Chapter 92

After the trip to Jishifang, Feng Jueyu felt he had gained a lot. On the way back to the Shangguan residence, he kept pondering the issue of supreme imperial power, and at the same time, considered the current crisis facing the Shangguan residence. He increasingly felt that he should have a force of his own.

This force didn't need to be overly powerful, but it must have the ability to protect itself. After all, in this world, there were always some people who bullied the weak and feared the strong, like Xu Zixiong. If he were still the old Feng Jueyu, being repeatedly framed and humiliated by Xu Zixiong, he might never have been able to turn things around.

What was Xu Zixiong's purpose?

At first, Feng Jueyu thought he wanted to remove him so that Shangguan Ruomeng would lose control over the Shangguan residence, and he had always believed this. However, now it seemed that Xu Zixiong's purpose was not just that.

It wasn't hard to analyze. The election for the president of the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce had put the Shangguan residence at a disadvantage. Now, Miaoshantang and Huichuntang, the two medical shops, had joined forces, controlling the western, southern, and part of the eastern cities. With this, they aimed to replace the Shangguan family as the leading force in the Tian Nan pharmaceutical industry, and they had the capital and advantage to do so. Did they really need to deal with him?

They already had enough capital to confront the Shangguan family head-on. If he were Xu Zixiong, unless he was stupid and had nothing better to do, he wouldn't bother with him. This suggested that the purpose of Miaoshantang still needed to be verified. If it were indeed the emperor's intention, regardless of whether the Shangguan family won the position of the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce president, the outcome would not be good.

After much deliberation, the only thing left for Feng Jueyu to consider was the method and approach. An effective strategy was needed to ensure that the Shangguan family's assets would not suffer severe losses and to prevent the emperor from finding an excuse or a way to deal with the Shangguan family. This would be the best course of action.

Of course, if he was wrong and the emperor had not intervened, this would be a sudden commercial competition, with either victory or defeat, and the loss to the Shangguan residence would not be significant. However, he couldn't be too cautious. If his guess was correct, the Shangguan family would be like walking on a cliff, and a single misstep could lead to a catastrophic outcome.

While deep in thought, the gates of the Shangguan residence were in sight. Two servants in blue robes were standing guard at the entrance, and Shangguan Ruofan was anxiously looking around the street, as if waiting for someone.

Seeing the red lanterns hanging high and the quiet mansion where even the servants' footsteps could not be heard, Feng Jueyu's first thought was that something had happened.

"Brother-in-law, you're finally back."

Shangguan Ruofan saw Feng Jueyu walking back with a slow, swaying gait and ran up to him: "Brother-in-law, hurry, something big has happened. Grandfather wants you to come over."

"What happened?" As they spoke, they entered the mansion. Shangguan Ruofan ordered the two servants to close the gates tightly, with three bolts.

It was just after dusk, with the red afterglow still lingering on the western mountains, and no stars visible in the sky. It was still early, and the urgency of closing the gates seemed to indicate that something serious had indeed happened. This was further confirmed by the sudden appearance of two teams of high-ranking servants with waist knives.

"Brother-in-law, come with me quickly, or it will be too late." Shangguan Ruofan's face was grave, his eyebrows furrowed, and his hand was sweaty as he pulled Feng Jueyu toward the back yard.

"How could it be so serious?" Feng Jueyu's heart sank.

Shangguan Ruofan, with a mix of seriousness and pleading, said: "Brother-in-law, it all depends on you this time. Otherwise, the Shangguan family will really be in chaos."

"Depends on me? The more you say, the more confused I get. What exactly happened?"

Shangguan Ruofan said as they walked: "The second and third branches are demanding a division of the family."

"Damn, such a big deal." Feng Jueyu was struck like a thunderbolt, thinking that Shangguan Liuyun and Shangguan Jinglei were quite bold, demanding a division of the family while the old man was still alive. This was unacceptable.

A short while later, the two arrived outside the study. Feng Jueyu had not expected the third branch to demand a division so soon, thinking that the last incident involving Shangguan Ruowen and Shangguan Ruowu had calmed the second branch down. It turned out that it was the calm before the storm.

As they entered the small courtyard, Feng Jueyu and Shangguan Ruofan heard the sound of an argument inside...

"The Xu family and the Chen family have already joined forces, and their monopoly plan has been executed perfectly. This month, the total revenue in the western city has reached 700,000 taels of silver, which is 20% higher than Huichuntang's usual share. Most of this is from the sale of medicinal herbs. Due to the monopoly, there are no other pharmacies in the western city besides Huichuntang, and the noble families and prominent clans in the various provinces use Chen family's medicinal herbs, so their share is very high. In just half a month, their total revenue is 23,000 taels higher than ours. Huiren Tang is in danger."

The voice was clearly that of an old man, unfamiliar...

Then another person added: "The total revenue in the southern city has reached 730,000 taels, which is 30,000 taels more than the Chen family." This simple statement explained everything...

The Xu family was the leading competitor in the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce election...

Then a woman's voice, filled with anger and tears, said: "Father, the third branch has always been managed by me. From the city to the east, we have four shops, and we produce over 100,000 medicinal herbs each month. We work hard every month to deliver them, and for twenty years, we have never asked for anything, only hoping that Huiren Tang could develop steadily and provide a living for the servants. But look at the Shangguan family now. In the past, even if our family stagnated, the Xu family and the Chen family could not surpass us. But just half a month ago, when we should have focused on the family business, we were busy preparing medicines for the soldiers in the western border. Look at the Xu family, how did they do it? In just ten days, the eastern city is all Xu. What do we have to compete with them? If the Xu family takes the position of the president of the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce, can Huiren Tang still support this large family?"

This voice was familiar to Feng Jueyu. It belonged to Tong Shengyue from the third branch, Shangguan Ruomeng's third aunt and Shangguan Jinglei's wife.

Shangguan Jinglei, due to illness, could not have children and had no descendants. He spent most of his time drinking and visiting brothels, and the management of the four shops in the third branch was entirely in the hands of Tong Shengyue. Although she was not as outstanding as Shangguan Ruomeng, she was still a capable manager.

The third branch was responsible for the preparation of medicines and half of the warehouse duties. They received orders, prepared the medicines, and then handed them over to the second branch for delivery to the customers. This had nothing to do with the business negotiations handled by the first branch.

Hearing this, Feng Jueyu understood the situation. The election for the president of the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce had made everyone aware of the stakes. While the opponents were focusing on increasing their shares, the Shangguan family was preparing medicines for the soldiers in the western border. This put the Shangguan family at a disadvantage, and now the second and third branches were blaming Shangguan Ruomeng for poor management.

Tong Shengyue's background was also significant. Her family was a prominent clan in Dongzhou, and they had a good relationship with the Shangguan family. The two families' heads had arranged her marriage to Shangguan Jinglei. However, due to an incident in the past, Shangguan Jinglei returned with severe injuries and had no children. He became a heavy drinker and no longer cared for his wife. Over time, their relationship deteriorated. Tong Shengyue then devoted all her energy to business, aiming to secure her share of the Shangguan family's assets.

In fact, everyone already knew who would become the president of the Tian Nan Chamber of Commerce. However, Shangguan Ruomeng, after failing to get Zhang Changling's support, refused to give up and called a secret meeting in the morning, asking each branch to contribute money to increase their share.

This move naturally caused dissatisfaction among the second and third branches, leading to the current family crisis.

Shangguan Ruomeng's voice came: "Third Aunt, Ruomeng has said that we still have a chance. I have contacted several merchants who are willing to cooperate with us, but we lack some funds..."

Before Shangguan Ruomeng could finish, Tong Shengyue coldly replied: "Do you lack just a little? 30,000 taels of silver, is that not a lot? Ruomeng, you are the head of the Shangguan family. How much does the Shangguan family profit each year? How much is paid in taxes? How much is spent on charity? How much is the servants' salaries? You know these numbers. Besides, the medicinal gardens in various places need to be maintained, and the relationships in the provinces need to be maintained. How much does this cost? In recent years, the Shangguan family has paid a lot for the war in the western border. Do you think we have much left?"

Before Shangguan Ruomeng could respond, Tong Shengyue continued: "And your third uncle, look at what's happening in the family. Where is he now? Do you know how much he spends in Qingyue Tower each month? Do you think Third Aunt can come up with 10,000 taels? Father is here today, and the account books of the four shops in the third branch are here. Let's be clear. We cannot disobey the emperor's decree, but we must act within our means. If you could have asked Zhang Changling to delay the deadline, I would have taken the risk with you. But now, with only half a month left, do you think we can raise 30,000 taels to surpass the Xu family and the Chen family?"

Tong Shengyue's words left everyone speechless. Although her words were overly emotional, it was undeniable that the Shangguan family's chances of winning the share competition were very slim. This was clear to Shangguan Lingyun, the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch, and even to Feng Jueyu standing outside the door.

After a moment of silence, Shangguan Lingyun's aged voice slowly said: "Since everyone is here, let's be clear. The Shangguan family is in this situation. If anyone has better suggestions, speak up..."

It was Tong Shengyue who immediately responded: "Father, don't blame me for being direct. In my opinion, the best solution is to divide the family..."

"What?"

Note to readers:

ps: Recently, I've received a few donations, all from mobile phones, and they are just numbers. I haven't remembered them, so I thank you all here. If you have time, you can change your nickname.

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