The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 157 There’s a way for you to seek redress (second update)

Chapter 157: 157 There’s a way for you to seek redress (second update)

Li Xianyun looked at Shart as he set a brick down and scratched at the lice on his body.

At that time, he was only eleven or twelve years old, coddled in the palm of loving parents; their tragic deaths and the mockery from others would naturally lead to his downfall.

Thinking about this, Li Xianyun walked over with Habu and Bater.

When Shart saw Li Xianyun coming, he stood up straight and said in a rogue-like manner, "Didn’t you say you wanted to see how I’d perform? That’s why I came here to work, to let you have a good look."

In reality, he was there just to scrape together a meal; there was meat in the lunch provided for the laborers.

It not only satisfied his hunger but also improved his living conditions.

How could he miss out on such a good opportunity?

As Shart said this, he scratched his arm through his tattered clothing.

It was just too itchy.

Li Xianyun looked at him and said, "Come with me."

Bater wanted to follow, as Khan had instructed him to protect the princess at all costs.

Li Xianyun looked at Bater and said, "You don’t need to follow; I’ll just talk to him for a bit and come back."

She had sleeve arrows on her forearm and knew how to use poison; if Shart tried anything, she was confident she could bring him down and not let him take any advantage.

Shart looked at Bater coldly and said, "You’re projecting your petty mindset onto noble intentions, assuming everyone is as bad as you are."

"You..."

Bater could hardly restrain himself from hitting him again.

When the two of them were alone, Li Xianyun looked at Shart and said, "I’ve heard about your situation."

Shart’s expression froze for a moment, and with a sneer, he said, "What now, you’ve come to mock me too? Laugh at me for being a useless coward who can’t avenge his parents?"

"I know you’ve done all that you could."

Shart was first struck with shock, then his face filled with a loathsome look, "You don’t need to pity me, I don’t need anyone’s sympathy."

Li Xianyun said, "If there were a way for you to take revenge, would you be willing to try it?"

Surprise shone in Shart’s eyes as he asked, "What way?"

"Tomorrow at 11 AM, go to the Official Government; someone will be there waiting for you," Li Xianyun explained. "Do as he tells you, share your grievances, and someone will seek justice for you."

Shart asked with a puzzled face, "Why would you want to help me?"

Li Xianyun replied, "I too was once oppressed by power and know what it feels like to have your pleas go unheard by heaven and earth. I understand your inner pain better than anyone, so I want to lend you a hand, call it compassion born out of shared suffering."

After she finished speaking, she left with Bater.

Shart remained alone, standing there in a daze.

Meanwhile, the burly man who made a mistake quickly sorted out the unripe grapes, letting Youlan and Zhuo Ma down.

The group boarded the carriage and headed for the West Market.

Seeing that it was not yet the time she’d agreed to meet with Ali, Li Xianyun took a few people to dine at a tavern.

After they were full, they arrived at the agreed place.

The shop’s doors were wide open, with Ali and four others waiting there.

When Ali saw Li Xianyun’s carriage approaching, he told the leader of the men, "They’ve arrived."

As they approached, Bater pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a stop.

Li Xianyun stepped down from the carriage.

The middle-aged man relaxed at the sight of the young visitors.

The young man, not knowing how to live frugally, spends money like water and has no skill in haggling.

He gave a knowing look to the three companions who had come with him.

The three of them had already assumed an air of having the upper hand.

Seeing Li Xianyun approach, Ali smiled and said, "Young Master, this person here is the landlord of the shop."

Li Xianyun nodded to the landlord as a form of greeting.

The landlord of the shop took Li Xianyun around the premises, talking it up as they went, praising the shop to the skies.

It was as though a monthly rent of one hundred taels of silver was already an incredibly low price, as if he had made a losing deal himself.

Throughout the tour, Li Xianyun remained silent. After they had finished, Li Xianyun finally spoke to the landlord:

"Forty taels a month for the rent. If you agree, we can sign the contract now. If you’re not willing, I’ll look elsewhere."

Upon hearing this, the landlord’s expression changed instantly, and he said, "You’re offering too low a price. Are you playing with me?"

The people accompanying them chimed in support.

Li Xianyun replied calmly, "Of course I am not playing with you. On the contrary, I feel you have no genuine intention to rent it out. The rent for the surrounding shops is forty taels a month, yet you’re asking me for one hundred taels. Isn’t that a bit excessive?"

She paused, then continued, "Or do you think that because of my youth, I don’t understand the value of things?"

The landlord did not expect Li Xianyun to see through his ploy and tried to maintain a nonchalant demeanor, saying, "I have not thought such things. However, as you have seen just now, the shop was previously used for selling clothes, it’s very clean, and the conditions are very good."

Li Xianyun replied, "In truth, the conditions of different shops are quite similar, and as you know, I plan to sell shaved ice and pastries here. If I were to take up this shop, I would also need to invest in renovations and refurbishments. The cost alone is a substantial investment."

"In fact, I am also hesitant. Among the five or six shops I have seen, all are quite nice. Some are already set up to sell pastries, with ready-to-use equipment, which would save a considerable amount of costs, and their rents are cheaper too."

Li Xianyun then added, "I intend to rent this shop not just for one or two years, but for the long term. Your shop isn’t earning any money while it’s vacant. If you rent it to me, you’ll have a steady income every year, and it will save you the trouble of repeatedly looking for new tenants."

Landlords of shops like these were certainly well-off; people with money detest being bothered the most.

That is why Li Xianyun made it clear from the start that she was looking for a long-term lease and also indicated she had other options.

By doing so, she dashed any feelings of superiority he might have harbored.

Sure enough, upon hearing her, the landlord’s attitude mellowed significantly and was no longer as haughty or domineering as before.

He only said, "Your offer is too far from what I was expecting."

Hearing this meant there was room for negotiation, making things much easier.

Li Xianyun asked, "What do you think would be appropriate?"

The landlord responded, "Eighty taels, and it can’t go any lower."

Upon hearing this, Ali thought that reducing the rent by twenty taels amounted to over two hundred taels of silver saved a year, which was no small amount.

He felt it was quite acceptable.

Li Xianyun looked at the landlord and said, "We’re meeting today with sincerity. Here’s what I propose: let’s meet halfway at fifty taels per month. If you find that acceptable, we can sign the contract now. If not, I’ll continue looking elsewhere."

"That won’t do," said the landlord. "If I agree to that, I’d be at a loss."

"Business is about fate, it’s about mutual willingness. Think it over. If you agree, we can sign the contract. If not, then let it be."

After Li Xianyun finished speaking, she looked at Ali and said, "Let’s go see the other shops."

Ali replied, "Yes. Young Master, the shop beside Stone Bridge is also quite nice and more affordable."

The group moved towards the outside.

As they were about to leave the shop, Ali glanced at Li Xianyun.

Li Xianyun gave him a look and said softly, "Don’t worry, he will call us back."

As they were nearly on the street, the landlord had someone chase after them, calling out, "Young Master, my Family Head says we can talk further."