The morning sun had just set, casting its light on the ancient city walls and awakening the entire city from its slumber. Xiao Yichen, in his residence, was deep in thought, gazing at a military map. His posture was upright, and his black robe accentuated his innate heroic spirit and aloofness. Steam rose from the teacups on the table, yet it did not distract him in the slightest.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Xiao Yichen frowned slightly and looked up at the doorway, where he saw Lin Wan'er rushing in. Her forehead was covered in sweat, and a few strands of hair clung to her cheeks, but this did not diminish her bright, beautiful eyes and delicate features. Instead, her disheveled appearance added a unique charm to her.
"General Xiao, something terrible has happened! All the vegetables on the street have been bought up!" Lin Wan'er's voice was filled with anxiety and panting, her chest rising and falling slightly.
Xiao Yichen was startled and slowly stood up, his eyes filled with doubt and seriousness. "What? Who wants so many dishes?"
Lin Wan'er quickly walked to Xiao Yichen's side, her eyes revealing a hint of certainty, "No! This must have been done by Murong Xuan!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen's deep eyes flashed, his thoughts racing like lightning. He paced back and forth in the room, his fingers unconsciously tapping the hilt of his sword. After a moment, he stopped and slowly said, "We've fallen into Murong Xuan's trap within a trap!"
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly and continued, "You mean, the Misty Forest incident and the fact that someone deliberately bought up all the grain and vegetables were all planned in advance by Murong Xuan?"
Xiao Yichen's face grew increasingly cold and stern, as if it could drip water. He said in a deep voice, "That's right! We fell into Murong Xuan's trap in the Misty Forest. At that time, we encountered many difficulties in the Misty Forest. Those seemingly accidental traps and ambushes were probably carefully arranged by him to lure away our main force so that he could buy up grain and vegetables in the city."
He walked to the table, picked up a cup of tea, but didn't drink it. Instead, he stared at the reflection in the tea, lost in memories. "In the Misty Forest, our scouting team kept disappearing. Every time we tried to track them down, we were surrounded by the enemy. Those enemies were well-trained, their movements were methodical, and they were definitely not ordinary bandits. Moreover, they seemed to know everything about our actions and always managed to set up ambushes in advance. At the time, I felt something was amiss, but the situation was too urgent to think about it deeply. Now it seems that all of this was Murong Xuan's conspiracy."
Lin Wan'er gently bit her lower lip, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "It's all my fault. I didn't notice anything unusual at the time and thought it was just a normal setback in the battle."
Xiao Yichen shook his head slightly, his gaze towards her carrying a hint of comfort, "This is not your fault. Murong Xuan is treacherous and cunning, extremely skilled in strategy. The schemes he sets up are intricately linked, making them difficult for ordinary people to see through."
"So what should we do now? We can't just sit here and wait to die." Lin Wan'er raised her head, her eyes full of determination and expectation.
Xiao Yichen put down his teacup and put his hands behind his back. "We need to make a good plan. We can't let him lead us by the nose! I think the most important thing is to figure out his purpose. His large-scale purchase of grain and vegetables must have some ulterior motive. It could be hoarding to speculate, disrupt prices in the city, and cause panic among the people; or it could be preparing for a larger-scale war and ensuring sufficient food supplies."
Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "If he wants to disrupt prices, the people in the city will definitely be in trouble. We must find a way to stabilize prices as soon as possible, otherwise the people will be in chaos, which will be extremely disadvantageous to us."
“Yes, you’re right. But to stabilize prices, we need sufficient reserves of supplies first. The vegetables on the streets have been bought up, and the food is probably running low as well.” Xiao Yichen frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes.
“Then we can source supplies from surrounding towns,” Lin Wan’er suggested.
Xiao Yichen shook his head slightly. "I am also aware of the situation in the surrounding towns. Recently, various places have suffered from drought to varying degrees, resulting in a sharp decline in grain harvests. Even if there is a small amount of surplus grain, it will be difficult to meet our needs. Moreover, since Murong Xuan dared to make large-scale purchases in the city, he must have taken precautions in the surrounding towns to prevent us from obtaining supplies from outside."
A flicker of despair crossed Lin Wan'er's eyes. "Isn't there any other way?"
Xiao Yichen pondered for a long time, then his eyes suddenly lit up. "I've got it! We can buy up all the grain from 'Mu's Grain Store' and store it. This way, we can weaken Murong Xuan's reserves and increase our own bargaining power."
Lin Wan'er looked at him with some doubt, "But, would 'Mu's Grain Store' sell grain to us so easily? Murong Xuan will definitely be on guard."
Xiao Yichen's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile. "He will be on guard, but we are not without a chance. Although 'Mu's Grain Shop' is owned by Murong Xuan, it is still a place for business. As long as we offer a reasonable price and can show the manager the benefits, we may be able to persuade him. Furthermore, we can take advantage of the fact that Murong Xuan has not yet fully grasped the situation in the city and act quickly."
Although Lin Wan'er still had doubts, seeing Xiao Yichen's confident expression, her unease gradually dissipated. "Alright then, since you already have a plan, I will go with you."
Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude and appreciation. "With your help, this matter will surely succeed. However, we still need to proceed with caution and must not alert the enemy."
Immediately, the two began discussing the specific details of acquiring "Mu's Grain Store." They knew that this operation was like a silent war, where every step was crucial, and the slightest mistake could lead to total defeat. But in order to thwart Murong Xuan's conspiracy and protect the people of the city, they had no choice but to forge ahead and engage in a thrilling battle with the enemy lurking in the shadows.
Xiao Yichen sent people to investigate the current grain inventory of "Mu Ji Grain Store," the manager's personality and preferences, and the store's staffing. Meanwhile, he continued to discuss with Lin Wan'er the various possible situations and countermeasures.
"What if the shopkeeper is a staunch supporter of Murong Xuan, and no matter how high the price we offer, he refuses to sell the grain? What should we do?" Lin Wan'er expressed her concern.
Xiao Yichen narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "If that's the case, we'll have to find another way. Perhaps we could start with his family and put some pressure on them, but that's a last resort and we shouldn't use it lightly unless absolutely necessary. I think that the shopkeeper is a businessman, and if we can show him enough benefits, such as giving him a generous reward so that he can gain Murong Xuan's forgiveness after selling the grain and also secure a way out for himself, he might be tempted."
Lin Wan'er nodded gently, "That's all we can do. I hope things won't escalate to that point."
Soon after, the investigators returned and gave Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er a detailed report on the situation at "Mu's Grain Shop." They learned that the shop currently had a large grain reserve, but the manager was cautious and extremely loyal to Murong Xuan.
Xiao Yichen frowned. "It seems this won't be easy. But we can't back down."
He turned to Lin Wan'er and said, "Wan'er, go and prepare some precious gifts. We'll visit the shopkeeper first and sound him out. I'll go and raise the funds needed to purchase the grain."
Lin Wan'er responded and turned to prepare the gifts. Xiao Yichen, on the other hand, began contacting some wealthy merchants and allies in the city, hoping to obtain their financial support. However, the process was not smooth. Some wealthy merchants, fearing Murong Xuan's power, politely declined; others put forward extremely harsh conditions.
Xiao Yichen traveled far and wide, exhausting his efforts, and finally raised some funds, but it was still far from enough to acquire all the grain needed to purchase "Mu's Grain Store". He was frustrated, but there was nothing he could do.
When he returned to his residence, Lin Wan'er was already waiting with gifts. Seeing Xiao Yichen's slightly tired expression, she felt a pang of heartache. "How's the fundraising going?"
Xiao Yichen shook his head slightly, "It's not going too smoothly, but there has been some progress. Let's go see the shopkeeper first; perhaps there will be a turning point."
The two arrived at "Mu's Grain Store" carrying gifts. The store's doors were tightly shut, and several shop assistants stood guard, their eyes warily scanning the surroundings. Xiao Yichen stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "My name is Xiao Yichen. I request an audience with the store manager. Please inform him of my presence."
The waiters looked him up and down, and one of them said, "My boss doesn't see guests. You should leave."
Seeing this, Lin Wan'er stepped forward and said, "We've come here today to discuss a big deal with your shopkeeper. We hope you'll be lenient with us. This is just a small token of our appreciation." As she spoke, she took out a silver ingot and handed it to the shop assistant.
The shop assistant hesitated for a moment, then took the silver and said, "Wait here while I go and inform them."
A moment later, the waiter came out and said, "The manager invites you in."
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a glance before entering the grain store. The store was filled with the fresh aroma of grain, but the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. The shopkeeper sat behind the counter, watching them with cold eyes.
"I didn't know General Xiao and Miss Lin had graced us with their presence. What brings you here?" The shopkeeper's voice was low and hoarse.
Xiao Yichen smiled slightly and said, "Shopkeeper, you're too kind. I've come today to discuss a business deal with you. I've heard that your shop has a plentiful supply of grain, and I'd like to purchase it all. What do you think, shopkeeper?"
The shopkeeper was slightly taken aback, then sneered, "General Xiao, are you joking? I will not sell you any grain from this shop."
Xiao Yichen's heart sank, but he still maintained a smile. "Why is the shopkeeper so resolute? I am willing to pay a high price to buy it, and I guarantee that the shopkeeper will not suffer a loss."
The shopkeeper stood up, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "General Xiao, you should know whose property this grain shop is. If I were to sell you the grain, would I even want my life?"
Lin Wan'er hurriedly said, "Shopkeeper, don't worry. We will handle this matter properly and will never let Young Master Murong know that you sold the grain to us. Moreover, we will give you a generous reward, enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
The shopkeeper shook his head slightly. "You don't need to say anything more. I won't agree. Please leave."
Xiao Yichen knew that this attempt at persuasion would be unlikely to succeed, but he was still unwilling to give up. "Shopkeeper, you might as well reconsider. The situation in this city is unpredictable. It may not be a wise move for you to guard these grains for Murong Xuan. If something goes wrong in the future, you will regret it."
The shopkeeper's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "General Xiao, there's no need to exaggerate. I know what I'm doing."
Seeing this, Xiao Yichen knew that further words were pointless. "In that case, we'll take our leave, shopkeeper."
As they left the grain store, Lin Wan'er said somewhat dejectedly, "It seems the shopkeeper is determined not to sell us any grain. What should we do?"
Xiao Yichen stared at the grain store's sign, a determined look in his eyes. "If he refuses to sell, we'll find a way to make him sell. We must get our hands on this grain."
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the city grew increasingly tense. The people began to notice the shortage of food and vegetables, and rumors swirled in the streets and alleys. Some unscrupulous merchants took advantage of the situation to inflate prices, plunging the once peaceful city into chaos. Murong Xuan, meanwhile, observed everything from the shadows, a smug smile playing on his lips, as if everything was under his control. But what he didn't know was that Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er would not give up easily; a fierce contest had only just begun.
After leaving "Mu's Grain Store," Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er did not return to their residence, but instead found a quiet private room in a teahouse. The room was simply furnished yet elegant, with the aroma of tea adding a touch of relaxation to the tense atmosphere. However, their minds were not at all on this tranquil environment.
Xiao Yichen sat by the window, gazing intently at the bustling street outside, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Lin Wan'er sat quietly beside him, occasionally sipping her tea, her eyes revealing a hint of worry and anticipation. She knew that Xiao Yichen was currently focused on analyzing Murong Xuan's conspiracy, trying to find a way to break the deadlock.
After a long silence, Xiao Yichen spoke slowly, his voice deep and steady: "Wan'er, the more I think about the matter in the Misty Forest, the more suspicious it seems. Murong Xuan's plan to lure the tiger away from the mountain was truly painstaking."
Lin Wan'er leaned forward slightly, listening attentively. "General, please tell me in detail. I also want to figure out the mystery behind this."
Xiao Yichen picked up his teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and continued, "When we first entered the Misty Forest, the mist we encountered was not an ordinary natural phenomenon. The mist spread so quickly, was so dense, and lingered for so long, that it seemed as if someone had set up an array in the forest beforehand or used some kind of secret smoke bomb. At the time, I suspected that someone had deliberately done this to trap us and disrupt our plans."
Lin Wan'er nodded gently, recalling the scene at the time, and said, "That's right, the fog was indeed very strange. Our soldiers lost their way in the fog, making it difficult for them to communicate with each other, which greatly reduced their combat effectiveness. Moreover, arrows were shot out from the fog from time to time, making it impossible for us to defend against them."
“Exactly.” Xiao Yichen put down his teacup, his fingers lightly tapping the table. “The appearance of this cold arrow was by no means accidental. Judging from the arrow’s force, direction, and timing of its release, it was all meticulously planned. Those archers hidden in the mist were clearly well-trained; they were familiar with the forest’s terrain and could cleverly use the mist as cover to harass us. All of this indicates that Murong Xuan invested a great deal of manpower and resources in the Misty Forest, just to lure us away.”
A chill ran through Lin Wan'er's heart. "But why would he go to such lengths to lure us away? Is it just to buy grain and vegetables in the city? I have a feeling that things aren't that simple."
Xiao Yichen narrowed his eyes slightly, a glint of wisdom in them. "His purpose is naturally not limited to this. I suspect he must have other conspiracies brewing in the city. Buying up grain and vegetables is only part of his plan. Perhaps he wants to use the shortage of supplies to incite panic among the people, thereby shaking our foundation in the city. Once the people are in chaos, he can take the opportunity to stir up trouble, or unite with some opposition forces in the city to attack us; or force us to make some decisions that are not in our best interest, such as abandoning the defense of certain important areas, so that he can further expand his sphere of influence."
Lin Wan'er couldn't help but gasp. "If that's really the case, then Murong Xuan's scheming is too deep. We must find a way to deal with it as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly and continued, "There's another point we should pay attention to. In the Misty Forest, we found some abandoned camps and supplies. The layout of those camps seemed chaotic, but upon closer inspection, we could find hidden patterns. I suspect that this was a deliberate illusion left by Murong Xuan to mislead our judgment, making us think that their main force was nearby, thus causing us to continue wasting time and energy in the forest."
Lin Wan'er frowned and asked doubtfully, "But isn't he afraid we'll find out?"
Xiao Yichen shook his head slightly. "He's gambling. He's gambling that we'll be unable to analyze and think calmly in that tense situation. Moreover, even if we have some doubts, we won't dare to give up the pursuit of the so-called 'enemy's main force' easily, because a misjudgment could bring us annihilation. Murong Xuan has grasped this psychology of ours, which is why he dares to set up such a bold scheme."
Lin Wan'er secretly admired Xiao Yichen's insight, but at the same time felt angry at Murong Xuan's cunning. "What should we do now? Now that we know about his conspiracy, we can't let him succeed."
Xiao Yichen stood up and paced slowly in the private room, saying, "Our first priority is to stabilize the situation in the city. Although the manager of 'Mu's Grain Shop' refuses to sell us grain, we cannot give up on finding other sources of food. I have already sent people to inquire in the surrounding villages to see if any farmers still have surplus grain. At the same time, we must strengthen the control over prices in the city and severely crack down on those unscrupulous merchants who are driving up prices."
Lin Wan'er responded, "I'll arrange for people to patrol the market more closely. However, those illegal vendors may have Murong Xuan's support behind them, so they may not give in easily."
Xiao Yichen's eyes revealed a resolute look. "No matter who is backing them, as long as they dare to violate the city's regulations and disrupt the lives of the people, I will not let them off easily. We must let the people see that we have the ability to protect their interests, and only in this way can we win their hearts."
Lin Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart. She knew Xiao Yichen's care and responsibility for the people. "What the general said is very true. I believe that as long as we work together with the people, Murong Xuan's conspiracy will be difficult to succeed."
Xiao Yichen stopped and walked to Lin Wan'er's side. Looking into her eyes, he said, "Wan'er, this contest with Murong Xuan will be exceptionally difficult. We will not only have to face his schemes and plots, but also deal with the complex situation in the city and the power struggles among various factions. But I believe that as long as we join hands, we will definitely be able to overcome the difficulties."
Lin Wan'er's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of determination and tenderness. "General, Wan'er is willing to share life and death with you, and never leave you."
Xiao Yichen gently held Lin Wan'er's hand, feeling her warmth and strength, "With you by my side, I have nothing to fear."
After a brief moment of tenderness, Xiao Yichen released Lin Wan'er's hand, sat back down at the table, and regained his composure and rationality. "We still need to conduct a further investigation into Murong Xuan's influence in the city. He must have some hidden strongholds and informants in the city. Only by finding them can we completely disrupt his plans."
After a moment's thought, Lin Wan'er said, "I can arrange for some agile and meticulous people to secretly follow Murong Xuan's confidants and subordinates to see if we can find any clues."
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, "This plan is excellent. But we must instruct them to be careful and not to reveal their identities. Murong Xuan's men are no ordinary people; if they are discovered, their lives may be in danger."
Lin Wan'er nodded solemnly, "General, rest assured, I will select the most reliable people to carry out the mission."
Just then, the men Xiao Yichen had sent out to inquire about the grain situation in the surrounding villages returned and reported to him: "General, the situation in the surrounding villages is not optimistic. Due to the drought, most farmers have only enough grain to feed themselves. Only a few households have a small amount of surplus grain, but they are worried that they will go hungry after their grain is requisitioned, so they are unwilling to sell it."
Xiao Yichen frowned even more deeply. "It seems that obtaining food from the surrounding villages is more difficult than I imagined. We must find another way."
Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "General, I've thought of a way. We can post notices in the city informing the people that we are working hard to solve the food problem and promising to buy their surplus grain at a reasonable price. At the same time, we can give certain rewards to those who voluntarily sell their surplus grain, such as tax reductions or providing some necessities. This way, we might be able to motivate the people and encourage them to sell their grain to us."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen's eyes revealed a hint of appreciation. "Wan'er, this plan is excellent. It will not only solve our food problem, but also further bring us closer to the people. Go and arrange for someone to draft a notice and post it as soon as possible."
Lin Wan'er accepted the order and left, while Xiao Yichen continued to ponder Murong Xuan's conspiracy and countermeasures. He knew that this contest with Murong Xuan had only just begun, and many more challenges awaited them. But he was fearless, for he bore the heavy responsibility of protecting the city and its people, and for this responsibility, he was willing to pay any price.
As the notices were posted throughout the city, the people began to discuss them. Some residents with surplus grain were tempted; they saw the efforts Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er had made to solve the food problem and believed they would keep their promise. So, one by one, people brought their grain to the designated locations in the city to sell. Although the quantity was small, it brought a glimmer of hope to alleviate the city's food crisis.
Meanwhile, news came from the people Lin Wan'er had arranged to follow Murong Xuan's men. They discovered that some of Murong Xuan's confidants frequently entered and exited an abandoned mansion in the city. This mansion appeared to have been abandoned for a long time, but people were constantly coming and going, and their movements were very secretive. They suspected that this mansion was an important stronghold of Murong Xuan in the city.
Upon learning of this news, Xiao Yichen decided to personally lead a team to investigate. He selected some elite soldiers and, under the cover of night, quietly approached the abandoned mansion. The area around the mansion was completely silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects. Xiao Yichen signaled his soldiers to spread out and form an encirclement, then he himself, along with a few trusted men, cautiously approached the mansion's gate.
Just as they were about to reach the gate, they suddenly heard light footsteps coming from inside the courtyard. Xiao Yichen's heart tightened, and he immediately stopped, signaling the people behind him to hide. They hid in the shadows, watching the courtyard gate. After a while, the gate slowly opened, and a man walked out of the courtyard. The man looked around warily, seemingly sensing something amiss. Xiao Yichen looked closely and recognized the man as one of Murong Xuan's capable assistants.
He was secretly pleased; it seemed they had found the right place. Just as he was about to give the order to move, the man suddenly turned and went back into the courtyard. Immediately afterward, a series of urgent shouts came from inside the courtyard. Xiao Yichen knew they had been exposed.
"Charge in!" Xiao Yichen shouted, leading the charge towards the mansion gate. The soldiers responded in unison, surging into the mansion like a tidal wave. Shouts of battle erupted within the mansion as Murong Xuan's men drew their weapons and engaged in fierce combat with Xiao Yichen's soldiers.
Xiao Yichen searched the crowd for any trace of Murong Xuan. He knew that capturing Murong Xuan would completely thwart his conspiracy. However, after a thorough search, he found no trace of Murong Xuan. All he saw were figures fighting everywhere, blood gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
"General, it seems Murong Xuan isn't here," a soldier said as he ran up to Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen felt a pang of disappointment, but he knew he couldn't give up. "Continue the search and see if there are any important clues."
The soldiers continued searching the courtyard and finally found some letters and accounts in a secret room. Xiao Yichen took the letters and accounts and examined them carefully. The letters recorded Murong Xuan's collusion with some forces in the city, as well as his material reserves in various places. The accounts detailed the source and destination of his funds for purchasing grain and vegetables.
After reading the letters and accounts, Xiao Yichen was overjoyed. These clues were crucial to them, not only allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Murong Xuan's conspiracy but also providing a strong basis for formulating their next countermeasures.
"Put these letters and accounts away, let's go back to the manor," Xiao Yichen ordered.
The soldiers, laden with the spoils of victory, withdrew from the abandoned mansion. Although they hadn't captured Murong Xuan, the operation had been quite fruitful. Xiao Yichen believed that as long as they made good use of these clues, they would definitely gain the upper hand in their confrontation with Murong Xuan.
Upon returning to his residence, Xiao Yichen immediately summoned Lin Wan'er, along with several key generals and strategists, to discuss strategies for dealing with Murong Xuan. He showed everyone the clues he had discovered in the abandoned mansion, and after seeing them, everyone was filled with righteous indignation, expressing their outrage at Murong Xuan's conspiracy.
"General, now that we have these clues, we should immediately strike at Murong Xuan's power in the city. We can't let him continue to be so arrogant," a general said angrily.
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly. "You're right. But we can't act blindly. Murong Xuan's influence in the city is deeply entrenched. We must develop a detailed plan to ensure a successful strike."
After a moment's thought, Lin Wan'er said, "General, I think we can start by targeting those forces in the city who are colluding with Murong Xuan. Using the evidence we have, we can expose their crimes and let the people see their true colors. In this way, we can weaken Murong Xuan's power and win the support of the people."
A hint of appreciation appeared in Xiao Yichen's eyes. "Wan'er's plan is excellent. Let's start here. However, before we act, we need to make thorough preparations to prevent Murong Xuan from resorting to desperate measures and retaliating against us."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Thus, a crackdown on Murong Xuan's influence in the city, meticulously planned by Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, quietly began. They knew this battle would be a protracted one, and only by remaining calm and rational could they ultimately achieve victory.
In the tense council chamber, candlelight flickered, casting shadows on everyone's faces and reflecting a somber atmosphere. Xiao Yichen, Lin Wan'er, and a group of generals and strategists sat around a long table, on which lay letters and accounts seized from Murong Xuan's stronghold. In the dim light, these papers seemed to carry the codes that would determine their fate.
Xiao Yichen broke the silence first, his voice steady and firm: "Gentlemen, the situation is now clear. Murong Xuan's conspiracy is like an all-encompassing net, gradually tightening. But we have also made some gains; these letters and accounts are the tools to break the net." After speaking, his gaze slowly swept over everyone, his eyes revealing coldness and determination.
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, continuing Xiao Yichen's words, "General, you are absolutely right. In my opinion, 'Mu's Grain Shop' is still the key. Although the manager previously refused to sell grain, if we can take it down, it will have an immeasurable effect on stabilizing the situation in the city and even breaking Murong Xuan's conspiracy." Her eyes were bright and focused, a strand of hair falling across her cheek, but it did not detract from her dignified and intelligent demeanor.
An advisor stroked his beard and said thoughtfully, "Miss Lin's suggestion is good, but the grain shop manager is loyal to Murong Xuan. We were already rebuffed last time, so how can we persuade him this time? Moreover, after our surprise attack on his stronghold, Murong Xuan must be on guard. The area around the grain shop is probably full of spies and sentries."
Xiao Yichen frowned slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. After a moment, he said, "This is indeed a tricky situation. But we are not without a chance. The shopkeeper's loyalty is nothing more than fear of Murong Xuan's power and revenge. We can approach it from these two aspects. On the one hand, we can offer him substantial profits, making him understand that the proceeds from selling grain will be enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life, and that we can provide protection to shield him from Murong Xuan's wrath. On the other hand, we can appeal to his sense of righteousness, explaining that the people in the city are currently in dire straits due to food shortages. If he can lend us a hand, it will be like saving countless people from suffering. Such merit far surpasses blind loyalty to Murong Xuan personally."
General A nodded in agreement: "General's plan is very thorough. However, how will we raise the funds needed for such a large profit? We already went through a lot of trouble to acquire the funds, and it will be difficult to increase our stakes now."
Xiao Yichen stood up, paced for a moment, and then said, "I have already made a plan regarding the funding. There are still a few wealthy families in the city. Although some of them refused before out of fear of Murong Xuan, we now have evidence and can put pressure on them to contribute. Furthermore, we can mobilize the people of the city, and those who have the means can voluntarily donate money and grain. We will promise, in the name of the government, that we will repay double in the future. With this two-pronged approach, we may be able to solve the funding problem."
Lin Wan'er also stood up and said, "I am willing to lead people to negotiate with those wealthy households and make them understand that their assistance to us at this time is also for their own safety and the peace of the city."
Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude and trust: "Thank you for your trouble, Wan'er. This matter is of utmost importance, so please handle it with utmost care."
Immediately, everyone began discussing the specific details of the operation. How to approach the grain store without being noticed, how to negotiate with the manager, and how to deal with any possible emergencies were all mentioned and repeatedly considered.
The next morning, Lin Wan'er, accompanied by several attendants, went to the homes of wealthy families in the city. The first house belonged to a well-known silk merchant; the mansion was grand and imposing, with its vermilion gates tightly closed. Lin Wan'er knocked on the door, and after a long while, a man who appeared to be a steward came to open it. Upon seeing Lin Wan'er, he was slightly taken aback, but then smiled broadly: "Miss Lin, what brings you here?"
Lin Wan'er's expression was cold as she said, "I wish to see your master; I have important matters to discuss."
The butler hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside to let Lin Wan'er and the others in. After waiting in the reception room for a while, the silk merchant slowly walked in, a forced smile on his face: "Miss Lin, what brings you here today?"
Lin Wan'er looked him straight in the eye and said, "Sir, you must know that the city is currently in dire straits, all because of Murong Xuan's conspiracy. We want to acquire the grain from 'Mu's Grain Shop' to resolve the crisis, but we are short of funds. As a wealthy man in the city, you have a responsibility to share the burden of the people. We have come here today hoping that you can generously donate to help us."
The silk merchant's expression changed, and he quickly waved his hand: "Miss Lin, this is unacceptable. Young Master Murong has a great deal of influence in the city. If I were to provide you with assistance, I fear I would face great calamity in the future."
Lin Wan'er sneered, "Sir, please don't be so quick to refuse. Do you know that we have evidence of many of Murong Xuan's conspiracies? His evil deeds will be exposed sooner or later, and those who colluded with him will also be implicated. By sponsoring us now, you are standing on the side of justice and the people. Once Murong Xuan falls from power and the city is at peace, your business will flourish even more. Moreover, we are not taking your money for nothing. Once the crisis is over, the government will definitely repay the principal with interest and will also provide many preferential policies."
The silk merchant hesitated, lost in thought. Seeing this, Lin Wan'er said, "Sir, as you can see, the people in the city are panicking due to food shortages. If you help them now, you will save them from their suffering. Such a good deed will surely be remembered by the people, and your reputation will spread far and wide."
After pondering for a long time, the silk merchant finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, fine. Miss Lin, I'll trust you this once. I'll give you five thousand taels of silver to help you purchase grain."
Lin Wan'er was overjoyed and said, "Sir, you are very righteous. The people of the city will surely be grateful for your kindness."
Subsequently, Lin Wan'er visited several wealthy households. Although some still had reservations, under Lin Wan'er's persuasion and the threat of evidence, they all contributed funds. With the voluntary donations from the city's residents, a considerable sum was raised.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen was also plotting his approach to the grain store. He dispatched several groups of men, disguised, to scout the area around the store and pinpoint the locations of Murong Xuan's hidden spies and sentries. Then, he devised a roundabout and secretive route to reach the grain store undetected.
Late that night, dark clouds obscured the moonlight, plunging the world into darkness. Xiao Yichen led a squad of elite soldiers, quietly approaching "Mu's Grain Store" according to their pre-arranged route. Dressed in black, they moved with agility, like ghosts in the night.
As they approached the grain store, Xiao Yichen signaled for everyone to stop. He stepped forward alone to observe the store. The store doors were tightly shut, and two guards patrolled back and forth, their eyes scanning the surroundings warily. Xiao Yichen darted forward, as nimbly as a cat, and slipped into the shadows. He then pulled a pebble from his pocket, flicked it lightly, and the pebble arced through the air before landing in a corner of the store's backyard.
"What's that sound?" a guard asked alertly upon hearing the noise.
"It's probably just a cat, don't make a fuss," another guard said dismissively.
While the two guards were distracted, Xiao Yichen led his soldiers like a whirlwind towards the grain store's door. They moved swiftly, subduing the two guards in an instant, and then pushed the door open and entered.
The shop was silent except for the soft rustling of the grain being piled up. Xiao Yichen led his soldiers cautiously into the inner room, where the grain shop manager's residence was located.
Arriving at the door, Xiao Yichen knocked gently and said in a low voice, "Shopkeeper, I am Xiao Yichen. I have important matters to discuss with you. Please open the door."
The shopkeeper's voice came from inside the house, tinged with fear: "General Xiao, what brings you here so late at night? I have already told you that I will not sell you any grain."
Xiao Yichen said, "Shopkeeper, I'm not here to force you to buy my grain. I just want to have a good talk with you. I have some things to say, and you can make a decision after you've heard them."
A moment of silence followed, then footsteps sounded, and the door slowly opened. The shopkeeper stood in the doorway, his face pale, a hint of unease in his eyes.
Xiao Yichen walked into the house and looked at the shopkeeper, saying, "Shopkeeper, I admire your loyalty to Murong Xuan. But do you know that what Murong Xuan is doing now is a disaster for the country and the people? He is trying to disrupt the order in the city and cause panic among the people in order to seek personal gain. Your guarding of these grains may seem like loyalty to him, but in reality, you are aiding and abetting evil."
The shopkeeper lowered his head slightly and said, "General Xiao, I am just a merchant who only knows how to follow my master's orders. I do not want to get involved in your disputes."
Xiao Yichen sighed softly and said, "Shopkeeper, I understand your concerns. But think about it, the people in the city are suffering from food shortages. If you can sell us your grain, we can guarantee your safety and give you a generous reward. This grain can save countless lives. Such merit is far greater than blind loyalty to Murong Xuan."
As he spoke, Xiao Yichen took out a stack of silver notes from his pocket and placed them on the table: "This is 100,000 taels of silver notes. As long as you nod, these are yours. In addition, we will also buy you a house in the city so that you can enjoy the rest of your life in peace. After the matter of Murong Xuan is settled, you do not need to worry about his revenge, because he will surely receive the punishment he deserves."
The shopkeeper glanced at the silver notes on the table, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes. He weighed the pros and cons in his mind: on one hand, there was Murong Xuan's power and potential retaliation; on the other hand, there was the enormous profit at hand and the noble cause of saving the people.
Seeing that he was wavering, Xiao Yichen continued, "Shopkeeper, you have been doing business in this city for many years, so you should know the importance of the people's support. If you help us now, you will be a hero in the hearts of the people. On the contrary, if the people are driven to despair because of Murong Xuan, how will you stand in the city in the future?"
After pondering for a long time, the shopkeeper finally raised his head and looked at Xiao Yichen, saying, "General Xiao, I believe you are a man of your word. I will sell you the grain, but you must guarantee my safety."
Xiao Yichen was overjoyed and quickly said, "Don't worry, shopkeeper, I will definitely keep my promise."
Immediately, Xiao Yichen arranged for his soldiers to begin unloading the grain. They moved swiftly and methodically, loading bags of grain onto the prepared wagons.
Just as the grain was about to be unloaded, a sudden clatter of hooves came from outside the grain store. Xiao Yichen's heart tightened; he knew something was wrong. Murong Xuan must have received the news and sent men to stop them.
"Hurry, speed up!" Xiao Yichen shouted.
Upon hearing this, the soldiers worked even harder to move the grain. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen led a few soldiers to the entrance of the grain store, preparing to meet the enemy.
A group of men in black, riding horses, surged in like a tide. The leader was none other than Murong Xuan's trusted subordinate. He saw Xiao Yichen and sneered, "Xiao Yichen, do you think you can easily take the grain from the grain shop? Today is your death day!"
Xiao Yichen drew his sword and said coldly, "If you want to stop me, then come on!"
Having said that, he charged towards the enemy first. His longsword flashed like a dragon emerging from the sea, and he instantly engaged the enemy in battle. The soldiers also drew their swords and engaged the man in black in fierce combat.
For a moment, shouts of battle filled the air outside the grain store, accompanied by the flashing of swords. Xiao Yichen darted through the enemy ranks, his swordsmanship fierce and deadly, felling enemies wherever he went. However, the black-clad men were numerous and each possessed exceptional martial arts skills, making it difficult to determine a victor for the time being.
Upon learning of the attack on the grain store in the city, Lin Wan'er was extremely anxious and immediately led the remaining soldiers to provide support. When she arrived, she saw Xiao Yichen engaged in fierce combat with the enemy and joined the battle without hesitation.
Her swordsmanship was light and graceful, like a butterfly in flight, yet it concealed deadly intent. Working in coordination with Xiao Yichen, they gradually turned the tide of the battle.
After a fierce battle, Murong Xuan's men finally couldn't withstand the onslaught and retreated in defeat. Watching the retreating enemy, Xiao Yichen understood that this was merely a probing attack by Murong Xuan; a greater challenge lay ahead.
But at this moment, they had successfully acquired the grain from "Mu's Grain Shop," taking a solid step towards unraveling Murong Xuan's conspiracy. Looking at the carts laden with grain, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a smile, their eyes revealing a weary yet determined light. They knew that this contest with Murong Xuan was far from over.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com