Chen Xi looked at the stack of land deeds in his hand; as expected, they had made their way back to him for handling. How could one put it? This group of people had rather thick skins and they were also quite self-aware, knowing full well who would bring them the greatest profit when dealing with this matter.
"Zizhong, let’s go, it’s time to inspect the site!" Chen Xi flicked the stack of land deeds in his hand, the rustling sound making Mi Zhu worry about the fragility of these papers—after all, they were money!
Speaking of which, the very first person to admit his mistake after opposing Chen Xi and experiencing the surge in taxes was Mi Zhu. Even though Mi Zhu looked somewhat distracted at that time, he did not hesitate to admit his mistake at all, without any concern for his own face.
Is it commendable loyalty or simply a merchant’s instinct to pursue profit? Chen Xi’s method of taxation was incredibly favorable for the present Mi Zhu. Not only did Liu Bei gain strength, but he himself had grown wealthy; his prospects for an official position looked even brighter, and his status as the leader within the merchant association had solidified, even though he hardly made an appearance. After this incident, there were far fewer who dared to challenge Mi Zhu’s position.
When Chen Xi stepped out of the door, all those awaiting news had made their preparations. Don’t underestimate the influence of these wealthy merchants; unless Chen Xi deliberately blocked the news, they were all aware that North First Street was essentially up for sale.
As for where and how it would be sold, Chen Xi hadn’t sent a single invitation, so the merchants squatting in Fenggao City paid great attention. Chen Xi’s unpredictable behavior had already gained everyone’s recognition.
"Zizhong, what do you think – what would happen if I set up a street stall here to sell these land deeds?" Chen Xi, watching the group of sneaking attendants scurrying quickly, asked Mi Zhu with a chuckle.
Mi Zhu didn’t speak. He had learned to be very smart, not voicing any opinions to Chen Xi. With Chen Xi’s way of doing things unpredictably, it was quite possible that Mi Zhu had just begun to speak when Chen Xi would actually disembark and set up a stall.
"Enough with the jokes. Let’s take a detour to Fragrance Pavilion." Chen Xi turned to the coachman and commanded; the carriage then made a U-turn and proceeded toward the Fragrance Pavilion.
"Zichuan, this isn’t good. If we hold the sale at Fragrance Pavilion, what would we say to Madame Zhang and Lady Gan?" Mi Zhu spoke up this time. If he remained silent, Chen Xi might seriously direct the carriage there.
"Don’t worry, the Fragrance Pavilion has already been tidied up. That woman is quite sensible," Chen Xi said with a smile. He had given notice the day before, and by yesterday the place had been completely changed from top to bottom, a speed which even Chen Xi felt slightly embarrassed about.
"But that used to be a brothel!" Mi Zhu said with a bitter smile, Chen Xi indeed did not play by the rules.
"What’s there to fear? North First Street used to be a wilderness too. Seriously, let’s go. If you don’t say anything, and I don’t say anything, which of those merchants would dare to speak up? Do you think Zhang Clan would care about its past as a brothel? And would Lady Gan possibly know?" Chen Xi said indifferently, suggesting that whoever dared to speak out would be out of the game.
Mi Zhu gave a bitter smile, certain that the Fragrance Pavilion, now repurposed as a teahouse, was definitely part of Chen Xi’s calculations. He realized that what Chen Xi loved most was to set up contingency plans, with no one but Chen Xi knowing when they might come into play. That truly wasn’t something a normal person would do.
"Forget it, I’ll tell you the truth," Chen Xi said with a smile. "That brothel madam is quite perceptive. Remember how I mentioned I wanted to infuse some cultural ambiance into Fenggao by bringing in scholars from Yuzhou? It was all in preparation for this. Since she’s so perceptive, I don’t mind giving her a chance." Could he really say that the woman’s actions were too quick, too obedient, making it awkward for him to relocate her? With just a hint, she changed everyone out overnight, from top to bottom, inside and out.
"This..." Mi Zhu was at a loss for words and could only nod indifferently, whether he understood or not was another matter.
The brothel madam’s perceptiveness left Chen Xi feeling somewhat helpless, she was too perceptive, too decisive, not hesitating for a moment. It was precisely because of this that Chen Xi considered protecting her a bit. Ruining someone’s business was one thing, but he couldn’t cut off their livelihood. If she opened a new place, it would make all the merchants in Fenggao City think twice in the future.
As for what she should do in the future, Chen Xi had already figured it out. In any case, given the current paucity of spiritual life, whether she had someone tell stories or act in plays, both options seemed promising. Chen Xi favored plays, after all, with so many women at the Fragrance Pavilion, it would be easy to form several troupes.
Perhaps they might even produce one or two famous actors in the future, which would be a far better business than before. It would also add to the cultural atmosphere. As for if the guests and performers took a liking to one another and offered to share a pillow, there was nothing to say about that. Indeed, the Fragrance Pavilion needed to open branches…
Should someone forcefully demand anything in the future, Chen Xi felt that such situations occur in every era. However, acting on such demands required thought. He was confident that no one would dare cause trouble in Fenggao City. Chen Xi believed that even if Cao Mengde himself came to make trouble, he could keep the situation under control.
Chen Xi’s visit to the Fragrance Pavilion quickly became the topic of discussion on the tables of all the major merchants, just as it now lay before the Zhang Clan.
"Sister, come with me when the time comes," Madame Zhang said as she took out an invitation and handed it to Lady Gan. As a person of privilege, she had obtained the invitation early. The location wasn’t filled in yet, probably because Chen Xi hadn’t decided at the time.
Lady Gan had become much more confident recently, at least not as intimidated by Madame Zhang as before. She accepted the invitation with a smile, then poured Madame Zhang a full cup of tea. "Remember to call on me when the time comes, sister. Without my husband’s consent, it’s inappropriate for me to leave home," she said.
Madame Zhang smiled. Lady Gan, after all, came from a minor household and was not outstanding in some respects. Although she was gradually gaining confidence, she still had a long way to go. The fact that the invitation had fallen into her hands already indicated Liu Bei’s consent. A simple request to Liu Bei would naturally result in approval, and for Madame Zhang to suggest they leave together was seen as lacking in manners by the more established households!
[Alas, poor sister, you’re lucky that Liu Xuande is a man of benevolence and doesn’t concern himself with such formalities due to his humble origins. You’ve dodged a bullet, but as Liu Xuande’s status rises, will he continue to tolerate it? Maybe Liu Xuande will, but what about his followers?]Madame Zhang looked at Lady Gan, who was carefully sipping her tea, and sighed.
[Would Chen Zichuan leave such a loophole? Why would the rules set by both parties explicitly include Lady Gan? I see nothing notable about her, save for a virtuous and gentle disposition. There’s no other trait that stands out. Why include her?]
Madame Zhang curiously stared at Lady Gan, wondering why Chen Xi would go out of his way to look after a girl who was essentially just a pretty face. Boredom? Madame Zhang didn’t buy it for a second. Chen Xi, in her eyes, had become synonymous with cunning; even in his idle moments, he wouldn’t forget his schemes. How could he bother with something unnecessary?
(To be continued. If you work, you’re welcome to support it by voting for it on . Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)