"This posed a great threat to the Daqian army, Minister Tuotuo Buhua was very angry, so he sent Inspection Envoys to different places with the purpose of checking whether there was any collusion with the Zoroastrian Sect or trading iron tools with them."
Lord Yelu said, as Chen Jie slightly furrowed his brows.
At this time, Yelu continued, "Currently, the Inspection Envoy has been conducting inspections in Shanxi and Shaanxi, and will soon enter our Huguang Road, by then our Huangzhou Prefecture, including our Mianshui County, will all be within the scope of supervision."
"Therefore, I want to tell you that our focus now should be on cracking down on the Zoroastrian Sect, cutting off their roots in Mianshui County!"
"Recently, I’ve sent Qimu Ge to arrest a batch of rebel Zoroastrian Sect members and destroyed one of their transport routes. We’ve also captured some people; as long as one of them speaks out, we will be able to follow the trail to find their lair in Mianshui County and destroy it."
"This is to welcome the Inspection Envoy to our Mianshui County."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.
At this moment, Chen Jie bowed with one hand and said, "Lord Yelu, we understand what you’re saying. Just give the order, whether it’s providing manpower or effort, we will not hesitate!"
Chen Jie said confidently. Hearing this, Yelu was very pleased—Chen Jiusi was sensible.
He then looked toward Nan Batian and Liu Laoguai, who also quickly expressed their determination, "Lord, just tell us what to do?"
Upon hearing this, Yelu nodded slightly and said, "Good, since that’s the case, let’s discuss the essentials."
"Regarding the Inspection Envoy’s investigation, I believe our focus should not be on capturing the Zoroastrian Sect, but rather on iron smuggling. The court is determined this time. On his way south, the Inspection Envoy has already caught more than a dozen Darugachi, and three have been executed."
"This is a very dangerous signal, so for our safety, I’ve been racking my brains, unable to think of a foolproof plan until today, when Guild Leader Liu came to offer a strategy, which suddenly enlightened me."
Hearing this, Chen Jie and Nan Batian both looked toward Liu Laoguai.
Especially Nan Batian, who frowned at this moment, wondering what trick Liu Laoguai was playing.
But Chen Jie just looked at Liu Laoguai, then kept silent, quietly observing things unfold.
Then Yelu looked at Liu Laoguai and said, "Guild Leader Liu, share your thoughts with everyone."
Hearing this, Liu Laoguai said, "Hmm, I was thinking, since the investigation focuses on iron smuggling, why not shut down the North Mountain Iron Mine? If we all stop mining, naturally, there can be no smuggling. Even if the Zoroastrian Sect has any schemes, without iron, they are helpless. That is the foolproof plan!"
As soon as these words came out, Nan Batian suddenly turned his head to look at Liu Laoguai, "Liu Laoguai, have you gone mad! If you shut down the North Mountain Iron Mine, what are our guild members supposed to eat?"
Liu Laoguai calmly responded, "Overlord Brother makes a good point, although the North Mountain Iron Mine is our guild’s most important enterprise. However, now is a critical moment, and the hardest time for Lord Yelu. Though I’m not talented, I’m willing to share the Lord’s worries."
"Just a mine. If shutting it down can help Lord Yelu, I will make whatever sacrifices necessary."
Liu Laoguai said to Lord Yelu, who then looked at Liu Laoguai, "Guild Leader Liu, you are indeed a righteous man. Rest assured, I will not forget your contributions."
Hearing this, Chen Jie laughed and said, "Lord Yelu, as you know, I’ve already stopped selling iron from my mine. Now that you have a need, although I can’t claim to have the deep understanding and righteousness of Guild Leader Liu, I am willing to contribute what little I can. My mine will be closed as well."
Yelu smiled and said, "Good, Jiusi is also a righteous man."
After he had finished, everyone’s gaze turned in unison to Nan Batian. His face turned ashen—so you are all righteous, and I’m the only villain, is that it? You stand so high and mighty.
The Fishing Guild relied on the North Mountain Iron Mine for half its income. With just a few words, you’re ready to shut it down. How could I dare to?
If I shut it down, the Fishing Guild would lose at least half its income. Wouldn’t the younger brothers revolt?
But can I now dare to say we won’t shut it down?
Liu Laoguai and Chen Jiusi have both made their positions clear, so if I don’t, what would that mean—that I’m that arrogant?
Thinking this, a killing aura filled Nan Batian’s face, and Yelu also looked at Nan Batian, a warm smile on his face, as he said, "Guild Leader Nan, there’s no need to feel troubled. The North Mountain Iron Mine is indeed important to you, and it would be inconsiderate to force its closure. So you don’t have to close it; it’s voluntary."
Seeing Yelu’s amiable face, Nan Batian suddenly felt his heart turn cold, and at the same time, he became completely awake.
Who are you talking to, Nan Batian? The man before you is Yelu, someone who holds your fate in his hands. If you cross him, do you really not know how to spell ’death’?
With this thought, Nan Batian immediately put on a forced smile and said, "Lord Yelu, although the North Mountain Iron Mine accounts for half of the Fishing Guild’s income and shutting it down will cause us significant losses, for the sake of the Lord, I must do my duty. We’ll stop!"
Upon hearing this, Yelu’s face showed even greater pleasure, "Good, good, I was not mistaken; all three of you are loyal officials of the court. Since that’s the case, let’s make an agreement. Starting tomorrow, all iron mines will cease production. Additionally, I, of the Darugachi Mansion, will temporarily seal the stockpiles within the iron mines."