“Don’t be rude.” Mr. Turner Sr. hurriedly said, “This Thirteenth Mister started from nothing, and in just six years, has spread his business across all sixteen prefectures of Huai’an. Do you think he’s an ordinary person?”

“Isn’t he just another merchant?” The young man waved his hand and said, “I’ll just keep quiet later.”

……

Inside the manor.

Brian Zane took a sip of tea before asking, “How did it go?”

Old Mr. White replied, “The details are all here. This Mr. Turner Sr.’s son, after passing the scholar’s exam, became arrogant and disrespectful, offending Mrs. Thompson’s nephew with his words. Later, when the recent roster was being checked, Mr. Thompson, unable to resist his wife’s complaints, deliberately left out this Young Master Turner, and gave instructions to his subordinates, so no one paid any attention to it.”

After a pause, Old Mr. White continued, “Actually, it was just a quarrel, nothing major. It’s only because Mrs. Thompson dotes on her nephew and couldn’t swallow her pride. Recently, The Turner Family has tried to seek help from Mr. Thompson without success, so now they want to ask you to intercede with Mr. Thompson on their behalf.”

Normally, for such matters, asking Mr. Turner Sr. directly would suffice.

But if The Turner Family has offended the other party too deeply, it’s inevitable they’d try to hide some things.

It’s always best to investigate personally to understand the pros and cons.

If it’s just as Old Mr. White said, it shouldn’t be too difficult to handle.

“Favors are like this—the more you use them, the less they’re worth. The favor of this prefectural magistrate is not something to be used lightly.”

Brian Zane smiled and said, “But for this matter, it’s really just a matter of appeasing Mrs. Thompson.”

That Mr. Turner Sr. doesn’t know that Mr. Thompson is somewhat henpecked. When it comes to major issues, he’ll make decisions himself, but for trivial matters, Mr. Thompson will act casually, never upsetting his wife.

The Turner Family is set on asking Mr. Thompson for mercy, but they’re looking for help from the wrong person.

“Sir?”

“It’s fine. Let’s first see how much weight The Turner Family carries.”

……

An ancient book.

Three rare medicinal herbs.

“This book is over two hundred years old, well preserved, and quite valuable.” Mr. Turner Sr. took a sip of tea and said with a smile, “More importantly, the original version of this book was the medical classic of the divine physician Li He from five hundred years ago.”

Five hundred years is a long time; with ordinary means, it would be impossible to preserve. The original by the divine physician Li He must have long since decayed, but even this copy from two hundred years ago is extremely rare.

Brian Zane flipped through it and said slowly, “The divine physician Li He is renowned through the ages. It’s a pity his medical texts were thought lost. I never expected that they weren’t lost, but rather treasured away by someone.”

Mr. Turner Sr. said, “Though this isn’t the original, it’s still exceedingly precious.”

Brian Zane nodded, put down the classic, and looked at the other three rare herbs.

These three herbs aren’t unique in the world, but they are quite valuable, each worth no less than a thousand taels.

“I’ve heard about the matter.”

Brian Zane looked at Mr. Turner Sr., then at the somewhat arrogant and clearly dissatisfied Mr. Turner Jr., chuckled lightly, and nodded, “I’ll put in a word with Mr. Thompson.”

Mr. Turner Sr. was overjoyed, immediately stood up, and said, “Then I must thank you, Thirteenth Mister.”

Brian Zane nodded.

As for Young Master Turner, he believed his future was limitless, only that his family was currently weak. This time, they had come with heavy gifts to ask for help, yet the other party treated it so lightly and even made them wait outside. He felt quite humiliated, but since he had agreed to his father’s request, he could only remain silent.

“Then I’ll leave everything in your hands, sir.”

“Very well.”

Brian Zane had no intention of keeping the father and son any longer.

So Mr. Turner Sr. took Young Master Turner and left.

……

“Sir…” Ethan Frost seemed a bit displeased. She had never seen anyone dare to act so arrogantly in front of her master.

“Young and reckless, that’s all.” Brian Zane said with a smile, “We’re in business. No matter how high and mighty others act, we must greet them with a smile. Even though they came to ask for help today, in the end, it’s just another business transaction.”

“But he…” Ethan Frost recalled the other’s haughty attitude and grew even angrier.

“‘All trades are lowly, only studying is noble.’” Brian Zane said, “Now that my status is different, I rarely meet such people. Back when my business was just starting to flourish, there were plenty who put on airs in front of me. These scholars think themselves full of talent and destined for greatness, so they look down on others. Even my business, which spans all sixteen prefectures of Huai’an, is, in their eyes, just something they, as lofty scholars, disdain to engage in. If they were willing to use a little cunning, wealth would come easily… But in reality, how much of their learning is truly useful when it comes down to it? Who can say?”

“Little girl, what’s there to be angry about?” Old Mr. White said with a chuckle, “That boy is too arrogant. Even if he does have some talent, the fact that he offended Mr. Thompson shows his future will be rough—unless his talent is truly extraordinary and he soars to great heights, otherwise…”

Old Mr. White shook his head and smiled without saying more.

This young master of The Turner Family does have some talent, but he’s far too arrogant. In the end, his talent can’t support his pride, and he won’t go far in the future.