I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 471 - 261: Merchants’ Curious Goods for Dwelling_2

Chapter 471: Chapter 261: Merchants’ Curious Goods for Dwelling_2

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Therefore, what originally was a year’s worth of ample time has to be cut by a quarter now.

Considering that a year is just the longest time estimated by Gu Shanhai, the shortest could be merely three or four months before it ends.

"Help... I can help a bit, but it’s not appropriate to take action now," said Gu Shanhai. At most, he could complete the task within a month, but that would deprive Jiang Lu of crucial combat experience. This first battle was of great importance to him; perhaps it would be better for him to fail a little, then reflect and improve.

When dusk began to fall, Li Yu arrived with his daughter to pay a visit to Gu Shanhai.

To tell the truth, this was the first time he had brought his daughter along; usually, he came over with his house servant.

"Teacher, your disciple has a request," Li Yu said as soon as they met, dropping to his knees with a thud, which left Gu Shanhai somewhat startled.

Ever since studying military tactics together, Li Yu regarded himself as a disciple, and Gu Shanhai had tacitly agreed, never bothering to correct it.

"Speak, and if I can help, I certainly will," Gu Shanhai assured him, pulling Li Yu up from his bow. Only then did Li Yu speak.

"I wish to pledge all my wealth to aid Lu and to personally join the battle to earn some military merits. My wives and concubines have already been dispersed, and the only concern I have left is my daughter. I ask you, Teacher, to allow my daughter to stay at your side for her safety," Li Yu said straightforwardly.

Gu Shanhai was somewhat surprised; he hadn’t expected Li Yu to have such determination—not only willing to provide financial support but also to fight personally.

He had even given up his rich wives and concubines, suggesting he had seen some potential.

"Aren’t you afraid of betting on the wrong horse?" Gu Shanhai asked calmly.

"Teacher, you once said ’unique goods can be valuable.’ Though your disciple lacks discernment, you, Teacher, possess it," Li Yu replied lucidly. He didn’t believe that a sage like Gu Shanhai would accept a disciple without good reason.

Gu Shanhai cracked a smile, "You’re smart and daring. Leave your daughter here, and rest assured, you will not miss out on what’s due."

Only then did he understand that Li Yu wasn’t just worried about his daughter’s safety; he was leaving her with Gu Shanhai as collateral.

"The world hustles for fame and fortune. Your daughter is, in a way, my granddisciple, and she will be safe here," Gu Shanhai meant that there was no need for such maneuvers. He should pursue his goals boldly; Li Yu was after wealth, while he himself sought reputation. In life, who doesn’t have their own pursuits?

"Thank you, Teacher," Li Yu said, grasping Gu Shanhai’s intention.

Compared to Jiang Lu, the much older Li Yu had the most experience, or else how could he have become the richest man in Wen’an? Therefore, when it came to shrewdness, he was definitely the keenest. It was just that his merchant’s air seemed out of place, but for Gu Shanhai, that was never a flaw. After all, skill was needed even to buy low and sell high.

Moreover, at first glance, Li Yu’s loss of property might seem a disadvantage, but in reality, it was more beneficial to him. This way, he could shed his merchant status, and his prospects would naturally rise higher.

It had to be said that in seizing opportunities, Li Yu was far superior to Jiang Lu. The only downside was that he was too utilitarian, possessing an almost ruthless ambition to climb up the ladder. Such a person could be used, but it was crucial to ensure one could always suppress them.

That’s why Gu Shanhai preferred Jiang Lu’s loyalty because even in high positions, he would respectfully address him as "Teacher."

If Li Yu were to rise to prosperity, it’s likely it would be just for show. Otherwise, why would he use even his daughter as collateral at Gu Shanhai’s place?

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Fortunately, Gu Shanhai didn’t need to worry about this matter. It was enough to leave Jiang Lu to take care of it. Once the person was sent over, whether they could be put to good use was no longer Gu Shanhai’s concern.

Jiang Lu also knew something of Li Yu’s thoughts. However, he did not distance himself from Li Yu because of this. After all, they were from the same sect, and Li Yu hadn’t done anything to wrong them. There were many ambitious people; it wasn’t feasible to avoid them all.

Regarding Li Yu, Gu Shanhai could tell from his personality model that the other party was somewhat conflicted. Li Yu had ambition, means, and even ruthlessness, but he also placed great importance on his offspring. Despite sending his daughter over, he understood that this place was indeed safer. With Gu Shanhai around, ordinary people shouldn’t even think about threatening him with his daughter.

"Now there’s a small issue. How is your daughter’s ability to take care of herself? Like washing clothes and cooking meals?" Gu Shanhai asked another question. It didn’t matter if there was one more person; he could just arrange a room for her to entertain herself. Safety was not a concern. With Gu Shanhai’s five senses and Spiritual Sense, there was absolutely no danger.

Even if the person was severely injured or even dead, as long as the soul was intact and no more than five minutes had elapsed, Gu Shanhai could still save them.

Therefore, what Gu Shanhai cared more about was whether the person was helpless in all matters. If so, he would have to let Li Yu figure it out himself. Gu Shanhai didn’t take care of people; taking care of Little White was troublesome enough, let alone taking care of others.

"Rest assured, teacher, everything has been arranged properly," Li Yu certainly dared not trouble Gu Shanhai any further.

"That’s good. You can choose any room except the last one," Gu Shanhai said indifferently upon hearing this.

After achieving his goal, Li Yu naturally arranged for servants to enter. Although he said he was leaving his daughter in Gu Shanhai’s care, he definitely needed to arrange for servants. These servants were bound by a lifetime oath to the Li family and would be a part of the Li family for the rest of their lives.

Therefore, he sent a portion of them to serve both Gu Shanhai and his daughter. As for the rest, they were sent back to his old home. He claimed to have dispersed his wives and concubines, but it was impossible to really send them all away. They were sent back to the old home to wait until the day when Li Yu would achieve great success and bring them back.

After all the hassle, Li Yu finally left.

"Indeed, what some people lack is not ability, but opportunity," Gu Shanhai couldn’t help but sigh lightly. Just like Jiang Lu’s three sworn brothers, Li Yu was also such a person. Gu Shanhai gave him the opportunity, and if he seized it well, he could soar to the heavens instead of being mediocre as in his previous life.

In his previous life, at this time, Li Yu might have already died. How could a mere merchant resist a powerful official who could take his life and all his possessions with a single word?

Now things were different. The official was dead, and Li Yu had obtained a top-quality military manual. He was also ready to forsake his wealth to follow Jiang Lu, a future overlord—to say nothing else, at the very least, he could look forward to a bright future.

"As for you, you probably don’t have much to do on a daily basis, right?" Gu Shanhai looked at Li Hui. Such a talented individual shouldn’t be wasted by not doing homework.

"Yes, Master, please give your instructions," Li Hui replied, slightly startled. She had seen her father frantically writing into the night, so she was somewhat afraid of this Master Gu.

"Don’t be afraid. I’m a very reasonable person. Come here; here are ten jin of homework. The requirements aren’t high. You just need to finish it within ten days," Gu Shanhai spoke with a pleasant demeanor.

To prevent her from wandering around and causing trouble, it was necessary to assign plenty of homework to occupy her thoughts entirely.

"I... Master, I can’t finish it," Li Hui almost cried out. She was prepared for a tough life but had never considered enduring such hardships.

"It’s alright if you can’t finish; I will forgive you the first time, but the second... By the way, have you seen what your father looks like after he doesn’t finish his homework for the second time?" Gu Shanhai asked.

Li Hui nodded in fear, obviously having seen it before. When he returned, he was nearly skinned alive, his clothing soaked in blood, yet he still persevered with his homework. Because if he didn’t finish today, he would get beaten again tomorrow.

"That’s good to hear. You are my disciple after all; you certainly deserve the appropriate treatment. Don’t worry, I have the best healing medicine. It will just hurt a bit; after applying it, I assure you it won’t affect your ability to do homework, nor will it leave any scars. It can even beautify and nourish your skin," Gu Shanhai taught his disciples the same standards, regardless of whether they were male or female, human or beast.

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