Young Master Dou couldn’t stand it anymore and mockingly said, "Master Qi really hasn’t changed at all, after not seeing him for so long, he is still the same as before."

No improvement at all.

Master Qi felt very awkward hearing that, but he knew he couldn’t afford to offend the Dou Family, so he pretended not to hear, continuing to smile at Master Ouyang, waiting for his response.

Master Ouyang said, "Of course it’s possible, but my elder brother is getting old and doesn’t often see outsiders, so if your elder brother visits, it might be my nephews or grand-nephews who entertain him."

Qi Chengfang is quite interesting. He acts like an aloof lotus high on a snowy mountain before those of lower status, but becomes a sycophant before those with higher status, easily setting aside any pretense and dignity.

And Master Qi isn’t a wicked person, just slightly eager to curry favor with powerful families for some benefits. His elder brother Qi Zhengfang is also honest and humble, such a family wouldn’t dare abuse the power of the Ouyang Family to commit any evil deeds.

Master Qi was overjoyed: "You speak highly, Master Ouyang. To meet Lord Ouyang and the young masters of the Ouyang Family would be a great blessing for the Qi Family!"

The Lord Ouyang he’s referring to is Ouyang Hong’s eldest son, two years older than Ouyang Hu, who currently holds the position of Minister of Rites in the Capital, quite powerfully.

Young Master Dou was annoyed by Master Qi’s chatter, and dragged him aside: "Master Qi, you need to step aside."

You think one thousand taels of silver can bring about so many benefits, your plan is too precise.

Master Qi didn’t get angry at all, he chuckled as he tried to stand firm: "Young Master Dou, we meet again, such a coincidence indeed."

Young Master Dou: "..."

You are so lazy, you don’t even change the flattery words, this is exactly what you whispered to Old Ouyang earlier, not changing a single word.

Master Qi handed over an invitation, "We are old acquaintances, and it’s rare for Young Master Dou to visit the Prefecture, I am delighted and wish to host a banquet, hoping Young Master Dou and Master Ouyang would grace us with your presence."

Young Master Dou’s face twitched, wanting to punch Master Qi: "Qi, you are scheming even against me, can’t invite Master Ouyang so you use me as a stepping stone, you are really something."

Master Qi quickly said: "Young Master Dou misunderstood, I didn’t mean to, the banquet was originally intended for Young Master Dou, merely inviting Master Ouyang as he happened to arrive."

Master Qi was smiling, offering the invitation with both hands.

Young Master Dou snorted and said, "No time, not coming."

After saying that, he walked away, taking a chair to sit beside Master Ouyang, helping to collect silver notes.

Master Qi was angry, but he couldn’t contend with Young Master Dou, knowing if he pursued this too far, the Qi Family’s business might be at risk.

However, Master Qi then turned his gaze to Gu Jin’an, approaching to hand him an invitation, passionately repeating what he said to Young Master Dou.

Gu Jin’an didn’t want to listen, accepting the invitation before Master Qi finished: "I’ve taken the invitation, but I am uncertain if I’ll be free to attend."

Master Qi felt choked up hearing that. You accepted the invitation yet say things like this, isn’t this a slap after giving me candy?

But he knew the temperament of the Gu Family People, who are ruthless enough to deal even with their own grandfather, it frightened him, so all he could do was smile and say: "No matter, if you aren’t available, I can bring Brother Yun and Brother He to visit."

This is the advantage of knowing the location of the Gu Mansion; as long as he can let his sons meet Master Ouyang, it’ll be worthwhile.

Gu Jin’an listened and simply replied: "Whatever."

"Qiao Xiaoer, convey this message to your grandfather: ’The Qiu Family has been a noble family in Linhe Prefecture for centuries, don’t destroy yourselves over petty gains.’" Master Ouyang’s voice sounded in the room, speaking to the grandson of the noble family Qiu in Linhe Prefecture.

It’s not just the Sang Family from Linhe Prefecture, but the Qiu Family too. Old Master Qiu, unlike Sang Family’s head, is greedy and won’t miss the chance to profit.

Qiu Er listened, laughed, and said: "Rest assured, Master Ouyang, I will definitely deliver your message. Although your words may sway my grandfather, influencing the Ying Family or Zongzheng Family might still be difficult."

After some thought, he added with a smile: "On reflection, I probably shouldn’t have come, this is He’an Prefecture and the noble families here mutually watch over each other."

After speaking, he bowed and left, clearly dissatisfied.

Young Master Dou sneered seeing this: "Ha, fool."

Local noble families are worthless? They are still dogs for the Rich Families, and with Ming Shaoqing in Linhe Prefecture, if the local noble families there aren’t careful, Ming Shaoqing would gladly send them on their way and take their silver back to the Capital and boast to the Emperor.

"Douzi, no need to say more, collect those silver notes." Master Ouyang had already sent a letter to Old Master Yan San, an old friend who would persuade the local noble families in Linhe Prefecture, but if they didn’t listen, their fate had nothing to do with him.

Second Young Master Sang donated after Qiu Er, hearing their conversation, silently offered incense for the Qiu Family...Master Ouyang had made it clear if they continued with the Ying Family and Zongzheng Family, their fate was doomed, the Sang Family wasn’t going to follow suit.

"Master Ouyang, this is a token from the Sang Family...today was my fault, I hope Master Ouyang won’t blame the Sang Family."

Master Ouyang recorded the amount donated by the Sang Family and said: "The Sang Family is kind and benevolent and will certainly be blessed."

Second Young Master Sang heard this with great joy, relieved, fearing Master Ouyang might speak ill of the Sang Family before the Emperor, bringing catastrophe.

Second Young Master Sang bowed to Master Ouyang and quickly left.

Master Ouyang and the others were busy for an hour, finally finishing the donations, it was a remarkable result, these dozens of people together donated one hundred and sixty thousand taels.

Among them, Boss An and the Sang Family donated the most, each exceeding thirty thousand taels of silver, others ranged from one thousand to ten thousand taels, enough to make Master Ouyang happy.

With this silver, their bank can help more farmers.

Magistrate Gu was very pleased, these local powerhouses were finally dealt with by Master Ouyang, but: "Master Ouyang, the magistrates from the Prefectures are waiting for you."

The magistrates from Jianghuai Prefectures were all worried about tax, eager to have noble families open banks to save them, but the banks they intend to open differ from Dou Ou Bank, and could cause major future issues. They could only hope for Master Ouyang to open banks in cities under their jurisdiction to help them.

Young Master Dou was angry and said bluntly: "Wait for what? Can’t see Old Ouyang is exhausted? Magistrate Gu should send them back first and discuss tomorrow morning."