Chapter Five: A Tinderstick?

Chu Nan returned to the ancient era and took refuge inside a shop, breathing slightly heavier. He neatly arranged the newly purchased triangular military dagger, pepper spray, and lighter on the table, his expression stern.

The street outside buzzed with noise, yet Chu Nan’s mind was calm as he contemplated how to further protect himself. Yang Ruyan and the forces behind the Sword Marquis of Tian were pressing hard; if he fell into their hands, even his death would not bring him peace.

At that moment, faint footsteps came from outside the door. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on the dagger, his eyes flickering with caution as he held his breath.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a resplendent long gown trailing slightly behind, embroidered with golden patterns. The visitor was the young lady who had earlier saved the fire, but this time her steps were slow, and a subtle, intriguing smile played on her lips.

Her attendant followed quietly behind, holding a piece of exquisite brocade.

“Master Chu, have there been new arrivals today?” Cheng Lingyu smiled lightly, bowing slightly.

Her eyes fixed on the pepper spray and dagger on the table, narrowing with barely concealed curiosity.

Chu Nan concealed the items in his hand slightly, his expression indifferent. “Just tidying up the shop.”

He rose and cupped his hands gently. “May I ask the lady’s purpose in visiting?”

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly, withdrawing her gaze, sweeping over the array on the table before speaking slowly, “Master Chu is truly a man of talent and distinction. Not only does he hold his own in the grain trade, but he also has such exquisite defensive tools at his fingertips.”

She looked warmly at Chu Nan. “Do you know, if you continue supplying the Great Wilderness, the Chu family shops will become the imperial merchants there, monopolizing the grain supply exclusively for the royal family, free from outside interference.”

“You flatter me, lady,” Chu Nan’s eyes flickered slightly as he paused, then hid the dagger in his sleeve. “A humble shop like mine, how could it be so fortunate as to be connected with the imperial family?”

Cheng Lingyu raised a hand slightly, and her maid immediately produced a sleek, jet-black talisman of exceptional craftsmanship, presenting it before Chu Nan.

“This is an imperial talisman of our dynasty. Whoever bears it shall not be harmed by anyone. Should you accept, you will become an imperial merchant. No one, save for the royal family, will dare lay a finger on the Chu family shops.”

Chu Nan’s expression shifted slightly, his gaze fixed on the talisman. His fingers brushed it lightly, but neither excitement nor ease showed; instead, a faint frown appeared.

He stared at the talisman before speaking slowly, “A talisman is good, but not enough. The Yang family is no ordinary force—if you truly wish to cooperate, you must be prepared to go further.”

His tone turned grave, his eyes sharp as a blade. “I need Yang Ruyan never to set foot in this capital again.”

Cheng Lingyu raised her eyebrows in slight surprise but did not reply immediately. She studied Chu Nan closely, her eyes probing.

After a moment, she spoke softly, “Master Chu, the Yang family is a pillar of the Great Wilderness. To remove them lightly might only breed complications.”

Chu Nan’s brows rose, his tone chilling. “If you claim to offer protection, yet allow the Yang family to provoke me with impunity, is this truly the protection of an imperial merchant?”

“Forgive my frankness, but in that case, your shop is merely a helpless stall, ripe for slaughter.”

Cheng Lingyu was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. She smiled with some hesitation. “Master Chu is indeed a remarkable man, one who dares speak plainly.”

She set down the talisman and continued slowly, “The power in the Great Wilderness lies with the Yang family’s military control. To strike at their root rashly is no easy feat.”

“However, if Master Chu and I work together to strengthen the throne, the day will come when the Yang family will be but a chapter in history.”

Chu Nan smiled faintly, his tone gentle yet laden with meaning. “Lady, your ambition is impressive, but I am but a small merchant. I do not know what I can truly do. Yet, should you resolve the troubles before me, providing full protection, I shall offer my humble support to the Great Wilderness.”

He met Cheng Lingyu’s gaze, a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth. “But as for Yang Ruyan, I ask for a clear promise, so I am no longer watched like prey each day.”

Cheng Lingyu regarded him for a moment before smiling. “Since you are so candid, I have nothing to hide. In due time, the matter of Yang Ruyan will be resolved.”

With that, she bowed slightly, her demeanor composed.

A cold glint flickered in Chu Nan’s eyes as he whispered, “Very well.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled softly again, her gaze drifting back to the assortment on Chu Nan’s table. She casually pointed to a small metal cylinder, curiosity shining in her eyes.

“Master Chu, what is this little gadget? Quite exquisitely made.”

Her fingertip tapped lightly on the edge of the table, a barely perceptible interest in her voice.

Chu Nan glanced and saw she meant the lighter he had just brought from the modern age.

His mind stirred, but he answered calmly, “Oh, this is the shop’s exclusive fire starter. One press and a flame appears—very convenient. No need to search for tinder.”

Cheng Lingyu lifted the lighter, examining it carefully.

This device was lighter and more delicate than any tinderbox she had seen, its surface icy and smooth as if no ordinary item.

She pressed the button on the side, and instantly a flame leapt forth, dancing like a fiery sprite on her fingertip.

Startled, she flicked it off in surprise, murmuring, “What a clever thing! How can it be so easy?”

Chu Nan smiled, watching her. “A fire starter is a must when traveling. Just a gentle press, and fire comes as you wish—unextinguished by the wind, always ready.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded thoughtfully, inwardly amazed. Such a small item almost overturned her entire concept of fire-making.

If what Chu Nan said was true, this was no ordinary gadget.

Feigning casualness, she asked, “If such a thing were brought into the royal household, would it not add to their dignity? Pray tell, Master Chu, what price do you ask for this fire starter?”

Chu Nan’s heart stirred. He smiled and held up five fingers. “Fifty taels of silver.”

No sooner had he spoken than Cheng Lingyu’s eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing this, Chu Nan wondered if his price was too steep.

Yet if she truly wished to buy, fifty taels would be a bargain, so he probed, “What does the lady think? Fifty taels—if too expensive…”

Before he could finish, Cheng Lingyu waved her hand repeatedly, her voice tinged with delight: “Expensive? Master Chu, you jest! If this truly produces fire with one press, fifty taels is a steal. I have never seen such a valuable and affordable thing.”

Chu Nan was momentarily stunned, suppressing a chuckle. This lady’s perspective was uncommon, considering fifty taels a bargain.

Originally, he had intended to keep a low profile, but with the Yang family already bearing down on him, there was no point in hiding anymore.