Chapter 774 – Danger of the Xie Residence

The Tianze Incense Pill was an incense recipe that Yu Youyao had researched and created on the basis of an ointment.

“If it’s used for a long time, can it cure the illness completely?”

The medicinal cuisine and incense pills were both for consumption. The County Head of Shaoyi did not take them out at first because she was cautious. When she found out that her mother had used ointment and the effect was very good, she confirmed the state of her health.

Yu Youyao did not finish her sentence. “Your mother is in her prime. Her muscles and bones are still strong. If she uses it for a long time, the possibility of complete treatment is very high.”

Her words made Lin Ruoru very excited so she moved on to the topic of disaster relief. “When the elders in the family found out that you were mainly buying medicine from the Lin and Yan families to relieve the disaster, they decided to reduce their supplies to the other merchants and fully support you. They also took the initiative to reduce the price by 15%. It can be considered as doing their best for the affected commoners in the north.”

Medicinal herbs were rare resources, and the price had always been high. The Lin family had already taken the initiative to reduce the price by 15%. Yu Youyao immediately expressed her gratitude.

Lin Ruoru continued, “If you have no objections, please go to the government office tomorrow to discuss and implement the cooperation and establish a contract. The Lin family will prepare as fast as possible. The medicinal herbs that the County Head needs can also be used by the affected people in the north as soon as possible.”

Yu Youyao nodded. “Okay, let’s set it at nine tomorrow.”

Lin Ruoru continued, “The Yan family also has someone in charge in Quanzhou, but it will take time to send the news to the Yan family. At that time, the Yan family will prepare the medicinal herbs that you need. If it’s convenient for you, send someone who can be in charge over to the Yan Residence. The medicinal herbs will be transported directly from Shuzhou to avoid back and forth. It will also be faster.”

Yu Youyao nodded. “No problem.”

Zhou Yonghe was the most suitable person to handle such a matter.

Lin Ruoru mentioned again that after the preparations for the collaboration disaster relief were completed, they could discuss the exchange of medicinal herbs in the Daoist area. It could be considered as expressing their willingness to cooperate.

After that, Lin Ruoru left with the medicinal cuisine recipe that Yu Youyao had prepared and the Tianze Incense Pill.

Yu Youyao returned to the Yi Water Garden, changed into her usual clothes, and went to the front hall.

The entire Xie family was talking in the hall, and the atmosphere was a little heavy.

Yu Youyao had to explain the reason for her personal appearance today. Although the Xie family could guess it, there were definitely some things that had to be explained clearly.

“Quanzhou is under the rule of the Jiazhou Residence. Their control over Quanzhou can’t be underestimated. Since he has the intention to roast me over the fire, other than coming to apologize humbly, he definitely has a backup plan. It’s not difficult to guess that he wants to create public opinion. Under such circumstances, we definitely can’t bring him into the residence and close the door to talk. Otherwise, the Xie Residence won’t be able to clear our name even if we jump into the Yellow River.”

“She used the identity of the County Head of Shaoyi to intimidate the Jiazhou Residence, but the rumors have already been spread. Many people know about this matter, and everyone will have their own thoughts. No matter how much she explains later, it will all become excuses.”

“This is also a good solution. If we expose the matter of me buying medicine from the Lin family in public, not only will the Jiazhou Residence not dare to continue spreading rumors, but they will even take the initiative to help me clarify the rumors.”

Jiazhou Residence was caught off guard by her wanting to help the Imperial Court relief the disaster, so they lowered their status and retreated.

Yu Youyao put down her teacup. “At most, the Jiazhou Residence’s actions against the Xie Residence have changed from being blatant to being secretive. They’re determined to get the Xie Residence. According to our original plan, how long will it take for the Xie Residence to evacuate completely?”

Xie Xun said, “It’ll take at least three to four months.”

Yu Youyao frowned. “That’s too slow. The actions of the Jiazhou Residence today are already part of King Liang’s plan. He doesn’t need to wait for the news of the Emperor’s critical illness to spread before attacking the Xie Residence. He only needs to bring hundreds or thousands of elite troops and disguise themselves as a caravan. They’ll cooperate with the Jiazhou Residence and enter the city in batches. Then, they can control the entire Quanzhou. At times, they’ll kill a few people and create public opinion. They’ll announce to the public that vicious bandits have entered the city. The government office of the state capital will cordon off Quanzhou, and we’ll be trapped.”

Yin Huaixi could even arrange for a hundred elite troops to enter Quanzhou.

Why couldn’t King Liang?

Old Master Xie’s expression changed drastically. It was already obvious that the Jiazhou Residence was colluding with King Liang. Yu Youyao’s words were simply too possible.

The others did not look too good.

Yu Youyao asked, “How’s the plan to evacuate Quanzhou arranged?”

Xie Liao said, “Some of the Xie family’s assets have been transferred to the North, and another batch has been transferred to the Huai River area.”

The eggs could not be placed in the same basket. No matter how good King Yue Fei’s promise was, it was impossible for the Xie family to bet all their assets on him.

Yu Youyao understood the rationale, but the situation did not allow it. “Transfer all the businesses that were originally going to the Huai River area to the North. We can leave Quanzhou in two months at the latest.”

Xie Tiao said, “According to you, King Liang can make a move at any time. The North is even further from Quanzhou than the Huai River. Why should we give up on the near and seek the far? Besides, the Huai River is a Min people’s settlement. We’ll have an advantage when we reach the Huai River. The Xie family has been doing business for generations. The North is more barren, and it’s not good for business.”

The Xie family had decided to go to the North to surrender to King Yue Fei.

However, the current situation was disadvantageous to the Xie Residence. The Xie Residence could temporarily head to Huai River to plan for their funeral.

Yu Youyao said, “I’ve made two arrangements. I’ll send a letter to the Empress Dowager and report that the Jiazhou Residence has become vicious and harmed the commoners. I’ll also send a letter to the Yu Clan. At that time, the Yu Clan will mobilize their connections in the court and vigorously impeach the Jiazhou Residence. We can temporarily delay the Jiazhou Residence.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll go to the government office and negotiate a contract with the Lin Residence. The matter of purchasing medicine for disaster relief will spread throughout Quanzhou. At the same time, I’ve also arranged for people to spread this matter to the entire Great Zhou as soon as possible. Disaster relief is a huge matter for the country. The Jiazhou Residence can’t attack the Xie Residence at this juncture.”

“It will take at least a month to collect the medicinal herbs and transport them to the North. During this period of time, the Xie family’s situation is quite safe. We can use the carriages and boats to transport the medicinal herbs and transfer some of our most important manpower and assets to the North first.”

“The medicinal herbs for the disaster relief have left the port of Quanzhou, and the commotion in the capital has also spread to Quanzhou. The Jiazhou Residence has to deal with the Imperial Court, so they won’t be able to do anything for a while. They’ll be delayed for at least half a month.”

Xie Jingliu nodded. “Little Yao’er’s arrangements are the safest method for the Xie family. There’s a huge advantage in choosing the North. It’s a little far along the coast of Liaodong in the North, but it’s very convenient to travel by sea. When the merchant ship arrives in Liaodong, it’s in the North under King Yue Fei’s jurisdiction. It’s safe, convenient, and fast.”

“The area around Liaodong Province is also a place with few resources in the North. It’s very beneficial to the development of the Xie family. On the other hand, it’s not easy to move to the Huai River area. As long as the merchant ship doesn’t leave Fujian, it’ll be easier to be exposed under King Liang’s watch.”