Chapter 264: The East Wind Arrives! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 264: The East Wind Has Arrived! (Please vote for the monthly chapter)

Zhang Daobao didn’t keep Chen Yi waiting long.

Within half a moment, Wang Ji and Liu Lang arrived in quick succession.

Alongside them came three young men dressed in blue martial arts attire, their waists sheathed with knives and swords, following closely behind.

When Liu Lang saw Chen Yi, he laughed merrily and bowed politely. “Old boss, it’s been a while since I last saw you.”

Wang Ji and the others, however, bowed their heads respectfully. “Boss.”

Chen Yi regarded them calmly and coolly. “Sit down, and we’ll talk.”

Liu Lang stepped forward first, taking a seat beside him. As he observed Chen Yi’s composed expression, a quiet amusement stirred within him.

Back when he first met the old boss, unless it was a private meeting, Chen Yi always wore a stern face. But after spending more time with him, Liu Lang had come to understand—Chen Yi was a man of a thousand faces.

Beyond his public persona as “Liu Wu,” he had also masqueraded as Black Gum. Not only did his demeanor and tone closely resemble the real one, but even his aura could shift and adapt, making it rare for anyone to discern his true identity.

Liu Lang couldn’t help but feel a bit smug. “Only two people, I reckon, know the truth about Old Boss’s identity.”

He couldn’t help but recall “Wang Ji” again.

But Wang Ji seemed oblivious to his thoughts, likely not catching the undertone of his words.

Still, it was clear Wang Ji wasn’t about to engage with him then. After settling in, he approached Chen Yi and bowed. “Master, as per your instructions, I’ve discussed matters with Mistress Qing Tingyun of the Tian Shan Sect, and we’ve arranged for their younger siblings and cousins accordingly.”

He gestured toward the three young men seated at the end. “You three speak first.”

The eldest of the three nodded and bowed. “I am Xue Duanyun of the Tian Shan Sect.”

The other two, following closely, introduced themselves: “Tian Shan Sect, Zhang Shanhu.”

“Tian Shan Sect, Zhang Sihu, pleased to meet you, boss.”

Chen Yi studied them all, a faint glint flickering in his eyes.

Their auras rose into his field of vision.

The faintly glowing auras weren’t particularly strong—they were all at the five-tier cultivation level, slightly weaker than Shen Huatang.

Yet the first to speak, Xue Duanyun, bore an aura subtly intertwined with the harmony of Heaven and Earth.

Clearly, his sword technique had reached the minor achievement stage, capable of infusing his swordplay with a mere strand of sword intent to amplify its power.

Chen Yi nodded once, expression unchanged. “Welcome.”

Xue Duanyun and his companions exchanged surprised glances, their minds tingling with curiosity.

Before arriving, they had been informed that this meeting was with the boss of Bai Caotang, yet they hadn’t given it much thought. Now, seeing this composed demeanor from the boss, they couldn’t help but murmur under their breath.

Chen Yi paid these thoughts no mind. After nodding to Zhang Daobao to remain outside, he continued: “News from Guangyuan County has already reached me—better than I had anticipated.”

“Later, have Wang Ji send a message to Huang Hai. Let him begin preparations on-site for the establishment of Bai Caotang. You two dispatch the required silver and medicinal herbs.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Ji’s face lit up with joy. He immediately stood.

After nearly two months of hard work, Bai Caotang finally had the prospect of growth.

Chen Yi’s voice remained calm. “Don’t let your guard down.”

“This is the first step in expanding Bai Caotang—there must be no room for error.”

Wang Ji’s smile faded, his expression turning serious. “Master, rest assured—I’ll arrange everything properly.”

Chen Yi slightly nodded. “How about the medicinal supplies from Master Jia Yuqi’s side? Are they prepared?”

As Wang Ji was about to sit, he paused and hesitated. “No master, there’s been some trouble on his end.”

Not waiting for Chen Yi to press further, he quickened his pace. “It’s not that Master Jia is delaying—it’s that Xing Linjie has been obstructing things.”

“Ever since I and… Light Ferry Sir jointly resolved Master Jia’s case, he’s been gathering medicinal supplies.”

“But for three days straight, not a single batch of medicinal herbs—even a single root—has arrived.”

Wang Ji glanced at Chen Yi, seeing his impassive face, and pressed on. “After investigating, we discovered that Xing Linjie had already contracted with various medicinal suppliers.”

“They’ve… they’ve taken all the medicinal supplies.”

Chen Yi’s eyes shifted slightly, the first sign of change. “Besides Master Jia?”

Wang Ji nodded. “Master Jia Yuqi and the other three medicinal merchants have always cooperated with our Bai Caotang—they wouldn’t have made a contract with Xing Linjie.”

Chen Yi furrowed his brow inwardly.

Xing Linjie’s strategy of cutting off supplies at the source had caught him off guard.

At the same time, the earlier assumption about the unexpected burning of medicinal supplies by the Lin family’s grain trade—now seemed to carry a hint of conspiracy.

Had Liu Hong’s true intention not only been the grain storehouses, but also the medicinal supplies meant for Bai Caotang?

Chen Yi pondered for a moment, still unable to determine if it was coincidence or Liu Hong’s deliberate design.

Thus, he spoke slowly. “How much silver remains in the cabinets? And how much tea is left?”

Wang Ji quickly replied. “After deducting the taxes owed to the various parties and the government, there are fifteen thousand four hundred taels of silver remaining.”

“The five tea varieties also number only three warehouses, probably enough to last about ten days.”

Chen Yi nodded silently, calculating in his mind.

Last month, due to the opening of Yunqing Pavilion, other taverns in Shuzhou had rushed to purchase tea, bringing in a windfall for Bai Caotang.

But with the scheduled medicinal supplies unfulfilled, the workshops had nearly halted production, and Bai Caotang was now selling one barrel of tea, losing another.

“Since that’s the case, we’ll sell them in limited quantities.”

Wang Ji hesitated. “Master, how exactly do you mean to limit sales?”

“The latest date to maintain this is September 20th. Before that, sell only an equal amount of tea each day.”

“But this way, wouldn’t we be unable to supply the taverns and Qin Lou?”

Chen Yi glanced at him, coolly. “Spread the word that the medicinal supplies are all with Xing Linjie—who can cook without ingredients?”

“And add this—anyone in urgent need can provide their own supplies.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Ji paused briefly, then suddenly smiled. “Master, you’re brilliant. This way, Xing Linjie will be the one struggling.”

After all, Bai Caotang was no longer the struggling establishment it once was.

Thanks to the five tea varieties, Bai Caotang had firmly established itself in Shuzhou.

Describing it as well-known and widely recognized wouldn’t be an overstatement.

In Qin Lou, those debaucherous individuals nursing hangovers most favored Divine Bull Tea, whether for themselves or to entertain their companions—it was always the finest choice.

Wang Ji could easily imagine—after the limited sale of Bai Caotang’s teas, how those self-proclaimed rakehells would react.

It was, after all, impossible to let Xing Lin Zhai have it good.

Chen Yitu understood this well, continuing: “As for the medicines from Guangyuan, have Yan Hai secure them in advance.”

“On this side of the capital, you’d best find other suppliers quickly.”

After a pause, he inquired about something else: “The mountain clans, with the Wumen Mountain behind them, surely have plenty of medicinal herbs?”

Wang Ji nodded. “As far as I know, several major suppliers all gather their herbs from the mountain clans.”

“Only the mountain clans are insular, valuing loyalty and affection highly—it’s difficult to get them to sell to us at Bai Caotang.”

Chen Yitu let out an imperceptible chuckle, thinking to himself, “With Pei Menglü by my side, outsiders might not be so easily turned away.”

Yet he didn’t voice this immediately, instead letting Wang Ji try other methods first.

“Also, gather all the silver in the cabinet—later, I’ll have a pressing need for it.”

Wang Ji nodded and agreed.

The teas from Bai Caotang were all to be sold in limited quantities; those coins wouldn’t be of much use to him.

Besides, the proprietor needed money—how could he, as the manager, dare to object?

Not long after, Wang Ji departed first.

The remaining figures in the room—Liu Lang and Xue Duanyun—both turned their gaze to Chen Yitu, awaiting his command.

Chen Yitu didn’t hesitate long, speaking directly: “There is a matter I require you to attend to.”

“This matter is of great importance—under no circumstances must it be known to others before my orders.”

Liu Lang bared his teeth in a grin. “Master, whatever it may be, I’ll see it through without fail.”

He had already pledged to complete thirty tasks for Chen Yitu, and now, with fewer than ten accomplished, he couldn’t back out.

Xue Duanyun and the other two disciples of Tian Shan weren’t as quick to agree. They ventured to ask:

“What exactly do you wish us to do?”

Chen Yitu cast a glance at them, then had Liu Lang fetch paper and ink, writing a few lines.

After finishing, he paused briefly, then tore two more slips of paper, each with different instructions, folding them neatly.

Once everything was ready, he handed the first slip to Liu Lang. “Take these people and follow the instructions here.”

Liu Lang glanced at it, his expression tinged with confusion. “Master, does this mean the silver you had Wang prepare was for us?”

The note contained only one line: “Disguise yourselves as much as possible to purchase grain from Shu Zhou.”

Chen Yitu murmured assent, then folded the other two slips, holding one aloft.

“If the grain trade refuses to sell during this endeavor, refer to this slip.”

“If anyone discovers and obstructs you, consult the other.”

Liu Lang nodded, smiling confidently. “I’ll ensure no mistakes are made.”

Unlike before, he asked no further questions.

After so long, he’d developed a considerable appreciation for Chen Yitu’s meticulous planning—and naturally trusted him not to act without purpose.

As for Xue Duanyun, he could not help but press: “Might I inform the other brothers and disciples?”

Chen Yitu shook his head. “Too many eyes, too easy to be discovered.”

“Later, you’ll follow Liu Hu’s commands—he’ll explain the details.”

The three from Xue clan exchanged glances, then said no more.

Once Chen Yitu had concluded his orders, his expression eased slightly.

“Many Jianghu figures have arrived in the capital today, it’s said. They’ve come to follow the arrival of Bai Da Xian to Shu Zhou, drawn by curiosity.”

No sooner had he spoken than Liu Lang suddenly leapt to his feet.

“Who? Master, who are you speaking of?”

Even Xue Duanyun and the others were taken aback.

The name carried such weight.

Their reaction was only natural.

Chen Yitu paid it no mind, repeating: “Bai Da Xian.”

Then he added, “Right now, we don’t know his intentions in coming to Shu Zhou. But those Jianghu scum—thirty-six ways of mixing good and evil—you’d best watch yourselves outside.”

Liu Lang paused for a moment, then, instead of worrying, his face brightened with excitement.

“Bai Da Xian—the first martial artist of Wei, who has reigned over the Jianghu for decades! If he’s coming to Shu Zhou, it’s a grand blessing for us—I—”

Before he could finish, Chen Yitu raised his hand, cutting him off.

“What are you babbling about?”

“What use is your martial prowess and techniques in meeting him? You dare challenge him?”

Compared to Liu Lang’s partial understanding of him, Chen Yitu knew him far better.

After all, only those who make mistakes in naming can get the name right.

Liu Lang had practically exposed the “mad” in his nickname “Knife Mad.”

Setting aside his deeds in the Northern Desert, daring to challenge Xiao Jinghong despite knowing he couldn’t win—all to show his confidence in his knife skills.

“Master, this is such a fine opportunity…”

“I won’t stop you. But first, you must win that contest five days hence.”

Liu Lang blinked, realizing the contest was five days away, his face darkening with bitterness.

Even his wildness couldn’t match Chen Yitu’s calculation.

Seeing him fall silent, Chen Yitu grunted: “First, finish what I’ve assigned you. We’ll deal with the rest once Bai Da Xian arrives in Shu Zhou.”

“Thank you, Master, for your magnanimity—”

After giving a few more instructions, Chen Yitu dismissed them.

Zhang Da Bao escorted them out, returning to bow. “Master, might I provide you with—”

He made a gesture toward his chest.

Chen Yitu shook his head, looking outside.

The rain had eased, leaving only a fine drizzle.

In the distance, the sounds of vendors and laughter rose from the western market, clearly bustling with people.

Nearby, in the tailor’s shop, several women speaking the Shu Zhou dialect chattered about which fabric was best.

Chen Yitu stood quietly, listening, his mind rehearsing all his plans once more.

Once certain nothing was overlooked, he finally commanded: “Prepare the wagon—we’ll go inspect those Xing Lin Zhai establishments.”

"Yes—"

——

For three consecutive days.

Aside from teaching at the prestigious Yunxuan Academy, Chen Yi wandered the streets under the alias "Chen Yu," only returning to the capital as evening fell.

So much so that even Xiao Wugou had mentioned it twice before Xiao Wanie.

Fortunately, Xiao Wanie understood he was preoccupied with matters concerning the Bai Caotang, so she gave it little thought.

She merely cautioned Chen Yi to take utmost care with all affairs, chattering on about the influx of martial world visitors to Shuzhou and the uncaptured bandits responsible for slaughtering the protective horses of the Suoyue Kingdom.

This posed no real challenge to Chen Yi.

A few words from him eased Xiao Wanie’s worries.

Thereafter, he continued his usual ways, moving about Shuzhou City under the name "Chen Yu."

In the process, the matters he ought to have come to understand naturally became clear to him.

First, Master Yue Ming’s attempt to speak with Yang Zhe achieved little.

The scholar-official determined to implement the new annual examination system would not be swayed.

Thankfully, Yang Zhe had offered some suggestions to Liu Hong, securing a promise from Ma Shuhuan that it was not deliberately targeting Shuzhou’s scholars.

Second, the matter of Xinglin Pavilion.

Or rather, Liu Zhaoxue.

Since her return to Shuzhou, she had acted swiftly.

First, she signed contracts with all medicine dealers, slashing the procurement quotas of every traditional apothecary to ensure her dominance.

Then, she brought in two revered medical masters from Jingzhou to serve as visiting physicians for three days, offering free consultations to the people of Shuzhou.

At once, the businesses of all major apothecaries suffered, and the Bai Caotang’s limited tea sales quietly receded into the background.

The third piece of news concerned the Lurid region.

Recently, grain prices in Shuzhou had risen again.

With fifteen thousand taels of silver in hand, he could only purchase five thousand dou of grain.

Fortunately, the grain merchants remained none the wiser, and no shops had ceased selling grain.

As for the final message—it only reached him that evening.

Word arrived via the Tea and Horse Road:

"The Prince of Lurid, having learned of Lü Jiānnor’s death, erupted in fury, slaughtering several merchant caravans along the Tea and Horse Road.

Worst of all, rumors spread that he intended to lead a host of bandits to Shuzhou to demand reparations!"

(End of chapter)