After hearing Li Yihuo’s explanation, Cheng Zongyang turned to Li Lu. "Do you understand this time? Short-term profits are nothing compared to long-term benefits. Just listen to the Chief Shopkeeper."

Li Lu sighed. "I just saw them making money and couldn’t hold back. My men were pushing me, too."

"You’re the Gang Leader. How can you let them sway you? This isn’t some back-alley gang; we have to stick to the plan. A single move affects the entire situation." Cheng Zongyang was at a loss for words. A moment later, something occurred to him and he asked abruptly, "Where did all those commoners get so much money? Do they have enough spare cash to gamble and visit brothels?"

Li Yihuo cupped his hands. "Boss, it’s all payment earned from the contract work everyone in the County Town has been doing. The members of the other three families have also begun reclaiming wasteland outside their districts, building new houses, and so on. Now that the County Town is stable and the prices we’ve set are relatively low, people prefer cash over grain.

The commoners use the money to buy grain and other goods. At present, the Cheng Family’s caravans and the gang’s Escort Agency have started trading with neighboring county towns, so we’re able to procure some daily necessities.

I have already prepared a caravan to head for the Commandery City to see if we can procure more goods. Of course, that depends on how your negotiations with the Da Yi Commerce Association go, Boss.

If the deal falls through, the caravan is ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If it succeeds, then there will be no need."

Cheng Zongyang was satisfied with Li Yihuo’s efficiency. He certainly hadn’t picked the wrong man. In response to his subordinate’s words, he simply chuckled. "Well, that puts a lot of pressure on me."

Li Yihuo smiled as well. "I have faith that you will succeed, Sir."

Li Lu nodded in agreement. "I saw how rushed they were when they arrived. I’m sure it’s a done deal. Otherwise, there’d be no reason to be in such a hurry."

Cheng Zongyang glanced at Li Lu. "You were there last night?"

Li Lu shook his head. "No, I was in the village last night. But seeing as they traveled through the night, I figured they must want to get this business settled as quickly as possible. Why else would they be in such a rush?"

At this, both Cheng Zongyang and Li Yihuo nodded in agreement with Li Lu’s assessment. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Alright. If this deal goes through, then we need to start building the Commerce Association’s station and its warehouses," Cheng Zongyang said. "Chief Shopkeeper, what are your thoughts on the location?"

After a moment’s thought, Li Yihuo asked, "We get to decide the location?"

"Let’s assume so," Cheng Zongyang said. "But the Commerce Association must be located in the West City District. That part is non-negotiable. The question is where to place it."

After a brief pause to think, Li Yihuo said, "Based on the Da Yi Commerce Association’s usual habits, they typically establish themselves in the central area of a Prefecture City. In our West City District, the best spot would be at the crossroads.

That location faces the other three districts. The foot traffic and prime real estate advantages there are undeniable. However, if you want the Da Yi Commerce Association to drive development throughout the West City District, Boss, then I suggest placing it near the city gate on West Main Street. As long as it’s set a little ways back from the marketplace, it can absolutely revitalize the entire West City District."

Without waiting for Cheng Zongyang or Li Lu to ask, he began to explain his reasoning:

"We have our designated marketplace at the city gate. Right now, some people are already selling handicrafts there, like woven bamboo goods, furniture from carpenters, and wild vegetables foraged from the mountains.

It’s safe to say that in the future, the marketplace, combined with West Main Street, will become the most bustling commercial thoroughfare in the West City District. If we add the Da Yi Commerce Association to that, we can essentially concentrate all of the County Town’s commercial activity in our district.

Sir, in the future, traveling merchants from other regions will only enter and exit through the West City Gate. When that happens, we can build even more market stalls or merchant inns right Outside West City Gate, as well as places to keep ox carts and carriages. That will bring in even more revenue.

In less than a year, the West City District of Jade Peak County Town will be completely dominant! The powers in the other three districts won’t stand a chance of competing with us!

As for the Commerce Association’s warehouses, I suggest we find a plot of land outside the West City, build them there, and let it serve as their storage and transit hub. After all, land within the West City District is going to be worth a fortune in the future. Gang Leader Li, tell me, when that day comes, do you think your brothels and Gambling Houses will have any trouble finding customers?"

As he finished, Li Yihuo looked at Li Lu and gave him a knowing smile.

Li Lu definitely understood. He could practically envision the incredibly prosperous future Li Yihuo described!

"Chief Shopkeeper, I’m completely sold! If it really gets to that point, I’m afraid one or two of my establishments won’t be nearly enough. HAHAHA!!"

Li Lu was incredibly excited. He turned to Cheng Zongyang and said, "Young Clan Leader, I’m in complete agreement with the Chief Shopkeeper’s proposal! The advantages for us are immense! In less than a year, we might even be able to swallow the other three families whole!"

Cheng Zongyang smiled, naturally understanding everything Li Yihuo was saying. ’In fact, based on the knowledge from my past life, I can think of even more business opportunities!

Li Yihuo’s proposal is excellent. Keep the good stuff for ourselves. Having the Da Yi Commerce Association in the West City District will stimulate the entire area! When that happens, the price of property and rent in the district will be worth its weight in gold!’

"Alright. I’ll have a proper discussion with them tonight." Cheng Zongyang now had a clear plan.

「Time flew by, and soon it was evening.」 As it was summer, the sun set later than in the spring and winter months.

Most of the County Town’s residents had already finished their dinner before sunset. Children chased each other playfully through the streets and alleys, restoring the area’s former liveliness.

The adults sitting outside their homes, though still gaunt, had regained their smiles.

Everything was rapidly moving in the right direction.