Chapter 68: Zheng Hongwen's Confidence

Zheng Hongwen had so openly stated the purpose of his family, and Du Chengfeng was not surprised. After all, the great clans have always placed profit above all else.

“Oh... and why is Young Master Zheng so certain that I’ve already mastered the method to produce those two prescriptions?” Du Chengfeng replied with a hint of amusement.

“Didn’t you once say that you used them to save a dying servant?” Zheng Hongwen countered.

“Did I really say that?” Du Chengfeng neither admitted nor denied it.

“If you already know, then you should also understand why I presented the prescriptions to His Majesty, and what my purpose was in doing so.”

At Du Chengfeng’s mention of this, Zheng Hongwen responded dismissively, “You are a man of great ambition and wisdom.”

“Though you possessed the prescriptions, to manufacture them on a large scale—if I may be frank—at present, you lack the capability.”

“So rather than hoarding them, it is wiser to present them directly to His Majesty. First, it leaves a favorable impression; second, it earns you a good reputation among the officials. Truly, it was a far-sighted, strategic move that yielded many benefits.”

“Perhaps you have sacrificed future profits, but since you hold the formula, it will be easy for you to use it for wealth again someday, isn’t that right?” Zheng Hongwen analyzed confidently.

His presumptuous speech made Du Chengfeng scoff inwardly.

Did he really think everyone was as greedy as his own clan? How presumptuous.

Du Chengfeng concealed his thoughts, intent on stringing Zheng Hongwen along to see what he was truly after.

“In that case, why should I cooperate with your family? What do you have to offer that would make working with you worthwhile?” Du Chengfeng deflected, deliberately avoiding Zheng Hongwen’s earlier proposal.

“You misunderstand, Young Master Du, and take it too seriously. We approach you with utmost sincerity, not coercion.”

“Our Zheng family may not be among the top clans of the Tang, but we have centuries of accumulated connections and resources, making us one of the most powerful among the nobility.”

“As long as you give your consent, with our strength and networks, everything will be easily managed.”

Zheng Hongwen’s words were smooth, answering Du Chengfeng’s question while subtly showcasing his family’s power and sincerity.

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“Oh…” Du Chengfeng smiled meaningfully and suddenly fixed Zheng Hongwen with a piercing gaze. “It seems I don’t know much about the Zheng family after all.”

“I’m curious, though. His Majesty has already issued the relevant decrees, and you know well the four conditions I raised in court.”

“Why should I take such a great risk for something so thankless? Moreover, your family is well aware this is in direct violation of imperial law, yet you’re trying to drag me into it—what are your true intentions?”

His last question was nearly a shout. Du Chengfeng had tired of playing games.

The Zheng family’s intent was clear: to seize the prescriptions he possessed, then use cooperation to reap vast profits.

As for where the medicine would be sold, Du Chengfeng could guess easily.

Since Li Shimin forbade private sales of these medicines in Tang territory, they would surely be smuggled to the Turks or elsewhere.

When enormous profit is at stake, even treason becomes a trivial matter.

With the nature of the noble clans, such a thing is easily done. Moreover, Yingyang was close to the Turks and far from Chang’an—convenient indeed.

“No, no, Young Master Du, please don’t be upset. My father always said: Those who achieve greatness do not fuss over trifles. Others may not, but you, as the holder of the prescription—even if you’ve given it to His Majesty—can still partner with others to produce it.”

“As for your concerns, they are no problem for the Zheng family. These are merely a few medicines; do you really think His Majesty would break ties with us over such a minor issue? Of course not.”

Seeing Du Chengfeng’s anger, Zheng Hongwen remained calm and continued to persuade patiently.

He did not realize that Du Chengfeng’s patience was at its end.

Were it not for being in his own residence, Du Chengfeng would have long since shown Zheng Hongwen no courtesy.

A pack of greedy parasites, smug in their self-importance.

“Young Master Zheng, forgive me, but I cannot accept your offer. I have my own principles and stance, and frankly, you underestimate me.”

“Since the prescriptions have already been presented to His Majesty, I shall not use them for personal gain. As I said when I gave them, not all things are about profit.”

Du Chengfeng’s words were icy, his expression showing clear displeasure.

---

“Young Master Du, we are truly sincere. If you have any conditions, please state them; our family will not refuse anything we can fulfill.”

Zheng Hongwen was still unwilling to give up, hoping to tempt Du Chengfeng.

In his eyes, they were just two small prescriptions; with a high enough price and generous terms, no principle could not be broken.

“Please leave, Young Master Zheng. The door is over there. I won’t see you out.” Du Chengfeng pointed to the drawing room’s door, issuing his guest a clear dismissal.

No matter how Zheng Hongwen tried to persuade him, Du Chengfeng’s heart remained unmoved.

He had tolerated the conversation only to confirm the stance of these so-called noble families.

Now Zheng Hongwen had clarified the Zheng family’s position, there was nothing more to discuss. These clans looked down upon the court, brazenly disregarding the law.

They could never know that Du Chengfeng had long since disregarded them, and would never stoop to such sordid cooperation.

Perhaps soon, in Du Chengfeng’s eyes, the noble clans would amount to nothing at all.

“Are you truly unwilling to reconsider, Young Master Du?” Zheng Hongwen remained seated, ignoring the dismissal.

“Before I lose my temper, get out!” Du Chengfeng shouted suddenly, his eyes flashing like blades, brimming with murderous intent. His patience was gone.

Zheng Hongwen shuddered involuntarily at Du Chengfeng’s sudden rage.

Faced with such terrifying eyes, even his confidence faltered. He rose and slowly walked to the door.

Before leaving, Zheng Hongwen turned back. “Young Master Du, I will return.”

Du Chengfeng raised his brows disdainfully and replied coldly, “Young Master Zheng, I advise you not to overstep. Remember this: do not treat the common people as nothing, or the consequences will be beyond your means to bear.”

Zheng Hongwen merely shook his head at the warning, dismissing it, and left in disappointment.