Cheng Сhi hаd made а good рlаn, but things did nоt unfоld аs hе had imaginеd.
First, Cheng Mian camе tо seе him, taсtfullу ехprеssing thаt sinсе thеy hаd receivеd thе favоr of the eldеst branch, it wаs impossiblе tо sеll thеir shаrеs fоr profit аt this timе. What diffеrеnсe wоuld that mаkе from merсhаnts who buу low and sell high?
Тhen camе Сhеng Wen frоm the fifth branch, whо аlsо sought him оut.
Сhеng Wеn’s wоrds wеre muсh mоre strаightforwаrd: “...Baсk then, I hаd nо silvеr and оffеrеd tо use the familу’s antiques as collаteral, and уou agrеed. Nоw thаt yоu and the second branch are at odds, I can’t just walk away—what kind of person would that make me? Besides, I earn five thousand taels of silver every year from this. Even if the second branch offered me a hundred thousand taels, that would only cover twenty years of my earnings, and once it’s spent, it’s gone. But if I hold onto these shares, I’ll keep earning year after year, a steady stream of income. Isn’t that more worthwhile than selling out? And who knows if the second branch would even be willing to pay a hundred thousand taels for my shares? When I think about it, it just feels like too much of a loss.”
Cheng Chi picked up the teapot and poured Cheng Wen another cup of tea, saying, “Are you so sure Yutai Bank will survive for twenty years? What if it collapses in a couple of years? Wouldn’t you suffer a huge loss then?”
“No, that can’t be!” Cheng Wen stared wide-eyed at Cheng Chi, his words stumbling. “You’re only in your twenties now—surely Yutai Bank can thrive for another twenty years, right?”
“What does Yutai Bank thriving for twenty years have to do with my age?”
“As long as you don’t lose your wits with age, the bank can’t possibly collapse, can it?” Cheng Wen’s eyes widened even further. “Don’t try to fool me. I’ve heard that people from the second branch have been going around looking for partners to do business with. When they hear it’s the Cheng family from Nine Prosperities Lane, they come running eagerly. But as soon as they learn it’s the second branch’s own idea, they all suddenly have urgent matters and run off faster than anyone. Otherwise, do you think you’d be so at ease? Do you think Yutai Bank would be so prosperous? I’ve finally figured it out—those people don’t want to do business with the Cheng family; they want to do business with you!” As he spoke, a hint of pride crept into his expression. “Anyway, I’ve seen the light this time. As long as you’re in charge of the Cheng family’s affairs, I’ll just relax in the shade of the big tree. If one day you step down... well, I’ll follow you. Whatever business you do, I’ll invest!”
Cheng Chi smiled but said nothing.
Cheng Wen hurriedly added, “I mean it. When I came here, I made up my mind—if you and the second branch come to blows, I’ll definitely help you. If you don’t believe me, I can swear it.”
“It’s not as serious as you make it sound,” Cheng Chi said with a laugh. “I just thought it might be less risky for you to sell your shares and invest in some farmland instead.”
“You can’t catch a wolf without risking the child,” Cheng Wen declared, patting his chest. “Farmland may be low-risk, but the returns aren’t high either. I’ve decided to stick with you.”
That depends on whether I’m willing to let you stick with me!
Cheng Chi mused inwardly, smiling faintly as he poured Cheng Wen another cup of tea.
“Oh! Oh!” Cheng Wen exclaimed hastily. “Let me do it. Let me do it. You’re the God of Wealth—it’s not right for the God of Wealth to pour tea for me.”
With a flick of his wrist, Cheng Chi avoided Cheng Wen’s outstretched arm and chuckled, “Isn’t it said that drinking tea poured by the God of Wealth brings prosperity? I’ve poured this tea for you, so just sit down and enjoy it properly.”"That makes sense too." Cheng Wen chuckled and sat back down, watching as Cheng Chi refilled his teacup. He then leaned in eagerly toward Cheng Chi and lowered his voice. "Si Lang, be honest with me. Is it because of the Second Branch's matriarch..." He gestured in the direction of the Second Branch, "...that you didn't get the salt vouchers this year? Let me tell you, I know the brother-in-law of the newly appointed Lianghuai Transport Commissioner's secretary. How about I go to Huaian for you? If we can't get salt vouchers from Liangzhe, surely we can get them from Lianghuai? I refuse to believe we can't!"
"No!" Cheng Chi replied, somewhat surprised, and smiled. "It's because I think the salt voucher business isn't very promising anymore, so I gave it up."
Cheng Wen stomped his foot in frustration. "You find it troublesome, but I don't! Why didn't you think of letting me handle this business? You're truly a well-fed man who doesn't know the hunger of the starving!"
Cheng Chi quickly apologized, "I really didn't think of that... How about I help you connect with someone to partner in the maritime shipping business? It's risky, but even if you don't make a profit for three years, one good year can sustain you for three..."
Before he could finish, Cheng Wen slapped him on the arm and said with great emotion, "I always said the three brothers of the Eldest Branch are the most righteous. Last time I went to the capital, I was too embarrassed to see Brother Jing, so I went to your second brother Wei instead. Without asking any questions, he personally took me to Daxiangguo Temple, had his steward show me around the capital, and even gave me a hundred taels in silver notes. I haven't told anyone about this, but I've always remembered it in my heart. Let's settle this matter now—I have twenty thousand taels in total. Have your steward come with me later to collect the silver notes..."
"Brother Wen, it's better for you to negotiate with the other party yourself," Cheng Chi interrupted with a smile. "It wouldn't be appropriate for me to get involved... The other party is a friend of mine, and his resources aren't particularly abundant. If he asks me to lower the percentage, I can't very well refuse him, and that might end up causing you losses."
"Good, good, good," Cheng Wen grinned, showing two rows of white teeth. "Just have your steward introduce me. How to negotiate will be my business!"
"I can't just leave you to handle it alone," Cheng Chi said with a laugh. "I haven't been involved in this business before because I didn't have the manpower to manage it, but I previously had my steward calculate the profits. He should be very clear about what to watch out for. I'll have him explain it to you later so you won't be completely in the dark when negotiating."
"Exactly, exactly," Cheng Wen said, this time slapping his own thigh. "Others say you're aloof, but I think you're just shy. If I had known you were like this, I should have visited you earlier..."
Huaishan, standing to the side, was laughing so hard his stomach cramped. After finally seeing Cheng Wen off, he couldn't hold back any longer and leaned against a pillar, laughing uncontrollably.
Cheng Chi gave him a cold glance. Seeing that it was getting late and almost time for dinner, he went to Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo asked him, "Has Master Wen left?"
"He has," Cheng Chi replied, taking a seat below Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo pondered for a moment and said, "You went to such great lengths to bring all the branches into Yutai Bank. Why are you now letting them sell their shares?"Cheng Chi smiled and said, "Originally, it was to warn the ancestors of the second branch not to act rashly. Now that Eldest Brother has firmly established himself, it won’t be so easy for him to make any moves. Instead, we can separate the fourth and fifth branches—if there’s going to be trouble, let it be among our three families. No need to drag them into it."
Old Madam Guo nodded and changed the subject, "I heard Shaojin went to play chess with you?"
"She’s just a child looking for some fun," Cheng Chi replied with a smile. "I entertain her when I have time, but if I’m busy, I have to ignore her."
Old Madam Guo suggested, "Why not invite Jiu’gao over to the house? It’s been a while since you two spent time together."
"It’s only been a while since we’ve gathered at home," Cheng Chi said, chuckling. "We had a meal together at Meiyan Tower just the other day!"
"Oh?" Old Madam Guo exclaimed in surprise. "Didn’t you say there wasn’t much good food at Meiyan Tower? What made you go there suddenly?"
Cheng Chi replied, "It was just on the way."
Old Madam Guo didn’t press further.
Cheng Chi then asked, "Didn’t you say you wanted to go to Putuo Mountain to offer incense? When are you planning to go? I happen to have some free time these days and can accompany you."
"That would be wonderful!" Old Madam Guo’s smile overflowed from the corners of her eyes and brows. She eagerly grasped her son’s hand and said, "Then it’s settled. You can’t be like last time, saying you had something to do just as we were about to leave, ruining my mood."
In the end, they hadn’t gone!
Looking at his mother tightly clutching his hand as if it were a lifeline, Cheng Chi felt a pang of sorrow in his heart.
When his mother learned that he would be leaving and never returning, he could already imagine her grief.
Perhaps he should wait until his mother passed away?
The thought flashed through his mind but was quickly dismissed.
If Xiao Zhenhai could find Jinling, he could also find Nine Prosperities Lane.
If he stayed, he would only bring greater harm to his mother.
"I will definitely accompany you to Putuo Mountain," Cheng Chi’s voice was softer and warmer than he had imagined. "I’ll go out for a walk with you too. It’s been ten years since we last traveled together…"
"Yes, yes, yes," Old Madam Guo nodded repeatedly. "Shao Jin should finish copying the scriptures soon. When the time comes, we can take her along. She can even keep you company with a few games of chess along the way… Oh, now that I think about it, time is a bit tight. I’ll leave the outside matters to you. Besides Shaojin, Nanny Shi will also come—she’s served me all her life and isn’t young anymore. After this trip to Putuo Mountain, who knows if she’ll have another chance to travel? And Biyu and Feicui too—I’m used to having them around, so they’ll come along. But who should stay behind to look after the house…"
Old Madam Guo, usually so strong-willed, was now so overjoyed that she was momentarily at a loss for words.
Seeing this, Cheng Chi felt even more heartbroken. He smiled and said, "Mother, there’s no need to rush. I’ll be free for the next few months and can accompany you anytime. First, pick an auspicious day, and then I’ll have Qin Ziping come over to help with the trivial matters. I’ll make sure your trip goes smoothly."
Hearing that her son would be free for the next few months, Old Madam Guo calmed down after her initial excitement and began making arrangements for the trip in an orderly manner.
In less than half an hour, Zhou Shaojin, who was copying scriptures in the Buddhist hall, learned of the news.Biyu personally came to tell her, "...The old madam said you will go with us!"
"Really?" Zhou Shaojin excitedly grabbed Biyu's hand.
"Really!" Biyu smiled. "The old madam has already sent someone to the fourth branch to deliver the message. Tomorrow she will visit the old lady of the fourth branch to discuss this matter."
"I wonder if my sister can come along too," Zhou Shaojin murmured. "In both my lives, I have never been to Putuo Temple!"
"You should talk to your family's old lady about it," Biyu suggested. "Just bring fewer attendants from your side."
Those going on the trip only thought more people meant more liveliness; expenses and such were entirely beyond their consideration.
Zhou Shaojin couldn't sit still any longer and returned to Jia Shu Hall early.
※
Thank you to Tianwaixianxian, Zixiao12, and Janeuwoo for the spirit beast eggs.
Tomorrow, Little Zhizhi is on holiday. The weather here is bad, with both snow and rain, so I can only set off a day early. The day after tomorrow, my parents are returning home for the New Year, and I have to pick them up at the station. Updates may be delayed for a few days—please bear with me.
I will repay my "debts" as soon as possible...
PS: The inarticulate Zhizhi continues to ask for pink votes!
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
!!
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