The sky pressed down dark and heavy, foretelling an approaching rain.
The senior maids busied themselves—some fetching umbrellas, others cloaks, and even wooden clogs were prepared. Yet none attempted to dissuade the young mistress from going, knowing full well it would be futile.
On the docks, everyone moved with hurried steps, many outright running. Thus, their own unhurried procession stood out conspicuously.
A servant stationed at the docks hurried forward upon spotting the young mistress’s carriage. As she alighted, he reported, "Young Mistress, it’s that ship over there."
Even without his indication, Hua Zhi would have recognized it. She had seen vessels from the Donglai Shipping Company in Zhenyang and remembered their emblem.
Still, she was somewhat surprised to see who disembarked. Stepping forward, she offered a graceful bow and smiled. "I hadn’t expected both of you to come. Young Master, you’ve had a long journey. Master Wu, you’ve worked hard."
Xia Jiang and Wu Zheng promptly returned the courtesy. Arriving in this unfamiliar capital, seeing the young mistress eased their minds somewhat. In this place where the true dragon coiled, the overwhelming sense of oppression made their hearts tremble with innate fear.
Noting their discomfort, Hua Zhi steered the conversation toward their area of expertise. "I’d like to inspect the goods, if that’s possible?"
"Of course." At the mention of the cargo that had brought them profit and opportunity, both men brightened. Xia Jiang said, "We tended to them carefully along the way. The dead should be around ten percent. As you instructed, we iced the deceased ones, so none have spoiled."
Wu Zheng added with a smile, "If not for a few days of rough seas forcing us to dock and wait for calm, the losses would have been even smaller."
So that was why they had arrived a few days later than expected. Hua Zhi felt a wave of relief. Supported fore and aft by Ying Chun and Bao Xia, she boarded the ship.
The vessel was large, and a briny chill greeted them. Xia Jiang explained, "Although we set out ice, Master Wu suggested it’s better to place it in a ventilated area, so we positioned the ice basins near the entrance."
"That’s the right approach." Hua Zhi crouched and reached out to pick up a fish, but Ying Chun swiftly caught her hand. In the next moment, Li De had already lifted the very fish the young mistress had been about to take.
Hua Zhi sighed in resignation, gently freeing her hand from Ying Chun’s grasp and taking the fish. "How can I assess the condition of the fish just by looking?"
Ying Chun was even more exasperated. If the young mistress did everything herself, what use were they?
Hua Zhi selected several varieties, examining them by smell, touch, and sight. The condition was better than she had anticipated. Though freshness had somewhat diminished, they would still be suitable for making broth or could be dried as preserves. In any case, nothing would go to waste.
She then checked the live seafood. They had been frugal with the seawater, with about half still remaining—likely enough to last for some time.
"Bao Xia, take some people and select a portion of each type to bring back."
"Yes."
Allowing Ying Chun to clean her hands, Hua Zhi disembarked. While these goods would bring her profit, their odor was decidedly unpleasant.
"Young Mistress, Steward Xu has arrived."
The seafood venture was sizable enough to require a steward to oversee all matters. Steward Xu, named Xu Biao, had been selected after discussions among the maids and had proven quite capable.
Xu Biao gestured for the others to wait aside and came forward to pay his respects.
"Young Mistress."
Hua Zhi nodded and turned to Wu Zheng and Xia Jiang. "Might I ask both of you to have your men assist with unloading the goods? Also, please assign a steward to accompany us to the shop—we’ll weigh everything there."
"As you say, Young Mistress. Steward Xu may go aboard; I’ve already given the instructions."Xu Biao waited until the young lady nodded before leading the men onto the ship.
After concluding the official business, Hua Zhi finally had the leisure to discuss other matters. "Since both of you have come to the capital together, do you have other affairs to attend to?"
The two exchanged glances, and ultimately Xia Jiang spoke first. "My father has entrusted this route to me, sending me to the capital to broaden my horizons and learn the ropes. Of course, it would be best if I could secure a deal or two."
"Competitors are natural rivals. I have no connections with other merchant families, so I'm afraid I won't be of much help to you, Shopkeeper Xia." Hua Zhi turned to Wu Zheng. "And you, Shopkeeper Wu?"
"I'm afraid I'm willing but unable. The quantity of goods you require, young lady, is substantial. Our fishing business already has local trade to manage, and we had to collaborate with another family just to meet your demands. I dare not be greedy for more." Wu Zheng smiled. "This is the first shipment, and I couldn't rest easy until I delivered it into your hands personally. Besides, I also wanted to take this opportunity to visit the capital. Though I've been to other places before, this is my first time in the capital."
"I'll assign someone to accompany you, Shopkeeper Wu, to show you around the notable places in the capital so your trip won't be in vain."
Wu Zheng was more than pleased and repeatedly clasped his hands in gratitude.
"As for Shopkeeper Xia..." Hua Zhi pondered briefly. "Here's what I'll do: I'll assign someone unfamiliar to assist you. They may not be of much practical help, but they can steer you clear of those you shouldn't provoke. The capital is teeming with nobility, and if you offend someone, you might not make it back home."
Xia Jiang was an ambitious and capable man. Though the warning unsettled him, he steeled himself and decided to proceed. Even if he didn't secure any deals, he could still observe how business was conducted in the capital.
"If either of you needs anything, just inform the servants. Steward Li, please ensure our guests are properly settled."
Li De bowed in acknowledgment.
Both Wu Zheng and Xia Jiang were taken aback. They hadn't expected to be hosted. The young lady clearly came from a wealthy family, and they had assumed they wouldn't even get to see her on this trip. They were surprised to receive such thoughtful hospitality.
Wu Zheng said, "There's no need for such arrangements, young lady. We can stay on the ship."
"Guests from afar deserve the hospitality of their host. This is merely a small gesture." Hua Zhi glanced up at the sky, unwilling to dwell on the topic. "It's unclear whether it will rain or not. Bao Xia, go inform Xu Biao to hire some laborers from the dock and deliver the fish to Hai Wei as quickly as possible."
"Yes."
Just as she was about to take her leave, Ying Chun leaned in and whispered, "Miss, someone is approaching."
Hua Zhi turned to look. Three strangers were walking toward them.
"What a surprise to encounter you here, young lady. I am Liu Ruyi of the Liu family."
"Peng Runze of the Peng family."
"Qi Hongdong of the Qi family."
Hua Zhi returned their greeting. "Greetings, young masters."
Liu Ruyi glanced at the men carrying large barrels off the ship. "Is this a new venture of yours, young lady?"
"Yes, I've recently opened a shop called Hai Wei in the southern part of the city, specializing in seafood. You're all welcome to visit and support the business when you have the chance."
"Seafood? I've tried it once, but the flavor was... indescribable. Are you sure it's edible, young lady?"
Hua Zhi could tell that among the three, Liu Ruyi was the one in charge. Unfazed by the skepticism, she replied calmly, "Young Master Liu, you must be aware that I only deal in food. If it weren't delicious, wouldn't I be ruining my own reputation? You'll understand once you try it, Young Master Liu."The entire capital must admit this: none of the food businesses run by the young lady have ever produced anything less than delicious. Whether it's the fruit preserves, the dozens of shops in Green Moss Alley and Oriole Cloud Alley, or the reservation-only vegetarian feasts with queues waiting, each has its unique flavor and loyal followers. Even the fried noodles and dried meat she prepared for the scholars a couple of days ago were incredibly tasty. His own family had a candidate taking the Autumn Examination who attended that day—he secretly ate two pieces, and even now, the thought makes his mouth water.
Wait—the very person who made that dried meat is right here!
PS: After multiple revisions, I still feel the second update is all filler. I'm rewriting it—may not post today, so no need to wait. Also, the Autumn Examination lasts nine days and seven nights; ladies can look it up for reference.
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