Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

”What!” Madam Zhang slammed her hand on the table when she heard that her family’s assets were valued at 770 million. She angrily scanned the gathered family heads and glared at Ju Shou, her chest heaving in fury as she recalled the recent events.

”Fine! Well done, Hebei aristocrats and Yuan family of Yuzhou. The Zhen family concedes defeat. Mi Zizhong, grant us a ten-day grace period. Our Zhen family can still come up with a mere two billion coins!” Madam Zhang shouted, her eyes burning with anger, and ordered her servants, ”We’re leaving!”

As Madam Zhang turned to leave, no one dared to stop her. The heads of Hebei’s aristocratic families exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Mi Zhu, who now stood as the new top merchant.

”Congratulations, Zizhong!” The head of the Geng family rose and bowed to Mi Zhu. ”You must visit the Geng family estate someday.”

Then, a chorus of congratulatory voices filled the hall. Every aristocratic family present wanted to forge ties with the new top merchant, recognizing Mi Zhu’s immense wealth and connections as an asset in these turbulent times, especially since he posed no threat to their power.

Mi Zhu reciprocated with polite bows, showing no arrogance despite his newfound status.

”Thank you, Ju Gong.” After everyone left, Mi Zhu bowed to Ju Shou.

”No need to be so formal. We are merely upholding the law. When you return, inform Chen Zicuan that Jizhou is willing to form an alliance with Qingzhou. And as for you, Zizhong, Jizhou’s doors are always open to you.” Ju Shou smiled, viewing Mi Zhu as a lucrative and non-threatening ally.

Mi Zhu’s eyes gleamed with joy, and he replied, ”Thank you, Ju Gong. I will surely return to Jizhou. I assure you, the Mi family’s wealth is not inferior to the Zhen family’s!”

”Good to hear!” Ju Shou laughed heartily, thinking of the benefits of having such a wealthy ally in Jizhou. Though Jizhou was rich in resources, having a wealthy partner like Mi Zhu meant that the treasury would always have a backup.When Madam Zhang returned to the Zhen residence, she immediately locked down the inner courtyard, allowing only the direct family members inside.

”The situation is as follows: the entire Hebei aristocracy has excluded our Zhen family,” Madam Zhang calmly explained the current predicament.

”Mother, should we relocate?” Zhen Mi asked calmly, showing no trace of panic.

”Yes, we will relocate. Until our departure, no one except Ju Gong or Mi Zizhong will be allowed an audience,” Madam Zhang commanded with the authority of the family matriarch, quelling any opposition from the household and branch families. ”We still don’t know what we’re up against. Not a single piece of information has returned from our covert operatives, and our family has been reduced to this state?”

”Madam, our covert operatives were cut off by various families immediately. We have no information channels left. The power of Hebei’s aristocracy has far surpassed our Zhen family,” one of the Zhen family stewards reported.

”Abandon all current operations and reorganize! If we have failed, then we must minimize our losses,” Madam Zhang instructed calmly. ”Order the family members to evacuate Hebei in batches. Sever all business connections. Even without Jizhou, we are still one of the most prominent families in the land!”

”Mi’er, stay,” she added as Zhen Mi prepared to leave.

”Your father left a dowry for you before he passed. I will use it to resolve this crisis, and once the family stabilizes, I will prepare another dowry for you,” Madam Zhang explained to her nine-year-old daughter.

”Mother, you may handle it as you see fit,” Zhen Mi replied calmly.

Before he died, Zhen Yi had prepared a dowry for Zhen Mi worth two billion coins, as prophesied by Liu Liang, a fortune-teller, who claimed she was destined for great things. The top merchants of this era, like Mi Zhu, who prepared a two-billion coin dowry for his sister Mi Zhen, were known for their immense wealth and protective nature toward their sisters.

Meanwhile, Chen Zicuan received a letter from the north and felt reassured. He was currently patrolling the Jizhou border, able to receive Mi Zhu’s messages in half a day thanks to the swift horses. Accompanying him was the White Horse General, Zhao Yun, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei remained in Licheng with their troops.

”Let’s go. We’ll visit the Zhen family ourselves. Now, what identity should I assume?” Chen Zicuan wondered aloud as he boarded the carriage. ”Hurry, the Zhen family isn’t an ordinary aristocratic family. If we’re late, they might relocate.”

”Understood, Zicuan. Leave it to me,” Zhao Yun responded with a hearty laugh.

Raising twelve billion coins wasn’t easy. Although Ju Shou had prepared in advance, gathering such a large sum discreetly was challenging. He had only managed to accumulate half of it so far.

”It seems I need to visit the Zhen family earlier than planned. Raising this much money isn’t easy. Madam Zhang spoke confidently, so the Zhen family must have other avenues. With the six billion I have now, it should be enough!” Ju Shou calculated the current situation and sighed, realizing the financial burden of the war against Gongsun Zan. If Qingzhou launched another attack, Jizhou would struggle to handle a two-front war.

Mi Zhu escorted Chen Zicuan to the Zhen residence. Despite their recent defeat, the Zhen family’s estate showed no signs of decline. The stone bricks at the entrance were meticulously cleaned, and the guards remained as vigilant and imposing as ever.

”Mr. Zizhong!” The two guards at the gate glared at Mi Zhu but refrained from any rude actions. ”Madam has instructed us not to obstruct you. Someone inside will guide you to her.”

”Thank you,” Mi Zhu said, bowing.

After Mi Zhu entered, the guards immediately drew their swords to block Chen Zicuan and Zhao Yun. They knew these two were with Mi Zhu, but their orders were clear—they could not harm Mi Zhu but could act against his companions.

Before Chen Zicuan could speak, Zhao Yun effortlessly tossed the two guards aside, their strength incomparable to his.

”Let’s go. Even in defeat, a century-old aristocratic family’s dignity won’t waver,” Chen Zicuan commented as he admired the surroundings. The depth of an aristocratic family’s heritage was evident in every meticulous detail.