Ye Li also frowned when he heard the conversation between the two. He certainly knew the seriousness of the matter.
The demand for materials of a foundry shop is not like that of ordinary people. They only demand a few pounds or ounces. Their demand for various materials is huge. How can ordinary merchants take out so many goods at one time
Only merchants who specialize in large-volume material supply can provide these materials in a steady supply.
Moreover, these merchants generally seldom do business with two companies at the same time, because their goods can only meet the needs of one company at most.
Previously, the suppliers of Shanhai County and nearby counties had been divided up by various stores. Now, the Luo family suddenly intervened and maliciously snatched their suppliers away, leaving the Ye family with nowhere to buy goods for a while.
The stock in their warehouse will soon run out, and by then, even if the Ye family finds enough Xuan-level weaponsmiths, they will not be able to complete the previous orders.
Large chambers of commerce can certainly supply the materials they need, but large chambers of commerce themselves are involved in the foundry business, so they will not be suppliers of foundry materials. All the materials they sell are at retail prices, which are several% higher than the prices of materials provided by suppliers.
The higher price of one or two kilograms of materials is barely acceptable, but for a family like the Ye family that supplies materials to more than ten shops at the same time, a price increase of several percent is no small amount, and it is definitely a loss-making business.
After Ye Wujiu pondered for a while, he said, "The only solution now is to temporarily buy materials from the big chambers of commerce, and then go to the more distant counties to find suppliers. But we must act quickly. We can't keep going for long if we just make do like this."
After Ye Wujiu made the decision, he said to Ye Huaicang.
"Wait, Grandpa, Uncle Huai Cang, maybe I have a way."
Hearing Ye Li's sudden interruption, they both looked at him in surprise.
Ye Li said: "Grandpa, I have some connections with a newly established traveling merchants association. They are all traveling merchants from all over the place. I want to ask them if there is any way to get enough materials for me.
Uncle Huai Cang, how long can our material inventory last?"
Ye Huaicang said: "Ye Li, our materials can probably last about five days. If we can't get new materials before that time, we will have to stop working."
Ye Li said: "There should be enough time. Let's make several preparations at the same time. I will go to the Merchants Association right away to see if they can mobilize enough materials from merchants from all over the country. If they can't do it in a short time, you can buy materials from large chambers of commerce first.
If you want to buy from the Treasure Hunting Pavilion, I can act on your behalf because I have a silver VIP pass, which should save you a lot of spirit stones.
But I still believe that the Merchants Association will definitely find a way to get me enough materials. Even if they can't do it in a short time, they will definitely be able to gather them later."
Hearing Ye Li's words, Ye Huaicang looked at him in shock, and then turned his gaze to Ye Wujiu.
Ye Wujiu also had a look of surprise on his face. He didn't know that Ye Li had the silver VIP pass of the Treasure Hunting Pavilion.
As for the newly emerged organization, the Traveling Merchants Association, he had heard a little bit about it. After all, they started to develop in the nearby Katayama County, so it was impossible for them not to notice it.
Ye Wujiu glanced at Ye Li, then said to Ye Huaicang, "Just do as Ye Li said. Make the preparations first and wait for news from Ye Li. If it works, everyone will be happy. If not, you can go with him to Xunbao Pavilion to buy goods."
Ye Huaicang quickly agreed, then wrote down the approximate number of materials needed to Ye Li, then turned around and left in a hurry to make preparations.
Ye Li immediately followed and left Ye Wujiu's house. He wanted to go to the market outside to talk to the people from the Traveling Merchants Association to see if they could help him.
Walking out of the city, Ye Li soon arrived at the small traveling market where he had been before.
After he found a young guard, he said, "Young man, I don't know who is in charge of the Travel Merchants Association here. I am from the Ye family in Dahuang City. I have something to discuss with the Travel Merchants Association."
The guard replied, "Young Master of the Ye family, do you want to find Brother Lin? Then follow me and I will take you there."
Ye Li nodded, and followed the guards towards the back of the small market.
There was a small forest behind the market, and next to it was a makeshift bamboo and wooden hut. The guard led Ye Li straight there.
After knocking on the door, a deep voice came from inside: "Come in!"
After the guard opened the door, he stepped in first and said, "Brother Lin, a young master from the Ye family wants to see you. He said he has something to discuss with you."
Ye Li could now see the situation in the room clearly. He saw a middle-aged man with a ruddy complexion sitting in front of a table writing something.
Hearing the guard's words, he quickly stopped writing and said, "Please invite someone in."
After hearing this, the guard turned around and left the room and said to Ye Li, "Sir, please come in. Brother Lin is our leader here."
After Ye Li casually said thank you, he walked into the house.
After entering the door, the middle-aged man named Lin stood up quickly, took two steps forward, saluted to Ye Li, and said, "My name is Lin Zhusi, the leader of the Merchants Association in Dahuang City. I wonder what this young master wants to talk to me about?"
When Ye Li heard the other party's name, his heart moved. After a slight hesitation, he said, "I wonder what the relationship is between this Brother Lin and Uncle Lin Shiyu Lin?"
Lin Zhusi seemed to have not expected Ye Li to suddenly ask him. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Lin Shiyu is my father. I wonder if you..."
At this point, Lin Zhusi's expression suddenly changed, and she quickly asked, "Excuse me, is your surname Ye Li?"
Ye Li was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said: "Yes, I am Ye Li."
After hearing Ye Li's affirmative answer, Lin Zhusi's face immediately showed an extremely excited look. She bowed to Ye Li very solemnly and said, "Lin Zhusi greets Mr. Ye. Thank you for saving my father and my daughter Hongdou. I will never forget your kindness to my Lin family."
Seeing the other party saluting so solemnly, Ye Li naturally helped him up and said, "Brother Lin, you are too kind. I just did what I should do. It's not a big favor.
Besides, Uncle Lin, Uncle Li and I are friends, and helping friends is not worth such a big gift from you."
Hearing Ye Li's words, Lin Zhusi shook her head and said, "No, this gift comes from the bottom of my heart. No matter what your relationship with my father is, I am grateful to you for saving their lives."