"We never imagined that running a Chamber of Commerce could be so profitable, and after just a few auctions, we’d already made tens of thousands of silver," said the two young Disciples from Qu Shanling, who could talk up a storm, their faces filled with satisfaction.
As auctioneers, their commission was not insubstantial. Over the course of a few auctions, they had amassed a tidy sum of pocket money.
"Revenues of tens and hundreds of thousands at every turn, and you guys set your sights on such a small amount of silver," Mu Hanyan teased.
Thinking of the tall tales they had boasted about before, both young Disciples blushed with embarrassment.
"Right, you didn’t ask us to come here just to show off your recent achievements, did you? I know you’ve worked hard. Tonight, at Juxian Building, it’s my treat," Mu Nan offered generously at that moment.
"No, no, Sixth Young Master has misunderstood. We’ve called you here today because we have a difficult issue at hand," Housekeeper Sun said.
"What’s the matter?" Mu Nan asked.
"You must have seen it on your way here just now. The Chamber’s business is booming, and the number of customers and merchants coming from all places is only increasing. We’re running out of space in this courtyard. If this continues, I’m afraid it will become so crowded that people won’t be able to get through," Housekeeper Sun explained, troubled.
While others were troubled by the bleakness of no visitors, he was troubled by the fact that business was too good and there wasn’t enough room for people—such a predicament you’d find only at the Nanyan Commerce.
"Then why not buy some more land? Isn’t there plenty of vacant land around here?" Mu Nan asked, puzzled. Given Nanyan Commerce’s current business, there’s no way they wouldn’t be able to afford it.
"There is land, and we have the money, but others are unwilling to sell it to us. When we bought this courtyard, we spent only fifty thousand silver, but for those nearby, even when we offered a hundred thousand, they wouldn’t sell. They have spread the word that they wouldn’t take a penny less than two hundred thousand, and it’s not just the outrageous pricing; they even beat our people who went to negotiate into serious injuries, and they’re still bedridden," Housekeeper Sun said, furious. Official source is NoveI(F)ire.net
"Who dares to be so bold!" Mu Nan exclaimed in anger.
It was bad enough to demand an exorbitant price, but to actually commit violence was outrageous.
"It seems to be someone from the Yuan Family," Housekeeper Sun said.
"Yuan Tianbo?" Mu Hanyan raised his head.
He thought that after a few lessons, the guy would’ve learned to behave. He didn’t expect him to still be causing trouble.
"Yes, that’s him. He also said that our Nanyan Commerce colluded with you, Young Master, to cheat him, and that he would never allow our Nanyan Commerce to gain a foothold in Heishi City and that, sooner or later, he would drive us out," Housekeeper Sun added.
Only then did Mu Hanyan understand that the trouble was actually caused by him. Last time, Fourth Miss Zhao and Yuan Tianbo’s group suffered a loss in silence and to settle the Griffin Egg matter, they must have had to spend a considerable amount of money—not to mention the severe punishment from their family.
Yuan Tianbo didn’t dare confront Mu Hanyan directly and was unaware of the connection between Mu Hanyan and Nanyan Commerce, so he took out his anger on Nanyan Commerce instead.
"Steward, it’s terrible, just terrible," interjected a guard, rushing into the courtyard.
"What happened?" Housekeeper Sun asked.
"Ma Liu and Zheng Qing were beaten into serious injuries and dumped at the door of the Chamber," said the guard, filled with rage. Ma Liu and Zheng Qing were both guards of Nanyan Commerce and were among the earliest members, like brothers to him. Seeing them gravely injured, naturally, the guard was heartbroken.
A flash of anger crossed Mu Nan’s eyes as he strode toward the door with a stern face.