Volume One: The Lonely Beta Test Chapter Twenty-Seven: Four Birds with One Stone?

When most of Lietou County was still deep in slumber, four grand estates in the city were already bustling with activity. In particular, the Wang family manor in the west was a hive of movement. Five or six servants were hauling sacks of grain from the storeroom, weighing them carefully, and loading them onto carriages waiting outside the gates. The Wang family's accountant was diligently recording every transaction, occasionally shuffling the beads in his abacus.

“Master, yesterday our price reductions outpaced those of the other three families, and our grain shops have all sold out. The grain we have left is our household’s own supply. Should we…” The steward of the Wang family, standing half-bowed on the steps of the main house, addressed Wang Lin cautiously. It was clear from his demeanor this was not the first time he had broached the subject.

Wang Lin shot him a glare. “No need to repeat yourself. Our reserves have always been greater than theirs; now things have come to this, they’re no better off. The grain we have left will last until they run out entirely!”

“I wonder which scoundrel took their bribes and acted as a mole, leaking our plans. If I find out, I’ll have him skinned alive!” Wang Lin’s voice was laced with fury. He knew the grain reserves of the other three families well, and had expected to ruin them, forcing their shops to close. Yet they somehow received advance warning and managed to prepare, enduring yesterday’s crisis. Not only did Wang Lin fail to defeat them, he sold out his own stock, leaving his scheme in tatters—all thanks to that traitor. How could he not be filled with hatred?

Wang Lin’s words sent a chill down the steward’s spine. He had served Wang Lin for many years, witnessing firsthand the ruthless and cunning methods his master employed since taking over the family. Take, for example, the recent plot against the Lin family. The Lin ancestors had once bestowed great kindness upon the Wang family, but Wang Lin coveted their maritime business in Maple Town and wanted a share. When the Lin family refused, Wang Lin began scheming against them, waiting for an opportunity. Months ago, upon learning Lin Wei had traveled to Jixian in Youzhou, Wang Lin saw his chance and began his plans. Not content with merely seizing Lin’s business, he intended to annihilate the family, heedless of past favors. One could imagine the fate of anyone who dared threaten the Wang family’s interests under Wang Lin’s grip—it would be nothing short of tragic. Serving such a man, the steward was always on edge; a single mistake could cost him his life, and with Wang Lin’s temper, his family might suffer as well.

Yet, in business acumen, Wang Lin was unmatched in the county. The steward, ambitious and shrewd himself, believed that under Wang Lin’s management, the Wang family would soon expand to the prefecture, offering greater opportunities for his own talents. Thus, he continued to serve, always treading carefully.

“That traitor is truly despicable. Master, do not fret; only a handful of people could have known such secrets. It shouldn’t be hard to root him out,” the steward said confidently.

“Very well. I leave this matter to you. Find that treacherous dog and bring him to me swiftly!”

The steward accepted the task, then hesitated, bowing respectfully. “Master, may I speak freely?”

Though troubled, Wang Lin knew his steward had a sharp mind and had offered valuable advice over the years. He nodded, signaling him to continue.

“Master, though our reserves exceed any of theirs, and we can outlast them, what if they conspire to combine the grain from all three families? Wouldn’t that…”

He left the rest unsaid, not wishing to provoke his master further. Wang Lin, of course, understood the implication.

Instead of anger, Wang Lin laughed.

“Master? Why is that?” The steward, familiar with Wang Lin’s temperament, was surprised by his reaction.

Wang Lin, seeing his steward’s worried and puzzled look, responded gently, “Are you wondering why I am not upset?”

The steward relaxed as Wang Lin’s mood softened. “Yes, Master?”

“Last night, I went to see the county magistrate, seeking his assistance for our family. But the other three family heads arrived before me, with the same intent.” Wang Lin drew a document from his sleeve. “This is what I brought back last night. Each of the four families received one. Take a look, and you’ll understand.”

The steward unfolded the document, and after reading it, smiled. “Master, you are wise indeed! It seems I was worried for nothing. With this document, if the other families do as I feared, I ought to congratulate you in advance.”

The previous night, all four families had appealed to the magistrate, claiming their price cuts were acts of benevolence and asking for official support. The magistrate, knowing none of them were to be trifled with and unwilling to offend any, could not decide. He excused himself and, with his adviser, retreated to the courtyard to deliberate, but found no solution. Just then, Old Zhang arrived to request the gate password for his shift. Knowing Old Zhang was clever, they confided their dilemma to him.

Old Zhang, not particularly familiar with the four families, pondered and asked, “Sir, if you don’t help any of them, which family is most likely to prevail?”

The magistrate, more accustomed to indulgence than investigation, had no criteria for judgment. He turned to his adviser, who replied without hesitation, “Naturally, the Wang family stands the best chance. Do you suggest helping them?”

“Not at all.” In fact, supporting the Wang family would be the safest choice—they already held the advantage, and with the magistrate’s help, victory would be certain. But Old Zhang reasoned that if the Wang family gained dominance over the county’s grain market, their notorious business practices would spell hardship for the common folk.

The magistrate, vexed by Old Zhang’s evasiveness, barked, “Should I help the other three families instead?”

“Neither,” Old Zhang replied.

Frustrated, the magistrate ordered, “You dare toy with me? Guards, take him away and give him a beating.”

Old Zhang quickly knelt. “Sir, please let me finish. If my words do not resolve your predicament, you will have ample time to punish me.”

“Speak, then.”

“Sir, whichever side wins, their strength will increase, putting you in a worse position. But now, with the two sides competing, why not use this chance to weaken all four families?”

The magistrate, suddenly energized, demanded, “How?”

“They claim to be acting for the public good. You could issue an official decree: whichever family sells grain at low prices for the longest and in greatest quantity will be awarded a merit plaque. The one with the shortest duration will lose their license to sell grain. Then, secretly promise each family that you will assist them at their most difficult moment, explaining you had no choice but to implement this policy. This way, none will withdraw early. The weakest will inevitably falter first. You then truly assist that weakest family, ensuring that victory remains elusive for all, and the longer the contest drags on, the greater their losses—perhaps even exhausting all their resources. With minimal effort, you can reap the rewards, and the people benefit as well. Later, spread the word that you were the benefactor, and the populace will be grateful.”

Old Zhang finished, and the magistrate was so pleased his face flushed. Thus, Wang Lin received the document now in his hand.

Wang Lin returned the document with a triumphant smile. “Naturally, none of the other three families will escape this time. It seems nothing in this city can threaten me. Now, what news from the Lin family?” Wang Lin, sharp as he was, failed to see through the magistrate’s scheme. His confidence blinded him to the possibility that someone in the county could advise the magistrate so cleverly, and he believed the Wang family’s victory was assured.

The steward, though pleased, sensed something amiss, but could not pinpoint it. Seeing his master’s delight, he dared not voice his vague intuition.

“By the way, Old Chen, I’ve been up for some time; where’s Wang Fu? He’s not still asleep, is he?” Wang Lin suddenly asked.

The steward chuckled, “Master, you’ve wronged Second Young Master. He rose at dawn to visit the hired men outside the city. He mentioned gathering grain from the villages in Yuncheng; perhaps he’ll bring you good news soon.”

Wang Lin gave a wry smile. “I don’t expect good news—so long as he doesn’t stir up trouble, I’ll be content. Let’s go check the shop and arrange matters properly. Once the Lin family is ripe for the final blow, I’ll be free to act!”

The steward understood Wang Lin was preparing for the decisive strike against the Lin family, and felt a pang of sympathy for their impending fate. Yet he flattered his master, “Master, with your wisdom, the Lin family is no match. They are meat on the chopping block, and such matters hardly require your personal attention.”

Wang Lin’s face shone with pride. “Ha! When did you learn to flatter, Chen?”

The steward blushed. “It seems I’ve pleased you, Master.”

“Yes, I rather enjoy it.” Wang Lin nodded. “I just want to see for myself the downfall of the Lin family, who once rejected my goodwill. Isn’t it a most satisfying spectacle?”

With that, Wang Lin strode toward the door, the steward following close behind. Whether the Lin family’s secrecy was truly flawless or the Wang family simply underestimated their adversaries, Wang Lin, confident of victory, never imagined that after tomorrow, the Wang family would vanish from Lietou forever.