Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Secret Technique for Live Fish Worth a Fortune

"Is that all?" Li Shimin pointed to the bubbling pool where fish leapt one after another, asking in disappointment.

"Your Majesty, this is the secret technique for keeping fish alive."

Master Yu could only force a smile and nod. Yes, when he first learned of this secret technique, his expression was just the same—it was so simple.

Cheng Yaojin and the others exchanged bewildered glances, none of them daring to believe what they saw.

Inside Room Three of the first-class suite, Kong Yingda and his companions were equally stunned. Faced with the simplicity of the secret technique, they were all momentarily dumbfounded.

"What’s going on? Is that really the end of it?" Kong Yingda asked, utterly confused.

The others were equally at a loss, their eyes turning to Zu Mingjun, who was familiar with Mo Dun.

"Zu Mingjun, since you know Mo Dun well, have you ever seen this secret technique for keeping fish alive?" Shen Hongcai asked, somewhat skeptical. He simply couldn’t believe that the technique which had stumped all of Chang’an could be this straightforward.

Zu Mingjun smiled wryly, "I only learned about it the day before yesterday. At the time, I was just as incredulous as all of you. I couldn’t believe the technique that swept through Chang’an was so simple, so I conducted three experiments myself before I had to accept it as true."

The scholars from the Imperial Academy sighed, exchanging glances of amazement.

Below the platform, the crowd grew frantic. Many had spent large sums buying catfish to experiment with the so-called catfish effect, hoping to crack the secret technique and quietly make a fortune.

Yet each and every one of them failed. Never had they imagined it would be so simple—just inject air into the water.

"My catfish!"

"My chance to get rich!"

A chorus of lamentation rose.

Someone even wept bitterly, "I knew it… I knew it was this, but when I tried, that foolish woman mocked me. I missed my chance for nothing!"

Everyone looked at him with sympathy. He had been so close to success, but because he couldn’t believe the technique could be so simple, he wasted the opportunity and brushed past a fortune.

"It seems everyone is disappointed," Mo Dun’s voice rang out once more.

Indeed, they were. None had expected that the secret technique, which had confounded them all, would turn out to be so simple—so simple it was almost offensive.

Everyone believed the secret must be some grand, complex, exclusive formula.

But the truth was utterly dispiriting. The technique that created ten thousand strings of wealth was nothing more than blowing bubbles into water—a skill even a three-year-old child could master.

"Yes, it is simple. But have you ever wondered—why has something so basic eluded discovery for thousands of years? Why did tens of thousands in Chang’an fail to solve this secret?"

Mo Dun’s repeated questions rendered many silent.

Indeed—why had no one realized such a simple solution?

Why, even after Mo Dun revealed the catfish effect, did no one find the answer?

Mo Dun gazed over the crowd, proudly declaring, "That is the magic of Mo Technique. Ordinary people see only the surface, but Mo Technique seeks the essence beneath."

"The catfish effect isn’t about the catfish sparking the survival instinct in the sardines, keeping them alive. It is because both catfish and sardines keep moving, constantly stirring the water, increasing the air within, and thus allowing the fish to survive."

Enlightenment dawned among the crowd. This was the real secret to keeping fish alive.

Yet they had foolishly used catfish for experiments, some endlessly swapping out different species to test the catfish effect.

Even more absurd, some had recklessly experimented with carp based on rumors, nearly falling foul of the authorities.

Fortunately, the Emperor was merciful and lifted the ban on carp, sparing them from disaster.

"The secret is both simple and profound. With it, fishermen need no longer worry about their catch dying en masse, rotting, and losing their investment. Fishmongers and restaurants can use this technique to store live fish, allowing the people to enjoy fresh, delicious fish."

"A simple method of blowing bubbles into water has created wealth—worth a million strings annually, and perhaps will benefit people for ten thousand years. That is the wonder of a secret technique."

A wave of applause swept through the crowd, celebrating Mo Dun’s public revelation of the secret. After all, this was a business worth millions each year. By announcing the technique, Mo Family Village forfeited its monopoly and immense wealth.

Li Shimin nodded slightly. Though the secret technique disappointed him, Mo Dun had not.

"Let me share another piece of good news. The pool you saw today demonstrating the technique for keeping fish alive is the reserve tank for live fish at our Mo Family Village’s soon-to-open tavern—Fish Champion."

In future, when you visit, you can select live fish on site, have them slaughtered and cooked before your eyes, so you can taste the freshest, most delicious fish.

Mo Dun waved his hand, and a giant banner slowly unfurled, displaying the words "Fish Champion" for all to see.

Li Shimin was amused and exasperated. This little catfish really knew how to stir things up; even at the most emotional moment, he couldn’t resist a bit of advertising.

"This tavern is called Fish Champion—quite fitting," Li Shimin said to Master Yu.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Master Yu replied, delighted. With the Emperor’s words, Fish Champion now had a protective charm.

The audience smiled knowingly at Mo Dun’s advertisement, while some shrewd individuals noticed Fish Champion’s way of selling fish—a promising business opportunity. Just as everyone thought the secret technique’s story was ending, Mo Dun stunned them once more, his words causing an uproar.

"But if you think the value of the secret technique ends here, you are gravely mistaken. In my view, its worth far exceeds a million strings—even ten million strings is not its limit."

Mo Dun had barely finished speaking when the hall erupted.

Ten million strings—a truly staggering sum. A million strings was believable, but how could selling fish and running a tavern possibly generate ten million strings? After all, the empire’s annual finances barely reached a few million.

"That’s impossible!" Cheng Yaojin exclaimed, unconvinced.

Li Shimin frowned. His opinion of Mo Dun had improved after he revealed the secret, but now, hearing Mo Dun’s claim that the technique could be worth ten million strings, he was displeased.

Qin Qiong and Li Chengqian also watched Mo Dun with headaches—the fellow was simply too much.

In Room Three, Zu Mingjun looked speechless at his mischievous friend. If Mo Dun didn’t say something astonishing, he wouldn’t feel comfortable.

"Ten million strings—Mo Dun’s gotten a bit carried away after his success, forgetting how many buns he can eat!" Liu Yinian couldn’t resist mocking him. To his mind, ten million strings was absurd.

The other scholars from the Imperial Academy nodded slightly. They, too, doubted the secret technique could be worth ten million strings.