Chapter 573: Sizi: Why Do You Only Trap Him by Himself?

"Here are the construction blueprints for the hydraulic textile machine and for the waterwheel. They not only list each component's exact size and material, but also describe their functions clearly."

In the reception hall of the Duke of Wei's residence, Chen Yan handed a stack of the blueprints that Master Tao had organized over to Cui Xuan.

"Thank you, Lord Duke of Wei."

Cui Xuan expressed sincere gratitude.

For them, silk has always been indispensable, one of the world's most important resources.

As long as they have this technology, no matter how much money they spend, it can be earned back.

And it can also become one of their foundations.

As for the waterwheel…

It is also fairly important to them, but compared with silk it falls far short.

Chen Yan smiled warmly and said, "No need to rush to thank me; actually I have another request you might consider."

Cui Xuan's face darkened; he sensed that Chen Yan's request was not that simple.

However, now that they have obtained the hydraulic textile machine technology, he thought that Chen Yan probably wouldn't make an outrageous demand.

After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Since it's a request, Lord Duke of Wei, feel free to speak. If I cannot decide, I can go back and consult my elders."

"That's the case," Chen Yan said calmly, "According to the agreement, aren't you still supposed to deposit the second batch of funds into the Money Shop?"

"Although I don't know the exact amount, I imagine it won't be insignificant."

"My thought is, since you have so much liquid capital, why not sign a time deposit with the Money Shop for the first batch of funds."

"Time deposit…"

Cui Xuan's forehead showed two dark lines; just from those two words, he already imagined many things.

Without waiting for a refusal, Chen Yan continued, "I won't let you lose out. If you place a three‑year time deposit, the first batch of money cannot be withdrawn within three years, but I will give you extra interest."

"Then the second batch you deposit can be drawn from the Money Shop at any time, with interest paid in the same way. How does that sound?"

Cui Xuan thought it over; the proposal was not unacceptable.

After all, when they originally planned to trade with Chen Yan, they had already prepared for the worst.

Even if Chen Yan only returned half of their money, they wouldn't be at a loss.

Now it's merely that the first batch is locked in the Money Shop for three years, while the second batch remains freely accessible.

Moreover, they are depositing cash; many of their fixed assets at home continue to generate steady income, so a three‑year lockup won't affect them much.

"Hehe…" Cui Xuan thought for a moment, then laughed, "Lord Duke of Wei really knows how to play a good hand; even the first batch alone is already an enormous sum."

"Depositing the money in the Money Shop for three years means we indeed earn more interest, but you can withdraw that money at any time within those three years."

"After three years, the Money Shop will likely have expanded throughout the entire Tang Dynasty, gathering most of the world's wealth, so by then there should be no shortage of money…"

Chen Yan gave a faint smile, unsurprised that Cui Xuan thought of that, and said plainly, "So this is mutually beneficial for us, no conflict, right?"

Cui Xuan nodded, but did not answer immediately; instead he asked Chen Yan, "Lord Duke of Wei, may I ask you, you handed over the hydraulic textile machine blueprints so readily—aren't you afraid we might renege and not deposit the second batch of money?"

"Would you dare?"

Chen Yan also posed a question, leaving Cui Xuan speechless.

"Dare?"

"Truly, they wouldn't dare."

The current situation is no longer under their control.

They are even seeking an exit.

Why risk offending Chen Yan over a mere deposit issue?

Back then, when they deposited the money, they made a public spectacle in front of countless townsfolk precisely because they feared Chen Yan might act arbitrarily.

If they intended to breach the agreement, they wouldn't care about this at all.

Now, all of Chang'an knows that their clan has deposited more than ten thousand guan of money in the Money Shop; if Chen Yan were to pull any trick and refuse them when they need to withdraw, they would be on the side of righteousness.

"Young Master Cui," Chen Yan said, "We both know that under the current circumstances, any party breaking the pact would only lead to mutual ruin. The key is that I can afford to be hurt; I have many great trees behind me, including the Imperial Family, a towering giant."

"I certainly won't fall. At worst I can take my wife and children back to my natal home to live, but you are different; you can't afford to be hurt."

"Isn't that so?"

It was originally a heavy statement, but coming from Chen Yan, Cui Xuan for some reason couldn't help but feel like laughing.

At worst, just take my wife and children back to my natal home to live…

Believe it or not, Chen Yan actually did just that.

Back then, he spread rumors about the Wei family throughout Chang'an overnight, then immediately fled with his wife and children to hide in the Imperial Palace.

He forced the Wei family into a corner with no options, leaving them to beg for their lives.

Look, is this something a person could actually accomplish?

Cui Xuan mused, "The first batch of funds… depositing them in the Money Shop for three years is no problem; we could even forgo the excess interest."

"However, Lord Duke of Wei, please do not entertain any thoughts about the second batch of money; that is assets we cannot touch and often need to use."

He said that very directly, essentially telling me I could accept your terms, but you must not scheme about the second batch of money.

Chen Yan grinned and said, "Rest assured, Brother Cui, I'm always principled; what we agree on is exactly what it is."

"Whatever amount you deposit for the second batch, I don't care; the first batch will be a three‑year time deposit at the Money Shop."

"Alright." Cui Xuan nodded; he could still decide on this matter.

The two exchanged a few polite words, then Chen Yan personally escorted Cui Xuan to the Money Shop, where Xu Lianyue redrew the time‑deposit contract.

Cui Xuan said nothing about it, found an excuse, and took his leave.

Chen Yan felt a huge weight lift from his heart, his mood improved considerably, and he cheerfully returned home, intending to give himself a day off.

However, shortly after arriving home and sitting down, Xiao Sizi suddenly popped up, "Brother, that Young Master Cui is about to be trapped by you again."

"Why do you only go after him alone to set a trap?"

Chen Yan was in a good mood, didn't bother to argue with her, and casually said, "Who let them be the wealthy household?"

Look at your older brother—these past two years he's worked hard to earn money; although it seems his business spreads throughout the Tang Dynasty, the money he's made is nothing more than just over a thousand strings.

Yet the aristocratic families can casually produce ten thousand strings—such rich bastards, if not to swindle them, who else would they swindle?

Sizi laughed, "Then they're still good people, always rushing to give you money."

"Who says otherwise? The aristocratic families are truly complete good people!"

"........."