Chapter 520: Chapter 522: Informing

He Gaofei said, "All you did was eat. You didn’t notice him probing for information with every word. I think he’s targeting Mr. Gu."

"That’s not true," Wu Yichen protested, feeling wronged. "I sensed something was off. Didn’t you see how many times he asked? I didn’t say a word.

"But why do you think he was digging for that information?"

Lu Shenggen said, "The way I see it, he’s probably trying to score some credit, or he has other plans in mind.

"I don’t know if you two noticed, but back on the ship, he stared at that compass car for a very long time."

"I’m sure his intentions are related to it."

"That’s very possible. It’s a huge accomplishment, after all. But even if Mr. Gu were to be taken down, the credit wouldn’t fall to him, would it?"

He Gaofei scoffed. "Heh, you underestimate this General Li. I think he wants to get his hands on the sea trade.

"Everyone knows that with the compass car, the chances of returning from a sea voyage are much, much higher. No one is stupid enough to miss the profits involved in that."

"Right now, he’s just looking for an opening to stir up some trouble so he can swoop in and reap the benefits later."

Lu Shenggen said, "Mr. He makes a good point. That might really be his plan. How did we not think of that?"

He Gaofei lowered his head, schooling his expression. He had only thought of this because he himself had once entertained the same notion.

But having worked with Ancient Wenheng for so long, he had come to admire him.

Besides, he was self-aware enough to know that even if he did manage to sabotage the whole affair, neither he nor his declining family had the power to gain anything from it. So why waste the effort? It was far better to just ride Wenheng’s coattails. He might even pick up some small benefits along the way.

"So, should we let Mr. Gu know?" Lu Shenggen asked, looking cautiously at the other two men.

"Why are you looking at us like that?" Wu Yichen retorted. "In your eyes, are we the kind of people who would ignore the bigger picture?"

Lu Shenggen quickly shook his head. "I just wanted to hear your opinions."

He Gaofei snorted. "Hmph. Even though I’m still not completely won over, Wenheng is genuinely capable. He’s done so much for the people of Lu City recently, things I admit I couldn’t do myself."

"But my heart isn’t that narrow. I give credit where it’s due."

Lu Shenggen asked, "Then who’s going to be the one to tell him?"

The two hands that had been resting on his shoulders simultaneously let go. Just as Lu Shenggen was about to ask another question, He Gaofei began staggering toward his own courtyard.

He was still muttering, "I’m getting old. Just a few cups and the wine is already going to my head. I’ll have to trouble you two with the rest."

Wu Yichen added, "We’re counting on you, Mr. Lu. My head is spinning too, so I won’t be able to join you."

Staring at the empty front courtyard, Lu Shenggen could only rub his face and walk toward the main gate.

Ancient Wenheng was holding his young son and teaching him characters when a servant came to report, much to his surprise.

’What could Lu Shenggen want at this hour?’

Nevertheless, he had the man shown into a side hall and went to meet him, still carrying Gu Ben Can.

"Mr. Gu." Lu Shenggen was already used to the sight of Ancient Wenheng expertly holding his child.

This Mr. Gu was unlike other men. He didn’t follow the tradition of doting on one’s grandchildren but not one’s own children. As soon as he had a free moment, the child was almost never out of his arms.

Ancient Wenheng said, "Have a seat. Been out for a few drinks?"

The smell of alcohol was noticeable the moment he entered. Holding his son, Ancient Wenheng kept some distance and didn’t take the main seat.

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Lu Shenggen, being slightly tipsy himself, naturally didn’t notice that he was being shunned. He just wanted to relay the information as quickly as possible so he could go home and get a good night’s sleep. "Mr. Gu, today..."

Holding his son, Ancient Wenheng listened quietly, patting the boy’s back from time to time to soothe him.

"Mr. Gu, that’s the situation as it stands. We’re not sure what the other party’s intentions are, but after discussing it, we decided it would be best to inform you."

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave and go rest."

Still holding his son, Ancient Wenheng saw the man out before turning and heading to the rear courtyard.

"Next time a guest arrives, just bring the child to me," Jin Qianqian said, reaching out to take the sleeping Gu Ben Can. She gently placed him on the bed, tucked him in, and then spoke softly.

"It’s no trouble. It wasn’t official business, so being in our own home, it makes no difference." Ancient Wenheng led her into the outer room.

"Why would Mr. Lu visit at this hour?" Jin Qianqian had a rather good impression of Lu Shenggen, not just because he had invested a share in the sea trade, but because he had shown the most goodwill during their various interactions.

As for Mr. He and Mr. Wu, they had always been somewhat reserved during their encounters.

Ancient Wenheng didn’t hide anything from her and shared the news he had just received.

Jin Qianqian remarked, "It seems wealth truly stirs the hearts of men. I didn’t expect them to start scheming when there’s barely been a hint of success."

Ancient Wenheng pulled her into his embrace. "There will likely be more of this in the future. Are you afraid?"

Jin Qianqian found a comfortable spot to lean against him. "This is only temporary. I trust that once the higher-ups receive our show of good faith, what can those insignificant clowns do, no matter how much they kick up a fuss?"

Ancient Wenheng said, "So you’ve already thought this through?"

Jin Qianqian asked, "Should we let Brother Zhou know?"

Stroking her back, Ancient Wenheng replied, "It’s fine. He’s just an insignificant pest. Brother Zhou has his reasons for ignoring him."

Jin Qianqian nodded, taking it in. "I went to the workshop today. The men are working quite efficiently, and many of the ships’ components have already been crafted. They’ll probably be able to start assembly before autumn sets in."

"There’s no rush. Haste makes waste. I’ve already sent for a few master craftsmen. We’ll have them do a final inspection then."

It is our first time building ships, after all. We need to be absolutely certain of the quality.

Jin Qianqian nodded. "Hmm. Do you think I should start declining visitors tomorrow?"

"That won’t be necessary," Ancient Wenheng said, knowing her worries. "Most people will just watch from the sidelines until our ships are actually in the water."

By the time they finally decide to act, they probably won’t have the courage anymore.

"That’s true," Jin Qianqian agreed. "Everything is slowly getting on the right track. I just wonder if Housekeeper Fu will be able to find suitable sailors."

"I was thinking we should have a backup plan. What do you think about recruiting some local fishermen who are skilled on the water?"

Ancient Wenheng replied, "Let’s wait and see how Housekeeper Fu does first."

"A lot of people are watching us right now. If we recruit locally, it’s almost certain that some people with ulterior motives will get mixed in."

"Even for the people Housekeeper Fu is recruiting, I’ve stressed repeatedly that they must sign binding contracts."

Without a contract in hand, Ancient Wenheng couldn’t truly feel at ease.

"I’m just afraid they won’t be willing to leave their homes and families behind." This was precisely Jin Qianqian’s worry, and why she wanted a backup plan.

「Meanwhile, far away in Sea City, Housekeeper Fu was indeed facing a real headache.」

He scratched his nearly bald head, wondering, ’How can I complete my master’s assignment faster and better?’

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