Rong Kingdom, this vast and boundless land, has borne countless stories and legends throughout the long river of time. Its capital city is the most prosperous center, bustling with traffic and crowds. In the streets and alleys, shouts rise and fall, various shops are lined with a dazzling array of goods, and pedestrians flow endlessly, creating a scene of extraordinary liveliness.

Xiao Yichen was a renowned figure in the capital. Tall and imposing, his blue robe billowed in the wind, his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes revealing a profound wisdom, his every gesture exuding composure. At only twenty-five, he had already carved out a remarkable empire in the business world. His business empire spanned numerous industries, from silk and textiles to jewelry and jade, from restaurants and inns to salt and iron trade, all of which he had successfully navigated.

Xiao Yichen was not born into a merchant family; he was from a military family. His father, Xiao Zhentian, was a highly decorated general of the Rong Kingdom, who spent his life guarding the borders and protecting his country. However, he tragically died in a fierce battle. Xiao Yichen was only ten years old at the time, yet he had to bear the pain of losing his father overnight and shoulder the heavy burden of the family. Although the family had been granted titles for their military achievements, their influence gradually declined after Xiao Zhentian's departure. Xiao Yichen knew that if he wanted to restore the family's glory, relying solely on the legacy of his ancestors would be far from enough; he had to find a new path.

So, he resolutely threw himself into business. Initially, everyone was skeptical of the young man's decision; after all, the business world is like a battlefield, unpredictable and treacherous. But Xiao Yichen, with his exceptional intelligence and decisiveness, as well as the perseverance and strategic thinking he had cultivated from a military family since childhood, quickly distinguished himself in the business world. He was adept at spotting business opportunities, always able to keenly perceive subtle market changes and potential demands before others even noticed. Whether negotiating with merchants from various regions or managing the numerous shops and employees under his control, he handled everything with ease and confidence.

Within this capital city, there lived a woman named Lin Wan'er, whose existence shone like a dazzling yet mysterious star. Lin Wan'er was only twenty years old, possessing delicate features, bright eyes, and white teeth; her smile was as warm and captivating as the spring sun. Her identity appeared ordinary—just a wealthy young lady—but she harbored a secret unknown to all: the ability to read minds.

The origin of this mind-reading ability can be traced back to a serious illness Lin Wan'er suffered as a child. That illness nearly took her life; after being in a coma for many days, she miraculously awoke, only to find that the thoughts of others would frequently and involuntarily surface in her mind. Initially, this ability filled her with immense fear and confusion; she didn't know how to deal with the overwhelming flood of thoughts. But as she grew older, Lin Wan'er gradually learned to control this power, regarding it as a unique talent.

She was always gentle and quiet, polite and humble in her dealings with others, and often participated in poetry gatherings and flower-viewing banquets with other noble ladies in the city. However, beneath her delicate appearance lay a resilient and kind heart. She knew that her mind-reading ability could discern both the kindness and sincerity of others, as well as the ugliness and conspiracies within human nature. Therefore, she always carefully guarded this secret, fearing that it might be used by those with ill intentions.

Meanwhile, in the distant kingdom of Mu, Prince Murong Xuan was ambitiously plotting his expansion. Mu was a vast and resource-rich kingdom, but Murong Xuan was not content with this. He aspired to bring the surrounding states under his rule and achieve hegemony. Murong Xuan was tall and imposing, handsome yet with a cold, stern expression, his eyes often flashing with a sharp, greedy light. He was headstrong, ruthless, and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Within the court of the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan, leveraging his princely status and shrewdness, cultivated a loyal following. His thirst for power burned like a raging fire. However, the Mu Kingdom's emperor, though aging, still firmly grasped control of the court, aware of Murong Xuan's ambitions and frequently attempting to check and balance him. This deeply frustrated and dissatisfied Murong Xuan, who understood that to realize his grand ambitions, he needed to find a new breakthrough and opportunity.

Rong Kingdom, with its prosperous economy and relatively stable political situation, became a tempting target for Murong Xuan. He secretly sent people to infiltrate Rong Kingdom to thoroughly investigate its national conditions, military deployments, and the distribution of various forces. After learning of Xiao Yichen's pivotal position in Rong Kingdom's business world, Murong Xuan conceived a plan—to gradually infiltrate Rong Kingdom through business cooperation with Xiao Yichen, laying the foundation for future invasion and expansion.

Beneath this seemingly calm surface, the gears of fate quietly began to turn. Xiao Yichen's business activities in the capital remained busy and orderly. He was preparing for an important trade cooperation with merchants from the Western Regions, hoping to introduce a batch of precious spices and medicinal herbs to further expand his business empire. Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er, during a casual outing, sensed something unusual—a kind of spying and scheming from the shadows—but she couldn't pinpoint the mastermind behind it all.

Meanwhile, in the palace of the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan gripped the intelligence report tightly, a cold, smug smile playing on his lips, as if he could already foresee the day when the Rong Kingdom would submit at his feet. He began meticulously planning his meeting with Xiao Yichen; a breathtaking contest was about to unfold in the capital of the Rong Kingdom…

On this sunny day, Xiao Yichen went to inspect his silk shop as usual. Inside, various silks and satins were displayed in vibrant colors and of excellent quality, and the shop assistants were warmly welcoming customers. Xiao Yichen carefully examined the merchandise display and accounts, occasionally discussing business strategies with the shopkeeper.

"Young Master, our silk shop has been doing exceptionally well lately, especially the new batch of silk from Jiangnan. It's been very popular with customers, and we've sold more than half of it in just a few days," the shopkeeper reported to Xiao Yichen with great enthusiasm.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, a satisfied smile on his face: "Don't be complacent because of the current good results. You must ensure the quality and supply of goods. At the same time, you should also pay attention to market dynamics. If there are any new popular styles or changes in demand, inform me in time."

"Yes, sir, I understand," the shopkeeper replied respectfully.

After inspecting the silk shop, Xiao Yichen rushed to his own restaurant. The restaurant was bustling with guests, filled with the aroma of wine. As Xiao Yichen entered, he glanced around and saw the waiters moving swiftly between the tables, serving dishes and pouring wine with practiced ease, everything proceeding smoothly and efficiently.

He went straight to the private room on the second floor, and soon after he sat down, a young gentleman hurried over. This person was Su Jinran, a good friend of Xiao Yichen. The Su family was also a prestigious family in Rong Kingdom. Su Jinran and Xiao Yichen had known each other since childhood. The two were like-minded and often went out together. They would exchange and share with each other about business matters and trivial matters in life.

"Yichen, have you heard about some interesting things that have happened in the capital recently?" Su Jinran asked with great interest as soon as she entered the room.

Xiao Yichen picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and asked with a smile, "Oh? What interesting thing did Brother Jinran mention?"

Su Jinran pulled up a chair and sat down, saying mysteriously, "I heard that Liu Ruoshi, a famous talented woman in the capital, recently held a flower-viewing banquet in her garden, inviting many noble ladies and gentlemen from the city to attend. It is said that at the banquet, Liu Ruoshi displayed a newly created painting, which has a profound artistic conception and delicate brushwork, and everyone praised it highly."

Xiao Yichen raised an eyebrow slightly: "Liu Ruoshi's talent is already widely recognized in the capital, so it's not surprising that she can create excellent works."

Su Jinran chuckled: "That's not the most interesting part. I also heard that at the flower-viewing banquet, Miss Lin Wan'er was also present. She actually composed a poem on the spot in front of everyone, based on her unique insights and understanding of poetry, which amazed everyone present. The poem had a beautiful artistic conception and exquisite word choice. Even Liu Ruoshi praised her highly."

Hearing Lin Wan'er's name, Xiao Yichen's heart stirred slightly. Although he had known Lin Wan'er for a long time, they only occasionally met at social events and had never had any in-depth conversations. However, he had a deep impression of Lin Wan'er, always feeling that she possessed a unique temperament, serene and mysterious.

"Miss Lin is exceptionally talented and truly a heroine among women," Xiao Yichen said calmly.

Su Jinran seemed to sense something unusual in Xiao Yichen's tone. He grinned mischievously and leaned closer to Xiao Yichen: "Yichen, tell me honestly, do you have any special feelings for Miss Lin?"

Xiao Yichen rolled his eyes at him: "Brother Jinran, don't talk nonsense. Miss Lin and I are just ordinary friends."

Su Jinran laughed: "Ordinary friends? I doubt it. Every time you mention Miss Lin, your eyes look a little different."

Xiao Yichen shook his head helplessly, about to retort, when suddenly, a commotion arose downstairs. Xiao Yichen and Su Jinran exchanged a glance, then both got up and went downstairs to check the situation.

At the entrance of the restaurant, a group of thugs were surrounding an old man who was clutching a bundle tightly in his hands, his face filled with terror.

"Old man, if you know what's good for you, hand over your bag, or today will be your death day!" the leader of the thugs said viciously.

The old man shook his head frantically: "This bundle contains my family heirloom; you can't take it away!"

Seeing this, Xiao Yichen frowned. He strode forward and shouted, "In broad daylight, how dare you commit robbery and violence here? Aren't you afraid of the law?"

The thug leader glanced at Xiao Yichen and sneered disdainfully, "Where did you come from, you busybody? This is between me and this old man. You'd better not interfere, or I'll take care of you too!"

Xiao Yichen sneered, "I'd like to see how you deal with me."

Having said that, he flashed to the old man's side and easily defeated the group of thugs. Seeing that things were going badly, the thugs scattered and fled.

Xiao Yichen turned around and helped the old man up: "Grandpa, are you alright?"

The old man was moved to tears: "Thank you so much, young master, for saving my life. If it weren't for your help, I would be dead today."

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Old man, you don't need to be so polite. Please take a look and see if anything in the bundle is damaged."

The old man hurriedly opened the bundle to check, and found that the items inside were intact. He then breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you for your concern, young master. Everything is still here. I have no way to repay your great kindness. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Xiao Yichen waved his hand: "Old man, you flatter me. It is only right to help those in need. You should go home quickly to avoid causing any more trouble."

After expressing his gratitude profusely, the old man slowly departed. Watching the old man's receding figure, Xiao Yichen felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. This capital city, seemingly prosperous and peaceful, was actually a place of undercurrents and complex power struggles. He knew that navigating the treacherous waters of the business world and the martial arts world required constant vigilance to protect himself and those around him.

Meanwhile, in the royal palace of the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan was discussing with his trusted advisors the plan to invade the Rong Kingdom.

"Your Highness, according to our scouts, Xiao Yichen's business influence in Rong Kingdom is extremely vast. It will likely not be easy to cooperate with him," the strategist said worriedly.

Murong Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze revealing a firmness and confidence: "How could I not know? But the stronger the opponent, the more it will inspire my fighting spirit. As long as we can cooperate with him, we can use his strength to successfully open the gates of Rong Kingdom."

The strategist pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. However, we still need to be careful. After all, Rong Kingdom has its own strength and resources. If they discover our true intentions, it may backfire."

Murong Xuan nodded: "Rest assured, I know what I'm doing. This plan must succeed, it cannot fail."

On the other side of Rong Kingdom's capital, Lin Wan'er sat in her boudoir, a book of poems in her hand, but with no heart for reading. The scene from the flower-viewing banquet earlier that day kept replaying in her mind, especially the image of Xiao Yichen, which she couldn't shake off. She didn't understand why she cared so much about Xiao Yichen; was it merely because of his handsome appearance and exceptional talent?

Lin Wan'er gently shook her head, trying to banish these thoughts. But just then, she suddenly felt a strong unease welling up inside her. She closed her eyes, concentrated, and used her mind-reading ability to try and find the source of this unease. A moment later, her face turned ashen.

She sensed a massive conspiracy brewing, and at its core was Xiao Yichen. Lin Wan'er was extremely anxious; she knew she had to find Xiao Yichen as soon as possible and tell him this, or the consequences would be unimaginable…

In the magnificent palace of the Mu Kingdom, which was filled with the aura of power and desire, Murong Xuan paced back and forth, each step seemingly carrying the ambition and restlessness of the entire Mu Kingdom. The flickering candlelight beside him illuminated his cold and resolute face, making his eyes appear even more profound and unfathomable.

Murong Xuan knew that although the Mu Kingdom was vast and rich in resources, its grain production had drastically decreased in recent years due to consecutive natural disasters, corruption among some local officials, and mismanagement. The people were suffering, their complaints were widespread, and the domestic situation was like a volcano about to erupt, fraught with crisis. As the prince of Mu, he was determined to ascend the supreme throne and achieve lasting glory. In his eyes, the prosperity of the Rong Kingdom was a provocation against Mu, a target he was eager to conquer and plunder.

Xiao Yichen's rise and prestige in Rong Kingdom's business circles had already reached Murong Xuan's ears through his spies planted within the kingdom. After careful consideration, Murong Xuan believed that if he could reach a grain deal with Xiao Yichen, it would not only temporarily alleviate the grain crisis in Murong Kingdom and stabilize public sentiment, but also provide an opportunity to establish a subtle connection with Xiao Yichen, laying a solid foundation for gradually infiltrating Rong Kingdom's political and economic core in the future.

"Your Highness, Xiao Yichen is extremely successful in the Rong Kingdom's business world. His businesses span all sectors, and he enjoys an excellent reputation. If we want to successfully trade grain with him, we will probably have to pay a considerable price," the strategist cautiously reminded him.

Murong Xuan slightly raised his head, a disdainful smile curling at the corner of his lips: "Hmph, how could I not know? However, in my eyes, any price is worth paying, as long as it achieves my goal. Go and investigate Xiao Yichen's preferences, weaknesses, and current business plans in detail. I want to know myself and my enemy, and I will never be defeated."

"Yes, Your Highness." The strategist accepted the order and left.

In the capital of Rong Kingdom, Xiao Yichen had just finished dealing with the affairs of his silk shop and restaurant and returned home. Although his residence could not compare to the luxurious magnificence of the imperial palace, it exuded a sense of refinement and elegance, showcasing the owner's taste and style. In the courtyard, lush trees provided shade, flowers bloomed in profusion, and artificial hills and ponds complemented each other, creating a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere.

Xiao Yichen sat in his study, reviewing the account books and pondering his next business plan. Just then, the butler entered.

"Young Master, a mysterious guest came to visit today, saying that he has a big business deal he wants to discuss with you, but he refused to reveal his identity or the specific details of the deal, leaving only this token." The steward said, handing a delicate jade pendant to Xiao Yichen.

Xiao Yichen took the jade pendant and examined it carefully. The jade pendant was warm and smooth, and the carving was exquisite. It had a unique pattern on it that seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he had seen it before.

"Did you see what that person looked like?" Xiao Yichen asked.

The butler shook his head: "The man was completely shrouded in a black robe, so his face was not visible. However, judging from his figure and demeanor, he should be a person of status and position."

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment, a sense of curiosity and doubt rising in his heart: "Who is this person who refuses to reveal their identity and leaves behind this mysterious jade pendant? And what do they want to discuss with me?"

Just as Xiao Yichen was pondering, Lin Wan'er rushed over. Her face showed a hint of anxiety and worry, completely lacking her usual gentle and composed demeanor.

"Young Master Xiao, I have something urgent to tell you," Lin Wan'er said anxiously.

Xiao Yichen was slightly taken aback and stood up: "Miss Lin, what's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

Lin Wan'er looked around to make sure no one was there before lowering her voice and saying, "Today, I used my mind-reading ability and accidentally discovered some people's thoughts. They seem to be plotting a conspiracy against you. Although I don't know the specifics, I sense that this matter is related to a foreigner of high status, and it seems to involve a major transaction."

Xiao Yichen was startled. He thought of the mysterious guest the butler had mentioned earlier. Could there be some connection between the two?

"Miss Lin, do you know what country that foreigner is from?" Xiao Yichen asked.

Lin Wan'er shook her head: "All I know is that he comes from a distant country and is very ambitious. Young Master Xiao, you must be careful. I'm worried that there is a great danger hidden in this."

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly: "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Lin. I will pay more attention."

Lin Wan'er looked at Xiao Yichen, hesitant to speak. She had a strange premonition that this conspiracy would bring great trouble to Xiao Yichen, and that she herself would also be drawn into it and unable to extricate herself.

“Miss Lin, please let me know if you discover anything else,” Xiao Yichen said.

"Yes, I will. Young Master Xiao, please take care of yourself as well." After saying that, Lin Wan'er hurriedly left.

As Xiao Yichen watched Lin Wan'er's departing figure, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He knew that Lin Wan'er genuinely cared about him, and in this complex and ever-changing capital city, it was truly rare to have such a close friend.

Several days later, Murong Xuan's strategist finally presented him with the intelligence he had gathered about Xiao Yichen.

"Your Highness, Xiao Yichen is a man of great loyalty and affection, extremely devoted to his friends. Although he is shrewd and capable in business, he is not a purely profit-driven person. His weakness lies in his strong sense of family honor; he would never do anything that would damage the family's reputation. Furthermore, he is currently preparing for a spice and medicinal herb trade with merchants from the Western Regions, and seems to pay little attention to the grain trade," the strategist reported in detail.

After listening, Murong Xuan nodded slightly: "Very good. Since he values ​​his family's reputation so much, we might as well start from this point. Go and arrange for a formal invitation to Xiao Yichen to be sent in the name of the Mu Kingdom, inviting him to come and discuss the grain trade. At the same time, imply in the invitation that if this transaction is successful, it will greatly enhance his family's reputation, and that the Mu Kingdom will establish a long-term friendly cooperative relationship with his family."

"Yes, Your Highness." The strategist accepted the order and left.

Upon receiving the invitation from the Mu Kingdom, Xiao Yichen was quite hesitant. He was well aware of the delicate relationship between the Mu and Rong Kingdoms. Although the two countries appeared to be at peace on the surface, they were both secretly wary of each other. Trading grain with the Mu Kingdom was undoubtedly a very risky undertaking. However, on the other hand, he had to consider his family's reputation and future development. If he could establish a good cooperative relationship with the Mu Kingdom through this opportunity, it might bring significant benefits to his family's long-term interests.

Just as Xiao Yichen was hesitating, Su Jinran came to visit.

"Yichen, I heard that the Mu Kingdom has invited you to discuss grain trade. How do you plan to respond?" Su Jinran asked.

Xiao Yichen frowned: "I'm still hesitating. This matter has both advantages and disadvantages, and I really find it difficult to make a decision."

Su Jinran pondered for a moment and said, "Yichen, I think this matter needs to be handled with caution. Everyone has witnessed what the Mu Kingdom has done in neighboring countries in recent years. They are ambitious and attempt to expand their territory. If you trade with them, and the Rong Kingdom's court misunderstands you, it may bring you and your family to ruin."

Xiao Yichen nodded: "Brother Jinran is absolutely right. But the Mu Kingdom mentioned family reputation in the invitation, which is quite tempting. Since our ancestors, my Xiao family has always regarded family honor as the foundation of our existence, and I really don't want to miss this opportunity to enhance our family's reputation."

Su Jinran sighed: "I understand how you feel. But you might as well send someone to Mu Kingdom to secretly investigate their true situation, understand their food needs and their sincerity in trading, and then make a decision."

Xiao Yichen's eyes lit up: "Brother Jinran, this plan is brilliant. I will arrange for people to go to Mu Kingdom to investigate immediately."

While Xiao Yichen sent people to investigate in the Mu Kingdom, Murong Xuan was also busily preparing for the transaction with Xiao Yichen within the kingdom. He personally inspected the country's granaries and discovered that the food shortage was more severe than he had imagined. Fights and riots frequently broke out among the people over the limited food supplies, leading to widespread social disorder.

"Your Highness, if things continue like this, the country may descend into chaos. We must reach a deal with Xiao Yichen as soon as possible, or the consequences will be unimaginable," a minister said worriedly.

Murong Xuan's face darkened: "How could I not know this? But Xiao Yichen is an extremely cautious man, and we cannot act rashly, lest we arouse his suspicion."

Several days later, the people Xiao Yichen sent to Mu Kingdom returned with a detailed investigation report.

“My lord, according to our investigation, the Mu Kingdom is indeed facing a severe food shortage. The people are suffering, and society is in turmoil. The Mu Kingdom government has shown great sincerity in this grain transaction; they are willing to pay a high price and promise to provide various preferential conditions. However, we have also discovered that the Mu Kingdom's army has been frequently moving around in the border areas recently, which seems to be some unusual activity,” the subordinate reported.

After listening to the report, Xiao Yichen felt even more conflicted. The Mu Kingdom's demand for grain and its sincerity in trade gave him hope for business opportunities and enhancing his family's reputation, but the unusual troop movements of the Mu Kingdom's army on the border made him uneasy and vigilant.

"Young master," the steward advised, "it's best not to get involved in the grain trade with the Mu Kingdom. Their troop movements on the border are probably for ulterior motives. If we trade with them, we'll be falling into their trap."

Xiao Yichen fell into deep thought. He paced back and forth in his study, weighing the pros and cons. On one hand, there was the family's reputation and business interests; on the other hand, there was national security and personal risk. After a night of deliberation, Xiao Yichen finally made his decision.

He decided to meet with Murong Xuan to discuss the grain trade. However, he was also fully prepared; he would bring his trusted subordinates and remain highly vigilant during the transaction, immediately terminating it if any unusual circumstances were discovered.

When Xiao Yichen told Su Jinran about his decision, Su Jinran strongly opposed it.

“Yichen, you’re taking a huge risk. You have no idea what Murong Xuan’s true purpose is. Once you step onto the territory of the Mu Kingdom, it’s like a lamb entering a tiger’s den; your life or death is uncertain,” Su Jinran said excitedly.

Xiao Yichen smiled slightly: "Brother Jinran, I know you mean well. But I have thought it through. I will not be easily tricked by Murong Xuan. I will be careful and ensure my own safety."

Su Jinran shook her head helplessly: "Since you've made up your mind, I have nothing more to say. But you must remember, no matter what happens, you must save your own life first."

"Don't worry, Brother Jinran, I will," Xiao Yichen said.

After learning that Xiao Yichen had agreed to come and discuss the grain trade, Murong Xuan wore a smug smile. He believed that his plan was already half successful. As long as he could get Xiao Yichen to comply during the transaction, his advance into Rong Kingdom would be smooth sailing.

"Pass down the order to prepare with all our might to welcome Xiao Yichen. I want him to feel the sincerity and majesty of the Mu Kingdom," Murong Xuan commanded.

Thus, a conspiracy and contest surrounding the grain trade is about to unfold in the Kingdom of Mu. Filled with doubt and vigilance, Xiao Yichen embarks on his journey to Mu, unaware of the challenges and dangers that await him…

After deciding to meet with Murong Xuan to discuss the grain trade, Xiao Yichen began meticulous preparations. He knew that the trip to the Mu Kingdom was fraught with unknowns and risks, and every step had to be handled with caution.

First, Xiao Yichen summoned his most trusted confidants, loyal men who had followed him for many years and had been tested in the business world and the martial arts world. They sat around in a secret room in Xiao Yichen's mansion, the atmosphere heavy and solemn.

"This trip to the Mu Kingdom is fraught with danger. Murong Xuan is ambitious, and his true purpose is likely not merely grain trading. We must devise a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of our young master and the well-being of our family," Chen Feng, Xiao Yichen's trusted advisor, spoke first.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly: "Mr. Chen is absolutely right. I have already sent people to secretly investigate the situation in Mu Kingdom, but the intelligence is limited. We must guard against Murong Xuan's schemes and tricks during the transaction, and also pay attention to changes in the situation within Mu Kingdom."

“My lord, I suggest we bring sufficient guards, just in case. At the same time, we should inform the Rong Kingdom court of our journey in advance, so that the court is aware of our actions and can seek the court's support if any unexpected events occur,” a subordinate who appeared to be a military officer suggested.

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment: "We certainly need a strong guard force, but we can't be too conspicuous, lest we arouse Murong Xuan's suspicion. As for reporting to the court, this matter needs careful consideration. If the court finds out that we are trading grain with the Mu Kingdom, it may cause unnecessary trouble. Let's hold back for now and make a decision based on the situation."

During the discussion of the guard arrangements, everyone expressed their opinions. Ultimately, it was decided to select fifty highly skilled, resourceful, and courageous guards to disguise themselves as caravan members and accompany the group to the Kingdom of Mu. These guards were not only adept at close combat but also skilled in concealed weapons and mounted archery, enabling them to handle crises in various situations.

Regarding the grain in the trade, Xiao Yichen had a bold and risky plan in mind—to sell counterfeit grain. He knew that Murong Xuan harbored ill intentions, and if he were to sell a large amount of grain to the Mu Kingdom, and the Mu Kingdom used this grain to strengthen its national power and then launch a war against the Rong Kingdom, the consequences would be unimaginable. However, directly refusing the trade might anger Murong Xuan and bring disaster upon himself and his family.

Therefore, Xiao Yichen secretly instructed his men to find an item that closely resembled grain in appearance to replace real grain. After some searching, they found the seeds of a plant that grew in the southern mountains. These seeds were plump, golden in color, and quite similar to wheat, and were plentiful and easy to obtain. Xiao Yichen ordered his men to collect these seeds and perform simple processing to make them look more like high-quality grain.

"Young Master, although this plan may fool us for now, once Murong Xuan discovers it, he will surely be enraged and launch a vicious revenge against us," Chen Feng said worriedly.

Xiao Yichen's eyes were firm: "I am naturally aware of the risks involved. But this is the most feasible approach at present. During the transaction, we should try to delay as much as possible to buy Rong Kingdom more time to prepare. At the same time, I will also keep a backup plan in case of Murong Xuan's retaliation."

While preparing the fake grain, Xiao Yichen also arranged for another group to secretly stockpile a batch of real grain near the border between Rong and Mu. This grain was personally guarded by his trusted confidants, ready for any eventuality. In the event of any unusual activity by Mu, this grain could be promptly transported to various parts of Rong to stabilize the domestic food supply.

With everything prepared, Xiao Yichen led his entourage, disguised as a merchant caravan, on their journey to the Mu Kingdom. The caravan's wagons were filled with sacks that appeared to be grain, but in reality, they were Xiao Yichen's "fake grain scheme."

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Mu, Murong Xuan was also making intensive preparations to welcome Xiao Yichen. He ordered the palace to be newly decorated to showcase the prosperity and majesty of the Kingdom of Mu. At the same time, a large number of soldiers were deployed around the trading location, ostensibly to protect the security of the transaction, but in reality to control Xiao Yichen if necessary.

Murong Xuan stood on the high platform of the palace, gazing into the distance, secretly pleased with himself: "Xiao Yichen, you thought this was just an ordinary grain transaction, but little did you know you had already fallen into my trap. Once I have the grain, I can gradually realize my grand ambitions."

While crossing the border between Rong and Mu, Xiao Yichen's caravan encountered some minor disturbances. Some border bandits from Mu, hearing of the caravan's passage, attempted to rob it. However, Xiao Yichen's guards were well-trained and easily repelled the bandits, ensuring the caravan's safe journey.

"Young master, these bandits seem to be acting on someone's orders, deliberately testing our strength," Chen Feng said in a low voice.

Xiao Yichen frowned slightly: "It seems that Murong Xuan has begun to be wary of us. We must be more vigilant and not let our guard down."

After several days of arduous travel, Xiao Yichen's caravan finally arrived in the capital of the Mu Kingdom. Murong Xuan personally led a group of officials and soldiers to greet them outside the city gate.

"Young Master Xiao, you must be tired from your journey. I have been waiting here for a long time. Welcome to the Mu Kingdom." Murong Xuan smiled, but a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

Xiao Yichen dismounted and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness Murong, you are too kind. It is my honor to receive Your Highness's invitation."

Afterwards, Murong Xuan led Xiao Yichen and the others into the capital city, to their pre-arranged accommodations. Along the way, Murong Xuan showed Xiao Yichen the prosperous scene of the Mu Kingdom, attempting to make him feel the Mu Kingdom's powerful strength.

On the surface, Xiao Yichen was full of praise, but in his heart, he was secretly observing everything around him. He noticed that although the capital of Mu Kingdom was prosperous, the eyes of the people revealed a trace of weariness and unease, as if they were hiding many unknown sufferings.

Upon arrival at his lodgings, Murong Xuan arranged a lavish banquet to welcome Xiao Yichen. The banquet was filled with singing and dancing, and delicious food and wine. However, Xiao Yichen had no heart to enjoy it; he knew the real competition would begin in tomorrow's transaction.

"Young Master Xiao, regarding this grain transaction, I hope we can reach an agreement as soon as possible. The people of Mu Kingdom are suffering from hunger and urgently need this batch of grain as aid," Murong Xuan said seemingly sincerely at the banquet.

Xiao Yichen smiled slightly: "I understand Your Highness's feelings. However, grain transactions are of great importance, and we still need to discuss the details of the transaction in detail to ensure that the interests of both parties are protected."

Murong Xuan nodded: "Of course. Young Master Xiao, rest assured, the Mu Kingdom will definitely offer the most favorable terms."

After the banquet, Xiao Yichen returned to his residence and summoned his subordinates to discuss the transaction for the next day.

"Young Master, judging from Murong Xuan's behavior tonight, he seems eager to complete the transaction. We must be more careful and cautious at the trading venue tomorrow, and act according to plan," Chen Feng reminded him.

Xiao Yichen's eyes were solemn: "Yes, I have already given the order to prepare samples of the fake grain. When we trade tomorrow, we will first show the samples to Murong Xuan for inspection. If he does not notice anything unusual, we will then discuss the specific quantity and price of the transaction. At the same time, you must pay close attention to the surrounding movements. If there is any danger, protect yourselves immediately and break through the encirclement."

"Yes, young master!" the subordinates replied in unison.

On the other side of the Mu Kingdom, Lin Wan'er had been filled with anxiety ever since Xiao Yichen went there. She used her mind-reading abilities daily to try and ascertain Xiao Yichen's situation in Mu. However, due to the vast distance, she could only occasionally sense some vague thoughts and couldn't ascertain Xiao Yichen's safety.

"Young Master Xiao, you must return safely." Lin Wan'er gazed into the distance, silently praying in her heart.

Meanwhile, in the Rong Kingdom's court, some ministers learned of Xiao Yichen's trip to the Mu Kingdom for grain trade. They discussed the matter extensively; some worried that Xiao Yichen would be used by Murong Xuan to harm Rong Kingdom's interests, while others saw it as an opportunity to ease tensions with the Mu Kingdom. The Rong Kingdom's emperor was closely monitoring the situation. He was well aware of Xiao Yichen's influence in Rong Kingdom's business circles and understood the Mu Kingdom's ambitions. He secretly ordered the border guards to strengthen their defenses in case the Mu Kingdom suddenly launched a war.

The next day, the sun shone brightly. Xiao Yichen led the caravan to the trading location. The trading location was in a large square in the capital of the Mu Kingdom, surrounded by soldiers and civilians of the Mu Kingdom, all watching the grand grain trade with curiosity.

Murong Xuan had been waiting at the transaction location for a long time. When he saw Xiao Yichen arrive, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

“Young Master Xiao, today is an auspicious day for us to finalize our grain deal. I believe this will be a win-win cooperation,” Murong Xuan said.

Xiao Yichen nodded: "I hope so, Your Highness. I have brought samples of the grain for Your Highness to inspect."

After saying this, Xiao Yichen ordered someone to bring a bag of fake grain in front of Murong Xuan. Murong Xuan opened the bag and carefully examined the quality of the grain. The "grain" was plump and golden in color, appearing to be of excellent quality. Murong Xuan was overjoyed; he hadn't realized the grain was fake.

“Young Master Xiao, this batch of grain looks quite good. I am very satisfied. We can begin discussing the quantity and price of the transaction,” Murong Xuan said.

Xiao Yichen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface he remained calm and composed: "Your Highness, regarding the quantity of the trade, I have brought a total of 100,000 shi of grain this time. However, in terms of price, due to the recent decrease in grain production and the increase in transportation costs, the price may be slightly higher than before."

Murong Xuan frowned slightly: "A little too high? Young Master Xiao, the people of Mu Kingdom are suffering terribly. Isn't your price a bit inappropriate?"

Xiao Yichen smiled slightly: "Your Highness, this is the most favorable price I have offered after considering the situation in Mu Kingdom. Moreover, the quality of this batch of grain is excellent, enough to alleviate Mu Kingdom's food crisis."

Murong Xuan pondered for a moment: "Very well, Young Master Xiao. I can accept this price. But I have one condition: this batch of grain must be delivered as soon as possible, and Young Master Xiao shall be responsible for transporting it to granaries throughout the Mu Kingdom."

Xiao Yichen's heart stirred. He knew that Murong Xuan wanted to further control the transportation and distribution of grain, but he was already prepared.

“Your Highness, transporting grain requires a large amount of manpower and resources. I can arrange the transportation, but the transportation costs will need to be borne by the Mu Kingdom,” Xiao Yichen said.

Murong Xuan hesitated for a moment: "Alright, the transportation costs will be borne by the Mu Kingdom. But Young Master Xiao must guarantee that there will be no problems with the grain during transportation."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will ensure the safe delivery of the grain," Xiao Yichen said.

Just as the two sides were about to reach a deal, a sudden commotion arose from the crowd. A soldier from the Mu Kingdom rushed over and whispered a few words in Murong Xuan's ear. Murong Xuan's face instantly darkened.

It turned out that one of Murong Xuan's advisors had discovered something amiss while carefully examining the grain samples. Suspecting that the grain might be counterfeit, he immediately reported it to Murong Xuan.

Murong Xuan stared coldly at Xiao Yichen: "Young Master Xiao, how dare you deceive me! This grain is fake!"

Xiao Yichen was startled, but he quickly calmed down: "Your Highness, what do you mean? How could I possibly deceive Your Highness with fake grain? This must be someone deliberately framing me."

Murong Xuan sneered, "Framed? Young Master Xiao, do you think I would believe your words? Guards, seize Xiao Yichen and his entire caravan!"

In an instant, the surrounding Mu soldiers rushed towards Xiao Yichen's caravan. Xiao Yichen's guards immediately drew their weapons and engaged in a fierce battle with the Mu soldiers.

"Young Master, what should we do now?" Chen Feng asked anxiously.

Xiao Yichen's eyes were firm: "Don't panic, break through according to plan!"

Having said that, Xiao Yichen charged ahead of the Mu soldiers. His martial arts were superb, and his longsword moved like a dragon emerging from the sea, carving a bloody path through the enemy ranks. His guards followed closely behind, engaging the Mu soldiers in a fierce battle.

During the battle, Xiao Yichen discovered that Murong Xuan had already laid a heavy ambush around the trading location. Their numbers far exceeded his caravan's, and they were well-equipped. But Xiao Yichen did not give up. Relying on his wisdom and courage, he led his guards through the enemy ranks, searching for an opportunity to break through.

Meanwhile, in the palace of the Mu Kingdom, Lin Wan'er sensed Xiao Yichen's danger through her mind-reading ability. Extremely anxious, she decided to disregard the peril and travel to the Mu Kingdom to rescue Xiao Yichen.

"Young Master Xiao, you must hold on. I'm coming to save you," Lin Wan'er said silently in her heart, and then resolutely embarked on her journey to the Mu Kingdom.

The battle at the trading post intensified. Although Xiao Yichen's caravan fought valiantly, they were outnumbered and gradually found themselves in dire straits. Just as they were about to collapse, suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves echoed from afar. A mysterious army was seen galloping towards the trading post. Their banners bore a unique insignia, obscuring their identities.

Murong Xuan was greatly alarmed upon seeing the army arrive. Unsure whether they were friend or foe, he temporarily halted his attack on Xiao Yichen's caravan and decided to observe the situation.

Xiao Yichen also spotted the mysterious army, and his heart was filled with doubt. Was this army there to help them, or was it another ambush force belonging to Murong Xuan?

As the mysterious army drew near, Xiao Yichen finally made out the insignia on the flag. It was an insignia he had seen before, an insignia that was inextricably linked to his family.

"Could it be them?" Xiao Yichen wondered to himself.

Just then, the leader of the mysterious army shouted, "Young Master Xiao, don't panic! We've come to rescue you!"

Xiao Yichen was overjoyed; he knew he finally had a glimmer of hope. Murong Xuan, however, had a grim expression; he realized his plan might fail.

This conspiracy and struggle surrounding the grain trade took an unexpected turn with the intervention of a mysterious army.