At that moment, the wealthiest merchant in Jiangnan, Kim Man-sung, was pacing back and forth outside the Xu manor.
His thin face still maintained its usual calmness, but he was extremely anxious in his heart, and the white hair on his head suddenly dyed his black hair.
These days, there had been no news of the fleet that was supposed to return. Even though he had repeatedly blocked the news and delayed the return date, the news had suddenly spread.
Many wealthy people in Jiangnan had invested in this business. Now that Wan Dong's wealth had been thrown into the water, how could he be willing to let it go? In addition, some creditors had come to his door to ask for their old debts.
If it was just this, with his old face and the deep roots of the Kim family, he could deal with it.
But there were also rumors that the Kim family was about to collapse. Countless people went to the banks and banks in various places to run on the money.
Even if this had happened on a normal day, the Kim family would not have been able to bear it. But there were thousands of ways to deal with it. But at this time, there were people adding fuel to the fire, and the Kim family's building was on the verge of collapse.
The sun was dazzling, and beads of sweat dripped from Kim Man-sung's forehead.
Standing behind Kim Man-sung, Kim Sung-ho asked anxiously, "Father, why are we wasting time here? This Xu Xian is only a scholar. What can he do to help?
Why don't I go to the governor's yamen and think of a way? "
"Shut up. Will they let you in now?"
Kim Sung-ho was speechless. Now, no matter which house they visited, no matter how close they had been before, they could not even enter the door. They could only hear from the gatekeeper, "The master is not in the manor!"
Kim Sung-gye had lost the air of a distinguished young master. Sweat dripped from his body, and it was hard to tell if his body was hot or cold. He scolded, "Who knows how many favors they received from us, but now they are all so heartless. What a bunch of lowly people."
Kim Man-sung glanced at his son. "Because of benefits, power is lost. What is there to complain about? Didn't they bow and scrape in front of you?
Being fickle in love is just a small matter. If the Jin family really declines, I am afraid they will fall out with you. You may not even be able to keep your lives. "
As soon as these words came out, Kim Sung-ho and Kim Sung-gye's expressions changed. They had thought that the worst outcome would be to lose all of their wealth and leave some money to become a rich man. It was even possible for them to make a comeback.
Kim Sung-gye forced a smile and said, "Father, I still have scholarly honors, how could I …"
Kim Man-sung was no longer willing to answer. When the Kim family was powerful, they were able to stand on equal footing with the provincial government officials, which meant that the enemies they had offended were no less than the Kim family.
At that time, officials colluded with merchants and casually framed people for crimes. What was the value of a mere Jinshi's title? It was just someone who could be molested by others. Who would give you a chance to make a comeback? They would definitely cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.
Before he could think further, the door creaked open. The person who opened the door was Xu Xian, whom he had not seen for a long time. He smiled and said, "Old Master Kim, long time no see!"
Even with Kim Man-sung's composure, he could not help but be stunned. Compared to before, the current Xu Xian had changed a lot.
He was tall and slender, wearing a cloud-white robe, and his hair was loose. He looked free and easy, but there was an air of calmness like a mountain, as bright as the moon.
His appearance did not change much, but it could no longer be described as ordinary. Kim Man-sung could not associate the Xu Xian in front of him with the Xu Xian from a year ago. It was as if in the blink of an eye, there was a difference between fish and dragon.
Only the warm smile was no different from before, which gave him a sense of familiarity.
After the greeting, he was welcomed into the mansion.
The pavilion was quiet, the orioles were flying, and the grass was long. The green grass had already covered the small path. It was a scene of complete emptiness.
In reality, there was indeed no one. After Xu Xian and Xiaoqing left, Bai Suzhen went to Mount Emei, and Yun Yan went to the mountains.
Only one of the five ghosts was left to take turns to guard the door. With no one to look after it, naturally there was no mood to tidy up the mansion. Besides, Xu Xian did not think there was anything wrong with this. Besides, even if they were to gather together on a normal day, the only people who could be considered human were probably Xu Xian and Yun Yan.
However, Kim Man-sung and his sons found it very strange. Sometimes when they took a step out, they startled a small snake and slid into the lake. A few wild chickens flapped their wings and flew out of the bushes, landing on the other side of the lake.
Kim Man-sung said, "It is true that Nephew Xu does not like miscellaneous people, but this big mansion is so deserted and lacks human presence to suppress it. After a long time, I fear that fox immortals and ghosts will appear."
In this era, there were often legends of fox immortals occupying the abandoned garden. After a long time, even humans could not chase them away, and could only let them be.
He said this to use the two words "nephew", both to pull closer to Xu Xian, and also to test Xu Xian's intentions. If Xu Xian was a person who cared about fame and wealth, now that he had achieved success and recognition, of course he would not be happy to be called this.
He had seen countless people who were kind before they gained power, and after they gained power, they became powerful.
If Xu Xian had really changed, then there would be no point in him coming here.
Kim Man-sung saw that Xu Xian did not have any displeasure, and rejoiced that he did not misjudge this person. However, a strange smile appeared on Xu Xian's face, and he replied, "Fox immortals?
I actually hope to have one, hehe, I was just saying. "This made Kim Man-sung feel that he could not see clearly what kind of person Xu Xian was.
Kim Man-sung did not know, wasn't this garden cleaned by a great fox immortal some time ago?
And the ones in charge of looking after the garden were the five ghosts.
They came to the door of the reception hall, and the door suddenly opened, startling the three of them. Could it be that ghosts were really born?
A woman in green stood in front of the door, her black hair like ink, swaying with the wind, her eyes like green jade. She glanced at the three of them, and her eyes fell on Xu Xian's face. Her eyes had already turned pitch-black, and she hesitated for a moment as to what to say. In the end, she said, "I made tea!"
Kim Sung-gye said, "So … so it's Miss Qing."
He saw that the woman in front of him was beautiful beyond compare, and could move one's soul. In the hot summer, she revealed a kind of mountain spring's elegance, making one feel as if there was a cool breeze blowing, and there was also a faint fragrance lingering around, refreshing the mind, almost making him forget the disaster at this moment.
And the love between her eyebrows naturally could not be hidden from the eyes of an experienced playboy like him, obviously Luo Fu already had a husband, but at this time, how could she have other thoughts.
Xiaoqing said indifferently, "Oh, yes!"
It was almost the Duanwu festival again, based on her current cultivation, although she was not afraid of revealing her original form, she still felt a bit embarrassed.
Xu Xian introduced to Kim Man-sung, "This is my wife …" but immediately Xiaoqing glared at him, if there was no one else around, he would probably have given him a kick, so he could only say, "… My sister!"
Xu Xian welcomed the three into the Reception Hall, Kim Man-sung took a deep breath, and was about to speak.
But Xu Xian first asked, "Some time ago I went out to sea, and only recently returned to Hangzhou. Old Master Kim is well-informed, do you know of any strange things in the world recently?"
What he was most worried about was the whereabouts of those demon beasts, and the impact on this world. If they could really make people go crazy, and directly see the ancient version of Resident Evil as soon as they came back, then it would be a big deal.
Kim Man-sung said, "Big deal?" If there was a big deal, then of course it could only be the Kim family's matter.
"There is indeed a big deal, and it is related to Prince Xu!"
Xu Xian put down his teacup, and also became nervous, "What big deal?"
Kim Man-sung said bluntly, "I'm afraid the Kim family's ship has met with mishap!"
Among them was Xu Xian's shares, and it was related to hundreds of thousands, or even millions of taels of silver, it was definitely a big deal.
Kim Sung-ho said, "Father!"
His father had been announcing that the ship would return in a few days to stabilize the situation. How could he be so unwise now? If he really wanted to ask Xu Xian for help, he should at least give him a little hope and lure him with benefits. If he said that, who would be willing to help him?
Kim Man-sung looked at Kim Sung-ho, signaling him not to say more, but he did not find the slightest surprise or anger on Xu Xian's face. Instead, he saw a trace of relief, and replied with a smile, "Old Master, why are you so anxious? Maybe the ship will return in a few days!"
Although Xu Xian saved the Kim family's ship a few days ago, how could the speed of the ship compare to Xu Xian's flying speed? On the way, the ship had to stop to replenish water and supplies. On the contrary, it was Xu Xian who set out later, but arrived first. Xu Xian calculated the time, it should be today or tomorrow.
Kim Man-sung smiled bitterly, "Nephew, you don't need to comfort me. Earlier, I had received news from the south, but then there was suddenly no news. The sea was not calm, and it was unknown whether it was attacked by pirates or a storm.
Now that the Kim family has encountered a disaster, this time I came here with a request, I hope nephew will agree! "After saying this, he bent his knees, and was about to make a deep bow.
Originally, he thought that by opening the ocean route and drawing the sea map, it would be a road to wealth that others could not rob, but he did not expect that it would become a road to death.
How could Xu Xian let such an old man kneel to him? He quickly held him up and said, "Why do you say this, Old Master? If you have any request, you can tell me, I will naturally do my best!"
After Kim Man-sung explained the matter, Xu Xian was in a bit of a dilemma. He was not a business genius, and did not know how to run a bank, and he was not a politician, so he did not know how to deal with a bank run.
"What does Old Master want me to do?"
Kim Man-sung said, "I am afraid that the Kim family will not be able to get through this, I am afraid that when the time comes, the enemy will hit us when we are down. I hope Prince Xu can protect the Kim family, young and old, so that they will not be framed by villains, I will be very grateful."
Kim Man-sung also did not expect Xu Xian to be able to save the Kim family. Although Xu Xian was extremely famous, and he also knew many influential people, after all, that was not his own strength. However, he could use his reputation to ask him to protect the family at a critical time, this should not be a problem.
This was one of the backup plans that Kim Man-sung left behind. He believed that a person like Xu Xian would definitely not leave the family in the lurch.
However, Xu Xian gently shook his head, which made Kim Man-sung's heart sink to the bottom. Then he heard Xu Xian said, "Old Master Kim, if I say that the ship will return tomorrow, will the crisis of the Kim family be resolved?"
Kim Man-sung was surprised, "Tomorrow?"
But seeing Xu Xian's confident look, he pondered and said, "If it can really be done tomorrow, it will definitely be able to save the Kim family!"
Xu Xian said, "Well, don't waste time here, then please go back and prepare. I can guarantee that the ship will return tomorrow!"