Whispers of Weiyang · The Cat and the SparrowAI

A: The sparrows sang so strangely this morning. They fluttered about for ages, then suddenly fell silent.

B: They must have run into the city's cats. With nothing better to do, the cats love roaming the streets and alleys.

A: When sparrows see a cat, even they know to duck their heads. And you? Over a little matter, you dare to trouble the Wen family.

B: Well... the Shi family have been handing out stone tokens wildly lately, and even bringing people into the city from Jiangnan! Jiangnan hasn't been quiet lately either. What if people of unknown identity get in...

A: Oh? Do you think the Wen family are blind, or that those four can't see? You are of a Cong family, yet you've forgotten what "cong" means: to follow. Only by relying on others can we stand.

B: It's just that the Shi family are making a big show this time! Not only on Changle Isle; I hear plenty of supporters have gathered at Wuji Ravine too. If he really gets his way through...

A: So what? When Shi Zhen was still in Jiangnan, his way went very smoothly too.

A: And then? Of all the trade routes under heaven, which one wasn't drawn by the Wen family? The Shi family's stone tokens are a spent arrow; pay them no mind. If it fails, it's just a joke on the wind, and a good reason to drive them out of the city.

B: And if it succeeds?

A: Weiyang stands on trade, and it is best at turning others' enterprise into its own capital. If it succeeds, consider it paving the way for the Wen family, just as it went in years past.

A: You've learned a thing or two about catching rumors, my good brother, but don't forget the ways of business.

B: Understood... it was forgetful of me.

A: Mm, now that sounds like something a Cong family should say.