Chapter 1831: Chapter 1831: Don’t Mess With the Shrew

It’s precisely because of this reason that every piece of relic soul beads sold by a chamber of commerce or at an auction must have its source thoroughly checked. If Han Yan openly sells relic soul beads, Long Wudang has the means to trouble her, let alone the fact that she wants to sell not just one or two.

Returning to the Gu family, everyone changed into casual clothes and followed Zhu Yulan to the Si Tong Chamber of Commerce.

Si Tong Chamber of Commerce is a chamber of commerce established in Tianyang City by several Priest families of Xiafeng Temple. The Gu family originally held less than half a share, but later transferred it after the family’s decline. However, the shopkeeper and Zhu Yulan are familiar with each other.

"Isn’t this Second Old Lady Gu? Long time no see, what brings you here today?" The shopkeeper, who was adept in commerce, did not look down on Zhu Yulan despite the Gu family’s decline, still presenting a cheerful demeanor.

"Manager Ding, these are my friends from Lingyu City. They want to buy some herbs. Do you have stock?" Zhu Yulan said.

"Hahaha, isn’t Second Old Lady Gu joking? You’ve known the strength of Si Tong Chamber of Commerce for a long time. If we don’t have it, there is no need to check other chambers. What kind of herbs do your friends want to buy?" Manager Ding glanced at Han Yan and the others without suspicion, laughing heartily.

Since the Gu family’s decline, Zhu Yulan often helped people with some intermediary work, earning commission from it. This is because Tianyang City is too big, and it is inconvenient for outsiders to handle affairs without having acquaintances, giving her opportunities to make money. Therefore, Manager Ding was not surprised.

Han Yan handed over a slip of paper, listing six herbs required for refining the Phoenix Nirvana Pill. To prevent the Elixir Recipe from leaking, she strategically decided not to source all herbs from one chamber, even adding two unnecessary ones to mislead others.

"Jade Heart Flower, White Bone Leaf, Bitter Lotus..." Manager Ding read the herb names on the slip, his voice lowering.

"Manager Ding, do you have stock?" Zhu Yulan asked.

"Ahem, you’ve known the strength of Si Tong Chamber of Commerce for a long time." Manager Ding said, stroking his beard.

"Which means you do have stock?" Zhu Yulan pursued.

"We originally had, but it’s just sold out. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait; I’ll find a way to get some more." Manager Ding said.

"How long will it take?" Han Yan asked.

"About a day or two, or maybe a bit longer. Here’s the deal: you put down a deposit and leave an address. Once the goods are ready, I’ll have someone inform you or directly inform Second Old Lady Gu." Manager Ding quickly changed his tune.

"Manager Ding, are you trying to dupe me!" Zhu Yulan slammed the counter angrily, "If there’s stock, say there’s stock; if not, say so directly. We’ve known each other for years; why go roundabout? Are you looking down on me just because the Gu family’s not doing well, deliberately messing with me? If you don’t give me a clear answer today, I’m not done with you."

Seeing Zhu Yulan losing her temper, several servants in the shop turned their heads to look, then quickly hid to one side, evidently a bit scared of her.

Han Yan and the others exchanged glances, realizing Zhu Yulan not only threw tantrums at home but acted the same outside. Judging by the servants’ demeanor, this wasn’t the first time.

"Alas, alas, Second Old Lady Gu, don’t be angry. You know our chamber values reputation most. Frankly, if word gets out we’re out of stock, it’s humiliating, isn’t it? Honestly, not just Si Tong Chamber, but all major chambers can’t gather all the requested herbs at once. If you don’t believe me, just ask around." Manager Ding said, forcing a smile.

"Hmph, wasting my time. If you dare trick me like this again, I’ll make a scene and make you regret it." Zhu Yulan scolded with a brazen stance, hands on hips.

"Yes, yes, yes, it’s my fault this time; please don’t make a fuss, or it’ll affect our reputation." Manager Ding said, eyeing curious guests peeping over, his face worried.

The chamber relies on harmonious business dealings; frequent bickering hampers business. He’s genuinely afraid of Zhu Yulan causing a scene. It wouldn’t be the first time; previously, she brought a deal promising a 5,000 taels commission. Due to harsh discounts from the guests, he only gave Zhu Yulan 1,000 taels. She cursed at the door for three days, scaring away both guests and shop employees, affecting business.

The Gu family laid a solid foundation earlier, and Zhu Yulan is remarkably resourceful, occasionally bringing small business deals. He can’t afford to offend her; eventually, he compensated her several thousand taels in commissions and a few thousand for lost work, finally resolving the matter.

In short, he doesn’t wish to offend this woman anymore, cursing his own tongue, personally seeing Zhu Yulan and the others out the door.

"Sorry for embarrassing you, Master Priest. Such people need to be dealt with harshly; otherwise, they will drag out the affair, coaxing you to put down a deposit and wait slowly. If you become impatient and want the deposit back, it’s impossible." Noticing Han Yan and the others’ strange expression, Zhu Yulan said sheepishly.

"Fortunately, you were here; otherwise, I might have been deceived." Han Yan said somewhat emotionally.

She didn’t usually handle Nanyan Commerce matters and wasn’t well-informed about deposit dealings. Listening to Zhu Yulan, she understood; money breeds money, and the more silver you control, the bigger business you can do. Don’t underestimate a deposit; with many people snagged, it’s not a small amount.

Han Yan’s heart stirred slightly, realizing Zhu Yulan isn’t entirely without merit; she does have some knack. For Huayu Temple to genuinely strengthen, money is essential; they need their own revenue streams. But the subordinates clearly lack commercial experience; bringing Zhu Yulan over could be a significant help.

"You’re overpraising me, Master Priest. I have no choice; managing such a vast enterprise isn’t easy for a woman. If I were entirely honest, I’d be eaten alive by these treacherous merchants. Yu He, now you should understand Second Aunt’s difficulties; people say Second Aunt is sharp-tongued, labels her as materialistic. But who knows her hardships? Who knows the struggles Second Aunt has faced over the years?" Zhu Yulan’s eyes welled up as she spoke, getting emotional.

Here we go again... Han Yan rolled her eyes. She cries at any moment, stirs up emotions; if she goes to Huayu City, wouldn’t we be drowned in tears?

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