132. Winning the Lady’s Favor
Chapter 132
She murmured, “It’s astonishing that these few copper coins are so expensive.”
The man replied, “Little beauty, you don’t know—these copper coins are cast from ancient mystical stone. The material itself is extraordinary. Moreover, the coins possess a powerful force that allows for divination.”
“Divination?” Le Qianxue asked, “Can anyone use them?”
“Not exactly. These belong to the four great families of the previous dynasty—the Yuan family’s possessions. But after the previous dynasty fell, both these coins and the ancient lamp disappeared. Somehow, these coins ended up in the Yan family’s hands and are now being auctioned. While the coins are indeed powerful, ordinary fortune-tellers using them can only glean a bit of heavenly insight. To unlock their true potential, they must be used alongside the ancient lamp. Together, they don’t just reveal fate but can even rewrite it. However, only the Yuan family could wield such power,” the man explained clearly in a calm voice.
Le Qianxue was taken aback. “Ancient lamp?”
She recalled something—back then, she had bought an ancient lamp from a fortune teller in Night City. When she brought it back, Yin Susu said it could divine fortunes.
Could it be…
She narrowed her eyes and immediately picked up the auction list. The pattern on the copper coins closely resembled that on the lamp.
By now, the auction price had soared to fifty thousand taels.
As the sale neared completion, Le Qianxue promptly rang the bell and casually said, “One hundred thousand taels.”
The man’s eyes widened instantly.
Everyone in the room turned to look in her direction, but the private chamber was veiled with light silk curtains, so they only saw a shadow.
Le Ji, annoyed, said, “Miss, are you doing this on purpose? You actually bid one hundred thousand taels on these coins. Do you have that kind of money?”
Le Qianxue blinked and replied, “I do, but only if your young master lets me go. I’ll fetch the banknotes.”
The man’s strange expression changed immediately. Laughing heartily, he said, “One hundred thousand taels? I can afford that. Whatever you want, just say it—I’ll buy it all.”
Le Ji and the others were astonished. Their master was so doting toward a mere servant girl.
Le Qianxue breathed a sigh of relief. Since he said that, the Yuan family’s treasures would be safe, and she could bring them to Susu.
Having this was essential for Susu to truly be recognized as the Yuan family’s heir.
One hundred thousand taels was a considerable sum. Just then, someone downstairs rang a bell.
She glanced over. The silk curtain was special—viewed from outside, it was obscure, but from inside, it seemed almost transparent.
The person ringing the bell was none other than Yu Zhiyang, his expression indifferent, as if resolute to seize the copper coins.
She thought to herself, this must be the old emperor’s doing—to prevent the four great families from resurrecting.
She rang her bell again, competing with Yu Zhiyang’s bid.
Their duel pushed the price to one hundred and ten thousand taels.
The man’s face darkened. “Trying to snatch something from me? You don’t want to live, do you?”
Le Qianxue shot him a glare. “Don’t just talk. He’s just as intent on the coins as I am.”
The man snorted, “He hasn’t got the ability. Don’t worry about him.”
He raised his hand and drew several strings from his sleeve—clearly his personal weapons.
He plucked them lightly; the music was faint, almost imperceptible.
Yet Yu Zhiyang suddenly felt a heavy pressure on his chest, unable to move.
His face turned pale as some formidable internal power pinned him down.
He struggled to ring his bell, but couldn’t; even speaking was difficult.
He gasped for breath, nearly speechless.
Because of this, Le Qianxue won the bid.
Le Qianxue was thrilled and glanced at the strings in the man’s hand. She hadn’t expected such a function—truly remarkable.
“Happy?” the man asked. “I told you, he’s no match.”
He was proud, feeling radiant in front of his little beauty. Anyone would feel honored.
Le Qianxue nodded. “Looks like your internal power is quite impressive.”
The man raised his eyebrows with a coquettish expression. “Naturally. Even Zhan Lianjing can’t compare to my internal strength.”
Again, he compared himself to Zhan Lianjing. Le Qianxue merely twitched her lips, unwilling to continue this line.
The coins were brought forward, and the man ordered Le Ji to pay.
There were six coins in total, their color splendid, unlike ordinary copper coins that tend to tarnish.
She picked up one and admired its flowing luster—exquisitely beautiful.
“Truly a marvelous craft,” she remarked.
The man said, “Otherwise, do you think the four great families of the old dynasty were weak? Take the Yan family for example. Though shaken, none of the three kingdoms’ rulers dare to challenge them outright. Even if they wanted to, they wouldn’t dare go too far. The Yan family’s century-old foundation is no laughing matter.”
Le Qianxue nodded. The Yan family’s business acumen was indeed unmatched.
Should the Yan family collapse, the realm would likely fall into chaos. Though commerce in ancient times was not as developed, the business chain was vital—any disruption would trigger a chain of problems.
At this point, the second item in the auction did not interest Le Qianxue; she was focused entirely on the coins.
Though she did not understand everything, she decided to keep them for Yin Susu—just as with the coins.
The man, curious, asked, “Why did you spend such a large sum on this?”
Le Qianxue frowned. “What’s it to you?”
“Of course, it’s related to me. You’re spending my money.”
“Then just think of me as a descendant of the Yuan family. Satisfied?” Le Qianxue responded.
The man laughed, sizing her up and down. “You’re shameless to say such lies with your eyes wide open. Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?”
Le Qianxue smirked. “You sound like you know everything. So then, do you know who the Yuan family’s heir is?”
“Yuan Feng. But he was captured earlier and has since disappeared. Probably dead,” the man said. “Good riddance—I hated that Yuan Feng.”
Le Qianxue was stunned. He truly knew, but only Yuan Feng—he didn’t know about Yin Susu.
Wait—she was clearly thinking of Yin Susu. Why didn’t he read that?
Then she realized a key point: she hadn’t looked him in the eyes.
So that was why.
Le Qianxue relaxed. There was still a way to avoid his detection.
She couldn’t help but smile. From now on, she wouldn’t look at him directly—no problem.
The man noticed her smile. “What are you laughing at?”
Le Qianxue avoided his gaze to prevent him from seeing her thoughts. “Just laughing at how good-looking you are. You seem to know a lot. Are you working for the old emperor?”
That was her only guess.
The man laughed. “Wrong. Guess again.”
Le Qianxue coldly said, “Say what you want. You’re strange, and I don’t want much to do with you.”
But the man moved closer. “I want to be close to you. Just watch—you’ve been following me all along.”
He casually grabbed her hand.
Le Qianxue was furious. “Let go!”
The man was shameless. “I won’t. Zhan Lianjing can hold my hand; why can’t you?”
Le Qianxue snorted, “You’re just like him.”
“What’s the difference? He’s a cripple, and who knows if he’s any good in that department? If you want a happy life with children, I’m your top choice.”
The Le maids giggled, their cheeks tinged pink.
Le Qianxue was stunned—she hadn’t expected such shamelessness.
She slammed her hand on the table and said coldly, “If you think you’re too impressive, I can cripple you with one needle.”
The man’s expression changed. He knew her medical skills were formidable. If she acted, she could really cripple him.
He had no choice but to stay silent, though he didn’t release her hand.
Le Qianxue gave up. This man had a strange temperament; she could only let him be for now.
Soon, the auction for the Ice Soul Needle began.
Le Qianxue examined it carefully. The needle had a faint blue hue, seemingly a gaseous substance that could flow.
She raised an eyebrow. “The Ice Soul Needle is indeed a fine item—far superior to ordinary silver needles. One injection has a much stronger effect.”
The man looked on. “So miraculous. Your birthday is coming soon; I’ll buy it for you as a gift.”
Le Qianxue was a bit excited but then froze. “How do you know my birthday is near?”
The man chuckled, “Guess again. There’s a prize if you’re right.”
She found it odd. She hadn’t told anyone her birthday. How could he know? Had he investigated her carefully?
But why would he remember her birthday?
She pursed her lips. “Don’t say it’s because you like me. There’s tenderness in your eyes, but it’s not romantic.”
His gaze was different from Zhan Lianjing’s. Le Qianxue could tell, which was why she never trusted his words.
Following him seemed more like amusement for him.
The man’s smile stiffened, then returned to normal. “You’re quite clever, with a sharp mind. Good. Keep pondering who I really am.”
He didn’t want to say more and shook the bell.
This time, few people competed for the Ice Soul Needle, as most doctors were poor. Only wealthy households with bells had money to spare; sometimes they kept doctors on retainer for convenience.
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