Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1535 - 351: Huang Wan’er: Husband, Pamper Me Quickly_3
He then pulled out a pill and passed it to Xiao Hu, remarking: "Hu Zi, here's an [Extreme Yang Dragon Blood Pill]. I've been tied up with work lately and haven't caught sight of that fellow Zhou Chu. If you run into him, hand this pill over to boost his power up to the Dragon Realm. If not, while the rest of us advance, he'll be stuck in the Rainbow Realm, heading home to whine to his wife."
Xiao Hu burst into laughter at these words and replied: "Jiu Si makes a good point. I learned just the other day that his spouse delivered a hefty son, and he's thrilled beyond measure."
Chen Jie exclaimed: "Is that so? Haha, well, after wrapping up my duties, I definitely need to pay a visit."
A wave of emotion washed over Chen Jie right then. Over the past few years, he'd been swamped with responsibilities, yet without realizing it, all his brothers had settled down, built their lives, and welcomed kids. Surprisingly, even Zhou Chu had become a father. When he gets a chance, he ought to round up these longtime comrades for a get-together.
With that in mind, Chen Jie turned to Xiao Hu and suggested: "Hu Zi, maybe it's time you thought about settling down too. Any lady who's caught your eye?"
At this, Xiao Hu fell quiet, offering only a shy grin to Chen Jie.
Eh?
Chen Jie felt surprised, aware that typically, whenever such subjects arose, Xiao Hu would firmly insist he had no such inclinations, yet this timid smile today hinted at something different.
Realizing this, Chen Jie gazed at Xiao Hu and pressed: "So, you've got a crush? Spill it—who is she? Be it from nobility or a Jianghu background, just name her, and I'll step in to arrange the match for you."
Xiao Hu replied: "No, brother, drop it, please."
"Now you're getting all coy on me."
Chen Jie let out a chuckle before adding: "Whoever she turns out to be, I'll take charge and set up the proposal for you down the line."
Xiao Hu agreed: "Alright."
Chen Jie found it even more entertaining seeing Xiao Hu consent so quickly. This fellow's got some charm. Wonder just who he's smitten with?
Remember, outside of military duties, he's mostly stuck at the Chen Residence without wandering elsewhere. So, precisely who has captured his heart?
Chen Jie had no clue, and since Xiao Hu wasn't keen on sharing, he chose to let it rest.
After issuing a few directives to the soldiers, Chen Jie departed. Prior to going, he stressed multiple times the need for intense practice, since the Yin Yang Eight Trigrams Formation could truly save lives.
Long ago, Hero Guo relied on this Eight Diagrams Formation to hold Xiangyang. Its prowess was evident to all.
It not only preserved Xiangyang for eighteen years but also repelled Mu Lan and Brother Meng.
Such is the might of the Yin Yang Eight Trigrams Formation.
Thus, with the formation fully learned, Chen Jie could handle defenses without much trouble, particularly amid these turbulent days filled with aggressive land grabs.
To claim enemy lands, one must first secure one's own.
That's a key reason Chen Jie pushed the forces to drill hard on the Yin Yang Eight Trigrams Formation from Wu Mu’s Legacy.
Having sorted these affairs, Chen Jie exited the camp and went past Huangzhou Prefecture's biggest textile mill, the Huangzhou First Textile Factory.
There, he spotted hundreds of massive carts lined up.
Curiosity piqued by the carts, Chen Jie inquired with the factory head about them.
He learned they were owned by the Xu Family, Tianshui's top trading house, in Huangzhou Prefecture to buy up goods.
Chen Jie was aware that cotton yarn was traded in two forms nowadays: one including transport, priced at one tael and two maces of silver per bundle.
The alternative excluded delivery, at one tael per bundle, the two maces covering shipping. Though two maces might appear trivial, for major buyers taking tens of thousands of bundles, the expense adds up considerably.
As a result, plenty of prominent traders flocked to Huangzhou Prefecture for cloth acquisitions.
Watching the carts load with fabric, Chen Jie wondered: "Where are these carts bound?"
"Tianshui."
Chen Jie mused inwardly, Tianshui lies not too distant from my destination, Bright Peak, merely spanning a handful of regions. Solo travel invites unwanted notice, so joining this trade caravan northward could work, then adjust the route from there.
On this note, Chen Jie asked the factory head: "Are they looking for more hands?"
The head answered: "Indeed, the North's been restless lately, so they're seeking escorts, but recruits are scarce; apparently, only Zhen Nan Escort Agency took the contract."
Chen Jie noted: "Zhen Nan Escort Agency—never heard of them."
The head explained: "It's a modest outfit, not a large operation.
Hearing that, Chen Jie said: "Oh, do you know folks there well?"
The head replied: "Not closely, but they frequently seek my aid in lining up business, as a tiny agency like theirs struggles to stay afloat."
Chen Jie thought silently for a beat, then stated: "Hmm, alright, call over someone from there and mention you've got a kin eager to sign on with the escorts for some New Year cash."
The head looked shocked and uttered: "Lord, you mean...?"
Chen Jie instructed: "Do as I say. I'll connect with them outside the gates tomorrow."
The head assured: "Understood, I'll manage it perfectly."
Chen Jie warned: "Keep my true identity under wraps."
The head confirmed: "Yes, got it."
Arrangements set for linking up with the northward merchant group come morning, Chen Jie headed back to the Chen Residence, first stopping by Su Yunjin before peeking at his boy, who'd filled out nicely over the two months.
The little one appeared plump and utterly charming.
Chen Jie lingered with Su Yunjin through the afternoon, until she mentioned: "Husband, since I've recently delivered, I'm still recovering. I won't hold you here this evening. Visit Sister Huang instead; you haven't given her proper attention since your return."
To this, Chen Jie responded: "I'm off tomorrow. Don't you wish to be with your husband?"