The Unseen Haiyuan City

After watching Du Lingfeng leave, Xie Xian returned to the mansion.

He looked somewhat dejected as he watched the others unpacking luggage under Zhou Tie's direction.

Just upon entering the city, he'd received a warning. In less than half an hour, he had gained a rough understanding of Haiyuan City.

The Lu family was so powerful that likely everyone in the city, high and low, depended on them for their livelihood. Their informants would naturally be everywhere.

In some ways, it was very similar to Taoyuan County, which was certainly troubling.

The situation was probably far more difficult than he had imagined.

After everyone finished unpacking, they gathered together. Guards were posted around the room.

After all, they were in unfamiliar territory. If there were eavesdroppers, it would cause serious problems.

When everyone was present, Xie Xian spoke. "Everyone, the situation in Haiyuan City exceeds my expectations."

"Be cautious when you go out. Don't let anyone follow you. Once our identities are exposed, we might not be able to leave Haiyuan City."

"I'll write to the Master immediately and send someone back to the capital as soon as possible."

Zhou Tie asked, "Old Xie, what did Du Lingfeng tell you earlier?"

Xie Xian's face showed helplessness. "The Lu family controls everything in Haiyuan City. Even the government is in collusion with them."

"But words alone aren't proof. In a few days, I'll have to visit the Lu family myself."

"We're outsiders. The city's situation must be extremely closed off, with any foreigners viewed with suspicion."

"Our people will likely find it difficult to move freely."

After Xie Xian's explanation, the others fell silent, creating a somber atmosphere.

They were all from Taoyuan County.

They understood such situations all too well.

What had Taoyuan County been involved in?

Tax evasion, forging travel documents, kidnapping merchants, unauthorized construction, manufacturing weapons... Master Fang had done almost everything that could cost someone their head.

In that case, the Lu family was just like their Master!

Damn, if that's the situation, many things would be difficult to handle.

They would have to be extremely cautious when going out.

Seeing morale suddenly dampened, Xie Xian encouraged them. "Everyone, don't worry too much. After all, there probably isn't anyone more daring than our Master!"

At least no one would dare manufacture weapons...

Qian Desheng, looking like an uninformed bystander, glanced from Xie Xian to the others.

He hesitantly said, "I think we should scout the Lu family's layout, then send someone to steal their account books. Wouldn't that solve everything?"

"With their extensive business, they must rely on account books for management, perhaps even multiple sets."

"With the account books, all our problems would be solved."

Xie Xian pondered for a moment. "You're right, that's what I was thinking too. But the situation is unclear now. We shouldn't act rashly."

"Let's wait until I've been inside the Lu family's place!"

...

Two days later, Du Lingfeng arrived punctually.

Xie Xian was already prepared and waiting inside. Without much small talk, they headed to the Lu family residence.

On the way, Du Lingfeng asked solicitously, "Brother Xie, how have you enjoyed Haiyuan City these past two days?"

"Not bad, it's no less impressive than Jianjiang." Xie Xian smiled. He had indeed spent the last two days wandering around the city.

The government—no, I shouldn't say the government. It should be said that the Lu family has indeed managed Haiyuan City well.

All the shops were elegantly decorated.

"Though this place is nice, I feel something is missing."

"Oh? What's missing?" Du Lingfeng asked.

"The poor." Xie Xian looked toward the roadside. "This place has no poor people, which surprised me."

"Brother Du, I've been to the capital too. Poor people can be seen everywhere there, but where are all the poor in Haiyuan City?"

Xie Xian paused, then continued. "We're both merchants. We know that scarcity creates value; this applies to everything in the world."

"Things everyone can see often have little value. It's the invisible things that truly matter. Brother Du, why does Haiyuan City present this facade?"

Xie Xian had traveled widely and seen much.

The rich and poor could be distinguished not just by their clothing but by their demeanor.

This situation was clearly abnormal. Even Taoyuan County, which was quite prosperous, still had poor people.

Poverty and wealth are relative concepts. In any part of the world, the rich are few and the poor are many. This is inevitable.

Hearing this, Du Lingfeng was momentarily startled, then sighed softly. "Brother Xie, you truly are perceptive. I didn't expect you to care about such matters."

"Indeed, those who appear on the streets are relatively wealthy. Of course, there must be poor people, but they're simply not visible."

"Some have been conscripted into the salt gang, making salt outside the city. Others are hidden in various corners of Haiyuan City."

"Existing in the cracks, they're more like rats in the sewers than citizens."

"You might see them at night when households pour out slop water."

Xie Xian made no comment, just raised an eyebrow, though his heart began to race faster.

Seeing his silence, Du Lingfeng felt contemplative and voluntarily consoled him. "Brother Xie, you may not like it here, and honestly, neither do I."

"But when you meet Young Master Lu, you absolutely cannot show it."

"We hit it off at first sight, and I truly consider you a friend."

"Fenghua Tower gives out leftover food to the poor every night. You even sort the leftovers and arrange them neatly. I haven't seen that elsewhere, so I know you're a good person."

"Who doesn't want to be a good person? But the world is just like this. The poor can't even be considered human anymore. Why maintain these scholarly sentiments?"

"Bringing you here actually poses some risk for me. Please remember, when you meet Young Master Lu, don't show any dissatisfaction, and don't mention working for Fang Zheng or other officials. Otherwise, there will be trouble. Understood?"

Xie Xian nodded. "Brother Du, since you're helping me seek wealth, I certainly won't cause you trouble. Don't worry."

Du Lingfeng smiled with satisfaction. "I certainly trust you. You're older than me yet still have such passion. I admire that."

Xie Xian smiled without speaking, his thoughts drifting.

Perhaps if he hadn't met the Master, he would have extinguished his inner fire like ordinary people.

He appeared cynical, but the more he learned, the more that fire was reignited.

Maintaining principles while using any means necessary! Willing to risk everything for his own life and others!

Following such a person, how could he remain indifferent?

After walking a while longer, Du Lingfeng suddenly reined in his horse and pointed to a large gate. "Brother Xie, we've arrived!"

Xie Xian looked at the ordinary gate, confused. "This... seems quite unremarkable? Is this really the Lu family's entrance? It's different from what I imagined."

"Haha? Unremarkable? There's more than meets the eye! Come with me." Du Lingfeng laughed, jumping down from his horse to knock on the door.

Soon, someone came to open it.

The doorkeeper immediately opened the gate upon seeing him. "Ah, it's Young Master Du. And this is...?"

"This is my friend. I'm bringing him to meet Young Master Lu on business. I notified you two days ago."

The doorkeeper gestured invitingly, pointing inside. "The steward already informed me of this matter. Please take the sedan chair, young masters!"