Rebirth: Leading Families to Survive in the Apocalypse

“Literal meaning.” Qi Yue chuckled lightly, “Old Master Shen, you don’t honestly think the Shen Family only enjoys privileges without any risks and responsibilities, right?”

Shen Wanzhen was so overwhelmed he couldn’t even speak; all he could see were the penalties for breach of contract.

The Shen Family had failed to meet the sales target within the specified time, and according to the agreement, they must pay a penalty of one million taels of silver.

The Shen Family had not achieved the required promotional efforts for the finished medicine within the specified time; under the agreement, they must pay a penalty of one million taels of silver.

The Shen Family unilaterally changed the person in control, causing huge losses to both parties; according to the agreement, they must pay a penalty of two million taels of silver.

The Shen Family leaked the prescription to the Ma Family, resulting in damage to the reputation of the finished medicine; according to the agreement, they must pay a penalty of two million taels of silver.

….

All these clauses almost sank the entire Shen Family!

Consumed by rage, Shen Wanzhen reached out to rip the agreement to shreds, but Qi Yue’s merciless voice interrupted him.

“Old Master Shen, the document in your hand is just a copy; the Dongjiang Commerce Department still has the original on file. Do you want to retrieve it and burn that too?”

The Ministry of Commerce was specifically established by Beiyuan to manage commercial transactions, considered a branch of the Ministry of Revenue, with divisions set up in various states and counties.

The highest-ranking official of the Ministry of Commerce is known as the Commerce Chief, and the highest officials of the local branches are also called Commerce Chiefs.

Despite its commercial-sounding name, in reality, the Ministry exists to amass wealth for the Emperor.

The Commerce Chiefs of each region report directly to the Commerce Chief, hold immense power, and effectively control the lifeblood of the merchants.

If a Commerce Chief says you’ve violated the principles of commerce, then that’s deemed a violation, no questions asked!

Because of this, the Ministry of Commerce operates independently of military and political affairs and isn’t under the control of Murong Mingyue.

This means, as long as she could handle this Commerce Chief who oversees the merchants in Dongjiang, she wouldn’t need to worry about Murong Mingyue, the “Emperor” of Dongjiang, and could smoothly regain control of the medicine factory.

Upon learning that the Shen Family was about to be bankrupted, Murong Xueyu, who had already been troubled all day, rolled her eyes and fainted, carried away by her maids.

Too angry for words, Shen Wanzhen turned and charged toward Shen Zikuang.

“You disaster, what kind of agreement did you sign? I’ll beat you to death!”

But just as he was about to strike, Shen Zikuang caught his hand.

“Old Master Shen, I’m no longer your son, and you still want to discipline me? What right do you have?”

“I… have the right because I raised you, and you brought this huge trouble upon me!”

No sooner had Shen Wanzhen spoken than Shen Zikuang pushed him to the ground!

Though confined to a wheelchair, Shen Zikuang, being young, had considerable strength. His push sent Shen Wanzhen tumbling to the ground, unable to get up for several moments.

“You, you’re a disaster… I shouldn’t have adopted you…”

“That’s right, you adopted me when I was two, and I ate your food for ten years. But I’ve also worked for you for over a decade. Without me, would the Shen Family be where it is today?”

“…..”

Amidst their argument, Shen Zifang suddenly leaned in and whispered something in Shen Wanzhen’s ear.

Joy instantly spread across Shen Wanzhen’s face.

He scrambled up from the ground and looked smugly at Qi Yue.

“Divine Doctor Qi, you think you’re outsmarting the Shen Family, but I’m afraid you’ve miscalculated.”

Qi Yue scoffed, shaking the agreement in her hand.

“Old Master Shen, let’s keep it respectful. I’m simply abiding by the contract. When did I ever scheme against the Shen Family? If you don’t clarify, today’s matter won’t be settled!”

Shen Wanzhen scoffed and pointed at Shen Zikuang.

“Divine Doctor Qi, let me ask you, was this contract signed by Shen Zikuang?”

Hearing this, Qi Yue knew Shen Wanzhen was trying to lay the blame elsewhere. In a calm and composed manner, she said, “Indeed, the collaboration was proposed by Shen Zikuang, and he agreed to sign the contract.”

“Hahahahaha….”

Shen Wanzhen immediately burst into laughter as if he had won a five-million prize.

He laughed while signaling to Shen Zifang.

“Zifang, did you get that? Write it down quickly; we’ll need to inform the Ministry of Commerce about this later.”

Shen Zifang too wore a smile of triumph.

“Father, rest assured, I’ve noted everything down. Moreover, I’ve already sent someone to fetch the Commerce Chief. He will personally clarify that this agreement has nothing to do with our Shen Family!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Wanzhen’s face lit up with an uncontrollable grin.

“Well done, Zifang. It’s just in time for the Commerce Chief to witness your official takeover of the Shen Family!”

“Thank you, father.”

Shen Wanzhen seemed to have forgotten that Shen Ziao was still sick and handed over the power of managing the family to Shen Zifang on the spot.

Qi Yue silently curved the corner of her lips.

Why were these people always so confident?

Confident enough to even forget what they had done themselves.

Even if they glanced at the seal stamped on the agreement, they wouldn’t lift a rock only to drop it on their own feet.

It would be even better with the arrival of the Commerce Chief; they could get the pharmaceutical factory transfer agreement tonight. What a wonderful thing!

Thinking this, Qi Yue didn’t make a sound but watched with interest as the father and son duo showed off.

“Divine Doctor Qi, if you want to collaborate with the Shen Family, there’s still time. Just provide the prescriptions and train the pharmacists, and our Shen Family can pay you two million taels of silver at once. How does that sound?”

Seeing Shen Zifang’s arrogance, Qi Yue couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

“Two million taels?”

This was the best joke she had heard this year.

Had she, Qi Yue, never seen two million taels before?

“Yes, two million taels isn’t a small amount! We can’t offer more!” Shen Zifang, the newly anointed head of the Shen Family, said as he strutted about with an air of dominance.

“Although Divine Doctor Qi’s medical skills are exceptional, trying to earn two million taels would require some effort. As far as I know, that little pharmaceutical factory of yours in Longnan isn’t making much profit, right?”

The investigation was thorough indeed!

They had calculated her profit by subtracting the cost from the selling price, right?

Qi Yue curled her lips again.

“Longnan is my second hometown. As a doctor, it’s only natural for me to give back to the local community.”

Shen Zifang, however, burst into a wild laugh.

“…After all, Divine Doctor Qi is just a doctor, and making money is not exactly her forte. Once we collaborate, with the Shen Family’s abilities, we will ensure the medicine is promoted throughout Beiyuan.”

What did the Shen Family’s abilities have to do with her?

Qi Yue rolled her eyes speechlessly.

This sort of character dared to say she didn’t know how to make money?

She wondered what Shen Zifang’s face would look like when she took over the Shen Family pharmaceutical factory later?

The thought alone was amusing!

Just then, a set of steady footsteps arrived, and the people from the Shen Family led in a majestic middle-aged man.

This person was He Ziyue, the Commerce Chief responsible for the Dongjiang Commerce Department’s Governor’s Office.

He was tall and sturdy with a presence like a soldier.

As soon as the Shen father and son saw him, they immediately went up to greet him.

“Commerce Chief He, your presence truly graces our humble dwelling!”

“When Shen laoye invites, how can I not come?” He Ziyue waved his hand, and a trace of playfulness flashed across his handsome face. “I heard it’s to discuss the pharmaceutical factory collaboration with Divine Doctor Qi?”

As he spoke, his tiger-like, spirited eyes were already fixed on Qi Yue.

“I presume this is the famous Divine Doctor Qi from Longnan, who has recently made a name in Dongjiang too?”

Sensing the inexplicable goodwill in He Ziyue’s tone, Qi Yue also politely performed a junior’s salute.

“Qi Yue greets Commerce Chief He!”

“There is no need for formalities. It’s a blessing for the people of Dongjiang that Divine Doctor Qi is opening a pharmaceutical factory here!”

“…”

Seeing the two seemingly get along, Shen Wanzhen couldn’t hold back anymore and gave Shen Zifang a look.

Shen Zifang immediately understood and respectfully invited He Ziyue to take a seat, and while tea was being served, he hurriedly stuffed several silver notes into his sleeve.

He Ziyue seemed to have no intention of refusing, which greatly irritated Qi Yue.

A total letdown!

A refined rascal!

To think she had just respectfully given He Ziyue a junior’s salute! And yet, he didn’t hesitate to accept silver from the Shen Family!

Hmph!

If he dared to disregard the facts and misinterpret the agreement, he shouldn’t blame her for acting!

After half a cup of tea’s time, the collaboration agreement from both parties lay before He Ziyue, waiting for his verification.

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