This matter was too dangerous; without absolute certainty, he wouldn't dare act rashly.
Thinking this, Zhu Chang took a deep breath, his expression calming slightly.
"This matter should be approached gradually. Do not mention it to anyone."
"Yes!"
Seeing that he was not entirely moved by his plan, the advisor showed a hint of disappointment, but dared not press further due to his position.
Zhu Chang was clearly tempted, but the ultimate decision to proceed still rested with him.
Having followed him for so long, the advisor understood his character well. Knowing that the other party did not intend to act now, he abandoned the thought of offering further advice.
While they were engaged in their schemes, Ye Qingcheng, who had gone to seek cooperation with grain merchants, also made considerable progress.
Initially, things were somewhat difficult.
After all, in Ning City today, the grain merchant sector was largely monopolized by Japanese merchants.
Smaller grain merchants were either bought out, or those unwilling to be acquired were directly suppressed and prevented from selling grain.
The common folk were no match for these well-connected Japanese individuals and could only accept their fate.
Furthermore, the local major grain merchants mostly had dealings with the Japanese and would not easily break their agreements.
The local grain merchants Ye Qingcheng initially contacted through her medical clinic all politely declined her requests for cooperation, with some even refusing to meet her.
Under such circumstances, Ye Qingcheng became somewhat disheartened, thinking this path might soon be blocked.
The very next day, she was introduced to Ning City's largest inn, where she met an acquaintance.
This person was none other than Zhang Dieyi, whom she had not seen since their parting in the capital!
After Ye Qingcheng had asked her to deal with Liu Wen Cai that time, she had released the young woman home as promised.
As for the young lady's subsequent whereabouts, she had never inquired further, as they were merely chance acquaintances who had sparked a small connection.
Coupled with the many matters that had occupied Ye Qingcheng, she had no energy to concern herself with a young girl, especially one who was quite rebellious!
Therefore, when Ye Qingcheng saw Zhang Dieyi in the restaurant, she was quite surprised, not expecting to encounter this acquaintance so far from the capital, thousands of miles away.
"You… what are you doing here?"
Not only Ye Qingcheng, but Zhang Dieyi was also quite shocked to see the person before her, her eyes scanning up and down as if she had seen a ghost.
The days she spent at the other's medical clinic were truly the most miserable period of her life, but also the time where she gained the most experience.
Upon returning, Zhang Dieyi had reformed her ways. Although her personality remained as spirited and mischievous as before, she had settled down, determined to assist her father and possess the ability to inherit his legacy.
Coincidentally, the first task she volunteered for was being sent to Ning City to take charge of her family's grain business.
Zhang Dieyi's father, Zhang Tianlong, was a prominent figure. He had single-handedly established the Baina Chamber of Commerce, opening shops in various industries across the country.
As a key stronghold of the dynasty, Ning City naturally had a presence of the Baina Chamber of Commerce, and grains were an essential commodity.
Zhang Dieyi had been in Ning City for about half a month and had heard about the citizens' calls to boycott the Japanese merchant caravan's high-priced grain sales.
However, she was unaware that Ye Qingcheng and Xiao Wangye had also arrived here.
When she heard that someone was seeking to buy grain, and a very large batch at that, she immediately met this important client personally.
Upon seeing the person, she realized it was Ye Qingcheng!
Zhang Dieyi's feelings towards Ye Qingcheng were quite complex. She was both angered by the punishment she had received and impressed by the other's methods and courage.
After all, in the context of this era, it was extremely rare for a woman to open her own medical clinic and to refuse to indulge in wealth and status despite being a princess.
As a woman with commercial dreams herself, Zhang Dieyi realized Ye Qingcheng's difficulties and strength even more after going out to manage affairs.
"You need so much grain because of the city's boycott activities, right?"
With some experience now, Zhang Dieyi saw through the other's intentions at a glance. She spoke with a stern little face but did not directly expose the other's identity.
Seeing that it was an acquaintance, Ye Qingcheng immediately shed her pretense of politeness and smiled casually, nodding in affirmation.
Zhang Dieyi knew her identity, so it was reasonable for her to guess the cause and effect. Ye Qingcheng had nothing to hide from her.
Although this young girl was a restless individual, her intentions were ultimately good, she was just a bit spoiled.
Seeing her frank admission, Zhang Dieyi pouted. The thought of getting back at her, which she had initially considered, was instantly dismissed.
"Alright, alright. Since you're the one who needs it, I won't say any more. Our chamber of commerce has enough stored grain, so don't worry, you can have as much as you want. As for the price, for your sake, I'll give you a fifty percent discount on the original price!"
Waving her hand, Zhang Dieyi got straight to the point, stating her intentions before the other could even make a request.
The original price she spoke of was naturally the average price across all towns, not the high price set by the Japanese merchant caravan in Ning City.
Hearing this, Ye Qingcheng was even more astonished, looking at the other person with disbelief.
According to her expectations, the pampered young girl Zhang Dieyi should have made things a little difficult before agreeing, knowing that she needed to buy a large amount of grain to solve the current predicament.
After all, that spoiled young girl had suffered quite a bit at her hands when they were in the capital.
Meeting her doubtful gaze, Zhang Dieyi coughed a little unnaturally, recalling her past misdeeds.
"What are you looking at? Aren't you satisfied with this price?"
"Satisfied, of course, I am. Our Boss Zhang is truly generous. Then I'll thank you on behalf of the suffering common folk."
Smiling, Ye Qingcheng teased her and no longer thought about it.
People change. Perhaps the young girl had undergone a transformation after suffering a bit. Ye Qingcheng was happy that Zhang Dieyi had become more understanding of the bigger picture.
Soon, the two signed the contract and reached an agreement.
For this business, Zhang Dieyi made no profit at all, and even incurred the cost of transporting the grain.
But she maintained her fearless demeanor, completely unconcerned, and paid no mind to the shopkeeper trailing behind her and grumbling.
The entire Haina Chamber of Commerce belonged to her family; she bore the responsibility for any decisions she made.
Moreover, Zhang Tianlong had wanted to gift the Haina Chamber of Commerce to Ye Qingcheng back then, but the latter had refused.
Zhang Dieyi was merely cultivating goodwill now. In fact, if calculated carefully, they were still gaining. Even if Zhang Tianlong were here, he wouldn't fault her.
Allowing a princess to owe them a favor was a matter with no downside and all upside, especially since this princess was also the Prime Minister's daughter.
Both identities were something that merchants like them could only aspire to.