Chapter 327 - 226: Merchants Pursue Profit and Part Lightly (Part 2)
Chapter 327: Chapter 226: Merchants Pursue Profit and Part Lightly (Part 2)
To put it bluntly, when enhanced by the Perfection Realm of the Spear Dao, the Dragon-Falling Spear Technique was ten times more powerful than the Mountain Shattering Fist, the Hundred Flowers Palm, or the Brocade Spring Saber Technique.
Even when using just the Earth Tier version of the Dragon-Falling Spear Technique, it was still five times more powerful.
The difference was clear to see.
But before Chen Yi could play another song, Wang Ji arrived at the residence in a carriage, bringing Liu Lang with him.
The moment the carriage came to a steady halt, Liu Lang eagerly jumped down, his disguised, middle-aged face wreathed in smiles.
"Boss, you finally remembered me."
Chen Yi set the Ancient Zither aside, calmly gestured for him to sit, and said, "We’ll discuss your business later."
Liu Lang did as he was told and sat down, knowing it was inconvenient to talk with Wang Ji and Zhang Dabao present.
"I’ve already waited this many days. I’m in no rush, no rush at all."
Chen Yi nodded slightly and gestured for Wang Ji to also take a seat. "How are the preparations for the Hundred Herbs Hall expansion coming along?"
Wang Ji replied respectfully, "I’ve already had my men find a secluded location to build a larger warehouse."
"It will serve two purposes: one, to store various medicinal herbs, and two, to house the artisans who prepare the tea beverages."
Chen Yi thought for a moment, then said, "Prepare more medicinal herbs, and do the same for the artisans."
"You’re right, Boss."
"Lately, because of Xinglin Hall, the medicinal herb merchants in Shu State have started holding out for better prices. The cost of herbs for our tea beverages is already twenty percent higher than before."
"No matter how high the price, acquire as much as you can. We don’t want to be caught short-handed after the Hundred Herbs Hall expands."
Wang Ji hesitated. "But if we do that, I’m afraid the silver coins we have on hand won’t be enough."
Chen Yi had already anticipated this. "Just tell me how much silver you’re short."
Seeing that Wang Ji’s worries were assuaged, he continued, "Also, do you remember what I said before about recruiting guards?"
Wang Ji nodded. "You said that to guarantee the supply of our tea beverages, we needed to recruit some experts."
"The people have arrived."
"They’ve arrived?"
"A group of elite disciples from the Celestial Sect. There are quite a few of them, one hundred and twenty-seven in total. I’ll have them find you later."
Wang Ji’s mouth fell open. "One hundred and twenty-seven?"
Unexpectedly, Liu Lang, who was sitting beside him, was even more surprised. "Boss, they’re all disciples of the Celestial Sect?"
Chen Yi nodded and said with a smile, "With Xie Tingyun, the Celestial Sect’s senior disciple, vouching for them, there shouldn’t be any mistake."
"Is the Celestial Sect that desperate for money? I remember they don’t have many members—three hundred at the absolute most."
"It’s a long story..."
Chen Yi didn’t hide anything and briefly explained what had happened, adding a reminder:
"Having the Celestial Sect disciples at Hundred Herbs Hall has its pros and cons. From now on, you all need to be more careful in what you say and do."
This was mainly directed at Wang Ji, who needed to watch his mouth to avoid exposing Chen Yi’s identity.
Liu Lang laughed. "Good thing I didn’t kill Shen Huatang before, or I’d be in serious trouble this time."
Chen Yi shot him a glare, making him shut his mouth with an awkward laugh. Only then did Chen Yi wave his hand and say:
"Wang Ji, take Dabao to the Xiao Family to find Fairy Tingyun first. You can decide how to arrange everyone."
Wang Ji acknowledged the order and headed straight for the Xiao Family with Zhang Dabao.
After a moment of silence, Chen Yi stood up, glanced at the sky outside, then closed the door and said with a smile:
"Xiao Jinghong isn’t in Shu State lately, so we’re safe for the time being."
"But there’s no guarantee when she’ll be back. From now on, you’d best maintain your disguise and act with more caution and discretion."
Liu Lang grimaced, asking with a hint of a headache, "Boss, we helped the Xiao Family before, didn’t we? Why are we hiding like this?"
"For now, I don’t want her to know I exist. You’ll find out the specific reason later."
"Fine, you’re the boss. I’ll do whatever you say."
"But next time, I really can’t stay cooped up in one place for that long again. I nearly died of boredom..."
Seeing Liu Lang rambling on, Chen Yi shot him a sidelong glance. "If something like this happens again, should I find a couple of girls for you?"
"Yes, please! I mean... uh, no need."
Liu Lang caught his expression, and his heart skipped a beat.
’He knew all too well how good Chen Yi was at screwing people over. He didn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of those schemes.’
’After all, even someone as formidable as Black Tooth had been tricked to his death. What chance did he stand?’
"Enough nonsense. I called you here for a serious matter."
After a pause, seeing that Liu Lang had quieted down, Chen Yi said, "Next, I need you to keep a close watch on Liu Hong."
Liu Lang was taken aback. "Who did you say?"
"The Shu State Governor’s Office. The Left Governor, Liu Hong."
"Boss, you... you dare to scheme against even him? You... you... truly are a man destined for great things."
Chen Yi ignored him and continued:
"You only need to watch him. Record what he does every day, who he meets, and what he says."
"Other than that, do nothing extra. And most importantly, do not let him or anyone around him notice you."
Liu Lang wanted to ask why, but seeing that Chen Yi had no intention of explaining, he could only nod and accept the task.
Chen Yi saw through his thoughts but didn’t bother to explain. "Knowing less isn’t a bad thing for you."
Liu Lang said nonchalantly, "Don’t worry. What I’m meant to know, I’ll find out without asking."
He had been with Chen Yi for some time and was well aware of his methods.
It was just like the time he schemed against Xiao Dongchen.
If he hadn’t been there for the whole thing, seeing and hearing it all with his own eyes and ears, he would have never figured out Chen Yi’s plan.
It would be the same this time.
Even if Chen Yi told him everything, he reckoned he still wouldn’t be able to see the whole picture, so he decided not to ask any more questions.
After a bit more small talk, Chen Yi sent Liu Lang on his way.
Afterward, he removed his disguise and took a roundabout route before finally returning to the Xiao Family estate.
But as soon as he entered the front courtyard, Chen Yi sensed something was amiss within the residence.
The expressions of Liu Si’er and several other Armored Warriors were much graver than before.
After a moment’s thought, Chen Yi slowed his pace to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Those grain merchants are truly black-hearted. Taking advantage of the rain these past two days, they’ve gone and raised their prices without authorization."