Chapter 2079: Strength Is Everything
After dinner, Shao Yunduan instructed the nanny to take Anan to bed, creating a moment of privacy to inquire of Zhao Shu and Taotao, “Please, tell me what transpired.”
Qiao Xuan regarded them with evident concern.
For them to abandon Jiangnan and seek refuge here for the New Year suggested that the situation in Jiangnan was dire, perhaps even worse than they had anticipated.
While Shao Yunduan had been keeping tabs on various regions, his primary concern lay with the capital and Xiangyang, the domain of the Second Prince. He refrained from probing into affairs elsewhere, acknowledging the volatile nature of the current circumstances. Amidst such chaos, developments could swiftly unfold, rendering even the most meticulous inquiries futile.
Their best course of action was to focus on fortifying themselves.
Strength was paramount.
Anze Province, secluded and seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, enjoyed a certain degree of insulation from external scrutiny.
Shao Yunduan refrained from delving deeper into inquiries.
After all, regardless of the turmoil elsewhere, their affairs were unlikely to directly impact him for the time being.
Zhao Shu and Taotao exchanged glances before speaking in turn.
Zhao Shu’s enterprises predominantly operated in the Jiangnan region.
Even if he endeavored to maintain a low profile, the sheer breadth of his business interests made discretion challenging.
His expansive holdings, including the 100,000 mu of mulberry fields in Yangzhou and numerous ventures in Hangzhou and Huzhou, invited envy and scrutiny.
Despite his efforts to enjoy life discreetly, Zhao Shu’s prosperity drew attention, particularly following the devastation of Zhao Mu’s holdings at the hands of Qiao Xuan.
In times of peace and prosperity, Zhao Shu stood as a symbol of success, admired by many.
However, amidst the chaos of this world, he found himself a ripe target, akin to a fat sheep awaiting slaughter.
Unless his properties enjoyed the protective umbrella of Shao Yunduan or Qi, they risked being easy prey.
Yet, the catch lay in Jiangnan.
Neither Shao Yunduan nor Qi held sway over Jiangnan.
Fortunately, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan had preemptively dispatched a missive, urging them to prepare and safeguard their assets promptly.
Belonging to the faction of “whatever Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law decree is right,” they wasted no time in plying.
After cataloging their possessions, they meticulously packed dozens of particularly valuable crates, concealing them in various covert locations.
They rationalized their industries, divesting themselves of unprofitable small enterprises, houses, and shops, while meticulously organizing the remaining ventures.
This task was no small feat, but Zhao Shu’s extensive network ensured smooth execution without chaos.
As the situation deteriorated, they found solace in heeding the advice of Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law. Without their guidance, timely asset consolidation would have been impossible, leaving them in perpetual anxiety.
Hangzhou, Taotao’s favored locale, became their sanctuary amidst the chaos. Prudence dictated they remain indoors, avoiding the uncertain dangers outside.
However, their sense of security was short-lived. Hangzhou, it turned out, was not as safe as they presumed.
The escalating chaos birthed ambitious figures like Prefect Liu.
Prefect Liu harbored envy toward neighboring powers like the intermediates and Nanyue, who had effectively bee regional lords amid the turmoil. Without declaring independence, they wielded significant autonomy. Prefect Liu followed suit, amassing private soldiers, replacing officials with loyalists, and seizing control of resource-rich county cities amid the tumult.
In essence, he became a potent duke in his own right.
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