Yihua Building.
In the bedroom, after listening to Ye Zi'e narrate the events at the theater, everyone had different expressions.
Song Xuan and Lu Shuyuan exchanged glances, looking astonished. They were still discussing how to investigate this case, given that Bailu City was vast and chaotic, with hidden enemies. They simply had no clue where to start.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Chen did the opposite and put the Gu God Sect directly into the spotlight!
This move seed simple, but coming up with and implenting it in such a short ti, considering the situation then and amplifying its impact, was not sothing an ordinary person could do!
"No wonder Mr. Chen solves cases like a deity, never failing. His unorthodox thods are truly surprising." Xu You couldn't help but praise.
Everyone nodded in agreent.
The case in Fengmu County had already shown that Chen Mo was bold and ticulous, courageous and strategic, and never played by the rules.
Encountering him, the Gu God Sect could only be considered unlucky!
"It's still too early to say anything," Chen Mo shook his head and said, "The waters are muddied now. Let's see if the big fish show themselves... Song Xuan, you go to the major tea houses and restaurants in the city to create a buzz and make this matter as big as possible."
"Shuyuan is responsible for keeping an eye on the inner city, especially tonight, to see if there are any suspicious people entering or leaving the governnt office."
"Yes." The two n bowed their heads.
"The theater over there will be handed over to Households Commander Li and Mr. Xu," Chen Mo instructed, "You two change into regular clothes, observe in secret, and try not to reveal your identities. If anything unexpected happens, report it promptly."
Li Yuan nodded, "Don't worry, sir, I'll take care of it."
"Wait a minute..."
Xu You looked Chen Mo and Ye Zi'e over, slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "What are you two planning to do?"
Chen Mo replied, "That Lady Hua seems a bit peculiar. Ye Zi and I plan to sneak into the Li Mansion tonight to investigate and see if we can make any unexpected discoveries."
"Hmm?"
Xu You glanced at Ye Zi'e, withholding comnt.
Feeling that cold glare, Ye Zi'e shivered, cleared his throat, and suggested, "Cough, cough, how about I act together with Households Commander Li? There's a high likelihood that Gu God Sect's evildoers will be drawn to the theater; watching each other's backs might be wise for us."
Chen Mo thought about it; the two of them forming an alliance of the strongest forces wasn't quite reasonable. He nodded, "Alright, then Mr. Xu, co with ."
Xu You averted his gaze, smiling broadly, "I'll follow your arrangents, sir."
Chen Mo glanced at the sky through the window and stood up, "It's been quite so ti already. All factions must have received the news. Let's not delay; we should move out now."
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison.
...
...
After Chen Mo and Xu You left the restaurant, they did not head straight to the Li Mansion.
According to information from a paperman, Ming Yuchun hadn't awakened yet. Hua Yinglan was still in the room taking care of her, not eting with others, so he was in no rush. Instead, he planned to check out the docks first.
Jinsha Port was located in the East Suburb, built along the river, with a shoreline fortified by bluestone, winding from the top of the embanknt to the river's edge.
All sorts of ships were gathered on the water, masts and sails standing tall. Workers were bustling, loading and unloading cargo, while huge Cao ships continued to enter the port, docking neatly at the shore, waiting for inspection and clearance.
The sounds of hawking, chanting, and waves lapping against the embanknt intertwined, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
"I didn't expect the port to be this large?"
Chen Mo noticed a row of wooden signs with "Tongji Port" written on them by the shore. He stopped a passing porter and asked, "Hey there, can you tell what these signs an?"
The porter had just finished unloading grain, his forehead covered in sweat. He responded impatiently, "Ask soone else, can't you see I'm busy? I don't have ti to chat…"
Chen Mo was not offended. He handed over so broken silver with a smile and said, "We're rchants from Golden Sun State, just want to pay our respects at the dock. We won't take much of your ti."
Seeing such generosity, the porter's expression changed. He pocketed the silver and pulled a smile on his sunburnt face, "Judging by your looks, you must be from out of town. Who in Bailu City doesn't know that this 'Tongji Port' is Lady Hua's territory?"
"Lady Hua?" Chen Mo blinked, hesitating. "I've heard of her… She's said to be a lady from a prominent family, who expanded her influence after marrying into the Cao rchant Li Family…"
"Li Family? Haha."
The porter looked around and lowered his voice, "I've been working in this city for half my life, and I know what the deal is with the Li Family. They call themselves Cao rchants, but all they really own are a few rchant ships, barely making a dent in Bailu City's market."
"Now she controls more than sixty percent of the berths at Jinsha Port, with a thousand sails by day, and a hundred ships moored by night. She's securely in the leading position. Officially, she manages it on behalf of her husband, but who doesn't know it's all thanks to Lady Hua?"
Chen Mo feigned astonishnt, "Just a woman, and she has such capabilities?"
"Watch your words. What's wrong with being a woman? Wasn't it won who quelled the Southern Barbarians' troubles?" The porter was sowhat dissatisfied with Chen Mo's language, huffing coldly, "Lady Hua's background is tough; even the Mariti Trade Bureau gives her face. No matter the River or Sea Gangs, nobody dares to ss with her."
"Plus, she treats her people well, never delaying wages, and provides additional food allowances when there's extra work…"
Seeing the admiration on the porter's face as he talked endlessly, Chen Mo and Xu You exchanged a glance. Could it be that Hua Yinglan really is a conscientious businesswoman?
"Anchor! Tie the stake!"
At this mont, a synchronized chant sounded from the shore.
Chen Mo turned his head and saw a large rchant ship slowly docking. The entire hull was painted black, with a blue iris emblem on the prow.
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