Chapter Sixty Cause and Effect

  The Damascus saber that Pang Gang is now giving to the Kong family as a betrothal gift is not the original one that was taken away by He Zhengnan, but because Pang Gang dislikes that knife being used by He Zhengnan and considers it inauspicious. This Posture dynasty's unique Schlesser saber is also a type of Damascus saber, with more beautiful decorations and precious stones inlaid on the hilt, making it exceptionally luxurious, and its price is also the most "expensive", costing Pang Gang fifty kilograms of raw iron.

  Now he suddenly heard that this knife was worth a lot of money, and he couldn't help but start thinking crookedly. He asked, "Father-in-law, since this knife is so valuable, why don't we get a few more to sell and make a fortune?"

  Kong Wen burst out laughing, "Haha, son-in-law you don't know this, but this kind of knife is obviously made by a master craftsman. Where would you find dozens of them? Moreover, the rarer something is, the more valuable it becomes. If there were many of these knives, their price would naturally drop."

  Kong Wen's words awakened Pang Gang, who had been dreaming of making a fortune. "Yes, if dozens of identical Damascus curved knives were to appear on the market at the same time, their price would naturally drop. Moreover, unlike the mass-produced armor and weapons used by soldiers, this knife cannot be produced in large quantities. If many identical curved knives like this one were to appear on the market, not to mention anything else, even this cheap old man in front of us would definitely become suspicious."

  Just as Pang Gang's dream of getting rich was shattered and he was feeling extremely disheartened, Kong Wen took out an ancient-style jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Pang Gang, saying, "My son-in-law, this jade pendant is a relic from the Qin and Han dynasties that I acquired unintentionally when I was young. I've worn it for over 20 years now, so I'll give it to you as a keepsake."

  Pang Gang took over the jade pendant and found that this piece of jade was in the shape of a qilin, with a uniform light green color throughout, without any impurities inside. It looked warm and delicate, even Pang Gang, who had never touched jade before, could feel that this must be a good thing.

  "Thank you, Uncle Kong, for your generous gift." Pang Gang did not decline, but instead accepted it and thanked Kong Wen again.

  After exchanging gifts, the engagement was considered settled. Once the engagement was settled, the relationship between the two families became different. Kong Wen no longer held back and asked bluntly: "Son-in-law, now that we are one family, I won't be polite to you anymore. Since Jibao Zhai is not doing well in business, I want to transfer some of my assets to Qingzhou, what do you think?"

  Pang Gang thought for a moment before answering: "Father-in-law, Qingzhou is not necessarily peaceful either. If you don't have any help in the Qingzhou government, it will be difficult to take a step forward. I happen to have a business opportunity here, would you be interested?"

  "Oh, son-in-law, what business do you have? Don't hesitate to tell me and let's hear it." Kong Wen asked with great interest.

  "It's like this, my son-in-law has opened a cement factory in Wanghaibao, and the cement is a kind of......" Pang Gang explained his idea for the cement factory, and Kong Wen couldn't help but exclaim, "My son-in-law has actually researched such an amazing thing, it's truly something that others can't do! If the cement factory is built, it will surely sell well, it's a fortune to be made! Son-in-law, are you really going to give me a share?"

  "Of course!" Pang Gang nodded affirmatively, "Since Xiao Xu has spoken out, it's only natural that everyone will make money together."

  "Haha... I didn't misjudge you as a son-in-law, come let me toast you a cup!"

  "Cheers!" The two brothers-in-law then started drinking in the hall.

  Soon after Kong Rulan ran back to her boudoir, her personal maid Ling'er and several other maids from the inner courtyard rushed in, giggling and saying, "Congratulations, Miss! Felicitations, Miss! Your servants have come to offer you their good wishes!"

  At this time, Kong Ruo Lan, who was both shy and angry, stomped her small foot and scolded: "What are you talking about? This young lady hasn't agreed to this marriage yet."

  Ling'er giggled: "Hehe, Miss will definitely agree even if she doesn't now, it's just a matter of two days."

  "Yes, this young master may not be extremely handsome, but he's not bad either. Moreover, he can also be considered a dashing and talented individual."

  These maids were beating drums and teasing their young mistress on the side.

  Kong Rulan was now in a state of utter confusion. Whoever's daughter she was, she hadn't received any news beforehand, yet suddenly she was told that she already had a fiancé. It's likely that her heart would be thrown into chaos.

  Every lovely young girl has a small dream hidden in her heart, this dream includes the imagination of future husband and the yearning for future life. Kong Ruo Lan is no exception. However, today when this dream is about to come true, she becomes somewhat afraid. The heart of a maiden is always so elusive.

  Just as Kong Rulan's mind was in a mess, after the wine party dispersed, Pang Gang returned to his guest room to rest. He sat at the table and drank several cups of tea before quietly thinking about today's events. Today's events were somewhat sudden, leaving Pang Gang somewhat caught off guard. Out of the blue, he had gained a wife, which was something that anyone would have to carefully consider.

  Pang Gang was well aware that in this world, there is no such thing as love without a reason. Old Man Kong wouldn't have given him a daughter as beautiful as a flower just because of his own " aura". This must be due to some benefit or because he needed something from Pang Gang in Qingzhou. These things were clear to Pang Gang, but he didn't care. Someone had finally grown up and was giving him their precious daughter, if they said there was no need for him, even a ghost wouldn't believe it. But what's the point? Since he took someone else's daughter, he should at least give something in return.

  In another study, Kong's father and son were discussing today's events.

  "Lin Er, you must be very curious why your father would hastily arrange for Ruo Lan to marry Pang Gang."

  "Yes, Father, I don't understand. Although Pang Gang helped me out, our family also gave him silver and helped him prepare food, which is already repaying his kindness. Why do you still want to marry my sister off to him? He's a military household, and this hundred-household position isn't even hereditary! If my sister marries into his family, won't she suffer?"

  "Nonsense!" Kong Wenhui scolded, then said with a cold hum: "Our Kong family is in a very unfavorable situation in Yangzhou now. The Sun family relies on their power in the Yangzhou officialdom to suppress us more and more fiercely. How can we not leave a backhand? You also said last time that Wang Haibao is actively accumulating land, and it's not too far from Qingzhou. We want to establish ourselves in Qingzhou, how can we not find a reliable backing? But what backing can our merchant family find? Go find the governor of Qingzhou? That would be out of reach for us. Now, the only one we can get is this person. Although his current official position is low, he may have opportunities to rise in the future. I'm also betting on this son-in-law's future luck, so you must get along well with him these days, understand?"

  "Yes, Father, I understand." Kong Lin said with his head bowed and eyes downcast.

  After the engagement, he was no longer considered an outsider, and the Kong family arranged for him to live in the inner house from the second day. Of course, this move is not very consistent with etiquette. If those corrupt Confucians saw it, someone would say that it does not conform to the ritual system and is a shame to the literati. But Pang Gang and the Kong family were people from later generations, let alone living in the same courtyard before marriage, even if they lived on the same bed before marriage, it was nothing special. The Kong family was a merchant family, and they did not attach much importance to these male-female distinctions, so they would not have many rules either.

  As a result, Pang Gang had more opportunities to get in touch with this eldest sister of the Kong family.

  Thanks for the reward from yi jian piao 123 tong xie!