Chapter 56: The Seventh Female Lead Appears? Did He Just Poke a Hornet’s Nest Full of Heroines?!

Shang Chan gave a faint smile and gently shook her head. She did have grudges with Bai Bing’er, and noticed the unusual look Bai Bing’er gave Lin Tian. She couldn’t help but mock her a bit.

But with Xuan Yuan Qingya, there was no real conflict. Though she was another female lead, she didn’t seem interested in getting involved in this chaotic mess. Besides, Jiang Yifeng was sitting right beside Xuan Yuan Qingya. Shang Chan didn’t like him, so naturally, she wasn’t eager to engage with Qingya either.

“I wouldn’t dare call it guidance. Just noticed Miss Xuan Yuan also seems intent on bidding?” Xuan Yuan Qingya nodded slightly without saying much.

Even without Lin Tian’s inner monologue, she really liked this Spirit Monkey Presents the Peach

 sculpture. She already had a fondness for pure imperial green jade, as shown by the elegant jade earrings she wore. Now that she had heard Lin Tian’s thoughts, there was no way she’d give this piece up.

In the original novel, Qingya didn’t show up, which is likely why Jiang Yifeng managed to win this incredible jade for only 3.3 billion. The clash between the few women finally settled down. But other influential figures like Zhou Wenlong of the Zhou clan, Luo Xiangguo of Xinghui, and Meng Youqian of the Meng family were also quite interested in it.

At their level, collecting antiques wasn’t enough. They were after rare and extraordinary treasures. And this imperial green jade sculpture was a top-tier masterpiece from every angle. There might never be another like it again, so how could they let it slip by?

The room buzzed with quiet conversation, testing the waters, gauging competitors, and throwing around speculative prices. Everyone knew this sculpture might surpass 2 billion—possibly 3 billion. At that level, money becomes just numbers, and no one could predict the ceiling.

After enough subtle probing, people realized the top contenders were the same as those who fought over the agarwood log: The Zhao family, Bai family, Meng family, and Xuan Yuan family… all in again.

But this time, the Li family, specifically Li Siyì, along with his son Li Yangqiu and daughter Li Yunqiu, was also entering the fray.

The Li family from Tian’an was a true titan, like the Mengs in Huancheng, but more low-key and disciplined. Though less showy, their influence was monstrous, controlling commerce, industry, foreign trade, and even local politics. Even the powerful Mengs couldn’t match their actual strength and territorial control.

Li Siyì, dressed in traditional Tang attire, exuded scholarly refinement and a gentle smile. His son, Yangqiu, was a dashing, athletic young man radiating sunny-boy energy. His daughter, Yunqiu, was graceful and elegant, like she stepped out of a classical painting—refined in every gesture, every smile. Their presence added new pressure to Shang Chan, Bai Bing’er, and the others.

Sensing this was a battle among the younger generation, Li Siyì decided to step back and addressed his children:

“Yangqiu, Yunqiu, this time the bidding is yours. Bai Bing’er of the Bai family, Shang Chan of the Zhao family, and Xuan Yuan Qingya—they are all proud talents of their generation. Learn what you can.”

The siblings nodded. “Yes, Father.”

Satisfied, Li Siyì entrusted them with the task. He didn’t care about the price—whatever they wanted was worth it. Even if they lost the bid, gaining experience would be its own reward. With that, it was time to introduce themselves. Though heirs to the prestigious Li family, Yangqiu and Yunqiu had rarely appeared in public. Even in Tian’an, their names weren’t widely known.

Yunqiu stepped forward first, bowing gently to Bai Bing’er, Shang Chan, and Xuan Yuan Qingya. Her voice was soft and her manners classical, charmingly old-fashioned:

“Miss Bai, Miss Shang, Miss Xuan Yuan, my name is Li Yunqiu. I’ll be participating in the bidding for Spirit Monkey Presents the Peach. I hope to learn from you all.”

Her appearance, elegantly tied hair, subtle makeup, and flowing presence—was captivating in its classic beauty.

No one hits a smiling face. Even as competitors, Bai Bing’er could tell her politeness wasn’t an act. It was the fruit of years of upbringing. Bai smiled and replied, “Miss Li is too courteous. Since we’re all here, no need to speak of instruction—let’s bid freely.”

Shang Chan, who only had an issue with Bai Bing’er, was respectful to others. She smiled at Yunqiu. “No need for such formality, Miss Li.”

Xuan Yuan Qingya merely gave a nod. That was already a lot. She wasn’t the type to show even that much unless the other woman truly impressed her.

Li Yangqiu also stood up, trying to greet the ladies. Seeing so many stunning women—Bai Bing’er, Shang Chan, Zhao Mengmeng, Xuan Yuan Qingya—he was a little flustered. But as a true Li heir, he had poise and offered a respectful traditional greeting.

Seeing that he was genuine and respectful, no one gave him the cold shoulder. Li Siyì nodded approvingly. His children had handled themselves gracefully in unfamiliar territory. They didn’t let him down.