Master He was indeed very familiar with the workings of a weaving and dyeing factory. After hearing from Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping that they had only purchased an estate so far, he inquired in detail about its situation. He then offered suggestions on how to prepare the dyehouse, from major renovations and adding buildings to make the estate more suitable, down to creating a detailed list of items needed for the dyehouse.
As Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping listened to Master He’s expert opinions, they immediately knew they had consulted the right person. They talked for more than half an hour, and as the sun set, Madam He, along with her daughter-in-law, prepared a sumptuous dinner. She also sent her younger son to invite his uncle, Liu Shancai’s father-in-law, to join Lu Chengxiao and the others for dinner at their home.
The hosts and guests sat at separate tables. At Lu Chengxiao’s table, only Master He, his two sons, and a few older apprentices stayed to accompany them. During the meal, two jars of fine Shaoxing wine were opened. As the cups circulated, Master He shared some anecdotes from the weaving and dyeing industry, making for a joyful atmosphere for both guests and hosts.
After everyone was full, the food and wine were cleared away and replaced with fresh tea. Master He finally asked when they might set off.
This question concerned not only Master He’s family but also the disciples present. All eyes turned to Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping.
Lu Chengxiao smiled, took out his money pouch, and handed Master He a banknote worth 20 taels of silver.
Aside from Liu Yanping, who was already in sync with Lu Chengxiao, everyone at the table was stunned. Master He dared not accept the note and asked, “Sir, what is this?”
Lu Chengxiao smiled and explained, “Originally, it would be most convenient for you to travel with my ship. However, we will be collecting goods along the way in the Liangzhe region, which will be sold on the journey to earn some money before the New Year. If you travel with us, you’ll have to leave tomorrow and might be on the road for over a month. The dyehouse still needs some preparations. Instead of making you all rush around, it’s better for you to stay at home and enjoy a peaceful reunion for the New Year. After the fifth day of the first month, head to Anyi County in Yuanzhou City, and you can find us at either the Lufeng Cloth Store or the Ruyi Embroidery Shop.”
He placed the banknote on the table and pushed it toward Master He, saying, “This is for travel expenses. The journey isn’t short, so hire a good boat.”
Master He was startled and quickly pushed the note back. “Sir, this is too much. We can take a passenger boat, which won’t cost much. I can’t accept this.”
Twenty taels of silver could cover the wages of his team of eight for three months. How could he dare to take it?
Liu Yanping, smiling, placed the note back into Master He’s hand. “Master He, take it. Enjoy a prosperous New Year, and with no worries at home, you’ll be able to fully focus on helping us run the dyehouse next year.”
Lu Chengxiao also urged him to accept it.
Master He had received extra gifts from employers before, but those were always holiday gifts. Never had he received 20 taels without doing any work yet.
Holding the note in his hand, Master He didn’t dare squeeze it, and instinctively looked toward Liu Shancai for advice.
He knew that when it came to dealing with merchants, none of his family was as experienced as Liu Shancai. Unsure of what to do, he looked to him for guidance.
Liu Shancai felt proud today in front of his uncle who usually ignored him. He was even more pleased to see Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping so generously offer 20 taels as a travel allowance.
He had always known that these two young men were extraordinary, but today he realized they were even more generous and clever than he’d imagined. Such a gesture would surely make his uncle and the apprentices fully dedicated to them in the future.
Twenty taels was a fortune for a regular farming family. It could take a family four or five years to save that amount after accounting for daily living expenses. But in business, such an amount wasn’t much. Buying the loyalty of a skilled team for just 20 taels—what a bargain!
Liu Shancai, marveling at their cleverness, gave a thumbs up and said, “Brother Lu and Brother Liu, you are generous!”
In the span of one meal, “Little Brother Lu” and “Little Brother Liu” had turned into “Brother Lu” and “Brother Liu.”
Meeting Master He’s pleading gaze, Liu Shancai smiled and said, “Uncle, just accept it. You’ve found yourself a great employer. The best way to repay them is to dye the cloth well.”
Liu Yanping pressed the money into Master He’s hand again, smiling as he said, “President Liu is right. We’ll be relying on you for the dyehouse from now on.”
“There’s no point in refusing anymore,” Master He thought as he grasped the banknote. The weight of it, both in his hand and heart, filled him with a sense of responsibility. As soon as Liu Yanping finished speaking, Master He said, “I will make sure of it. I can’t guarantee much, but the quality and color of the dyed fabrics will not disappoint you both. As long as you continue to support us, I, Old He, will make sure the Lufeng Cloth Store earns a golden reputation!”
By this point, not only was Master He fully committed, but his two sons, six apprentices, and even the women of the He family, who overheard the conversation from outside, were completely loyal to their new employers.
Even Liu Shancai’s father-in-law felt a sense of pride. After all, wasn’t this all thanks to his son-in-law’s introduction?
With this successful meeting, Lu Chengxiao and his companions had completed their business for the day. Liu Shancai smiled and asked, “What’s the plan for tonight, brothers? Our boat is still docked, and there are beds aboard. We can sail through the night, or, if you prefer, you can stay at my father-in-law’s house for the night.”
There were many people in Master He’s household. Hosting a meal was fine, but there might not be enough space for everyone to stay overnight.
Master He, however, was very hospitable and quickly added, “It’s already so late. How can you sleep comfortably on a boat? My house is prepared and clean. Why don’t you stay with us tonight and leave after lunch tomorrow?”
Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping both declined with a wave of their hands, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, but we still have to collect some silk for trading, and we’re hoping to get home for a family reunion before the New Year. Our schedule is quite tight. We’ll visit again if we return to this area in the future.”
Then, turning to Liu Shancai, Lu Chengxiao asked, “President Liu, if you’re still up for it, shall we head out tonight and rest on the boat?”
Liu Shancai laughed, “I understand, Brother Lu. Newlyweds like you can’t afford to waste time away from home. Let’s head out now. Sailing by moonlight and listening to the sound of the water is a delightful experience.”
The waterway here had no strong currents, and night sailing was common. Liu Shancai immediately said his goodbyes to his father-in-law and Master He.
Master He was very reluctant, hoping to have his son-in-law and the two young employers stay another day, but after Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping insisted on leaving, he finally relented.
Master He and his brother lit lanterns and escorted the three men to the boat before heading back home.
Standing at the bow of the boat, Liu Shancai, Lu Chengxiao, and Liu Yanping watched the faint glow of the lantern fade into the distance. Liu Shancai patted Lu Chengxiao on the shoulder and laughed, “Brother Lu, Brother Liu, to tell you the truth, it’s been five or six years since I’ve been treated so warmly by my uncle. Thanks to you, this is the first time I’ve ever had a meal at his house.”
Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping chuckled, also noticing how upright Master He’s character was.
The boatwoman brewed a pot of good tea and invited the three to enjoy some snacks. They then made their way into the cabin.
It was already late in the evening. As they sailed under the moonlight, the sound of flowing water filled the air. This reminded Lu Chengxiao of something. “President Liu, have you heard of maritime traders?”
“Maritime traders? Why do you ask?”
Lu Chengxiao smiled, “I overheard people talking about it during my travels. They said it’s quite profitable.”
Liu Shancai chuckled, “Oh, it’s definitely profitable. But only a few are officially allowed by the government to engage in maritime trade. Smuggling is a dangerous business, with one’s life always on the line. These smugglers are very cautious, and ordinary people have no way of getting involved.”
Hearing this, Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping became interested. This aligned with what Ge An had mentioned to them earlier. However, since smuggling was a delicate topic, they didn’t want to discuss it openly with Liu Shancai. Instead, they asked more general questions about the smuggling trade.
Being older and more experienced, Liu Shancai had heard many stories during his decades in business, even though he wasn’t directly involved. He shared some of these tales with Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanping, treating them as interesting anecdotes.
From his stories, they learned some useful information. For instance, if one could find the right connections, porcelain, silk, and tea were in high demand and fetched high prices.
~
Meanwhile, on a secret island off the coast of Quanzhou, a large ship docked. A young man, about twenty years old, disembarked.
The previously quiet island suddenly became alive with dozens of guards. Upon seeing the young man, they greeted him warmly, “Chen Fang, did you receive new goods?”
The young man named Chen Fang grinned, his teeth gleaming in the moonlight, and nodded toward the ship behind him. “Yes, porcelain and jade ornaments. Be careful when unloading them.”
“Got it!”
The group laughed and headed toward the ship to start unloading.
Chen Fang was familiar with the island’s layout. He weaved through several layers of security, and soon, a complex of buildings appeared before him. He headed north, bypassing the large main courtyard, and after walking for some time, he entered a secluded area.
The lights in the courtyard were still on, indicating that the people inside had not yet gone to bed.
A few beautiful maids noticed Chen Fang and greeted him with smiles, “Young Master Chen.”
Chen Fang waved in response and asked, “Has the master gone to bed?”
The maids shook their heads, and one of them replied with a smile, “He’s still in the study. He knew you were coming back tonight, so he’s waiting for you. Let me take you to him.”
She turned and gracefully led the way, her figure swaying elegantly as she walked.
Chen Fang raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips.
The lights in the study were still on. The maid knocked on the door gently and spoke softly, “Master, Young Master Chen is back.”
Her voice was as melodious as a nightingale.
A concise response came from within, “Come in.”
The voice was clear and carried a hint of languidness.
The maid opened the door to the study, inviting Chen Fang inside. She glanced in with a playful look in her eyes, but she dared not enter without permission. After casting that single glance, she lowered her eyes, backed out, and gently closed the door, staying outside to guard it.
Still, she occasionally glanced back toward the study, her ears tuned in, hoping to catch some of the conversation.
Chen Fang’s footsteps echoed inside, followed by his voice filled with laughter: “Yan Zheng, I’ve brought you something rare today—something with a story behind it.”
“What rare item is worth you showing off like this?”
“An immortal treasure!”
Chen Fang dramatically pulled a small, exquisite brocade box from his sleeve, opened it, and bent down, placing it before Liu Yanzheng’s eyes with great flair. He lightly set it on the desk and said, “Look at it! Isn’t it glowing with an inner brilliance? You can tell it’s extraordinary at first glance!”
Liu Yanzheng scoffed, “There’s no such thing as immortals in this world.”
Sitting on a black silk cushion inside the box was a bright red, teardrop-shaped gem. Liu Yanzheng couldn’t quite identify what it was. It wasn’t jade, coral, or agate, but it wasn’t anything else he could name either.
He reached out to touch it, and a cool sensation seeped into his fingertips. For a moment, in the chilly November air, the coolness was actually pleasant, and an inexplicable sense of joy welled up inside him.
Liu Yanzheng raised his eyebrows and looked at Chen Fang.
Chen Fang grinned, “Interesting, right? The seller claimed his ancestors were reclusive sages, and supposedly, this is an heirloom passed down from one of them.”
Liu Yanzheng took the item out completely. The gem was attached to a delicate chain, neither gold nor silver, with an unidentifiable material. It looked like a forehead ornament a woman might wear.
He raised an eyebrow. “Would a Taoist sage wear something like this?”
Chen Fang laughed, “Who said sages are all scruffy monks? Maybe it belonged to a beautiful immortal!”
Liu Yanzheng gave him a look and tossed the ornament back into the box. “You’ve got too much time on your hands. Leave the ledger and get out.”
Chen Fang clicked his tongue, “You’re no fun at all. I bring you a nice gift, and you don’t even say thanks. If you ever have a sweetheart, this would make a perfect token of affection. You’re heartless.”
Liu Yanzheng merely smirked.
Seeing no reaction, Chen Fang gave in, “Fine, fine, I’m an idiot for trying to talk romance with someone as cold as a rock.”
He pulled a thin ledger from his robes and placed it on Liu Yanzheng’s desk. “Alright, I’m off. I’ve been stuck on a boat for over a month, and I’m exhausted. I’m going to take a break. The forehead ornament is yours now. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll surprise us all. No need to thank me.”
Liu Yanzheng smiled silently and began flipping through the ledger.
Sansukini: A new character emerges.
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