Chapter 71: Son-in-Law: She Is Delicate and Weak, So Please Be Gentle (1)
The cabin door was abruptly shut, and several figures blocked the entrance.
Some people in the back noticed this and were about to voice their frustration, but before they could speak, those figures silently drew their long blades.
The gleaming white blades instantly cooled the tempers of those who had been about to protest.
Dressed in black leather, Shenyue led the Empress's trusted shadow guards, taking control of the entire scene in an instant.
The previously noisy atmosphere vanished almost instantly.
Everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events, and many turned pale.
Though they had seen much in life, how many had experienced a situation like this?
Su Qing removed his hood and walked straight toward the stage.
Shenyue and several armed guards followed closely behind him, silent and disciplined.
"Stay quiet and don't worry. Your lives are not in danger."
Standing on the stage, the young man scanned the room with a calm gaze as he spoke.
When the audience saw his face clearly, shock spread across their expressions.
They had not expected Su Qing to be here in disguise.
At least they were certain of one thing—there was no threat to their lives.
If it had been anyone else frightening them like this, they would have been furious.
But since it was Su Qing… Even though they were confused, no one dared act rashly.
Except for one person.
"My father is Chen Erhe. He has met Su Brother a few times before. May I ask what brings you here?"
At that moment, a young man stood up, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.
He had been one of the most aggressive bidders earlier, and his identity was extraordinary.
Just his family name alone was enough to make wealthy merchants and nobles tremble.
A buzz of murmurs erupted from the crowd.
"Chen Erhe? Isn't he the current Prime Minister?"
"So, he's the young master of the Chen family? This should be interesting."
Many people revealed amused expressions, clearly eager to watch the drama unfold.
Unfortunately for them, they didn't know Su Qing well enough.
"Come here."
Su Qing turned his head toward him, still wearing his usual smile.
Young Master Chen frowned slightly, obviously displeased by the command.
But he still strode toward the stage with the gait of a noble, exuding arrogance.
After all, with his status, even Su Qing had to show him some respect.
Under these circumstances, he was keen on asserting his superiority.
But just as he reached Su Qing, the young man suddenly extended a hand and grabbed him by the throat!
The entire room fell into stunned silence.
The once noisy hall was now deathly quiet.
Everyone watched, dumbfounded, not knowing how to react.
The Prime Minister's son was being lifted by the neck like a helpless chick.
Wasn't this a bit too outrageous?
Chen Erhe's son struggled desperately as pain shot through his throat.
But no matter how much force he exerted, that hand was like an iron clamp, unmoving.
In just moments, he was suffocating, the shadow of death looming over him.
Just as he thought he was about to die, Su Qing casually tossed him aside.
Young Master Chen gasped for air, his eyes filled with the relief of having narrowly escaped death.
Being alive had never felt so good!
"Young Master Chen, do you not understand the weight of my status? What makes you think you can challenge me?"
"Even your father wouldn't dare utter a single word after I told him to shut up."
Su Qing had no patience for this spoiled young master, a cold sneer on his face as he spoke.
The golden signboard of the capital was something that the old ministers of the court understood well.
Yet these arrogant playboys dared to think he was one of them. How utterly clueless.
In an instant, the entire room was intimidated—no matter their status or rank, everyone fell silent.
"You… How can you do this? We are within the bounds of the law! What right do you have to treat me so rudely?"
Young Master Chen coughed as he spoke, his eyes burning with rage.
A reckless fool who didn't know fear—this was the best way to describe him.
Had it been someone who understood Su Qing better, they wouldn't have dared to utter a single word in protest.
Hearing his words, some others in the audience silently agreed.
Brothels and pleasure boats had existed since ancient times and had never been banned!
"What right?"
Su Qing smiled, speaking slowly, "Let me ask you this—where did you get the eighteen thousand taels of silver you just bid?"
"If I recall correctly, your father's salary wouldn't allow such extravagance."
At these words, not only Young Master Chen but also the other bidders were struck dumb.
They finally realized how foolish they had been and lowered their heads in shame.
If they could turn back time, they would never have come here or taken part in such folly.
"I know you all have your own ways of making money, and I don't care."
"But since I caught you today, it's just your bad luck. All bidders, hand over the funds."
"If you can't produce them, then when I have my people search for it, there won't be any room for discussion."
Su Qing pulled out a chair and sat down with a smile.
After a few seconds of silence, someone finally stepped forward and handed over their money. The amount wasn't much, just a few hundred taels, which explained his quick compliance.
Once the first person complied, the second and third soon followed. Those who had placed lower bids were the fastest to pay up. Even those who had bid more had no choice but to hand over their money, albeit reluctantly.
Before long, a thick stack of silver notes had piled up on the table.