Governor Kong Rong leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly against the table as he nodded. "Zhao Ming's proposal is worth considering. We will begin by scouting suitable areas for rabbit breeding and checking the ponds for fish farming. If successful, this could provide a sustainable food source for the city."

  The merchants exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Master Wang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A long-term solution is always better than simply buying food at a premium. Though it will take time, it may be our best option."

  Master Liu added, "It also gives some of the refugees work. If we can manage them properly, we might turn them into useful assets instead of a liability."

  Governor Kong turned to the militia captain. "Coordinate with your men to oversee this initiative. Ensure that hunters are properly selected from the refugee camp and that they don’t cause trouble."

  The captain saluted. "Understood, Governor."

  With that matter settled, Kong Rong moved on. "Regarding public safety, I appreciate the willingness of the trading houses to contribute to daytime patrols. If you wish to assign specific areas, we can arrange a detailed plan with the militia captain."

  Master Wang sighed. "Patrolling is necessary, but it must be organized well. We can’t simply assign our men randomly."

  Master Liu smirked. "Agreed. We don’t want to risk our own business operations being disrupted either. If we’re to contribute men, we should have a say in where they patrol."

  Lady Yu fanned herself, a playful smile on her lips. "Oh, gentlemen, always so cautious. I trust the militia captain will work out a fair arrangement. No need to squabble over every little detail."

  Kong Rong nodded. "Then I will have my aides draft an initial patrol plan. You may review it and make adjustments as needed. This will be coordinated with the militia."

  With the major topics settled, Kong Rong exhaled. "If further discussions are required, we will reconvene, but for now, I believe we have covered all pressing matters."

  Seeing that the meeting was reaching its conclusion, the merchants and officials rose from their seats.

  Master Wang stretched his back. "Well then, Governor, we look forward to seeing the results of these plans."

  Master Liu clasped his hands. "As always, Governor, it has been an enlightening discussion."

  Lady Yu gave a small bow, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Let’s hope things go smoothly. I’ll be watching."

  Murong De bowed respectfully. "We appreciate your leadership, Governor Kong."

  Zhao Ming followed suit, cupping his hands in a formal gesture.

  Kong Rong stood as well, giving them a final nod. "Thank you all for your cooperation. Let us hope for Beihai’s continued prosperity."

  With that, the meeting was adjourned. The group turned toward the door, each person already thinking about their next moves as they stepped out into the hallway

  As the merchants and Zhao Ming exited the room, Governor Kong Rong leaned back in his chair, watching the door slowly close behind them. His expression remained thoughtful, and after a brief silence, he turned to his aide standing nearby.

  “What do you think of that young man?” Kong Rong asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.

  The aide straightened slightly, considering his response. “He seems like a capable young man—well-spoken and quick-witted. His suggestions were practical and well-received. May I ask why you are so interested in him, Governor?”

  Rather than answering immediately, Kong Rong reached into his desk and pulled out a letter sealed with the insignia of the academy. He tapped the parchment lightly before unfolding it and handing it to his aide.

  “Read this,” Kong Rong instructed.

  The aide’s eyes scanned the document, and as he read further, his brows lifted in surprise. “This… Zhao Ming actively participated in battle aboard the merchant ship? And he provided medical treatment for the wounded?”

  Kong Rong nodded. “Not just that. His insights on transporting weapons and cargo were noted in the report from Penglai. It seems he is more than just another scholar passing through Beihai.”

  The aide hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, “Should we have someone keep an eye on him?”

  Kong Rong shook his head. “No need. If he proves to be useful, we should consider recruiting him instead.”

  The aide looked slightly surprised. “Governor, wouldn’t it be safer to monitor him first? He is an unknown variable, after all.”

  Kong Rong let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temple. “Beihai is already overwhelmed with uncertainty. We have ten thousand refugees outside our walls, food shortages looming, and bandit activity increasing on our trade routes. I don’t have the luxury of wasting time spying on every promising young man who passes through.”

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  The governor leaned forward, his fingers drumming on the wooden table. “A man like Zhao Ming—young, intelligent, and capable—is rare. I’d rather take the risk of engaging him directly than waste effort shadowing his every move. If we don’t seize the opportunity, someone else will. And right now, Beihai needs every capable person it can get.”

  The aide slowly nodded, beginning to understand Kong Rong’s perspective. “I see… You’re thinking about Beihai’s long-term future.”

  Kong Rong gave a slight smile. “Not just the long-term. Right now, I need people who can act. The empire is in turmoil, the warlords are tightening their grip, and I have to ensure Beihai survives whatever storm is coming. If Zhao Ming proves useful, then he should serve Beihai rather than become someone else’s asset.”

  The aide remained silent for a moment before nodding in agreement. “Understood, Governor. I will see to it that we extend our hand rather than our shadow.”

  Kong Rong exhaled slowly, his gaze lingering on the closed door. He had seen many ambitious men pass through Beihai, but Zhao Ming was different. The boy was not just clever—he had the potential to be someone invaluable. The only question was whether he would accept Beihai as his home… or whether he would be drawn elsewhere by greater opportunities.

  After a moment of silence, Kong Rong shifted the topic. “By the way, what’s the current situation with trade in Donghai and Langya?”

  The aide immediately straightened, as this was an issue they had been dealing with for weeks. “Trade with Donghai has slowed, Governor. The increased pirate activity along the coastal routes has made merchants hesitant to send shipments. Even those who do still trade demand higher escort fees, which only increases the cost of goods.”

  Kong Rong frowned. “And Langya?”

  “Langya remains stable, but there are troubling signs. They have begun strengthening their local defenses and stockpiling grain. It seems they are preparing for a prolonged crisis. If they reduce their exports, Beihai will feel the impact soon.”

  Kong Rong tapped his fingers against the table, deep in thought. “Have they given any reason for the stockpiling?”

  The aide hesitated. “Officially, they claim it’s for precautionary measures in case of future shortages, but… there are rumors that other warlords are looking to expand their influence. Langya may be preparing for more than just economic troubles.”

  Kong Rong’s expression darkened. “If Langya reduces trade, and Donghai’s merchants hesitate due to piracy, Beihai will be left with even fewer resources to sustain its people.”

  The aide nodded. “That is why I believe securing alternative food sources, like Zhao Ming suggested, is critical. Hunting and fish farming could provide short-term relief, but in the long run, we need to secure stable trade routes.”

  Kong Rong sighed. “I will need to send envoys to Langya and Donghai to negotiate. If we can convince them to continue trade, we might prevent a food crisis.” He paused before adding, “But if Langya is truly preparing for conflict, we must be cautious. Their priorities may soon shift away from commerce.”

  The aide bowed slightly. “I will prepare the necessary documents for envoys.”

  Kong Rong nodded, his mind already planning the next steps. Beihai’s survival depended not just on internal measures but on maintaining delicate relationships with its neighbors. If they failed to adapt, it wouldn’t be hunger that doomed them—but war.

  As soon as they stepped out of the Governor’s office, the merchants let out a collective sigh of relief. The tension from the meeting had eased, and now their thoughts turned to more immediate matters—namely, food and drink.

  Master Wang, the rotund merchant, chuckled as he patted his ample belly, his laughter hearty and full of warmth. “That was quite the discussion. Well, gentlemen, I say we end the night on a good note. How about a proper meal? My restaurant, Golden Abundance Pavilion, serves the best roasted duck in Beihai.”

  Master Liu, the lean and sharp-featured merchant, stroked his beard with a thoughtful expression, his sharp eyes observing the exchange with quiet amusement. “I suppose a good meal is in order. A full stomach makes for clearer thinking.”

  Murong De let out a small sigh, rubbing his temples. “We’ll need it. That meeting was more exhausting than I expected. Ten thousand refugees… I knew the situation was bad, but I didn’t expect the numbers to grow this fast.”

  Master Liu nodded. “And the governor doesn’t have much support from the court. If the petition goes unanswered, which it likely will, then we’re on our own.”

  Master Wang scoffed. “It’s always been that way. We merchants have to solve problems the officials can’t handle. But I suppose Kong Rong is better than most—at least he’s willing to listen.”

  Lady Yu smirked, tapping her fan against her palm. “Listening is one thing, but solutions are another. The patrols? A good idea, but let’s see if the militia actually cooperates. And food shortages? Ha! Even if the hunting plan works, it won’t solve the bigger problem.” She glanced at Zhao Ming. “Still, I must admit, Young Master Zhao had some interesting ideas. Not bad for someone new to Beihai.”

  Zhao Ming remained composed, cupping his hands politely. “It’s just a suggestion based on what’s available. The real work will be in execution.”

  Master Wang laughed, shaking his head. “You say that now, but once you start getting involved, you’ll realize nothing is as simple as it seems. Every solution creates new problems.”

  Murong De sighed. “That’s the nature of business and governance. Still, we’ve at least taken the first step.”

  Master Liu let out a small chuckle. “Enough talk about work. We’ve done our part for today. Let’s eat.”

  Lady Yu, however, flicked open her fan. “A gathering of old men stuffing themselves? I’ll pass. Though I wouldn’t mind a more refined dinner—” her eyes flickered toward Zhao Ming with a teasing glint, “—if the company is interesting enough.”

  Master Wang groaned. “Here we go again. Lady Yu, must you always stir trouble?”

  Murong De smirked but said nothing, while Master Liu merely chuckled.

  Lady Yu ignored them, stepping closer to Zhao Ming with an easy grace. “What do you say, Young Master Zhao? Care to join me for a private meal? I promise, no boring merchant talk—just good wine and finer conversation.”

  Zhao Ming cupped his hands politely. “I appreciate the offer, Lady Yu, but I have other matters to attend to. There are things I need to purchase, and I already have prior arrangements.”

  Lady Yu let out a soft sigh, her fan tapping lightly against her palm. “What a shame. But another time, then.”

  Master Wang laughed, shaking his head. “Boy, you’re either smart or foolish. Few men get such an invitation from Lady Yu.”

  Zhao Ming only smiled, offering no further explanation. He had no intention of getting caught in Lady Yu’s games just yet.

  With that, the group parted ways—Murong De, Master Wang and Master Liu heading toward the Golden Abundance Pavilion, while Lady Yu turned to make her own plans for the evening. Meanwhile, Zhao Ming walked away, his mind already occupied with what he needed to do next.

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