47: True love is hard to find

“Glad to hear it. If the Wanbao Merchant Guild is willing to spend a hundred or eighty taels in Chang Sheng Village to build a shop or a city tower, it’s not impossible.”

Li Fu stroked his beard, his eyes narrowed as he spoke.

“That child, Liu Chunsheng, is still too honest. Although we don't want the Wanbao Merchant Guild's wealth, we can ask them to exert some effort to benefit the village. Then, the villagers will have an easier life in the future.”

“The Wanbao Merchant Guild is so rich; even a single hair from them is thicker than our common people's waists.”

“Spending this money can be considered accumulating virtue and doing good deeds.”

“Village Chief Li is right. As long as it can save my younger brother’s life, it is only right for my Wanbao Merchant Guild to shed some blood.”

Shen Jianhong nodded slightly, accepting with pleasure.

* * *

After seeing Liu Chunsheng and Li Fu off, Shen Jianhong looked at a man dressed as an advisor beside him and casually asked,

“Huai Sheng, what do you think of these two?”

The man called Huai Sheng bowed slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, “Young Master, in my humble opinion, these two do not seem to be cunning or sinister individuals.”

“That Liu Chunsheng’s eyes are clear to the bottom; he is an honest man. Although Village Chief Li is more worldly, the demands he made are reasonable.”

Shen Jianhong stroked his chin, seemingly pondering Huai Sheng’s words.

“So, is the only way to obtain the divine medicine through ‘sincerity’?”

For Shen Jianhong, building a shop or a city tower was the simplest thing, as he only needed to spend some money, and people would be scrambling to do it.

But the two words “sincerity” stumped him.

His sincerity in saving his younger brother was, of course, beyond doubt.

Shen Jianhong and Shen Jianxing were born of the same mother, and their affection for each other had been deep since childhood.

When he was eight years old, his younger brother climbed a cliff alone to pick herbs for his cold, almost breaking his leg. Thinking of this, Shen Jianhong’s fists unconsciously tightened.

However, the “sincerity” Liu Chunsheng spoke of should not be limited to this.

“Young Master, your subordinate heard that the villagers of Chang Sheng Village are extremely devout towards Lord Chuping.”

Huai Sheng reminded him cautiously, taking out a small booklet from his sleeve, densely filled with information gathered over the past few days. “You see, they pay respects every morning and evening, burn incense on the first and fifteenth of each month, and even recite words of gratitude before meals. Perhaps… this sincerity refers to respect for Lord Chuping?”

A flash of realization flickered in Shen Jianhong’s eyes, then his brows furrowed even tighter.

For a merchant, isn't sincerity just money?

His Shen Family had been merchants for generations, valuing transactions where goods and silver were exchanged. When had they ever needed such an ethereal “sincerity”?

“The Dao of commerce is simple: profit comes and goes.”

Furthermore, at his Realm, believing in any god was not as good as believing in himself.

“Huai Sheng, let’s go; we’ll burn incense first.”

Shen Jianhong adjusted his attire and strode into the temple.

*

Just as Shen Jianhong was pondering what “sincerity” meant, Lin Chuping, hidden in the shadows, was also sighing.

“That kid, Liu Chunsheng, sure knows how to add drama for him.”

“I have to say, he did a beautiful job. It needs to be this mysterious, making people clueless, to appear more impressive.”

A Nine Revolutions Soul Return Pill refreshed every ten hours, which for Lin Chuping, was like an automatic production machine.

For Lin Chuping, Nine Revolutions Soul Return Pill and such were completely worthless trash. The corner of the System space was already filled with a large jar of them.

The key was how to convert these things into incense value.

He was also a little curious how Shen Jianhong intended to demonstrate his sincerity.

*

On the other side, the indignant Jin Er suddenly heard villagers discussing matters of the Prefecture City.

“Oh, my elder sister-in-law’s younger brother sent back news that the Prefecture City is now peaceful, just like before. Everyone is doing what they usually do.”

“But I heard that the feng shui of the Prefecture City is not good. Living there, I used to get headaches every other day. Since I came to Chang Sheng Village, my condition has improved a lot.”

“What's the big deal? Headaches don't kill anyone. Aunt Chun's family next door already returned to the Prefecture City yesterday, and my family is leaving too.”

... The indignant Jin Er listened to the villagers' discussions, feeling increasingly anxious.

However, these people made Jin Er think of something.

“Since there are still people living in the Prefecture City, can their Wanbao Merchant Guild's business in the Prefecture City continue?”

If he couldn't take down Jin Zihua in Chang Sheng Village this time, the Prefecture City would be a good alternative.

“Jin Er, the Young Master is asking for you.”

Upon hearing the summons, although Jin Er was still thinking about the Prefecture City, he dared not delay. He quickly tidied his clothes and hurried in the direction of Shen Jianhong.