Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 78 Su Xiaoxiao's Heart Stirred

The conversation that followed was much more relaxed.

Instead of probing, Su Wenyuan sincerely introduced the various forces in Jiangnan and the intelligence possessed by the Su family.

Lin Chen reciprocated by revealing some developments in the capital, including the Empress's interest in Jiangnan and potential policy adjustments.

During the conversation, Lin Chen remembered what his fifth sister-in-law had asked him, and asked:

"Uncle, I have another question. The Lin family is considering expanding some businesses in Jiangnan. What suggestions do you have?"

Su Wenyuan's eyes lit up:

"The Duke wants to invest in Jiangnan? That's excellent! Jiangnan is prosperous and full of business opportunities. I wonder which aspect the Duke is interested in?"

"This junior is not familiar with Jiangnan, and I would appreciate your guidance, Uncle," Lin Chen said.

"However, my fifth sister-in-law compiled an analysis of the industries in Jiangnan, mentioning that silk, tea, porcelain, and canal transport were all profitable."

Especially the canal transport; if it can be properly managed, the profits can be substantial.

Su Changming nodded: "Fifth Madam's analysis is correct."

Silk, tea, and porcelain are indeed the three pillar industries of Jiangnan.

However, the canal transport... is currently monopolized by canal gangs and chambers of commerce. Although the profits are high, the risks are also great.

If the Duke wants to intervene, he'll probably have to resolve the issues with the canal guild and the chamber of commerce first.

"That's natural," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"This investigation is also to clear obstacles. Once the canal transport system is rectified, the Lin family is willing to cooperate with the Su family to jointly manage the Jiangnan trade route."

"I couldn't be happier!" Su Changming was overjoyed.

Su Mo also smiled and said, "Brother Lin... no, if the Duke can establish himself in Jiangnan, the Su family is willing to give him our full support."

The Su family's shops, docks, and warehouses in Jiangnan can all be shared with the Lin family.

"Then thank you in advance, Brother Su." Lin Chen cupped his hands in thanks.

Su Xiaoxiao listened quietly from the side, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Although she is not skilled in martial arts, she has a keen insight into business and politics.

The young duke before us is not only exceptionally talented in literature, but also remarkably capable.

The investigation, rectification, and investment are all interconnected, clearly indicating that a well-planned strategy had been in place for some time.

What's even more remarkable is that his attitude towards the Su family was both authoritative as a superior and humble and respectful.

Such a man is indeed captivating.

Thinking of this, Su Xiaoxiao blushed slightly and lowered her head to drink tea to hide her embarrassment.

Xiao Yulou saw her reaction and chuckled inwardly, but didn't say anything.

After several rounds of tea, the sun was already setting in the west.

Su Changming glanced at the sky and smiled:

"We've been chatting for quite a while now. Duke and Fourth Madam, if you don't mind, please have dinner at the manor."

"I'll have the kitchen prepare some dishes characteristic of Jiangnan."

"Then I'll trouble you." Lin Chen didn't refuse.

Dinner will be held in the main hall of Yanyu Pavilion.

The dishes are exquisite, mostly made from aquatic products from Taihu Lake.

Steamed whitefish, silverfish with hibiscus, steamed pork with lotus leaf, water shield soup... all served with aged Shaoxing wine, are incredibly delicious.

During the banquet, Su Xiaoxiao played the zither to add to the merriment.

The piece being played was "Taihu Misty Rain," the song for Lin Chen.

The music faded, leaving a lingering, melodious aftertaste.

Xiao Yulou sincerely praised, "Miss Su's zither skills are truly unparalleled in Jiangnan."

Su Xiaoxiao blushed slightly: "Madam Lin, you flatter me. I just like poetry and music. Please forgive my inconvenience."

Lin Chen smiled and said, "Miss Su, there's no need to be modest. Your talent is rare even in the capital."

If you have the opportunity, you can come to Zuiyuexuan to exchange musical skills with Mr. Bai; I'm sure you'll gain even more from it.

"Really?" Su Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up.

"Since my elder brother spoke of Mr. Bai's musical skills, I have admired her greatly. If I could receive her guidance, I would have no regrets in this life."

"Of course," Lin Chen said.

"Once things are settled in Jiangnan, Miss Su can come with us to the capital for a short stay. Zuiyue Pavilion will welcome you anytime."

Su Xiaoxiao nodded happily: "Then it's settled!"

After dinner, Su Mo saw Lin Chen and Xiao Yulou off as they left the garden.

As they parted, Su Mo whispered:

"Lord Duke, I will send the account books and evidence to the inn tomorrow."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Su." Lin Chen cupped his hands in greeting.

"However, Brother Su, please call me Brother Lin in private from now on. Calling me Duke sounds too formal."

Su Mo smiled: "Then I will take the liberty of doing so, Brother Lin, please take care on your journey."

The carriage departed from Cuiwei Mountain and returned to Suzhou City.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Yulou leaned on Lin Chen's shoulder and whispered:

"Eighth brother, is the Su family... trustworthy?"

"It's believable for now." Lin Chen hugged her.

"Su Changming is a smart man. He knows what is most beneficial to the Su family. As long as we are strong enough, the Su family will not betray us."

"That's true." Xiao Yulou nodded. "By the way, I think Su Xiaoxiao...

"What about me?" Lin Chen asked with a smile.

"I have feelings for you." Xiao Yulou poked his chest. "Don't play dumb."

Lin Chen grasped her hand: "Fourth Sister-in-law, are you jealous?"

"I'm not jealous at all," Xiao Yulou pouted.

"I'm just reminding you, if you like her, treat her well; if you don't, don't waste her time."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart and lowered his head to kiss her forehead:

"Don't worry, Fourth Sister-in-law, I know what I'm doing."

……

When we returned to the inn, it was already 9 PM.

Yuan Tiangang waited in the courtyard. Upon their return, he reported:

"My lord, we have just received news that the shipment from the Canal Transport Gang has been transported to a small island in Taihu Lake. The island is heavily guarded and protected by a formation."

"An array?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow. "It seems that the Purple Robe Pavilion's arrangements in Jiangnan are more sophisticated than I imagined."

"Yes," Yuan Tiangang replied.

"In addition, Zhang Qing's injuries are no longer serious, and he has asked for instructions on the next steps."

Lin Chen pondered for a moment: "Have Zhang Qing continue to monitor them and not make any rash moves. We'll take action once we have the evidence against the Su family."

"Yes."

"And another thing," Lin Chen remembered something,

"The Su family will send evidence tomorrow. You will receive it personally. Also, send a message to the capital and tell Li Chunfeng to keep an eye on the movements of Cui Mingyuan and Zhou Ming."

"If there's any movement in Jiangnan, there's likely to be a reaction in the capital."

"Yes."

After making the arrangements, Lin Chen returned to his room to rest.

He slept exceptionally well that night.

……

After having breakfast, Yuan Tiangang held a stack of account books in his hand.

"My lord, the evidence sent by the Su family has arrived."

Lin Chen's expression turned serious: "Go to the study."

Inside the study, account books were laid out on the table.

Lin Chen flipped through the pages, his expression growing colder with each page.

The ledgers meticulously recorded the illegal gains of the canal gang over the years.

Smuggling, extortion, robbery, human trafficking... each and every one of these crimes is shocking.

More importantly, it clearly records his interactions with Cui Mingyuan and Zhou Ming.

The annual dividends given to the two by the canal gang amounted to as much as three million taels of silver.

There are also several records of colluding to resell military equipment and embezzle disaster relief funds, with the time, quantity, and amount clearly documented.

"This evidence is enough to get those two killed ten times over." Lin Chen closed the ledger.

Yuan Tiangang said, "My lord, the Su family also sent a list, which is the protective umbrella of the Cao Gang in the officialdom of Jiangnan."

Suzhou Prefect Zhang Cheng'an, Grand Canal Transport Commissioner Zhou Wenyuan, and Naval Commander Wang Meng... were among them.

Lin Chen took the list, glanced at it, and sneered, "A nest of rats. No wonder the Canal Gang dares to be so arrogant."

"When does the Lord intend to make his move?"

"No rush," Lin Chen said thoughtfully.

"First, find out the layout of the Purple Robe Tower in Jiangnan. You should investigate the formation on that island first, and then wipe them out in one fell swoop."

"Yes."

Just then, a report came from outside the door: "My lord, Liu Changfeng from Changfeng Escort Agency requests an audience."

"Please let him in."

Liu Changfeng entered the study with a solemn expression: "Young Master Lin, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Last night, the Changfeng Escort Agency's warehouse outside the city was burned down, resulting in the loss of goods worth 100,000 taels of silver," Liu Changfeng said in a deep voice.

"Eighteen of the guards died and thirty were seriously injured. The marks of the Canal Gang were left at the scene."

Lin Chen's eyes flickered slightly: "The Grand Canal Gang was behind it?"

"It must be them!" Liu Changfeng gritted his teeth.

"A few days ago, Wang Biao declared that he would make it impossible for Changfeng Escort Agency to stay in Jiangnan. I didn't take it seriously, but I didn't expect them to actually dare to do such a vicious thing!"

Lin Chen was silent for a moment before saying, "Chief镖 Liu, thank you for coming to inform me. I am extremely grateful."

He had only met Liu Changfeng twice, and he never expected that Liu would come to tell him this.

"Young Master Lin, please don't say that," Liu Changfeng quickly waved his hand.

"I haven't had a chance to properly thank you for the birthday banquet and what happened yesterday. I've come today to inform you so that Young Master Lin can be prepared and avoid falling into the hands of the Cao Gang."

"Understood, thank you for informing me, Brother Liu." Lin Chen cupped his hands in thanks, then changed the subject.

"If Brother Liu trusts me, go back now and strengthen the security of the escort agency."

Furthermore, word spread that Changfeng Escort Agency had admitted defeat and was willing to withdraw from Jiangnan.

Liu Changfeng was taken aback: "This..."

"The imperial court is already investigating the Cao Gang; they won't be able to cause trouble for much longer," Lin Chen said calmly.

Liu Changfeng suddenly realized: "I understand now, thank you for informing me, Young Master Lin."

After seeing Liu Changfeng off, Lin Chen said to Yuan Tiangang:

"Have someone secretly protect the Changfeng Escort Agency. If anyone makes a move again, take them down immediately."

"Yes."