Chapter 11: Silver Moon Trading Firm

Chapter 11:Power and Passion – Expanding the Empire

The grand opening of the Ancient Moon Pavilion had been a resounding success. Overnight, Bai Zhi's name was on everyone's lips—nobles, merchants, and even imperial officials whispered about the mysterious and powerful woman who had single-handedly built the most exclusive establishment in the capital.

But success always came with challenges.

As Bai Zhi sipped her morning tea in her private study, the Money-Spending System chimed.

— Ding! —

[New Business Expansion Mission Unlocked!]

[Goal: Acquire 3 High-Value Properties in the Capital]

[Rewards: 100,000 Gold, +15 Wealth, +5 Business Acumen, +1 Secret Martial Arts Technique]

She smiled. "The system sure knows how to push me forward."

The challenge was clear—if she wanted to solidify her position, she needed more than just one successful business. She needed a monopoly.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. A servant entered, bowing. "My lady, Lord Ye Ming has arrived."

Bai Zhi's brows lifted slightly. He didn't waste time.

Ye Ming, the Silver Dragon Merchant, was known for controlling half the trade routes in the empire. His influence stretched far beyond what most could imagine. If he was here, it meant he was interested in serious business.

As he entered, his silver robes shimmered under the light, and his gaze was sharp. "Lady Bai, I believe we have much to discuss."

She gestured to the seat across from her. "Indeed. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Ye Ming leaned forward, his voice smooth. "Your Ancient Moon Pavilion is causing quite the stir. I want in."

Bai Zhi chuckled. "And why would I share my success with you?"

He smirked. "Because I can offer you something invaluable—protection. Your rise has been swift, but it has also caught the eyes of those who don't want competition."

Her eyes darkened slightly. She knew this was true. While she had power and influence, the old aristocracy and business elites wouldn't let her disrupt their control so easily.

Ye Ming continued, "I propose a partnership. You acquire properties, and I ensure no one dares to interfere with your expansion."

Bai Zhi tapped her fingers against the table, considering. This was an interesting offer. He wasn't asking for direct ownership—only a business alliance.

And she never rejected opportunities that benefited her.

— Ding! —

[Choice Detected: Accept Ye Ming's Partnership?]

[✔ Accept – Gain Strategic Protection, Unlock Special Trade Routes]

[✖ Decline – Face Business Opposition, Higher Risk, Greater Reward]

She smiled. "Then let's make a deal, Lord Ye."

— Ding! —

[System Update: Ye Ming's Favorability +10]

[Reward Unlocked: Exclusive Trade Route Permit]

With Ye Ming's support, Bai Zhi set her sights on acquiring key properties in the capital. Her first target? The Azure Pavilion—a high-class establishment known for rare artifact auctions.

The current owner, Master Liu, was looking to sell due to debt. It was the perfect opportunity.

Dressed in an exquisite navy blue gown, Bai Zhi entered the auction house, her presence immediately drawing attention. Jin Yue was already inside, lazily sipping wine as he watched her approach.

"Here to steal another business?" he teased.

She smirked. "Not steal—acquire."

Jin Yue leaned closer. "Then I suppose I should make things difficult for you."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh?"

He chuckled. "The Liu family owes me a favor. If I wanted, I could take the property for myself."

The challenge in his voice was unmistakable.

But Bai Zhi never backed down.

She stepped closer, her sweet fragrance wrapping around him like an intoxicating spell. **"And what would it take for you to step aside, Lord Jin?"**Her voice was soft, almost seductive.

Jin Yue's eyes darkened. "Tempting, but I enjoy watching you struggle."

She laughed softly. "Then enjoy the show."

As the bidding war began, Bai Zhi raised the stakes aggressively, outmaneuvering every noble in the room. When the final bid was placed, she stood victorious.

— Ding! —

[Acquired: Azure Pavilion]

[Reward: 50,000 Gold, +5 Business Acumen, +1 Secret Martial Arts Technique – Shadow Lotus Step]

Jin Yue watched her with amusement. "You never fail to impress, Bai Zhi."

She smiled, victorious. "I told you, this city belongs to me now."

The victory left Bai Zhi in high spirits, but as she returned to the Phoenix Pavilion, she found herself face to face with Jin Yue once again.

He leaned against the doorway of her private chambers, his gaze burning with something intense. "You like winning too much," he murmured.

She smirked. "And you like making things difficult for me."

Jin Yue stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her chin. "Maybe because I enjoy watching you fight back."

The air between them crackled with tension.

Bai Zhi was used to using romance as a tool—she could manipulate, seduce, and control. But Jin Yue was different. He wasn't a man who could be easily played.

And yet, she didn't pull away.

He tilted her chin up, his voice husky. "What would happen if you lost control for once?"

She smirked, stepping even closer. "Wouldn't you like to find out?"

— Ding! —

[Romance Path Unlocked: Jin Yue – The Shadow Fox]

[Status: Attraction / Power Struggle / Undefined Feelings]

As the moonlight filtered through the windows, Bai Zhi realized something—Jin Yue wasn't just a rival. He was a dangerous temptation.

And she wasn't sure she wanted to resist.

Name: Bai Zhi

Age: 35 (mentally), 16 (physically)

System: Money-Spending System (Grants rewards for extravagant spending)

Current Status: Rising business tycoon, owner of Ancient Moon Pavilion & Azure Pavilion

Wealth: 300,000+ gold

Attributes:

Beauty: +20 (Ethereal allure, irresistible charm)

Business Acumen: +15 (Sharp instincts, superior negotiation skills)

Martial Arts: Shadow Lotus Step, Heaven's Tear Palm

Influence: Ye Ming's strategic support, Jin Yue's intrigue

System Rewards: Gold, Properties, Beauty Enhancements, Martial Arts Secrets

Romance: Jin Yue (Rival & Temptation), Ye Qing (Business Partner & Protector),Mu Qing( the war God)

Bai Zhi leaned back in her chair, sipping a glass of aged wine as she reviewed the financial reports of the Azure Pavilion. The establishment had officially transferred into her name, but challenges loomed ahead.

"Miss Bai," her assistant, Xu Lan, entered swiftly. "We have trouble."

Bai Zhi glanced up. "Let me guess. Someone doesn't like my growing empire?"

Xu Lan nodded. "Several old aristocrats have gathered at the Golden Lotus Pavilion. They're forming an alliance against you. They say a mere commoner shouldn't have this much power in the capital."

Bai Zhi chuckled softly. "How predictable. Who's leading them?"

"The Zhao Family. They control three major businesses, and they want to crush your influence before it spreads further."

A slow smile curved Bai Zhi's lips. "Then I'll make my move first."

She tapped her fingers against the table. "Send an invitation to Lord Ye Ming and Lord Jin Yue. Tell them we're hosting a special event—one that will change the city's power structure."

— Ding! —

[New Mission Unlocked: Crush the Aristocratic Business Alliance]

[Goal: Outmaneuver the Zhao Family & Acquire Their Holdings]

[Rewards: 150,000 Gold, +10 Influence, +5 Business Acumen, Special Property Bonus]

That evening, Jin Yue arrived first. Dressed in an elegant black robe with silver embroidery, he carried his usual air of playful arrogance.

"A private meeting? I'm honored." He smirked as he poured himself a drink.

Bai Zhi studied him. "I assume you've heard of the Zhao Family's plans."

Jin Yue leaned back lazily. "Of course. But why should I care? Watching you struggle is far more entertaining."

Bai Zhi smirked. "Then let's make things more interesting. The Zhao Family owns the Silver Moon Trading Firm, and I plan to take it. If you help me, I'll let you have first access to the rare goods we acquire."

Jin Yue's eyes flickered with intrigue. "You always know how to tempt a man."

He set his glass down and leaned closer, his voice low. "But what will you give me personally, Bai Zhi?"

She met his gaze without flinching. "My trust. And my loyalty in business."

His smirk deepened. "I was hoping for something more intimate."

She chuckled. "Patience, Lord Jin. Business first."

— Ding! —

[Jin Yue's Favorability +10]

[Special Trade Deal Unlocked: Silver Moon's Rare Goods]

Ye Ming arrived soon after, his silver robes flowing like a king stepping into his domain. His sharp gaze swept over Bai Zhi and Jin Yue, as if assessing the tension between them.

"You two seem… close." His tone was neutral, but Bai Zhi didn't miss the slight edge to it.

She smiled. "Only when it benefits me."

Ye Ming's lips curved slightly. "Good. Because if we're to take down the Zhao Family, you'll need my resources."

She nodded. "And I assume you want something in return?"

Ye Ming's gaze darkened slightly. "A stake in your next business venture."

Bai Zhi tapped her chin. "Done. But I call the shots."

Ye Ming's smirk was sharp. "Of course."

— Ding! —

[Ye Ming's Favorability +5]

[Strategic Alliance Strengthened: Ye Ming's Trade Routes Unlocked]

The next evening, Bai Zhi attended the Golden Lotus Pavilion, where the Zhao Family and their allies had gathered to discuss how to suppress her rise.

As she walked in, all eyes turned to her. Some filled with disdain, others with curiosity.

Zhao Tian, the head of the family, sneered. "Miss Bai, I assume you're here to surrender."

She laughed lightly. "Quite the opposite, Master Zhao. I'm here to make an offer."

He frowned. "What nonsense?"

Bai Zhi sat gracefully, crossing her legs. "I have come to buy out your businesses. You can sell them willingly, or I can ensure you have no choice."

The room went silent.

Zhao Tian's expression twisted. "Arrogant girl! You think you can—"

— Ding! —

[Mission Activated: Business Takeover Begins]

Just then, Jin Yue strolled in and poured himself a drink, casually watching the exchange.

Ye Ming arrived moments later, his presence alone commanding respect.

Zhao Tian's face drained of color as he realized he was surrounded.

Bai Zhi smirked. "Shall we discuss terms, or would you rather lose everything?"

As the night deepened, Bai Zhi sealed her victory—acquiring the Zhao Family's key assets and dismantling their influence.

— Ding! —

[Mission Complete!]

[Rewards: 150,000 Gold, +10 Influence, +5 Business Acumen, Special Property Bonus]

As she left the pavilion, Jin Yue's voice whispered against her ear. "You truly are terrifying, Bai Zhi."

She chuckled. "Only when necessary."

He caught her wrist, his grip firm yet teasing. "Then tell me… when will I be necessary?"

Her heart skipped a beat.

Ye Ming watched from the shadows, his gaze unreadable.

To be continued...