Chapter 226: Merchants Chase Profit and Lightly Part Ways

Chapter 226: Merchants Hasten to Profit and Part

After Wang Ji departed,

Chen Yi sat motionless, allowing Zhang Da Bao to tend to his appearance while inquiring,

"When did the tavern across from Bai Caoguang change hands?"

Zhang Da Bao meticulously combed through his long hair, replying, "Some time ago."

"Should be the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival. A very luxurious carriage arrived outside the tavern, driven by a quite attractive young woman."

"Ah, no—several rather attractive young women, claiming they intended to purchase the tavern."

"Initially, the tavern's owner refused, but once that young woman had a few crates of silver moved in, he agreed."

Chen Yi leaned sideways, asking, "How many crates of silver?"

Zhang Da Bao responded, "You weren't there to witness the scene."

"Many patrons remained inside the tavern, watching as that young woman opened one crate after another, asking the owner if he'd sell."

"One crate—no sale. The second crate, and so on, until five crates were opened, totaling ten thousand two hundred and fifty taels of silver, at which point the owner finally relented."

Chen Yi let out a hollow laugh, thinking to himself how this was precisely the kind of thing Cui Qingwu could accomplish.

In some respects, the Cui family of Qinghe was even wealthier and more powerful than the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture, naturally surpassing the Liu family of Jingzhou.

Even Liu Wen could muster thirty thousand taels of silver, whereas Cui Qingwu, the Cui family's sole daughter, possessed far more than that.

What struck him most was that she had, in fact, set up shop directly across from Bai Caoguang.

Was this intentional or mere coincidence?

If intentional, what purpose did she have in mind?

Surely, for the sake of his so-called "Chen Yu" business, she wouldn't go to such lengths, would she?

If unintentional, then it was far too much of a coincidence.

Chen Yi pondered for a moment but could not discern Cui Qingwu's intentions, so he set the matter aside for now, resolving to inquire of Chen Yunfan later.

"How has business been at Bai Caoguang these days?"

"Still the same as always."

"Since Yan Zhuang left with his team, the shop has been down to just Wang Zhuang alone, working himself to exhaustion. I've seen it and feel quite sorry for him."

"Though Wang Zhuang mentioned recently that business has been suffering, with many of our regular customers who used to come here for medicines now going elsewhere."

"They call it... Xinglin..."

Chen Yi spoke up, "Xinglin Jie."

Zhang Da Bao immediately agreed, affixing a light mask over Chen Yi's face, "Yes, that name."

"They've recently opened, and have already snatched a good deal of the medicinal trade away from us."

"Wang Zhuang said, if it weren't for our tea service, he reckons they'd have lost at least half their monthly takings."

Chen Yi understood this fully.

Xinglin Jie had a renowned physician overseeing it and had just recently set up shop in Shu Zhou, pricing their medicinal supplies lower than ours, naturally pressuring other competitors.

However, such a three-pronged strategy could only be employed once.

If the Liu family of Jingzhou failed to send reinforcements soon, trouble would inevitably follow, even with Liu Hong backing them.

Shu Zhou, after all, wasn't truly the Liu family's Shu Zhou.

After a bit of idle chatter, noticing the visitors hadn't arrived yet, Chen Yi sent for Zhang Da Bao to fetch the ancient lute.

He took it and set it across his knees, casually plucking a few strings.

The sound—clear and resonant, or deep and muted—echoed through the courtyard.

Zhang Da Bao patted his hand, "It's long been said the owner excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; I imagine your path with the lute must be just as refined as your scholarly pursuits."

He'd been at Bai Caoguang for so long, seeing countless visitors come and go, naturally aware of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering and Chen Yi's triumph in winning the poetry title with his "Water Melody Song."

In his estimation, the owner's literary prowess and mastery of the books were unparalleled, so naturally his skill with the lute would be no different.

Thus, after speaking, he tilted his head as if listening intently.

Chen Yi paid him no heed, his eyes fixed on the five strings of the lute, his hands settling comfortably on either side.

He began to play.

Pluck—clang—crack!

The familiar three-note melody rang out, resonating through the courtyard.

Zhang Da Bao's expression froze in surprise, staring at him. The cacophony of strings breaking echoed louder than the rain outside.

He stood transfixed, the noise in his ears reducing to a single thought:

The owner's cotton-cloth strings are quite well-made.

Resonant and powerful, clang-clang!

Soon, Chen Yi completed one piece.

He showed no signs of distress over the discordant sounds; instead, he appeared somewhat enlightened.

"The fingers, the force, the rhythm—they must all harmonize."

Before Zhang Da Bao could ask, Chen Yi continued plucking and playing "Xiaoyao You" a second time.

With the experience from the first attempt, he restrained his strength, using the flexible fingers honed by martial arts to play it with some semblance of technique.

Though it still bore no resemblance to "pleasant-sounding," it was enough to make Zhang Da Bao abandon his plan to cover his ears.

Perhaps the owner had been familiar with that particular lute.

Not long after, having finished the second rendition, Zhang Da Bao timely applauded, saying,

"The owner's musical skill... good."

He couldn't think of a more suitable adjective than "good."

Chen Yi glanced at him, "Good how?"

"Good... well, just better than me."

Seeing Zhang Da Bao's embarrassed smile, Chen Yi let him be, glancing at the scroll:

Cultivation Level: Fifth Grade—Below

[Opportunity: 525]

"Five hundred... better use it sparingly."

Chen Yi thought, and with 11 points of opportunity, elevated his musical skill to a minor achievement.

Since the fire that razed three towns brought him such great fortune, he had not expended any further resources beyond elevating his sword technique to the stage of Great Completion.

On one hand, all that he had learned had already reached the pinnacle of Great Completion, requiring too much opportunity to ascend further.

On the other hand, he harbored the intention of eventually bringing one technique to completion.

This time, the Wudou Sect’s arrival, Chen Yi unexpectedly attained enlightenment, achieving the Complete stage in his gun technique, and deeply comprehended the gulf between the Dao’s Great Completion and the Complete stage.

Not to speak of Heaven and Earth, it was like the difference between sesame and watermelon.

To put it plainly, under the Complete stage’s enhancement, the Falling Dragon Gun Technique’s power was tenfold that of the Collapse Peak Fist, the Hundred Flower Palm, and the Embroidered Spring Blade Technique.

Even the base-level Falling Dragon Gun Technique alone was more than five times stronger.

Such was the magnitude of the disparity.

But before Chen Yi could play another tune, Wang Ji had already driven his carriage to the courtyard, with Liu Rong leaping down before it even settled.

The latter’s face, now disguised as a middle-aged man, was brimming with smiles.

"Boss, you finally remembered me."

Chen Yi set aside the ancient qin, his expression calm, gesturing for him to sit. "Your matters will be discussed later."

Liu Rong obeyed, taking his seat, knowing Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao’s presence here was somewhat inconvenient.

"So many days waiting, it’s not urgent. I’m not in a hurry either."

Chen Yi slightly nodded, inviting Wang Ji to take a seat as well. "The matter of expanding Bai Caotang, how’s the funding arranged?"

Wang Ji respectfully replied, "I’ve ordered someone to find a secluded place, preparing to build a larger warehouse."

"One, for storing various medicinal ingredients, and two, to accommodate the artisans making teas."

Chen Yi pondered, saying, "Stock up more on the medicinal ingredients, and the craftsmen as well."

"Boss is right."

"Lately, due to the Xinglin Pavilion’s influence, the merchants of Shuzhou have started to overcharge for medicinal ingredients, the costs for tea-making ingredients have risen by twenty percent."

"No matter how high, gather as much as possible, lest we face shortages after expanding Bai Caotang."

Wang Ji hesitated, "But this way, the silver in the ledgers might not suffice."

Chen Yi had anticipated this. "How much silver is lacking, just tell me."

Seeing Wang Ji’s concerns ease, he continued, "Also, do you recall the matter of recruiting guards I mentioned earlier?"

Wang Ji nodded. "You said we need to recruit some experts to ensure tea supply."

"People have arrived."

"Arrived?"

"One hundred and twenty-seven disciples from the Tian Shan Sect, they’ll be here shortly. I’ll have them find you."

Wang Ji opened his mouth—

To his surprise, Liu Rong beside him was even more astonished. "Boss, all of them from the Tian Shan Sect?"

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. "Under the protection of Master Stop Cloud from the Tian Shan Sect, it should be no mistake."

"Is the Tian Shan Sect short on funds? I thought they had no more than three hundred people."

"This matter is rather lengthy..."

Chen Yi did not conceal the truth, briefly explaining the situation, cautioning, "When the Tian Shan Sect disciples come to Bai Caotang, there will be benefits and drawbacks. From now on, be cautious in your words and deeds."

Primarily, Wang Ji needed to hold his tongue, lest he reveal his identity.

Liu Rong smiled. "Fortunately, I didn’t kill Shen Huatang earlier, or this would’ve been even more troublesome."

Chen Yi glared at him, making him shift uncomfortably. "Be quiet."

"Wang Ji, you take Daobao and go find Stop Cloud Immortal to arrange things. You decide how to handle the rest."

Wang Ji agreed, leading Zhang Daobao straight to Xiao’s residence.

A moment of silence.

Chen Yi rose, went to check the weather outside the door, then closed it, smiling. "Lately, Xiao Jinghong hasn’t been in Shuzhou. You and I are safe for now."

"Though it’s hard to say when she’ll return. You’d better prepare for disguise, act discreetly and cautiously."

Liu Rong pursed his lips, somewhat troubled. "Boss, we’ve helped Xiao’s family before, why must we keep hiding?"

"I don’t want her to know of my existence yet. You’ll understand the reason later."

"Alright, boss, you’re the boss, do as you say."

"Though next time, we can’t hide in one place for so long. You nearly drove me mad..."

Seeing Liu Rong prattling on endlessly, Chen Yi glanced sideways. "If similar matters arise in the future, do you need me to find two girls for you?"

"Yes, yes... No, I don’t need that."

Liu Rong noticed the look in his eyes, feeling a sudden chill.

He knew Chen Yi was skilled at deception; he didn’t want to be teased by him.

After all, even the mighty Black Tooth had been tricked to death—how could it be Chen Yi?

"Enough with the chatter. This time, I’ve brought you here for a serious matter."

After a pause, Chen Yi noticed him calming down, and continued, "Next, I need you to keep an eye on Liu Hong."

Liu Rong blinked. "Who’s he?"

"The governor of Shuzhou, Deputy Governor Liu Hong."

"Boss, you... you dare to scheme with him? You... you’re truly someone who handles major affairs."

Chen Yi paid no heed, continuing, "You just need to watch over him, record his daily activities, the people he meets, and his words."

"Besides that, do nothing extra, and don’t let him or his associates notice you."

Liu Rong wanted to ask for the reason, but seeing Chen Yi didn’t want to explain, he nodded in agreement.

Chen Yi sensed his thoughts, yet didn’t elaborate, "Knowing less is better for you."

Liu Rong shrugged. "No worries. I know what I need without asking."

He’d been in Chen Yi’s company long enough to understand his methods.

Just like the time he’d schemed with Xiao Dongren before.

Without his constant presence, observing and listening, one couldn’t see through Chen Yi’s plans.

This time was the same.

Even if Chen Yi told him everything, he probably wouldn’t understand it, so he stopped asking further.

After a bit of idle talk, Chen Yi sent Liu Rong away.

Since the fire that razed three towns brought him such great fortune, he had not expended any further resources beyond elevating his sword technique to the stage of Great Completion.

On one hand, all that he had learned had already reached the pinnacle of Great Completion, requiring too much opportunity to ascend further.

On the other hand, he harbored the intention of eventually bringing one technique to completion.

This time, the Wudou Sect’s arrival, Chen Yi unexpectedly attained enlightenment, achieving the Complete stage in his gun technique, and deeply comprehended the gulf between the Dao’s Great Completion and the Complete stage.

Not to speak of Heaven and Earth, it was like the difference between sesame and watermelon.

To put it plainly, under the Complete stage’s enhancement, the Falling Dragon Gun Technique’s power was tenfold that of the Collapse Peak Fist, the Hundred Flower Palm, and the Embroidered Spring Blade Technique.

Even the base-level Falling Dragon Gun Technique alone was more than five times stronger.

Such was the magnitude of the disparity.

But before Chen Yi could play another tune, Wang Ji had already driven his carriage to the courtyard, with Liu Rong leaping down before it even settled.

The latter’s face, now disguised as a middle-aged man, was brimming with smiles.

"Boss, you finally remembered me."

Chen Yi set aside the ancient qin, his expression calm, gesturing for him to sit. "Your matters will be discussed later."

Liu Rong obeyed, taking his seat, knowing Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao’s presence here was somewhat inconvenient.

"So many days waiting, it’s not urgent. I’m not in a hurry either."

Chen Yi slightly nodded, inviting Wang Ji to take a seat as well. "The matter of expanding Bai Caotang, how’s the funding arranged?"

Wang Ji respectfully replied, "I’ve ordered someone to find a secluded place, preparing to build a larger warehouse."

"One, for storing various medicinal ingredients, and two, to accommodate the artisans making teas."

Chen Yi pondered, saying, "Stock up more on the medicinal ingredients, and the craftsmen as well."

"Boss is right."

"Lately, due to the Xinglin Pavilion’s influence, the merchants of Shuzhou have started to overcharge for medicinal ingredients, the costs for tea-making ingredients have risen by twenty percent."

"No matter how high, gather as much as possible, lest we face shortages after expanding Bai Caotang."

Wang Ji hesitated, "But this way, the silver in the ledgers might not suffice."

Chen Yi had anticipated this. "How much silver is lacking, just tell me."

Seeing Wang Ji’s concerns ease, he continued, "Also, do you recall the matter of recruiting guards I mentioned earlier?"

Wang Ji nodded. "You said we need to recruit some experts to ensure tea supply."

"People have arrived."

"Arrived?"

"One hundred and twenty-seven disciples from the Tian Shan Sect, they’ll be here shortly. I’ll have them find you."

Wang Ji opened his mouth—

To his surprise, Liu Rong beside him was even more astonished. "Boss, all of them from the Tian Shan Sect?"

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. "Under the protection of Master Stop Cloud from the Tian Shan Sect, it should be no mistake."

"Is the Tian Shan Sect short on funds? I thought they had no more than three hundred people."

"This matter is rather lengthy..."

Chen Yi did not conceal the truth, briefly explaining the situation, cautioning, "When the Tian Shan Sect disciples come to Bai Caotang, there will be benefits and drawbacks. From now on, be cautious in your words and deeds."

Primarily, Wang Ji needed to hold his tongue, lest he reveal his identity.

Liu Rong smiled. "Fortunately, I didn’t kill Shen Huatang earlier, or this would’ve been even more troublesome."

Chen Yi glared at him, making him shift uncomfortably. "Be quiet."

"Wang Ji, you take Daobao and go find Stop Cloud Immortal to arrange things. You decide how to handle the rest."

Wang Ji agreed, leading Zhang Daobao straight to Xiao’s residence.

A moment of silence.

Chen Yi rose, went to check the weather outside the door, then closed it, smiling. "Lately, Xiao Jinghong hasn’t been in Shuzhou. You and I are safe for now."

"Though it’s hard to say when she’ll return. You’d better prepare for disguise, act discreetly and cautiously."

Liu Rong pursed his lips, somewhat troubled. "Boss, we’ve helped Xiao’s family before, why must we keep hiding?"

"I don’t want her to know of my existence yet. You’ll understand the reason later."

"Alright, boss, you’re the boss, do as you say."

"Though next time, we can’t hide in one place for so long. You nearly drove me mad..."

Seeing Liu Rong prattling on endlessly, Chen Yi glanced sideways. "If similar matters arise in the future, do you need me to find two girls for you?"

"Yes, yes... No, I don’t need that."

Liu Rong noticed the look in his eyes, feeling a sudden chill.

He knew Chen Yi was skilled at deception; he didn’t want to be teased by him.

After all, even the mighty Black Tooth had been tricked to death—how could it be Chen Yi?

"Enough with the chatter. This time, I’ve brought you here for a serious matter."

After a pause, Chen Yi noticed him calming down, and continued, "Next, I need you to keep an eye on Liu Hong."

Liu Rong blinked. "Who’s he?"

"The governor of Shuzhou, Deputy Governor Liu Hong."

"Boss, you... you dare to scheme with him? You... you’re truly someone who handles major affairs."

Chen Yi paid no heed, continuing, "You just need to watch over him, record his daily activities, the people he meets, and his words."

"Besides that, do nothing extra, and don’t let him or his associates notice you."

Liu Rong wanted to ask for the reason, but seeing Chen Yi didn’t want to explain, he nodded in agreement.

Chen Yi sensed his thoughts, yet didn’t elaborate, "Knowing less is better for you."

Liu Rong shrugged. "No worries. I know what I need without asking."

He’d been in Chen Yi’s company long enough to understand his methods.

Just like the time he’d schemed with Xiao Dongren before.

Without his constant presence, observing and listening, one couldn’t see through Chen Yi’s plans.

This time was the same.

Even if Chen Yi told him everything, he probably wouldn’t understand it, so he stopped asking further.

After a bit of idle talk, Chen Yi sent Liu Rong away.

Then he shed his disguise, went around once or twice, and finally returned to the Xiao family.

Just as he stepped into the courtyard, Chen Yi sensed something amiss within the manor.

Liu Si’er and several other armed men looked far more grave than before.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Yi slowed his pace, keeping a sharp ear to their conversation.

“Those grain merchants are truly evil—taking advantage of the rain these past two days to hike prices on their own.”

“And they dare claim this year’s harvest is poor? Bah!”

“Once upon a time, a single shi of grain cost no more than one or two silver strings. Now they’ve raised it straight to fifteen or sixteen.”

“Seems small in the grand scheme, but the soldiers of the three cities require forty thousand sheng of grain. That’s sixteen thousand silver strings just for the surplus!”

“Who says it isn’t so?”

“They say the Third Elder Prince himself went to their door and kicked up a cloud of dust. I wonder if the Duke will go himself?”

“Go ahead—why not?”

“Let’s go together—I’d like to see what brains those rascals have to dare raise prices without provocation!”

At this, Chen Yi furrowed his brow inwardly.

The day before, Xiao Wan’er had told him the old patriarch’s expenditure on grain had nearly emptied the family coffers.

Enough to fill the summer stores burned at Checheng, and enough to cover the tax shortfalls.

And now, in just a few days, the prices had already risen.

Chen Yi knew it without needing to think further.

Someone had calculated that the Xiao family didn’t have enough silver—and deliberately manipulated them.

If he thought even deeper… was this treason against the ruler?

After all, the old patriarch had poured so much silver into grain purchases because of the imperial edict from the capital, delivered on the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Unless the old patriarch had resolved to commit treason, he could not afford to fall short.

“The Liu family of Jingzhou?”

“Shouldn’t be them.”

“They’ve only just begun establishing footholds in Shu Prefecture—unlikely to have coordinated grain prices across regions.”

“Then the only possibility left is… those hidden mice in the shadows.”

When the news of the burning of the three cities’ summer grain first broke, Chen Yi recalled the sudden price fluctuations in the capital city of Shu Prefecture.

Excluding the client who hired the black-clad man from Mingyue Tower, no one else could have orchestrated such a scheme.

“This is Yangzhou.”

“The old patriarch… he must be in a bind.”

Thinking these things, Chen Yi silently raised his umbrella and passed through the courtyard into the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Niuxue spotted him arriving and hurried over, setting aside her work to greet him.

She took the oil-paper umbrella from his hand and wiped the rain from his clothes.

Letting her move as she pleased, Chen Yi’s gaze drifted toward the Xiaoying Estate, wondering if Xiao Wan’er knew the truth.

Xiao Niuxue noticed his stare and smiled: “Master, I’ve already asked around as you instructed—Miss Xiao is all informed.”

“I’ll have the kitchen staff set aside a separate meal for Wu Ge the Young Master, so he won’t be delayed in his martial arts practice.”

Chen Yi, knowing the message hadn’t yet reached the rear courtyard, said nothing more.

The price hike from one or two strings to fifteen or sixteen silver strings revealed their fear of angering the old patriarch by raising prices too high.

So the matter was both difficult and simple.

It all came down to spending a few silver strings.

But why?

…

The afternoon passed with Chen Yi staying put, lingering in the Spring Lotus Garden, writing and sipping tea.

On the surface, leisurely—but beneath, he’d already plotted several strategies.

Only as night fell did he finally rest.

“Just a few mice in the shadows… hmph!”

“If we could net them all at once, the Xiao family’s situation in Shu Prefecture would improve no end.”

Yet Chen Yi had thought it over, and one thing still eluded him: why did these people target the Xiao family?

If the Liu family of Jingzhou came to Shu Prefecture, it was with designs on taking what was already theirs.

But those two clients—all their moves had revolved around grain prices. It was hard to tell if they were simply exploiting the Xiao family’s misfortune.

Even if the Xiao family had been swindled, they’d only lost some silver.

They could squeeze the juice from the lemon.

So long as the Xiao family remained, and the old patriarch and Xiao Jinghong were still alive, these people would eventually face reckoning.

“They couldn’t possibly care only about silver, could they?”

Chen Yi scratched his beard and muttered: “It’s not impossible.”

Merchants are greedy by nature.

The more chaos, the more they profit.

Especially in matters of war, the bolder merchants could make fortunes.

It wouldn’t surprise him if these people harbored such ambitions.

Thinking this, Chen Yi let out a quiet laugh: “If so, then this is going to be fun.”

He loved a good opportunist.

(Chapter Complete)