"Grand Commandant, what should we do?"
"Should I go back or not?"
Huan Yi and the others stared longingly at the wicked husband, wanting to hear his opinion.
This market was built up by the wicked man. If he returns to Xianyang and doesn't stay here to oversee things, leaving these martial artists here, I'm really worried that they won't be able to manage it.
The wicked man took in everyone's worried expressions and immediately laughed, "What, am I leaving or not? Do you think I'm going to hand over the management of this market to you?"
These words relieved Huan Yi and the others, but made them even more annoyed.
The market is like a golden goose that keeps laying golden eggs for the Qin state; it cannot afford the slightest mistake, or the losses will be enormous.
"Why don't we call Ba Liang over?" Zhang Han suggested.
The wicked man only has two strategists under his command, and right now only Li Balang and Zhang Ke seem to be capable enough to temporarily take charge of the market's operation.
However, a problem arose. At this time, neither Li Balang nor Zhang Ke were in Kucha. Even if they were asked to come quickly, it would take at least ten days. But how could the evil man wait for ten days? The king's order could not be delayed for even a moment.
This only made them more worried.
"No need to be nervous!"
The wicked man calmly picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, then looked at Wu Shilu sitting in the corner and asked, "Are you confident in managing the market?"
Everyone's gaze instantly turned to Wu Shi Luo, and then their eyes suddenly lit up. They were really grasping at straws in their desperation; how could they have forgotten about Wu Shi Luo, a merchant by trade?
Wu Shi Luo was flattered and somewhat incoherent, saying, "Grand Commandant, this...this...although I am well-versed in the ways of commerce...but this..."
“I have never managed a market of such scale before. However, if the Grand Commandant trusts me, I am willing to do my utmost to live up to your expectations.” Wu Shi Luo took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and showed an attitude of being ready to accept the challenge.
It's not surprising that he was like that; in fact, among everyone present, he was the one with the lowest status, even lower than Zhang Erhe.
After all, he was born into the lowest of merchant families. Although he is now valued by Ying Zheng and his wicked husband and has made many contributions to the Qin state, his origins cannot be changed.
Now that the wicked man is about to entrust him with this important task, how could he not be apprehensive and nervous?
The wicked man nodded, satisfied with Wu Shilu's reaction, and encouraged her, "Very good. I know you have a talent for business. I trust you with the market. But you must remember that this market is of great importance and cannot be lost. Are you confident that you can stabilize the situation in a short time?"
Wu Shilu pondered for a moment, then answered firmly, "Grand Commandant, although I dare not say I am completely certain, I will certainly do my best."
The wicked man nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Huan Yi and the others: "You've all heard it. Wu Shilu will be in charge of market management. After I leave, you must fully support him and ensure that market operations are not affected. If there are any problems, report them promptly and do not conceal them."
Huan Yi and the others agreed in unison. They knew that although Wu Shi Luo was a merchant, his wisdom and experience were enough to deal with the current challenges, so they were naturally not unwilling at all.
"Old Wu, just go for it! We can't help you, but we're definitely good at killing!"
Zhang Han and the others were old acquaintances of him, so their support came from the bottom of their hearts.
Wu Shi Luo understood that the wicked husband and those present who stood at the top of the Qin state's power pyramid had all given her their full trust and support.
He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and looked firmly at the wicked man: "Grand Commandant, I, Wu Shi Luo, will certainly live up to your expectations. I will do my utmost to ensure market stability and contribute my modest efforts to the prosperity of Qin."
Seeing this, the wicked man nodded inwardly, admiring Wu Shilu's decisiveness and courage. He stood up, looked around at everyone present, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Gentlemen, I am about to set off back to Xianyang. Wu Shilu is someone I trust, and his decision is my decision. I hope you can support him as you have supported me."
"Don't worry, Grand Commandant!" Zhang Han and the others bowed respectfully.
A look of gratitude flickered in Wu Shilu's eyes. He felt infinitely fortunate that the best investment he had ever made was betting on his wicked husband.
"Upon my return, I will request the king's decree to promote you to Grand General Manager of the Market, thus granting you official rank and title through your status as a merchant."
The wicked man patted Wu Shi Luo on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Your contributions to the Qin state have been seen by both the king and me. Now it's time to give you a proper title!"
Upon hearing this, Wu Shilu was even more excited. He understood that this was not only a recognition of his personal abilities, but also a great affirmation of what he had done. He felt deeply honored, and at the same time realized that the responsibility on his shoulders was even greater.
"Grand Commandant, I, Wu Shi Luo, will forever remember your trust. I will repay your high expectations with concrete actions, and live up to the expectations of Qin and you." Wu Shi Luo's tone was firm, and his eyes shone with a determined light.
The wicked man nodded in satisfaction. He knew that Wu Shilu was a responsible person and he believed that Wu Shilu was capable of handling the position.
Then, he looked at Huan Yi and noticed that in just half a year, Huan Yi's hair and beard had turned even grayer. "General, you have been out for a long time. This time, come back to Xianyang with me."
Huan Yi was already old, and having spent his youth in battle, he had countless old wounds and his health was not very robust. There was no need for him to stay here any longer; it would be better to let him return to Xianyang to recuperate for a while.
Huan Yi smiled and nodded upon hearing this. Having been away for so long, he was very worried about his wife and children at home. "When you get old, you just think about those things at home..."
Upon hearing this, everyone smiled kindly.
After all, enjoying a peaceful old age with the company of one's children and grandchildren is the greatest blessing in old age.
"Then General, go pack your bags. We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning!" The wicked man nodded with a smile, then waved the crowd away. "Wu Shi Luo, you stay here!"
Everyone bowed and took their leave, but Wu Shilu remained standing in the same spot.
After they left, Wu Shi Luo asked, "Grand Commandant, is there anything you need to tell me?"
"Wu Shi Luo, write this down!"
The wicked man cleared his throat and explained his short-term market plan, emphasizing some key points that needed attention.
Wu Shilu hurriedly took notes, but it was all rote memorization, since there was no paper or convenient ballpoint pen in this era.
The tedious work of grinding ink with a brush and so on would likely mean that by the time he was ready, the wicked husband would already be in Xianyang.
"We need to get this paper out as soon as we get back. It's not only inconvenient for recording things, but it also wastes a lot of space to store it." The wicked man shook his head as if he understood.
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