Zhu Hong had not been sick for just a day or two. Ever since the night Zhu Xiaoxian got married, he had started feeling unwell. However, he had managed to hold on without resting until a few days ago when he suddenly fainted. It was then that the Zhu family realized he was ill.
After a doctor was called, it was diagnosed as a case of extreme anger and emotional distress.
After serving Zhu Hong his herbal medicine, Zhu Xiaoxian spoke.
"In the past few days, several shopkeepers have come to say that the accounts are short of money. Your son was thinking, perhaps we could borrow some from the Chi family and return it with double the interest once we've weathered this storm. What do you think, Father?"
Zhu Hong did not reply, appearing to be contemplating the feasibility of this suggestion.
"Has your father-in-law said anything these past few days?"
Mentioning the fifth master of the Chi family, Zhu Xiaoxian's expression became quite disdainful.
On the wedding day, they had already made their separation so clear. If they hadn't caused a scene then and there, it was already a matter of mutual respect. Therefore, during the visit to his in-laws' home, he had merely gone through the motions of politeness.
Apart from his wife and her younger brother, he now disliked everyone in the Chi family.
Seeing Zhu Xiaoxian remain silent, Zhu Hong understood the general situation.
He let out a bitter laugh. "Truly, when a wall crumbles, everyone pushes. So many people want to break ties with us these days, to sever all contact. I wonder whose instruction it is, that they are so uniformly acting."
"Who else could it be? It must be Liang Quanbin that scoundrel instigating things from behind the scenes. I heard that he has been meeting with many prominent merchants in Jinling City under the guise of official business. Coupled with the Cao family being his lackeys, they are quite adept at acting as intermediaries, which is why this is happening."
When Zhu Xiaoxian mentioned Liang Quanbin, he gritted his teeth in hatred, wishing he could kill him immediately to quell the anger in his heart.
However, Zhu Jia's second uncle, Zhu Tu, and his eldest son-in-law, Quan Fu, were still imprisoned and had not been released. Therefore, they could not act rashly for the time being.
Everything would have to be discussed after they were released.
The Zhu family was already severely weakened. Not only had they suffered losses in personnel, but they had also been heavily extorted of money by Liang Quanbin.
They were no longer in a position to afford to pay the shopkeepers who were pleading for help.
A large crowd of them stood there, each hoping the Zhu family would provide an explanation. Otherwise, if their reputation and credibility were ruined, it would be difficult to rebuild them in the future.
Unfortunately, Zhu Jia's business was mostly managed by the second uncle, Zhu Tu, who was currently in prison. Many decisions could not be made without him, so it was up to Zhu Xiaoxian to stabilize them for now.
"Everyone, please do not panic. My father and I are both working on a solution. We have also made arrangements with the Chi family. In a few more days, we will be able to provide everyone with a resolution!"
Upon hearing the name of the Chi family, the shopkeepers felt somewhat reassured, thinking that the Zhu family was, after all, related to the Chi family, and they would not stand by and watch.
Alas, they were unaware that the one plotting against the Zhu family was none other than the head of the Chi family, Chi Zimo.
In the main courtyard of the Chi family, Chi Zimo was listening to his subordinate relaying the situation of the Zhu family.
"Currently, all the industries the Zhu family is involved in have been thrown into chaos. If the family head wishes to take over the Zhu family now, it would be quite easy."
"No rush. It's not the final step yet. Why spend seven parts of effort on something that can be achieved with just three?"
As expected of a merchant, his calculations were precise.
And the final step that Chi Zimo had been referring to soon arrived.
A bank run occurred at the Zhu family's bank.
Although this bank was not the Zhu family's main business, it was their largest source of circulating cash. Now, people holding banknotes to withdraw money lined up for three full streets.
Not only did the Zhu family's bank not have enough money to exchange, but even if it did, they couldn't continue like this, or the bank would be ruined.
However, with Chi Zimo's intervention, how could the Zhu family have any room to maneuver?
That afternoon, when the news of the Zhu family's bank being emptied reached Zhu Hong, he choked on his breath and almost died.
In this moment of crisis, Zhu Xiaoxian fed him the last Candle Dragon Pill.
A spiritual medicine was indeed a spiritual medicine. Zhu Hong quickly recovered his breath. Feeling the oppressive sensation in his chest disappear, Zhu Hong understood that it was the effect of the Candle Dragon Pill.
Having lost two pills in succession, the Zhu family's heirloom treasures were now all used up. Holding the pill box, he fell into a daze. Suddenly, he remembered that the Min family had sent a gift of gratitude.
If the Chi family was unwilling to help, perhaps seeking help from the Min family would be feasible!
So, he calmed his mind and said to his son, Zhu Xiaoxian,
"Go and prepare some congratulatory gifts. Prince Ding has been recuperating at the Min family's residence for many days, and we haven't visited. Today would be the perfect time."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiaoxian understood.
"But this pill was not something we actively sent. Will the Min family accept this favor?"
"Let's try our luck with the Min family. Besides them, who else in Jinling City is willing, or capable, of helping us?"
Zhu Hong sighed deeply, never expecting to reach this point.
In the past, when the Min family came seeking medicine, he had adopted a condescending attitude. Now, he had to humble himself before others, and he felt extremely ashamed and indignant.
But for the sake of the Zhu family, let alone begging the Min family, he would readily die if necessary.
When the father and son arrived at the Min family's residence with their congratulatory gifts, not only Prince Ding, but even the elder master of the Min family, was nowhere to be seen.
The butler apologized slightly and said,
"What an unfortunate coincidence. The Prince has recovered quite well these past few days. My master had made a solemn vow before the Bodhisattva that if the Prince's illness were to be cured, he would have a golden statue remade for him. So, he has taken the Prince to Yinguang Temple, saying they will not return for half a month."
This news struck the father and son like a bolt from the blue, causing them to stagger back.
Is Heaven truly determined to destroy the Zhu family?
Leaving them no chance at all!
"Butler, could you do us a favor and relay a message? It would be good for us to visit the Prince at Yinguang Temple."
Zhu Hong was truly desperate now. If he had known this would happen, he would have given the spiritual medicine to Prince Ding back then.
Today, he could have called in a favor. He never expected that one wrong step would lead to a cascade of errors.
What should they do now?
There was no point for the two of them to stay at the Min family's residence, so after a brief rest, they left.
In the carriage, Zhu Xiaoxian frowned. "Father, what should we do now? The bank still owes many people. They are all cursing our Zhu family for being untrustworthy, saying that money can be deposited but not withdrawn. If our credibility is ruined, it will be troublesome to regain it in the future."
"Go to the Chi family!"
The Chi family?
Zhu Xiaoxian was a little confused. They had sent several messages to the Chi family, but they had all disappeared into the sea like stones. If they went now, would the outcome be any different?
But Zhu Hong was thinking along these lines.
Upon arriving at the Chi family, Chi Zimo smiled faintly upon hearing the news of Zhu Hong and Zhu Xiaoxian's personal visit. They couldn't hold back after all.
So, in a good mood, he waved his hand and ordered tea and snacks to be prepared to welcome the "distinguished guests."