CHAPTER 230: CHAPTER 227 ENMITY

With the help of Manager Bai, things went smoothly for Chen Yongyi. The thread tassels obtained from Daming Prefecture were quickly exchanged for silver coins.

Chen Yongyi divided the silver coins in half, taking one half with him and sending the other half to Xingzhou with Zhong Dong. As Xingzhou’s warehouse had many personnel, once the silver coins were gathered, they would be sent to Chen Family Village.

Chen Yongyi instructed Zhong Dong and others, "Be careful on the road. This place isn’t like our Zhenzhou or Zhaozhou. Bring back the thread tassels needed here when you return."

Previously, the mention of the North would remind everyone of war chaos. Yet in just over half a year, Chen Yongyi felt Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou were safer than anywhere else.

Chen Zhongdong replied, "Fourth Uncle, rest assured. We will eat the dry rations we brought along the way and won’t delay our tasks."

Chen Yongyi nodded. During times of epidemic, Chen Zhongdong and others took turns patrolling the village, and later he took Chen Chuchu and Chen Zhongdong to Zhaozhou to make wind boxes. This time, Chen Zhongdong followed all the way to Xingzhou and Daming Prefecture, gaining knowledge and experience repeatedly, transforming from a young, inexperienced boy of the village into someone able to accomplish tasks.

"Remember," Chen Yongyi said, "if you truly encounter fierce bandits, abandon wealth and goods, life is most important."

Chen Zhongdong replied, "Sister mentioned it when we departed. Now, it’s not like before; life must come first." Chen Chuchu was able to manage the carpentry stall in Zhaozhou, now it was his turn, and he would certainly do the current tasks meticulously.

After arranging everything, Chen Yongyi bought ink and paper, and under the lamp, wrote a simple letter filled with errors to be sent back to Xie Liangchen.

This trip selling thread tassels went even better than he had anticipated, but he could sense someone keeping watch in the shadows. However, those people wouldn’t act immediately, so he let Chen Zhongdong go to the warehouse on the first trip. As it became increasingly unsafe, he would personally travel between the warehouse and the prefecture and county.

Miao Zigui made a round trip to Mingzhou in just three days, delivering thread tassels from Xingzhou. When his horses and carts ran out, he resorted to human carriers.

The thread tassels carried by manpower were medium and lower grades, delivered to towns and villages. Although these tassels were a bit rough, they were cheap.

With continuous coming and going, the warehouse in Chen Family Village at Xingzhou was bustling. Passing trading teams stopped to inquire, and before long, two carts of thread tassels were sold to a trading team without even leaving the warehouse.

Miao Zigui felt his trip was worthwhile. Sometimes, it’s not about what is sold, but whom it’s sold to. When he heard Mr. Tian mention various things about Chen Family Village, he was very curious. The decision to sell products before receiving silver coins made people admire Chen Family Village.

For a village struggling to have enough to eat, letting people take goods first—what kind of bravery is that? Just from this, Chen Family Village can succeed.

"Knowing how fast we sell goods, the villagers must be thrilled," Miao Zigui said, "We must seize the momentum now and ship out all the goods. Apart from Chen Family Village, there’s no such thread tassel on the market."

Now is the fastest selling period, and those in trading know they must grasp the best timing.

The Miao Family Trading Team filled their stomachs hastily and drove the carts forward. After finishing this trip, they had to wait for the second batch of goods from Chen Family Village to arrive in Xingzhou.

In front of the inn of Chen Family Village, personnel, carts, and horses came and went, no one paying attention to people sent by Du Family.

After watching for a whole day, Du Family members reported to Du Yi: "The goods brought by Chen Family Village didn’t stay long at the warehouse before dispersing. Several prefectures now have Chen Family Village’s thread tassels.

This is just one warehouse at Xingzhou; it’s said Qi State also has a warehouse for Chen Family Village."

Du Yi frowned. If Chen Family Village only supplied Daming Prefecture, it would be manageable. But after setting up a warehouse, the goods quickly scattered, making secret sabotage impossible.

Du Family’s connections aren’t effective in every prefecture and county. Using his elder brother’s network overtly would be too conspicuous.

It’s like Song Xian using a pawn, and he deployed a deputy general to lead an army to defend. But losing this way leaves him feeling aggrieved.

Du Yi asked, "Is there no more goods in Xingzhou for now?"

The servant replied, "No, everyone’s waiting for the next batch."

Du Yi said coldly, "Keep an eye on it. As soon as more goods arrive, report immediately."

Once the servant left, Miss Lin came out from the inner chamber.

"Third Young Master," Miss Lin said, "What should be done next? Just watch them..."

Du Yi reached out to hug Miss Lin.

Miss Lin’s face flushed, half resisting half yielding,

Du Yi, with a sinister look, said, "Chen Family Village was thoughtful in setting up warehouses, which is somewhat capable."

Miss Lin thought of Xie Liangchen, a surge of hatred entered her heart, "Where did they get their abilities? They rely on Song Xian, unlike me... without father or brother, I am alone..."

Du Yi looked at Miss Lin, and she promptly changed her tone: "Luckily, I have Third Young Master now. With Third Young Master here, I fear nothing."

Du Yi laughed, "That’s right. With me here, you needn’t worry. Now sheep’s wool has arrived; you must oversee them in carding and spinning it into thread tassels immediately."

Miss Lin understood Du Yi planned to deal with Chen Family Village, "I’ll follow Third Young Master’s instructions."

After Miss Lin left, Du Yi called for Du Family’s household general: "Look around and see if there are any usable mountain bandits." Setting up warehouses has advantages but also drawbacks; if something wrong happens with the warehouse, the loss of goods would be enormous. If mountain bandits destroy the warehouse and kill people from Chen Family Village, not even Song Xian would be able to do anything against him.

With Du Yi’s help, Miss Lin’s mood improved considerably. So what if Chen Family Village and Xie Liangchen rely on Song Xian? She doesn’t believe Song Xian would offend Du Family at a critical moment for Chen Family Village.

...

Capital City.

Princess Jiahui received the letter Liu Mama delivered.

After reading the letter, Princess Jiahui placed the paper under the lamp and burned it clean, then raised her rosy lips.

She had anticipated this outcome.

Using Du Yi to stir up conflict between Du Family and Song Xian, regardless of who wins or loses, it would be the same result.

She hopes they fight intensely, with a few deaths to seal the hatred. If not, she’d send people to lend a hand.

"Pick a couple of death warriors," Princess Jiahui tapped delicately on the table with her slender fingers, "instruct them to be ready; they might be needed in Daming Prefecture anytime."

After speaking, Princess Jiahui gently smoothed her hair before the bronze mirror. Chen Family Village surprised her by getting the better of Miss Lin so quickly.

The smart Xie Liangchen was a bit sharper than Miss Lin, but unfortunately, she hailed from a small household. Even if she could earn some silver coins, she couldn’t grasp the political situation. They didn’t realize that with their background, getting involved in these disputes wouldn’t end well.

There’ll be a great show soon, much more interesting than accompanying the Empress to admire scenery in the palace.

...

Chen Family Village.

Xie Liangchen was packing her bag.

Old Mrs. Chen helped tidy up some clean clothes, looking worriedly at her granddaughter: "Do you really have to go?"

Xie Liangchen nodded, "Grandmother, rest assured. The Tian Family Trading Team has traveled this road many times. Once I check the warehouse in Xingzhou, I’ll return; if all goes well, it’ll take about seven or eight days."

Chen Zigeng had been watching Xie Liangchen: "Will General Song accompany Sister?"