Chapter 48: Settling Accounts

Warm, fragrant softness nestled in his arms, a pair of delicate arms tightly embracing him from behind—Zhao Kai’s heart was awash with joy.

The matter that had troubled him most was finally resolved.

As long as Fei’er and Yan’er could get along and let go of their grievances, he was content.

But… as for that rascal Zhou Chengwang, he would have to settle that account.

There was no need for his performance to be so convincing; Zhao Kai’s whole body still felt weak, yet to recover his strength.

He suggested that Fei’er and Yan’er rest for a while. The two of them, having just trusted each other with their lives, were now as close as sisters.

“Yan’er, from now on let us take care of our husband together. I am more delicate and gentle, so if we ever face danger, I’ll rely on you to make decisions. I’ll listen to you, Yan’er.”

Lin Fei’er was obedient and gentle, Zhao Yan’er strong-willed and spirited—each possessed her own beauty.

“Fei’er, don’t say that. When it comes to caring, our husband naturally prefers you. It’s not easy for you to accept me, so from now on let’s call each other sisters and become one family, shall we?”

“Of course.”

Zhou Chengwang watched this scene of harmony between the two, feeling happy for Zhao Kai, yet with a hint of regret.

“Have you seen enough?” Zhao Kai said coolly, rubbing his waist.

Zhou Chengwang chuckled. “Brother Zhao, don’t look at me like that. I only did it for your sake.”

For his sake? He nearly lost his life because of this, and Zhou had to use such a devious trick to force his hand—was he afraid the fire wasn’t hot enough?

Seeing Zhao Kai’s displeased expression, Zhou Chengwang quickly explained, “Brother Zhao, I really did this for you. You’ve helped me so many times—I wanted to repay you and thought long and hard about how to help. I knew you were always torn, liking Yan’er but not knowing how to face your wife. So I asked my uncle and second brother to put on that play.”

He was grateful, in a way. It had indeed solved his greatest dilemma. Only by such means could he confront his own heart.

“Enough, sit down. I don’t blame you, but if you really did frighten Fei’er and Yan’er, I wouldn’t let you off so easily.”

The chill in his voice made Zhou Chengwang’s hair stand on end—he knew Zhao Kai was capable of such things, but…

“Brother Zhao, I did this to make it up to Yan’er. You are a good man—no one compares to you. Take good care of her for me; that’s all I ask.”

Zhao Kai was momentarily speechless. So this fellow had volunteered to be the sacrificial lamb?

***

“It’s enough. I’ll make my own decisions. She is my woman now—she needs no interference from you.”

A sense of possessiveness had arisen in Zhao Kai. From this moment, Zhao Yan’er belonged to him alone—no one else could covet her.

Zhou Chengwang understood and said no more.

“But what do you plan to do about those people?” he asked.

“Those people? What people?” Zhao Kai was puzzled.

“You don’t know? When I had my men fake your kidnapping, we happened to run into some assassins after you. You were poisoned and unconscious. If my men hadn’t arrived in time, you’d probably be dead.”

Zhao Kai frowned. So it was true—someone had tried to assassinate him, and Zhou Chengwang had inadvertently saved his life.

But who had sent these killers?

“Brother Zhao, you really do make enemies wherever you go. Why is someone always out to get you?” Zhou Chengwang quipped.

“Indeed, not everyone is worthy to be hunted. But I’ve been attacked twice; perhaps one of those times should be credited to a certain someone,” Zhao Kai retorted.

Zhou Chengwang fell silent.

Zhao Kai shifted slightly and asked, “Has the poison been neutralized?”

“Yes, but you’ll need plenty of rest to regain your strength.”

As long as there were no lasting effects, that was enough. With the situation resolved, he planned to leave Erxian Manor.

Zhou Chengwang, however, clearly wanted him to stay. It was rare for Zhao Kai to visit, and he wished to keep him a few days longer.

“Brother Zhao, why not stay at Erxian Manor for a while? It’s spacious—ask for anything you desire.”

Zhao Kai stood up. “No matter how fine, it’s still your home. I must return to my own world.”

“Well said!”

No sooner had he spoken than the Second Master praised him loudly.

He looked at Zhao Kai approvingly, then shot a glance at his own son before cuffing him sharply on the back of the head. “Look at Brother Zhao, then look at yourself—useless!”

Now Zhao Kai understood where Zhou Chengwang’s lack of confidence came from. Traditional Chinese parenting truly was terrifying.

“Second Master, you’re too harsh. Chengwang has many admirable qualities, ones few can match.”

“What qualities? He can’t even handle simple tasks. There’s a batch of weapons the higher-ups requested, and he’s done nothing but make trouble.”

“It’s not his fault,” interjected the First Master, appearing at that moment. “The client’s demands are many, and Chengwang lacks experience. It’s normal for him to struggle.”

The First Master was much more composed than the Second and didn’t belittle Zhou Chengwang.

Seeing Zhou Chengwang’s crestfallen look, Zhao Kai couldn’t help but interject, “That’s right. When I first opened my gambling house, I suffered many losses. If Old Master Zhao hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t have done so well.”

The First Master nodded in satisfaction. This youth was both tactful and considerate—a true blessing for Chengwang to have befriended him.

“Brother Zhao, why not stay a few more days? Erxian Manor has not treated you well enough to let you leave so soon.”

“No need, no need…”

“How about this? I heard you have many ingenious ideas. I recently accepted a tricky commission and don’t know how to proceed—would you help me?”

But Erxian Manor dealt exclusively in weapons, and to entrust him so easily—was that wise?

Unlike ordinary business, their trade was intimately tied to the fate of the nation. Their dealings stretched far and wide; every country needed Erxian Manor’s weapons. Each contract was confidential: quantities, methods—only they themselves knew.

For an outsider like him, just arrived, to be handed such responsibility—was that not too hasty?

But seeing the First Master’s hopeful gaze, and Zhou Chengwang’s starry-eyed anticipation, he could only agree.

“Brother Zhao, my uncle thinks highly of you. He never allows outsiders to remain at Erxian Manor—you’re the first.”

“I’m honored,” Zhao Kai replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“So, do you have any thoughts on this commission? I’ve sent several batches already, but the client is never satisfied. They want both a saber and a sword, and even hidden weapons. I’ve racked my brain but can’t figure it out.”

No wonder his father scolded him, Zhao Kai thought to himself.

If they wanted a saber and a sword, then he could design a double-bladed weapon: one side a saber, and with a press of the handle, the saber blade retracts and the sword emerges. The hilt could even conceal hidden weapons.

As for the material, the edge was paramount—a blade of black iron would be best.

Zhao Kai drew up the blueprint, marking the proportions, dimensions, and mechanisms in meticulous detail. Zhou Chengwang marveled at the design. “Brother Zhao, you’re incredible! Why didn’t I think of this?”

Such designs were rare in ancient times—it was no surprise they hadn’t considered them.