Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[It has been more than three years since Yue Mu of Nanchuan campaigned against Xiang Che of Bingzhou, and General Wei Qi of the Flying Cavalry quelled the rebellion of the Jing-Yang alliance.]

You may not be familiar with the situations in Bingzhou and Jingzhou, but being in Yangzhou, you can clearly feel the intensity and horror of the war.

As the capital of Yangzhou, Yangzhou was besieged by Wei Qi's massive army in red armor several times, their forces spreading like wildfire.

[Forced to rely solely on the formidable walls of Yangzhou, which provided a natural barrier, and await Pang Hai's reinforcements, Wei Qi was finally forced to retreat tactically.]

From the logistical and supply accounts, you sensed the dire financial situation in Yangzhou.

If the battle continues, even without Wei Qi capturing Yangzhou, Chen Chao himself will be unable to sustain the campaign.

Just as you begin to analyze the situation and prepare for an escape route, astonishing news spreads throughout Yangzhou.

"I've heard that the Central Court has dispatched an imperial envoy to supervise the front lines; he's here to negotiate peace."

"Sigh, I really hope we can make peace. If we fight again, we won't be able to survive."

As you walk down the street, the people around you are talking about it.

Stepping into the teahouse, the noise and commotion only intensified.

The scholar angrily rebuked, "Peace talks?! General Wei Qi has suppressed the rebels for three years, besieging the city several times. Now that victory is in sight, the central court actually wants peace?!"

"Keep your voice down, or you'll lose your head."

"The emperor is incompetent and cowardly, and the officials in the court are corrupt and decadent. This Great Cang is finished..."

[As you observe the indignant and impassioned tea drinkers, you can see that in the hearts of many people, the Great Cang Dynasty remains the unshakable orthodoxy.]

That's normal. As you read in the book, the Great Cang Dynasty was founded by the Human Emperor and has existed for ten thousand years.

A dynasty that lasts for ten thousand years—what an incredible existence.

Its status in the hearts of the people is naturally lofty, but now that rebels are rising up everywhere, this prestige has been breached.

[It will then constantly waver, eventually collapsing with a deafening roar.]

[You listen to the cacophony of sounds around you, and with your "extensive knowledge and excellent memory," you can clearly distinguish, process, and extract the information you need.]

The final conclusion is that this is most likely not a rumor; the Great Cang Central Court has indeed dispatched an imperial envoy to supervise the front lines, attempting to negotiate peace and end the war.

Why?

Given your current position, you are unable to see the truth hidden in the deep pool, so you will not delve into it.

With "extensive knowledge and a powerful memory," your professional skills will be dramatically enhanced.

The head of the Yan family has personally invited you to assist him in handling the logistical affairs of the Yangzhou army.

You've been promoted from a department manager in the Chamber of Commerce to assistant to the chairman and concurrently chief financial officer.

[Year 21, age 37.]

[The Imperial Envoy of Da Cangzhong Court, the Young Marshal Pang Hai, and the Governor of Yangzhou Chen Chaomang, the three parties, signed a ceasefire agreement on the banks of the Huai River.]

The news sent shockwaves through Jingzhou and Yangzhou.

[Subsequently, numerous powerful families, wealthy landowners, scholars, and intellectuals extended goodwill to Pang Hai and Chen Chao, offering their services.]

This allowed Pang Hai and Chen Chao to quickly recover from the losses incurred during their years of war, even leading to a period of great prosperity.

Looking at the accounts in your hand, you click your tongue in amazement: "Even a small leak from these powerful families amounts to astronomical sums."

But that's not surprising, considering he's been sucking blood from the Great Canghuang Dynasty for so many years.

If this peace negotiation hadn't truly shattered their hopes, why would they have been so generous?

【at the same time.】

[With your "extensive knowledge and prodigious memory" granting you supercomputer processing power, you become a valuable assistant to the head of the Yan family.]

[Your rise in status also allows you to learn many secrets that were previously inaccessible.]

[For example, the Yan Family Chamber of Commerce originally belonged to the Demonic Sect and served as their money bag.]

The demonic forces are spread throughout the world, like a woven net, infiltrating all sides.

[It was also the Demonic Sect that chose to support Chen Chao's rebellion.]

To some extent, the real mastermind behind Yangzhou was the Demonic Sect.

[Twenty-third year, age thirty-nine.]

After the Treaty of Huai River, the world seemed to have returned to a state of peace.

[Especially in Yangzhou and Jingzhou, after the powerful clans, gentry, and landlords shed their blood and sacrificed their wealth, they presented a prosperous scene, which aroused the longing of people in other states.]

With the war over and logistical work reduced, the Yan family patriarch has begun to reduce his dependence on you and diminish your power.

Because of your reputation for having a photographic memory and being able to calculate without missing a single detail, even the governor's office has heard of you.

[It has already become too popular.]

Yan Ming, the head of the Yan family, didn't want his assistant to usurp his position as chairman; this was his method of suppression.

You haven't gotten caught up in the power struggle; improving your strength is the key.

[The body tempering process slows down after it enters the five internal organs.]

Because the five internal organs are too fragile, even a slight mistake or rushing into things can cause internal injuries, requiring a long period of rest and recuperation, which would ultimately be counterproductive.

The misty autumn rain in Jiangnan is a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

[After your power was reduced, you had a lot more time, so you often browsed the library, cramming everything into your head, whether it was famous works or miscellaneous essays.]

What if I need it someday?

"Master Wen."

A maidservant of about fifteen or sixteen years old stood timidly to the side, head bowed, glancing up furtively: "The master requests your presence."

【"oh?"】

You put down the book in your hand, a hint of surprise showing on your elegant and refined face. Approaching forty, yet the years seemed to have left no trace on your features.

On the contrary, it makes her even more mature and charming.

Yan Ming hadn't contacted me for over a year, but today he suddenly summoned me. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

You handed the book to the maid, rose to your feet, and donned a dark blue long robe with wide sleeves, a cinched waist, and a long hem, which outlined your handsome and dignified figure.

Upon arriving at the main courtyard, one is greeted by pavilions, terraces, carved beams, painted rafters, and exquisitely crafted gardens, with hidden scenic views throughout.

[The man in the lakeside pavilion appeared to be around forty years old, with a robust build and shrewd, intelligent eyes.]

"Wen Yu, sit down and try this year's autumn tea."

Yan Ming's attitude was friendly, as if he had completely forgotten about kicking you out of the core of the Yan Family Chamber of Commerce.

Sit down and have some tea, then wait to hear what he has to say.

Yan Ming took a sip of tea and said thoughtfully, "You have served the Chamber of Commerce diligently for many years and have handled many of its core businesses. You should have noticed..."

As he spoke, he pointed upwards.

You nod and sip your tea.

Yan Ming's expression turned serious: "Today, a distinguished guest is visiting and needs your assistance. I have recommended you."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I must seize it; it will be a way to make up for what I've missed these past few years."

You remain calm and observe the other person, discerning their true intentions from false ones.

[He asked, "How expensive?"]

"Elder."

After uttering those two words, Yan Ming said no more and gestured for you to come and meet him.

Follow the butler along the winding, covered walkway.

[After a moment, the butler stopped at the lakeside pavilion, gesturing for me to go in myself.]

You walked around the screen and caught sight of her slender, graceful figure from behind.