Three Kingdoms: Domination of the World

Suo Chao continued his journey eastward, arriving in Donghai County. Within this prosperous city lay a prominent and prestigious family: the Mi clan. Known as the wealthiest clan in Xuzhou, their wealth and influence were truly remarkable.

Among the wealthy merchants of the Three Kingdoms, Suo Chao had already come into contact with the Wuji Zhen family. In recent years, the Zhen family's prosperity in Mo Nan County had flourished. The 13-year-old Zhen Jiang, the eldest daughter of the Zhen family, was gifted in business and had accompanied her father to personally manage Mo Nan County, leaving a deep impression on him.

It's not difficult to meet with wealthy merchants like the Mi family, but if you want to cooperate, you have to be cautious.

The streets of Donghai County bustled with activity. Suo Chao strolled through them, taking in the city's unique atmosphere. He noticed that the Mi family's holdings spanned a wide range of sectors, from commerce to agriculture and animal husbandry. These ventures not only brought the Mi family immense wealth but also gave them unparalleled status in the region.

Suo Chao decided to first gain a deeper understanding of the Mi family. He began collecting information about the family, including its history, members, and business scope. Through his investigation, he gradually grasped some key clues and formed a preliminary plan for establishing contact with the Mi family.

"The Mi family is truly a wealthy family that has been doing business for generations. They have tens of thousands of guests and hundreds of millions of assets." Suo Chao was secretly amazed.

The Mi family was Liu Bei's right-hand man on his entrepreneurial journey, but unfortunately, they were eventually marginalized. In the later period, the Mi family lacked talent and was far inferior to the Yizhou faction, Jingzhou faction, and the veteran faction.

Mi Fang's younger sister, Mi Shi, died young, leaving no offspring. The Mi family also lacked the actual power of the emperor's uncle. Perhaps it was for this reason that Mi Fang decided to surrender. He had long been deeply disappointed with his brother-in-law and had lost the motivation to continue fighting.

Back then, the Mi family had devoted all their efforts to supporting Liu Bei, not only providing a large amount of financial and material support, but also marrying their daughter to Liu Bei, showing their unwavering loyalty. However, as time went on, Liu Bei's power continued to grow, and various forces emerged, the Mi family gradually lost its original status and influence.

Especially after Liu Bei entered Sichuan, the local forces of Yizhou rose rapidly, becoming a significant force within Liu Bei's regime. The Jingzhou faction, led by Zhuge Liang, occupied a core leadership position. The three veteran families of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, leveraging their seniority and achievements, played a significant role in the political arena. In contrast, the Mi family, despite having previously served Liu Bei well, was gradually squeezed out of power due to a lack of successors and political resources. Guan Yu, in particular, looked down upon the Mi family's descendants.

Faced with this situation, Mi Fang naturally felt lost and helpless. His early investments had gone to waste, leaving him feeling hopeless and lost. Under these circumstances, Mi Fang's decision to surrender was understandable. After all, people have aspirations and desires, and when hope is lost, it's easy to waver.

Suo Chao's thoughts raced as he analyzed the rise and fall of the Mi family, and he couldn't help but sigh:

"Strength and background are crucial. Only with sufficient strength and resources can one remain invincible in the fierce competition."

Suo Chao is well aware of the importance of his own strength. He must remain highly vigilant, constantly improve his personal strength, and expand his influence. Only in this way can he advance and retreat with ease.

"A hero never brags about his past achievements!" Suddenly, this sentence emerged in his mind, and Suo Chao was shocked. He didn't want to follow in Lian Po's footsteps.

These words, like a sharp sword, stung the fading heroes and the generals mired in the mire. Suo Chao refused to be like Guan Yu, who fled to Maicheng, or Xiang Yu, who committed suicide at the Wujiang River. He was determined to constantly push himself and surpass his limits. At least the next time he faced Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, he would have the strength to withstand them and flee in panic.

Thus, Suo Chao began a difficult and arduous journey of training. He studied martial arts day and night, repeatedly pondering each move, seeking the best way to perform it.

At the same time, Suo Chao also worked hard to heal illnesses and save lives, striving to maintain his reputation. He understood that a truly powerful person not only needs superb martial arts, but also strong support and helpers.

"The righteous will have many supporters! The benevolent will be invincible!" Suo Chao stopped his moves, walked out of the room with a big laugh, and kept muttering these eight words.

It was a sunny and breezy day. Suo Chao, despite his busy schedule, decided to pay a visit to Mi's residence. Three days earlier, he had sent a visiting card to Mi's residence to show his sincerity and importance for this visit.

When Suo Chao arrived at the Mi Mansion, he was warmly received by the Mi family. He walked into the living room and met the owners of the Mi Mansion, Mi Zizhong and Mi Zifang, and they exchanged pleasantries.

"Brother Zi Zhong, Zi Fang. I am sorry for disturbing you by coming to visit me today. I hope you can forgive me." Suo Chao said with a smile, his tone humble and polite.

Mi Zizhong quickly responded:

"General Zhengbei, your presence is such an honor to our humble Mi family! How could you say you are bothering us? Please take a seat. We have much to discuss."

In an elegantly furnished room, everyone took their seats. Several clever maids glided forward, respectfully and meticulously serving fragrant tea and exquisite, alluring snacks. The atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious and warm, as if a warm breath permeated the air.

Suo Chao was chatting and laughing with the Mi brothers. He had a hearty smile on his face, and his eyes revealed sincerity and enthusiasm. Sometimes he raised his head slightly, and sometimes he waved his arms vigorously. He and the Mi brothers were happily talking about some recent events.

Mi Fang leaned slightly to one side, listening attentively, sometimes nodding his head in agreement, sometimes frowning slightly in thought, a thoughtful expression on his gentle face.

At this time, Mi Zhu beside him took a sip of the fragrant tea, put down the teacup, looked at Suo Chao with a humble expression, and said slowly:

"Brother Boyi, now that Grand Tutor Dong is in power, what should our Mi clan do?"

Upon hearing this, Suo Chao raised his chin slightly and said with a firm look:

"Brother Zizhong, Dong Zhuo is like a grasshopper in autumn. He won't be able to jump for many more days."

"Oh! Brother Boyi, why are you so sure?" Mi Zhu asked immediately, with a hint of curiosity and exploration in his eyes.

Suo Chao paused for a moment, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, and he said in a deep voice:

"Dong Zhuo wants to do what Huo Guang and Yi Yin did, which is actually a brilliant move. However, he lacks moral integrity and will never amount to anything." As he spoke, Suo Chao frowned slightly, his face full of disdain.

"Oh! I wonder what Brother Boyi has to teach me?" Mi Zizhong had originally wanted to spend some money to curry favor with Grand Tutor Dong Zhuo, but the words of General Zhengbei made him waver. So he humbly asked for advice.

"In my opinion, the Mi family's business territory should be expanded to the sea, and the strategic focus should be placed on overseas trade." Suo Chao's opinion was risky and bold. Mi Zhu was stunned for a moment and did not come back to his senses.