Chapter 596: Divine Secrets Obscure! The First Family of Linjiang County: The Zhou Clan! Goods! Lady Hu!

Li Yanchu had already informed Celestial Master Zhao about the matter of Shanhai Tower trafficking people into the Shituo Kingdom, which they had uncovered there.

Celestial Master Zhao was also very surprised.

When attempting the Divination Technique, he found the information from Shanhai Tower extremely blurred, as if someone of great skill had deliberately concealed it.

The Divination Technique was never perfectly precise; after all, the so-called divine secrets were layered and could not be spoken freely.

Many demonic cultivators spoke in vague, elusive terms. Partly to avoid the backlash of probing divine secrets, and partly because the technique itself produces ambiguity.

A practitioner with great magical power, or a powerful formation, could obscure certain things. Sometimes, if the karmic connections weren’t strong, even divination failed.

Celestial Master Zhao said he would investigate thoroughly upon returning. In his view, there might very well be a Yang Spirit realm master within Shanhai Tower.

However, for Celestial Master Zhao, the matter of Prince Qing was far more pressing. The rest of the matters would have to be put aside for the time being.

Li Yanchu asked Minghe, and from her, he learned that Shanhai Tower should have a foothold somewhere in Donglin Prefecture.

However, Shanhai Tower operated in secrecy; not only did they have dedicated assassins, but also practitioners. All of their activities were underground, entirely hidden from public view. The fact that they could know there was a foothold in Donglin Prefecture demonstrated the astonishing reach of the Ming family’s influence.

Thinking of the people trafficked from Shituo City, Li Yanchu’s mood grew heavy.

***

In Linjiang County of Donglin Prefecture...

This was a prosperous county in Donglin Prefecture, with a population of less than 100,000. It governed dozens of villages and towns.

The Zhou family was the wealthiest merchant family in Linjiang County, controlling over sixty percent of its business. Yet the family maintained strict discipline; the children were not indulgent or spoiled like those of other rich households.

The Zhou family enjoyed an excellent reputation in the county. They frequently ran porridge kitchens to aid the poor and accumulated merit through charitable deeds.

Linjiang County relied on a large river, the Bi River, which had remained stable over the years, free from floods.

The county’s economy was similar to that of Wei City, with busy docks and many visiting merchants. However, it lacked a temple as prosperous as the Lady Qingyi Temple.

All business at Linjiang’s docks belonged to the Zhou family.

At this moment, a large ship docked. A young man in elegant attire stepped off the ship. He was refined in appearance and demeanor; he was Zhou Yushu, the fourth son of the Zhou family head. Capable and fair-minded, Zhou Yushu had a good reputation both within the family and across Linjiang County.

“Fourth Young Master, you’ve returned?” A middle-aged steward greeted him with a smile.

“Ah, Steward Zhou, thank you for waiting. I appreciate your efforts.”

“It’s nothing, Fourth Young Master. This is merely what a servant should do.”

The steward helped Zhou Yushu into a small litter. It was modest, not befitting the wealthiest family in the county. Yet it reflected the family’s frugal and practical character. The Zhou family never indulged in extravagance or waste, and the sons of the Zhou family were also considered fine husbands in the hearts of the women of Linjiang County.

Soon, Zhou Yushu arrived at the Zhou estate and met his father, Zhou Yunding.

“Greetings, Father.” Zhou Yushu bowed respectfully.

“How’s the matter proceeding?” Zhou Yunding asked calmly.

“A total of eighteen hundred shipments have arrived, all ready to be dispatched at any time,” Zhou Yushu replied with a smile.

“Excellent. Well done. Come with me shortly to see the Old Ancestor,” Zhou Yunding said.

“Thank you, Father.” Zhou Yushu’s eyes brightened with joy.

Soon, Zhou Yunding, dressed as a wealthy merchant, led Zhou Yushu, to a thatched cottage deep within the estate.

The yards surrounding the cottage were forbidden territory; not even the Zhou family servants were allowed inside. Zhou Yushu had only been here three or four times before.

His Old Ancestor had a kindly, wise face, with the aura of a true immortal; a remarkable old man.

Zhou Yushu felt a rush of excitement. Today, his father had brought him specifically to see the Old Ancestor. This was an honor beyond measure. If he could receive guidance from the Old Ancestor... Zhou Yushu was overjoyed.

Zhou Yunding stepped forward and knocked on the cottage door. From inside came a deep, rich voice, “Come in.”

Zhou Yushu followed his father into the cottage, and the interior immediately dazzled him. From the outside, the little building appeared small and modest, slightly worn, like a hermit’s mountain dwelling. But once inside, it revealed a magnificent and resplendent palace with carved beams and painted rafters made of resplendent gold and jade.

Zhou Yushu was even more impressed by the skill of the Old Ancestor, bowing his head even lower.

Soon, they entered the main hall. An elderly man with the aura of an immortal sat playing a game of chess with a voluptuous beauty.

The old man was tall, refined in demeanor, with white hair and beard, yet his skin was so smooth it looked almost youthful. This was the Old Ancestor of the Zhou family.

Zhou Yushu didn’t know exactly how long this ancestor had lived. When he asked his father, his father only smiled without answering.

Opposite him, the beautiful woman with exquisite features lounged lazily on a couch. Even a single glance made one’s heart race.

Though she wore modest clothing, she gave the impression as if a nude woman were standing before you, impossible to look away from.

“Greetings, Old Ancestor.” The father and son knelt respectfully.

The Old Ancestor smiled kindly. “This is Lady Hu.”

The father and son both felt a chill in their hearts. “Greetings, Madam.”

The woman smiled lazily, radiating dazzling charm. “Everyone rise.”

“Old Ancestor, the eighteen hundred shipments are ready and can be dispatched at any time,” said Zhou Yunding, the family head, respectfully.

The Old Ancestor nodded. “Good. Now, Donglin Prefecture is in a time of turmoil. Prince Qing’s Mansion is mobilizing its forces. We must take this opportunity to prepare extra shipments. At this time, it won’t attract the attention of the court.”

“Understood.”

“Have the men work day and night to seize as much as possible. The Zhou family must seize this opportunity to profit greatly.” the Old Ancestor said with a smile.

“Old Ancestor, you’re wise. But Prince Qing’s Mansion has already been defeated. The whereabouts of the prince and his son are unknown. If we continue to seize goods on a large scale at a time like this, could it be...”

Zhou Yunding hesitated.

“Do not underestimate Prince Qing’s heir. Lady Hu has met Chen Ze; he has powerful backing. A few days ago, he visited, and I spoke with him for some time. Prince Qing’s heir is off to accomplish a great feat. By then, Dongyang Prefecture will be thrown into turmoil and bloodshed. That will be the time for us to act freely,” the Old Ancestor said with a laugh.

“We shall follow your orders,” Zhou Yunding said respectfully.

Since Prince Qing’s heir was mentioned, the Old Ancestor looked at the beautiful woman, Lady Hu.

“Madam, you are skilled in divination. Could Prince Qing’s heir find that divine weapon on this trip?” The Old Ancestor smiled.

“Absolutely. Donglin Prefecture is destined to descend into chaos. Prince Qing’s heir has immense fortune and deep backing, far beyond you or me,” Lady Hu replied with a coy laugh, covering her mouth.

The Old Ancestor nodded with a smile and glanced at the kneeling Zhou Yushu. “You are the fourth son, correct?”

Zhou Yushu knelt, respectfully replying, “I am overjoyed that I had the honor of meeting you today, Old Ancestor.. I am indeed the fourth son.”

“Excellent. At your age, to have reached intermediate Yin Spirit realm is rare. Lady Hu, why don’t you take a look at our boy here?” the Old Ancestor said.