Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 252 - 196 Assassination

Chapter 252: Chapter 196 Assassination

Recruitment.

Xu Yuan indeed had similar thoughts.

Ever since they had met, the manner of speech and style of action displayed by this prince in managing various commerce assembly affairs had quite moved him, especially his "judgment" on the overall market of Dayan’s trade and commerce.

This was a man of great foresight.

Even with his modern systematic management education, there were areas where his insights did not match up to this person.

However, as the two journeyed northward together, Xu Yuan’s thoughts gradually dissipated.

For the trade assemblies managed by this prince were all of substantial size, although they did not measure up to Tian’an Commerce Assembly in those prefecture capitals, they were all among the top ten.

This prince once mentioned that his father held an official post in the court; given the mixed nature of their establishment, it was highly probable that a family of this scale had already taken sides.

If they sided with the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Xu Yuan need not recruit him, and if they sided with the imperial family, such a size was fundamentally beyond recruitment.

Therefore, Xu Yuan’s thoughts of recruitment turned instead to making an acquaintance and waiting for the opportune moment to act.

After all, his current identity was fake; should the other party be unable to continue mixing in, he was prepared to offer an opportunity through this means by readying a ship for him.

Never did he expect this lad to be waiting for him here.

As silently as falling jade,

Looking at the jade plaque on the table, Xu Yuan’s facial muscles twitched imperceptibly.

He also possessed a similar object in his Sumeru Ring, only it was not made of jade, but Purple Iron Crystal, also engraved with a dragon and bearing the number three.

The Third Prince, Li Junqing.

The dancers on the stage continued their soft and gentle moves, as ethereal music wafted from behind the stage.

Li Junqing, with a smile, gazed at him and said softly,

"Zhou Brother, I hope you can help me compile the Commercial Code."

Xu Yuan was startled for a moment, then his eyes took on a hint of strangeness:

"A book on business wisdom?"

The Third Prince let out a long sigh:

"Zhou Brother, although our father the Emperor values commerce and trade, the art of managing it is almost entirely based on unwritten rules, with few related documents or ancient books to be found. I wish to alleviate Father’s concerns, yet there are no talents available. This past month, having observed your choice of words and manner of speaking, it is apparent you have profound thoughts."

"....."

After hearing these words, Xu Yuan’s face was expressionless, noncommittal.

Commerce had flourished across the land, and had evolved various nearly modern marketing management methods during its silent growth. However, due to information being shut off and the secrecy of family skills passed down through one lineage, many Shopkeepers took their lifetime’s worth of experiences to the grave, or only passed them on to their sons. If the son was not up to par, the knowledge was lost.

In other words, nobody had yet systematized this knowledge.

However, from the tone of the conversation, it seemed the other party had already started doing just that.

Very interesting.

But the issue was, Xu Yuan had spoken to this Third Prince about such matters before, with the intent of establishing his reputation and recognition for future recruitment efforts.

And now...

Coughing lightly, Xu Yuan shook his head:

"Zhou Chen, I am not up to this great responsibility."

The Third Prince sighed, his demeanor turning serious as he said,

"The way of commerce is the path to enriching the nation, and yet business books are scarce. Many are secretive with their knowledge, and there are no books for talented individuals to study.

"Zhou Brother, if you could document your wisdom into books, in the future even the imperial examinations will include your work alongside the Four Books and the Five Classics. This is a glorious achievement that will stand a thousand years—a deed worthy of a Saint!"

A deed worthy of a Saint.....

Listening to these words, Xu Yuan felt a touch of strangeness in his heart.

This Third Prince was quite skilled; without agreeing on his part, the prince had begun to lure him with promises—the grand promise of a glorious deed that would stand a thousand years.

If he hadn’t learned the art of painting such grand visions himself, he might have believed it.

However, the enterprise the Third Prince aimed to undertake was somewhat unexpected.

Only when there are books do talents have something to learn from.

This Third Prince... wanted to establish a comprehensive system for cultivating commercial talents for the Imperial Family, ensuring a steady outflow of various business professionals.

Seeing that Xu Yuan remained silent, the Third Prince sighed:

"Zhou Brother, you need not consider my status. Whether you refuse or accept is up to you."

As he spoke, he gently tapped the jade plaque representing the imperial identity on the desk with slender fingers.

Xu Yuan gathered his thoughts and controlled his expression:

"Third Prince....."

Li Junqing waved his hand dismissively and said,

"I felt a strong connection with you from our first meeting, Zhou Brother. Since I’m a year younger than you, you can just call me ’younger brother’ or Yunqing....."

"Yunqing ah...."

"...." Third Prince.

The Third Prince maintained an elegant smile and nodded in agreement.

Xu Yuan’s fingers caressed the rim of the porcelain teacup, and with downcast eyes, he said,

"Yunqing, have you considered my family background in this recruitment?"

The Third Prince’s eyes narrowed at Xu Yuan’s words, and he laughed heartily, leaning back against the chair:

"Since Zhou Brother speaks so frankly, I shall not beat around the bush. Although you possess considerable talent in business wisdom, I suspect your family’s influence cannot be too strong."

"Oh? How so?" Xu Yuan continued to stroke the teacup.

The Third Prince laid out his argument:

"No offense intended with my next words, Zhou Brother."

"Hmm," Xu Yuan nodded.

The Third Prince lifted three fingers:

"There are three points,

"First, Zhou Brother, you have reached the age of twenty and only attained the Sixth Grade in cultivation. This level of cultivation is somewhat low. Unless similar to Xu Yuan, born physically deficient, the core descendants of major Sect families all possess the capability of building their cultivation quickly with the aid of elixir medicines—at the least, they would be Fifth Grade."

Saying this, the Third Prince glanced at Xu Yuan and withdrew one finger.

Xu Yuan listened in silence.

Seeing this, the Third Prince continued:

"Secondly, I hold some authority within the Shadow Guard, but I have never heard of a personage with the name Zhou Chen in the Imperial Capital. Given Zhou Chen’s age and talents, I would not have overlooked if he hailed from a major Sect family. If he truly were from among them, then surely he must belong to an oppressed side branch."