Chapter 313

Zhangxing Company is the top association in Shanxi.

And the way the association flaunts its wealth hasn’t changed much from the past to the present, and probably won’t in the future.

Imagine a massive, imposing building erected on a prime plot of land, with a flashy sign proclaiming its greatness. Anyone passing by would think, “Wow, this place is really something!”

So where do you think the best association in Xi’an would set up shop?

That’s right, right at the end—or perhaps the start—of Jang An, with a huge wall that stretches on endlessly, just a thirty-minute walk from where Qing gathers people to chatter.

Thus, when one heard cries of “Zhangxing Company is a bunch of lousy scoundrels!” some folks would grow pale and rush off, panting and wheezing through the side gate of Zhangxing Company.

Of course, the larger the organization, the more strict the hierarchy tends to be.

In a place like Zhangxing Company, you can’t just waltz right in and speak directly to the owner.

“It’s a big deal, a BIG deal! Right now, at the market…”

The market is flooded with people, Gang Eon is in chaos, assassins are on the loose, carpenters are yelling, and those Zhangxing Company scoundrels are at it again!

“What!? Oh my, this is serious! I can’t waste time, I need to report this…!”

And then they buzzed away in a flurry.

“It’s a huge problem! Right now, at the market…”

“What? What’s happening? No, we need a report first, damn it, what is going on here?!”

And again, they hurriedly rushed.

“It’s an emergency! At the market right now…”

And so the fragmented tale got passed around like some game of telephone, and if Qing had heard it, he might have laughed, “Look at this ridiculousness!”

But there was a legitimate reporting system in place, and even in a frantic situation, there could be red tape issues later on, so naturally, one must report to a superior and follow protocol.

Otherwise, only the individual would bear the consequences.

Eventually, the Deputy General, who heard the word on the street, managed to trod up the stairs to see the association leader.

“What’s all the fuss about? Did a warehouse catch fire or something?”

The association leader, Nam Moon-seong, boredly inquired while lovingly stroking his precious orchids.

Honestly, even if a warehouse caught fire—one of dozens—he wouldn’t consider it a cause for alarm.

“It’s just that a crowd of people is gathering at the market!”

“And so what? Are they hurling in here like a hoard of raiders?”

“Yes, exactly! That’s the problem…”

As the Deputy General hurriedly explained the situation, Nam Moon-seong, who had been cleaning his orchids, accidentally yanked off a leaf.

“What!? A flood control project? No, bring Hae-a here, NOW!”

Nam Moon-seong was just in his fifties—young for some, old for others—but he looked like he was nearly eighty.

When he inherited the family business, it was just a small association on the outskirts of town, but now he was running the most influential association in Shanxi after thirty-five long and hard years.

The hardships he endured had aged him quickly.

While he’d once experienced the struggles of youth, now they haunted him. Even with the finest herbs and a dedicated physician, these days, when it rains, he can’t sit, stand, or lie down comfortably. He just groans.

Which is why he had gathered his children, saying, “Now you all need to show your achievements. Only the best merchant will inherit Zhangxing Company,” and was preparing for retirement.

And currently, the child with the most success was the youngest daughter, Nam Moon-hae.

She had snagged that major flood control project and had put her brothers to shame—so much so that she broke the record for the highest amount of gold earned in a single project at Zhangxing Company. Two carts filled to the brim with gold!

So upon hearing the news, he understood right away.

Oh no, my girl’s greed has brought about a major disaster, he realized.

Of course, this was a tale anyone in the world would know.

And then it happened.

– “The association leader must explain! Explain!”

– “Explain!!! Explain!!!”

– “Zhangxing Company, clarify yourself! Clarify!”

– “Clarify!!! Clarify!!!”

The high-pitched cry of a woman mixed with the raucous chanting of the masses shook the ground beneath.

Even at that moment, there were anxious reports slowly crawling up through the ranks. News that a crowd had gathered at the great gate of the marketplace.

In such pressing matters, one might think the protocol could be skipped, but maintaining a rigid reporting hierarchy, even in dire situations, was a hallmark fault of the association leader.

Trying to skip steps here would just mean trouble down the line—he’d be the only one to suffer if the masses of Central Plain citizens stepped out of line.

However, before the news could reach the leader, too much time passed.

No matter how grand Zhangxing’s property was, a wall isn’t a fortress, and a great gate isn’t a fortress either, so absolute masters can’t be barred.

Fortunately, there were no mishaps of Qing marching with fervor only to be forced into retreat.

It was purely a matter of good luck.

While the center of Jang An was a crossroads, the roads laid out lacked width compared to the flanks, so the chances of hitting the right path on either the left or right were fifty-fifty.

And so Qing, accompanied by vigorous followers, proudly strode into Zhangxing Company, only to find the front gate shut tight, with the guards at the ready.

“Hey, we wish to see the leader—”

“Go back!”

What’s this? They want me to turn around before I can even finish?

Qing ignored them and continued, “Please, could you open the door?”

“It’s not possible. Turn back. If you don’t…”

The guard, trembling as he spoke, suddenly trailed off. “If you don’t, what?”

Qing’s eyes glinted with opportunity. “If I don’t? What will you do?”

What are you gonna do? Stab me with your spear in front of all these folks?

“Um… well, I’ll report this to the authorities.”

“And run past this crowd?”

“Uh… you do make a point…”

The guard was left floundering with no good answers.

“So, what will you do now?”

“Please, my lord, can you consider my position just this once?”

“Nope. Seems like I’ll have to use my strength as a martial artist to resolve this. Now, please step back, so no one gets hurt.”

“Wait, just a sec…!”

What could a mere guard do in front of an absolute master?

At least he showed some bravery trying to talk back. That would save face later.

With a flash, the sword aura sliced through the air, illuminating the gate’s center.

Even the door, reinforced with iron bars thicker than a man’s thigh, would be no match against a master, unless it was a real weapon.

“Yikes!”

Seeing the brilliant display of sword aura, the guard jumped back, assuming Qing had stepped aside to allow him to fully open the door.

And just like that, some pesky lackey had been thwarted!

Qing strolled confidently through the now-wide-open gate, followed by a thrumming crowd surging behind him, filled with spirits high.

Though they had no idea what they were rallying for or why they felt so invigorated.

Once Qing reached the expansive courtyard of Zhangxing Company—just as huge as the estate itself—he made himself at home, doing what he had been taught through life experience.

“Zhangxing Company, clarify your mishandling of the flood control project!”

“Clarify!!!”

When a crowd exceeds a certain number, they tend to collectively abandon their thoughts.

The masses filling the courtyard echoed Qing’s appeal, lost in a mix of confusion about the culture behind the spectacle they were creating.

Then again, as the commotion grew louder, those who peeked in through the gates and asked,

“What’s going on? Is there a feast here?”

It isn’t a feast; it’s a public execution. Actually, you see…

What the hell are these despicable scoundrels! Clarify!!! Explain!!!

Finally, the heavy-bottomed association leader made his grand appearance before the Cheonhwa-geom.

Qing, surveying the scene, thought to himself.

Hmm. This old man’s quite a scoundrel too.

Considering the deeds of Master Jang, it seemed he was more of an old fool living a devilish life than a reputable project overseer.

In fact, speaking of commerce, leveraging reputation for sales is a sophisticated tactic praised only in modern times.

In the West, there’s supposed to be an influential figure known as Great Hero Boo, a master manipulator and demagogue.

Great Hero Boo has achieved groundbreaking feats in altering breakfast culture for the people of the West, changing their once hearty breakfasts to elegant dishes like eggs and smoked pork—truly revolutionary!

In fact, there is even a famous disciple who admired Great Hero Boo so much that he took the name “Wonderous Hero!”

Anyway, Great Hero Boo introduced the concepts of reputation and image into commerce, presenting a completely new viewpoint and pioneering an uncharted territory.

It was a monumental achievement that changed the commercial landscape of merchants.

And thus, upon arriving in Qing’s hometown, no one questions the importance of reputation in commerce.

However, such notions were nonexistent in the primitive and uncivilized lands of the Central Plain. Being a well-known merchant in the world meant inevitably being a scoundrel who thrived on exploitation.

Of course, merchants do preach virtues of mutual growth, giving, and sharing.

And like all notions of virtue, these merchants can’t help but preach, while they themselves never practice mutual growth or sharing.

So, when Qing observed Nam Moon-seong’s vile acts, he thought, wow, this old fool’s definitely scum!

In reality, what Nam Moon-seong’s daughter had done posed a dilemma as to the extent of her punishment, but now he felt a decision crystallizing in his mind.

Death penalty.

“What in the world is going on here?! Aren’t you afraid of the national law? How could you burst in here like a band of thieves and cause mayhem?!”

Hmm. Shocking how similar all these complaints sound.

To which Qing retorted, “But? Look here. Check this out. Sparkling, isn’t it?”

Qing raised his sword high, unleashing his sword aura.

Anyone who saw it would recognize the chilling brilliance akin to stars in the night sky.

“What if a bandit leader wielding sword aura marched in here with their gang? What could you, the association leader, even do about it? Want to fight me with a sword? I’ll even give you a hundred moves before I cut your head off in one swift strike.”

With such an overt threat, Nam Moon-seong was momentarily speechless.

What are you gonna do? It was as if he simply wanted to unleash chaos, and if Qing led the crowd to plunder, his retainers wouldn’t be able to handle the ensuing chaos.

But Nam Moon-seong was a wealthy man, different from the flustered guard.

The weight of his amassed riches changed the game, thickening the layers of experience etched into his brow.

“Are you truly the leader of these brigands? Do you really think the national law will let you pillage my association?!”

“Oh, the national law. Right. Did you say you’re on friendly terms with the Prefectural Governor of Shanxi?”

“Hmph. I merely admire the Prefectural Governor, that’s all.”

The Prefectural Governor is the highest-ranking official in the region.

Even if Zhangxing Company is the largest association in Shanxi, one can’t outright claim close ties with just a mere merchant.

But the friendliness is true.

Nam Moon-seong’s response was revealing.

Then Qing countered, “Then call the Imperial Guards.”

“What? Oh, it seems you’ve got some faith in your connections, huh?”

“But, is it really okay to call them?”

Qing flashed a mischievous, devilish grin.

“What if a criminal stands before you here, who has intentionally sabotaged the flood control project to embezzle gold and silver? Wouldn’t the Prefectural Governor or any officer punish him immediately?”

And he posed the question.

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