This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 267 Intelligence Network

Money can be very convenient in many situations, and Kuang Wenlan has already done a detailed analysis of Murong Chui.

As someone who aspires to achieve great things and become a true emperor, it's unlikely that they would do something short-sighted and do things that kill the goose that lays the golden eggs at this stage.

In addition, although the Zhu family caravan did not have many people, they were all capable and skilled, clearly with impressive backgrounds and intentions to make a good business for themselves in the capital of the Great Yan.

Therefore, Kuang Wenlan concluded that as long as she presented herself as a hen that lays golden eggs, she would not only be in great danger, but would also receive preferential treatment.

Indeed, this was the case. During this period, Zhu Shengcai had become a hot commodity in Zhongshan City, and people invited him to dinner every day.

That evening, Zhu Shengcai returned drunk in a carriage and went back to the mansion he had bought.

After entering the inner courtyard, Zhu Shengcai, who had been pestered, seemed to sober up a bit. Upon entering a room in the back, Zhu Shengcai immediately became completely awake, as if he were a different person.

"came back?"

Kuang Wenlan was still awake, sitting on the soft couch, reading a book by the light of the lamp on the coffee table. She only looked up at her "son" when she asked a question.

Compared to sitting entirely on the floor, soft, comfortable places are more suitable for modern people.

"Ok!"

Do you need some hangover medicine?

"No need, the alcohol here isn't very strong, it's nothing."

People who have experienced the effects of modern high-proof liquor will find it difficult to get drunk on the alcohol they drink now, as long as they don't want to.

As they were talking, Zhu Shengcai walked to the soft couch in the room and respectfully presented a box.

"Mother, I heard you came with me. Someone specially brought this gift for you. Can you guess who sent it?"

Kuang Wenlan put down her book, picked up the box, opened it, and looked inside. It was just a box of pastries, but they were very exquisitely made. She picked them up, sniffed them, and had no intention of eating them at all.

"Hmph, how stingy! Someone who can send such a gift is probably not a merchant in the city, but more likely a Xianbei nobleman, or even a merchant."

Zhu Shengcai sat down on the soft couch.

"Mother, you guessed right. It must be the eldest son of the Vice Minister of Revenue here. They're eager to make contact, and they're in a real hurry!"

Kuang Wenlan smiled.

“Zhongshan City is the capital established by the Great Yan Kingdom. It is considered a large city here, but compared to truly prosperous places, it is nothing. The so-called capital of a country is spacious enough, but its wealth is not even comparable to Wuling County. This shows the decline of the Great Yan Kingdom’s economy and people’s livelihood!”

In ancient times, the personnel of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics had a basic principle: all identities were based on this side, all conversations were conducted according to this side's customs, and specific exchanges were communicated through some code words and metaphors.

This is also to guard against possible supernatural forces. Even if there are things given by cultivators, we cannot lose our basic vigilance.

At this moment, Kuang Wenlan and Zhu Shengcai, the "mother and son," could communicate without any obstacles.

The tone of his voice even carried the air of a powerful local magnate looking down on barbarians from a small town, which, of course, was quite accurate.

Zhu Shengcai nodded after listening to his "mother's" words.

“Indeed, the Great Yan is completely incapable of developing people’s livelihood and economy. If even the capital is like this, then other places are even worse. Our arrival has demonstrated our strength, which is exactly what we wanted.”

"Moreover, the Great Yan is still conscripting able-bodied men to train its army, so it is even more short of money, but..."

Zhu Shengcai hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's just that we're developing here, and they're using our money to move south. Although the Jin Dynasty wasn't much better, it's still..."

Compared to real businessmen of this era, agents from the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations from modern times are definitely more human, and emotionally, they would subconsciously lean more towards the Central Plains dynasties.

Kuang Wenlan thought for a moment and said.

"I suspect they might not head south, or rather, they haven't made a proper decision yet. As we know from what we've already discussed, there are naturally legitimate routes. Instead of heading south, why can't we look west?"

The west? The Western Yan!
Not only did Zhu Shengcai realize this immediately, but the special agent who was also in the room as a servant also thought of this at the same time.

This is the Later Yan, while the Xianbei dynasty also had a Western Yan. The two did not recognize each other, which was like heresy compared to other countries.

"If His Majesty Murong wants to govern diligently, the Xianbei people will naturally unite. To repel external threats, we must first secure internal stability. How can we be distracted by external matters?"

"If possible, let's get to know each other more!"

Kuang Wenlan's instructions at this meeting clearly deviated from the original mission objective and went too far. Their main goal was to first establish an intelligence station and then collect information on the religious level.

However, as the person in charge, he had a great deal of autonomy, and no one else objected.

I just have a slight concern.

"But this Emperor is no ordinary man; he possesses the qualities of a true dragon."

Zhu Shengcai's words were rather cryptic; even if someone overheard him, they would assume he was speaking highly of Murong Chui, as they wouldn't understand the Bureau of Investigation's code.

Only the members of the Bureau of Investigation knew that this was Murong Chui's biggest secret, that he had once been influenced by the Dragon Clan.

“That’s true, but I also want to see how deep this goes. Besides, we’re businessmen, we’re all about profit. It’s easier to do business with special privileges, so we’re a perfect match.”

This statement is a double entendre, explaining both the speaker's own situation and response, while also implying that the other party also needs money and supplies, meaning they are short of money and supplies.

Zhu Shengcai and the two people beside him frowned slightly in thought, and then suddenly realized.

The Dragon Clan and Murong Chui have some connection, but it can't be too deep, otherwise Murong Chui wouldn't be short of money.
Or perhaps because of what happened last time, the dragons are afraid to get too close. That's all possible.

"Moreover, with the support of the imperial court, many things become much easier!"

This is not just about business; it can also greatly influence the goals of the second and third stages.

The two Yan states are located very close to key positions, and their beliefs are complex. It would be ideal to intervene in the court by influencing its interests.

Kuang Wenlan's words made the people around her feel a mix of unease and excitement. Was she getting involved in some kind of major trend?
Within roughly the same timeframe, not only Kuang Wenlan's group, but the other groups also achieved results one after another.

However, compared to Kuang Wenlan, others were not so aggressive. They mostly used their financial power to acquire some industries and began to explore contact with local forces.

Casting a wide net, being kind to people, and catering to their preferences—this is the guiding principle set by the agents of the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations.

However, at the same time, one will naturally encounter some less friendly situations, so some ruthless methods are needed, and one will not be stingy with money to hire capable people.
-
In Hidden Immortal Valley, Zhuang Lin was not surprised at all after learning about the development of Kuang Wenlan and the others. It would be impossible for these capable people not to have a foothold.

However, it was still somewhat surprising that Kuang Wenlan made contact with the Xianbei rulers so quickly.

Although it aligns with what was said and done at the meeting, it still requires some courage to do it directly.

Hidden Immortal Valley has now opened its doors wide to the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations, and soon a steady stream of professional agents have arrived to support both sides at their various stations in the ancient world.

This was much faster than simply placing people from Hidden Immortal Valley in various locations, allowing the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations and Hidden Immortal Valley to quickly establish an intelligence network throughout the ancient human world.
PS: My computer's CPU seems to have failed. It frequently overheats and shuts down. I've checked many things and finally found that it's a problem with the CPU. I've been fiddling with the case every day for the past two days, sweating profusely, but I still can't fix it.
(End of this chapter)