699 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Jin?" "A family of secular disciples of the Huangsang Sect. They’re a martial house with considerable influence in the commerce of Anyang, and the ones behind the trash throwing incident." 一 Why did you provoke them like that? Are you ready to handle the consequences of today's actions? With a smile, I asked the gathered bookstore merchants, prompting them to spill not just the reason for their provocation but also about their secret affairs. 'So, they're part of the Huangsang Sect.' A renowned and righteous sect associated with Hunan Province. Though their power has waned due to the war of the righteous and the unorthodox, they remain a sect not to be disregarded. The heads of the Jin family have traditionally been secular disciples of the Huangsang Sect, using their martial skills and connections to establish themselves as a martial house in Anyang. “Quite prestigious, then. So why did they instigate the bookstore owners?” "Emperor’s Loan." As I answered, Gilsan's expression darkened. "You mean that notorious usurious loan?" "At first, they only collected protection fees under the guise of protection, but at some point, they started lending money. Since they're providing protection, they decided to force the merchants to borrow from them instead of elsewhere." "Aren’t they supposed to be disciples of the Huangsang Sect? Their actions seem more like those of unscrupulous mercenaries." "Even government officials play the money game. The Huangsang Sect and the authorities are leveraging money without hesitation; they have no need to be discreet." Even government officials often engage in lending, though if pushed too far, they could end up like a disgraced provincial governor. Maintaining the right balance is crucial. The Jin family is skirting that fine line. Forcing the Emperor’s Loan under the guise of protection fees is indeed condemnable, but they smother it with bribes to the influential Huangsang Sect members and officials. "As Mr. Kang discovered, not only is their interest exorbitant, but their debt collection methods are known to be vicious. Countless merchants have lost their shops because they couldn't repay." Yun Yeob handed me the investigative report. They sure have lived extravagantly. "No wonder. The bookstore owners were practically crying, saying they didn’t want to be strong-armed by the Emperor.” “This is quite a scheme. So, what was their beef with Mangum Bookstore?” Why did Jin's family provoke Mangum Bookstore? If a new business opened, they should just collect the protection fee. Why all the hassle? The reason was straightforward. “It wasn’t Mangum Bookstore; it was Mangum Treasury that was the problem.” “No way... Emperor’s Loan?” Gilsan contemplated my implication and then frowned deeply as he realized. “For Jin's family, who rely heavily on high-interest loans, Mangum Treasury posed a considerable threat. Their interest rates aren't as high as Emperor's Loan.” If Emperor’s Loan is like a high-risk, high-return third-tier finance, Mangum Treasury is a well-established first-tier bank. They naturally perceived it as a threat. “And the provocation?” “I heard they were prepared to intervene directly. If the head of the association had lost his temper and drawn his sword, Jin's family would have moved to eliminate Mangum Treasury under the pretext of protecting small merchants.” The provocation had been a thoroughly planned trap. “Mr. Kang, your command to bring in the bookstore owners quietly was indeed fitting. We almost fell for Jin's family’s ruse.” “It was suspicious from the outset.” When the association head agreed, I suspected there must have been a change of heart. “The association head said despite offering a large donation, they wouldn’t permit membership in the Anyang Association, and even the authorities were surprisingly cold.” Deputy Yun Yeob pointed out these issues I hadn’t noticed. “It must have been Jin's family's doing. They have influence over the association and likely spent a lot on the officials too.” “This is problematic. Should we ask the Eon family for help?” I shook my head at Gilsan’s suggestion. It's an easy option, except for one issue. “It lacks justification.” “Even with the trash throwing?” “They’ll just claim they urged the merchants they protect to stand firm, but the bookstore owners went too far. They can feign ignorance.” “A classic case of cutting off the tail.” “Cliché, but effective. Even if we ask for the Eon family’s help, they’ll likely plead inconvenience and refuse.” I am a guest of the Eon family, but I am not in a position to command them. Jin's family can easily claim it's unrelated to them. They might even reply smilingly, welcoming Mangum Bookstore's move into Anyang, leaving the Eon family with no reason to intervene. “Acting like foxes underneath while maintaining a righteous appearance. How can such crafty fiends exist?” “They are not just a minor power in Anyang for nothing.” “They’re doing this while covertly pushing away any external business that challenges their agenda.” “Hidden and insidious. Finding a way is the challenge.” We identified the culprit. Now the problem is finding a resolution. “Foxes in their den plotting schemes...” “Do you have another idea?” Yun Yeob inquired, and I nodded. “Whether to choose the easy path or the difficult one, I'll have to ponder.” There are many methods available. It’s time to choose my cards. —— The following morning. I began the day as I did yesterday: with a solitary bathing ritual. In truth, I could have started the day with a simple wash, but I dragged out the time, repeating meditation and the bathing ritual as if I were a monk. “Your morning ritual takes long.” It's the hour to bestow spiritual insight, yet why is this fellow spending an hour showering, making even the Si-Wang Elder step in? “I wish to offer pure intentions, but my distracting thoughts are hard to dispel.” I grimaced, like a man grappling with heated worries unsolvable even with cold water. “I've heard the gist of the situation.” “While living in the Zhongyuan with black hair, I've faced all sorts of disdain and disgrace, but this type of provocation is a first.” Elder, due to Jin's family, I won't be able to provide for Hualingshi. I hinted subtly. "I knew the Jin family from my younger days. They were once an insignificant house that used to bow before the Huangsang Sect. Now, it seems they have grown, fattened on the blood of merchants." He spoke in a roundabout manner, implying he understood the predicament. Regardless, one shouldn't wield a butcher's knife for a mere chicken. “They should be reminded that bloodsucking can cause a backlash.” Exactly as I had expected. It lacked strong justification for a senior martial figure to intervene. Perhaps I should consider the next move. "There seems to be a way, but something's holding you back," the Si-Wang Elder observed with curious interest, reading my troubled expression. “I’m debating whether to take the easy route.” “The easy route?” “Pretend ignorance regarding Jin’s plots. Let Mangum Treasury withdraw from Anyang while only opening Mangum Bookstore. The bookstore owners, already terrified, will part with their books without much fuss.” Opening Mangum Bookstore should pose no issues. The bookstore owners might hold some grudge, but with justification at hand, they can’t protest indefinitely. However, the flaw is clear. "A temporary fix," the Si-Wang Elder accurately assessed, to which I nodded. “Yes, indeed. Even if Mangum Treasury withdraws from Anyang, it still remains elsewhere. The Jin family might even prefer driving out Mangum Bookstore instead.” If Mangum Treasury retreats from Anyang, Jin might consider it a victory. Given their schemes before the treasury even opened, they clearly perceive latent threats. “You're contemplating another approach, I see.” As he pinpointed the root of my hesitation, I found myself involuntarily smiling. “I'm uncertain if it's permissible.” “Tell me about it.” He leaned against a garden rock, his posture attentive and encouraging. “When running a business alone, I'd always uproot any problem, confident to bear the consequences. But now…” When it was just me, it wasn’t a concern. But with new responsibilities and a business at stake, a different set of worries emerged. “You’re worried about those under you.” Such wisdom, as expected from a former leader of the Eon Family. He understood my predicament precisely. “There could be repercussions after I leave, so I wonder if compromise might be wiser.” Although Mangum Treasury thrives in Hubei, in Hunan, it's just starting its operations. Confronting Jin here, on their home turf, might be difficult. The provocation with the trash was targeted at our branch head. If a trap was set once, it can be set again. Would my absence lead to them falling into another? Perhaps it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie. Making enemies in business isn’t wise. These thoughts clawed at me. “I thought it’s good to stay on friendly terms,” the Si-Wang Elder said, after watching me for a moment. He then spoke with a bitter smile. “Pardon?” "Back when I became the family patriarch at a young age, I thought getting along with everyone was best — that avoiding enemies meant no grudges. But it was a grave misunderstanding." “……” I knew the story he was referencing. It was a tale of an alchemist who transported bodies home during the righteous-war exploits of the Eon family. "Someone will always want to bite your neck just because you're where you are. They're eagerly waiting for you to show your unguarded back." “And expanding into new markets inevitably brings rivals.” Was this another warning that today’s incident wouldn’t be the last? “A leader must sometimes display their strength. At those times, demonstrate what it means to be bitten, whose claws are sharper, whose mouth is larger. Knowing when to do this is also a leader's role.” Make sure they won’t dare open their mouths. His painful, experience-laden counsel compelled me to bow deeply. "Thank you for your invaluable guidance." "It's just the ramblings of an old man," the Si-Wang Elder dismissed with a wave as he rose from the rock. “I’ll finish my matters before giving the spiritual insights.” “Do as you see fit. Have you made your decision?” I chuckled lightly as I answered the Si-Wang Elder's inquiry. “Since they’ve shown their teeth, it’s time to prove whose mouth is bigger.” —— Once more, I gathered the bookstore owners from Anyang. “Mr. Kang! What brings us here again? Are we in trouble?” “If it’s about Mr. Ho’s novel...” If Jin's family was truly behind yesterday’s incident, I won’t hold it against you. There’s no need to fear I’d change my stance overnight. Relax, please. As I watched their cups fill with liquor, I addressed them with feigned casualness. “I’ve called you regarding the Emperor's Loan issue mentioned yesterday.” “Who doesn’t have that problem among those dipping a toe in Anyang commerce?” “Paying exorbitant interest leaves us obliged to heed Jin’s commands. Following their words strengthens their influence in Anyang’s association. As bookstore owners, for survival's sake, we have to sell Mr. Ho’s novels in this vicious cycle.” “Indeed.” In the end, everything stemmed from the Emperor’s Loan. If I were to take away the rights to sell Mr. Ho’s novels, it could strangle these merchants barely breathing. Surely, the scheming foxes of the dens irked them, but so too might the sudden arrival of a tiger. In that case... "It would be better to tackle the more pressing matter than worry over Mr. Ho's novels." Aim for the fox instead. “What do you mean?” “We’ll cover all debts incurred from the Emperor's Loan with funds from Mangum Treasury.” Let the fox's den fill with smoke. “What...?” "Of course, I don't mean we will pay it all back for you." "Then what do you mean?" Let's startle the fox counting its money in the den. "A refinance. We'll convert the Emperor's Loan into a low-interest loan through Mangum Treasury." Let's see how that fox reacts then.