Zhang Heng Kills a Chicken to Scare the Monkeys

After seeing off that troublesome bunch from the Wang Family, Zhang Heng, along with a few trusted followers, hurried to the most crucial and profitable enterprise under the Marquis Estate – Dingsheng Workshop.

Dingsheng Workshop primarily dealt in all sorts of Pills, ranging from basic healing and qi restoration Pills to rare Spirit Pills that aided cultivation and breaking through bottlenecks. They had everything, a complete selection.

Rumor had it that Dingsheng Workshop's monthly net profit accounted for nearly half of the entire Yong'an Marquis Estate's income, making it the estate's undisputed "money bag" and pillar.

Standing beneath Dingsheng Workshop's grand golden signboard, Zhang Heng looked up, the gloom stemming from debt and the Wang Family's humiliation vanishing from his heart.

He could already envision Dingsheng Workshop's profits multiplying several times over under his wise and mighty leadership, bringing in a torrent of wealth for the Marquis Estate.

"Fifth Young Master, you've arrived! We've been waiting for a long time."

The head shopkeeper of Dingsheng Workshop was named Qian, a middle-aged man with a shrewd expression.

Having received the news beforehand, he was waiting at the entrance with a group of managers and shop assistants, all respectfully anticipating Zhang Heng's arrival.

"Shopkeeper Qian, no need for such formalities."

Zhang Heng nodded with a touch of reserve, striving to project the air of a future steward. "Take me to see the accounts, and then let me tour the various sections."

"Yes, yes, Fifth Young Master, please come in."

Shopkeeper Qian quickly stepped aside to lead the way, ushering Zhang Heng into a refined and quiet study on the third floor, the place where core accounting matters were handled.

Soon, several thick, beautifully bound ledgers were presented before Zhang Heng.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and began to flip through them.

It was one thing to not look, but upon looking, Zhang Heng's heart was thrown into a tempest.

Dingsheng Workshop's monthly net profit was a staggering one hundred and twenty-eight thousand taels of silver ingots. This was simply a mountain of gold.

Zhang Heng fought the urge to laugh out loud, his fingers trembling slightly with excitement.

He had previously only heard his Mother and sister mention the Marquis Estate's "monthly income of a hundred thousand," thinking they were exaggerating. He never expected that Dingsheng Workshop alone would far exceed that figure.

That waste, Zhang Yu, had the audacity to claim the Marquis Estate relied on him, all while managing an enterprise like this?

Ridiculous!

This was clearly due to the Marquis Estate's deep foundation and excellent industries!

Anyone could make money as the head shopkeeper here, as long as they weren't completely foolish.

Zhang Yu was merely lucky to have stumbled upon a ready-made opportunity.

After reviewing the accounts, Zhang Heng was brimming with confidence.

He closed the ledger and said to Shopkeeper Qian, "Let's go, take me to see the Alchemy Zone. That's the foundation of our Dingsheng Workshop."

"Yes, yes, Fifth Young Master, this way."

As Shopkeeper Qian led the way towards the dedicated Alchemy Zone in the backyard, he enthusiastically introduced, "Fifth Young Master, rest assured, our Dingsheng Workshop's Alchemy Zone was built to the highest standards.

The earth fire is stable, the alchemy furnaces are all here, and the alchemists we've hired are all genuinely skilled."

Zhang Heng nodded repeatedly, feeling even more at ease.

With a stable source of income and a professional alchemy team, Dingsheng Workshop was practically an inexhaustible gold mine.

Taking over this place was proving to be smoother and better than he had imagined.

They passed through several corridors and arrived at a section of the backyard enveloped by a formation, where the temperature was noticeably higher.

This was the core area of Dingsheng Workshop's alchemy, and ordinary people were not allowed entry.

"Fifth Young Master, look, this is our Alchemy Zone, you..." Shopkeeper Qian pointed at the bustling scene, preparing to continue his flattery and boasting.

The Alchemy Zone was very spacious, with dozens of alchemy furnaces arranged neatly. The earth fire was stable, and the alchemists and apprentices were each attending to their duties, creating a busy yet orderly atmosphere.

Zhang Heng nodded with satisfaction, his gaze sweeping across the entire area, feeling a surge of pride akin to "inspecting his own territory."

However, as his gaze swept over a particular corner, his brow furrowed involuntarily.

There, a disheveled old man was sprawled lazily on a worn-out bamboo lounge chair.

The old man had his eyes closed, clutching a wine gourd of indeterminate color, and from time to time, he would take a swig, letting out a contented "tsk" sound. He appeared leisurely and completely out of place amidst the busy surroundings.

What further displeased Zhang Heng was that the surrounding alchemists, apprentices, and even managers, upon seeing their new employer arrive, had all put down their work and respectfully bowed, addressing him as "Fifth Young Master."

Only this slovenly old man seemed not to have noticed him or the large group accompanying him, continuing to lie there basking in the sun.

This was nothing short of blatant disregard and provocation of his authority as Zhang Heng.

Zhang Heng's expression instantly turned grim.

As a new official, he was eager for an opportunity to establish his authority and put the subordinates in their place.

This ill-mannered and lazy old man before him was like a "chicken" delivered right to his doorstep.

However, Zhang Heng was not entirely brainless.

He knew that the Alchemy Zone was the core of Dingsheng Workshop, and the people here, especially the skilled alchemists, could not be easily offended.

If this old man turned out to be some hidden master, and he ended up firing someone crucial, the loss would outweigh the gain.

He suppressed his anger, choosing not to act rashly. Instead, he turned to the Shopkeeper Qian, who was trailing closely behind him, and asked in a calm but slightly cold tone, "Shopkeeper Qian, who is this...?"

Shopkeeper Qian followed Zhang Heng's gaze and lowered his voice, saying: