Chapter 102: Chapter 88: Fishery (2)

The two hailed from the Gu and Li Families, both members of the Yunlin Commerce Association. While not among the top Noble Families in the Prefecture City, they were still well-established.

They chattered about the most prominent young prodigy in Yunlin Prefecture, their tone light and casual, as if they were discussing the latest patterns in silk brocade.

This was typical for their social circle: keeping track of the movements of promising scions from Noble Families and rising stars from Sects, gathering information for future family investments or marriage alliances.

Wu Manqing listened, her heart heavy.

The Wu Family was from Gaolin County. Although their business was flourishing back home, their foundation in Yunlin Prefecture City—especially in the face of a behemoth like the Yunlin Commerce Association—was still shallow.

Wu Manqing was determined to lead the Wu Family into the Yunlin Commerce Association. However, the family lacked the top-tier martial power needed to earn the respect of the other members, especially the old, established families—the kind of power that could truly command a situation.

This was a difficulty every wealthy household and family faced upon arriving in the Prefecture City.

Moreover, as the Wu Family grew and their business prospered, the Water Bandits occupying their main trade routes had become more audacious. The toll money they demanded grew larger and larger, precisely because they knew the Wu Family had no master capable of keeping them in check.

In short, as their business continued to expand, the Wu Family lacked a Tributor who could command respect and control the situation.

This Tributor not only needed to be exceptionally powerful but also trustworthy—someone who would truly be one of their own, not a wolf they were letting into their home.

“Manqing?”

Li Wan noticed her distraction and asked with concern, “Why are you in such low spirits today? Is it the trouble with the Water Bandits?”

Wu Manqing snapped out of her reverie and drained the lukewarm tea in her cup. “Things haven’t been peaceful at the docks lately. Several of our important Spirit Fish cargo ships have been harassed, and the losses are significant. My father and the clan elders are pressing me to find a capable person to take charge of the situation as soon as possible.”

“Otherwise, our trade routes will be cut off. Forget about joining the Commerce Association; even our foundation in Gaolin could be jeopardized.”

Hearing this, Gu Ruo Hua immediately chimed in, “Didn’t I mention this to you the other day? My uncle has a Guest Minister, surnamed Zhao, who is a true Embracing Pill Force master! He’s quite famous in the Prefecture City. There’s another one, my older cousin’s junior apprentice-brother. His family background is a bit lacking, but he has exceptional talent. At just over eighteen, he has already reached Great Success in the Transmutation Force Realm with a very solid foundation! As long as you say the word, Manqing, I’ll go introduce you. I guarantee they’re a hundred times better than anyone you could find in a small place like Gaolin!”

Li Wan nodded in agreement. “Ruo Hua has a point. Gaolin County is, after all, limited in its scope. The matter of a Tributor is no small thing; it concerns your family’s prestige and the safety of your trade routes. It’s safer to find someone with a clear background and outstanding strength. We may not be able to hire figures like Liu Han or Feng Shuhao, but the two Ruo Hua recommended are definitely excellent choices.”

Wu Manqing listened to her friends’ enthusiastic suggestions, her brow furrowing slightly.

She had already sent people to investigate the two men Gu Ruo Hua recommended in private.

The Embracing Pill Force Guest Minister, Zhao, certainly had the strength. However, of his two previous employers, one had been raided by the Government Office for smuggling contraband, and the other was ruined after getting caught in the crossfire between powerful families. Although he wasn’t directly involved, the rumors of his “failure to protect his master” and the suspiciously smooth way he extricated himself always left Wu Manqing feeling uneasy.

As for the young prodigy, the conditions he demanded for his service were nearly extortionate. He not only wanted a private courtyard and a massive allocation of resources, but also hinted that he was unwilling to be bound by too many restrictions. His character remained to be seen.

Moreover, if she really hired a Tributor recommended by the Gu Family, the Wu Family would likely be branded as one of their vassals, reduced to a subordinate role.

Just as Wu Manqing was weighing her options, a soft knock came at the door of the private room.

Her personal Steward, Wu Zhong, entered with a bow. He walked briskly to her side, leaned in, and whispered a few words.

Li Wan and Gu Ruo Hua paused their conversation, looking over with curiosity.

Wu Manqing’s delicately furrowed brows smoothed for an instant after she heard Wu Zhong’s report, before she returned to her usual calm, placid expression.

She gave a slight nod, dismissing Wu Zhong.

“What is it, Manqing? Is it something important?” Gu Ruo Hua couldn’t help but ask.

Wu Manqing picked up the teapot and gracefully refilled her two friends’ cups with hot tea, offering a faint smile. “It’s nothing, just a small matter. My steward came to report that a young man I was keeping an eye on back in Gaolin County, Chen Qing, has successfully entered the Cyan Wood Institute of the Wutai Sect.”

“The Cyan Wood Institute?”

Li Wan raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of disdain in her voice. “Under Master Li, the Dean? That place is… quiet, I suppose. But Manqing, you can’t possibly be thinking of giving a heavy responsibility to some kid from Gaolin County who just entered the Cyan Wood Institute, can you?”

She clearly found the idea utterly preposterous.

Gu Ruo Hua burst out laughing. “Oh, my dear sister, you must be joking! The Cyan Wood Institute! How many times a year does that Master Li even bother to instruct his disciples? Most of his students just plant herbs and practice alchemy. What kind of skill could they possibly develop? He might be somebody in Gaolin, but here in the Prefecture City, with the mess we’re dealing with, he wouldn’t even make a splash, would he? Sister Wan was right. For a Tributor, you have to find a real master who can command the situation!”

Wu Manqing didn’t retort immediately. She simply lifted her full teacup, her gaze once again drifting down to the boisterous stage below.

Onstage, the lead male actor was singing a moving passage. Meanwhile, in a corner, a supporting actor playing a house servant was meticulously carrying out his unremarkable blocking and movements, his figure appearing dim and blurry under the brilliant halo of the star.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep