Chapter 233: Donglai Trading Company
Even during their rest day at the inn, Hua Zhi kept herself occupied. She sent Xu Ying out to survey the general price levels of local trading companies and also gathered information about the Donglai Trading Company recommended by Zhang Xing. Only after confirming Zhang Xing hadn’t deceived her did she pay them a visit the following day.
Donglai Trading Company occupied the most prominent location by the east gate, its towering eaves immediately visible from afar.
It was still early, and the trading hall remained quiet. The moment Hua Zhi and her companions stepped inside, they caught the attention of the shop assistants. Trained to possess sharp judgment, the staff quickly assessed the group’s attire, and a senior manager promptly approached with a warm smile. “Such esteemed guests gracing us early in the day truly brings honor to our humble establishment.”
The manager was not tall but had a round, cheerful face that exuded congeniality—a natural-born merchant. After her own assessment, Hua Zhi nodded courteously. “If our transaction proves successful, I may indeed be considered an esteemed guest. Please summon someone with decision-making authority.”
Bao Xia handed over Zhang Xing’s letter of introduction, which the manager received with both hands. He couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances at Bao Xia—even the maidservant was exceptionally beautiful. He wondered about their origins.
Unauthorized to open the letter himself, he personally escorted the group to seating, signaled an assistant to attend to them, and hurried inside with the letter. He felt relieved that the young master had arrived early today, avoiding any potential delays.
The Donglai Trading Company was named after its founder, Xia Donglai. The Xia family had once been among Jingzhou’s prominent households, though their fortunes had declined midway. It was only under Xia Donglai’s leadership that the family regained prosperity. He had four sons, and the eldest, Xia Jiang, currently managed the trading company. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he was destined to inherit the family business.
Xia Jiang lived up to his father’s expectations—prudent in conduct, methodical in handling affairs, and, like his father, deeply principled and benevolent. The entire company held him in high esteem. Yet, recently, he had faced mounting troubles.
Although Donglai Trading Company didn’t monopolize Jingzhou’s market, as the longest-standing firm, it surpassed all others in connections and experience. Coupled with their harmony-focused business approach, they had thrived effortlessly in Jingzhou.
However, not long ago, the Zheng family opened a new trading company by the east gate, dealing in the same goods. Ordinarily, Xia Jiang wouldn’t have been concerned, but the Zheng family was different—they were the in-laws of Mu Yunyang, Jingzhou’s Governor. No matter how robust the Xia family’s local ties were, they couldn’t rival the Governor’s influence. Although the Zheng family dared not move overtly against them, in purely commercial terms, Donglai gained no advantage. Recently, they had lost a significant portion of their business.
When the manager knocked and entered, Xia Jiang was frowning over the account books. Habituated to maintaining a gentle demeanor before subordinates, he softened his expression and smiled. “What is it?”
“Esteemed guests have arrived outside. I couldn’t discern their background, but they brought this letter of introduction.”
Xia Jiang took the letter, verified the seal was intact, and opened it. Zhang Xing’s handwriting was merely legible, far from elegant, yet Xia Jiang read it thoroughly three times. Youthful enthusiasm betrayed itself as delight crept into the corners of his eyes and brows.
No matter how prosperous Jingzhou was, it remained a remote southern locale—how could it compare to the capital? And now, guests from a prominent capital family had arrived. Perhaps his current predicament could be resolved effortlessly!
“Have tea prepared in the small reception hall,” he instructed.
“Yes, sir.”Xia Jiang stood up, straightened his attire, and quickly walked out. When he saw the person sitting calmly to the side, his steps faltered momentarily. Manager Chen hadn’t told him the esteemed guest was a woman!
And such a beautiful one at that!
But being a businessman, he quickly regained his composure and approached with enthusiasm, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting and smiling as he said, "My apologies for keeping you waiting, esteemed guest. I am Xia Jiang, the young master of Donglai Trading Company."
Young master—it sounded like someone with decision-making authority. Hua Zhi stood up and inclined her body slightly forward. "My surname is Hua. You may address me as 'Miss Hua.'"
"Miss Hua," Xia Jiang readily complied. "It’s rather noisy and crowded out here. Shall we discuss matters inside?"
"Please."
The reception hall was lavishly decorated, but Hua Zhi only glanced at it before averting her gaze—the glittering gold was simply too dazzling.
Her demeanor, however, struck Xia Jiang as a sign of confidence. After they had both taken their seats, he asked, "Was your journey smooth, Miss Hua?"
"Smooth sailing all the way, which likely bodes well for the success of my endeavors here." Hua Zhi gently brushed her sleeve and looked up at the young man opposite her, who appeared to be in his early twenties. Most men in Jingzhou were of shorter stature and had darker complexions. While Xia Jiang wasn’t particularly fair-skinned either, he was tall enough and had a decent appearance—at least not unpleasant to deal with in business negotiations.
Xia Jiang didn’t want to appear too eager and was about to engage in some small talk to build rapport when the other party spoke first: "I’ve come here for a business deal, though I’m not sure if Donglai Trading Company has the capacity to handle it."
Xia Jiang perked up immediately. "I don’t mean to boast, but if our company can’t handle a deal, it’s unlikely any other trading house in Jingzhou can. Please go ahead, Miss Hua. I’m all ears."
Hua Zhi glanced at Bao Xia, who understood her meaning and handed over the same set of drawings they had previously shown to Zhang Xing.
Xia Jiang looked through them from start to finish before raising his head. "None of these are particularly rare. Are these what you need, Miss Hua?"
"I need a large quantity. I plan to start a seafood business in the capital and will require substantial supplies. If Donglai Trading Company takes on this deal, you’ll need to dispatch a ship to the capital every seven to eight days. If business picks up, the interval might shorten to four or five days, or even less."
A major deal!
Xia Jiang swallowed hard to contain his rising excitement. "We have the ships, but will the goods be sourced by our company, or...?"
"I dare not put all my eggs in one basket. What if the basket falls?" Hua Zhi chuckled lightly. "However, I can’t possibly purchase directly from the fishermen either. For everyone’s benefit, I hope you can recommend a few reputable suppliers with quality goods."
"Your foresight is admirable, Miss Hua. Rest assured, I, Xia Jiang, would never tarnish the thirty-year reputation of Donglai Trading Company."
Hua Zhi nodded slightly. "I prefer to collaborate with those who value their reputation."
A partnership isn’t settled in a single discussion. Hua Zhi was in no hurry, and on the first day, they only established a basic framework. Both sides left room for flexibility before parting ways.
Xia Jiang escorted them to the door and watched them leave before quietly instructing his steward, "Send someone to follow them and see which other trading companies she contacts."
The steward knew the young master was wary of the Zheng family and immediately dispatched the most astute employee to tail them.
Inside the carriage, Bao Xia poured two cups of water from the flask for her mistress. Those who often accompanied the young lady knew that she only pretended to drink tea when outside—no matter how thirsty she was, she never actually consumed it.The guard's voice came from outside, "Miss, there are people following behind."
Hua Zhi wasn't surprised in the least. "Don't mind them, let them follow."
"Yes."
Shaoyao, who had been holding back from speaking all this time, now chirped happily like a bird released from its cage. "Hua Hua, where are we going next?"
"Is there somewhere you'd like to go?"
"No, I just don't want to return to the inn."
"We won't. Let's visit some of the smaller docks instead."
PS: Every time I finish a chapter, I get anxious feeling like I haven't written enough content. I'll definitely double update tomorrow.
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