Chapter 346: First Volume, Chapter 346: Draining the Pond to Catch Fish? Industrial Upgrade!

First Volume, Chapter 346: Draining the Pond to Catch Fish? Industrial Upgrade!

On the day Liu Hongyan made this decision, the accounting office was packed with people.

Shen Qingci frowned slightly: "The Book Bureau is one of Feng'er's lifelines, and the only two profitable industries still left in the Tianji Camp. Draining the pond to catch fish may solve our immediate crisis, but it will bring endless future troubles!"

Xie Yun'er's expression turned grim as she said solemnly: "White Sugar is Qin Feng's cultivation foundation. If we sell off the White Sugar Industry, how will we explain it to Qin Feng when he returns from Changping County?"

Qin Tianhu's face darkened, and he remained silent, for he understood the plight of Beixi County and Liu Hongyan's pressure, so he could only choose silence.

Facing the doubts and resistance of everyone, Liu Hongyan took a deep breath, her gaze more resolute than ever: "The trade routes have been attacked—the final straw that crushed Beixi County has appeared! We have little time left. Once Beixi County suffers a shortage of materials and supplies, not only will the Northern Di forces strike, but even the flood of starving refugees alone could cause Beixi County to collapse!"

"Right now, this is the only solution!"

"Sell off the Book Bureau and the White Sugar Industry to recoup emergency funds and alleviate Beixi County's immediate crisis. Otherwise, if Beixi County falls, it will trigger a chain reaction, and the Tianji Camp and Qin Family will be dragged down with it!"

Although Xie Yun'er and Shen Qingci were reluctant to sell off their assets.

But…

They understood the principle: pull one hair and the whole body moves.

Beixi County cannot fall!

This is a do-or-die situation where we rise or fall together.

Liu Hongyan no longer hesitated. Overruling all opposition, she immediately spread the word and convened a Business Conference, inviting not only merchants but also officials and court figures—anyone interested in White Sugar or the Book Bureau was welcome to attend.

Only this way could we sell these two industries at a high price and prolong Beixi County's survival.

…

Imperial Palace, West Flower Hall.

The Imperial Consort looked at the invitation card sent by Liu Hongyan and let out a soft laugh: "Hehehe, the moment has finally come."

"Qin Feng is a master of accumulating wealth; whether in the Way of Commerce or the art of ingenious craftsmanship, he is unparalleled in history. If he devoted himself entirely to business, he would surely become the richest man under Heaven—even my Lin Family's Jiangnan enterprises would gladly partner with him for mutual growth. But alas…"

"One misstep, and every step after is wrong!"

"No matter how strong he is, he is still just one man. Under a National War, can one man's strength overcome Heaven? Even if he has endless gold, throwing it into the abyss of war won't even stir a ripple."

The maid beside her ventured cautiously: "Your Grace, why not spread word and order the merchants of Jingzhong not to buy any Tianji Camp assets? Wouldn't that crush Qin Feng in one blow?"

The Imperial Consort glanced at her and snorted: "Born to be a Maid, such short-sightedness. Never mind the Book Bureau—just the White Sugar Industry alone brings in gold daily. This is Qin Feng's last card. Only when he sells off the White Sugar Industry will he have no cards left to play. Otherwise, with the White Sugar Industry, he could rise again someday—what then?"

The maid immediately bowed her head: "Your Grace is right. My vision cannot even begin to match yours."

The Imperial Consort disliked those who thought themselves clever, but she disliked flatterers even more—both disturbed her thoughts. She glared sharply: "Get out of my sight, useless thing!"

The maid dared not delay and quickly withdrew.

Not long after, in the territory of Changping County.

The caravan moved slowly toward the City Gate.

Qin Feng sat cross-legged on the cart's platform, reading the secret letter delivered by the Brocade Guard.

Even though Qin Feng anticipated Beixi County's dire situation, seeing the ever-growing list of fallen soldiers still made him sigh: "Chen Si of the Northern Di is truly formidable. Every move he makes strikes Beixi County's vital point. If only we could arrange a Decapitation Operation and eliminate this bastard…"

Fantasy is one thing; reality is another.

Assassinating the enemy general? That's only something to dream about.

After reading one letter, Qin Feng handed it to Xiao Xiangxiang to dispose of, but before each disposal, Jing Qianying would take it to read through herself.

Upon learning of the attack on Beixi County's trade routes, Jing Qianying immediately frowned—but when she looked at Qin Feng, she was puzzled, for his face showed no trace of despair, not even a hint of tension.

Strange…

Could Feng'er really be unconcerned about Beixi County's desperate state?

When Jing Qianying saw Liu Hongyan's letter about selling off assets, she could no longer hold back: "Feng'er, once you sell the White Sugar and Book Bureau industries, there will be no turning back!"

In Jing Qianying's eyes, White Sugar and the Book Bureau were Qin Feng's life's work. Now, to save Beixi County, he was willing to sell them—even if he didn't collapse, he would surely sigh in regret.

But upon closer inspection, she realized… Qin Feng showed no reaction at all.

Under Jing Qianying's bewildered gaze, Qin Feng, still calmly reading the remaining letters, said lightly: "It doesn't matter…"

What?

Doesn't matter?

Jing Qianying couldn't believe her ears.

Qin Feng spoke calmly: "Whether it's White Sugar or the Book Bureau, both have been inspected by the Holy One. In truth, these businesses are 'tainted.' I've lost all real interest in them. Selling them to resolve Beixi County's emergency is the right choice—even if Second Sister hadn't decided, I would have done the same."

Saying this, Qin Feng chuckled: "The Imperial Consort must be laughing in her sleep right now. She thinks losing White Sugar and the Book Bureau means I've lost my greatest card. But she doesn't realize… this is actually an opportunity for me."

Jing Qianying grew even more confused: "An opportunity? Tell me quickly—what's going on!"

Qin Feng shrugged, as if stating the obvious: "Under normal circumstances, what excuse would I have to sell these two industries? Any move I make would draw the Holy One's attention. Now, with a legitimate reason, even the Holy One can't find fault. Currently, the Tianji Camp's headquarters in Jingdu has only the Wine House left as an income source—and its owner is the Xie Family, so it has little to do with the Tianji Camp."

"Put simply, the Tianji Camp headquarters is now just an empty shell—a foothold in Jingdu. Now I can fully focus on developing Beixi County. Otherwise, Qian Ying, why do you think I've endured such pressure and gone all-out to expand Beixi County?"

Hearing this, Jing Qianying finally understood: "You've long planned to shift your power base to Beixi County?"

Qin Feng grinned: "I just wanted to run a small business, earn a little money. But the Holy One keeps meddling—wanting this, refusing to let go of that. Can I blame him? Besides, I'm a very vengeful person… the Holy One seized my Liu Yi Industry. Shouldn't I learn from that?"

Jing Qianying understood Qin Feng's intent, but still worried: "Without these two pillar industries, the future will be extremely difficult."

Qin Feng didn't worry at all—his eyes shone with anticipation: "Who says so? The Tianji Camp is currently undergoing Industrial Upgrade!"