From a young age, Murong Xuan was exceptionally intelligent and possessed unwavering perseverance. After his family's decline, he diligently studied literature, military strategy, and honed his martial arts skills to a considerable degree. He knew that to restore his family's former glory, martial prowess alone was far from sufficient; he also needed to establish his own influence in the business and political arenas. Thus, he ventured into the business world, gradually making a name for himself in the capital's business circles thanks to his keen business acumen and decisive decision-making abilities.

However, Murong Xuan's personality was also distorted by this series of experiences. He became extremely arrogant, believing his talent and abilities far surpassed those of ordinary people, and filled with disdain and arrogance towards those inferior to him. At the same time, he was extremely sensitive and suspicious, harboring distrust towards anyone who might threaten his position and plans, and resorting to any means to guard against and eliminate them. In the business world, in order to gain profits, he often used unfair competitive methods, such as bribing officials, suppressing competitors, and monopolizing the market. Although his actions allowed him to accumulate a large amount of wealth in a short period of time, they also aroused the dissatisfaction and resentment of many people.

In his interactions with others, Murong Xuan was always adept at disguising himself. On the surface, he was polite and gentle, giving the impression of a refined gentleman. But in reality, he was ruthless and cold-blooded, willing to sacrifice the interests and even lives of others without hesitation to achieve his goals. He was skilled at understanding people's hearts and exploiting their weaknesses and desires for his own use. He cultivated relationships with powerful figures in the court and heroes in the martial arts world, using them to acquire information and resources and expand his influence.

For Murong Xuan, the capital's food crisis was undoubtedly a golden opportunity to realize his ambitions. He plotted to control food prices and supply, creating social chaos to gain greater political and economic benefits. He believed that if he could emerge victorious from this crisis, he could regain the court's attention and be given important responsibilities, thereby reviving the Murong family's glory. He colluded with corrupt officials to orchestrate this food conspiracy. Using the Muji Grain Store as a front, he secretly hoarded grain, inflated prices, and tampered with the grain, attempting to plunge the people into even deeper hardship.

He chose to do this partly out of a greedy pursuit of wealth and power, and partly to prove his abilities to those who had once looked down on him and his family. He wanted the entire capital to know that Murong Xuan was not someone to be easily defeated, and that he had the power to control everything. In his eyes, the common people were merely pawns in achieving his goals; their lives and deaths were irrelevant to him. He only cared about whether he could achieve final victory in this game of power and wealth.

However, Murong Xuan's plan was not without flaws. His greed and arrogance caused him to expose flaws in his conspiracy, which were precisely what Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er noticed. The appearance of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er was undoubtedly the greatest threat to his plan. He knew that if he didn't eliminate them in time, his conspiracy would be exposed sooner or later, and he would face annihilation. Therefore, he launched a relentless pursuit of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, attempting to nip them in the bud.

However, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were no ordinary people. They possessed extensive connections and powerful backgrounds in the capital, and, driven by a sense of justice, they were willing to go to any lengths to expose Murong Xuan's conspiracy for the sake of the people of the capital. Thus, a thrilling battle between good and evil quietly unfolded on the stage of the capital.

After their harrowing escape from Mu's Grain Store, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er did not falter due to the temporary crisis. Instead, their resolve to uncover the conspiracy and punish the mastermind, Murong Xuan, only strengthened. They knew that the people of the capital were currently suffering terribly from a food crisis, and every moment of delay would deepen their misery. Therefore, upon returning to their temporary lodgings, the two immediately locked themselves in to discuss and formulate a comprehensive investigation plan targeting Murong Xuan and the grain store.

The candlelight flickered in the room, casting the shadows of the two figures on the wall, creating a somber atmosphere. Xiao Yichen broke the silence first, his brows furrowed, his eyes resolute: "Wan'er, what we saw and heard at the grain store today clearly points to Murong Xuan. This man is extremely cunning, with a deeply entrenched network of forces behind him. If we want to completely expose his conspiracy, we must formulate a comprehensive and detailed investigation plan."

Lin Wan'er nodded gently, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, her eyes full of thought: "Yi Chen is absolutely right. Since Murong Xuan can secretly orchestrate such a large conspiracy in the capital, he must have been prepared. If we act rashly, we will only alert him, so we must plan carefully."

Xiao Yichen stood up and paced back and forth in the room, saying as he walked, "First, we need to gain a comprehensive understanding of Murong Xuan himself. Although we already know a little bit, it's far from enough. His daily whereabouts, the people he associates with, his likes and dislikes, etc., could all be the key to our breakthrough. I plan to send our trusted subordinates in several small teams to secretly monitor his residence, places he frequents, and the business areas he might be involved in. We must record every move he makes and every meeting, looking for clues in the process."

After listening, Lin Wan'er nodded slightly in agreement: "This is a good method. Understanding his daily activities may reveal who he is colluding with and his next plan. However, Murong Xuan is so cunning, his subordinates are probably not to be underestimated either. Our people must be extra careful and not expose their whereabouts."

"Yes, I will select those who are agile and cautious to go. At the same time, just in case, I will arrange for them to change the surveillance location and method every once in a while to ensure that nothing goes wrong." Xiao Yichen stopped and looked at Lin Wan'er.

After a moment's thought, Lin Wan'er said, "Besides monitoring Murong Xuan himself, we also need to conduct a more in-depth investigation of Mu's Grain Store. We only had a brief look at the store before, and we didn't have time to examine many places closely. I think we can find an opportunity to arrange for some people to infiltrate the store as shop assistants or customers to gather intelligence from within."

A glint of light flashed in Xiao Yichen's eyes. He looked at Lin Wan'er with approval and said, "Wan'er's plan is excellent. By having our own people infiltrate the grain store, we can observe their operations up close, see where the grain comes from and where it goes, and whether it's really as they say. Moreover, we can also keep an eye out for any hidden rooms or passages in the grain store. Perhaps there is crucial evidence hidden there."

"However, it won't be easy to sneak into the grain store. Mu's Grain Store is probably wary of strangers now, so we need to come up with a clever way to get our people in smoothly," Lin Wan'er said with some worry.

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment and said, "We can use some underworld methods. For example, we can find a few experts in disguise to have our people disguised as out-of-town merchants or their relatives who do business with the grain store. They can enter the grain store under the guise of discussing business or visiting relatives and friends. This way, we can reasonably explain their identities and avoid arousing suspicion."

“Good idea, Yichen. Let’s do it that way. However, once inside, they’ll need to be adaptable, as unexpected situations may arise at any time in the grain store,” Lin Wan’er nodded and said.

“Of course. I will select some quick-witted and adaptable subordinates to take on this task. Once inside, they need to familiarize themselves with the grain store environment as soon as possible, and build good relationships with the other employees and customers in order to obtain more useful information,” Xiao Yichen replied.

Then, Xiao Yichen proposed another idea: "Wan'er, we also need to investigate the source and destination of Murong Xuan's funds. He must need a lot of financial support to be able to stir up trouble in the capital and control the grain market. Where did these funds come from and where did they go? Finding out these things may uncover more of his conspiracies."

Lin Wan'er agreed: "That's true. But investigating the flow of funds is quite difficult. After all, financial matters are generally highly confidential. However, we can start with his business partners to see who has financial dealings with him, and then follow those clues."

“That’s right. I know some influential people in the Beijing business community who might be able to help. I’ll visit them now and see if I can get any clues about Murong Xuan’s business activities,” Xiao Yichen said.

Lin Wan'er stood up, walked to Xiao Yichen's side, and took his hand, saying, "Yichen, you must be careful on your journey. Murong Xuan is definitely on guard against us now, and may secretly harm you."

Xiao Yichen gently patted Lin Wan'er's hand and said with a smile, "Wan'er, don't worry, I'll be careful. You should also take good care of yourself here. When I come back, we'll refine the investigation plan based on the clues we've gathered."

After saying that, Xiao Yichen turned and went out to visit his business friends.

During Xiao Yichen's absence, Lin Wan'er was not idle either. She knew that the two of them alone were far from enough to expose Murong Xuan's conspiracy. Therefore, she decided to use her connections in the martial arts world to gather some righteous people to participate in this investigation.

Lin Wan'er sat at the table, spread out a sheet of Xuan paper, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and began to write letters. Her brushstrokes were light and fluid, and letter after letter was born from her pen. These letters would be sent to her various friends in the martial arts world. In the letters, she described in detail the food crisis currently facing the capital and Murong Xuan's conspiracy, sincerely inviting them to come and help.

After writing the letters, Lin Wan'er handed them to her subordinates and instructed them, "Send these letters out as soon as possible, making sure they reach all the heroes and valiant men. Our operation this time requires everyone's concerted efforts to succeed."

Her subordinates obeyed and left, while Lin Wan'er sat inside, silently praying that the letters would arrive soon and that her friends would arrive as quickly as possible. She knew that time was of the essence; every minute and every second was a matter of life and death for the people of the capital.

A few days later, Xiao Yichen returned with some clues he had obtained from his business friends. He looked exhausted, but his eyes shone with excitement: "Wan'er, I've had a very fruitful trip. I learned from my friends about some of Murong Xuan's business partners, several of whom are well-known wealthy businessmen in the capital. They have frequent financial dealings with Murong Xuan. Moreover, I also learned that Murong Xuan seems to be secretly controlling some underground banks to transfer funds and conceal his true intentions."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er's spirits lifted: "That's great, Yichen. These clues are very important. We can continue to investigate along these clues and see if we can find more evidence of his conspiracy."

Just then, Lin Wan'er's messengers returned one after another, bringing good news: many heroes of the martial arts world, after receiving the letter, expressed their willingness to come and help. Some were already on their way to the capital, while others were arranging their itineraries.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were overjoyed upon hearing this news. They knew that with the addition of these heroes of the martial world, their chances of uncovering Murong Xuan's conspiracy had increased significantly.

"Wan'er, now that we have enough manpower, we need to further refine our investigation plan based on the new clues we've obtained," Xiao Yichen said.

“Okay, Yichen. We need to make sure everyone understands their tasks and performs their duties so that we can uncover Murong Xuan’s conspiracy more efficiently,” Lin Wan’er replied.

So, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er sat down again and, combining the newly acquired clues with the upcoming support of the martial arts heroes, comprehensively refined their previously formulated investigation plan. They meticulously assigned tasks to everyone, including surveillance, infiltrating the grain store, investigating the flow of funds, and so on.

Under their meticulous planning, a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into Murong Xuan and Muji Grain Store is about to begin.

The night in the capital was as dark as ink. In the courtyard where Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er lived, the atmosphere was heavy yet tinged with a restless hope. The two sat around a simple wooden table, the candlelight flickering and illuminating their slightly tired but determined faces.

“Yichen, although we have formulated a preliminary investigation plan, Murong Xuan is cunning and his influence is deeply entrenched in the capital. With just the two of us and our subordinates, we are afraid we are not capable of completely exposing his conspiracy.” Lin Wan’er frowned and said softly, her eyes revealing her worry about the situation.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, his deep eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight, lost in thought. After a moment, he raised his head, his gaze resolute: "Wan'er, you're right. We must seek more help to contend with Murong Xuan. I still have several old classmates in the capital, some holding official positions, others enjoying considerable prestige in the martial arts world. I think they might be willing to lend us a hand."

Lin Wan'er's eyes lit up: "That's a good idea. However, now that Murong Xuan is colluding with some corrupt officials, won't your friends in the officialdom have some concerns?"

Xiao Yichen smiled wryly: "That is indeed possible. But I believe that there are many righteous people among them who will not sit idly by and watch the people of the capital suffer. I will visit them tomorrow and sound them out. As for my friends in the martial arts world, I will have to trouble you, Wan'er. You have extensive connections in the martial arts world. If you take the lead in gathering them, I am sure many chivalrous people will respond."

Lin Wan'er gently held Xiao Yichen's hand: "Yichen, you must be careful when you go to visit friends in the officialdom. Murong Xuan's spies may be everywhere. If you are not careful, you may fall into danger."

Xiao Yichen grasped Lin Wan'er's hand in return, giving her a reassuring look: "Wan'er, don't worry, I will be careful. When you contact your friends in the martial arts world, you must also be careful."

The following morning, Xiao Yichen, dressed in a blue robe and wearing a scholar's cap, disguised himself as a refined scholar and quietly left home, heading towards the residence of Su Jinzhi, a close friend in the capital's eastern district. Su Jinzhi worked in the Ministry of Revenue in the capital; he was an upright and incorruptible man, and he and Xiao Yichen had known each other since childhood and shared a deep friendship.

Xiao Yichen arrived at the gate of the Su residence and presented his visiting card. Upon seeing that it was Xiao Yichen, the gatekeeper warmly welcomed him into the residence. After waiting briefly in the living room, Su Jinzhi hurried over.

"Brother Yichen, what brings you to my humble abode today?" Su Jinzhi asked with a smile, but a hint of doubt lingered in his eyes.

Xiao Yichen stood up and bowed respectfully: "Brother Jinzhi, to be honest, I have come today to ask you for a favor. I presume you have also heard of the recent food crisis in the capital?"

Su Jinzhi's face darkened, and he nodded, saying, "I am naturally aware of this matter. The soaring price of grain is causing immense suffering for the people. Although I am in the Ministry of Revenue, I feel powerless to do anything about it. The court is discussing countermeasures, but no good solution has been introduced yet. Brother Yichen, are you perhaps involved in this matter?"

Xiao Yichen took a few steps closer and lowered his voice: "Brother Jinzhi, Wan'er and I recently discovered through our investigation that a man named Murong Xuan is secretly manipulating this food crisis. He is hoarding grain, driving up prices, and intends to disrupt the capital to make personal gain. We have already formulated an investigation plan, but Murong Xuan has a huge influence in the capital, and we need your help."

Upon hearing this, Su Jinzhi frowned, a flash of anger crossing his eyes: "How could this be! I've heard of Murong Xuan before; he's said to be quite famous in the capital's business circles, but I never expected him to be so audacious. Brother Yichen, how can I help you?"

Xiao Yichen said, "Brother Jinzhi, I would like to ask you to use your position in the Ministry of Revenue to help me investigate Murong Xuan's business accounts and see if we can find evidence of his hoarding of grain and the source and destination of his funds. In addition, if you can speak on our behalf in the court and garner more support, that would be even better."

Su Jinzhi pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Brother Yichen, I can investigate the accounts in secret, but I need to be careful when speaking on your behalf in the court. The situation in the court is complicated now, and some officials are colluding with Murong Xuan. If I act rashly, I may alert them, which would be detrimental to us."

Xiao Yichen nodded in understanding: "Brother Jinzhi is absolutely right. We also know that this matter is not easy, and we leave everything to Brother Jinzhi's consideration."

Su Jinzhi patted Xiao Yichen on the shoulder: "Brother Yichen, don't worry. We've known each other since childhood. I will do my best for the people of the capital. You go back first, and I will send someone to inform you when I have news."

Xiao Yichen bowed gratefully, saying, "Thank you, Brother Jin. I will await your good news."

After bidding farewell to Su Jinzhi, Xiao Yichen immediately went to the residences of several other friends in officialdom. Some friends readily agreed to help, while others expressed that they needed to consider it further due to various concerns, but all promised to keep the secret.

At the same time, Lin Wan'er was also actively contacting friends in the martial arts world. She wrote a series of earnest letters, detailing the food crisis in the capital and Murong Xuan's conspiracy, and sent them to heroes in various places.

In the martial arts world, Lin Wan'er was known as the "Fairy of the Spirit Butterfly." She was kind-hearted, highly skilled in martial arts, and had repeatedly helped the weak and vulnerable, earning her great prestige. Many heroes of the martial arts world, upon receiving her letter, responded to her call and prepared to come to the capital to assist her.

Among them was a hero named Zhao Feng, a renowned swordsman in the martial arts world. He was a generous and loyal man. Upon hearing Lin Wan'er's request, he immediately gathered his brothers, armed with weapons and provisions, and traveled day and night to the capital.

There was also a female swordsman named Chu Yun, whose swordsmanship was superb and whose mind was meticulous. Although she was a woman, she was no less capable than any man in the martial arts world. After receiving the letter, she set off alone for the capital. She knew that this mission would be arduous, but for the sake of justice, she was fearless.

A few days later, Xiao Yichen returned to his residence and met up with Lin Wan'er. The two exchanged their findings and learned that many friends were willing to help, which brought them some relief.

“Yichen, we already have a lot of help, but Murong Xuan is definitely tightening his defenses. We need to refine our plan as soon as possible and integrate the forces from all sides to maximize its effectiveness,” Lin Wan’er said.

Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "Wan'er is absolutely right. I have combined the information I obtained from the officialdom with our previous plan and have come up with some new ideas. We can have Su Jinzhi create some illusions in the Ministry of Revenue, pretending to investigate the accounts of other merchants, in order to mislead Murong Xuan and make him think that our investigation is going in the wrong direction. Meanwhile, we will secretly increase our investigation into Mu's Grain Store and his other businesses."

Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "This plan is excellent. At the same time, we can have our friends in the martial arts world divided into several teams. One team will monitor Murong Xuan's possible reinforcements outside the capital, while another team will assist us in investigating the grain store and protecting our safety inside the capital."

“Yes, let’s do it that way. We also need to arrange a secret contact point to facilitate the exchange of information between the parties, so as not to be discovered by Murong Xuan’s people,” Xiao Yichen added.

So the two of them busied themselves again, meticulously arranging the tasks for all parties involved, and determining contact points and codes. They knew that this contest with Murong Xuan was like a war without gunpowder, where every link was crucial, and any negligence could lead to total defeat. But they held onto their beliefs, and carried the expectations of the people of the capital. They firmly believed that as long as everyone worked together, they would surely be able to expose Murong Xuan's conspiracy and restore peace to the capital.