Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'-Chapter 792 - 490: The Sedan Chair Hoisted Three Times_2

Li Banfeng did not recognize Zheng Siyi. Though the latter seemed sincere, Li Banfeng still took precautions before going to the banquet.

The dining venue was Yanyun Tower, Bridge Yesong’s most famous restaurant, situated close to Yanyun Lake. At nightfall, looking out from the upper floors towards the lake, the rising mist resembled blue smoke connecting with the clouds in the sky. It was one of Bridge Yesong’s great wonders.

Arriving at the private room, Zheng Siyi stood respectfully at the doorway, not entering. The one who wanted to invite Li Qi to dine wasn’t him but Liao Zihui, who was waiting inside.

"Chief Envoy Liao?" Li Banfeng smiled. "When did you arrive at Bridge Yesong? Surely, you didn’t come specifically for me, did you?"

Liao Zihui smiled and said, "I had other matters to handle, but now, only your affair remains. Brother Li, please take a seat. Let’s talk while we eat."

Yanyun Tower’s signature dishes were all specialties of Yanyun Lake, including fish, crab, shrimp, and turtle. The table was lavishly spread with these delicacies.

After exchanging pleasantries, Liao Zihui got down to business. "Brother Li, you came to Bridge Yesong because of the Chase the Light Group, right?"

Old Liao really was well-informed.

What did he want?

Seeing Li Qi remain silent, Liao Zihui continued, "In Greenwater City, you wiped out an entire camp of the Chase the Light Group. You really went all out, brother."

Li Qi smiled. "Did that make things difficult for you?"

Liao Zihui picked up his wine cup. "We’ve had our share of grievances before, and it’s inevitable we’ll bump heads in the future. But let’s put other matters aside for now. I toast you for this, and I thank you for it."

Li Qi blinked, not quite understanding Liao Zihui’s intention. "What are you thanking me for?"

"These Bird People were a thorn in my side and a major threat to Puluo State. No matter what, Puluo State cannot fall into their hands. You did for me what I couldn’t, so I must thank you." After saying this, Liao Zihui downed his drink in one gulp.

Li Banfeng also drank his wine, a rare moment of consensus between the two men.

Putting down his wine cup, Liao Zihui asked, "Brother, did you gain anything from this trip to Bridge Yesong?"

Li Qi shook his head. "I came up empty-handed."

Liao Zihui poured another drink. "Frankly, brother, that’s why I’m here; I also came up empty-handed in Bridge Yesong. Why did both of us come up empty-handed? There must be a reason. You took care of matters that were inconvenient for me. Now, I need to take care of matters that are inconvenient for you."

Li Qi was truly puzzled. "I really don’t understand what you’re saying."

Liao Zihui shook his head. "Of course, you don’t understand because even I can’t explain it myself. Just wait for my news. Since this issue has fallen on me, I must provide an explanation."

They drank another cup, and Liao Zihui asked, "Brother, do you know that the Boundless Camp is the elite of the Chase the Light Group?"

"I’m aware of that."

"Do you know why this group of elites came to Bridge Yesong?"

This was something Li Banfeng truly didn’t know, and neither did Mosonov.

Liao Zihui said, "I’ve spent a lot of effort looking into this. Bridge Yesong is no ordinary place. Do you have any business here?"

Li Qi shook his head.

Liao Zihui continued, "Not only you, but the Lu Family and the Chu Family also have no business here. The Ma Family has some small dealings, but they never really took off. Over ninety percent of the businesses in Bridge Yesong are tightly controlled by the He Family."

The He Family’s business in Bridge Yesong was indeed extensive, covering everything from basic necessities to entertainment. She had to oversee every bit of business in Bridge Yesong.

Why was all the business in this place in the hands of the He Family? Was it because others looked down on it?

From a business perspective, it really wasn’t appealing.

Liao Zihui cited an example: "Bridge Yesong produces a lot of timber, but it’s not cheap here. After deducting transport costs, what’s left of the profit margin? I’ve done the math; it’s less than five percent. Any slight variance, and you’re running at a loss. There are plenty of places in Puluo State that produce timber, and elsewhere you can make at least thirty percent profit. But why is the He Family so fixated on Bridge Yesong?"

Li Qi suggested, "Is it because the timber from Bridge Yesong is of high quality?"

Liao Zihui replied, "The pine of Bridge Yesong is indeed good, but it’s not irreplaceable. Additionally, the He Family has always monopolized the timber business in Bridge Yesong. They never suppressed prices. They monopolized the trade here but didn’t manipulate the profits. Doesn’t that make you wonder?"

The situation in Bridge Yesong was indeed unusual, and she had already lost interest in the local business. But why had the He Family operated here for so long before? Did the He Family have a special affection for this territory?

Li Banfeng asked, "Has Bridge Yesong always been like this?"

Liao Zihui shook his head. "I’ve looked into it. Twenty years ago, timber prices here were much lower than they are now. Doing timber business here could yield at least a thirty percent profit. But after He Haiqin got involved in Bridge Yesong’s business, the market changed. He drove up local timber prices through high purchase prices. After raising the base cost, he started selling at low prices. This erased his own profits and squeezed out other families’ businesses. In other words, He Haiqin spent a fortune to create a business that doesn’t make money. Why did he do this?"

After thinking for a moment, Li Qi said, "So nobody would compete with him."

Liao Zihui nodded. "Exactly. Since it’s not profitable, most people indeed don’t want to compete with him. But Lu Dongliang did. Lu Dongliang fought with He Haiqin over Bridge Yesong for a full three years. At that time, Lu Dongliang’s resources weren’t as substantial as He Haiqin’s. He invested a considerable amount of his family’s wealth but ultimately couldn’t defeat He Haiqin. That’s how the feud between them began. Over such an unprofitable business, why did these two fight so fiercely for it?"