Chapter 408: The Beginnings of a Trade Route

False Song, Bianjing.

As the capital of a state, its prosperity is flourishing, far beyond that of the Zhenzhou countryside.

The streets teem with carriages and horses, crowds flow like woven threads, shops line both sides in close succession, and the sounds of hawking, shouting, and traffic never cease.

Although the lower classes also show hardship, under the emperor's feet it still maintains an air of prosperous times.

Xishi is where Bianjing's commerce gathers, especially known for southern goods.

Recently, near the Caohe Matou in Xishi, a new shop quietly opened for business.

Its signboard bears black background with gold characters, three upright large characters—'South Wind Chronicle'.

The façade is not extravagant, but it is kept neat and tidy.

Inside are displayed various southern goods: lustrous ceramics, intricately patterned silk, fragrant tea, and also some northern rare dried fruits and medicinal herbs.

The goods are not top-tier, but the quality is solid and the prices fair.

After a few days of opening, though it did not cause a great stir, it also attracted some practical-minded merchants and townsfolk.

At this moment, in a secluded accounting room at the back of the shop.

The apparent manager of 'South Wind Chronicle', a middle-aged man surnamed Zhou, stood respectfully with hands at his sides, reporting to the two seemingly ordinary merchants before him.

These two are none other than Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru, who have re-entered False Song through the optimized passage.

Zhang Cheng currently poses as a refined middle-aged accounting clerk, his gaze inwardly focused.

Wang Ru poses as an accompanying lady, low-key and unnoticeable.

"... Boss, the shop has initially taken hold."

Shopkeeper Zhou said in a low voice; he is one of the covert operatives carefully selected and personally trained by Wang Ru, shrewd, capable, and loyal.

"These past few days, turnover has been okay; mainly walk-in customers, and we've also taken a few small wholesale orders."

"Following your instructions, we focus on the word 'steady'—no rash moves, no showiness."

Zhang Cheng gave a slight nod, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

"Steady and solid is the right approach."

"Just arrived, foundations not yet firm; we must avoid drawing attention by being too prominent."

He glanced over the busy dock outside the window.

"Bianjing's waters run deep, with various powers intertwined; for us outsider merchants, the first step is to learn the ropes and grease the wheels, only then can we endure."

Shopkeeper Zhou promptly replied.

"Boss, rest assured, I understand."

"The clerks of the Canal Transport Office, the minor officials of the Maritime Trade Bureau, and the local toughs of Xishi have all been taken care of according to protocol; for now no one will cause trouble."

Wang Ru spoke from the side, her voice calm.

"How are the assistants? Are they still adjusting?"

"Replying to Madam, they are all behaving properly."

Shopkeeper Zhou answered.

"The twelve are divided into three shifts, taking turns guarding the shop, the warehouse, and gathering information outside."

"For now, the main task is to familiarize ourselves with Bianjing's environment, recording the locations of various offices, the traffic restrictions of important officials, and town gossip."

"We have not yet made active contact with sensitive individuals."

Zhang Cheng nodded in approval.

"Good, step by step."

"Intelligence gathering is not a one-day task."

"Our current priority is to firmly establish the 'South Wind Chronicle' sign, integrate into Bianjing's Xishi, and become an ordinary southern goods shop that no one will pay special attention to."

He paused, then added.

"In business, we can be appropriately flexible, establishing dealings with some locally reputable small and medium shops, even giving them a share of profit to forge good karma."

"Know that trade routes are networks; when the network flows smoothly, many things become easier."

Shopkeeper Zhou understood implicitly.

"I understand, I will select a few suitable ones and try to establish long-term supply relations."

Wang Ru again urged.

"Safety first."

"All personnel, without permission, must not act arbitrarily, must not drink to the point of mishap, and must not provoke unnecessary conflicts with locals."

"When transmitting information, one must use the agreed-upon code words and channels to ensure absolute security."

Her tone carried an unquestionable sternness.

Shopkeeper Zhou's expression tightened.

"Yes, Madam! The rules have been reiterated repeatedly; I dare not forget."

After finishing the main points, Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru did not linger long at the shop.

The two posed as merchants inspecting goods, strolled briefly in the front hall, exchanged a few pleasantries with Shopkeeper Zhou, then slipped away, as if they were merely bosses coming to inspect the property.

Leaving Xishi, the two did not return to their lodgings, but instead strolled seemingly at random along Bianjing's streets.

Zhang Cheng's gaze unobtrusively swept past the government offices, military garrisons along the way, and some grand mansions.

Wang Ru paid more attention to the townsfolk's conversations, price fluctuations, and the condition of the city's patrol soldiers.

In their own way, they personally sensed the atmosphere of this False Song capital, verifying the intelligence relayed by Shopkeeper Zhou.

"Compared to my Great Chen's Bianjing, this place is still prosperous, yet always feels lacking a bit of vitality."

Zhang Cheng sighed softly.

Wang Ru nodded slightly; she felt the same.

Perhaps, this is why we are bound by invisible shackles.

The two walked to a tea house, found a quiet window-side seat, sat down, and ordered a pot of clear tea.

They heard the tea patrons discussing how the Imperial Court was about to levy a new tax, or which influential family had some fresh news.

Zhang Cheng lowered his voice and said to Wang Ru.

"The South Wind Chronicle" has planted its first seed.

Next, we must nurture it patiently, letting it take root and spread like a vine in the soil of Bianjing.

Wang Ru took a sip of tea.

The seed has been sown; we only await the right moment for it to sprout.

Shopkeeper Zhou is a steady person; he should be able to handle the surface business well.

The hidden connections still need us to sort them out slowly.

Zhang Cheng stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with a steady light.

Not bad; the business name is a conspicuous post, serving as cover.

A true intelligence network must rely on this, yet be independent of it, like roots buried deep underground, unknown to others.

This requires time, as well as an opportunity.

He gazed at the bustling crowd outside the window.

The Iron Crow Army controls this place; its spies are surely everywhere.

Our actions must be like walking on thin ice; a slight mistake could lead to eternal doom.

Wang Ru's expression grew solemn.

I understand.

Fortunately, the lord himself has his own considerations and will point us in the right direction.

She believes in Chen Wen's ability to help them avoid risks.

Zhang Cheng nodded.

This is our fortune.

Go back and report in detail to the lord what we have seen on this trip and the current state of the South Wind Chronicle.

The two finished their tea, left the money, and departed like ordinary customers, merging into the vast throng of Bianjing.

The sign of the South Wind Chronicle hung quietly in the sunlight of Xishi.

It was like a seed secretly buried; on the surface, it looked no different from the tens of thousands of shops around it.

No one knew it was connected to another world, bearing a mission that transcended commerce.

The prototype of a trade route has emerged; all that remains is for a spark to start a prairie fire.