Free Web NovelChapter 603: Chapter 603: Surging Waves (Part 2)
He Yuan City is a prefecture city, much larger and more populous than West Plain.
The Nu Tao River detours southwest to southeast around this big city, its abundant waters nourishing the farmlands on both banks, with villas and cottages scattered all over, presenting a prosperous scene.
Near the city, a large dock is built at the river bay, with dozens of merchant ships, cargo ships, and fishing boats moored.
These vessels mainly travel between the prefecture city and several county towns below, only functioning within the Hetao Region.
Because they can’t sail upstream to reach the vicinity of West Plain, the value of the waterway is greatly discounted.
Almost worthless!
Zhang Yuan came all the way and completely understood the Wu Family’s discontent.
But where is the big mystery in the river?
With a bit of doubt, Zhang Yuan landed ashore and entered He Yuan Prefecture City in the guise of a Wandering Hero.
This time, besides exploring the Nu Tao River, he also wanted to visit the Wu Family personally.
After all, the conditions offered by them are still just a paper agreement.
They don’t count completely.
The Wu Family’s mansion was easy to find; Zhang Yuan casually asked a passerby and knew its location.
In He Yuan City, the Wu Family is undoubtedly the overlord, and even the local prefect is a member of the Wu Clan.
This shows the heritage and strength of the Daqian Wu Clan.
"Please announce me."
Arriving at the gate of the Wu Family’s mansion, Zhang Yuan said to the Household Servant guarding the entrance: "Dao General Zhang Yuan from West Plain is here to visit."
The two strong, fierce-looking Household Servants were taken aback, then exchanged glances.
Who is this Dao General Zhang Yuan from West Plain?
They haven’t heard of him!
Actually, Zhang Yuan’s name is known to everyone in the upper echelons of the Wu Family, but the lower levels are usually not aware, which is normal.
However, as gatekeepers, the two have a keen eye.
Although Zhang Yuan’s attire was ordinary, the aura of a superior was quite evident, indicating he was not an ordinary person.
One of the Household Servants hesitated for a moment and bowed, asking: "May I ask if you have an appointment with our master?"
"No."
Zhang Yuan waved his hand: "I only know your Wu Ziyu."
"So you know the eldest young master!"
The Household Servant’s expression immediately turned respectful: "Please wait a moment, I will report it at once!"
Zhang Yuan nodded: "Hmm."
He didn’t feel snubbed at all and wouldn’t put on airs in front of a Household Servant.
Just then, a delicate carriage, escorted by several Knights, arrived and stopped in front of the gate.
A Knight glanced coldly at Zhang Yuan, showing a warning look.
"The Seventh Miss is back!"
Immediately, a girl in her prime age got out of the carriage, accompanied by two maids, and entered the mansion.
Zhang Yuan caught a glimpse, only seeing half of her profile.
Very beautiful.
But he paid it no mind at all and continued to wait patiently.
"Dao General Zhang?"
Zhang Yuan didn’t have to wait long before a young man hurried out from inside. Upon seeing Zhang Yuan, he immediately revealed a joyful expression: "It’s really you!"
This was Wu Ziyu.
Earlier, in West Plain City, this Wu Family member handed Zhang Yuan a letter from his elders and then left Dao City to return to He Yuan, only a few days ago.
He hadn’t expected that just after returning home, Zhang Yuan would follow right after.
Appearing in front of his home!
Zhang Yuan smiled: "I came abruptly, please forgive me."
Honestly, Zhang Yuan’s visit as an uninvited guest was indeed somewhat abrupt.
Normally, with his status, he should have sent someone in advance to arrange a meeting time.
Giving the Wu Family some preparation time.
But Zhang Yuan really disliked these formalities. Since he didn’t need to build networks, and the cooperation with the Wu Family was purely for interest, there was no need to make it so grand and formal.
"Dao General Zhang, you’re being too serious!"
Wu Ziyu said seriously: "Your visit brings great honor to our humble abode, please come in!"
So, accompanied by this Wu Family member himself, Zhang Yuan stepped into the Wu Family’s mansion in He Yuan.
The two gatekeeping Household Servants were left dumbfounded.
Even though Wu Ziyu wasn’t the most favored member of the Wu Family, he was the eldest son of the Direct Lineage, controlling part of the family’s business and power, with a special status.
The two had never seen Wu Ziyu being so respectful and polite to an outsider.
Even somewhat ingratiating!
What kind of person is this Dao General from West Plain that makes the eldest young master so servile?
Perhaps because it was so astonishing, as soon as Zhang Yuan and Wu Ziyu sat down in the inner hall, the news spread like wildfire throughout the mansion.
After a Maid brought tea, Wu Ziyu apologized: "Dao General Zhang, my father has gone to the Prefecture Government Office. I’ve already sent someone to inform him, and he should be back soon."
Wu Ziyu’s father, Wu Mingrui, is the head of the He Yuan Wu Family and is usually very busy.
Zhang Yuan didn’t care: "No problem."
Thinking for a moment, he said, "I’ve explored the segment of the Nu Tao River in Liping Mountain."
Wu Ziyu was initially stunned, then his spirit lifted: "How is it?"
Zhang Yuan smiled: "It’s not a big problem. Give me a month, and I should be able to clear a passage."
"A month?"
Wu Ziyu was shocked: "Is that true?"
It’s not that he doubted Zhang Yuan’s ability, but it was just hard to believe.
Because the Wu Family had been eyeing the Nu Tao River for decades and had already sent people to survey that section many times.
The river was full of visible and hidden reefs, terrifyingly numerous, and even with massive manpower and resources, it was impossible to clear a navigable passage in less than three to five years.
Unless a master in the Divinity Transformation Realm was willing to help!
Now Zhang Yuan said it could be done in a month, which was indeed too much for Wu Ziyu to believe.
"Let’s not talk about that first."
Zhang Yuan waved his hand: "The other issue is the river’s mystery. I haven’t found anything on my way here. Are you sure there really is a big mystery in this waterway?"
"Absolutely!"
Wu Ziyu replied without hesitation: "Not long ago, one of our family’s merchant ships capsized in the river."
The route for this merchant ship wasn’t actually long and was supposed to be a relatively safe waterway, but unexpectedly, it capsized in completely calm conditions.
Only a few people on the ship escaped, and afterward, they all confirmed it was due to supernatural interference!
And ordinary supernatural phenomena wouldn’t have such power.
"One of my uncles fell victim to this supernatural force."
Speaking of this, Wu Ziyu’s expression turned gloomy: "It’s unfortunate that after all these years, we haven’t been able to avenge him!"
Zhang Yuan nodded silently.
Wu Ziyu surely had no reason to deceive him. Could it be that the big mystery had moved downstream?
That would be quite troublesome.
