Chapter 2623

Yuan Ze laughed in anger: "There's a problem with the Ruby Caravan's cargo! Since you're the damn contact for that so-called Zhao Si, this concerns you!"

Zhao Chi asked: "What's wrong with Zhao Si? Why investigate her?"

Yin Wanyan hurriedly said: "Young Lady Zhao Si has done nothing wrong; it's all a misunderstanding. Once I explain clearly, it will be fine!"

Yuan Ze said coldly: "Who said there's no problem? Is it your inspection or mine?"

Yin Wanyan fell silent.

Yuan Ze turned to Zhao Chi and said: "The Ruby Exchange is a supplier to the werewolves and has already been expelled by the Shubei Town garrison. Yet today she brought supplies in again. Tell me, shouldn't this be inspected? Moreover, it shouldn't just be inspected by us; the Peacekeeping Corps must investigate it too!"

So that's how it is...

This matter is a bit tricky.

If this truly follows the policies and orders of Shubei Town, then Yuan Ze and the others are indeed acting officially.

Zhao Chi could indeed seize it by force.

And he could absolutely take it.

But doing so would leave Zhao Chi without legal justification, putting him at a severe disadvantage.

Should he act?

At this moment, Yin Wanyan spoke again: "No, my lord Yuan. I came this time in a personal capacity, unrelated to the Ruby Merchant Guild."

Acting in a personal capacity might work.

But Yin Wanyan is a senior inspector of the Ruby Merchant Guild, a senior customer service manager, the director of the Black Crystal Town Ruby Exchange, and the shopkeeper of Wanyan Huashang.

With such a status, it is hard for her to disassociate herself from the Ruby Merchant Guild.

As expected, Yuan Ze would not buy that.

"Unrelated?

"You say unrelated, so it's unrelated?

"You're not part of the Ruby Merchant Guild?

"You didn't bring supplies?

"And the supplies you brought are extremely high-value strategic materials!

"Hand them all over, damn it!

"You werewolf accomplice!"

Yuan Ze's words grew harsher with each sentence.

Each sentence louder than the last.

By the final line, he was outright shouting.

Yin Wanyan's face flushed green then white; she seemed afraid, but anger dominated.

Yet even in her anger, she had to endure now.

She continued to explain in a gentle tone, as softly as possible:

"No, my lord Yuan."

"Before I came, I knew of this regulation in Shubei Town, so I had already provided an explanation and filed a report.

"Although the value of the supplies I brought this time is not low, it involves only one order.

"All of this was reported in advance.

"And I was allowed to proceed only after approval.

"I only need to pay the additional fees; the document I just showed you is the proof of approval.

"I understand our rules, and I will give you a satisfactory answer."

Yin Wanyan's final words were no longer a hint but a clear statement that she would offer Yuan Ze some benefits.

But Yuan Ze was impervious to bribes.

He simply shook his finger.

Then he spoke word by word:

"I think I've made myself clear enough!

"We are in wartime, so all these supplies must be confiscated!

"Of course, even if you are from the Ruby Merchant Guild, we will not rob you; everything will be purchased at market price.

"This is also a regulation of Shubei Town; you should be aware of it, right?

"I have made myself clear enough, and I have told you this for the second time. I will not repeat myself.

"Do not force me to use force.

"Do you understand, Director Yin?"

Yin Wanyan said: "These goods are not for sale but for delivery, so they are exempt from requisition. Approval was granted yesterday."

Yuan Ze laughed: "Granted? Doesn't it clearly state above that you are allowed entry and permitted to carry the declared supplies?"

Yin Wanyan nodded repeatedly: "Yes, you saw it yourself, right?"

Yuan Ze sneered: "What did I see? Does it state that these goods are exempt from purchase? Why don't I see that?"

Yin Wanyan grew anxious.

She almost blurted out: "How can you be like this..."

Yuan Ze glared: "What? The approval states you are allowed entry and permitted to carry these supplies. Didn't you enter? Didn't you bring the supplies in? Did I have the Peacekeeping Corps expel you? Did I forcibly seize your items? Tell me, did I?"

Yin Wanyan shook her head: "No."

Yuan Ze shouted: "Exactly! No! What's wrong with what I did? For those two points you applied for and had approved, did I obstruct you? No, right? Did I stop you from entering? I never said there was any problem with those two points!"

"But..."

"But what? Does the proof of your approved application state that these supplies are exempt from purchase? Does it or doesn't it?"

"It's true it wasn't written, but my declaration reason was very clear: this batch of goods is for delivery and is exempt from seizure."

"Exempt from seizure? Tell me where it's written! Where!?"

Shopkeeper Wanyan gritted her teeth and said, "It's just... in the declaration reason I wrote."

Yuan Ze sneered, "So you wrote it yourself, right?"

Shopkeeper Wanyan was already somewhat angry, but with only herself and three female subordinates present, she dared not explode.

She could only continue, "The reason was indeed written by me, but your auditors saw the reason I wrote, which is why they allowed me to enter."

Yuan Ze roared, "Damn it... how many times must I say it? I've already said it!! I didn't say you couldn't enter!! Nor did I say this batch of goods couldn't enter!! I said this batch of goods lacks approval for exemption from seizure!! Was I wrong to take it? Huh!! Tell me I was wrong?!!! Are you an idiot??"

Yuan Ze's roar was extremely loud.

His voice echoed throughout the entire hall.

Shopkeeper Wanyan looked worried and speechless.

Yuan Ze snorted coldly, "Don't say I'm not giving you a chance to defend yourself. If you have other reasons, you may continue to state them, but I give you only one last chance. If you have no valid reason and still refuse to cooperate, don't blame us for taking coercive measures!"

Shopkeeper Wanyan remained silently mute.