Chapter Seventy-Six: Agreeing to Cooperate

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With the rapid decline of the Bai family, Old Master Zhao instructed his sons to swiftly take over the Bai family’s assets, which were being sold at a low price. As a result, their standing in North County City soared to new heights. Merchants from all over came to visit them in droves. The old master could hardly contain his laughter. After a lifetime of hard work, he had finally attained what he had always desired.

Yet Bai Jingming felt a sense of unwillingness. For some time now, Han Qing had given him no response. Could it be that he no longer intended to help?

“Master Han, the partnership we discussed—are you reneging on it?” Bai Jingming’s face was shadowed with displeasure. But now was not the time for impatience. The more some people reveled in their success, the more one ought to remain calm.

“What are you anxious about? Your shop still hasn’t gained the qualifications to attract customers. Even if I wanted to push things forward, it’s impossible in such a short time.” Han Qing spoke calmly.

“I told you to take it slow, so you could learn from how the Zhao family’s garment shop developed.”

“Wasn’t that your doing?” Bai Jingming was no fool; he knew this much.

“Yes, but have you thought about applying the same method yourself? If you just copy the template, wouldn’t it be much easier?” If the Zhao family could organize a clothing fair, so could he.

“No, most of the Bai family’s assets have already been compensated to the major banks, and there’s little money left in the account.” He shook his head. The method could indeed attract customers, but it required too much investment.

That was true.

Han Qing nodded without revealing his thoughts; he had overlooked that detail. But since he had already promised Bai Jingming, he would not go back on his word.

“The Zhao family sells clothes mostly to officials’ children and the wealthy elite. You could start with garments that ordinary people need.”

“That won’t work. Most people just buy fabric and make their own clothes. They wouldn’t bother with a ready-made garment shop.”

“Then set your prices lower.” Since the Zhao family could use the incense shop’s prices for malicious market competition, they could use the same principle—to make survival impossible for the Zhao family.

“Then what do we earn?”

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Bai Jingming asked, bewildered. He still hoped for a comeback, but it seemed clear his abilities were insufficient.

“I’ve already pointed out the method. If you think it won’t work, there’s nothing more I can do.” Han Qing shook his head. He had provided some options; whether Bai Jingming accepted them was no concern of his.

But this was only the beginning. Truly overturning the Zhao family would not be so simple. Previously, he only wished to resolve matters with the Bai family; he had no grievance with the Zhao family. There was no need for intrigue behind their backs. Unfortunately, Old Master Zhao was too ruthless and insisted on suppressing his own industry. There was no helping it.

“Brother Han, now the Bai family’s eldest son has been arrested. Are you really going to help Bai Jingming? He once stole your family’s salt formula.” Young Master Zhu could not understand.

“There are no eternal enemies. Besides, Old Master Zhao’s prestige is growing ever greater. Who’s to say he won’t threaten my own businesses?” Han Qing replied coolly. If one incense shop fell, he could open another. He would not squander his sharp business acumen. He just needed an opportune moment to promote it. Otherwise, something always seemed to be missing.

But Bai Jingming’s actions stirred anxiety in some quarters. Especially the Zhao family’s incense shop, which was now in a dilemma.

“Old Master, the Han family’s incense shop seems to be operating again. They closed recently, but now there’s some buzz.” A shop worker rushed in, anxious. They felt guilty—after all, the Han family had long had their incense shop. Even with the secret recipe, something always seemed to be lacking.

“What are you worried about? We purchased it legally. We haven’t broken any law.” He shook his head. Yet some customers still questioned their products. The price was low, but who could guarantee these incenses weren’t harmful?

“Find out, are they still selling the same products?”

“No. Now they’re selling something in green bottles, supposedly also for repelling mosquitoes.”

What?

Old Master Zhao was stunned. He had never seen such things, and the bottles and jars seemed strange.

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“This thing can repel mosquitoes?” he asked.

“When I bought it, the shopkeeper insisted it would work. I didn’t believe him, but I brought it home to try.” Old Master Zhao smelled it; the scent was so strong it made the group uneasy.

Was it poisonous?

Not only did competitors have doubts, but even Young Master Zhu found it odd.

“What are you doing? The bottles are filled with green liquid—it doesn’t look like anything ordinary people could drink.”

“They bought the incense recipe, so I’m done with that line of business. That’s only for indoors. What about the ordinary folks out on the street—don’t their arms and legs get bitten by mosquitoes?” Han Qing’s words illuminated the reasoning.

So that was the plan.

It had seemed strange at first, but now it was clear.

“Just by applying this to the skin, mosquitoes won’t come near?”

“Yes. And if mosquitoes bite, applying it quickly reduces the redness and swelling.” Han Qing nodded and explained.

“But who will accept this?” It was a curious product, lacking any platform for promotion. Could mere street shouting really suffice? It seemed far too absurd.

“The shop will operate as usual; I certainly have my methods.” Han Qing smiled mysteriously. The time was not yet right. Let some people enjoy their moment—soon they would see that merely purchasing the incense recipe was not enough to control the market.

But Tinglan Court did receive several unexpected visitors in recent days. As soon as Bai Jingming appeared, Han Qing’s mother grew furious, demanding he be driven out.

“Have you forgotten what humiliation our family endured?”