197: Chapter 197 Chen's Scheme

This made him feel somewhat displeased.

Especially recently, the Yuanhang Trade Caravan's development had been far too smooth.

Although he hadn't seen the Yuanhang Trade Caravan's ledgers, he had heard a fair amount about them.

In his position as the Head of the Chen Clan, he had to consider the interests of the Chen Clan and its direct lineage.

If Chen Yuanba were just an ordinary direct descendant, based on this alone, he would have faced a severe scolding, and it wouldn't even be impossible for his shares to be confiscated.

Fortunately, Chen Yuanba was already a Six Viscera Grandmaster, held an important position, and was also one of the Chen Clan's high-ranking members.

Even as the Head of the Chen Clan, he couldn't treat Chen Yuanba too casually.

Third Elder Chen Zexi asked in confusion, "Second Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Immediately after, Chen Zemin recounted the matter of Chen Yuanba investing in the Yuanhang Trade Caravan.

Listening to Chen Zemin's explanation, Third Elder Chen Zexi finally realized, "At first, I was wondering why Yuanba would suddenly be short on silver. Given his temperament, I wouldn't believe it if he hadn't saved up a small private vault. So he spent his money on this. I must say, Yuanba's eye is truly good. I've been back for less than half a month, and I've heard the name of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan so often it's like my ears are growing calluses. In my view, this Yuanhang Trade Caravan has a promising future and could very well become the fifth largest trade caravan in Jinhuai Prefecture."

Chen Zemin smiled and didn't completely refute the point. "I didn't expect you to keep busy even after returning, gathering such clear information. The Yuanhang Trade Caravan's business model is indeed unexpected and refreshing. However, to say it will become the fifth largest trade caravan in Jinhuai Prefecture is still premature."

With just those words, he understood that his second brother had a hidden meaning.

He didn't expose it, instead maintaining a non-committal attitude. "Oh? Seeing Second Brother's stance, could there be some hidden details I'm unaware of?"

Chen Zemin said indifferently, "It's not exactly a hidden detail, it's just that you returned a bit late, so you don't know what happened recently."

Third Elder Chen Zexi said, "Second Brother, stop keeping me in suspense. You know me, I'm impatient."

"Fine, fine, what's the rush..." Chen Zemin took a sip of tea and then began to detail the incident of Qian Handong visiting the Yuanhang Trade Caravan a month ago.

Third Elder Chen Zexi saw through the key point at once and said in a heavy voice, "Second Brother, you mean the Qian Clan will take action against the Yuanhang Trade Caravan."

Chen Zemin slowly set down his teacup, his tone carrying a hint of calm and composure. "Naturally. Given Qian Ninghe's temperament, how could he tolerate the growth of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan? Once Qian Ninghe takes action, it will likely be impossible for the Yuanhang Trade Caravan to survive this hurdle."

Seeing the meaningful look in Chen Zemin's eyes, Third Elder Chen Zexi understood instantly.

Logically, given the antagonistic relationship between the Chen Clan and the Qian Clan, even if Chen Yuanba had invested in the Yuanhang Trade Caravan privately...

...as a high-ranking member of the Chen Clan, the clan should naturally protect his interests. Not to mention, the opponent was the Qian Clan.

Yet Chen Zemin had spoken this way, which undoubtedly indicated a specific stance.

The Chen Clan would not intervene casually this time.

Third Elder Chen Zexi understood his second brother's temperament; he was likely somewhat dissatisfied with Chen Yuanba's private actions.

Beyond that, his second brother probably wanted to achieve a certain goal through this event.

However, Third Elder Chen Zexi didn't expose him, instead smiling in agreement. "If the Qian Clan takes action, the Yuanhang Trade Caravan will certainly face immense difficulties. In this Jinhuai Prefecture, only our Chen Clan can contend with them."

"However, if the Yuanhang Trade Caravan can't hold out, I'm worried the Wuyang Pei Clan will seek out Yuanba."

Hearing this, Chen Zemin laughed. "Zexi, when did you learn to speak in such a roundabout way? That doesn't seem like you. The Chen Clan has a stake in the Yuanhang Trade Caravan; if the Qian Clan takes action, our Chen Clan naturally cannot just stand by and watch."

"As I thought," Third Elder Chen Zexi mused to himself.

His second brother was eyeing the shares of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan.

Grumbling aside...

As a member of the Chen Clan, Third Elder Chen Zexi still agreed with his second brother's perspective.

Interactions between Great Families were always about interests.

Working for free was impossible.

Not to mention, the Wuyang Pei Clan and the Chen Clan were not equals. One was a second-rate family, while the other was merely a third-rate family.

No matter how nicely it was put, the gap between the two remained a chasm.

Furthermore, even as the Head of the Chen Clan, he was optimistic about the Yuanhang Trade Caravan's development prospects.

A twenty percent stake was ultimately too small. It would be even better if there were more shares, or if the Yuanhang Trade Caravan could even be brought under the Chen Clan's control.

For the Chen Clan to obtain its own interests in this manner was already a fairly generous approach.

Third Elder Chen Zexi said, "Second Brother is absolutely right. The Chen Clan has a share in the Yuanhang Trade Caravan, so naturally, we won't just watch the Qian Clan act recklessly."

...

Unlike Chen Yuanba's private investment, He Yucheng was far from having Chen Yuanba's strength and status. All of his funding came from the He Clan's treasury.

It was merely in his name; in reality, it belonged to the He Clan, a fact unknown to outsiders.

Of course, some clever people could guess it.

Back when Pei Qingyun sold the shares, he had actually considered this point.

He brought these Great Families in as shareholders of the Yuanhang Trade Caravan not because he wanted to rely on them.

Whether it was the Chen Clan or the He Clan, they were merely paving the way for the Yuanhang Trade Caravan's Jinhuai Branch. If he truly treated them as a lifeline, it would only be counterproductive.