In the days that followed, Tianqi introduced early concepts that would revolutionize the clan’s business practices.
During another meeting in the strategy hall, he presented samples of standardized weights and measures.
The room was filled with senior stewards, production heads, and warehouse managers.
Mu Ronghua sat elegantly beside him, offering occasional nods of approval and quiet insights that reinforced his authority.
“From now on, all transactions will use these standardized weights,” Tianqi declared, holding up a set of precisely crafted bronze weights and measuring rods.
“No more disputes over measurements.
This will build trust with our trading partners and eliminate accusations of cheating that damaged our reputation in the past.”
One warehouse manager examined the samples closely, his eyes widening.
“Patriarch, these are far more accurate than the old varying sets used by different branches.
How did you develop them so quickly?”
Tianqi smiled with calm confidence.
“Through careful calibration and testing.
Every warehouse and trade caravan will receive identical sets.
We will also train staff on their proper use.
Consistency creates reliability, and reliability builds empire.”
He then unveiled basic promissory notes, elegant paper documents embossed with the Wan Clan seal and intricate anti-forgery patterns.
“These notes will allow us to conduct larger transactions without carrying excessive silver.
They can be redeemed at any of our warehouses or authorized branches.
This will make our trade routes faster and safer, reducing the risk of bandit attacks on heavy coin shipments.”
Murmurs of amazement rippled through the room.
A senior steward leaned forward.
“Such notes…
this is unprecedented in Jiangling.
How do we ensure they cannot be forged or misused?”
“Strict numbering, dual signatures from approved stewards, and redemption limits,” Tianqi explained.
“We will start small with trusted partners and gradually expand.
The system will evolve, but these first versions will already give us a significant advantage over rivals who move slowly with physical silver.”
Mu Ronghua spoke softly yet clearly, her alluring voice carrying elegant support.
“My son’s innovations protect our bloodline’s wealth while expanding our reach.
These measures embody purity through precision.
Implement them swiftly and report any difficulties directly to us.”
The clan members were impressed by the innovative yet practical ideas.
Respect for the “new” Tianqi continued to grow.
Several managers began discussing implementation details enthusiastically, already envisioning smoother operations and reduced losses.
Tianqi pressed on, building momentum.
“We will also introduce basic record-keeping reforms.
Every transaction, large or small, must be logged with date, parties involved, and standardized descriptions.
Monthly summaries will come to me for review.
This transparency will help us spot opportunities and weaknesses early.”
An older production head asked, “Will this apply to all branches, Patriarch?”
“Yes,” Tianqi confirmed.
“Uniform practices across the clan ensure strength.
Weak links will be identified and strengthened or removed.
Our merchant empire must operate as one pure, efficient whole.”
XXXX
Later that afternoon, Tianqi convened a private meeting with the newly recruited herbalists and cultivation specialists in a secure side pavilion within the clan compound.
The room was elegantly furnished with low tables, shelves lined with rare herb specimens, and the faint, soothing aroma of drying medicinal plants.
Sunlight filtered through paper screens, creating a calm yet focused atmosphere.
Five top talents from Jiangling City sat respectfully before him.
Three middle-aged masters and two promising younger experts, all hand-selected for their skill and potential loyalty.
Mu Ronghua stood gracefully at Tianqi’s side, her elegant hand resting lightly on his shoulder.
Her alluring presence added both prestige and subtle pressure to the gathering.
Tianqi began without preamble, his voice steady and commanding.
“You have been chosen for your expertise.
Under the Wan Clan, you will have resources and freedom unavailable elsewhere.
In return, we expect complete dedication and absolute discretion.”
“We will revolutionize our products.
Implement controlled temperature infusions.
Precise heating followed by rapid cooling in chilled solutions to preserve and enhance active essences.
Develop layered pills with timed release effects.
Create standardized formulas based on systematic tracking of results rather than tradition alone.
These methods will produce medicines of unmatched potency and consistency.”
One of the senior herbalists, Master Han, bowed slightly.
“Patriarch, the temperature shock technique you describe is innovative.
We are eager to experiment.
It could greatly improve our vitality tonics and wound-healing salves.”
Tianqi nodded.
“Exactly.
Start with common herbs like ginseng and lingzhi, then scale to rarer ingredients.
I expect detailed logs of every test.
Ingredients, temperatures, outcomes.
Monthly reports will come directly to me or the Matriarch.”
Mu Ronghua added softly, her voice smooth yet carrying underlying steel.
“Your work will directly support the clan’s pureblood cultivation practices.
Excellence here strengthens our entire bloodline.”
The specialists murmured in agreement, eyes bright with professional excitement at the resources and novel ideas being offered.
Tianqi’s expression then hardened, his predatory charisma shifting into cold authority.
“However, hear this warning clearly.
All techniques, formulas, and innovations developed here are the exclusive property of the Wan Clan.
If anything leaks, even a single detail, to rivals or outsiders, the consequences will be severe.
Not only will you face punishment, but your entire families will meet a gruesome death.
Slow, painful, and public enough to serve as an eternal reminder.”
The room fell deathly silent.
The herbalists’ faces paled.
Master Han swallowed hard but managed a respectful bow.
“We understand, Patriarch.
We swear our loyalty and discretion.”
The younger specialists looked visibly shaken but nodded in agreement.
Tianqi’s tone softened slightly but remained firm.
“Serve faithfully and you will be richly rewarded.
Wealth, protection, and opportunities for your own cultivation.
Betray us, and there will be no mercy.
The Wan Clan builds an eternal pureblood empire.
We tolerate no dilution of our secrets.”
Mu Ronghua’s alluring eyes swept over the group with serene intensity, reinforcing the warning without a word.
The meeting concluded with detailed assignments and initial resource allocations.
As the herbalists departed, their steps were hurried but determined.
The combination of groundbreaking opportunity and ruthless consequences had bound them effectively to the clan’s future.
Tianqi turned to Mu Ronghua, his hand covering hers on his shoulder.
“They will produce results, Mother.
And they will never dare betray us.”
She smiled with quiet, dangerous affection.
“As it should be, my son.”
XXXX
In the newly equipped medicinal workshop located in a quiet corner of the Wan Clan compound, the recruited herbalists began their work the very next day.
The spacious room was filled with the sharp, earthy scents of fresh and dried herbs, simmering pots, and chilled basins prepared for the innovative temperature shock techniques.
Sunlight streamed through high windows, illuminating worktables covered with meticulously arranged ingredients, precision scales, and detailed logbooks.
Master Han, the most senior among them, carefully measured bundles of ginseng roots while directing the younger specialists.
“Follow the Patriarch’s instructions precisely.
Record every variable.”
One of the younger herbalists, a talented woman named Lin Qing, stirred a pot with focused movements.
“The rapid cooling does lock in the essences better than traditional simmering.
I can already see the difference in color and aroma.
These methods could truly create superior tonics.”
Another specialist, a middle-aged man named Guo Wei, worked on a batch of layered pill prototypes nearby.
He glanced around to ensure no outsiders were listening before lowering his voice.
“The ideas are brilliant.
No one in Jiangling has approached medicine production with this level of precision.
Yet that warning from yesterday still chills my blood.”
The group fell into a tense silence for a moment, broken only by the bubbling of liquids and the scratch of brushes on paper.
Lin Qing wiped her hands on a cloth and spoke quietly.
“Will he really do it?
If any secret leaks, not just us but our families too?
A gruesome death for all?”
Master Han sighed deeply, his experienced face lined with worry.
“Yes.
He will.
The Patriarch may appear changed, more refined and strategic after his recovery, but he is no less a monster than before.
Perhaps even more dangerous now.
The way he delivered that warning, so calm and certain, left no room for doubt.
He is not bluffing.”
Guo Wei nodded grimly while pressing herbs into pill molds.
“Even though he looks reformed and speaks of fairness in business, the ruthlessness is still there beneath the surface.
Remember the purge?
Those who crossed him disappeared or were broken overnight.
Elder Sun’s sudden ‘illness’ and public apology was no coincidence.
The Matriarch stands right beside him, equally devoted.
They are a single unbreakable force.”
Lin Qing shivered slightly despite the warmth of the workshop.
“My little sister and parents live in the eastern district.
If I make even one careless mistake or speak too freely with outsiders, they would all suffer horribly.
I have no intention of testing his threat.”
The others murmured in agreement, their voices low and fearful.
One of the quieter specialists added, “He is a monster wearing the face of a visionary leader.
We must be extremely careful.
Serve well, keep our mouths shut, and we will prosper.
Cross him, and our bloodlines end in agony.”
Master Han straightened his back and returned his focus to the work.
“Then let us channel that fear into excellence.
These new medicines will be legendary.
The Patriarch’s methods, however terrifying he may be, are genuinely revolutionary.
If we succeed here, our own positions and families will be protected by the clan’s rising power.”
The herbalists continued their tests with renewed caution and diligence.
The workshop filled once more with the sounds of careful measurement, bubbling infusions, and the occasional quiet discussion of formulas.
Beneath the professional focus, however, a deep wariness had taken root.
The “new” Tianqi had made his expectations crystal clear.
Innovation and loyalty would be rewarded.
Betrayal would bring unimaginable suffering.
The Wan Clan’s medicine division was now bound not only by opportunity but by the shadow of ruthless enforcement.
End of Chapter 12
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