The Tang Sword couldn't offer a reply. "This statement undoubtedly pertains to the Greenwater Beggar, Zhao Nongbao, rumored to have a face riddled with abscesses. As for whether his surname is truly Zhao..."
Li Banfeng interjected, "In truth, he is unaware of his genuine surname. People constantly urge him to examine his reflection in puddles, so perhaps he adopted Zhao simply because of that?"
The Tang Sword remained in silence, and a hush fell over everyone else.
This hypothesis was likely accurate, given that Li Banfeng himself was also uncertain of his own true surname.
Li Banfeng continued to pore over the contract book of Greenwater Bay. Following Yuan Showu's defeat, Zhao Nongbao had engaged in over a hundred battles.
He had never suffered a loss.
The territory of Greenwater Bay steadily expanded. Based on the records within the contract book, Li Banfeng once calculated that with one li of land counted as a single unit, Greenwater Bay encompassed more than thirty-one thousand units. Beyond the original ten thousand-plus units belonging to Beggar Bay, the remaining territory was entirely seized by Green Flower himself.
He was not merely a warrior but also possessed a sharp business acumen, transforming Beggar Bay, once the poorest region in Puluo State, into the affluent Greenwater Bay.
"Husband, what are your intentions regarding these two contract books?"
Li Banfeng held the contract books, scrutinizing them once more. "Dispatch them to Greenwater Bay, anoint them with my blood, solidify the paper contract, and then inter them."
The Wine Gourd inquired, "Younger brother, do you intend to assume the mantle of Greenwater Bay's Local Deity?"
Li Banfeng signified his assent.
The Old Teapot tapped its lid. "Greenwater Bay is a crucible of ambitious heroes, and its territory is not easily held."
Li Banfeng's gaze remained fixed on the two contract books. "I can defend it. Green Flower, possessing only Ninth Layer Cultivation at that time, managed to defend it; why should I be unable to?"
The Old Teapot countered, "Beggar Bay and Greenwater Bay are fundamentally distinct."
The Old Teapot spoke the truth; few would contest control of Beggar Bay, but it was difficult to predict who might lay claim to Greenwater Bay.
Li Banfeng offered no response. The Tang Sword straightened its blade, declaring, "Master possesses greater capabilities than Green Flower. I pledge to guard this territory alongside Master!"
The phonograph emitted the resonant reverberation of war drums. "Husband, since you are to assume control of Greenwater City, you ought to bestow upon yourself a fitting designation."
Li Banfeng stated, "There is no need for contemplation. Simply designate it Li Qi."
"Husband, is naming it Li Qi not somewhat too conspicuous?"
Li Banfeng explained, "My surname is Li, yet my true surname remains unknown. I assert myself as the seventh, though I possess no knowledge of any siblings. Therefore, the name Li Qi is appropriate."
The phonograph deliberated briefly. "Very well. As both contract books are now in Husband's possession, this matter holds no ties to the Inner State. The name Li Qi resonates most profoundly with Husband, ensuring peak stability. Husband must diligently select an auspicious location for the interment of the contract books."
The projector offered a suggestion: "I propose that interring them in their original locale would be optimal. The residence of the Greenwater Beggar is, in my observation, the most arcane location. Others find it exceedingly difficult to locate; even if discovered, entry is impossible, and upon entering, one becomes hopelessly lost."
"That is not suitable," Li Banfeng replied, shaking his head. "The number of individuals capable of finding that place is not insignificant. He Jiaqing likely knows the entrance's whereabouts; it is merely temporarily inaccessible.
While it could not be accessed this time, that does not preclude future access. We must select an alternative site."
What location would prove fitting?
Xiaoyao Lodge?
Hundred Joy Gate?
He still possessed various commercial ventures: two taverns, two tea houses, a silver emporium, two dance halls, a film production company, a theatrical garden, a silk and satin estate, and several factories...
All seemed viable at first glance, but upon deeper consideration, none felt truly appropriate. These two contract books are of paramount importance, and those who covet them wield unimaginable power.
Li Banfeng inquired, "Is there but a single Unnameable Place within Greenwater Bay?"
The phonograph responded, "This humble servant cannot ascertain that with certainty."
Who could be certain?
After a considerable pause, the Portable Residence spoke: "There is undoubtedly more than one such place. Utilizing the begging bowl should facilitate their discovery."
...
On Painting Street, within Liu Baoge's calligraphy and paintings establishment, He Jiaqing was engaged in the selection of a painting at the counter.
This particular shop was renowned throughout Painting Street. While most establishments dealt in paintings, this one offered treasures.
In Greenwater City, shops specializing in paintings could be broadly categorized into two types. One type offered authentic artworks, encompassing masterpieces by celebrated artists as well as fine pieces by lesser-known painters. These establishments provided clear provenance and guaranteed tenfold compensation for any discovered forgeries, thereby selling not just art but also trust and reputation.
The other establishments exclusively stocked imitations, making it abundantly clear that authentic artworks were not available; they offered exquisite replicas and inferior works, alongside numerous printed copies produced from molds. Despite being fake, each piece bore a distinct price tag.
Shops specializing in selling treasures operated with a unique system, exemplified by Liu Baoge’s establishment, where both calligraphic works and paintings could be either genuine or counterfeit. Whether one procured actual gold or mere sand was entirely dependent on their discerning eye. Once a transaction was finalized, payment and goods were exchanged, and no claims were entertained afterward.
He Jiaqing selected an intricately detailed painting from the display, depicting an old courtyard scene with a lady seated in a side chamber, attending to her appearance before a mirror.
Upon observing He Jiaqing’s choice, the shopkeeper, Liu Jinbao, extended an invitation to the back room. There, he prepared a fine pot of tea, dismissed other attendants, and confided in a hushed tone, "Esteemed Guest Master, to be perfectly candid, this particular painting is the genuine article."
He Jiaqing savored a sip of tea and affirmed, "I am aware; this is an authentic Hundred Flowers Fine Painting."
Liu Jinbao considered this for a moment before inquiring, "Given your recognition of the painting's origins, you must also understand its intended function."
He Jiaqing nodded, responding, "Matters of romance and feminine allure – is there any man in this world who would not be captivated?"
Liu Jinbao concurred, stating, "You have indeed unearthed a treasure. I have been forthright with you; name your price, and I shall accept any reasonable offer you present."