“Dream Blossom” was the name of a bespoke tailor shop.

Nestled in the depths of East Street, one had to navigate two winding alleys to find it.

The establishment wasn’t large, and its business appeared lackluster. Of course, that was just an “appearance.”

It catered only to guests of significant status and influence.

All of Chong Xuanzun’s garments were handled by this shop.

Throughout the land, “Cloud Pavilion” was naturally the place to which nobles flocked. But in Linzi, the reputation of “Dream Blossom” was not necessarily any weaker.

East Street could be considered a bustling marketplace, its vibrancy not losing out to “Treasure Basin” in the West District.

People came and went, carriages filled the streets.

The Chong Xuan family’s carriage halted at the alley entrance, and Chong Xuansheng, along with the black-armored Fourteenth, dismounted.

Following behind were the family’s accountant and others who were to take over the operation of “Dream Blossom.”

The coachmen took the carriage away to rest, while Chong Xuansheng led the group into the alley in a grand procession.

A small courtyard was enclosed. Several old vines and potted flowers adorned the space, making it a haven of tranquility amidst the noise.

“Stepping into this courtyard, one feels refreshed,”

Chong Xuansheng casually remarked, prompting his subordinates to echo with praises such as “refined taste” and “elegant disposition,” a chaotic assortment of compliments.

With such a large group arriving, the shopkeeper came out to greet them, leading his staff. Upon seeing Chong Xuansheng, he offered a bitter bow: “Young Master Sheng.”

He was a fair-skinned, beardless middle-aged man, somewhat effeminate, appearing rather refined.

Chong Xuansheng waved his hand dismissively, “Settle the accounts. My people will be in charge from now on.”

There was no pretense of cordiality, nor was there any reason for it.

These people were all devotedly loyal to Chong Xuanzun, bound to wait until he emerged from Jixia Academy.

Chong Xuansheng wouldn’t indulge them. Those willing to wait for Chong Xuanzun could do so, but the Chong Xuan family would certainly not support them during this time. He’d see how many remained in the end.

The staff of “Dream Blossom” resembled defeated roosters, each one downcast. The shopkeeper, however, maintained his composure, respectfully inviting Chong Xuansheng and his entourage into the shop and handing over the prepared ledgers.

While Chong Xuansheng’s accountant audited the accounts, Chong Xuansheng surveyed the shop’s furnishings.

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment before asking, “Young Master Sheng, I wonder how you plan to manage this place in the future?”

“What kind of management?” Chong Xuansheng appeared impatient.

Knowing Chong Xuansheng didn’t like being bothered, the shopkeeper still summoned his courage and produced a small booklet, presenting it with both hands: “Young Master Sheng, I’ve managed ‘Dream Blossom’ for many years and have gained some insights. The specific business strategies are all in this booklet. If your people follow them, they will definitely not lose money.”

Chong Xuansheng didn’t take it, only glancing at him: “No need.”

The shopkeeper kept his hands extended, earnestly saying, “‘Dream Blossom’ has not easily reached this point. I dare not harbor any ill intentions, but I fear it will simply collapse like this… I absolutely do not mean to say that your subordinates are incapable! It’s just that, after all, every profession has its own expertise. There is, after all, no second ‘Dream Blossom’ in Linzi.”

He was indeed sincere. And he indeed had deep feelings for “Dream Blossom,” fearing it would be ruined. He believed Chong Xuanzun would surely achieve final victory, but he feared that by the time Chong Xuanzun emerged from Jixia Academy, “Dream Blossom” would be gone.

Therefore, he spared no effort in revealing all his years of business experience, only seeking to have Chong Xuansheng’s side help him “preserve” it well.

Chong Xuansheng smiled playfully: “I wasn’t being polite. It’s really not needed. We won’t be selling clothes here anymore.”

The shopkeeper was greatly alarmed: “If not clothes, then what will you sell?”

Chong Xuansheng pondered with a serious expression, indicating that he was thinking carefully, and then said, “Roasted chicken!”

At this moment, one of his subordinates leaned in and whispered, “Young Master Sheng, you previously said we’d sell roast duck. We’ve already ordered the ducks.”

Another person rapped him on the head: “Young Master Sheng says to sell what, then we sell what!”

The shopkeeper’s face turned ashen.

The original staff of “Dream Blossom” were all angry but dared not speak out.

“I say, do you feel a great sense of accomplishment from flaunting your power in front of these small figures?” Wang Yiwu’s voice rang out at this moment.

He walked in from outside the courtyard, stopping at the entrance, his tall figure casting a shadow.

The shop fell silent.

Chong Xuansheng turned around, squinting at him: “I thought you should be back at the military camp by now.”

He certainly didn’t come specifically to flaunt his power in front of small figures, but rather to put on a show for those who were watching. To let them see what the consequences of siding with Chong Xuanzun would be, to let them know that Chong Xuanzun couldn’t even protect his favorite shop, to let them understand how they should choose sides.

With Chong Xuanzun away, and Wang Yiwu and Wen Lianmu already defeated, it was a good time to gradually shatter Chong Xuanzun’s influence. Although this kind of tactic wasn’t very honorable, it would be very effective.

Otherwise, a man as portly as he was, even if he did enjoy the feeling of flaunting his power, would be too lazy to make this trip.

He was somewhat envious of Jiang Wang, who spent his days only cultivating, never stepping out of his residence. How leisurely!

“I did return to the military camp. But after thinking about it, I came back,” Wang Yiwu said.

“Something you need?” Chong Xuansheng asked.

“That person. The one who arranged for the assassin from the Door to Hell to enter the city, he has already defected to you, hasn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Chong Xuansheng looked him straight in the eye: “You’re very bored, Wang Yiwu.”

“You know what I’m saying is true.”

“Before Elder Brother went to Jixia Academy, when he said he was leaving the business to you, you should have said, ‘No, how can a pig brain like me play with Chong Xuansheng?’ That way, he might have thought of a way not to go to Jixia Academy.”

Chong Xuansheng spoke mockingly with a straight face: “If you can’t afford to lose, then don’t play.”

“Ha!” Wang Yiwu pointed a finger at Chong Xuansheng: “You will never be able to match even a fraction of what Ah Zun is, do you know what that is?”

“I don’t want to know, and I don’t agree with that point. Will you not say it if I say that?” Chong Xuansheng folded his arms: “I want to see if I can suffocate you to death.”

“You’re so childish.” Wang Yiwu said, “Ah Zun is very clear about how much capital the Qiyang War would bring you, how it would allow you to become a force to be reckoned with. But he never thought about doing anything underhanded in the Qiyang War.”

“What is the big picture? The big picture is that we are all in Linzi, we are all Qi citizens. When Qi is strong, we are strong. When Qi is weak, we are weak. Ah Zun approves of Qi’s victory, even if you will seize the greatest benefits from it. He approves of the Chong Xuan family’s growth, even if you will seize enough capital from it.”

“And what about you? Do you really not know the serious repercussions that the assassination of a high-ranking fourth-grade official in the capital would cause?”

“Do you really not know that the Emperor would have grave misgivings if the Chong Xuan family was involved in this matter?”

“You know, but you still did it.”

“You gained a temporary upper hand, but you caused the Chong Xuan family to lose long-term trust.”

“You placed personal gain above family interests, even above national interests. You only think about defeating Ah Zun, using any means necessary, and you don’t consider the future of the family at all.”

“You are just like your father!”

“Thirty years ago, Chong Xuan Futu caused the Chong Xuan family to lose His Majesty’s trust. Your Chong Xuan family sacrificed everything and struggled for thirty years to regain the position it has today. Thirty years later, you are repeating the story.”

“Chong Xuansheng, you are not even worth a strand of Chong Xuanzun’s hair!”

Chong Xuansheng listened quietly to him, without any change in expression, only frowning slightly: “If you wanted to anger me, then you failed. Because I don’t understand anything you’re saying.”

“Yes, yes, you don’t understand. And I can’t find any evidence. I’m just talking nonsense.”

Wang Yiwu shook his head and laughed, seemingly mocking himself.

When his smile stopped, he looked at Chong Xuansheng with utmost seriousness –

“Do you remember what I asked you that day when Ah Zun went to Jixia Academy?”