"Over the past year, our Nanyan Commerce has expanded rapidly, thanks to Senior Wenrenâs reputation, allowing us to proceed smoothly everywhere, except in Linâan County, where progress is impossible. Itâs not just our Nanyan Commerce; even the descendants of the Eight Great Families of the Capital must tread carefully in Linâan County.
If Miss Yu really falls into the hands of the aristocratic clans, rushing to Linâan County like this wonât guarantee finding her whereabouts, let alone rescuing her."
"Che Xiang, I also understand what youâre saying, but Zirong is my friend. I canât ignore his matter. No matter how formidable the aristocratic clans might be, even if itâs a dragonâs den or a tigerâs lair, I must venture in." Mu Hanyan stated with absolute determination.
Even Huayue and the others had slightly misty eyes as they looked at Mu Hanyanâs resolute gaze.
They had heard of the Anlin Familyâs prowess. Although these ancient families had long receded from ordinary peopleâs view, they knew these aristocratic families were like giant beasts in deep sleep, guarding their territory. Even the Anyun Royal Family hesitated to provoke them lightly, fearing to awaken these slumbering beasts, which could bring unpredictable calamities to their rule.
Yet, Mu Hanyan did not hesitate at all, and this was merely for a guard.
"Well said, this is truly a descendant of our Mu Family." At this moment, a voice, aged yet gratified, echoed from outside the door.
"Grandfather!" Mu Hanyan recognized Mu Beichenâs voice and was startled, opening the door.
"Salutations to the Family Head, salutations to the Family Head." Upon seeing Mu Beichenâs commanding presence, Huayue and the others promptly bowed in respect.
Che Xiang did not dare slack, repeatedly serving tea and water, so excited that his fingers trembled.
This was the head of the Mu Family, one of the Eight Great Families of the Capital. Even the branch family members rarely saw him, and he never imagined he would have such an opportunity.
"Grandfather, why have you come?" Mu Hanyan offered tea and asked, puzzled.
"I received a letter from your father as well. Zirongâs matter is your matter, and your matter is also mine." Mu Beichen said with a smile.
"Grandfather, youâre willing to help?" Mu Hanyan said joyfully.
Knowing the Anlin Familyâs strength, Mu Hanyan originally didnât want to involve the Zong Family, deciding instead to take Zirong and the others personally to Anlin County. Of course, Mu Hanyan also knew this decision might be impulsive, might not yield good results, but watching a past lifeâs tragedy befall Zirong again was something he couldnât bear.
But if Mu Beichen was willing to intervene, the situation was much different. The Mu Family, one of the Eight Great Families of the Capital, even once one of the two major families of Anyun, would surely be more formidable than just a few of them.
"Heishi City is the Mu Familyâs territory, and its citizens are the Mu Familyâs people. If they are so blatantly taken away, it clearly shows disregard for the Mu Family. How can I remain indifferent?" Mu Beichenâs expression darkened, speaking proudly, as an invisible aura of authority emanated from him, daunting and unassailable.
Huayue and the others, gazing at the elderâs dignified face, couldnât help but feel an urge to bow down. They wondered inwardly just how powerful the Mu Family Patriarch truly was.
"Alright, you all donât need to worry about this matter; leave it to me." Mu Beichen said decisively with a wave of his arm.
"Family Head, wonât this cause trouble for the Zong Family?" Zirong hesitated and asked Mu Beichen.
Though Mu Beichenâs earlier words were righteous and grand, Zirong knew they were just an excuse. Although under Mu Ruiâanâs governance, Heishi City was peaceful and prosperous, there were still occasional crimes, but the elder couldnât manage all that. The sole reason he intervened was because of Mu Hanyan.
But Zirong also knew that dealing with those aristocratic families in Anlin County wasnât easy and feared his own issues might bring trouble to the Mu Family. These aristocratic clans were deeply rooted, with expansive networks; a slight misstep could provoke not just one clan, but several great families, and perhaps even the royal family.
The current Mu Family was no match for the Mu Family from eons ago and couldnât withstand such enormous pressure.
"Your consideration does justice to how much Hanyan values you. Donât worry about this matter; I have it measured, just leave it to me." Mu Beichen gave Zirong a deep, approving glance and nodded.
With that said, Mu Beichen strode out proudly.
Behind him, Huayue and Zirong and the others respectfully bowed to see him off, their gazes filled with heartfelt respect.
No one expected that Zirongâs matter would alarm the Family Head, much less that he would intervene without hesitation. Following Mu Hanyan was not just Zirongâs fortune, but a blessing for all of them.
"Alright, now you can finally rest easy." Mu Hanyan finally breathed a long sigh of relief, speaking to Zirong.
"With the Family Head stepping in, I am certainly at ease." Zirong managed a rare smile. It was still a bit forced, but he was somewhat reassured.
"Zirong, I know youâre anxious, but rushing wonât help. Calm down and wait for good news from my grandfather." Mu Hanyan consoled Zirong.
"Alright." Zirong nodded vigorously.
"By the way, if itâs truly the aristocratic families acting, why would they target Miss Yu?" Che Xiang wondered aloud.
Mu Hanyan and the others were so worried about Yu Qingwanâs safety that they hadnât considered this point and looked at Zirong with confusion.
"I donât know. Although the Yu Family is considered a notable aristocratic clan in Heishi City, they canât compare to the Anlin aristocratic families, and there shouldnât be any enmity." Zirong said gravely.
"Letâs not dwell on this for now. Once my grandfather finds her, we will naturally have answers." Mu Hanyan, who never worried unnecessarily, wasnât about to start now.
"Young master, the Purple Heart Ganlu Grass you asked me to inquire about last time has some leads. Iâve ordered people to investigate thoroughly, and we should have news in a few days." Che Xiangâs excitement finally settled, and he told Mu Hanyan.
"Thereâs no rush for that right now; prioritize stirring up resources and searching for Yu Qingwanâs whereabouts." Mu Hanyan waved his hand, speaking. Even though Grandfather had already intervened, Mu Hanyan couldnât just sit idly by and wait for news.
"Understood, young master." Che Xiang quickly responded.
"Also, find me some decent swords, similar to the last ones, and select a batch of top-notch elixirs too." Mu Hanyan counted and handed over a twenty million silver note to Che Xiang.
The commerce is one matter; personal expenses are another. Mu Hanyan didnât want to develop the bad habit of extravagance, carelessly drawing on resources, which could potentially bankrupt the commerce swiftly, especially since the cultivation resources needed now are increasingly precious.