.


    Murong De stroked his beard in amusement. “So it’s true?”


    After Murong Xue shyly nodded, admitting her feelings for Zhao Ming, Murong De stroked his beard, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.


    “Hah! So it’s true.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I must admit, I didn’t expect my proud niece to fall for a wandering scholar.”


    Murong Xue’s face burned. “Uncle!” She shot him a glare, but there was no real anger in her expression.


    Murong De smirked. “Don’t be shy now. If you’re bold enough to admit it, you should be bold enough to face a little teasing.”


    Just then, a servant entered, carrying a lacquered wooden tray. The aroma of steamed fish, stir-fried greens, and a bowl of nourishing herbal soup filled the room. The servant respectfully placed the dishes on the table beside Murong Xue’s bed.


    “Miss, Master, your dinner is served,” the servant announced with a bow.


    Murong De waved his hand. “Good, leave us.”


    The servant obeyed, stepping back quietly.


    Murong De turned to Murong Xue with a teasing grin. “Eat up. You need strength if you want to chase after your beloved scholar.”


    Murong Xue’s blush deepened as she picked up her chopsticks. “I’m not chasing him…”


    Murong De smirked but didn’t argue. Instead, he poured himself a cup of warm rice wine from a small flask and took a sip, watching her.


    “You care about him a lot,” he said after a moment.


    Murong Xue hesitated, poking at her food before nodding softly. “…He’s different from the others.”


    “Oh? How so?”


    Murong Xue sighed. “Most men at the sect either admire me from a distance or only see me as ‘Elder Murong’s niece.’ But Zhao Ming… he treats me like a person, not a status. He’s smart, quick-thinking, and has a calmness that’s hard to find. He doesn’t get blinded by pride or status.”


    Murong De raised an eyebrow. “So, a capable man with ambition. That’s why you like him?”


    Murong Xue smiled faintly. “He also makes me feel… at ease.”


    Murong De leaned back, chuckling. “Hah! I see, I see. A young lady in love.”


    Murong Xue gave him a look. “Uncle, please stop teasing me.”


    Murong De sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine. But you know, Xue’er, relationships aren’t just about feelings. There’s also reality to consider.”


    Murong Xue looked up at him, knowing what he meant. “You mean because I have to return to Zhou County and he’s staying in Beihai?”


    Murong De nodded. “Exactly. Long-distance relationships are hard, especially when you come from different backgrounds. What if he decides to pursue a life in business? Or politics? What if your father arranges a match for you before you meet again?”


    Murong Xue’s fingers tightened around her chopsticks. She lifted her gaze and spoke with quiet determination. “Then I will run away.”


    Murong De froze mid-sip, his brow raising in surprise. He looked at her, as if trying to determine whether she was joking. But the look in Murong Xue’s eyes was serious.


    “…You would defy your father for him?”


    Murong Xue held his gaze and nodded. “If my father tries to force me into a marriage I don’t want, I won’t accept it. I would rather leave home than live a life decided for me.”


    Murong De let out a low chuckle. “You really are stubborn.”


    Murong Xue exhaled, setting down her chopsticks. “I just know what I want.”


    Murong De studied her for a moment, then let out a slow sigh. “Well, at least you’re thinking seriously about it.” He took another sip of wine before smirking. “But who knows? Perhaps fate will surprise us all.”


    Murong Xue bit her lip, then reached into her robes, touching the spot where her jade pendant used to be. Her heart felt a little lighter knowing Zhao Ming had it now.


    Murong De’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the small movement. He raised an eyebrow. “What’s that? Did you give him something?”


    Murong Xue hesitated, then pulled up her wrist, revealing the bangle Zhao Ming had given her. “I gave him my jade pendant… and he gave me this.”


    Murong De’s gaze lingered on the bangle before he let out a deep laugh. “Hah! A token exchange already? You move faster than I thought.”


    Murong Xue pouted, looking away. “It’s not like that…”


    Murong De shook his head, clearly entertained. “Giving away your personal jade pendant is no small gesture. And receiving a gift in return… Well, Xue’er, it seems to me that Zhao Ming is quite serious about you.”


    Murong Xue pressed her lips together, but a soft smile bloomed on her face. “I hope so.”


    Murong De watched her for a moment before nodding in approval. “Good. Now, stop overthinking and eat your food before it gets cold.”


    Murong Xue chuckled, feeling a little lighter as she resumed her meal.