"Hmm, although we are currently understaffed and lack proper logistics, we must properly handle the affairs of the fallen soldiers. In a few days, send soone to deliver to the families of those thirteen soldiers."
"Yes!" Yu Jin was a man of deep sentint. He had initially thought that bringing back the bodies of the fallen soldiers might earn your reproach, so he hadn’t ntioned it. However, he hadn’t expected that you not only brought it up proactively but also considered the families of the deceased in such challenging circumstances. This was sothing rare in these tumultuous tis.
"My lord, how should we handle those gold and silver treasures?"
Your mind was evidently not on these spoils of war, as you smiled at Yu Jin and said, "Wen Ze, how do you think we should develop moving forward?"
In truth, you had already made up your mind and asking Yu Jin wasn’t a test; rather, you wanted to gain more confidence from his words.
Yu Jin thought for a mont and said, "Hide our strength and gradually grow. With our current financial resources, we could recruit a force of two thousand people. I still suggest the Princess move north to Jizhou. Jizhou is complex in strength and self-isolating, filled with shortsighted individuals."
You nodded. If you had no ties whatsoever with the Zhen Family, you would agree with Yu Jin’s idea of moving north. However, given your current relationship with the two misses from the Zhen Family, you must stay in Wuji.
"Your view is correct, but I have other plans." You organized your thoughts and said to Yu Jin, "We are weak, and any power, big or small, can easily oppress us. Now, I see that Yuan Shao intends to move north to Jizhou. Once Yuan Shao’s Han Fu starts a war, it will be difficult for us to remain unaffected. As for hiding our strength, I believe we should hide openly, not sneakily."
Hearing this, Yu Jin’s eyes lit up, and he asked, "Jin is dull; please enlighten , my lord."
"I plan to establish an escort agency, where martial artists will transport goods for rchants or protect them while trading, thereby earning profits."
Yu Jin pondered this for a mont and, looking at you, said, "This is an excellent move. First, it addresses the issue of having too many people, and second, it allows us to arm ourselves. However, given our current connections, we might not get enough jobs in the short term, which will make it hard to grow."
Yu Jin, with his astute mind, imdiately recognized the key to the situation.
You did not reveal much. As a leader, you must not disclose too much to your subordinates; instead, let them infer, explore, and realize on their own. This process deepens their respect for the leader and can be considered a basic principle of leadership.
Standing up, you dropped a line: "The hermit has his ingenious plans," and then walked away with long strides.
Five days later, in Wuji County.
Today was a lively day for the people of Wuji County.
Early in the morning, over a hundred martial artists stood lined up in front of a large mansion. These martial artists were uniformly dressed, standing straight and staring ahead, resembling a military unit awaiting inspection, with an impressive deanor.
What caught the attention of passersby was the plaque on the mansion, covered by a red cloth that obscured the words. This only piqued the crowd’s curiosity even more.
When the sun reached a certain position, aligning with the busiest ti on the street, a raucous "crackling" sound emanated from the mansion. The sound was mixed, varied in volu, both crisp and dense, appearing in a continuous stream, which quickly drew more onlookers.
"Hey, what’s going on here?"
"I don’t know, but it looks imposing."
"Could it be so aristocratic young master making a grand entrance here?"
...
As the crowd buzzed with discussion, the noisy sounds slowly subsided. Soon, the tightly closed gates of the mansion opened slowly, and you, along with Yu Jin and Yue Jin, strode out from within. You cupped your hands towards the crowd, your voice clear and loud, audible even across two streets as if amplified: "Dear villagers and elders, today marks the grand opening of our Longn Escort Agency. I am Li Muyun, and I look forward to your kind attention in the future!"
"Li Muyun?"
"Yes, that’s the one who single-handedly rescued the Second Miss Zhen from the Cao bandits!"
Over the past few days, your exploits have beco known to everyone in Wuji County, thanks to Zhang Shui and Five Mau’s promotion. Additionally, hints of your close relationship with the Second Miss have been subtly revealed, laying the groundwork for a future high-profile marriage proposal.
"Make way!" At this mont, a shout ca from the edge of the crowd, and soon ten or so n on tall horses ca into view.
Leading them was a handso young master, who, upon seeing you, imdiately laughed and said, "Li Zhuangshi, it’s only been a few days, and you look even more spirited!"
"Second Young Master Yuan, your visit is most welco!" Thanks to Zhang Shui, you have learned about this handso young master’s background. At that mont, you nearly leaped off the ground in surprise, for this young man is none other than Yuan Shao’s second son, Yuan Xi!
After welcoming Yuan Xi into the mansion, the crowd outside buzzed even more. Like most of them, you ca from ordinary backgrounds, the lower strata of society. Even though you are on good terms with the Zhen Family, they were only seventh-ranked, not considered nobility. Yuan Xi’s presence, however, is vastly different. Rember, the entire Yan Province is dominated by the Yuan Family, and though the Great Han Empire no longer exists as it once did, and major forces are dividing the empire’s lands among themselves, on the surface, the Yuan Family holds top-tier nobility in the Han. In reality, they are the land emperors in Yan Province.
That a re martial artist like you would receive such reception from Yuan Xi made people speculate about the power behind you.
Just after Yuan Xi had entered the mansion, Zhen Wen, the chief steward of the Zhen Mansion, also ca bearing gifts, adding further fuel to the gossiping crowd. Subsequently, nurous rchants ca to pay visits. Never mind Yuan Xi; the appearance of the Zhen Family alone already indicates their future direction. Moreover, there’s considerable interest in the escort agency sector, seeing it as an opportunity to cut various expenses and avoid potential financial losses due to personnel injuries during trade expeditions.
You could say that your initiative captured the attention of all the rchants in Wuji County. On the first day of operation, your hundred-mber team was fully dispatched, with orders from over thirty rchants.
At this mont, inside the mansion, you sat facing Yuan Xi, and there was no one else around.
"Second Young Master, I am imnsely grateful for your support today. Co, a toast to show my respect!" You downed your drink in one gulp.
Yuan Xi likewise picked up his cup, took a big sip, and placed it down, smiling at you, "Li Zhuangshi, no need for formalities. I must say, your boldness and martial spirit in pursuing your goals across such distances have indeed earned my admiration!"
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