Chapter 328: Heavy Cargo, Should We Accept?

At the Three-Harmony Branch, Wang Yuehui, Hong Kaibao, Li Qing, and Chen Hong were keeping watch, with Yang Feiyue helping to maintain order in the background. Everything was running smoothly.

As for the hall here, with Lord Seven's injuries healing, the tall man had taken charge; Chen Ergou, Zhao Heipi, Gao Quan, and Cui Mingjue had handled the hall's affairs meticulously.

Wangchuan continued to be a hands-off manager, dedicating himself entirely to cultivation.

Seven days passed.

A man claiming to be the second steward of the Ouyang family came to visit, requesting an audience with Lord Seven.

Lord Seven remained in bed pretending to be ill, so Deputy Hall Master Lin Cunxin met with him instead.

After the meeting, Lin Cunxin reported to Lord Seven:

The Ouyang family had a batch of goods that had been accumulating for several months and had reached a point where they could no longer delay the sale. They requested help from the Caobang to transport and escort the goods along the way.

This shipment was heavy!

Worth 3,000 taels of gold.

The cost for escorting and protecting the shipment alone was set at a high price of 1,000 taels of gold!

Taking on this job would bring in a significant profit, which would greatly benefit the hall's currently empty treasury.

Upon hearing this, Lord Seven asked for Wangchuan to come and discuss it.

After hearing the details, Wangchuan raised his concerns:

"Lord Seven! The Ouyang family's origin is in Weihai Commandery, a stronghold of the Salt Gang. Logically, such a large transaction should be handled by the Salt Gang along the coast. Even if not, they would’ve arranged for one of our branches in Weihai Commandery to take charge… For them to come directly to our Three-Harmony Commandery seems like overstepping, doesn't it?"

Lin Cunxin immediately explained:

"I asked, and the Ouyang family's steward said that during the Blood Moon incident, the Salt Gang's branches along the coast were heavily impacted, with many facing severe losses. Some of their branches are still struggling to recover and have become makeshift operations. The water bandits have also increased in number recently, so their shipping operations have been halted for some time."

"The Salt Gang has already declined the job multiple times, fearing the loss of goods on the way."

"Our Caobang branch in Weihai Commandery has also been affected, and we have been heavily targeted by the Beggar Sect. We can't take on any major jobs right now; our shipping business is being kept low-profile."

"…"

Upon hearing this, Wangchuan finally understood.

He furrowed his brow and said to Lord Seven:

"Since the risks along the route are so great, this shipment is a hot potato, Lord Seven..."

Lord Seven nodded slowly and replied:

"Indeed."

"Although our hall has seen some improvement recently, cross-county escorting is incredibly difficult, with too many uncertainties along the way. If we lose the goods or suffer casualties, losing some wealth is one thing, but if it shakes the foundation of our Three-Harmony Commandery, that would be disastrous!"

"I understand. I'll decline the Ouyang family's request."

Lin Cunxin knew the urgency of the matter and immediately went to report back.

However, unexpectedly, that afternoon, the Ouyang family's second steward came back, offering a compromise:

The Caobang branches in Weihai Commandery and Three-Harmony Commandery would work together to take on this job and share the risks! Additionally, the Ouyang family would arrange for no fewer than 100 official martial artists to escort the goods throughout the journey.

The Three-Harmony Commandery's people would only be responsible for escorting the section of the route near the commandery’s border.

For this, the Ouyang family even increased the escort fees to 1,400 taels of gold.

Both branches—Weihai Commandery and Three-Harmony Commandery—would each receive 700 taels of gold.

The party responsible for any mishap along the way would bear the loss.

Lord Seven was somewhat intrigued.

"Wangchuan, what do you think?"

Wangchuan fell into deep thought before replying:

"If it’s just the section of the route near our commandery’s waters, the risks should be manageable."

The water route was along the Sanhe River, from Rongcheng County to the upstream waters, all of which were securely under the control of the Three-Harmony Branch. The area was stable, with patrol boats operating daily, and the water bandits didn’t dare cause trouble.

Lin Cunxin smiled:

"So you’re saying we can accept this job?"

"We can accept it, but I’m thinking, for goods worth 3,000 taels of gold, we need at least a third-rank martial artist to oversee the operation. Do we have anyone suitable?"

"…"

This question caught Lin Cunxin off guard.

He was eager to take on the job but didn’t want to risk it personally.

After all, the only third-rank martial artists available in their hall were two:

One was Wangchuan;

The other was himself, Lin Cunxin.

Assigning second-rank martial artists for such a high-value job would be disrespectful to the Ouyang family and the 3,000 taels of gold.

"How about this, Wangchuan, you go in person and lead the escort. While you’re gone, I’ll take care of the hall’s security."

Wangchuan exchanged a knowing glance with Lord Seven.

Lord Seven blinked, and Wangchuan immediately agreed:

"Good!"

"I’ll follow Lord Seven’s instructions. I’ll need to take half of our hall's personnel—Chen Ergou, Zhao Heipi, and this batch of newly recruited martial artists, including two second-rank martial artists..."

"I’ll leave the security of the hall to you, Deputy Hall Master Lin!"

"Good."

The two of them divided their tasks.

Lin Cunxin quickly went to report the good news to the Ouyang family's second steward.

The deal was quickly finalized.

Two days later, the fleet would depart from Weihai Commandery, and it would take about a day to reach the waters of Three-Harmony Commandery.

The Three-Harmony Commandery’s escort fleet would arrive before then to provide assistance.

Lord Seven reminded Wangchuan:

"This is a big deal. We must ensure it goes off without a hitch!"

"Because once this job is successfully completed and the escort is in place, it will symbolize our hall’s strength restored to its peak. It will greatly boost the morale of our people!"

"This escort mission, no matter how you organize it, as long as it is successfully completed, besides the 200 taels of gold we must submit to the higher-ups, the remaining 500 taels will be awarded to the hall. The specific reward distribution is up to you."

Lord Seven gave Wangchuan the authority to decide.

Wangchuan's heart stirred.

500 taels of gold as a reward!

It was clear that Lord Seven hoped Wangchuan would spare no effort, bringing all the elite personnel from the Three-Harmony Branch to ensure the success of the escort mission.

"Don’t worry, Lord Seven. I know the importance of this mission. On the day of departure, the Three-Harmony Branch will reduce other escort tasks to ensure the Ouyang family's fleet has smooth passage!"

"Good!"

Lord Seven’s expression grew serious as he reminded:

"Use the same level of preparation as when we escorted the Imperial Envoy’s Dragon Boat earlier this year..."

"Yes! I’ll make sure to notify all the docks and halls in the upstream and downstream waters to be ready for support."

Wangchuan responded while also saying to Lord Seven: "Lord Seven! The hall will be left vulnerable during my absence. I’m worried that the Beggar Sect’s infiltrators might take advantage of this."

"Don’t worry. I’ve almost fully recovered. If any audacious intruders attempt to enter, I’ll make sure they understand the true power of our Caobang!"

A fierce gleam flashed in Lord Seven's eyes.