Therefore, Meng Zhao still intended to use Xie Wen as a breakthrough, to see whether he could tear open Widow Xie's psychological defenses and thereby continue securing the support of Lifeng Trading Company.
Moreover, Meng Zhao felt that a force of Lifeng Trading Company's scale, with such ties to the Divine Might Army—did that mean Commander Bai also held a certain stake within it, with a measure of influence?
Or perhaps Widow Xie, like Dragon City, was simply one of Commander Bai's people?
That would make this force truly extraordinary.
Still, this was ultimately only speculation, and not a particularly likely one.
By his own estimation, even the wealth and resources possessed by Widow Xie alone would have been more than enough to supply the Divine Might Army.
Perhaps this was not Lifeng Trading Company's support at all, but her own personal contribution, given for Dragon City's sake.
Having heard Meng Zhao's analysis, Xiang Qing and Si Peng also felt that the matter was far from simple. After all, no one knew how astonishing the connections and foundations hidden beneath the surface of a mere merchant truly were.
Xie Wen lived in the eastern district of Jichang County, an outlying county beyond Yongjian Commandery. Those residing there were mostly wealthy merchants with considerable fortunes, as well as martial artists with ample family assets. The estates were secluded and tranquil, yet not too far from the market district, making purchases convenient.
When they reached the gatehouse by the side entrance of Xie Family Mansion, Si Peng handed a calling card to the servant guarding the gate.
This was, of course, a risky move. Though Si Peng and Xiang Qing had both dealt with Xie Wen before, their friendship was not particularly deep. Moreover, Xie Wen was more often simply following orders,