Chapter 97: with translation of chapter title

Hawei let out a cold laugh and said:

"What's there to fear? Even if he finds out, what can he do?"

"We're merchants now; as long as we don't cause trouble and do business properly, he can't just arrest us for no reason, can he?"

"Besides, Wangjiang Cheng is a strategic stronghold with endless business opportunities; not seizing one would be a pity, wouldn't it?"

Haidi still hesitated a bit:

"But..."

"Alright, stop being so fussy!"

Hawei interrupted him.

"Do as I say, don't ruin my big plan!"

A few days later, Hawei's subordinates brought back the news.

The city's residents lived in hardship; grain, cloth, medicine and other supplies were extremely scarce.

Hawei was overjoyed and immediately set to work arranging things, preparing to go all out.

He first found a suitable shop, not far from the Prefect's mansion, on a bustling street.

Then he selected some capable and clever assistants from the caravan to begin preparing to open the shop.

In just a few days, a shop named "Western Regions Treasure Pavilion" opened bustlingly in Wangjiang Cheng.

Hawei stood at the shop entrance, watching the endless flow of people, a satisfied smile on his face.

At the same time, Jiang Xiaomu also received a detailed investigation report on Hawei.

"Hawei, a Persian, his family has been engaged in trade for generations."

"His father was once the wealthiest merchant of the Persian Empire, privately on very good terms with the Persian king."

"It is said that half of the money in the Persian treasury was earned by Hawei's father!"

"But Hawei himself has no interest in business; he prefers brandishing swords and spears."

"In his youth, he and his brother Haidi joined the Persian army, but later the Persian dynasty changed."

"After the army they were in was defeated, the two brothers fled from Persia."

"They traveled with a caravan, ostensibly trading, but actually to evade the new dynasty's pursuit..."

Xiong Kuohai stood aside, reporting in a deep, muffled voice.

Jiang Xiaomu listened, then curled the corner of his mouth in a cold smile.

"Interesting, truly interesting."

"These Hawei brothers, they don't seem to be ordinary merchants."

He secretly felt that the appearance of these Hawei brothers might not be coincidental.

The business of the Western Regions Treasure Pavilion grew larger and larger, and Hawei's reputation gradually spread throughout Wangjiang Cheng.

He was shrewd and smooth in handling affairs, quickly befriending some of the city's notables, and his business went even more smoothly.

One day, Hawei personally went to visit Jiang Xiaomu.

Nominally to thank Jiang Xiaomu for his care, but actually to probe Jiang Xiaomu's true capabilities.

"Captain Hawei, your Western Regions Treasure Pavilion business is thriving—truly delightful and congratulatory."

Jiang Xiaomu lifted his teacup, took a light sip, and said with a half-smile.

Hawei hastily cupped his hands and said:

"Thanks to your grace, it's just a small business, merely to make a living—not worth mentioning."

"Captain Hawei is too modest; your business is so booming, it's certainly not a small operation."

Jiang Xiaomu set down his teacup, his gaze sharp as he fixed it on Hawei.

"I've heard that Captain Hawei once served in the Persian army in his youth; is that true or not?"

Hawei's heart jolted; it seemed Jiang Xiaomu had already uncovered his identity.

"Prefect Jiang, I have a request; I hope you will grant it."

Jiang Xiaomu looked at him with a half-smile and said:

"Captain Hawei, we've just met; what's there to request?"

"Speak freely if you have anything to say."

Hawei took a deep breath; pretending further was pointless.

"Prefect Jiang, with your discernment, I am no ordinary merchant."

Hawei paused, his tone low.

"To be frank, I and my younger brother Haidi were once officers in the Persian army's Undying Army..."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart jolted; his teacup nearly fell to the ground:

"Undying Army? The one that wiped out the Spartan 300 warriors?"

"They're all villains!"

"I and my brother Haidi joined the Undying Army back then, fighting for the Persian dynasty on the battlefield."

"But unexpectedly, the Persian prince rebelled, overthrowing the regime and establishing a new order."

"To consolidate his power, he ordered the elimination of dissenters."

"My father refused to serve the prince, so he ordered my father and our entire clan killed."

"We brothers also led the remaining troops in a desperate breakout, barely saving our lives."

"To evade pursuit, we could only take up trade, becoming a caravan wandering the world, fugitives."

"Now, we two brothers have come to Wangjiang Cheng."

"We only wish to survive in this world; we hope Prefect Jiang can grant us a path to live."

Hawei finished speaking, then drew an exquisite small wooden box from his bosom, opened it, and inside lay glittering gold bars.

A small token, not meant as a gift; please accept it, Sir Jiang.

He presented the wooden box with both hands, neither humble nor arrogant.

Jiang Xiaomu's gaze fell on the gold bars, yet he did not reach out to take them.

He remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

Team Leader Hawei, do you have evidence for what you said?

Hawei had come prepared; he immediately produced from his bosom a token engraved with Bosi script.

He offered it with both hands to Jiang Xiaomu and said:

This is the token of an officer of the Undead Army; Sir, you can tell its authenticity at a glance.

Jiang Xiaomu took the token, examined it carefully, then handed it to Xiong Kuohai beside him.

Xiong Kuohai took the token, his thick fingers rubbing it a few times, and spoke in a deep, resonant voice:

Sir, this thing looks genuine.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded, returned the token to Hawei, and curled the corner of his mouth in a meaningful smile.

Team Leader Hawei, since you are so frank, I will naturally not mistreat you.

You two brothers wish to establish yourselves in Wangjiang Cheng; I can help you.

Hawei was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Thank you, Sir! Thank you, Sir!

You're welcome. Jiang Xiaomu said lightly:

However, I have a condition.

Sir, please speak!

Hawei said calmly.

I want you to help me gather information from various places in Wangjiang Cheng.

A gleam flashed in Jiang Xiaomu's eyes.

Hawei staggered for a moment, then immediately understood Jiang Xiaomu's intention.

He agreed without hesitation.

Sir, rest assured, I will surely do my utmost, going through fire and water for you.

Good!

At the same time, the business of the Western Regions Treasure Pavilion grew larger and larger, and Hawei's fame in Wangjiang Cheng rose to its zenith.

He used his merchant identity to befriend many influential figures in the city, secretly gathering information and providing Jiang Xiaomu with various news.

The exotic charm of the Western Regions Treasure Pavilion, and its dazzling array of rare treasures, quickly became the talk of the people of Wangjiang Cheng after meals.

This trend soon reached the ears of Prefect Zhao.

He held in his hand a document concerning the Treasure Pavilion, his brows furrowed.

He turned to Master Tang, who sat upright beside him, and asked:

Who is the owner of the Western Regions Treasure Pavilion?

Master Tang stroked his goatee, swaying his head as he spoke:

Sir, the owner of the Treasure Pavilion bears the surname Ha.

I do not know his exact name, only that he is a merchant from the Western Regions.