Night Talk

Night fell, and the darkness deepened.

Apart from those streets that never sleep, specially approved by the imperial court, the vast Di'an fell into slumber.

Countless faint blue lights merged into one in the Prime Minister's Estate, while the light from the Bright Pattern Lamp seeped out from the window of the outer study.

A young man in blood-stained clothes sat at a desk, writing something with a wolf-hair brush. The blood-red light burning in his eyes indicated that he was currently circulating his internal Cultivation Method, Cultivation Method made writing much faster.

Opposite him sat an old man with white hair and beard and squinty eyes.

This study in the Prime Minister's Estate's residence is somewhat similar to the Emperor's Imperial Study, and Xu Yinhe used it to receive some important advisors and ministers.

However, Xu Yuan took over the main hall tonight because Xu Yinhe was discussing cooperation with that old geezer Luo Daofan.

Hua Hong dragged him over directly, forcing him to work overtime and not letting him sleep until he finished writing.

There's no other reason than that they can't beat them.

They tried to call for help, but no one paid any attention, since no one wanted to offend Hua Hong, the cash cow of the Prime Minister's Estate.

Hmm, the first day I've missed Sister Lou Ji.

With a sigh, Xu Yuan glanced at the old man opposite him, inwardly grumbling.

The power structure within the Prime Minister's Estate is now highly centralized, completely dominated by the old man's absolute authority.

But under these circumstances, his ministers actually dared to physically assault him, the Crown Prince.

That's unbelievable.

"What are you looking at?"

The old man opposite Xu Yuan, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened his almost invisible squinty eyes and glanced at him. "You still have to see the Ninth Princess tomorrow, so hurry up and write."

"Tsk"

Xu Yuan rolled his eyes, picked up the still-wet Xuan paper, examined it, and handed it to Hua Hong opposite him:

"It's finished writing, take a look."

"."

Hua Hong silently took the paper, stroked his white beard, glanced at the densely written content on it, and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Xu Yuan, having dispelled his Cultivation Method, leaned back in his chair and began to doze off.

He was tired.

I've been forced to write by this old man through force until now, and the roosters are almost crowing.

However, when Hua Hong asked for his so-called "business acumen," Xu Yuan was happy to write it down for him.

They're all family.

While most people let the same information go in one ear and out the other, those with foresight are already thinking about how to profit from it.

Innovation in talent cultivation systems is a powerful stimulant for any force.

The Third Prince was making preparations, and naturally, Hua Hong was doing the same.

Unfortunately, these innovations were limited by the abilities of his subordinates and by the prevailing tendency of this era to cherish what they had inherited.

In this era, mastering a skill is like having a secure job that can be passed down through generations.

The more people who know this, the worse their own family members will be treated. No one would want to spread this kind of information except for someone with a mental problem.

There is great resistance to innovation.

The study fell silent for a moment.

However, just two minutes later, Hua Hong carefully read through what Xu Yuan had written over three hours several times.

High-level cultivators are a huge source of productivity.

Not only are they capable of working 007, but their efficiency is also several orders of magnitude higher than that of ordinary people.

Hua Hong gently folded the Xuan paper written by Xu Yuan, put it into his Sumeru Ring, pondered for a moment, and said:

"Changtian, although your scripture contains a lot of practical content, it should only be considered a framework."

Exhausted, Xu Yuan propped his legs up on the table and yawned, covering his mouth.

"Ah ha. It's just a framework to begin with. If you want me to elaborate, you old man, go ask my dad. If he agrees, I'll help you revise it slowly."

"."

Hua Hong's eyes twitched as he looked at Xu Yuan's spoiled attitude, then he felt somewhat helpless.

He knew that Xu Yinhe would never hand this kid over to him.

Compiling books on commerce and trade is essentially equivalent to compiling a new encyclopedia.

It is not only time-consuming, but also labor-intensive.

The most important thing for Changtian right now is to improve his weak cultivation level; everything else has to wait.

After a moment's thought, Hua Hong recalled the contents of the Xuan paper:

"It's still too rough. Write me another one Changtian time."

"Can."

Xu Yuan did not refuse, and it didn't take much effort to write it down.

He paused, then asked:

"I'll write a framework, can you find someone to fill it in?"

Hua Hong smiled slightly, his expression very kind.

"Of course. Although the World Chamber of Commerce is still in a period of rapid, unregulated growth, some of the senior managers understand what you've written. It's just that without a general outline, it's difficult to form a coherent system."

Xu Yuan shook his head and said:

"No, I mean, are your men really going to do the work? This is jeopardizing their livelihoods."

Destroying someone's livelihood or taking away their source of income is tantamount to murdering their parents.

Upon hearing this,

A cold, smiling glint flashed in Hua Hong's narrowed eyes:

"If you don't exert yourself, you'll lose your life."

"The Tian'an Chamber of Commerce needs new vitality and competition. Otherwise, when our generation passes away, these powerful managers may very well form new Aristocratic Clan clans within the Prime Minister's Estate."

"."

Xu Yuan smiled but didn't reply.

Although this old man is a bit irritable, he is truly loyal to the Prime Minister's Estate.

Because of the monopolistic nature of knowledge, the abilities of many senior managers are indispensable.

Without them, the Tian'an Chamber of Commerce would suffer a great loss.

Over time, these people will form powerful clans within the Tian'an Chamber of Commerce and even the entire Prime Minister's Estate system, which are essentially new Aristocratic Clan.

If the patriarch is strong, the situation can be controlled; but if he becomes weak, then the family is like a sect or Aristocratic Clan to a sect.

Xu Yuan leaned back in his chair and tapped the armrests:

"Old man Hua, are you trying to turn these people into readily replaceable spare parts?"

"Component?"

Hua Hong's eyes flickered, and he nodded with a smile:

"Changtian, your point is interesting, but that's the gist of it. Only by eliminating their special characteristics can we succeed. Besides me, Jiang He also has the idea of reforming the Institute of Investigation."

Is that so?

Xu Yuan murmured, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

He discovered that the world was already showing signs of the revolutionary changes in production systems that occurred during the Industrial Revolution, thereby liberating productive forces.

certainly,

It follows the model of an extraordinary world.

"Okay. I understand. I'll help when I have time, but compiling this kind of book isn't something that can be done overnight."

Hua Hong smiled sincerely, his eyes softening:

"Changtian, please take this matter seriously. Everything we old folks are doing is for your benefit."

"Only by eliminating the special privileges of those below, making them replaceable at any time, can the power of the family head be permanently centralized."

"."

Xu Yuan lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Seeing this, Hua Hong didn't say much, but instead smiled and said:

"By the way, where did you learn all this stuff during your trip?"

Xu Yuan spread his hands and said:

"Through constant exposure and reflection, one naturally comes to understand."

Hua Hong remained noncommittal upon hearing this, and casually remarked:

"While there is some truth to what you just wrote, many of your points are not suitable for the current global situation."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan was not surprised.

What he wrote was all learned in his previous life during his undergraduate and graduate studies.

Theories concerning macroeconomics, microeconomics, marketing, and financial operations.

Although they are largely the same, the theories from the previous life need some minor adjustments to be applicable to this world.

With Hua Hong's sharp eye, it's impossible he wouldn't have noticed.

Slowly sitting up straight, Xu Yuan's tone became serious:

"After all, it's just something I came up with, so you, Old Man Hua, need to make some revisions yourself."

"Moreover, most of those things can only be implemented under a unified system. As war approaches, our entire production system in the Prime Minister's Estate must serve the war effort."

Hua Hong's eyes narrowed slightly:

"You understand wartime systems, Changtian?"

"You really think highly of me."

"." Hua Hong.

With a sigh, Hua Hong said softly:

"I thought you knew all this stuff, and I was even thinking of asking you for your opinions."

"."

Xu Yuan shrugged. This kind of thing wasn't taught in ordinary universities in his previous life, so there was nowhere for him to learn it even if he wanted to.

After a moment's pause, Xu Yuan suddenly remembered something and said softly:

"By the way, there's something very important that I don't know if you've thought about, Old Man Hua."

Hua Hong composed himself:

"Just say what you want to say, don't keep me in suspense."

Xu Yuan uttered two words, concise and clear:

"Silver notes."

"Silver notes?" Hua Hong frowned.

Xu Yuan slowly rose from his chair, methodically tidying up the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on his desk, and said softly:

"When Ran Qingmo went to those major sects to exaggerate the threat posed by our Prime Minister's Estate, no one believed her. At first, I thought it was because my father's administrative orders had a numbing effect."

"But now it seems that the sect was just pretending to be confused, dragging things out until the day Emperor Jiajing died."

A thoughtful expression crossed Hua Hong's wrinkled face.

"What do you mean by all this and banknotes?"

Xu Yuan tidied the table, took out a stack of thousand-tael silver notes from his Sumeru Ring, and fanned them in his hand.

"It has been over eight hundred years since Emperor Qidian first issued silver notes. Today, it has become customary to settle transactions using silver notes issued by the imperial court. The sect has held so many Tianyuan Grand Competition, so they must have made some contingency plans."

Speaking of this,

Xu Yuan's voice was serious. "We need to prepare in advance to deal with the impact, at least to ensure the stability of prices in the prefectures controlled by the imperial court."

Hua Hong frowned and stared at Xu Yuan:

"You mean the sect will issue new silver notes?"

Xu Yuan pointed to the thousand-tael silver note in his hand:

"If we don't get rid of the imperial court's silver notes, once a war breaks out, the sects will have to keep bleeding money to pay for the imperial court's expenses. There are many smart people in the world, and the sects can't possibly be unaware of this."

Hua Hong let out a long breath, a gloomy look appearing between his brows:

"Changtian, I have actually discussed this matter with my advisors several times. What is your opinion on it?"

Xu Yuan was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Currency was not yet a systematic thing in this era, and I didn't expect that Hua Hong could see this point.

The person sitting in this position is indeed no mediocre person.

But can he solve it?

He can't solve anything.

Xu Yuan, the bachelor, shrugged and smiled:

"I don't know, I'm just reminding you that the specifics need to be handled by professionals like Old Man Hua."

Having said that,

Xu Yuan walked up and patted Hua Hong, the centenarian, on the shoulder:

"However, my suggestion is to stockpile more silver and gold. There will definitely be a bank run eventually, so we must at least stabilize prices in the areas under the control of the imperial court."

The next day, at noon.

The grogginess from staying up late allowed Xu Yuan to sleep soundly until the sun was high in the sky.

As soon as Xu Yuan groggily opened his eyes, he heard a rustling sound coming from beside his bed:

"Woke up?"

Xu Yuan glanced sideways.

A stunningly beautiful face came into view.

Li Qingyan moved a chair over and sat down on the edge of his bed with her arms crossed.

Xu Yuan silently sat up, looking at the woman before him with her heroic features and a smile on her lips, his eyes filled with wariness:

How did you get in?

Li Qingyan's beautiful eyes smiled:

"Of course I came in. You look quite nice sleeping."

"This Inner Court"

"Lord Xu has given his permission."

Li Qingyan smiled and said, "After all, I am the future daughter-in-law of your Xu Family."

Xu Yuan glanced at her, said nothing more, pulled back the covers, and stood up.

On a midday in early summer, birdsong mingled with sunlight streaming in through the window.

Li Qingyan, sitting on the edge of the bed, narrowed her eyes and subconsciously looked away.

Xu Yuan looked slightly puzzled, glanced down, then immediately understood and chuckled:

"Oh, Princess, are you blushing?"

Li Qingyan turned her gaze, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. She crossed her legs, her long, slender legs swinging slightly, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

"You think I'm shy?"

"."

Xu Yuan stared intently into her eyes for two seconds, then smiled:

"It's not shyness."

"Oh"

"They must be scared."

"." Li Qingyan.

Wearing loose pajamas, Xu Yuan walked to the table, poured himself a cup of tea to wake himself up, and turned to look at the stunningly beautiful woman still sitting on the edge of the bed, saying:

"Princess, are you still here to help your husband change his clothes?"

"."

Li Qingyan exhaled, stood up, stared at Xu Yuan for two seconds, snorted coldly, and turned to walk out of the room.

"."

Standing there watching that slender figure disappear into the distance, Xu Yuan shook his head, somewhat bored.

"Tsk, you can't even hold back anymore. Your skills aren't even as good as Su Jinxuan's. How boring."

"Whoosh--"

A pebble suddenly flew through the air, grazing past my pajama bottoms and bringing a chill with it.

After getting dressed, Xu Yuan stepped out of the room and saw Li Qingyan standing in the courtyard, staring blankly at the koi in the pond.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Yuan walked to her side.

Li Qingyan glanced at him with indifferent eyes:

"Your Highness, who is this Su Jinxuan you mentioned earlier? Is she one of the friends you told me about that you needed to meet her with tonight?"

Xu Yuan chuckled softly upon hearing this:

"She probably can't beat you."

"Is that so?" Li Qingyan chuckled lightly, her voice neither cold nor indifferent. "Don't put it so harshly. I've always been very generous. If the consort wants to take a concubine after the marriage, it's not something we can't discuss."

Xu Yuan shook his head upon hearing this:

"Princess, you misunderstand. Su Jinxuan is merely a business partner of mine, not a confidante."

Li Qingyan narrowed her phoenix eyes:

"So, the prince consort has other lovers?"

Xu Yuan thought for a moment, then, without hiding anything about the princess he was to marry, smiled and said:

"Don't be so jealous. Over the years, I've naturally made one or two confidantes."

"."

Li Qingyan took a deep breath, his chest remaining completely calm:

"So, it turns out that Ran Qingmo isn't the only one?"

"Although I have no memory of her, she should be considered a confidante."

Xu Yuan nodded and said with a smile, "You should be able to see her then, but you probably can't beat her."

Li Qingyan raised her slender, jade-like hand, emanating bursts of Source Qi, and said with a smile:

"I can't beat him?"

"You think you can defeat the Heavenly Oversight Pavilion Holy Maiden?"

"." Li Qingyan.