Happy life in the world of film and television

Chapter 1592 "Hu Xueyan, the Red-Capped Merchant" - Luo Si
"According to previous information, there is a new continent to the north of the central continent."

"However, there is no news of the New World to the west of the Central Continent."

"Based on the situation in the Third and Fourth Worlds, there must be a new continent to the west of the central continent."

As Jiang Chen pondered this, he flew north on his sword.

Soon, Jiang Chen arrived at Lin'an Prefecture.

This is Jiang Chen's second visit to Lin'an Prefecture on the Qing Dynasty mainland.

When Jiang Chen visited Lin'an Prefecture last time, he met the female lead of "The Ugly Woman".

Jiang Chen also remembers this vividly.

Of course, the most important thing is that Lin'an Prefecture has a developed economy and, like Wuchang Prefecture, it is a key city for the Jiang family to develop.

In Lin'an Prefecture, Jiang Chen first toured the Jiang family's properties and conducted a covert investigation before arriving at West Lake.

"West Lake... There is only one in the First World, but how many are there in the Second, Third, and Fourth Worlds?"

"However, in these worlds, the tourism value of West Lake is not very high."

"Only literary figures and scholars come here to have some fun; ordinary people are still struggling to make ends meet."

On a whim, Jiang Chen booked a boat and began to tour West Lake.

In mainland China during the Qing Dynasty, the Ten Scenes of West Lake had already been established.

Because there are fewer tourists than in the First World, there is no sense of being surrounded by crowds.

Suddenly, Jiang Chen remembered something and murmured, "Right... Lady White Snake and Xu Xian are also characters from TV dramas, I just wonder which world they're in..."

Jiang Chen was naturally familiar with Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.

and.

Lady White Snake is still a demon.

Si Teng is so beautiful, and Bai Suzhen... the Bai Suzhen in those TV dramas and movies isn't bad either. I just don't know which version it is.

But what is it like between a human and a demon?
Wouldn't I be scared to death if I turned into my original form at a crucial moment?
Si Teng is alright.

As for Bai Niangzi's words, Jiang Chen is actually a little afraid of snakes.

"However, although there is a cultivation world in the Fourth World, things involving Lady White Snake may not be in the Fourth World."

"If it's the Fifth World, I wonder when I'll have the chance to go there..."

Jiang Chen couldn't wait to think about it.

After all, even if one is weak, one can still develop discreetly. Moreover, even if the Fifth World is a fusion world of fantasy dramas, there will definitely be humans among them.

"It's a pity that West Lake isn't Daming Lake... If only there were a Xia Yuhe..." Jiang Chen murmured.

Jiang Chen thought it would be great to have a few beautiful women around him right now.

Unfortunately, he and Zhou Ying had already parted ways when he left Wuchang Prefecture.

After strolling around West Lake, the small boat stopped at a small dock.

Just as Jiang Chen was about to disembark, he heard a voice coming from ahead: "Father, you're back?"

"Ok?"

Jiang Chen looked towards the source of the voice: "Is that Luo Si?"

Almost simultaneously, a system notification sounded.

"Sign in."

Jiang Chen silently recited in his heart.

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully checked in and received one hundred griffins.]

"One hundred griffins?"

"This is the eighteenth time I've checked in and received one hundred griffins."

According to the system introduction, this griffin is the griffin from "Battle Through the Heavens", a fourth-tier magical beast.

Griffins have sun-like plumage and coat colors. Their lion-like hindquarters are covered in yellowish-brown fur, while their eagle-like head and forelimbs are entirely covered in golden eagle feathers, though they may also be creamy white feathers with deep red spots. The feathers on their head and wings may be blue or green, the feathers on their chest are vermilion, and their eagle-like beak and feet may range from transparent yellow to brilliant gold, with black claws.

Because of their larger size, griffins cannot turn and circle as nimbly as birds, but they can still perform a considerable number of aerial maneuvers without a rider. They can fly in any weather and have an instinct for sensing weather changes. One reason griffins are difficult to tame is their strong confidence in their aerial abilities; they will not accept unreasonable commands from their riders.

At the same time, griffins possess superb hunting skills. With their speed, agility, and naturally sharp claws, griffins are truly astonishing when they swoop down from the sky to hunt.

"The fourth-tier magical beast, the Griffin, possesses the strength of a Battle Spirit."

"This means that the griffin has the strength of a Martial Emperor."

"This is an extraordinary treasure."

Although Jiang Chen already has a Martial God Realm puppet, the more Martial Emperor Realm griffins he has, the better.

"The sign-in reward this time is pretty good."

"There are now a total of two thousand griffins, but it is impossible to control them without the strength of a Martial Emperor."

"However, building a griffin army is not easy; not everyone has the strength. I wonder if I can build a griffin army before going to the Fourth World."

At that moment, Jiang Chen looked at the female lead who had signed in.

Luo Si is a character in the novel "The Red-Capped Merchant Hu Xueyan".

In the drama, she is Hu Xueyan's wife. She is the most important woman in Hu Xueyan's life, the girl Cuihuan who accompanied Hu Xueyan through his life, also known as the somewhat famous "Fourth Mrs. Luo".

Luo Si in "The Red-Capped Merchant Hu Xueyan".

In the drama, when Hu Xueyan first arrived in Hangzhou, he was detained by the canal gang because they mistook him for a spy. A boatwoman named Luo Si stepped forward and, arguing that "the canal gang's rules cannot be broken, but the spirit of chivalry must not be extinguished," persuaded the gang leader, Seventh Sister, to release Hu Xueyan. Luo Si also repaid five hundred taels of silver owed by "Crazy Xu" to the Xinhe Money Shop. This act of righteousness not only resolved the crisis but also allowed Hu Xueyan to witness Luo Si's wisdom in dealing with people—a blend of gentleness and inner strength.

While rescuing the man, Luo Si had already vaguely sensed Hu Xueyan's commercial potential. She understood that the value of "providing help in times of need" far exceeded that of "adding flowers to brocade," a foresight that coincided with Hu Xueyan's later business philosophy of "leveraging existing strengths." Through her connections with the canal guild, Luo Si opened up commercial channels for Hangzhou's water transport for Hu Xueyan. Hu Xueyan's later monopoly on the canal transport in Jiangsu and Zhejiang was precisely due to the resources he had accumulated in his early years.

Luo Si's reputation for chivalry spread throughout Hangzhou's business circles, becoming an endorsement of Hu Xueyan's early credibility.

The relationship between Luo Si and Hu Xueyan underwent a transformation from benefactor to ally, and from confidante to strategist. After entering the Hu family as "Mrs. Snail," Luo Si quickly became Hu Xueyan's emotional haven. Unlike the other concubines who vied for favor, she won Hu Xueyan's absolute trust with her promise to "share hardships." When Hu Xueyan's cash flow dried up due to the silk war, Luo Si sold her dowry to cover the losses and even persuaded her mother to mortgage the family's traditional medicine shop to a money lender.

Luo Si's business acumen was fully demonstrated in Hu Xueyan's raw silk trade. She astutely grasped the cyclical fluctuations in the European raw silk market and advised Hu Xueyan to "hoard goods and wait for the right price." When London raw silk prices plummeted, Luo Si strongly advocated for a "reverse acquisition," forcing foreign merchants to compromise by controlling 70% of the silk warehouses in Huzhou. This campaign not only netted Hu Xueyan 300 million taels of silver but also established his pricing power in the international raw silk market.

When Hu Xueyan faced dire straits in his later years due to the "Fukang Bank run," Luo Si demonstrated astonishing crisis management skills. On the one hand, she spread false information that "the Hu family has received military funding from Zuo Zongtang" to stabilize depositors' confidence; on the other hand, she secretly transferred assets to the Ningbo branch. When Hu Xueyan's property was confiscated, Luo Si preemptively converted the "Hu Qing Yu Tang" pharmacy into a charitable institution, thus preventing its confiscation. This wisdom of "cutting the losses" preserved the last embers of the Hu family's fortunes.

"Luo Si can be described as a business genius."

"She is also an excellent matriarch."

Jiang Chen sized up Luo Si.

In this era, the ability to stand out is unmatched by people from the First World.

However, Jiang Chen did not go over to talk to Luo Si, but instead disembarked and walked into Lin'an City.

……

"Xinhe Money Exchange?"

Jiang Chen stood in front of a money exchange, his brows furrowed.

In mainland China during the Qing Dynasty, there were many money shops like Xinhe Money Shop.

As Huanyu Bank develops, money shops like Xinhe Money Shop will be impacted, and they will definitely unite to deal with Huanyu Bank.

"Hey kid, what are you doing here?"

Just then, a voice came from the side.

Jiang Chen turned his head and saw Fatty Zhang.

A character in "The Red-Capped Merchant Hu Xueyan".

In the drama, he is the "boss" of the famous "Xinhe Money Shop" in Lin'an Prefecture (Hangzhou City). He is a profit-driven person who even holds grudges against the dead. He is an out-and-out snobbish and petty person.

Jiang Chen gave Zhang the fat man a cold look.

Zhang Pangzi's pupils contracted.

He found Jiang Chen's gaze terrifying.

Jiang Chen snorted coldly and turned to leave.

After strolling around Lin'an City, Jiang Chen arrived at the Pear Garden.

"Liyuan is a famous opera troupe in Lin'an City."

"Let's go take a look."

With that in mind, Jiang Chen walked into the pear orchard.

The opera troupe was bustling with activity. When Jiang Chen entered the troupe, he saw many people listening to the opera.

Jiang Chen found a seat and ordered several kinds of pastries and a pot of tea. It must be said, the opera troupe from the Peking Opera troupe performed quite well.

After watching the pear orchard for half an hour, Jiang Chen prepared to leave.

Just then, the new play began.

Jiang Chen only glanced at it before a system notification sounded.

"Sign in."

Jiang Chen silently recited in his heart.

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully checked in and obtained a Level 1 Secret Realm.]

"A Level One Secret Realm?"

"This is the sixth time I've checked in and obtained a level one secret realm."

"According to the system introduction, this level of secret realm is the smallest secret realm."

"A level one secret realm can only be entered by those under one hundred years old and whose cultivation is below the Martial God Realm."

"A level one secret realm spans a thousand miles and opens once every ten years, each opening lasting for one month."

"The time flow rate in a Level 1 secret realm is twice that of the outside world."

"This means that the Level 1 Secret Realm is open for one month, and there are two months inside the Level 1 Secret Realm."

At that moment, Jiang Chen looked at the female lead who had signed in.

Jin Rulan, a character in "The Ugly Woman".

Despite her humble origins, she possesses a flawless face, evoking pity in viewers. Rulan's femininity highlights Jufang's lack of it. Beneath Rulan's captivating exterior lies a stubborn heart; the more she is provoked and humiliated, the more she rebels. She has a strong sense of pride and possessiveness, holds grudges, and seeks revenge. Rulan's love for Wenxiu is opposed by the matriarch, and deeply humiliated by her background, she schemes to enter the Xu family, determined to avenge the humiliation she suffered tenfold.

"Jin Rulan in 'The Ugly Woman'".

"I never expected to run into her here."

Jin Rulan, a renowned actress from Jiangnan, is stunningly beautiful. Driven by love turned to hatred, she is willing to do anything to win back Xu Wenxiu. Her arrival disrupts the peace of the Xu family, triggering a series of family conflicts. Liang Bingwen, Tian Jufang's childhood sweetheart, is deeply in love with her but harbors a deep-seated hatred for the Xu family. His fate is closely intertwined with that of the Xu family, forming another important plot thread.

After experiencing numerous twists and turns, Xu Wenxiu finally understood his own heart. He chose to set aside worldly prejudices and spend the rest of his life with Tian Jufang. Jin Rulan's obsession ultimately failed; she was completely defeated in the contest of love. Liang Bingwen paid the ultimate price for his crimes. After a period of decline, the Xu family, through the joint efforts of Xu Wenxiu and Tian Jufang and the support of their long-time employees, finally rallied and regained its former glory.

"In this era, Jin Rulan is like a star in the First World."

"The difference is that celebrities have a low social status in this era."

"What they have in common is that, regardless of their world, any celebrity can have fun if they have money."

Jiang Chen was not surprised by this.

Because these celebrities are not short of money.

If there's no money, who will follow?

"No wonder I suddenly decided to come to the opera troupe."

Jiang Chen felt that he had become the male lead with great luck.

However, Jiang Chen didn't look at it for long and turned to leave the pear garden.

After leaving the Pear Garden, Jiang Chen returned to Jiangning Prefecture.

……

Jiangning Prefecture, Jiang Residence.

"My husband is back?" Shen Cuixi bowed to Jiang Chen.

"Ah."

Jiang Chen nodded: "Is Zhou Ying back?"

"They haven't come back yet," Shen Cuixi said.

“Yes, she has other things to do.” Jiang Chen explained that Zhou Ying was his woman.

"Congratulations, my husband," Shen Cuixi said.

"Hahaha." Jiang Chen laughed loudly and pulled Shen Cuixi inside.

"Husband, what did you find on this trip?" Shen Cuixi asked.

"This inspection was quite successful," Jiang Chen recounted the visit.

“I’ve used agarwood before, and it’s not cheap, but I never thought about buying it in bulk,” Shen Cuixi said after hearing about agarwood.

"It's alright, but I will make use of the limited resources available in the future to plant agarwood trees," Jiang Chen said.

“My lord, I’ve heard that agarwood trees require six to seven years of breeding and transplanting, and the survival rate is low. It takes about six or seven years. During the transplanting process, the survival rate of agarwood seedlings is relatively low. They usually need to be temporarily planted two or three times until they develop a well-developed root system before being transplanted to their destination. Only in this way can we ensure their successful survival,” Shen Cuixi said.

"Too."

Jiang Chen thought for a moment and said, "It seems I was overthinking it. However, we can get a batch of agarwood saplings. We can plant them in the Daming Palace or the Fourth World."

"The Fourth World?" Shen Cuixi's eyes lit up.

“Yes, for us, the time flow in the Fourth World is the fastest. Therefore, planting agarwood trees in the Fourth World allows them to grow in the shortest amount of time,” Jiang Chen said.

"The spiritual energy in the Fourth World is more concentrated than in the Second World. Will planting agarwood trees have any impact?" Shen Cuixi asked.

“Well… I don’t know what the agarwood tree is like in the Fourth World. However, I think that with the nourishment of spiritual energy, the agarwood tree will definitely get better and better,” Jiang Chen said.

Shen Cuixi thought of those things nourished by spiritual energy and felt that Jiang Chen was right.

"If the agarwood trees in the fourth world are better than those in the second world, it means that our agarwood will be more valuable." Jiang Chen actually thought that after entering the first-level secret realm, he could try to plant agarwood trees there.

The time flow in a Level 1 Secret Realm is even faster than in the outside world.

If a level-one secret realm is placed in the fourth world, then the level-one secret realm can realize its maximum value.

However, agarwood trees thrive in low-altitude mountains, hills, and sunny, sparse forests along roadsides. He didn't know if such an environment existed in the Level 1 Secret Realm.

“That’s true, then I’ll send someone to buy agarwood saplings,” Shen Cuixi said.

“Okay.” Jiang Chen and Shen Cuixi said this for the same reason: “However, it is not easy to transport agarwood seedlings from the south. You can arrange for someone to place them in one place, and we will go to pick them up when we leave the Second World.”

"Okay." Shen Cuixi nodded, then asked, "Husband, if the entire agarwood tree is dug up, can it be grown in the Fourth World?"

“This…” Jiang Chen thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know if it can be planted, but we can give it a try. Cui Xi, try to buy as many agarwood trees as possible. I will also arrange for people to buy them in the Song Kingdom of the Central Continent. I will also send people to search for agarwood trees in other continents.”

"I'll make the arrangements," Shen Cuixi nodded.

"I'm relieved to have you make the arrangements." Jiang Chen grasped Shen Cuixi's hand.

Shen Cuixi blushed slightly.

"Shall we go inside and talk?" Jiang Chen said in a low voice.

“It’s not dark yet.” Shen Cuixi understood what Jiang Chen meant as soon as she heard his words.

"Isn't this perfect?" Jiang Chen said, pulling Shen Cuixi's hand as they walked inside.

Shen Cuixi followed Jiang Chen with a slightly flushed face.

Upon arriving at Shen Cuixi's room, Jiang Chen eagerly picked her up.

Shen Cuixi put her arms around Jiang Chen's neck and offered him lipstick.

The following day, Jiang Chen spent time with Shen Cuixi, Zhu Yunqiao, and others.

Of course, Jiang Chen didn't forget the important matters either.

……

Jinan Prefecture, Xia Prefecture.

"I...I can't go on..." Xia Yuhe said, stopping Jiang Chen.

"Don't you still have the strength?" Jiang Chen hadn't seen Xia Yuhe for over a month, so after leaving Jiangning Prefecture, he didn't go directly to Shuntian Prefecture, but instead came to Jinan Prefecture.

“I… Ziwei might come over later,” Xia Yuhe said.

"So, you're just worried about Xia Ziwei coming over, not that you don't want to continue with me?" Jiang Chen looked at Jiang Chen with a smile.

Xia Yuhe turned her head away upon hearing this.

"Why don't you go and tell Ziwei first, and then we can continue?" Jiang Chen said to Xia Yuhe.

"No way," Xia Yuhe quickly refused.

"Then let's continue." Jiang Chen chuckled and began to do something indescribable.

Xia Yuhe kept her eyes closed at first, but soon she started singing.

After an unknown amount of time, there was a knock on the door, followed by Xia Ziwei's voice: "Mother..."