The Peerless Beauty Stuck With Me

Chapter 1572 - 1571: Open Trade

"Beiyuan, look at how our East Island and North Island are connected by land. Such good geological conditions have yet to be fully utilized. After drinking this wine, won't the doors to bilateral trade swing wide open, allowing both sides to come and go without hindrance?"The trade route between East Island and North Island, unhindered?

Tang Rao's heart skipped a beat.

In theory, when the leaders discuss such matters beneficial to both the country and the people, he should be happy as a bystander. Yet Tang Rao felt uneasy and undecided about the East Island Master's suggestion, surprising himself by inwardly crossing it out.

Would the old Beiyuan really agree? That wouldn't be good.

"Old Chen, when you arrived, we said the things spoken at the table are just drunken words, not to be taken seriously. We just bond over drinks, and when everyone sobers up, we'll discuss through proper procedures how to cooperate."

Thankfully, Beiyuan didn't make any promises to Chen Jingtian at the table.

Chen Jingtian's forced smile nearly faltered; were it not for feigning drunkenness, all of Beiyuan's words tonight would have left him unable to save face.

"Bei Ming, escort Lord Chen to Chunlai Inn for a short rest, and when the invitations come tomorrow, we'll meet at the Island Master's Mansion."

The table of food and drinks was nearly finished, and the dances had been enjoyed. Beiyuan was tired, wishing to end this tedious and boring feast sooner.

Upon hearing this, Tang Rao grasped most of the situation: this dinner ostensibly invited by Beiyuan for Chen Jingtian was actually Chen Jingtian's initiative, with Beiyuan seeing him like a persistent glue, unable to avoid him. No wonder the banquet wasn't held at the Island Master's Mansion, as Beiyuan did not welcome Chen Jingtian.

Chen Jingtian brought quite a number of people with him to North Island.

For people of their status, how could they go anywhere without a large entourage to showcase their prestige?

He didn't want Bei Ming to escort him but instead had the guards accompany him back.

Once the room was left to just the two of them, Beiyuan let out a long sigh, appearing much more relaxed than before.

"Father, everyone's gone. Why aren't you leaving?"

Bei Ming was sweating on behalf of Beiyuan. Almost everyone on North Island knew that Beiyuan feared nothing but his wife. If the Island Master's wife discovered Beiyuan was out seeking pleasure, even with Bei Ming explaining, not even the Emperor himself could ensure Beiyuan's forgiveness.

Bei Ming wasn't merely reminding Beiyuan to leave; he was clearly saving Beiyuan's life!

"You think I don't want to leave? That fellow next door has been eavesdropping for quite a while, and I'm waiting for him."

What?

Tang Rao touched his nose. Next door fellow? Did Beiyuan realize Tang Rao was next door all along, and instead of confronting him, waited for Tang Rao after the banquet?

The Island Master had 'cordially invited' him; not showing up would be disrespectful. Besides, the chance to build rapport with the Island Master was something Tang Rao needed to seize.

"Island Master, we're meeting again."

Each meeting was less straightforward than the last: previously, it was a mass poisoning, and now a gathering, with Tang Rao's appearance always awkward and unexpected.

"Indeed, we're meeting again. Tang Rao, my young friend, what brings you this time?"

Beiyuan seldom showed interest in a young fellow, and Tang Rao was one of the rare exceptions.

"Me?" He touched his nose, saying, "The Gentle Land is my turf; you must've heard that rumor?"

Of course Beiyuan knew, but this time, he was drawn by the Gentle Land's reputation, rather than by any courtesy towards Tang Rao.

"So that's it. But Tang Rao, my young friend, you were eavesdropping on our idle talks. Why?"

Island Master, you're old enough to know that speaking requires skill, subtlety; your straightforwardness forces me to be direct!

"Everyone has a curiosity, and chatter between Island Masters has high practical value for small fry like us, nearly a business compass. You see, I'm willing to sacrifice my pride just to make money."

Blatant shamelessness was Tang Rao's biggest merit, and mentioning it brought him a sense of pride.

"Come, there's plenty of wine left. To thank you for your previous help, I'll first toast you and would like to hear your views on our recent discussion."

Beiyuan took a new crystal glass, filling it for Tang Rao, casually clinking it twice against his glass, producing a clear ring.

"Lord Island Master, you're offering me leftover wine?"

I am, after all, Sect Leader of the Kao Shan Sect, not to the point of being stingy enough for this!

Tang Rao grumbled internally, wanting to label Beiyuan 'stingy' all over.

"Not at all; there's still plenty left, and your Gentle Land's wine isn't cheap. It'd be a shame to waste it, don't you agree?"

Saying this, Beiyuan already downed his cup, his eyes eagle-like, watching Tang Rao until he 'disappointedly' picked up the glass and drank the 'fine wine.'"

"Wine from my Gentle Land may be pricey, but it's unique, something you can't find outside. You wouldn't know how much effort it took to blend such fine wines?"

Oh yes, to mix these counterfeit wines, I even had Yan Wei deliver some fake wine materials.

Tang Rao didn't speak but internally praised his own cleverness.

The thought was truly delightful.

"I don't want to hear more about the origins of your wine, but rather your thoughts on East and North Island's trade relations."

Humph, cunning old fox!

What opinion could Tang Rao have? He wasn't familiar with East Island, didn't know what it was like, except through the Yan Family, with whom his impression was poor. For Tang Rao, disliking a family extends to disliking a place, with comfort only found in making the enemy uncomfortable.

Regarding East and North Island opening up, naturally, Tang Rao's stance was against it.

"Clearly not! East Island isn't foolish, coming to you for bilateral trade, definitely with deeper intentions."

Tang Rao could just play the villain this time. Either way, he'd visit East Island, get ahead of others, find the Yan Family, and demand an explanation.

As for the islands' interests, why would he care?

"Everyone knows it isn't simple, but how do we refuse?"