Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 694

Chapter 694: Chapter 691: Stirring Trouble_1

"Yes!" Zeng Shanru, unperturbed, lifted her gaze towards the interior of the screen, then continued, "In my limited knowledge, although this arrow mold is good, I noticed that, currently, only Yan employs such arrowheads. I suspect this Mr. Xiao might be connected with the Yan Kingdom. I request that the eldest lady be extra cautious when dealing with this Mr. Xiao."

Zeng Shanru’s words made Bai Qingyan regard her in a new light. She didn’t expect Zeng Shanru to know that these arrowheads were from Yan.

"How did you know this?" Bai Qingyan covered the teacup lid and asked with a smile.

"Shanru is dull-witted and has shallow knowledge. When the eldest lady entrusted me with the important task of mining and refining weapons, I wanted to learn more, so I read some ancient books and miscellaneous collections on weapons. Coincidentally, I came across a record that mentioned the arrowheads used by Yan. At that time, Yan was still a powerful kingdom, producing high-quality ore to forge arrowheads of this shape. Later, when Yan attempted to conquer our Jin Kingdom and was driven to a corner due to internal strife, they lost the superior iron ore in their territory, and could no longer forge similarly refined weapons. These exquisite arrowheads require premium purple copper ore for support, so Yan also couldn’t make them after that. Yan’s once terror-inducing crossbow army vanished as a result."

Bai Qingyan nodded, "This alone does not prove that Mr. Xiao has connections with Yan. He is a native of Wei; he might have obtained this mold to create weapons to fight against Yan for his motherland."

Hearing Bai Qingyan’s nonchalance, Zeng Shanru grew anxious, "Eldest lady, there are superior ores within Wei’s territory. If Mr. Xiao genuinely worked for his motherland, he would have sent the mold back to Wei. Why conduct business with you and share the profit? Shanru knows that the eldest lady is always meticulous, but one must not underestimate the nature of merchants. Merchants are profit-driven; if Yan offers higher profits, there’s no guarantee Mr. Xiao won’t send these weapons to Yan. Therefore, Shanru begs the eldest lady to be wary of this individual."

Bai Qingyan did not doubt Zeng Shanru’s loyalty. It was rare and commendable that Zeng Shanru was intelligent and eager to learn. Sending her to oversee mining and weapons fabrication, she could peruse ancient texts and derive notable insights, which was highly valuable.

"I am aware of the matters between Mr. Xiao and Yan..." Bai Qingyan said, "Don’t worry, I have it under control."

Only then did Zeng Shanru breathe a sigh of relief, "Since the eldest lady knows, Shanru will say no more."

Zeng Shanru sat quietly to the side and spoke no more.

"Uncle Liu, there will be shipments of grain arriving soon. Proceed with the transactions as usual. Send word to Ji Tingyu that he need not worry about the grain; Shuoyang will handle it properly." Bai Qingyan said to Steward Liu, then glanced at the upright Zeng Shanru through the screen, "If Uncle Liu finds himself too busy, Zeng Shanru can assist."

Steward Liu, now aged, gradually handed over his tasks to Zeng Shanru, preparing to retire peacefully.

"Rest assured, eldest lady, I can manage this small matter. However, given my age, I am somewhat challenged with certain tasks. It is good to guide Zeng Shanru while I still can, so she can take over in the future," Steward Liu said with a smile, then remembered another matter, "By the way, eldest lady, since Bai Qiyun’s death, former Bai Clan Leader Bai Weimei has been behaving for a time. Recently, his personal attendant frequently visits clan households. Then Bai Weimei fell ill, and several clan elders often come to visit, as if scheduled together. They stay for less than an hour. I fear the clan might be planning something."