"Organizing a martial arts gathering?"

Feng Siyuan’s expression changed, clearly intrigued. He sat up straight, adopting a listening posture, "Continue."

Chen Ming took a sip of wine, moistening his throat, "In this world, there are countless low-level martial artists who struggle to make a name for themselves. Brother Feng should deeply understand this; just in our Qingfeng Commandery alone, how many young people join the Seven Great Trading Companies every year with dreams of mastering the Martial Dao?"

"The other fourteen commanderies of Jiangzhou are surely the same. However, it’s known throughout Jiangzhou that the Martial Dao is not flourishing in Qingfeng City. So most of those people go to Jiangzhou City to find opportunities."

"You can’t just go to other people’s territories and compete for talent, but even if the four major sects are domineering, they can’t prohibit people from leaving, right? As long as we can organize this martial arts gathering and attract all the young people in Jiangzhou who desire to learn martial arts, why worry about recruiting talent?"

Feng Siyuan felt somewhat tempted, but still had some doubts, sighing at last, "What a pity, the family rules of the Feng Family state that our actions cannot be too conspicuous. This matter wouldn’t pass my father’s approval."

You’ve rented out an entire brothel, and you’re worried about being conspicuous?

Chen Ming said, "Brother Feng, you’re being naive. Why use Guanglong Trading Company’s name? Just introduce an elder Third Grade martial artist, spread the word that they want to find a successor, and then have Guanglong Trading Company’s people disseminate the news. In less than a month, Qingfeng City will be flooded with young people from all over."

Feng Siyuan slapped the table, shouting, "Great idea!"

He got a bit restless, stood up, paced around the living room a few times, becoming more excited as he thought about it, "This strategy is feasible. Brother Chen, you truly helped me solve a major problem, how should I thank you?"

"Brother Feng, your words are too formal. I’m just interested in meeting young martial artists from outside."

...

That night, Chen Ming and Feng Siyuan talked until late into the night, discussing the details of organizing the martial arts gathering.

Chen Ming’s thoughts were simple; he didn’t want to go to Jiangzhou City, too dangerous with too many powerful forces.

Be it the four major sects or the Three Great Families, they all have First Grade masters holding the fort, possibly even superior peak masters.

Imaginably, there are countless second-generation aristocrats in Jiangzhou City.

He, as a Sixth Grade, would just be a small fry there. Without a sect or backing, if some second-generation aristocrat disliked him, they could easily dispose of him.

Staying in Qingfeng City is better; not only does Zhao Xiyan, the Admiral’s daughter, value him, even a second-generation merchant like Feng Siyuan treats him politely.

He wouldn’t want to give up such good treatment to risk going to Jiangzhou City unless he’s crazy.

Of course, this "martial arts gathering" plan is still just between him and Feng Siyuan, whether it can be organized is uncertain.

This matter might not have a quick outcome.

If it doesn’t work out, then go find another household.

The Seven Great Sea Merchants are always short of people, recruiting throughout the year; surely there’s a household bold enough to organize this martial arts gathering.

Eventually, within two days, Feng Siyuan came to find him himself.

When Chen Ming heard he was there, he quickly greeted him, "Brother Feng, apologies for not meeting you sooner..."

Feng Siyuan interrupted him, "Between us brothers, there’s no need for such formalities. Good news, my father agreed; as long as it’s not under Guanglong Trading Company’s name, I can do as I please. The two of us can go all out."

Chen Ming was a bit surprised; Feng Siyuan’s father is the actual manager of Guanglong Trading Company, akin to a CEO. He’s unexpectedly bold.

From this, it seems Guanglong Trading Company is indeed short of manpower.

He asked, "What about the Third Grade martial artist?"

Feng Siyuan waved his hand, saying, "I’ve already found them, two in total. The past few days, I’ve been working on this. Previously, they were patrons of our trading company; after growing older, they returned to their hometowns to retire."

Chen Ming’s eyelids twitched.

Casually recruiting two retired Third Grade patrons; these great sea merchants really have impressive power.

Feng Siyuan frowned, "But there’s a difficulty; they don’t want to come to Qingfeng City."

It seems all Third Grade artists are aware of the forbidden area in Qingfeng City.

Chen Ming said, "It’s simple; set up a platform near Ten Mile Pavilion outside the city, hold the matches there, and the two elders wouldn’t need to enter the city."

Feng Siyuan joyfully said, "You’re truly considerate."

Chen Ming realized this young master likely never handled any real affairs before. His eagerness to do this is also an effort to prove his capabilities.

However, his ability wasn’t impressive; his strength lies in being receptive to advice.

Chen Ming could only endure some fatigue and invest more energy into the matter.

He pondered, "However, organizing this martial arts gathering, relying solely on the two of us isn’t sufficient."

Upon hearing this, Feng Siyuan quickly asked, "Who else do we need? I’ll find a way."

Chen Ming smiled, "Leave this matter to me."

...

In the afternoon, Chen Ming took Feng Siyuan to the Admiral’s Mansion, requesting the gatekeeper to report that they wished to meet Miss Zhao.

By now, Feng Siyuan naturally understood that whether the martial arts gathering could be organized depended on the attitude of the Six Gates.

After all, a few months ago, Lord Admiral had organized a "martial gathering," resulting in an attack by the Longevity Sect, leading to the disappearance of several descendants of aristocratic families, who have yet to be found, causing quite a stir.

Now, planning a larger-scale martial arts gathering might not receive Lord Admiral’s approval.

Guanglong Trading Company naturally has some relation with Admiral Zhao, but his father needs to intervene, which he won’t do for this matter.

Feng Siyuan understood why his father readily agreed to let him organize the gathering; likely assuming the Six Gates wouldn’t endorse it, yet intentionally not reminding him to let him hit a wall.

Understanding this, he couldn’t help but smile wryly. His elder brothers before him had also been misled by their father several times. According to his father, until one faces setbacks and difficulties, one won’t realize how challenging things can be.

In the Feng Family, those who are ambitious and willing to work must undergo such tests to earn a chance to work in the trading company.

Those seeking leisure, preferring enjoyment, receive annual allowances for indulgence.

Feng Siyuan was once the latter, until at over thirty, he suddenly found such a life dull and decided to help the family accomplish something, hence taking on the task of recruiting Chen Ming, leading to the current situation.

Now, he can only hope Chen Ming can persuade Miss Zhao to convince Lord Admiral.

Rumor has it Chen Ming is closely related to Miss Zhao; whether true remains unknown.

After some time, Feng Siyuan finally saw a beautiful girl dressed in men’s clothing coming out of the Admiral’s Mansion, accompanied by a maid.

Such an exceptional beauty.

His eyes lit up; the Admiral’s daughter, dressed in men’s attire, added a special youthful charm.

Unfortunately, she didn’t glance at him, her eyes remained on Chen Ming.

Feng Siyuan confirmed the rumors were indeed true. The Admiral’s daughter genuinely favored Chen Ming, having intimate relations.

At that moment, Chen Ming spoke, "I heard you caught a cold a few days ago, so I didn’t dare disturb you recently. Has your health improved?"

Zhao Xiyan toyed with the folding fan in her hand, saying, "I’m recovered now, thank you for your concern, brother Chen. And this is?"

She finally seemed to notice Feng Siyuan beside her.

Feng Siyuan promptly saluted, "Feng Siyuan from Guanglong Trading Company, greetings to Zhao... sir."

Not too foolish after all, adjusting to call her sir promptly.

Zhao Xiyan said, "So it’s the third young master of the Feng Family, my apologies."

Though her words were polite, her demeanor was quite indifferent, clearly being courteous on Chen Ming’s account, entirely perfunctory.

Feng Siyuan smiled wryly; previously, merely announcing his identity would command immediate respect from others.

The influence of the Seven Great Sea Merchants is deeply ingrained in Qingfeng City.

This was his first time facing such treatment.

There’s no choice; this is the Admiral’s daughter, legitimately dismissive of him.

Meanwhile, Feng Siyuan was somewhat taken aback; she could instantly identify his family ranking, implying her thorough understanding of Guanglong Trading Company.