Why do I have so many masters?

Lu Yuanming was dismayed; taking over the Wu Family's business had cost him a great deal of effort, elevating its status by threefold than before. Just as things seemed to be on the right track, the genuine 'owner' had appeared?

Was someone directly coming to pick the fruits of his labor?

Could it be that the Wu Family had never actually lost the business contracts, but rather used a blinding technique to fake the loss, covertly selling the deed for a good price and watching the major families of the city fight ceaselessly over it?

Or was it that the thief who stole the business contracts was so audacious?

While his thoughts churned inside, Lu Yuanming remained composed on the surface. After a pause, he came upon a thought and asked in a calmer voice,

"Who has come from which family?"

"Ma Shou is still over there guarding; what are you worrying about? Remember, the more you panic, the more chaotic it gets, and the more chaotic, the easier it is to be defeated."

Thinking of Ma Shou, Lu Yuanming felt much more at ease.

This man was a Guest Elder recruited during his tenure, born from a distinguished martial arts lineage, and his spear technique was honed in the military, reaching the peak of Sixth Rank, enough to be a veteran in the army.

If he were to distinguish himself in battle, it was not impossible for him to be promoted to a Fifth Rank General, but it was because he had saved Ma Shou's family that this former military commander was willing to serve under him, and upon his retirement, he had even resigned from the army to stay by his side.

This time, the matter was critical, Ma Shou, along with seven or eight recruited Guest Elder Martial Artists, was already guarding at the business premises, worried about disturbances.

Lu Yuanming sipped his tea, his eyes revealing a hint of meaning, and said suggestively,

"These people are likely thieves, and the business contracts in their hands are probably forged."

"Let Ma Shou capture them."

Lu Yushan's face paled a bit, his lips moved and he said,

"The one who has come is a heavy spear-wielding Martial Artist, followed by a hundred armored strongmen."

"Ma Shou went up to stop them and was already knocked to the ground with a spear thrust by the leading Martial Artist. If it were a life-and-death fight, he probably would have been killed with one thrust."

Lu Yuanming turned pale, his hand trembling slightly.

The white porcelain teacup in his hand fell directly to the ground.

Gongsun Jing reined in his horse, his right hand holding his usual heavy spear, his aura robust. In front of the business, a few people were supporting a tall Martial Artist with a pale face, who looked unwillingly at Gongsun Jing mounted on his horse.

Behind Gongsun Jing, a hundred armored strongmen stood silently, like an angry tide.

Meanwhile, a person from the Government Office held a stack of business contracts, comparing them with those of the surrounding merchants.

Despite requesting a redefinition of the business contracts, Gongsun Jing was not overtly strict with the merchants; instead, he reduced the annual tribute originally paid to the Wu Family by one percent, much to the relief of many merchants who had come upon hearing the news.

After all, each merchant just needed to hand over one percent of their monthly profits. It made no difference to them whether the overseer was the Wu Family or the Lu Family.

Though this matter required the presence of the Wu Family, they had already left Jing Feng City under the pressure of the county magistrate, naturally unable to attend here.

The renegotiation of business contracts proceeded smoothly and orderly.

Gongsun Jing dismounted and stood with his spear, observing the major merchants before him with a placid expression.

With the matter settled, the man who had been knocked to the ground earlier was helped to leave. Watching him, he said in a deep voice,

"You are quite brave."

Gongsun Jing sneered inwardly.

He was merely a retired Fourth Rank official.

Whom was he trying to scare?

With a flick of his heavy spear toward the outside, he coldly said,

"I have always been rather bold, no need for your concern."

"Please..."

PS: The first update of the day...

Four thousand two hundred words, consider it an extra update? (Attempt at a deal)