The following afternoon.
Old Zhao stood respectfully outside the door.
Chen Qing pushed the door open and stepped out, already changed into a brand-new dark teal Fishery Steward's tight-fitting outfit.
"Reporting to Steward, this old man has finished the preliminary processing of the Ironclad Turtle materials."
Old Zhao bowed respectfully. "The turtle meat has also been distributed according to your instructions. Everyone is grateful for your kindness, Steward. Here is a neatly prepared list of the processed materials, along with this subordinate's estimated value."
He handed over a meticulously written list.
Chen Qing took it and glanced over it: turtle shell, bone spikes, sharp claws, heart Essence Blood (three bottles). Excluding the meat, the estimated value came to roughly ten thousand taels of silver.
That was only a preliminary estimate. If they encountered a buyer in urgent need or one who recognized its worth, the price could be even higher.
"You've worked hard."
Chen Qing put away the list. "Store these materials in the fishery warehouse for now and guard them closely. Later, I'll contact Wanbao Pavilion in the Prefecture City and see whether they are interested in purchasing them."
"Yes! This subordinate understands!" Old Zhao replied. Inwardly, he sighed at how properly Chen Qing had handled things—he had gained tangible benefits while winning people's hearts.
After hesitating, he added, "Steward, that Ironclad Turtle last night... seemed somewhat larger than the ones from the previous invasions recorded in the archives. This old man is worried..."
Chen Qing asked, "Worried about what?"
"This old man fears that something may have changed deep within Qianchuan Marsh... In the past, Ironclad Turtles mostly moved about in the deep-water regions and rarely charged at fisheries with such ferocity. That turtle was probably no less than fifty years old..."
Old Zhao voiced his concerns.
Chen