The morning light shone faintly through the clouds onto the streets of the Commercial Republic. The market was bustling with voices—the shouts of peddlers, the clatter of goods, and the haggling of customers intertwined to form a busy and active scene.
Here was the wealthiest place in the world, where gold and silver flowed, and commerce prevailed. There were no high walls of power, only the measure of profit.
"Keep up, don't get lost." Kong Ning held her small money pouch in both hands, her steps brisk as she shuttled through the crowd, her nimble eyes constantly scanning the goods on the stalls.
Behind her, Chen Wenbin followed carefully, his gaze darting back and forth, full of curiosity.
"The things here... seem to be so much more than on the island," he whispered, his tone showing surprise and maladaptation.
"Of course, this is the Commercial Republic!" Kong Ning said matter-of-factly. "Everything is here. The best, the most expensive, the rarest, and the hardest to buy are all here."
"Today, I will show you what real buying and selling is!"
The two came to a stall full of jewelry and jade. The peddler greeted them enthusiastically, smiling: "Young master, little miss, look at these precious jades. Every piece is crystal clear, all top-quality goods!"
"Is that so?" Kong Ning smiled, reached out to pick up a white jade pendant as warm as fat, casually flipped it over, and then put it down.
Then, she picked up another seemingly exquisite jade stone, tapped it gently with her fingertips, and handed it to Chen Wenbin: "Tell me, what's the difference between these two jades?"
Chen Wenbin examined them carefully, then shook his head: "They look about the same, both white."
Kong Ning's mouth curved up slightly: "Then try touching them."
Chen Wenbin reached out as instructed and touched the first jade—warm, fine, and smooth. But when he touched the second jade, he clearly felt a trace of peculiarity. Although smooth, it lacked warmth, as if covered by a thin layer of coldness.
"This one... is a bit cold?" Chen Wenbin said doubtfully.
"Exactly!" Kong Ning clapped her hands, smiling. "This is dyed suet jade. Real top-quality jade will warm up slightly with body heat, but this inferior good is soaked in special chemicals. Although smooth, it is not warm."
Hearing this, the peddler's face changed slightly, and he smiled awkwardly: "Little miss has a good eye..."
"Hmph, I've seen so many real goods in my father's accounting room, you can't fool me." Kong Ning snorted lightly, put the jade back in its place, and turned to leave without mercy.
"Remember, little brother Wenbin, when buying things, you can't just look at the exterior. You have to test with your hands and calculate with your brain." She spoke as she walked, her tone matter-of-fact. "Whether it's jade, cloth, or gold and silver transactions, there are never cheap good things in the world, only smart people who know how to sell!"
Chen Wenbin nodded thoughtfully. Although he didn't fully understand yet, he vaguely realized that this was different from mechanistics. The calculation here was the calculation of human hearts.
"Since that's the case, let's play a game."
Kong Ning blinked, her tone carrying a bit of slyness. "I want to see how much you have actually learned."
"What game?"
Kong Ning didn't answer, but pulled Chen Wenbin to a candy stall, casually picked up a piece of candy, and then turned to look at Chen Wenbin, her eyes flashing with shrewd light.
"Let's make a deal."
"I bought this candy for five copper coins. Now, I can sell it to you for three copper coins."
Chen Wenbin frowned: "But didn't you just say that buying things can't be cheap?"
"Haha, that depends on whether you are willing to buy." Kong Ning spread her hands. "If you don't buy, I'll eat it myself. But if you buy it now, you can spend two less copper coins than I did, and still eat candy."
"Are you willing?"
Chen Wenbin looked down at the candy, frowned tightly, thought for a while, and then shook his head firmly: "No, I won't buy it."
"Oh? Why?" Kong Ning raised an eyebrow, her tone carrying some probing. "You don't like candy?"
"No," Chen Wenbin said flatly. "It's because you must already know that the true value of this candy is less than five copper coins, which is why you dare to sell it to me for three."
"If this candy was truly valuable, you wouldn't give it up so easily."
Kong Ning froze for a moment, then smiled lightly, her eyes showing approval: "It seems you are beginning to understand the essence of transactions."
"A transaction is not about looking at the price, but looking at a person's intention."
"But you still lost."
As soon as she finished speaking, she popped the candy into her mouth, revealing a satisfied smile: "Because I still got to eat candy, and you got nothing."
Chen Wenbin was stunned for a moment, the corners of his mouth twitching. For the first time, he felt that this person, Kong Ning, was really a bit difficult to deal with.
That day, Kong Ning took Chen Wenbin all over the markets of the Commercial Republic, teaching him how to recognize goods, negotiate, and probe human hearts. Every small transaction was a practical exercise in wisdom and human nature.
By dusk, the two stood on a high tower, looking at the brightly lit and bustling streets of the Commercial Republic.
"Little brother Wenbin, what do you think of this place?"
Chen Wenbin looked at the prosperity, fell silent for a while, and then whispered: "It's very different from the underground palace."
"Of course it's different." Kong Ning smiled slightly, her tone carrying deep meaning. "The rules of mechanisms are fixed, but the rules of human hearts can change."
"If you want to survive in this world, you have to learn how to understand it."
"...I will learn... Sister Ning."
Chen Wenbin's tone remained calm. Upon hearing his "Sister," Kong Ning grabbed the money pouch she loved, the corners of her eyes curving into an arc.
Inside the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, the morning sun shone through the carved window lattices onto the desk. Unfolded mathematical deduction papers and mechanism blueprints were scattered across it, like a silent clash of wisdom.
At the desk, Kong Ning was focused on a mathematical problem on the page, holding small calculation chips in her hand, her brows slightly furrowed in deep thought.
Sitting to the side, Chen Wenbin sat upright, pondering while occasionally looking up at Chen Hui and Lin Wanying, waiting for their guidance.
"This question, how do you think it should be solved?"
Chen Hui gently tapped the table, his tone steady, his gaze falling on Kong Ning's calculation chips.
Kong Ning frowned in thought. After a moment, her eyes suddenly lit up, and she moved the calculation chips: "This should be calculated using the method of surplus and deficit. If we split this quantity into the ratio of merchant caravan trades..."
As she spoke, she picked up a copper coin nearby, beginning to simulate how a caravan would distribute goods. Her method of understanding was entirely different from traditional mathematical deduction, instead using the method of trade transactions to calculate values, eventually arriving at the answer quickly.
"This should be the most effective calculation method, right?" She looked up at Chen Hui and Lin Wanying, her tone carrying a bit of confidence.
Chen Hui paused slightly, unable to help but smile: "This is indeed an interesting solution."
Lin Wanying nodded slightly, her gaze showing approval: "Using commercial calculation to understand the method of surplus and deficit, this is indeed a new perspective."
"But do you know?" Chen Wenbin suddenly interjected, "Although this calculation is fast, if you encounter plural variables, it might produce errors, because you haven't considered the time factor."
Kong Ning raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Chen Wenbin: "So what you mean is?"
"If the circulation time of the goods is different, this calculation method might lead to profit deviation." Chen Wenbin pointed at the numbers on the paper, his tone serious. "If this is a dynamic variable, you still have to use more rigorous algorithms to deduce it."
Kong Ning blinked, suddenly laughing loudly: "Alright, little junior brother, you actually have some brains."
"I am not your junior brother." Chen Wenbin frowned, his tone somewhat unconvinced. "You haven't officially become an apprentice yet either."
Kong Ning shrugged, smiling smugly: "Then let's ask the master?"
She turned to Chen Hui and Lin Wanying, asking expectantly: "Uncle Chen, Auntie Lin, are you going to officially take me as a disciple?"
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying looked at each other, both seeing the same decision in each other's eyes.
The teaching over these past few days had convinced them—Kong Ning's talent was absolutely worth cultivating personally!
She was extremely intelligent. Her understanding of mathematics and mechanistics far exceeded that of an ordinary nine-year-old, and she even began to put forward her own insights on many issues.
However, she also carried the shrewdness and slyness unique to merchants. While this way of thinking gave her an innate advantage in the marketplace, if she couldn't balance wisdom and character, she might not go far in the future.
Chen Hui slowly nodded, his tone calm but unquestionable: "Since you are willing to learn, your Auntie Lin and I will sincerely teach you."
"However, scholarship is not just a skill, but also a matter of character."
"If you want to learn, we will teach, but you also have to learn how to truly face knowledge, and not just treat it as a bargaining chip."
Kong Ning's eyes lit up, nodding without hesitation: "Of course!"
"Then—" Lin Wanying smiled lightly, her gaze falling on the two children. "Since we have taken you as a disciple, then you and Wenbin are fellow disciples."
Hearing this, Kong Ning's eyes suddenly lit up. She turned to Chen Wenbin, a smug smile on her lips: "Little junior brother, from now on, you have to listen to your senior sister."
"I don't want to." Chen Wenbin frowned, his tone somewhat unconvinced. "You just became an apprentice earlier."
"Even a step earlier makes me the senior sister." Kong Ning crossed her arms, her tone serious. "Doing business also pays attention to first come, first served."
"But this isn't doing business."
"Whether it is or not, the rule is set." Kong Ning smiled happily. "From now on, just call me senior sister!"
Chen Wenbin muttered something, but did not refute further, seemingly acquiescing to this title.
After the master-disciple relationship was established, Kong Ning's enthusiasm for learning soared. However, her personality also made the learning process full of slyness and probing.
"Uncle Chen, are you sure this math problem only has one solution?"
"Auntie Lin, the operating method of this mechanism, if I trigger it in another way, would it still work?"
"If you say mechanisms require rigor, then isn't the biggest difference between commerce and mathematics 'flexibility'?"
Kong Ning constantly raised tricky questions, sometimes even challenging their authority rather than purely seeking knowledge.
However, Chen Hui and Lin Wanying did not get angry because of this, but used the opportunity to teach her: "Mechanistics and mathematics are different from commerce. Calculations must be rigorous; you cannot win just by smooth talking."
"Sometimes, true wisdom is not making people think you are smart, but making people feel you are trustworthy."
Kong Ning looked thoughtful, nodded after a moment, and revealed a sly smile: "So, I can still use cleverness to gain trust?"
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying looked at each other, both laughing—this girl indeed needed time to guide, but at least, she was willing to learn.
This transaction, initially a chip in negotiations, had now become a true passing of the torch.
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying imparted the mathematics and mechanistics of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty to Kong Ning, and at the same time, they hoped Chen Wenbin would learn human relations, allowing both children to grow through their interaction.
As for the true value of this transaction, it remained to be verified in the future.
The morning bell tolled. The Forbidden Palace of the Shuntian Dynasty was solemn and majestic under the golden morning glow, but within the Golden Throne Room, a treacherous political storm was quietly brewing.
A secret report sent from the Commercial Republic quietly reached the hands of State Preceptor Chang Jin.
He stood before the desk, unfolded the secret report, his gaze narrowing slightly. His fingers gently tapped the table. Though his face bore no expression, a cold sneer rippled in his heart.
"Chen Hui, is actually still alive..."
In an instant, past memories flooded his mind like a tide—
During the Battle of Qingzhou years ago, he and his cousin Chang Yanjiao joined forces, forcing Chen Hui into a desperate situation, plotting to let Qingzhou fall, so the Ministry of War could reclaim the battlefield under the banner of righteousness, smoothly eradicating Chen Hui, an eyesore chess piece.
However, who could have thought that this person, already titled "Duke of Loyal Heroism" and believed by everyone to be dead, would now reappear in the Commercial Republic as a living person?
This news, to him, was not a bad thing.
The corner of his mouth curved up slightly, a cold, sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Cousin, oh cousin, in taking power these years, you've belittled me in the family, causing the main branch to lose face, just because you want to seize the position of the main branch. This time, I will use the blade you forged back then."
Chang Jin quickly adjusted his mindset. To him, Chen Hui's "resurrection" was a precious blade that could be used, and if this blade could be held in his hand, it would be the best opportunity to counter Chang Yanjiao.
He quickly entered the palace, offering advice to the Emperor, his words composed but full of calculation—
"Your Majesty, back then, Duke of Loyal Heroism Chen Hui died to protect the country. Now he has miraculously returned. This is heaven's blessing upon Shuntian. He should be treated generously to show the vastness of imperial grace."
The Emperor frowned slightly. Although quite surprised by the matter, Chang Jin's following words plunged him into deep thought—
"I believe that since the Duke of Loyal Heroism is still alive, the merit of defending Qingzhou back then cannot be erased. He should be immediately recalled and appointed as Prefect of Qingzhou, allowing him to personally govern his former land, to answer the expectations of the people."
"Qingzhou is an important border town, with constant conflicts with the wokou army and the Pirate Alliance. I believe that restoring the Duke of Loyal Heroism to his position can soothe the hearts of the people and ensure local stability."
These words hit the nail on the head—Chang Jin wanted to make Chen Hui the "legitimate" ruler of Qingzhou!
Behind the dragon desk, the Emperor's eyes flickered. After thinking for a long time, he slowly nodded: "What the State Preceptor says makes sense. This matter is feasible."
Immediately, he took up his brush and issued an imperial decree—recalling Chen Hui to the capital, and appointing him Prefect of Qingzhou!
When the imperial decree was issued, the court was shaken. And upon learning of this, Minister of War Chang Yanjiao was so furious he laughed on the spot, the teacup in his hand shattering with a bang.
"What a good State Preceptor, what a good cousin..."
His face was gloomy, his gaze cold, a bloodthirsty arc hanging on his lips, "This chess move was played beautifully."
He certainly knew Chang Jin's intention—if Chen Hui truly returned to Qingzhou, even if he had no ambition, the military power and popular support of Qingzhou would ultimately gradually slip from the Ministry of War's control!
This was the State Preceptor's counterattack against him, an attempt to weaken his grasp over the world's military forces!
"State Preceptor... do you think this can stump me? For the power of the family head, would you rather suppress me than let the family grow strong?"
Chang Yanjiao sneered. He quickly adjusted his strategy, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes: "Since that's the case... I will start with Lin Wanying."
Chang Yanjiao knew very well that Chang Jin's power was deeply rooted in the palace and Shushan. However, the interior of Shushan was not a monolithic block either.
"Lin Wanying, was a Shushan disciple back then, but because she failed to complete the sect's mission, she defied her master's orders and eloped with Chen Hui..."
"Now if she returns to the capital, I will let Shushan clean house themselves."
He quickly sent people to contact several elders in the court and within Shushan, secretly applying pressure. He prepared to force the Shushan Sect to make a public stance after Lin Wanying returned to the capital, making them use "sect discipline" to weaken Chang Jin's control over Shushan, and thereby check Chen Hui.
"State Preceptor, you want to use Chen Hui against me. Then I will use Shushan against you."
The corners of Chang Yanjiao's mouth curled up slightly. This chess game had just begun...
The morning light passed through the high towers of the Commercial Republic, sprinkling on the bustling streets and endless caravans. Deep within the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, a secret report from the Shuntian Dynasty lay quietly on the desk.
Chen Hui unfolded the edict, his gaze slowly sweeping over the text on it. His heart was calm, but he knew deeply that this was the true beginning of the chess game.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees—Duke of Loyal Heroism Chen Hui, for his merit in defending the land in the past, is now recalled to the court, appointed Prefect of Qingzhou, to control the military and government of Qingzhou, restore local order, and soothe the people."
This decree was not merely a simple reward, but an open and honorable conferring of power, as well as a probe and an attempt to rope him in.
"Ultimately, we still have to go back and face it." Chen Hui sighed softly, closing the edict, turning to look at Lin Wanying. "This is Chang Jin's arrangement, and also the court's move against Chang Yanjiao..."
"But the ones truly placed on the chessboard are ourselves."
Lin Wanying nodded gently, her tone calm but firm: "Returning is necessary, but Wenbin cannot go back with us."
Chen Hui's gaze was deep; this was exactly what he thought—the situation in the Shuntian Dynasty was unclear. If Chen Wenbin returned, it was highly likely he would be drawn into political disputes and become a bargaining chip for various factions.
"The Commercial Republic might be the safest place for him."
The two looked at each other, already having made their decision.
When Chen Hui and Lin Wanying explained this matter to Kong Fang, Kong Fang was leisurely playing with the gold coin dart in his hand. After hearing them out, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, and he smiled: "Lord Chen trusts me so much? Actually willing to leave your son here?"
Chen Hui said flatly: "This is not about trust, but the best choice right now."
Lin Wanying smiled slightly, adding: "Furthermore, we also want to inform the Sect Leader that this transaction is no longer just a simple transaction."
Kong Fang raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"
"We have officially taken Kong Ning as our disciple. This is not just because of the transaction, but because we genuinely recognize her talent."
"Her intelligence is indeed worthy of our teaching."
Hearing this, Kong Fang froze slightly, then burst into loud laughter: "Hahahaha! Then this is an unexpected harvest!"
"Ning'er has been naturally intelligent since she was a child, but she is always shrewd in calculation. To be personally taught by Lord Chen and Madam Lin, I'm afraid her future achievements will far surpass mine!"
Chen Hui continued to say: "We will leave behind detailed scrolls of mathematics and mechanistics, allowing Kong Ning and Wenbin to continue their studies."
"This knowledge might become the key to changing the situation in the future."
Lin Wanying's tone was calm, yet carried immense resolve.
"But this also means we hope the Sect Leader can take good care of both of them."
Hearing this, the corners of Kong Fang's mouth turned up slightly: "With you leaving, you are handing two future geniuses to me. I will naturally accept this favor."
"Wenbin, I will definitely treat as my own, personally arranging the best education, ensuring he can learn the most and see the widest in this Commercial Republic."
Chen Hui nodded slightly: "Then I will trouble the Sect Leader."
Kong Fang laughed loudly: "It's no trouble at all. I have taken a huge advantage in this transaction!"
However, right after his voice fell, Kong Fang suddenly smiled meaningfully, whispering: "By the way, Lord Chen, after you return to the Shuntian Dynasty, do not forget our trade transaction."
"I have high hopes for this deal."
"Naturally." Chen Hui smiled faintly. "Rest assured, Sect Leader, if official trade can be facilitated, in the future, the transactions between the Shuntian Dynasty and the Commercial Republic will not just remain in the shadows."
Kong Fang nodded slightly, then his tone suddenly slowed, smiling: "Also, I have prepared a special gift here. Once Lord Chen returns to the Shuntian Dynasty, you will naturally understand."
"I hope this gift will not disappoint you."
Chen Hui's brows moved slightly, his eyes deep: "Sect Leader Kong's gifts are never simple. I will quietly await the surprise."
The two looked at each other. Beneath their smiles, each harbored their own thoughts.
At the port of the Commercial Republic, the sea breeze blew gently. Merchant ships from afar sailed in, bringing goods from all four seas, and also sending off countless people leaving their hometowns.
By the dock, Chen Hui and Liu Wenzhou stood side by side, their gazes looking toward the distant horizon, their hearts filled with countless thoughts.
This reunion was not merely a journey to find old friends, but an intersection of fates.
"Do you still remember the first time we met?" Liu Wenzhou laughed softly, his gaze flashing with nostalgia. "In the Library Pavilion of the Holy Scholar Academy, to read more mathematical texts, you figured out a way to sneak in, only to be caught red-handed by me."
Chen Hui smiled slightly, his tone calm: "But in the end, wasn't it you who secretly kept a few books for me, allowing me to read through all the annotations of the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art?"
Liu Wenzhou shook his head and laughed: "You were even crazier than me. A scholar who could actually deduce the classification method of the academy's collection through mathematical reasoning, and use the gaps between bookshelves to find hidden solitary copies..."
"At that time, I already knew that your mathematical talent was not just ordinary knowledge, but an ability that could change the situation of the world."
"The Luoshu Bead, it was also because of your recommendation that I could obtain it," Chen Hui said softly, lifting his cuff to reveal the string of celadon abacus beads hanging on his wrist.
This Luoshu Bead symbolized the highest mathematical recognition; only those who truly mastered the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and higher arithmetic were qualified to possess it.
Liu Wenzhou sighed softly: "At the time, I only felt you were worthy, but I never expected that this abacus bead would eventually become your weapon in the Battle of Qingzhou, and also the conviction you held onto."
"If it weren't for you back then, perhaps my mathematical attainments would not have reached the level they have today."
"You also changed my life."
The two looked at each other and smiled. Over the years, through separation, war, and searching, their fates had long been intertwined.
Liu Wenzhou's smile faded slightly, his tone low: "Speaking of which, I am ashamed. During the Battle of Qingzhou five years ago, I failed to stay and live or die with you, instead leading the civilians to retreat."
"But in that battle, you saved many people. This favor, I have never forgotten," Chen Hui said slowly, his tone carrying gratitude. "If it weren't for you, I'm afraid the civilians of Qingzhou would have died in the fires of war."
"For five years, you never gave up searching for us. This friendship, I shall engrave in my heart."
Liu Wenzhou shook his head, his tone carrying a light sigh: "Friendship is mutual. Since I have found you, then moving forward, I will no longer stay out of the matter."
"I have decided to officially take the title—your master advisor (Shiye)."
Chen Hui was slightly stunned. Liu Wenzhou's lips carried a hint of a smile: "Initially, the Ministry of War and the court casually bestowed the title 'Master Advisor of the Duke of Loyal Heroism' upon me. Now that I have truly become your master advisor, this identity can be conveniently utilized."
"Now that you are returning to the Shuntian Dynasty, the court will inevitably experience turbulent changes. My identity might provide some cover for you in crises, and when necessary, deal with the officialdom on your behalf."
"Furthermore..."
Liu Wenzhou turned his head to look at the Wealth Sect's fleet on the distant dock, his tone sinking slightly: "In the future, there will inevitably be entanglements between the Wealth Sect and you. As your master advisor, I can perfectly serve as the liaison between you and Kong Fang, traveling between the two places, helping to handle the trade relationship between the Commercial Republic and the Shuntian Dynasty."
"This way, regardless of whether you are in the court or Kong Fang is in the marketplace, this line can be maintained."
Just then, a light chuckle came from not far away.
"Mr. Liu is indeed a smart man, knowing how to go with the flow."
Everyone turned their heads to look, only to see Kong Fang standing with his hands behind his back, walking over with a smile. The gold coin in his palm turned gently, his gaze full of meaningful appreciation.
"Since Mr. Liu is going to be the master advisor of the Duke of Loyal Heroism, then as a merchant, I naturally must show some courtesy."
He bowed lightly, his tone brisk: "Master Advisor Liu, please take care of us in the days to come."
Liu Wenzhou smiled slightly, cupping his hands in return: "Rest assured, Sect Leader Kong. As the 'Master Advisor of the Duke of Loyal Heroism', I naturally won't let myself hold this title for nothing."
Kong Fang laughed loudly: "Excellent!"
Immediately, his gaze turned to Chen Hui, his tone leisurely: "By the way, Lord Chen, I must remind you, after returning to the Shuntian Dynasty, do not forget our trade transaction."
"If this business succeeds, future trade routes between Shuntian and the Commercial Republic will likely far surpass any period in the past."
"Naturally." Chen Hui smiled slightly, his tone impassive. "I am also looking forward to the official trade between the Shuntian Dynasty and the Commercial Republic."
Kong Fang nodded slightly, then the corners of his mouth suddenly turned up, his words carrying hidden mysteries: "By the way, Lord Chen, regarding this return to the court, the special gift I prepared will satisfy you."
"What gift?"
"After you return to the Shuntian Dynasty, you will naturally understand." Kong Fang smiled lightly, his tone intriguing.
When everything was settled, the moment of parting finally arrived.
By the dock, Chen Wenbin stood before his parents, clenching his fists tightly. Although his eyes were firm, they still carried a trace of reluctance.
"Wenbin, remember what we said. Study hard, and wait for us to come back and pick you up."
Lin Wanying squatted down, gently adjusting his lapels, her tone gentle but firm.
"I will learn mathematics, and also commerce." Chen Wenbin said in a low voice, his eyes firm. "I will become stronger. When you return, I won't lose to Kong Ning!"
Kong Ning stood nearby, arms crossed, her tone smug: "You have to become stronger. Otherwise, you'll still have to listen to your senior sister in the future!"
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh. This personal friendship outside the transaction might also become an important bond in the future chessboard.
The sea breeze blew gently, the sailboats were ready. Chen Hui and Lin Wanying stepped onto the voyage leaving the Commercial Republic.
However, they clearly knew in their hearts that this return journey was not a return to tranquility, but stepping into another storm of power and machinations.