Once the first person is on board, a second will follow. Lub Su’s switch to Chen Zichuan’s side made Liu Ye sigh. With Lub Su by his side, Chen Zichuan was now capable of doing anything.
"Count me in, at least if something goes wrong, I can mitigate some of the damage. I’ll oversee the accounts!" Liu Ye spoke with resignation. No matter the argument, his goal was always Liu Bei’s welfare. Since the situation was irreversible, he aimed to minimize losses, "Zichuan, please remember, at no time should our clan elder’s interests be harmed! Everything we do must revolve around our clan elder!"
"I assure you, you will soon understand the correctness of the choice you made today," Chen Zichuan nodded and said.
"Only if you fail can my correctness be highlighted!" Liu Ye said discontentedly, "I do hope that my joining is a mistake!"
"All right, I will prove you are a mistake," Chen Zichuan waved his hand dismissively and turned to look at Jia Xu and Guo Jia. In truth, these two barely involved themselves in governmental affairs; they were just needed to show their stance.
"With the three of you, any matter can be dealt with," Jia Xu sipped his tea and raised his head to look at Chen Zichuan, "After all, the administration of Mount Tai and Qingzhou’s affairs is mainly handled by you three. As for Jian Yong and Sun Qian, they are just there to make up numbers. With you three, we can practically say the work has started."
"Thank you for understanding," Chen Zichuan bowed to Jia Xu. By saying this, Jia Xu indicated he would no longer interfere with Chen Zichuan’s matters.
"What about you, Fengxiao?" Chen Zichuan turned his head and asked Guo Jia.
"I reserve my opinion, but my view is the same as Wen He’s," Guo Jia shook his head.
"Zizhong, rest assured, you will soon see the outcome. This is the best opportunity. Once this moment passes, there might not be another chance as good as this. So please forgive me, Zizhong. I can assure you that both Lord Xuande’s interests and your interests will be protected," Chen Zichuan said, bowing to Mi Zhu.
"I hope so," Mi Zhu said with a somewhat disheartened expression.
Chen Zichuan did not try to persuade Mi Zhu further, understanding that no words could be as convincing as factual evidence. Once the reality was laid out before Mi Zhu, he would realize that Chen Zichuan hadn’t set him up. For now, any reassurances would seem like wishful thinking in Mi Zhu’s eyes.
Chen Zichuan thought to himself, "Finally, I’ve persuaded this group of people, what a difficult task." He mused, "But after this, they will likely think twice before causing such a scene again. Still, it’s best to minimize such situations in the future."
"Now that everyone agrees, I will assign the respective governmental duties. Let me be clear, any previous disagreements are acceptable, but once the decision is made, no one is allowed to drag their feet, or don’t blame me for being ruthless! Boning, you will be responsible for overseeing everyone’s performance when the time comes!" Chen Zichuan turned his head to address Man Chong.
"Understood!" Man Chong bowed and responded.
Just as Chen Zichuan was about to assign the governmental duties, Lady Zhang walked in, followed by Lady Gan.
"I heard that Marquis Chen plans to re-establish the Chamber of Commerce in Mount Tai. Can the Zhen Family take a part in it?" Lady Zhang preempted, instantly disrupting Chen Zichuan’s arrangements.
Looking at Lady Zhang, Mi Zhu sighed inwardly, "Indeed, Chen Zichuan is known for being proactive. Is the Zhen Family also a contingency plan? Afraid that I wouldn’t give my best or simply refuse, he had prepared everything in advance."
Chen Zichuan frowned at Lady Zhang. He had definitely not disclosed any information about the new commercial laws to anyone apart from Liu Bei, let alone mention the Chamber of Commerce settling in Mount Tai.
"So that’s why things seemed off yesterday. It turns out Lady Zhang is in Lord Xuande’s quarters, no wonder." A peculiar look crossed Chen Zichuan’s face as he considered what he had said the day before and glanced at Lady Gan standing behind Lady Zhang. An evil thought came to his mind, "Lord Xuande wouldn’t take the opportunity to conquer Lady Zhang, would he? Hmm, it’s not impossible! Given the circumstances, the Zhen Family can be granted a piece of the action, especially since it’s going to be part of Lord Xuande’s assets."
Lady Zhang felt uncomfortable under Chen Zichuan’s teasing gaze but still maintained her composure as she spoke to Chen Zichuan, "What are your thoughts, Marquis Chen? The Zhen Family is also a well-known clan in Jizhou with one of the top commerce associations under its name. Joining the Mount Tai Chamber of Commerce can provide considerable support."
"That matter is not within my jurisdiction. All Chamber of Commerce affairs are handled by Zizhong, and the lady may discuss any needs with Zizhong," Chen Zichuan emphasized the word ’lady’, instantly making everyone present understand the situation. They turned their heads to look at Lady Gan, who was right behind Lady Zhang, and in their eyes flashed a contemplative look. How did they suddenly become entangled and when did this happen?
With a wry smile, Mi Zhu knew whether it was Chen Zichuan or Lady Gan behind Lady Zhang, it meant one thing—the Zhen Family’s entry into the Chamber of Commerce was inevitable. However, he had already considered inviting the Zhen Family to join previously, so it wasn’t much of a pressure. He stood and bowed to Lady Zhang, "Milady, please let us discuss the details of joining another day. Today, I have more pressing matters to attend to!"
"Very well, the Zhen Family also needs to prepare," Lady Zhang nodded, then sat down on a chair brought by the guards, seemingly intent on listening carefully to Chen Zichuan’s distribution of duties since from now on, these matters would also concern the Zhen Family. (To be continued. If you work, you are welcome to vote for it with a recommendation ticket or a monthly ticket at . Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)