247: Chapter 247 Recommendation to Visit the Store

"Wait a moment, you two. I'll go inform the Young Lord."

With that, the shop assistant led them to a side to sit down and then strode toward the inner hall with steady steps, showing no hint of disdain.

Su Dadan and Liu Qing stood where they were, not even daring to breathe too loudly.

They secretly observed the shop's furnishings.

They saw Red Sandalwood Spirit Wood shelves arranged in the hall, displaying various Magical Artifacts, Talismans, and Spiritual Plants.

The flowing spiritual light made it clear at a glance that these items were incredibly precious.

Even the assistants working in the shop were dressed extraordinarily, attending to customers in an orderly fashion.

Both of them had sweaty palms, fearing their shabby appearance would defile this precious place, and even more so that Ye Jing's grandson would look down on them.

Previously, they had ridden on the Mountain-Opening Rhinoceros; that Yao Beast's Divine Ability was formidable, bringing them to Tiangong Market in less than half a day.

They had long since regarded Ye Jing as a legendary figure with heaven-reaching powers; the grandson of such a person was bound to be a noble Young Master with very high standards.

After a short while, footsteps were heard from the inner hall.

A young figure in brocade robes walked out slowly. He appeared to be a tender youth of fifteen, with a face like jade and eyes that held a hint of steadiness and capability.

A faint spiritual light swirled around him, and his cultivation had already reached Qi Refining Level 6. In the eyes of Su and Liu, he was an elegant young man exuding nobility.

He was Ye Jing's third grandson, the eldest son of the second son Ye Yi and Liu Xianglan, Ye Tianhui.

Ye Tianhui had learned to manage the family business from his elders since childhood and was extremely shrewd.

His gaze fell upon the two of them without any arrogance; instead, he spoke with a touch of warmth, "Please, both of you, come into the guest room for a talk."

Seeing that he was a young man, Su Dadan and Liu Qing did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.

After entering the guest room, they hurriedly bowed, their movements extremely respectful; they even wanted to kneel, but Ye Tianhui stopped them.

"There's no need for such formalities. Grandfather already sent word, instructing me to settle you both in properly."

Ye Tianhui gestured for them to stand up, his tone calm. "Since you were recommended by Grandfather, you are now part of the Ye family. Just focus on your work in the shop from now on; there's no need to be formal."

Both were stunned. They never expected this young Young Master to be so approachable and without airs; their hearts, which had been hanging in suspense, instantly settled.

Their eyes reddened once more. Liu Qing spoke with a sob, "The Young Master's great kindness... we... we will surely give our all and work hard, never daring to be the least bit slack."

Su Dadan also nodded hurriedly, echoing in a muffled voice, "Yes, yes, yes! Just give us any manual or heavy labor—chopping wood, carrying water, guarding the warehouse, managing chores—we can do it all and will never laze around!"

Seeing this, Ye Tianhui's lips curled slightly as he turned to call the manager nearby, "Uncle Wang, arrange accommodations for these two, and give them their monthly allowance and work uniforms.

First, let them familiarize themselves with the shop's rules. Usually, they can just help manage the warehouse and look after the storefront."

The manager Ye Tianhui called Uncle Wang was a confidant he had personally selected over the years, and he was efficient in his work.

He immediately complied and smiled kindly at the two men, "Follow me, you two. There are dedicated rooms in the backyard—clean and bright. You'll be eating and staying in the shop from now on, so just settle in peacefully."

Su Dadan and Liu Qing expressed their gratitude a thousand times over and followed Uncle Wang to the backyard.

"Brother Su, this is wonderful! We finally have a place to stay and don't have to live on the streets anymore!" Liu Qing looked at the room, which wasn't very large, but he was extremely excited.

Su Dadan was also happy. "Yes! We truly met a benefactor. Who would have thought that encounter ten years ago would become a blessing for us brothers! If only my parents were still here..."

At this point, the atmosphere suddenly froze.

Liu Qing waved his hand. "Alright, let's not talk about those unlucky things. In this world, being able to find stability is already good enough; what more can one ask for? Besides, your Eldest Miss is still alive; she's even entered the Qingyun Sect, so your line hasn't died out yet!"

"Sigh, true. Let's just take it one step at a time."

—

Inside the Imperial Palace.

Beside the Warm Pavilion in the Imperial Garden, the peach and plum trees were just beginning to bud. A gentle breeze carried a faint floral fragrance, brushing past the carved beams and painted pillars.

Zhao Yuanyi was sitting on a soft couch, teasing the princess in her swaddling clothes. His fingertips gently poked the infant's rosy cheeks, his eyes full of doting affection.

Surrounded by several concubines who accompanied him with soft voices and gentle whispers, amidst the glimmer of jewelry and the chatter of beauties, it was a scene of peace and harmony.

Now that Zhao Yuanyi was securely on the throne of the Yan State, while he might not be considered an emperor for the ages, he was diligent and loved his people.

Every day he attended court to oversee national affairs, reviewed memorials, and handled government business. Once state matters were settled, he would withdraw to the Imperial Garden to spend time with his concubines and children, living a comfortable and pleasant life.

At its root, this was simply because he relied on the great tree that was the Ye family.

As a Cultivator, Ye Xuan stayed in the capital and secretly cleared away political rivals in the court and bandit troubles at the borders for him.

Coupled with the continuous financial and material support from the Ye family, the Yan State's national strength grew daily, its territory expanded year after year, and surrounding small nations sent envoys to submit. Naturally, he, as the emperor, could rest easy with fewer worries.

"Your Majesty, Lord Ye is outside the hall seeking an audience, saying there are important matters to discuss."

The personal eunuch, bowing low, approached softly and reported in a hushed voice, fearing to disturb His Majesty and the princess.

The princess in Zhao Yuanyi's arms made a few babbling sounds, and he handed the child to a nearby concubine.

The lazy smile on his face faded slightly as he adjusted the collar of his dragon robe and quickly spoke, "Oh? For General Ye to enter the palace at this hour, there must be something urgent. Quickly, summon him to the Side Hall to wait; I will be there immediately."

He knew well that Ye Xuan was always steady; unless it concerned the state or the Ye family's grand plans, he would never rashly enter the palace at this time.

Thinking of the recent chaos in the Yan State caused by Loose Cultivators and the rise of displaced people, Zhao Yuanyi paused for a moment, a trace of contemplation flashing in his eyes, before walking quickly toward the Side Hall.

Inside the Side Hall of the Imperial Garden, Ye Xuan and Ye Yi were waiting. Ye Xuan gazed at the blue bricks and black tiles outside the hall, his expression calm and rippleless.

Hearing footsteps, Ye Xuan and Ye Yi turned and bowed, "Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty."

"You may dispense with the formalities, my two beloved Ministers Ye. Be seated."

Zhao Yuanyi did not dare let these two brothers truly bow to him; he hurriedly reached out to support them, had Ye Xuan sit in the seat of honor, and dismissed the surrounding palace attendants.

He asked respectfully, "What important matter brings you two to the palace at this time?"

After taking his seat, Ye Xuan spoke bluntly, "Your Majesty is wise, but currently, displaced people are scattered throughout the Yan State, and many destitute Loose Cultivators have taken the opportunity to cause chaos, looting villages and towns and oppressing the common people."

"If this continues, it will certainly become a major threat. My father and I have discussed this for a long time and have a plan that serves both ends—it can clear out the banditry and appease the displaced people, while also providing assistance to the court and the Ye family, stabilizing the Yan State."

Zhao Yuanyi's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly, his tone urgent, "Oh? You actually have a good strategy? Tell me quickly; I will certainly cooperate fully!"

He knew Ye Jing's methods well; whenever he spoke, it was bound to be a foolproof plan, so he was full of anticipation now.

Ye Xuan spoke slowly, laying out the recruitment plan drafted by the Ye family in a clear and organized manner.

"I intend to first issue a Suppression Order in the name of the court, mobilizing troops to join forces with the Ye family's Cultivators."

"To clear the realm of those evil Cultivators who are tyrannical, murderous, and have notorious records, thereby intimidating those with ill intent."

"Then, we will issue a Loose Cultivator Recruitment Order to widely accept those destitute Cultivators who have lost their homes but still hold onto their principles, taking them in as Retainers of the Ye family to be managed jointly by the court and the Ye family."

He paused and further analyzed the pros and cons: "These Retainers can be assigned to manage border patrols, guard mines, handle business in dangerous areas, and use their cultivation to resolve various crises."

"The court will not need to spend on provisions or pay to stabilize the borders and clear out internal unrest."

The Ye family can also expand its strength and protect the territory of the Yan State; it is a win-win situation.

"Furthermore, my father has already established strict House Rules, wielding both kindness and authority to ensure that the Retainers do not develop ulterior motives, turn against their masters, or disrupt the imperial court."