Chapter 2927: Parasites Causing Trouble, Chamber of Commerce Reform

In the current Daxia Territory, the status of a Clerk does not allow them to ride over the heads of ordinary residents; or rather, under the Daxia Order, it is impossible for anyone to be superior for no reason, and at the very least, a Clerk is far from reaching that level.

The Clerk revealing their identity only served to confirm the authenticity of the Territory Culinary Competition for Lao Qiao and the others; some other guests who recognized the Clerk were not even the slightest bit surprised.

"I don't know when this culinary competition will be held. When I go back, I will definitely urge my boy to prepare well. If he is lucky enough to place, I will definitely treat everyone to drinks."

Lao Qiao took a gulp of distilled spirits and used his hand to draw a large circle in front of him, expanding the scope of his treat once again, though he did not care at all.

If his son could really represent the territory and become a head chef in the Elf Kingdom, he would be more than happy to do so, let alone treat a few people to drinks—he would even be willing to book out the tavern for several days.

In the tavern, someone started the topic, and it quickly turned to the Territory Culinary Competition. However, the news currently circulating, including the notices that might have already been posted on the bulletin board, only mentioned that such an event existed, without any further details.

For example, the format of the competition, the content, the judging criteria, or even the situation in the Elf Kingdom, and so on.

Consequently, these all became subjects of speculation for the tavern patrons. Those with children or brothers learning to cook were naturally happy to inquire more, while those without relatives or friends learning to cook were mostly just watching the excitement.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Headquarters of the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce in the Old City District of Seventon.

Saide said it was fine, but saying that made Zhenna even more annoyed, "Do you mean to say you know who is behind those parasites?"

The ownership of the Chamber of Commerce is divided among several Elders and Councilors; naturally, Zhenna also has her own share.

"By the way, let's see who exactly is commanding those parasites behind the scenes. All these years, I have given everyone in the Chamber of Commerce ample opportunity to perform. Does doing so make them think I am easy to bully?"

Even if they had brought profits to the Chamber of Commerce in the past, by now, it is far from enough to compensate for the losses they have caused the Chamber.

"Hmph."

Saide realized he might have misunderstood, so he asked again: "Then what kind of reform is it?"

But who doesn't have selfish motives?

"Wait, I have received a request from Xia Shao to head to Evereska. If nothing goes wrong, it should be to negotiate the tender for the mineral development of the Grey Peak Mountains. I might be away from Headquarters for a while, and there is something I would like you to advise me on."

She flipped through two more pages, her expression not clearing up. Only after reading the entire content did she return to her initial calm state, "People from the Tower of Time were attacked on our turf. This matter can be big or small. You go on my behalf to express condolences in person."

……

Take myself, for example; I use the Chamber's resources to promote the Ming Shui Coin, and to ensure the gold content of the Ming Shui Coin, the Chamber can be said to lose a little with every new coin minted.

"Reform the Chamber of Commerce?"

Zhenna did not force Saide to name a specific person. She knew that after working together for so many years, there was some affection, and it was indeed as Saide said: some people's selfish motives were heavier than others.

Plus, this time it involved people from the Tower of Time, which pushed Zhenna's patience to the limit. Even if Saide didn't say it, she could roughly guess who was behind those parasites.

"No, some Councilors are still very competent, and the Chamber relies on them heavily! Besides, the reform I am talking about has nothing to do with the Elders and Councilors for the time being," Zhenna replied.

"I want to reform the Chamber of Commerce!"

But who let Zhenna later become a student of Bailun and a fellow disciple of the Princess!

Over such a long time, the Elders and Councilors of the Chamber of Commerce have long had quite a few complaints.

"Then should I go now?" Saide asked.

He was a friend of Zhenna's father and also her introductory teacher on the path of Arcane, but Zhenna was exceptionally talented, and Saide had his own matters to attend to, so Zhenna later studied more under the Princess's teacher, Bailun.

"President, calm down, it's not that serious. Perhaps a few individual Councilors at Headquarters have selfish motives, but most are still good."

But looking at it from another angle, although Zhenna is the Controller of the Chamber of Commerce, she is not the one-hundred-percent owner. The development of the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce to this day is not the credit of Zhenna alone.

Saide took the latest briefing from a subordinate, flipped through it briefly, closed it quickly, and then walked quickly to a quiet courtyard inside the Headquarters. Just as he entered the courtyard, a cold female voice came out—

Besides, Zhenna being able to become the President of the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce also had Saide's support. Zhenna's father was merely an ordinary Clerk in the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce. Logically speaking, no matter how talented Zhenna was, the position of President would not have fallen to her.

"Both, President, please look at this briefing first."

"Don't you think our Chamber Headquarters has too little control over the branches below? Not to mention the distant ones, just recently, those few parasites dared to openly attack a Headquarters Envoy. One can imagine how many other shady dealings they are hiding behind our backs!"

"Saide, did you come because there was some change in the south?"

……

Zhenna picked up the briefing, and after only one page, a look of anger appeared on her face, "These parasites are so unrestrained, they actually want to resist the trend! Who gave them the guts!"

The reason is simple: the losses caused by promoting the new currency are far lower than the benefits I have brought to the Chamber.

But all of this is still within a reasonable range. Although the Elders and Councilors have many complaints, they have not really opposed this plan and have even strongly supported it.

As for being a Great Arcanist, that was something Zhenna achieved only after becoming President, and for quite some time, it was not made public. It can be said that Zhenna sat in this seat, perhaps borrowing some outside help at the beginning, but later it was all due to her own talent.

After all, everyone has worked together for so long; how could they not have that much understanding?

Regarding Zhenna's request, Saide would naturally not refuse, "What matter do you want me to advise on?"

Before Zhenna took over, the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce was already a famous large chamber of commerce in Netheril. Zhenna letting the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce reach a higher level does not mean she therefore possessed all the ownership.

But those parasites are different. Flying the banner of the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce while undermining the Chamber and digging at its foundations—that is entirely a negative influence.

Saide was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously blurted out, "You want to kick the Elders and Councilors out?"

Zhenna hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to let Saide advise her. On the surface, she and Saide are President and Chief Advisor, but Saide actually has another identity that not many people know, and that is—

"This—"

As he spoke, Saide had already arrived outside the Study where Zhenna was. At that moment, the door to the Study happened to open, and Saide walked in and placed the briefing he brought on Zhenna's desk.