Chapter 903: Facilitating Connections
Editor: Henyee Translations

Lou Ze placed the divine ointment back into the small dish and clapped his hands to signal for attention. “Go fetch your manager. Tell him I want to discuss a business opportunity.”

The maid looked up, puzzled. Moments before, Lou Ze had spoken of helping her return home, and now he was suddenly interested in business dealings with those involved in the trade of divine ointment. She hesitated, reflecting the typical distrust people harbored towards customers of the den. “Please wait here; I will fetch him.”

Zeng Huo was equally perplexed by Lou Ze’s actions. “What are you planning?”

Lou Ze responded with a rhetorical question, “What do you think?”

Zeng Huo was left speechless, realizing that if he knew the answer, he wouldn’t need to ask. It made him feel rather foolish for even asking.

The manager of the establishment arrived promptly, greeting Lou Ze with a warm smile. “May I know what business the young master wishes to discuss?”

Lou Ze replied with a slight smile, “I am interested in venturing into the divine ointment trade myself. However, I hear that one needs a referral to meet with the suppliers. Seeing that your business is thriving, I assume you have excellent connections. Could you perhaps introduce me?”

The manager straightened up, slightly flattered by the acknowledgment of his successful establishment. “Entering this line of business isn’t difficult as long as you have the capital to invest.”

Lou Ze raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

The manager explained, “Anyone looking to get into this business needs to pay an entrance fee of one thousand taels of silver. If you’re willing to pay, I can set up a meeting right away. The next shipment is due soon, and the suppliers will be here.”

“That’s convenient,” Lou Ze remarked as he produced a stack of silver notes, handing them over. “Please, make the necessary arrangements.”

The manager was eager to help, “Rest assured, leave it to me. Enjoy your stay here, and I’ll notify you as soon as they arrive.”

“Thank you,” Lou Ze responded graciously.

“No problem at all,” the manager replied, departing with a satisfied grin.

As the manager left, Zeng Huo started to grasp Lou Ze’s intentions. “So, what you mean is…?”

Lou Ze cautioned him, “Walls have ears.”

Zeng Huo immediately shut his mouth, gaining yet another level of appreciation for Chu Qingzhi’s boldness and strategy.

While they waited, back at the military camp, Meng Shengdong returned with information for Tang Jinghong. “General, I have found out about the magistrate’s wife and daughter.”

Tang Jinghong set aside his paperwork. “What’s the situation?”

Meng Shengdong reported thoroughly, “They are being held under house arrest at the official residence, and they have been forced into addiction to divine ointment. It’s quite a tragic scene as they spend their days in a haze.”

Tang Jinghong paused for a moment, then instructed, “The magistrate is awaiting news. Go tell him what you found.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tang Jinghong then inquired further, “About the officials from nearby towns who disappeared during the disaster, have we found them?”

“They were found. One is the true magistrate’s distant cousin, who was unaware that his cousin had been replaced by an impostor now aiding in evil deeds,” Meng Shengdong explained.

“Where is he now?”

“He has returned to the official residence.”

“Keep an eye on him and gather evidence of his crimes. We’ll take care of him after collecting sufficient proof,” Tang Jinghong commanded.

“Yes, General.”

…

Back in Linzhang City, the maid asked Lou Ze and Zeng Huo, as they sat quietly sipping water, “Aren’t you going to smoke the divine ointment?”

Lou Ze, who had filled some of the ointment into a pipe but then vibrated the rest into dust with his spiritual power, cautioned, “What you see here must not be spoken outside, understood?”

The maid, stunned by the sight and Lou Ze’s aura, nodded obediently. “I won’t speak of it.”

Lou Ze smiled at her kindly, “Good.”

Soon after, footsteps approached, and the maid hurried to open the door, stepping aside as the manager returned with a middle-aged man dressed in black. “This is the man in charge; he’s interested in doing business with us concerning the divine ointment. The money is already prepared.”

Lou Ze stood up, adopting a business-like demeanor as he greeted the newcomer, “I am Lou Ze, looking to find a reliable source for divine ointment. I’m glad I found the right person today.”

The man, assessing Lou Ze’s youthful energy, responded, “Let’s see the money.”

Lou Ze again presented the silver, “One thousand taels, right here. You can count it if you like.”

“No need for that,” the man replied, focused more on the business at hand. “Where is your shop located? And how much stock do you need?”

Lou Ze had his cover story prepared. “It’s in Liang City. I’ll need about a hundred pounds daily.”

“Liang City?” the man raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, it’s a bustling place. Isn’t it better for business?” Lou Ze responded smoothly.

The man nodded, seemingly convinced. “Fair enough. When are you planning to open your shop? I can arrange for the goods to be delivered a day before.”

“The delivery to Liang City is possible, then?” Lou Ze noted, hinting at multiple production sites. “I’d like to visit your production site first.”

The man paused, momentarily confused, but then quickly recovered. “Sure, when would you like to go?”

“Now would be great,” Lou Ze stated.

“Please, follow me,” the man said, leading the way.

As they walked, Lou Ze discreetly cast a small spell, a thread of spiritual energy that wove into the man’s essence, ensuring compliance and perhaps more.

The manager, watching this transaction, was surprised at the man’s deferential attitude toward Lou Ze. It was unusual to see him treat someone so respectfully, especially a newcomer.

Zeng Huo was equally puzzled, seeing how easily the man acquiesced to Lou Ze’s requests. He wondered silently about the true extent of Chu Qingzhi’s capabilities.

They continued on, and after a brief walk, the man suggested, “Let’s ride. It’ll be faster.” Horses were brought forward, and they mounted up to hasten their journey to the production site.

As they rode, Lou Ze questioned, “Which organization are you with?”

“We are part of the Yun organization,” the man explained. “It’s a powerful group, and we don’t deal in counterfeit goods.”

“Interesting. Do you know who Lord Yun is?” Lou Ze asked.

The man shook his head. “No one knows his true identity. He’s very secretive, always masked and surrounded by skilled guards.”

Lou Ze’s interest deepened. Lord Yun was a master of deception, stirring significant trouble in the eastern border without revealing his true face. “How many production sites do you operate?”

The man was cautious. “I’m not sure. There’s at least one in every city, depending on the demand.”

“Do you know any other locations besides the one we’re heading to?” Lou Ze probed further.

“This is the only one I’ve been involved with,” the man admitted.

Zeng Huo joined them, his curiosity piqued. How was it that the man answered every question so readily? Was this another of Chu Qingzhi’s influences?

“How much longer to the site?” Lou Ze asked.

“About half an hour,” the man estimated.

They rode in silence for a while until they reached a secluded area bordered by bamboo groves. The man gestured towards a hidden path. “This way. Our facility is just ahead.”