The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 426 Threat (3)_1

Chapter 426: Chapter 426 Threat (3)_1

At this moment, he was determined to meet Ma Erlang no matter what.

In his bones, Ma Zhicai didn’t respect Ma Erlang at all; he was single-minded in his desire to pass the imperial examination and become an official. He had no intention of associating with someone like Ma Erlang, who acted like a ruffian. If not for the potential of a good recommendation, he would have severed ties with the Ma Erlang’s house long ago.

But harsh reality struck Ma Zhicai hard, he stubbornly believed that with the Lin Family in power, even if he were of exceptional talent, it would be impossible to pass the exam in this lifetime. Having lost the potential path of the scholar, Ma Zhicai was lost and unsure of where to go next, and Ma Erlang’s appearance seemed to offer him a glimmer of hope.

Didn’t the Lin Family receive favour from Prince Ling because they knew how to make money? If he, Ma Zhicai, could make a fortune in business, wouldn’t overthrowing the Lin Family be an easy task in the future. Besides, no matter how powerful the Lin Family was, could they really be more powerful than him, Ma Zhicai?

At this moment, Ma Zhicai fundamentally considered himself a scholar, and believed the most intelligent people in the world were scholars like him.

Even though he hadn’t done business before, Ma Zhicai learned from his father that doing business required capital and connections. As for capital, there wouldn’t be much silver in the Ma family’s hands, as they’d already spent a considerable amount on his education. As for connections, perhaps his father, Ma Da, had accumulated some over the many years. However, as long as they remained in Feng City, Prince Ling’s domain, he, Ma Zhicai, would never stand a chance against the Lin Family.

The people around Ma Erlang were out-of-town businessmen who were generous. This information made Ma Zhicai realize the path he should take.

With a plan in mind, the waiting became particularly agonizing.

To not miss Ma Erlang’s return, all of Ma Zhicai’s lunch and dinner were delivered to his room by the server.

While he was impatiently waiting, Ma Erlang seemed to have disappeared. Not until the lamps were lit in the inn, did he return.

Ma Zhicai was restless in his room, unclear why he was so eagerly anticipating Ma Erlang’s arrival.

"The servant has made preparations for the food delivery." Just as Ma Zhicai was considering whether to step out and have a look, the familiar voice of Ma Erlang, coated in flattery, finally came from outside.

"Order more braised meat and roast duck." The outside conversation reached clearly into Ma Zhicai’s ears. The person seemed to be approaching his door.

Ma Zhicai straightened his ears and listened, taking the opportunity to swing the door open.

"Uncle Erlang?" The low voice seemed to carry a hint of surprise.

Standing outside were five or six burly men. At this moment, all of their eyes were locked on Ma Zhicai, their expressions alert and fierce, their chatter came to a sudden stop.

When Ma Erlang heard the familiar voice, he immediately turned around. Seeing Ma Zhicai, his eyes lit up with surprise, followed by embarrassment and panic. "What are you doing here?"

He asked in a low voice, his eyes filled with confusion.

"I had some business in the city, which delayed me, and I missed the gate closing time." Ma Zhicai would never disclose the truth that he had been waiting in the inn for Ma Erlang all day, instead, he casually made an excuse to placate Ma Erlang.

"I have something to do and will chat with you later. You wait in the house, I will go first." Seeing his companions’ dark expressions, Ma Erlang seemed very flustered.

As though he hadn’t noticed the displeased expressions of the few men, Ma Zhicai watched Ma Erlang with a smile, "Uncle Erlang, these are your friends, right? As friends, it’s not right to leave them standing outside. How about they come into the house and we can chat."