Chapter 1265: He Lingchuan's Kindness and Request

Lord Yangshan's financial power could even sustain a war, so conducting mutually beneficial business with Bei State was naturally no problem.

Bei State, as the origin of luxury goods like pearls and expensive medicinal herbs, couldn't sell them at good prices. This was because the Blazing Gold Plains itself had low demand, and external unscrupulous buyers drove prices down aggressively. The acquisition price was often only one-seventh or one-eighth of the resale price. Middlemen pocketed these huge differences.

Bei State was eager to introduce new buyers to compete, such as the wealthy Yangshan Archipelago. However, He Lingchuan had consistently ignored Bei State's overtures. Upon hearing this, Yu Hai quickly volunteered to the monarch, claiming to be an old acquaintance of Lord Yangshan and offering to facilitate a connection.

Seeing He Lingchuan today, still as generous and open-hearted as before, put Yu Hai somewhat at ease. Thanks to the seven-route army's campaign against Bixia, the Yangshan Merchant Guild's reputation had rapidly grown. Now, everyone knew this external force was incredibly wealthy and well-supplied. What felt like a massive burden to Yu Hai might be nothing more than a speck of dust in He Lingchuan's eyes.

He Lingchuan promptly made a decision: "Brother Yu, what you've said has truly captured my interest. Very well, I will send people to conduct a thorough assessment, and then we'll proceed to Bei State to negotiate the business."

Yu Hai was overjoyed, bowing repeatedly to him: "Brother He, you've truly helped me immensely!"

He Lingchuan laughed heartily, taking three letters from his sleeve: "To be honest, the Bei State envoys have sent three consecutive invitation letters these past few days, all of which I've kept and ignored."

Yu Hai was startled. He looked at the invitations, then at He Lingchuan's smile, his mind racing. Being a clever man, he understood in an instant. He exhaled slowly and turned to bow deeply to He Lingchuan: "Brother He, your timely help is deeply appreciated. Whatever instructions you have, I will surely follow!"

He understood. He Lingchuan's disregard for the Bei State envoy's invitations, coupled with Situ He's earlier invitation of the Lingxu returnees in He Lingchuan's name, was all to give Yu Hai an opportunity. As long as he successfully persuaded He Lingchuan to establish business between the Yangshan Archipelago and Bei State, Yu Hai could at least secure a position as a foreign envoy or commercial envoy in Bei State, no longer an idle person. Once he could re-enter the royal court, the troubles that had plagued him and the Yu family for nearly a year would be easily resolved. It seemed He Lingchuan had known his predicament all along and had chosen to help him. He was truly his benefactor!

He Lingchuan grabbed his arm: "What are you talking about? You're a man destined for great things. How could you be troubled by such minor family matters? Consider it a small favor from your brother."

Yu Hai had navigated the official circles for so long, yet for a moment, he was speechless. "What great things are you referring to, Brother He?" He had served as an official in Lingxu City for years, enduring many hardships, and was no longer an innocent man. Where in this world could one find unprovoked kindness? He knew he would have to pay a price. This opportunity was too crucial for the Yu family, and he was ready to face any difficulties.

"I have something I'd like to entrust to you, Brother Yu." *Here it comes*, Yu Hai thought, taking a silent breath.

"The Hometown Association was very successful, and I see that everyone remembers it fondly; it would be a shame to let it disband just like that," He Lingchuan said with a smile. "Brother Yu, why don't you revive it and manage it again?"

Yu Hai was momentarily stunned. He waited for a while, and when He Lingchuan didn't add any other conditions, he cautiously probed: "Is there anything else?"

"However, I hope the Hometown Association expands its scope beyond just the Beijia returnees. The Blazing Gold Plains is full of talented individuals; why restrict membership based on origin? As long as their philosophies align and their ambitions are similar, they can be brought in," He Lingchuan said, walking with his hands behind his back. "What do you think, Brother Yu?"

"It should be so," Yu Hai replied instinctively. "When I returned to the Blazing Gold Plains, that was precisely my plan, but my father's incident caused a delay."

"Brother Yu, you are truly far-sighted; I haven't misjudged you," He Lingchuan added with a slight nod. "Financially, I can offer some assistance."

Traveling through the Blazing Gold Plains, he quickly discovered that besides his martial prowess, he possessed an even more potent weapon. Compared to the impoverished people of the Blazing Gold Plains, he was genuinely wealthy. After all, wasn't one of Yao State's tactics for controlling these nations and forces also money? While he couldn't match Yao State's grand expenditures, he could certainly make smaller contributions.

Yu Hai composed himself: "And why is this, Brother He? You are not from the Blazing Gold Plains." No one's money came easily, so what exactly did He Lingchuan stand to gain? The Blazing Gold Plains was a quagmire that others avoided at all costs, so why was He Lingchuan so eager to jump in?

"The reason is the same as why I stand behind the Situ family: the Blazing Gold Plains is a good place, though others don't see it, I do," He Lingchuan said calmly. "I have ambitions, and Brother Yu, you have an opportunity. I believe you should seize this chance."

Yu Hai stopped abruptly, staring intently at him. A thin mist had risen by the river at some point, and the last few women picked up their laundry basins, their heavy footsteps gradually fading into the distance. He Lingchuan stood in the mist; though they were close, Yu Hai couldn't discern his expression.

He recalled feeling the same way when he first met He Lingchuan in Lingxu City. He was unfathomable; whether it was his character, his resolve, or his methods, the man seemed to hide everything behind a smile. Yet, Yu Hai could indeed sense his ambition. For those with grand aspirations but limited ability, it was a delusion; for those capable, it was ambition.

Yu Hai's breathing quickened, knowing He Lingchuan was right—this was a golden opportunity, and he should seize it. He nodded firmly: "Alright, Brother He, rest assured. I will revive the Hometown Association, contact the Lingxu returnees, and diligently seek out talent."

"Brother Yu has a knack for recognizing talent. Talented and ambitious individuals should be encouraged to exchange ideas and maintain frequent contact," He Lingchuan said, as a major patron, he was entitled to make demands. "If they encounter difficulties, the Hometown Association might as well offer timely assistance."

This was precisely what Yu Hai intended. His original purpose for establishing the Hometown Association in Lingxu City was to unite talented people from his homeland and foster mutual assistance. Back in the Blazing Gold Plains, the Hometown Association still represented connections and power. He knew this all too well. Over the past year, he had often felt regretful due to being unable to act on family matters. Now, with his future secured and the Hometown Association backed by Lord Yangshan's funding, Yu Hai felt as if all dark clouds above him had dissipated, and he was filled with vigor.

The two chatted for a while longer before returning to the Bamboo Hidden Tavern to continue drinking. They drank through both lunch and dinner sittings, and most people eventually collapsed.

The next day, before dawn, Yu Hai, ignoring his throbbing head, bid farewell and returned to his state. He was eager to report back to the Bei monarch and then dedicate himself to the revival of the Hometown Association.

The Soul-Capturing Mirror chuckled: "That fellow Yu Hai isn't stupid; he immediately understood that you intend to recruit talented individuals."

"Too many people were simultaneously driven back by Beijia, and most of them are elites from this region, with broader perspectives than the local populace. Yu Hai clearly understands that if he can gather them, the connections and network they form will inherently represent power," He Lingchuan said. "Yu Hai is an excellent organizer, and he already has a good reputation, so it couldn't be more suitable for him to manage the Hometown Association."