Chapter 243: 243 Yan Moling: Recently, the pies have been coming in an endless stream_1
With this thought, Wen Jiang realized she really did want to summon the man again to question him. However, the thought of the steep 10,000 Points cost made her suppress the terrifying idea. She had cleared her previous debt, but her current progress was still far from adequate.
It’s too frightening! Is this what a leader is? So calculating, missing nothing. After Wen Jiang’s explanation, Zero Egg’s understanding of the Heart of the World’s formidable nature deepened.
The only remaining question was the relationship between the Heart of the World and the God of Desire. If the Heart of the World had created the System, then, to a certain extent, it did resemble a robot meticulously executing programs. A being like the God of Desire didn’t seem to fit this profile.
Desire was the emotional energy of humans, and it encompassed everything. Human desires couldn’t be summarized by a single emotion; hence, the Heart of the World needed emotional energy. Was the Heart of the World created by desire? And the world it exists in—what kind of place is it exactly?
Wen Jiang unconsciously drummed her fingertips. This was a speculation she hadn’t shared with Zero Egg yet, as it didn’t feel appropriate.
The uproar caused by the UR-Rank Spirit Card Master had overshadowed many things. Now, however, certain under-the-table maneuvers could finally be set in motion.
「A few days later,」 rumors began to circulate discreetly within the Imperial City.
The rumors painted the Jimo Family heir as a ruthless and merciless individual, someone capable of even killing her own uncle. What wouldn’t she do? Several Nobility families that had previously been observing—the Di Family, Qiao Family, and Yin Family—all began to slowly but clearly distance themselves from any cooperation with the Jimo Family. Only the Song Family remained inactive.
The industries of the Imperial City’s Nobility were deeply intertwined, with numerous collaborations already in place. Although the Jimo Family was initially more aligned with the military and thus not favored by other Nobility, their involvement was still significant. Now, in their bid to completely sever these ties, this group of Nobles, with centuries of heritage in Yunxia, behaved like petulant children. They banded together to isolate the Jimo Family. While offending any single one of these established or rising powerful families might have been daunting, united, they acted with impunity.
The Jimo Family owned eight Card Factories. Three of these were built on land purchased from others. While most people wouldn’t dare offend the Nobility, news arrived that these landowners were now unwilling to continue leasing or selling land to the Jimo Family. This included an overseas factory. The truth was, the lease terms had already been negotiated, and the Jimo Family had even voluntarily offered a higher rent. This time, however, the other party reneged, leaving no room for negotiation. The agreement had only been verbal, not a formal contract signed in black and white. With powerful backing, they naturally didn’t fear the Jimo Family’s authority.
Just a month ago, Hua Zhuo had even finalized plans to expand the factory. This sudden turn of events not only scuttled those plans but also left the Jimo Family facing the embarrassing prospect of breaching their card production contracts. A vast number of people had pre-ordered cards, and the existing factories were already working overtime. The landowners demanded that as soon as the current contract period expired, all Mount Flower Factory staff must vacate the premises. If the cards couldn’t be completed and delivered on time, the Jimo Family would have to breach their agreements and issue refunds.
Is this their so-called method of Nobility revenge?
Even more absurdly, Xie Lingyan’s son and daughter were also implicated. They were expelled from their school, another Noble International University, on some flimsy pretext and subsequently ostracized by the scions of other wealthy families. The official reason for expulsion was disciplinary violations. Since the two siblings hadn’t exactly been paragons of discipline, there wasn’t much recourse. Having benefited from the Jimo Family, it was only natural they would suffer now that the family was facing hardship.
These tactics targeting the Jimo Family were indeed enough to make an average family retreat. The message was clear: See? This is what happens when you don’t integrate into mainstream circles. This is the consequence of not taking the Nobility seriously. If you choose to stand alone, you must bear the consequences.
Now, anyone in the Imperial City with eyes could see that the Jimo Family was being targeted. Even employees at the Mount Flower Factory faced overt and covert harassment from outsiders. Employees working for other Nobility families’ enterprises, who had relatives employed in Jimo Family industries, were pulled aside for ’conversations.’ The words weren’t explicit, but the implication was clear: if your relatives didn’t leave Mount Flower, then you would have to leave your current job.
As for who was most delighted by this turn of events, it had to be the Yin Family. With Yin Zhiqi still detained in jail and unable to secure release, how could the Jimo Family not pay a price? In other areas where overt actions weren’t feasible, such as the card business, they could only create minor obstructions; that would have to suffice. Going too far and provoking the Empire would be unwise.
"This is simply shameless!" Even a calm person like Hua Zhuo was thoroughly incensed. "They resort to such despicable tactics!" If it had been an open and fair confrontation, Hua Zhuo might have respected them more. Who knew these Nobility could stoop so low? "Just like Song Ji!"
Wen Jiang stroked her chin. "The Song Family isn’t involved? Makes sense. We have a hostage of theirs; the twins’ contract is still held at Mount Flower."
Hua Zhuo was taken aback. "...There’s been no word about the Song Family making any moves." She didn’t know Song Ji’s exact thoughts, but she believed he wouldn’t stoop to antagonizing her in such petty ways—unless he wanted an all-out war with her. Still, she voiced her concern, "The Song Family isn’t reliable either." She worried Wen Jiang might consider cooperating with them.
Wen Jiang glanced at her and smiled. "Of course, I know. You’ve received quite a few resignation letters lately, haven’t you?" Their methods of intimidation are so predictable. If direct confrontation doesn’t work, they target those around you, or they interfere with your land and cards.
Hua Zhuo nodded, her worry evident. "We’ve signed a new batch of contracts. If the factory can’t start production on time, we won’t be able to meet the merchants’ orders for the next batch of cards. That will cost us a hefty sum."
Even for the current Wen Jiang, this ’hefty sum’ was a considerable amount of money.
These people must know this. Mount Flower’s new Spirit Cards are selling like hotcakes, and I just released the Empress Card Set a few days ago. The timing was supposed to be perfect. Now, they’ll surely block any attempts by the Jimo Family to purchase new land for factories. Moreover, establishing a new factory, refining its operations, and starting production all take time—time the Jimo Family currently doesn’t have. The Nobility hadn’t resorted to such tactics before, likely out of some respect for the Jimo Family’s noble status. But now that the Jimo Family heir has openly torn away that facade, why would they bother with niceties?
The people under them were also complaining incessantly. They began to question their heir’s impulsive actions and her disregard for the consequences, wondering if she regretted causing such a huge uproar over what they perceived as a minor issue, especially given the severe repercussions.
Did Wen Jiang have any regrets?
She even smiled cheerfully. It’s just about losing money, right? They want to block my path completely, but they’ve forgotten how Mount Flower rose from the ashes. Isn’t it because I have the confidence in making Spirit Cards? Whoever controls the market is the boss. And now, I am that boss.
Wen Jiang directly called Yan Moling. Right off the bat, she presented a tempting offer, "I remember your military has its own Card Factory, right? Business isn’t doing too well, is it? How about a collaboration?"
Yan Moling was speechless. "..." Huh?! Such a good deal is falling into my lap?!