Dao of Money

Tang Yuqiu couldn’t help but marvel at the sight before her. The machine, made of copper and gears, clacked steadily as it stitched together a dress—something that would have taken weeks by hand. Two weeks, eight hours per day. Now, it felt like it would be done in just two days. And it was only two days because the woman using it was still adjusting to the new process.

It had only been two weeks since she started learning how to use the machine, and old habits didn’t change overnight. Still, Tang Yuqiu couldn’t help but envision a future where hundreds of these machines were at work, producing enough clothes to flood the market—without breaking their backs on labor costs.

Just a month ago, she would have dismissed such a scenario as impossible. Yet here she was, standing in front of a miracle brought to life by Chen Ren.

They only had three sewing machines right now, but the blacksmith she’d hired was already working on more. She remembered his face when he first looked at the blueprint—how he’d stared at it for a long moment before shaking his head and muttering that it was more complicated than some weapons he’d forged. Even with a detailed design, it had taken him a full week to craft the first one.

Though a part of her mind still wondered how Chen Ren had come up with something so advanced that it could shock a veteran blacksmith. But deep down, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer. Because whatever it was, she had a feeling it would only lead to more questions—questions that might change how she saw him forever.

And right now, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for that.

Their relationship was finally reaching a place where they could trust each other, where they were starting to work together as real partners. Whatever secrets Chen Ren might be hiding… she wasn’t ready to uncover them just yet.

Her father had often told her that curiosity could lead to disastrous outcomes. He’d even recounted the tale of a werecat whose curiosity cost her life, a cautionary story that Tang Yuqiu had taken to heart. She lived by his principles. And right now, she had no desire to do anything that might upset the balance between her and Chen Ren—especially when they were on the cusp of opening their mall.

It had already been a month since he’d helped transport the materials to Jingxi. After that, he’d decided to stay, saying she might need him if the union tried anything else—and to help with setting things up. She had to admit, in the past month, he’d certainly been busy.

He’d taken charge of transporting additional materials, setting up a small factory at the back of their building to begin production, and assisting with the construction of the sewing machines. But that wasn’t all. He’d also been keeping a close watch on the city, gathering information and preparing for any retaliation from the union.

To both their surprise, though, nothing had happened. It was as if the union had decided to quietly back off. No other attempts had been made during transportation for more materials, and there hadn’t been so much as a whisper of a counterattack for the men they had captured. Unfortunately, the prisoners hadn’t yielded much useful information either.

The mortals among them had been easy to interrogate, but they were little more than grunts—completely useless. The cultivators, however, had been far harder to control. Chen Ren had been forced to use a poison that slowly ate away at their qi to keep them bound, and even then, it had taken a while to break them down.

When they finally spoke, their information was disappointingly sparse. They were nothing more than hired muscle for the Xueying Clan, with little knowledge of the clan’s inner workings. Still, they’d confirmed what Chen Ren and Yuqiu had already suspected: Xueying Shenmu, the clan leader, wouldn’t stop until he’d crushed their business completely. He had a reputation for… pitiless efficiency and the prisoners had described past instances where Shenmu had systematically wiped out rival enterprises down to their very roots.

If nothing else, it gave them a clearer picture of the enemy they were up against—and just how dangerous he really was.

The silence from the union was beginning to gnaw at Yuqiu, leaving her uneasy. Even now, as she made her way through the corridor on the second floor of their mall, she couldn’t shake the feeling. It was a continuous heaviness. They had converted this part of the building into production and living quarters for herself, Chen Ren, and their subordinates.

Making her way down the stairs, she tried to push the uneasiness aside. Tomorrow was the grand opening, and she couldn’t afford to spiral in any way. The ground floor looked spotless, exactly how she wanted. Shelves gleamed with neatly arranged perfumes, and every corner of the shop reflected the effort they had poured into it. She could only hope the launch would be as successful as it had been in Cloud Mist City.

She stood for an extra second, surveying the space.

From the right corner, she saw her maid, Ling’er approaching and turned her head towards her. The latter offered a polite bow before speaking.

“Young Miss, everything is ready. I’m sure the customers will be stunned by how beautiful the shop looks.”

Yuqiu smiled, but it seemed like Ling’er noticed the worry etched on her face and frowned slightly. “Is something troubling you, young miss? I can help—”

“It’s not anything tangible,” Yuqiu admitted, sighing softly. “Just pre-opening jitters. I’ve been through it before, but the nerves never really go away. Not when it feels like there’s an axe hanging over our heads.”

“Young Miss, we’ve done everything we could, and we’ve planned for every possibility. It will be okay.”

Yuqiu gave a small, wry smile. “You know as well as I do, Ling’er, that things never go exactly according to plan. Change is the only constant in business. Our success will depend on how well we adapt to whatever comes our way.”

Ling’er mirrored her smile. “And you will adapt, Young Miss. You always do. Besides, Young Master Chen Ren is with you. He won’t let the union cause any harm.”

“I know,” Yuqiu whispered. “I have faith in him. He’s done so much for us, and I know he’ll keep us safe. But… But you know, I can’t rely on him forever. That’s not how it works. My father is happy that I’m finally seeing the kind of success he always hoped for me, but I don’t know if I’ve truly earned it yet. Chen Ren has been responsible for so much of this. He’s here now, but he has his own path. Even if he acts like a merchant, he’s still a cultivator at heart. One day, he’ll have to move on—and I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep this going without him.”

Ling’er took a step closer. Yuqiu saw the way she clutched her hands a little tighter.“Young Miss, I have faith in you. You’ve worked hard for this, and I believe you will take Heavenly Fragrances to even greater heights.”

“Thank you, Ling’er. You’ve always been there for me.”

“It’s my duty, Miss.”

Yuqiu fell silent at that, her thoughts swirling. She knew that just talking to someone—even someone as steadfast as her maid—wouldn’t completely alleviate her fears. Those fears were hers alone to deal with. No one could shoulder that burden for her.

But even so, it helped to know that there were people who believed in her, people who had faith in her abilities. That knowledge didn’t erase the fear, but it gave her something far more valuable—courage. Courage to face whatever storm might come for Heavenly Fragrances.

Before that, however, she had to focus on the challenge directly in front of her.

The opening day.

They had worked tirelessly for weeks to get everything ready. Plans had been made, the marketing campaign had already been rolled out, and all that was left now was to see if their efforts would bear fruit.

And tomorrow, she would witness it for herself. Whether the opening would be a success or not would depend on how well they had prepared—and how well they could adapt if things went awry.

She inhaled through the nose, felt her lungs fill and straightened her shoulders. She gave a small nod to Ling’er, locking her determination in. Tomorrow would be the start of something great. It had to be.

***

Yan Ling strolled aimlessly through the lively streets of Jingxi, feeling lost in the middle of the hustle and chatter of the crowd around her. A few times, she lightly bumped into a passersby, murmuring distracted apologies without truly registering them. Her mind was elsewhere, spinning through the river of unfortunate events that had come to her life over the past few weeks. And all those thoughts pressed her chest tighter, cutting off any conscious supply of air.

Just a year ago, the Yan Clan had been one of the more prominent minor merchant clans in Jingxi. Their transportation business had been thriving, with steady contracts and loyal customers. Her father had been confident that their success would earn him a coveted seat in the union, the headmost trade body in the city.

But the heavens, it seemed, had a twisted sense of humor.

A few devastating raids by well-organized bandits were all it took to cripple their reputation. Word spread fast in the merchant circles, and soon, the Yan Clan’s contracts began slipping through their fingers like sand. Fewer customers, dwindling profits—and then, bankruptcy was over them like a shadow they couldn’t escape.

In the weeks that followed, as her family scrambled to recover from the losses, her father had sat her down with a somber expression and delivered the final blow: the marriage talks they had been negotiating with two wealthy clans had completely fallen through. Those families, sensing their decline, had backed out without so much as a word of apology.

“You’ll have to find a match on your own,” he’d told her, looking wearier than she’d ever seen him.

Yan Ling had nodded at the time, putting on a brave face, but deep down, she knew the truth.

At twenty four, she was already considered too old to marry in Jingxi’s upper circles. Her younger cousins had been married off years ago, securing alliances and stable futures, while she had waited, hoping for a match that would bring her wealth and status.

And now? That dream was crumbling before her eyes.

She could already imagine the whispers—the knowing glances from other merchant daughters, the pitying smiles from her aunts. If she didn’t secure a match soon, she would end up like those bitter old matrons who spent their days gossiping and lamenting what could have been.

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Her father had promised that he would support her in marrying whoever she chose, but what good was that when she didn’t have a line of suitors clamoring for her hand?

Sighing, she rubbed her temple, trying to cease the incoming headache.

That might have been true two years ago when the Yan Clan’s business was at its peak, and her name carried a weight in Jingxi’s merchant circles. Back then, she had been seen as a desirable match—a young woman from a prosperous family with a bright future ahead of her.

But now?

Now, Yan Ling was hardly thought of as someone with good prospects. A twenty four year old woman from a fallen clan, no longer the talk of advantageous marriage arrangements. Too old for the best matches, lacking in wealth, and without any clear path forward, her head felt like it might explode just from thinking about it all.

And it wasn’t as though she could just marry anyone. Even with their decline, the Yan family wouldn’t allow her to marry beneath their station. They needed someone of equal or greater status for the marriage to make sense. But where was she supposed to find such a match when most potential suitors avoided families on the verge of ruin?

Her only real chance had come two days ago, when she’d managed to secure an invitation to a banquet—a prestigious gathering where even members of the Union would be in attendance. It might be her only opportunity to make an impression, to catch the eye of a young master with enough wealth and influence to overlook her family’s current misfortune.

But even that opportunity came with problems.

Her clothes were old—two seasons out of fashion—and her jewelry was barely worth wearing. She could already imagine the disapproving glances and whispered comments from the other young women at the banquet, who would be dressed in the latest silks and draped in gold and jade.

She’d asked her father for help, hoping he might buy her at least a new dress, but he had only shaken his head and sighed. “We’re struggling to keep the business afloat. We can’t afford luxuries right now.”

And so, she had spent the past two days wandering through the city, visiting shop after shop, hoping to find something suitable within her meager budget. She’d tried negotiating for lower prices, pleading with shopkeepers she had once known, but none of it had worked. The dresses she could afford were too plain, and the ones she wanted were far beyond her reach.

In the end, she had refused to go home, feeling like it would be admitting defeat if she did.

Now, as she strolled through the streets, her mind was heaving with frustration and hopelessness, she suddenly noticed a large crowd gathered near the central square, where roads branched off toward different districts of the city.

What’s going on?” she wondered, slowing her steps as she craned her neck to get a better look.

The crowd was clustered around something, but she wasn’t able to make out what it was.

Curiosity stirred within her. It wasn’t often that something would attract this much attention, especially in the central square.

Yan Ling let her feet carry her toward the crowd. Using her small, petite frame to her advantage, she slipped between the people, squeezing through narrow gaps until she found herself near the front. It wasn’t too difficult—most of the men and women were too preoccupied with whatever was happening ahead to notice her weaving through them.

When she finally reached the front, the scene before her left her momentarily confused.

A beautiful woman with striking features stood in the middle, dressed in a flowing gown of deep crimson silk embroidered with highlighting gold patterns. Her posture was graceful but commanding, and her lips were curved in a bright, confident smile.

In front of her was a long wooden table, lined with neat rows of small perfume bottles. Behind her stood several men who looked like guards—broad-shouldered, watchful eyes and swords strapped to their waists.

“I’m glad our little demonstration has caught your attention,” the woman said. “But don’t worry—I won’t take up too much of your time.”

Before she could continue, a playful voice called out from the crowd, “I was hoping to see you for a while longer!”

That earned a ripple of laughter from the onlookers, and the woman smirked, tilting her head slightly.

“Thank you, but sadly, I’m not on display today.” She gestured gracefully toward the table. “Heavenly Fragrances’ perfumes are.”

Yan Ling’s eyes shifted to the bottles on display. They were made of polished wood—not even glass, and although she couldn’t see the liquid inside, the subtle, lingering scent that was wafting through the air hinted at something high-quality. Having used so many perfumes, she knew that well.

The woman continued, her smile never wavering. “I’m sure some of you here have already heard of Heavenly Fragrances. We’re the most famous perfume brand in Cloud Mist City, with customers ranging from high-society ladies to common folk—and even cultivators. And now, we’re finally here in Jingxi, ready to let you discover what true high-quality perfume smells like, all for the price of just five to eight silver wen!”

Yan Ling’s eyes widened in shock.

Five to eight silver wen?

She stared at the bottles, half-expecting them to transform into something cheap-looking, but the smell remained as refined and pleasant as before. She never knew that perfumes were sold at such low prices, and she couldn’t help but wonder if it was some kind of scam. Most perfumes in Jingxi sold for at least several dozen silver wen, sometimes even more depending on the shop.

How could something that cheap be any good?

As the thought crossed her mind, she heard a few whispered conversations around her.

“My cousin lives in Cloud Mist City,” a young woman nearby said excitedly to her friend. “She told me the perfumes from Heavenly Fragrances are amazing—and they’re really that cheap!”

“Yes! I visited Cloud Mist during their annual tournament last year and tried some of their perfumes. They’re great. I’m so glad they’ve opened a store here!”

That made Yan Ling hesitate, her earlier suspicions faltering. Could this really be the opportunity it seemed to be?

As if sensing the crowd’s uncertainty, the woman behind the table smiled again. “If you’re curious, we’re offering free samples. You can try them right here.”

Yan Ling’s eyes widened, excitement flaring despite herself. Before she could second-guess her reaction, the words burst out of her mouth. “Can I try?”

The woman’s eyes sparkled, mirroring Yan Lin’s expression. “Of course, young miss. You’re free to.”

Yan Ling stepped forward, her heart beating faster as she approached the table. One of the men behind the woman handed her a small wooden bottle, and she poured a few drops of perfume onto Yan Ling’s palm.

As soon as she raised her hand to her nose, the scent enveloped her—a soft, luxurious blend of jasmine, sandalwood, and something light and floral she couldn’t quite place. The fragrance was subtle yet intoxicating, elegant but not overpowering.

Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment as she took it in. This is… really good.

“It’s wonderful,” she murmured, opening her eyes to find the woman smiling at her.

“Thank you, young miss. If you hurry, you can be one of the first customers at our Jingxi City branch. It’s just down the street, past the central square.”

Yan Ling nodded absently, still distracted by the lingering scent on her skin. But before she could think of what to say next, the woman leaned in slightly.

“And there’s more,” she said with a wink. “If you bring two friends with you, you’ll get a thirty percent discount on your purchase. Not only that, but you’ll also have the chance to try out our newest collection of women’s clothing. There are only a limited number of dresses available right now, and you could get your hands on them before they sell out.”

Yan Ling blinked.

“Are they as affordable as the perfumes?” she asked.

The woman chuckled. “Yes, young miss. You won’t find such designs anywhere else at these prices, I can promise you that.”

Before Yan Ling could press for more details, several other people from the crowd surged forward, eager to try the perfumes for themselves. She was jostled slightly, and the woman turned her attention to the new customers, offering more samples with the same bright smile.

Left standing at the edge of the crowd, Yan Ling’s mind was spinning. Good perfume, affordable dresses, and a discount if I bring two people…

Was this the opportunity she had been waiting for? Maybe the heavens had finally thrown her a lifeline.

She debated for a moment, thinking of her options. It could be a scam—or it could be exactly what she needed to make an impression at the upcoming banquet. And what did she have to lose by at least checking it out?

Moreover, she needed that discount, and that meant she needed to bring two people with her.

Without wasting another moment, she turned on her heel and quickly made her way through the streets—not toward the shop, but toward the homes of her friends. After all, she wasn’t going to let an opportunity like this slip through her fingers.

***

A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Annual subscription is now on too.

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PS - It’s actually leg pedalled in last chapter. I forgot to add that part. Sorry.