“Don’t be ridiculous.” Ruijin cut him off before the idea could take root. His younger brother was impulsive, better to stop him early. “Since I’ll have to take it eventually, trying a year early isn’t bad. If I fail, I’ll learn from it and do better next year. That’s why I agreed to Teacher Luo’s suggestion.”
“Daddy, don’t worry.” Little Ruili tilted his head, blinking. “Is there even a chance Brother wouldn’t pass?”
Seeing his son’s determination, Xu He had nothing more to say. Feeling both proud and amused, he flicked Little Ruili’s forehead again. “Don’t pressure your brother.”
“I’m not!”
Little Ruili pouted and glanced at Ruijin, who merely pursed his lips without defending him. Narrowing his eyes, Little Ruili huffed inwardly: Fine, if Brother won’t say anything, neither will I.
“Let’s eat.” The maid brought out lunch, and Ruijin placed a serving of mixed vegetables in Little Ruili’s bowl. “I noticed you didn’t write a single word of the vocabulary Teacher assigned this morning. You’d better finish it before afternoon classes.”
“I know, I know.”
After lunch, the children rested at home for an hour before returning to school. No sooner had they left than Zhang Fangyuan arrived home.
The midday heat was at its peak, and Zhang Fangyuan returned drenched in sweat, hastily removing his outer robe. “It’s only April, and it’s already too hot for layers. Summer’s going to be unbearable.”
“It’s fine. We stored plenty of ice in the cellar last winter. Even if this summer’s scorching, we’ll have enough.”
As Xu He hung the robe on a rack, he caught a faint, elegant fragrance lingering on the fabric. He sniffed it curiously.
“It’s agarwood. The merchant today used it.”
Remembering the man he’d glimpsed from the carriage, Xu He set the robe aside and returned to the table, pouring Zhang Fangyuan a cup of tea. “Tell me about today.”
“Exhausting. That salt merchant was unbelievably rich. The whole banquet was just people fawning over him, toasting and flattering nonstop. My head’s stuffed with praise I’ve never even heard before.”
“Like what? Tell me.”
Zhang Fangyuan smirked. “I’ll tell you tonight.”
Xu He frowned and swatted away the hand resting on his shoulder. “Shameless old man. I caught a glimpse of that merchant earlier, he really was something.”
“Wealthy, no doubt. But flashy clothes are one thing, anyone can splurge once. What’s impressive is the retinue and discipline, which can’t be faked.” Zhang Fangyuan added, “During the banquet, I heard he bought an entire row of shops in the northwest part of the city, not just one or two, but nearly half a street.”
Xu He’s eyes widened. Outsiders paid higher price for property in the county, yet this man had bought so much. “What does he need all those shops for?”
“It’s a newly built commercial street, prices are still low. He’ll keep some for himself and lease the rest. That’s why he hosted this banquet, to network with Siyang’s merchants. Someone like him wouldn’t mingle otherwise.” Zhang Fangyuan said, “I know the developer, Huang Laoye. I’ve already reserved three or four shops there. Once the area takes off, we can rent them out too.”
“Good.” Xu He rested his chin on his hand, mirroring Little Ruili’s mannerism. He sighed softly. “I used to think we owned quite a few shops, but compared to him, it’s nothing. We’re both merchants, how is he so much richer? You said he’s a salt merchant. Is the salt trade really that profitable?”
Zhang Fangyuan laughed. “My silly little ger, not all merchants are the same. Plenty of families like ours rise through hard work and luck, but those who break into the salt trade are rare. Think about it, salt is essential for every meal. People can go days without food, but not without salt. And it’s expensive. What other business is more lucrative?”
Xu He, who knew cooking well, understood that salt was the foundation of all flavors. “If only we could get into the salt business too.”
“If we could, we’d never want for anything again.” Zhang Fangyuan slumped into his chair. “But not only is it nearly impossible to meet salt merchants, the trade is tightly controlled by the court. Getting a salt permit is harder than climbing to heaven. I’ve heard rumors, the court grants them based on merchant status, connections, and deep pockets. The water is very deep.”
Xu He nodded. “I was just musing. It’s not like we’d ever get so lucky.”
He stood and squeezed Zhang Fangyuan’s hand, changing the subject. “Ruijin said he’s taking the Tongsheng Exam this year.”
“That’s great!” Zhang Fangyuan sat up straighter. “It’s free to take, and he’s the right age. Might as well get the experience. That ink wasn’t a waste, I’ll find some good brushes in a few days too.”
Xu He smiled. “Alright.”
“Your cousins are coming soon to discuss opening new trade routes. We should get that settled while we have time.”
Oh so part 2 does exist here. Thank u 😁
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