Celestial Master： I Have an Otherworld

"Young Master Qian Zhengwen from the Qian Family..."

"Everyone." Turning in a circle, Linghu An then introduced:

"This is my often-mentioned Brother Wen Tailai, the Thunderbolt Hand. Brother Wen and I met in Gu’an County and we are quite old friends by now."

"Brother Wen." Qian Zhengwen took a step forward, indicating:

"For such a small place as Gu’an County to produce both Patriarch Linghu and Brother Wen, it seems the pool can indeed nurture flood dragons!"

"I don’t dare claim that." Fang Zheng cupped his hands:

"Young Master Qian is too kind."

The identities and statuses of those present were of no small significance, and their cultivation bases were no small thing either, yet the first to speak was this young master.

The surname Qian...

From the Qian Family of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?

Fang Zheng looked at Linghu An, who nodded slightly, clearly confirming what he thought.

"Speaking of which, there is another person in Gu’an County." Manor Master Qi Gandao from the Qi Family Manor said with a smile:

"Fang Zheng, the owner of Square Porcelain, is a master in business. In just a few years, Square Porcelain’s porcelain has been sold across several prefectures."

"Even the porcelain merchants from the Capital City come from afar to purchase."

"Among the nation’s treasured porcelains, Square Porcelain is indeed one of them!"

"Indeed." Linghu An nodded:

"What you may not know, compared to us who engage in conflict, is that Young Master Fang is truly remarkable. No one in this vast Gu’an County dares to speak ill of him."

"Pray tell, who else can achieve that?"

"Oh!" Qian Zhengwen asked curiously:

"Why is that?"

"It’s naturally because Young Master Fang is magnanimous and generous, and he does not seek fame." Linghu An smiled and said:

"Although the business of Square Porcelain seems to belong solely to Young Master Fang, it actually involves everyone from Prefect Lord Yan to the constables of the Government Office."

"Even I have a share."

"Moreover, Square Porcelain never hesitates to be generous with wages, and the Yunzhi Textile Factory employs a large number of female workers, which has earned him high regard among the common folk."

"Offending Young Master Fang is equivalent to offending the entire Gu’an County."

"Oh!"

"Does he truly possess such ability?"

"Remarkable!"

Upon hearing this, several people in the gathering couldn’t help but express their admiration.

"A masterful tactic!" Qian Zhengwen clapped his hands and praised:

"Willing to sacrifice personal wealth to bring officials and powerful families together, enveloping an entire city within his grasp, this approach is not something an ordinary merchant can accomplish."

"I admire him!"

"Such a person is more admirable than martial arts experts or those proficient in magic."

His voice carried a tone of admiration and praise, which actually made Fang Zheng feel somewhat embarrassed, as he hadn’t thought so deeply about it back in those days.

He just thought, after all, it’s worth the expense to bind people into a group of interests.

"Reportedly,"

Linghu An frowned, thoughtful:

"There are rumors that Young Master Fang comes from an extraordinary background but fell into hardship due to certain circumstances."

"That would make sense." Qian Zhengwen nodded:

"Only a scion of a noble or wealthy family would understand the principle of sharing benefits rather than monopolizing them like some do."

Speaking this, he let out a light snort.

"A glutton only consumes and never regurgitates. Though they may appear dominant for a time, inevitably, in old age, they must return what they’ve swallowed."

"For years, the Chen Family monopolized the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s business in Zhaonan Prefecture, making even the Profound Celestial Daoist Sect’s disciples unable to intervene, angering many masters long ago."

"It’s fitting that the Qian Family should take their place, in accordance with the Heavenly Dao."

"I hope everyone will assist in this matter!"

He stood up, clasping his fists together to make a full bow:

"Upon success, the Qian Family will certainly express their gratitude generously!"

Hmm?

What is happening?

Is this the Qian Family recruiting help to confront the Chen Family?

Yet...

This could be a good opportunity to learn about the Chen Family’s situation up close.

Fang Zheng’s eyes flickered, thoughtful, while the others in the gathering exchanged glances, each clearly with their own plans.

This matter is not urgent.

Today’s gathering was likely just a preliminary notice, and formal cooperation won’t be so rushed.

......

A few days later.

The atmosphere in the city was growing tense; even ordinary citizens could sense that something was amiss, as the number of people on the streets visibly dwindled.

Ghost Market.

Fang Zheng arrived at the entrance with familiarity, tossed out a token, and strutted inside.

Seeing that no one was watching him enter, he pursed his lips and found an excuse to rest, moving to a secluded spot and lightly knocking on the wooden panel beside him.

"That person has gone inside."

"Hmm."

From behind the wooden panel, a muffled voice spoke:

"Got it."

Soon, a money pouch was tossed out.