叭哒漫画

Fan Chengxu suggested a condition: “I am aware of that. But still, I hope Brother Heyou could sacrifice a little. Brother Heyou, if you could give me a few more jars of liquor, I will let you have a house in the suburbs of the Capital City. How about it?”

Some houses in the Capital City cannot be bought with money, one must have the right status.

The offer is tempting, but Wei Ruo could not accept it. After all, her identity as Xu Heyou is fake, and she would not be able to register the land and house deeds under her name.

Wei Ruo also knew that Fan Chengxu was offering such an attractive deal not just for a few jars of wine after all, a few jars of wine, no matter how expensive, could not compare to a house in the Capital City.

This can also be considered as an excuse for him to bribe her.

“That’s not necessary. Mr. Fan and I do share some common relation. I’d be willing to give Mr. Fan an extra two jars of Thyme, hoping Mr. Fan would not mind that the wine is limited.” said Wei Ruo.

Upon hearing Wei Ruo’s words, Fan Chengxu was somewhat pleased deep inside.

Although it’s only two jars, this is the first time Xu Heyou isn’t calculating the costs with him so meticulously.

It is evident that in Xu Heyou’s heart, he does carry some affection for him.

Then Wei Ruo turned to Qi Zhen and apologized, “I apologize, Master Qi. There isn’t much left.”

Her two jars are to be given to Fan Chengxu, not sold, and she mentioned clearly that there really isn’t much left, so it was reasonable to reject Qi Zhen’s request at this point.

Qi Zhen smiled, “It’s alright. If I want to drink, I will just come and have a pot at Brother Fan’s place. It’s just that the person I want to gift it to may temporarily miss out on such fine liquor.”

Fan Chengxu said, “I don’t have much more to offer, but I can reserve a pot for you every day.”

Qi Zhen replied, “That’s good. Keep a pot for me every day, whether I come or not. After several days, I could save up a jar, which I can then give as a gift.” “That can be arranged.” replied Fan Chengxu.

As they were speaking, a subordinate of Qi Zhen entered the room and whispered something into Qi Zhen’s ear.

Qi Zhen’s expression changed slightly, then he said to Fan Chengxu and Wei Ruo, “I’m sorry, Brother Fan, Master Xu, I have some matters to attend to. I must take my leave.”

“Of course, Brother Qi, you go ahead with your work.” replied Fan Chengxu.

Then, Qi Zhen left the scene.

As soon as he left, the smile on Fan Chengxu’s face shifted from formal courtesy to a more relaxed and genuine expression.

He is like a gracious tiger. He could laugh facing Chu Lan or Qi Zhen, but how much of it is genuine is hard to say.

Without the intrusive presence, Fan Chengxu candidly said to Wei Ruo, “Honestly, I have no interest in seeing Master Qi.”

“Oh? And why is that?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Brother Heyou might not be aware, but this Master Qi is an associate of the sixth prince, and his visit to Taizhou prefecture is most likely related to the prince’s affairs. I have no intention of getting involved in their conflict, but they all seem to be fond of involving me and disturbing my peace. Today, since I have invited you, I never planned to include anyone else, but this Master Qi arrived uninvited and I couldn’t be rude and have him leave.”

By saying this, Fan Chengxu had somehow explained to Wei Ruo why there was a third party present when she arrived today.

“Mr. Fan, you are well-liked and have a wide network of connections.” said Wei Ruo.

“My uncle did indeed have some disputes with the people whom Master Qi serves, but what has it got to do with me? As for the seventh prince… well, better let it be.”

Fan Chengxu shook his head helplessly, his smile trudging with it a sense of helplessness.

Wei Ruo just smiled and didn’t continue the conversation.

Fan Chengxu continued, “Actually, it is interesting. This little Taizhou Prefecture has inexplicably attracted so many nobles from the Capital City.”

Two princes, the eldest grandson of General Lu, the third son of Master Qi’s family; aren’t they all nobility of the Capital City?

Wei Ruo nonchalantly commented, “Maybe it’s because Taizhou Prefecture is a land of outstanding people and natural beauty.”

Fan Chengxu snorted, “A land of outstanding people and natural beauty? On one hand, there are Japanese invaders, and on the other hand, there is insufficient food production. Can Taizhou prefecture still be called a land of outstanding people and natural beauty? Speaking of the invasion of the Japanese pirates, it does make some sense. Without this war, the seventh prince would not have come here as the Military Governor. However his initial arrival and the sixth prince sending people here are all for other matters.”

“Oh? Other matters?” Wei Ruo asked as if she didn’t understand.

“It’s about the rumors regarding the ninth prince. It was just a rumor at first, but after the case re-examination by Duke Xu, more people in the court have started to believe that the ninth prince is still alive.” Fan Chengxu explained.

“Does Mr. Fan think that the Ninth Prince is still alive?” Wei Ruo asked.

“I don’t care if he’s alive or dead. All I care about is when they can leave me in peace.”

Leaning against his chair, Fan Chengxu fanned himself. His calm elegance carried a touch of self-mockery.

Right after, Fan Chengxu looked at Wei Ruo with interest: “Brother Heyou, are you interested in this matter?”

“Well, I can’t say I’m interested, but I can’t say I don’t care at all either. I can’t get involved in their conflict, but their conflicts can affect my profits. Since I care about my silver, naturally I would also have some concern for them.” Wei Ruo explained.

Fan Chengxu replied, “That makes some sense. If there are any changes in the court, I will inform Brother Heyou so you can prepare.”

“Let me thank Mr. Fan in advance.”

“It’s not necessary. Now we’re partnering to make money; your silver also matters to me.”

Wei Ruo and Fan Chengxu continued to chat in the Zuixian Residence until evening. Without the annoying presence of Qi Zhen, the two discussed their recent business ventures concerning tea, liquor, condiments, and mushrooms.

Among these businesses, the tea business was the most profitable with high margins.

Red tea opened a new market for Fan Chengxu, which brought substantial profits, and Wei Ruo took half of these profits.

Although the market demand for the Baijiu was high, Wei Ruo could not increase production, so the overall profit was the lowest.

The rest were not very profitable, but their large quantity made up for it. Over these nearly half a year, Wei Ruo made substantial profits.

In the course of their conversation, they also discussed the future business plans for these ventures, including improvement of fertilization for Yusheng Tea Garden in the second half of the year, expansion of tea sales, and plans to open new liquor stores in the provincial city.

They also touched upon the current market situation, predicted the grain output in the autumn, and the price trend of staple foods such as wheat, rice, and sweet potatoes.

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In the evening, Mrs. Yun ordered an additional dish prepared in the kitchen for Wei Yichen’s Farewell Dinner.

Wei Yichen would set off for the provincial city early tomorrow morning.

Due to the approaching imperial exams, he should have left a few days earlier, but his plans were delayed because of his injury from the kidnapping. After a few days at home, Mrs. Yun was finally relieved seeing his complexion improve, and she finally allowed him to leave.

All family members, except Wei Mingting, were present, including Wei Jinyi, who rarely dines with the family, and Wei Qingwan, who was still recovering from her injuries..