"On the first day of next month..."
These four characters were like needles quenched in ice, pricking Shen Ruoxin's heart and making her fingertips tingle with a chill. Time has been ruthlessly compressed to the limit.
The notices from the government office were like death orders, plastered all over the streets and alleys of Pingjiang Prefecture, turning the sharp blade hanging over the heads of all merchants - a 20% increase in business tax - from "possible" to "certain", and clearly stating the date of execution.
Ten days! Only ten days!
In the study, the air seemed to freeze. The wrinkles on Wang Xiuniang's face were twisted into lumps, and her lips were trembling. It was obvious that she was frightened by this sudden and thunderous move. Although Li Molan forced herself to stay calm, her tightly clenched fists and slightly pale knuckles still revealed the tempestuous waves within her.
"Second Miss..." What should be done about this? The asset transfer has just begun. It's simply too late now! Li Molan's voice carried a slight, imperceptible tremor.
Shen Ruoxin took a deep breath and forced herself to suppress her surging emotions. The more critical the situation is, the more calm one should be. She walked to the window and cast her gaze outside the courtyard, where the embroiderers were still buried in their work, as if oblivious to the approaching storm that could shatter their livelihoods.
Don't panic, and even less should you lose your composure.
"Asset transfer is indeed too late to be carried out on a large scale." Shen Ruoxin spoke slowly, her voice not loud but exceptionally clear, carrying an unquestionable composure. "Now, our only way out is that 'backdoor listing' path!"
Her gaze turned to Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang: "We must get in touch with Liu Chengyu immediately!" At all costs, we must register the Jinxiu Pavilion under the name of Hanlin Liu as soon as possible! This is the only way for us to avoid heavy taxes and gain a breathing space!
"But..." Over with the Third Young Master Liu... Wang Xiuniang hesitated to speak, her face filled with worry. "Old servant has learned that he is indeed addicted to gambling and heavily in debt, but such a person..." Is it reliable? What if he gets tempted by money...
I know there are risks. Shen Ruoxin interrupted her, her eyes sharp, "But we have no choice now!" "Shell borrowing" is like drinking poison to quench thirst. If you don't borrow it, you'll die of thirst immediately! As for the risks...
She paused for a moment, a cold curve curling at the corner of her mouth: "Risk can be controlled." A person with desires is always easier to control than one who has no desires or demands. The key lies in whether we can offer something that makes him both excited and wary!
She turned around, her gaze lingering over Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang's faces: "So, from now on, the Jinxiu Pavilion will split into two groups!"
"All the way, it's up to you, Sister Mo LAN, to take charge personally. Concentrate all your resources and go to tackle Liu Chengyu!" I want you to figure out his background as quickly as possible: exactly how much debt does he owe? Who is the creditor? What is he most afraid of? What do you want most? Apart from gambling, are there any other hobbies or weaknesses? What was his relationship with Liu Hanlin like exactly? Did Liu Hanlin let his son go unchecked or still show concern for him? The more detailed this information is, the better! Get all the chips ready for our upcoming negotiations!
Li Molan nodded vigorously, her eyes regaining their usual sharpness: "Molan understands!" I'll go and arrange personnel right away. We must thoroughly investigate the Third Young Master Liu within three days!
"Ok!" Shen Ruoxin nodded approvingly and then turned to Wang Xiuniang, "Xiuniang, your side is in charge of the internal affairs." Calm down the emotions of the embroiderers and their assistants. The outside is in a state of alarm, but there must be no chaos inside! Meanwhile, the previously arranged claim of "elder brother's wedding funds" continues to spread, making it more genuine to cover up for some possible subsequent fund transfers. And... Over in the warehouse, the inventory work continues, but the focus is not on cashing out. Instead, the most precious and least conspicuous materials and embroidery items are secretly transferred in batches to a safer place just in case.
Wang Xiuniang composed herself and solemnly agreed, "Second Miss, rest assured. I'll be relieved!"
But this alone is not enough! Shen Ruoxin's gaze became profound, carrying a kind of composure beyond her age. "The line of Liu Chengyu is our lifeline, but it's also a narrow bridge on the edge of a cliff, which could collapse at any moment." We can't place all our hopes on one person, especially... On a notorious gambler.
She walked to the desk and tapped the surface gently with her fingers: "The disappearance of A Xing, the upheaval in Fengqiao Town, and this sudden tax increase..." All this indicates that our enemies are not only powerful, but also well-informed and ruthless in their means. We seem to be standing in the open while they are hiding in the dark, knowing every move we make like the back of their hand. This feeling is too passive!
Li Molan felt the same way: "Yes, Second Miss. We are like blind and deaf people now, being beaten everywhere." The connection that Miss A Xing had established before was largely cut off because of her disappearance. We are in urgent need of... More eyes and ears!
"Exactly!" We need our own intelligence network! Shen Ruoxin's tone was firm. "A more rigorous, efficient and extensive intelligence network!" It's no longer possible to work in small pieces as before and rely on a few informants to fight alone. We want... Upgrade management!
This word was somewhat novel to Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang, but they immediately understood its meaning.
First of all, the training mechanism needs to be improved! Shen Ruoxin's eyes were shining brightly. "A Xing's 'flower language' system is good, but it's not yet systematic enough." We need to formulate a more standardized training process to teach our "eyes" how to observe, how to distinguish the authenticity of information, how to use more covert codes and connection methods, and most importantly, how to convey intelligence while ensuring our own safety!
She looked at Li Molan and said, "Sister Molan, you are meticulous. You will take the lead in this matter." Find a few of the smartest and most reliable apprentices and start with them first. The training content should be practical. For example, how to judge a person's identity and background by their clothing, accent and expression. How to capture key information in a noisy environment; How to convey different messages by using the density of stitches, the color of silk threads, and even the subtle changes in embroidery patterns; Also, in case of an emergency, how to issue the highest-level alarm, and... How to evacuate safely.
Li Molan's heart gave a jolt upon hearing this. This was no longer merely a matter of information transmission; it was more like nurturing... The real spy! She took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Mo LAN accepts the order!" The charter must be drafted as soon as possible and implemented secretly!
Secondly, the recruitment scope should be expanded! Shen Ruoxin continued, "Relying solely on the manpower within the Splendid Pavilion is far from enough." Ah Xing was able to succeed before because her identity as a "flower seller" was not eye-catching, allowing her to immerse herself in the hustle and bustle of the city and interact with all kinds of people. We need to replicate this model and recruit more "flower girls" like A Xing!
She pondered for a moment and said, "The selection of candidates must be strictly screened." Give priority to those women with a clean background, no worries and in urgent need of a livelihood. For instance, those orphaned girls and widows who lost their support due to natural disasters or man-made calamities. Jinxiu Pavilion can provide them with accommodation, meals and a decent income. There is only one requirement - loyalty! Wang Xiuniang, you have a wide network of contacts and are good at recognizing people. Regarding this matter, please help Sister Mo LAN keep an eye on it together.
Wang Xiuniang nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'll keep an eye out."
"Last but not least, the distribution points should be expanded outward!" " Shen Ruoxin's fingers swept across the map. "Pingjiang Prefecture is our foundation, but the enemies are clearly not limited to this." The Canal Transport government office, the northern merchant groups... Their sphere of influence is by no means confined to just one prefecture or one region. The experience of Fengqiao Town serves as a warning! We must extend our reach and at least cover several important neighboring prefectures and counties, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, as well as the important port towns along the canal!
The newly recruited "flower girls", after training, can be assigned to these places and settle down under the names of visiting relatives, friends, or seeking refuge with distant relatives. They don't need to do anything earth-shattering. They just need to scatter like dandelion seeds, observe and listen, and continuously send back the local business dynamics, government rumors, gang activities, even the gossip of family life, as long as it is valuable, through the safe channels we have established!
Shen Ruoxin's speaking speed was not fast, but every word was forceful and resounding, outlining a blueprint of a vast and covert intelligence network. This is not only to deal with the current crisis, but also for the long-term survival and development of Jinxiu Pavilion!
Li Molan and Wang Xiuniang were both moved and shuddered. It seemed as if they saw an invisible net, quietly spreading outward from the center of the Splendid Pavilion.
This matter is code-named "Dandelion". Shen Ruoxin finally settled on the name, her eyes shining with tenacity. "A single spark can start a prairie fire." I believe that as long as we manage it with care, this net will sooner or later become a powerful tool for us to withstand the storms and seize the initiative!
Just then, a slight knock came from outside the door. It was a fellow who was in charge of gathering information about Yoo Seung-woo who came back.
The fellow had a rather strange expression. After entering the door, he whispered a few words to Li Molan. After hearing this, Li Molan's expression also became complicated. She walked up to Shen Ruoxin and said in a low voice, "Second Miss, I just received the news..." Last night, the third young Master Liu lost everything at the "Bailefang" gambling house in the west of the city and owed a large amount of usurious loans. He was... I was detained by the people from the gambling house!
Shen Ruoxin raised an eyebrow. Has Yoo Seung-woo been detained? This... It's troublesome, but it seems... It's also an excellent opportunity to break in!