As he spoke, Jiang Yan pointed at his own head.
His voice wasn't loud.
But everyone present heard him clearly.
The entire scene fell silent.
As citizens of Liyue, they were naturally very familiar with the white-haired, pointed-eared young man standing before them.
The Tianquan of Liyue. The Immortal Lord.
Even if they had ten times the courage, none of them would dare throw something at Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan swept his gaze across the crowd.
"What?"
"No one moving now?"
"Weren't you making quite a scene just a moment ago?"
He spoke calmly.
"You dared to do that to her."
"But you don't dare do it to me?"
"Because I'm the Tianquan? Because I hold status?"
"Then tell me—what exactly did this girl do wrong?"
His eyes were sharp as he examined the crowd.
He had always been tolerant toward the people of Liyue.
But that didn't mean they could do whatever they pleased.
Nor did it mean they could trample all over government workers without consequence.
If administrative officials held no authority, how could they govern the people of Liyue?
The young woman beside him lowered her head.
Her eyes shimmered with tears as her body trembled faintly.
"Speak!"
Jiang Yan suddenly barked.
The crowd stiffened.
"What? Too scared to talk now?"
"Weren't you acting tough just moments ago?"
"Go on."
"Continue."
"Aren't you here demanding someone solve the problem?"
"Well, I'm standing right here."
"In Liyue, there is no matter I cannot resolve."
Jiang Yan stood firm, eyes locked on the gathered crowd.
Since when had this kind of bullying-the-weak behavior become acceptable in Liyue?
Finally, someone stepped forward.
"Lord Tianquan!"
"Since you've said so much, then please judge this fairly."
The speaker was a middle-aged merchant.
Though anger still lingered in his eyes, Jiang Yan's presence forced him to remain respectful.
"Speak."
Jiang Yan nodded, signaling him to explain.
"Lord Tianquan, several days ago the Eight Trades released an official notice at Yujing Terrace."
"It concerned the mining development plan for Blackrock Quarry."
The merchant explained slowly.
When Jiang Yan heard mention of Blackrock Quarry, he nodded.
He remembered this matter.
The Eight Trades had submitted the proposal to him, and he had personally approved it.
"I know about this project."
"What's the issue?"
Jiang Yan asked.
"We merchants had no objections."
"Although centralized mining would slightly reduce profits, it greatly improved safety."
"Recently, Treasure Hoarders have become increasingly active, constantly stealing jade from Blackrock Quarry."
The merchant continued.
"But the problem lies in the transportation system."
"The Eight Trades required us to use only their designated ore carts to transport jade."
"They also required that every shipment be inspected by Eight Trades personnel after extraction."
"They said it was to prevent thieves from hiding stolen jade among merchant shipments."
"We could understand that."
"But here's the real problem!"
"After those Eight Trades officials took away the ore carts…"
"They never came back!"
"I don't know about everyone else…"
"But those ores were my entire livelihood!"
"If the Eight Trades doesn't give me an explanation today, I'm not leaving!"
Jiang Yan listened carefully.
By now, he fully understood the situation.
He turned toward the crowd.
"You're all here for the same reason?"
The gathered people nodded.
"I understand."
Jiang Yan nodded calmly.
"I will personally investigate this matter."
"Come back tomorrow at this same time."
"Before then, I need to conduct a proper investigation."
His tone remained steady and reassuring.
The crowd exchanged uncertain looks.
Though anxious, they trusted Jiang Yan.
The Tianquan of Liyue was famous for protecting the people.
They believed he would not disappoint them.
"Very well."
"I trust your fairness, Lord Tianquan!"
The merchant who had spoken earlier cupped his hands respectfully.
"Please uncover the truth."
"We acted rashly earlier. We were too emotional."
"I apologize on behalf of everyone here to that young lady."
"She truly wasn't at fault."
Under the merchant's lead, the others followed suit.
They apologized to the female staff member.
They believed Jiang Yan's promise.
And now that their anger had cooled, they realized how excessive their actions had been.
The young woman looked overwhelmed.
Facing so many sudden apologies, she waved her hands nervously, unsure how to respond.
Seeing the crowd calm down—and even apologize—Jiang Yan became more certain.
This wasn't a case of merchants stirring up trouble for no reason.
There was definitely an issue within the Eight Trades…
Or perhaps at Blackrock Quarry itself.
He was pleased with how the merchants ultimately handled themselves.
After all, earlier they had hurled insults—and even objects—at that girl.
That sort of treatment could place immense emotional pressure on someone.
Still, the Eight Trades also bore responsibility.
Jiang Yan's eyes darkened slightly.
This incident had already angered him.
But something about it felt strange.
The Eight Trades had no reason to steal jade.
Perhaps…
They were just as confused as everyone else.
In any case—
He would need to speak with Havria first.
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