Chapter 1796 - 1795: Choose One of Two

"Han Han, I know you're always generous and don't have much in terms of cunning, but that can't be an excuse for them to evade responsibility."

Tang Rao might be muddleheaded in body, but he is not muddleheaded in mind at all.

"Jinxiu, wherever you and Xiao Bai chase around is one thing, but suddenly chasing here—do you think I'm stupid, or are you all too stupid, thinking I can't see through it?"

What???

Fang Jinxiu is at a loss for words. After all, as smart as Tang Rao is, how could he possibly be clueless about everything?

"Father, just now when Xiao Bai chased me, we both heard the noise in the room. You bully Lin Lin, and no one dares to speak up, but I'm your son. Jinxiu bullies me, and you don't have any reason to defend her and not help me, right?"

The way this is said—what does it mean by Tang Rao bullying Bei Lin? This matter between men and women, explaining it to a little kid who knows nothing is futile, even if you spoke until sundown.

"Sheng Xuan, our son is different from other kids. At his age, he should have some enlightenment on matters between men and women."

With such a hot potato like Tang Xiaobai, Tang Rao handed it directly to Li Shengxuan. Shengxuan knows that enlightening children is what mothers should do, so she quickly replied to Tang Rao, "Alright, Sheng Xuan will remember."

"Seems like you're all quite free. Go ahead, what do you want me to do?"

Getting to know someone long enough has its advantages. For instance, even if they show nothing on their faces, Tang Rao knows what they're thinking.

"Tang Rao, do we sisters look good?"

Zhang Kexin pouted, stood in front of Tang Rao, and bluntly asked, regardless of whether Tang Rao would be angry.

"Of course, and then what? What else do you want to say?"

If they didn't look good, would they have the chance to stand here and talk to Tang Rao? Before bothering Tang Rao, they would have been kicked out.

"Then we just want to ask, why would you bring a woman back when we sisters look so good, and not let us see her, keeping her hidden? We wouldn't say anything; it just makes us feel slightly uncomfortable inside."

Zhang Kexin continued to speak on behalf of everyone, and the sisters, for once, had unified thoughts and a shared front, agreeing that it's okay for Tang Rao to bring a woman back. They can reluctantly accept it, but hiding the woman—this they absolutely cannot accept.

"Ladies, you're wronging your husband. I've lived my life straightforward and upright. Even if I bring a girl back, it's dignified and open—not sneaky business."

Thankfully, Tang Rao had mentioned this to Bei Lin earlier. Bei Lin knew the story behind it, otherwise, once the women kept insisting on this, even jumping into the Kun River wouldn't clear him of it.

"Sisters, you really misunderstood Tang Rao. That woman wasn't brought back by him; she insisted on following him. Geng Bucuo had to arrange for her in a distant courtyard. You may not trust Tang Rao, but should believe my word, right?"

Bei Lin acted as a witness for Tang Rao, defending his innocence. At this moment, he seriously wanted to recite some poetry to express his inner feelings.

"We definitely trust what Sister Bei Lin says, as for Tang Rao, hmph, he got lucky this time. If any dubious women come to the Kao Shan Sect next time, we won't let it slide, same goes for you!"

Who is the Family Head here? Why does Tang Rao speak like he's joking, as if it once mattered, but now seems more like playacting?

"The Masters' scolding is correct. The servant will certainly maintain his decorum and not do anything against you. Please, Masters, do not wrong the servant. Thank you, very much."

So that's how it is.

Once they learned the background, the women who came for gossip finally calmed down. They no longer worried about Tang Rao finding some alluring vixen and hiding her at home, appearing much more magnanimous than when they arrived. As they walked out, they even comforted Tang Rao and Bei Lin, saying, "Take your time, pretend we never came, we apologize for disturbing you."

Having said that, all the women save for Bei Lin, who stayed by Tang Rao's side, vanished from his sight, including the assistant Tang Xiaobai.

In Tang Rao's heart, there was a pile of anger. At this moment, he wanted to find a place to vent but couldn't. Earlier, in his excitement, all his energy was focused on Bei Lin.

No matter how powerful he is, he's still a normal man. Normally, just twice is enough to drain him. How is he like what others think—just becoming unstoppable once he gains strength?

His anger, forcibly suppressed within, sleeping with Bei Lin without stirring his heart.

Two significant events occurred at the Kao Shan Sect recently, any of which could cause a great uproar both within the sect and on the Northern Island.

One of these events is the daughter of the Left Protector of the Central Island openly expressing love for Tang Rao, declaring she won't leave the Northern Island or return to Central Island without winning his heart.

The other event is the Island Master of East Island, Chen Jingtian, coming to Northern Island, demanding that Tang Rao become an honorary Island Master of East Island and exchange goods and services. If Tang Rao refuses, he demands Tang Rao return all the assets he acquired during his secret visits to East Island.

These assets include the water and Purple Crystal Tang Rao obtained over there. Such wealth, Tang Rao is certainly not going to return, but to conduct business with East Island? Tang Rao considers his reach limited. Small trade is fine, but once it expands, myriad problems arise, leaving him only solving issues and dealing with troubles in the future, with no personal life left—it's not the life he desires.

"You have to think carefully. I'm offering a choice—a mutually beneficial alliance with East Island. Persuade that old man from Beiyuan to open trade doors, and together we can prosper. You won't need to return everything you obtained from East Island. But if you refuse, forget all previous offers. Continue your affairs, and I will use our secret technique exclusive to East Island to know all you've acquired, requiring you to return even a handful of soil."

Chen Jingtian always advocates for courtesy before force. Unfortunately, after so long even visiting personally expressing his sincerity, he couldn't make Tang Rao agree to the terms. Despite being an Island Master, speaking nicely, Tang Rao should have shown some consideration. Instead, he responded as if listening to a joke, refusing to budge.