She Holds the World After Being Reborn
Chapter 433 - 432

Chapter 433: 432

Li Chengxiang was stopped by a group of people at the entrance of her shop when she went out for an account check.

She frowned slightly, "Whose people are you, and what is this about?" In the vast Capital City, there were actually people bold enough to engage in such brazen acts.

She had left home in a hurry that day, bringing only a maid with her. The Hidden Guard was present, but he could not be summoned lightly until a critical moment, lest his presence be detected by people with ulterior motives, which could cause trouble.

At this moment, her family’s servants stepped aside to make way for an elderly man in grey clothing with a kind and benevolent face to step forward, slightly bowing.

"Miss Li from the Li Family, our master has sent us to invite you. May I ask if you have the time to visit our residence now?"

Seeing the old man being so polite, Li Chengyuan relaxed a little and asked, "Who is your master?"

The old man, still with a kind and benevolent expression, uttered two words, "Qin Residence."

Li Chengxiang’s heart skipped a beat.

The Qin Residence.

Was it the Qin Residence she knew?

There were many Qin Residences in the Capital City, but only the residence of the Grand Tutor Qin could have the boldness to directly send servants to her door like today.

A senior official of three dynasties, and in spite of his old age, he still held an honorary position in the palace and had countless disciples, which is why his household handled matters with a high profile.

But nobody would comment much on this.

Since it was Grand Tutor Qin who wanted to see her, she could not refuse.

Otherwise, if word got out, it might affect Money Leopard adversely.

"Then please, Uncle Zhang, lead the way," Li Chengxiang said with a clever and gentle smile.

She was naturally plump and rosy-cheeked, and her smile made her look even more amiable and likable.

Zhang Quanzhong was not surprised that the Miss Li of the Li Family recognized him; after all, to make a name in the Capital City, one had to be shrewd.

Especially since Miss Li navigated the Capital City’s business circles with such ease and success.

Zhang Quanzhong bowed, "Please, Miss Li."

After boarding the Qin Residence’s carriage, Li Chengxiang twisted her handkerchief in anxiety.

Why had Grand Tutor Qin suddenly invited her over? It certainly couldn’t be because of her family, as after the successive deaths of her youngest sister and father, with her second sister married far away, she hardly had any kin left in the Capital City.

Then it must be for some other reason.

But what could it be?

A sense of unease faintly troubled Li Chengxiang’s heart.

"Miss, could it be that the Grand Tutor is interested in our shop that we visited today?" the maid spoke up softly.

"Such a powerful person as Grand Tutor Qin wouldn’t take an interest in our little shop, which is just a silk and satin store—" Li Chengxiang’s words trailed off abruptly.

The maid was puzzled, "What’s the matter, Miss?"

Li Chengxiang turned deathly pale in an instant.

If not the small shop, then it must be because of...

Money Leopard!

Grand Tutor Qin had a big appetite; how could he have invited her over just for that minor shop? Probably, because she had been often seen auditing accounts in public recently, people had begun speculating that she was the owner of Money Leopard. Grand Tutor Qin must have heard about it and thus wanted to invite her over.

Li Chengxiang clenched her handkerchief tightly.

Impossible!

She had promised the Commandery Princess to safeguard Money Leopard, and no matter what Grand Tutor Qin said later, she would definitely not be swayed by him!

A somber light flickered in Li Chengxiang’s eyes.

"We’ve arrived, Miss Li. Please alight from the carriage," Zhang Quanzhong’s voice came from outside.

Gripping her skirt, Li Chengxiang stepped out of the carriage with a respectful bow, her whole being as if in an ice cellar despite the searing summer heat outside.

Having never dealt with such powerful and influential figures, she was naturally terrified.

But she was ready to face whatever came her way, come hell or high water.

"Please," Zhang Quanzhong said, with a kindly smile.

Li Chengxiang pulled at the corners of her mouth to form a smile and followed along.

After entering the Qin Residence, Li Chengxiang realized the estate was not very large, but each area was exquisitely maintained. It wasn’t as luxurious as she had imagined, yet it was filled everywhere with the proud air of scholars.

"This way, please," Zhang Quanzhong led the way. Li Chengxiang, afraid of being looked down upon and losing face for the Commandery Princess, walked with her head held high and chest puffed out.

"Miss Li, please wait for a moment. This old servant will go and inform the Grand Tutor," he said and then left directly, leaving Li Chengxiang and her maid alone in the main hall.

It was not until the thin layer of sweat on her body had dried that the old master finally arrived, late and unhurried.

His steps were faltering, showing his advanced age, but his eyes were not the slightest bit muddled; they were very clear.

"Miss Li from the Li Family, Li Chengxiang?" the old master began as he entered.

Upon hearing the voice, Li Chengxiang turned around and performed a courtesy: "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Grand Tutor of the Qin Family."

"No need for such formalities," the Grand Tutor Qin said with a chuckle.

As he walked inside, he said, "In my younger years, I was somewhat a mentor to your father. It’s a pity that he was confused and eventually chose a path of no return. However, it’s a good thing that you are different from him; you are a good child."

His speech was slow, but it exuded a calming assurance.

"Thank you for the compliment, Grand Tutor."

Once he took his seat at the head, his shrewd eyes fixed on Li Chengxiang: "It’s strange, but I feel an instant connection with you. I quite fancy you, indeed."

Li Chengxiang had no immediate reaction to his words.

However, Zhang Quanzhong beside her broke into a joyous smile and stepped forward, "Miss Li, you should thank the old master quickly. Your good fortune is coming. You must know that the last person the old master took a liking to was the former Prime Minister."

Li Chengxiang was stunned.

What does the Grand Tutor want to do?

Her first response was not surprise but caution.

Having spent much time with the Commandery Princess, she knew that while one may hold unfounded grudges, there is never unfounded affection.

Especially for someone like Grand Tutor Qin, who had weathered the political arena for decades.

Seeing her unchanged expression, as stoic as a piece of wood, Zhang Quanzhong hurriedly spoke up, "Miss Li?"

"Thank you for your appreciation, Old Grand Tutor," Li Chengxiang replied, giving a slight bow as a sign of gratitude.

The Grand Tutor noticed her indifferent expression, which lacked the excited ecstasy of others; he raised his eyebrows slightly, now genuinely impressed.

"Servants, attend to our guest," he ordered.

Zhang Quanzhong was visibly surprised upon hearing that seats be offered to the guests.

Having served the Grand Tutor for many years, he knew that the Qin Residence was always bustling with visitors, yet he had never seen the old master offer anyone a seat before.

This little girl from the Li Family, hardly two sentences into the conversation, and the old master had already asked her to take a seat!

Such a thing had never happened before.

Zhang Quanzhong felt a flicker of caution in his heart and quickly went to summon the maids and servants to serve tea.

Li Chengxiang sat to the side of the old master.

"Thank you, Old Grand Tutor."

"Let’s enjoy the tea," the old master said jovially.

The aroma of the tea was potent and rich. Even though Li Chengxiang was not much of a connoisseur, she could tell that this tea was extraordinary with its initial astringency followed by a pure, sweet aftertaste.

"This is excellent tea," she couldn’t help but remark.

"Glad you like it. Later, Old Zhang will take some for the young lady to bring back," the old master instructed.

Zhang Quanzhong promptly acknowledged the instruction.

After drinking the tea for a while.

The old master cleared his throat slightly.

"The truth is, I invited you here today because there is something on my mind," he said.

Li Chengxiang straightened up, knowing that they were finally getting to the heart of the matter.

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