novelraw Chapter 113: Await the Future
Chapter 113: Await the Future
Chapter 113: Await the Future Wen Gu is discussing the Sheng Family and is currently staying with the Sheng Family Merchant Caravan in the outer city area. Wen Gu is also mentioned.The caravan values information, as it concerns their interests and livelihoods. With the world in turmoil, they have an even stronger drive to gather news from all quarters.
Inside the room, the middle-aged man sitting at the head is the leader of this expedition—Sheng Ren, second-in-command of the Sheng Family Merchant Caravan.
His appearance is not particularly sharp, but rather has a touch of honesty.
His demeanor is steady and composed. If one didn't know better, they could easily be deceived by such an honest and sincere face.
At this moment, this second proprietor of the Sheng Family Merchant Caravan has a solemn expression.
Under the current pressure for survival, the six major forces in the northern lands are developing at an astonishing pace, appearing new each time they are seen.
Their Sheng Family merchant caravan operates every half year. Sheng Ren cannot entrust this to the younger generation or the stewards under him; he must personally travel to various places to observe the situation, which helps them make more accurate judgments about the current circumstances and trends.
The Dong and Zhao major forces are close by, so their caravan's first stop is Xin Prefecture.
"This Wen Gu… from last autumn to this spring, becoming the most famous person in Xin Prefecture City in such a short period, and deeply trusted, is indeed not simple!"
When the caravan comes to Xin Prefecture City, collecting information about Wen Gu is a definite objective.Sheng Ren analyzes some of the brief information he has just received and assigns tasks to his subordinate stewards and a few close confidants.
After the others leave, Sheng Ren closes his eyes in thought, recalling what he has seen along the way and the summary of the news he has just received.
After the autumn and winter seasons, Xin Prefecture's defensive works have expanded significantly.
The increase in defensive facilities and enhanced defensive capabilities also provide those who seek refuge here with a greater sense of security.
Furthermore, several major maritime families in the south have also chosen Xin Prefecture. This is not a decision that can be made in a short time; it must be the result of early planning by the Zhao Family.
"The situation in the northern lands still requires observation…"
After the quarantine and observation period ended, the Sheng Family's team was ready early in the morning, bringing wagonloads of goods into the city.
There are very few grain supplies among these goods intended for sale.
Since the times became chaotic, their greatest profit on each trade journey does not come from grain transactions.
The powerful and wealthy households have their own grain reserves and will not purchase grain at high prices from grain merchants for the time being.
As for ordinary citizens, most cannot afford high-priced grain, so grain transactions are actually limited.
Most of the goods in these wagons are being transported on commission, with items needing to be delivered to various households.
There is no need to worry about these goods being seized by local forces in Xin Prefecture.
As major grain merchants, they enjoy many conveniences from the six major clans in the northern lands.
Although they have pledged allegiance to the Dong Clan, they can still receive good treatment in the prefectural cities occupied by the other five clans.
No one knows how many trump cards merchants like the Sheng Family possess.
If they were to resort to certain methods, it might all end in vain, or even lead to greater retaliation.
Therefore, in the short term, the attitude of these major forces towards the Sheng Family is still relatively lenient.
If they truly lack grain, they will conduct direct transactions.
As they get closer to the inner city gate, Sheng Ren once again emphasizes to the stewards, lest the caravan members become careless:
"Xin Prefecture City has restarted the market district system, with district gates opening and closing at fixed times.
You must arrange the timing properly!"
Sheng Ren did not sit in the carriage; he observed his surroundings.
The military districts in the outer city area are enclosed by district walls, and one cannot see what is inside, so there is nothing interesting to see.
Soon, his attention is drawn to a farmer's ox cart in front.
The driver is a young farmer.
The cart has no carriage and is loaded with goods covered by a cloth, so their contents are unclear.
An old farmer is also sitting on the cart, talking incessantly in a low voice.
Sheng Ren vaguely hears a few keywords, seemingly mentioning "Jingxing District."
The steward and confidants beside him do not need Sheng Ren to remind them.
While showing nothing on their faces, they divert some of their attention to the old farmer.
Soon, the ox cart reaches the inner city gate.
Unlike many villagers who appear timid when seeing the gate guards, the two on the ox cart appear exceptionally calm.
The old farmer on the cart is quite spry.
He jumps down, pulls out a piece of paper, and hands it to the gate guard: "Goods for Jingxing District."
The guard quickly inspects it and does not detain the goods privately.
He chats with the old farmer for a couple of sentences in a rather friendly manner.
When a cart carrying goods enters the city, an entrance fee is certainly collected.
They had already paid at the outer city gate, but usually, those pulling goods will also offer a little something when entering the inner city.
The value of copper coins fluctuates greatly nowadays, and goods are generally used to settle the fee.
However, the old man driving the cart did not unload any goods, but instead handed over several small pieces of paper. The gate guard's face showed a smile of "making a big profit."
Sheng Ren's eyes flickered.
Money certificates?
It doesn't look like it; they are too small, and the printing is too simple.
Apart from these, could they be… the food ration tickets for Jingxing District mentioned in the news?
As merchants, they are sensitive to ticket-like items and understand their significance better. Seeing the gate guard's attitude, Sheng Ren's appreciation for Jingxing District increases.
Entering the inner city, before seeing anything else, his eyes are caught by the ostentatious, glittering Treasure Bridge.
Even having seen many rare treasures, he is still captivated by the magnificent sight there.
"It seems there are truly many wealthy families in Xin Prefecture City!"
From a distance, one can feel the nobility emanating from that area!
Sheng Ren only glances in that direction from afar; he does not go over immediately, as he has his own schedule. He calms his mind and reviews his itinerary for this trip.
For the first two days after entering the city, he will visit the various families, delivering the year-end gifts and letters he has brought, and also maintaining his connections.
The visiting cards have already been sent out in advance, and approximate appointment times with each family have been arranged.
The first visit will naturally be to the Zhao Residence. He doesn't expect to meet the Zhao Family Head, but if he is fortunate enough to meet the Young Master Zhao, it will be considered a worthwhile trip.
For these two days, his subordinate stewards and confidants will be tasked with inquiring and collecting information.
They have a place to stay in Xin Prefecture City.
After settling in, one of the stewards, with his mission assigned, heads towards the locations of Jingxing District and Qingyun District.
There is no need to inquire; where the Treasure Bridge is, that is where Jingqing Two Districts are located!
However, compared to the more bustling Jingxing District, this steward is more curious about Qingyun District.
Jingxing District, to put it bluntly, will become an entertainment area in the future. The Wanfu Garden built under the leadership of the Shen Family… one can imagine what kind of place it is.
Although they also value Wen Gu, the Foreman Wen of Jingxing District, heroes emerge in chaotic times. Major forces are now seeing emerging young talents.
As they have followed their boss to various places, they have personally met several brave and handsome individuals. Therefore, they are not that curious about Wen Gu.
What makes them more eager to investigate is the Daoist temple in Qingyun District, and the Daoist Master Qingyi mentioned in the news, whom the Zhao Family treats exceptionally.
When the Zhao Family first took control of Xin Prefecture, they had killed many monks and Taoist priests! Those who know the inside story understand that those killed were people who incited people's hearts and spread false doctrines.
However, it also truly shows that the Zhao Family was ruthless towards monks and Taoist priests, and it was once rumored that the Zhao Family detested monks and Taoist priests.
Now, a Daoist temple is under construction in Xin Prefecture City, and it is not small in scale.
The Sheng Family steward's eyes hold a hint of solemnity: "That Daoist Master Qingyi must possess profound immortal arts and be unfathomable!"
Qingyun District.
Daoist Master Qingyi resides in a courtyard; inside the room.
*Slap!*
A stack of papers filled with writing is slammed onto the desk. Due to the excessive force, some papers flutter to the floor.
A voice filled with exasperation echoes from within the room.
"I'm not doing it anymore!"
"Whoever wants to do it can do it!"
"Damn it!"
"Is there only me in all of Xin Prefecture who can refine these things? Why are you only targeting me?!"
"This is going too far!"
"Scoundrel!"
Throwing aside the lists filled with writing, Daoist Master Qingyi's face is ashen.
He silently recites scriptures, regulating his breath and calming his mind.
Then, he gets up.
With a cold face, he picks up the scattered papers one by one.
Who would have thought!
He was ambitious before coming to Xin Prefecture, truly hoping to be valued, but this is too much!
The tasks are one after another, layering one upon another.
Not to mention anything far-reaching, just recently, improving printing pigments? A minor issue, not difficult.
As soon as this was resolved, that "dog scholar" sent another stack of task lists.
It's gotten to the point where he has no free time to discuss Daoist philosophy with his patrons and believers!
He didn't want to accept them at first, but… the remuneration is quite generous.
He couldn't resist accepting them.
He couldn't resist!
Daoist Master Qingyi feels he is truly struggling.
Not only does the Daoist temple need to be built, but it also needs to be decorated!
Ordinary decoration versus luxurious decoration, naturally, he, full of ambition, chooses the latter!
The cost is immense!
At the same time, refining magical artifacts and various items also requires many rare materials.
Some of these cannot be bought with money and food alone; they are even more scarce the more they are used. That is to say, they are only in the Zhao Family's treasury and are willing to be used as payment.
Seeing these items listed on the task list, how could he resist?!
Daoist Master Qingyi, with a somber face, continues to tackle the challenging tasks on the list.
For the umpteenth time, he silently recites: Just wait! When my Daoist temple is built…
Not long after, a young Daoist disciple comes to report:
"Master, someone from an incoming merchant caravan, claiming their master's surname is Sheng, wishes to purchase our Daoist temple's exorcism talismans and incense for use during their caravan's journey."
Daoist Master Qingyi scoffs.
Although he stays here all day, his information is also well-informed.
He has also received news of the Sheng Family Merchant Caravan's arrival.
For such a large merchant caravan, it is impossible that they would not have sufficient stock.
Coming to the Daoist temple is at most to test the waters.
Perhaps they are curious why a Daoist temple has suddenly appeared in Xin Prefecture City, and they want to know if this Daoist temple truly has a Daoist priest residing here, or if it is just a ruse by the Zhao Family?
Understanding the opponent's general objective, Daoist Master Qingyi snorts coldly.
Regardless of whether they are testing the waters or not, I am not afraid of anything!
My confidence is boundless!
He has tangible achievements!
This territory, this Daoist temple, this treatment, were all earned through arduous effort, one paper after another!
The Sheng Family is also quite straightforward. If the caravan members were to be evasive, he would not be willing to sell!
Since they are so straightforward, there is no need to hesitate.
"If they want to buy, let them buy. The usual rules!"
Do not sell too cheaply, and do not sell too much!
Such minor matters are directly handed over to the disciples to handle.
The person who came is just a steward, and there is no need for him, the master, to personally appear. Although I may not be famous yet, my status must be maintained; I cannot be looked down upon!
Daoist Master Qingyi temporarily puts this matter aside.
The Sheng Family Merchant Caravan is indeed a potential major client, but unfortunately, the timing is not right, and their intentions are not entirely sincere.
When I become famous throughout the world in the future…
(End of Chapter)