For two consecutive days, Gu Pingyuan dragged Secretary Hao out every day, wandering through the streets and alleys of the capital. They would leave at daybreak and return only after dark. At first, Secretary Hao thought he wanted to survey the capital’s commerce and trade, but gradually he sensed something was amiss and finally couldn’t help but ask.

“I say, old brother, what exactly are you doing? I’ve been accompanying you on these aimless strolls for several days now, and my shoe soles are nearly worn through. This is only your second time in the capital – surely you’re not hiding from creditors because you owe someone money?”

Gu Pingyuan smiled bitterly to himself. He wasn’t worried about owing money – owing favors was far worse. He truly didn’t know what to say when he met the Chang family, otherwise why would he wander the streets all day long?

“I just remembered,” Gu Pingyuan changed the subject, “today is the Dragon Boat Festival. The innkeeper mentioned that all merchants in the capital go to the Guandi Temple at Qianmen to worship the God of Wealth. Let’s go take a look too.”

“The Qianmen Tower stands nine zhang and nine chi tall, with four gates, three bridges, and five memorial archways.” The Guandi Temple was not far south of Qianmen. When they arrived, the bustling scene was beyond description – general goods stores, textile shops, wine taverns, tea houses, shoe and hat shops, confectionery stalls. All the businesses had sent their clerks to set up stalls here, and the proprietor of Qingshan Residence tea house was even offering free large bowls of tea, attracting crowds of visitors clamoring for some.

At the entrance stood two household guards, each carrying a lantern in broad daylight with the character “Li” prominently displayed. When they saw common people with their families wanting to enter the Guandi Temple, they would politely dissuade them, saying that merchant guilds from various regions were gathering today for worship, and asking them to wait a moment. Seeing those “Li” characters, people indeed stepped aside.

Gu Pingyuan and Secretary Hao exchanged glances, stepped forward identifying themselves as tea merchants from Huizhou, and entered without any difficulty.

The temple occupied a small area – a main hall in front, with a small courtyard behind flanked by side chambers, forming a square layout. Though the temple was small, the statue of Guan Yu enshrined within was said to be an imperial relic from the Ming Dynasty palace, and had reportedly shown its divine power when Emperor Yongle campaigned in the northern desert. Being located at a strategic position, it enjoyed flourishing incense offerings.

As soon as Gu Pingyuan stepped through the temple doors, he heard a familiar voice laughing loudly: “Esteemed seniors of the commercial world, this junior Li Qin represents the Li family of the capital, and today I welcome you all from afar to the capital. This gathering of merchants from all quarters is for the Grand Tea Competition, and by coincidence it falls on the Dragon Boat Festival. As they say, ‘Even if business fails, righteousness remains’ – this saying applies well to our Grand Tea Competition. Let us together offer incense before Lord Guan, and regardless of the outcome, we must not damage the fraternal spirit among our peers.”

As soon as Li Qin finished speaking, someone nearby responded with sarcastic undertones: “Hmph, a mere young upstart dares to speak so presumptuously here.”

Li Qin’s expression changed upon hearing this, but before he could recover, someone in the crowd behind him also sneered: “‘Not damage fraternal spirit’? What pretentious nonsense – ‘eating lamp wick ash and farting lightly!’ Your Li family is determined to win, so why speak such cheap words to disgust people!”

Li Qin’s anger surged, and he quickly turned to find the speaker, but before he could locate them, Li Wantang in the front row coughed once and shot Li Qin a sideways glance.

Li Qin had no choice but to swallow his anger and force a smile: “According to past custom, offering incense before the deity naturally begins with us capital merchants as hosts, followed by the ‘from south to north’ order – distant guests are honored, so the southernmost merchant guild offers the second incense stick, proceeding from south to north in sequence.”

This had indeed been the custom in previous years, and merchants from various regions had always followed this practice without incident. But today, someone objected.

“No! This year we can’t follow that old custom.” The speaker stepped forward – a tall, burly man with eyes narrowed to slits. Everyone recognized him as Gao Kui, second-in-command of the Dongting merchant guild. The guild leader Chen Qitai hadn’t come this time, sending only Gao Kui as representative.

“Boy,” Gao Kui faced Li Qin with a mirthless smile, barely moving his lips, “everyone knows this first incense stick is most precious and receives the greatest divine protection. With the Grand Tea Competition approaching, you capital merchants want this good luck, but our Dongting merchant guild won’t allow it. Our Biluochun tea will definitely claim the title of ‘World’s First Tea’ this time, so this first incense stick should rightfully be offered by me!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s expressions changed, especially those with hopes of claiming the “World’s First Tea” title – they couldn’t tolerate this. Master Hou Er, who had brought Huangshan Maofeng tea to participate in the Grand Tea Competition, immediately stood up.

“If we’re talking about whose tea is best and who should offer the first incense, then my Tailai Tea House’s supreme Maofeng yields to no one, so naturally we should offer this incense stick.”

“Wrong – our Fujian merchants’ Da Hong Pao is the world’s finest variety.”

“Ha! With your scraps of tea leaves, you dare speak so boldly here. Without our Zhejiang merchants’ West Lake Longjing taking the lead, who dares compete for first place!”

These fiery words immediately set the main hall into chaos. “Kin helps kin, neighbors help neighbors,” and merchant guilds were formed precisely for mutual support against outsiders. Regional dialects mixed together in loud quarrels, people pushed together in crowds, and the scene threatened to become uncontrollable.

“Everyone, stop arguing!” At this moment, someone shouted several times while smashing a purple clay teapot violently on the ground. With a crash, hot tea splashed everywhere, stunning the crowd into silence.

The one who stepped forward to stop this farce was none other than Gu Pingyuan. He had been watching coldly from the side with Secretary Hao, who was saying: “This ‘World’s First Tea’ is truly a fragrant bone that everyone wants. They haven’t even judged it yet, but it’s already attracting so many competitors. We’ve arrived just in time for a good show.” Before he finished speaking, Gu Pingyuan beside him suddenly strode forward.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t know what had come over him. Seeing these fellow businessmen behaving so disgracefully, his face burned with shame. Secretary Hao spoke of “watching a show,” but Gu Pingyuan felt he was also part of the spectacle. With these merchants acting this way, countless people outside must be laughing at them. He felt waves of shame, and finally couldn’t bear it any longer, stepping forward without thinking.

When everyone’s eyes fell upon him, Gu Pingyuan realized he had been somewhat rash, but the arrow was already on the string. He steeled his heart and bowed to all directions: “Respected elders and juniors, seniors of the commercial world, I am Gu Pingyuan, a tea merchant from Huizhou. Though I lack talent, I have some heartfelt words about this Grand Tea Competition. Might you all listen to what I have to say?”

Gao Kui squinted as he sized him up, then turned to ask Manager Hu: “Is this one of your Huizhou merchants?”

“Just a nameless nobody who’s just started trading. He can’t even enter our guild hall – there’s no such person among the Huizhou merchants,” Manager Hu glanced dismissively at Gu Pingyuan.

Gao Kui immediately laughed disdainfully: “Rootless water, a tree without foundation – you dare speak so presumptuously here? Any random person here could crush you to death with the silver that leaks through their fingers, yet you dare speak here.”

“Before Lord Guan, there’s no distinction of rank – let’s hear what he has to say,” unexpectedly, it was Li Qin who spoke up for Gu Pingyuan.

When Li Qin first spotted Gu Pingyuan, he wanted nothing more than to grab Guan Gong’s great blade and split him in two. However, he had grown much more calculating now, realizing that Gu Pingyuan was also here for the Grand Tea Competition. There was no need to rush – now that he had stepped into the capital merchants’ territory, there would be plenty of time to deal with him.

“Tea is a divine gift left in the human world by Shennong when he tasted a hundred herbs, also called the ‘worry-forgetting grass.’ Now we’ve come to participate in the Grand Tea Competition, yet we first quarrel in chaos. How can we speak of ‘forgetting worries’? Doesn’t this go against Shennong’s original intention in leaving tea leaves in the human world?”

“Is this all you wanted to say?” Gao Kui asked impatiently.

Gu Pingyuan continued unhurriedly: “Actually, famous teas in the world number in the hundreds. People choose according to their needs and preferences, and tea lovers have different appreciations. There’s no need to rank them high or low. To speak frankly, it’s truly impossible to judge a ‘World’s First’ that would convince everyone under heaven.”

These words were quite reasonable, and some in the crowd were already nodding. Li Qin interrupted: “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Gu Pingyuan ignored Li Qin and addressed Li Wantang directly: “Master Li, if the Grand Tea Competition proceeds this way, with everyone refusing to yield as we just witnessed, how can the merchant guilds trust each other to do business in the future? At bottom, this Grand Tea Competition brings a hundred harms with only one benefit – the benefit goes entirely to whoever claims the ‘World’s First’ title, while it causes all regional merchant guilds to lose money and damage relationships.”

Gu Pingyuan paused here and looked around at the crowd – there were white-haired elders, dark-complexioned middle-aged men, and young people with hopeful eyes. Looking at their faces, Gu Pingyuan felt an inexplicable sense of kinship. “These are all merchants of the Great Qing, people I’m destined to deal with and do business with throughout my life. I don’t want them quarreling and fighting over profit. I only wish for everyone to treat each other with sincerity, seeking mutual benefit – this is the kind of business I want to do,” Gu Pingyuan said to himself.

“Master Li!” He looked up at Li Wantang earnestly: “You are a senior among capital merchants, and I hope you can maintain order in the commercial world. Please speak to the Ministry of Revenue about this Grand Tea Competition – there’s no need to rank the so-called ten famous teas, and certainly no need to judge any ‘World’s First Tea.’ Only this way can everyone focus wholeheartedly on tasting and evaluating tea, rather than just staring at that ‘World’s First’ sign, blinded by a single leaf and losing their way.”

From the moment Gu Pingyuan announced his name publicly, Li Wantang’s pupils had contracted like a cat’s in bright sunlight, staring unblinkingly at the young man before him.

“Father, he’s the one who killed Uncle Zhang,” Li Qin had just whispered this extremely quietly, but Li Wantang showed no reaction, as if he hadn’t heard.

“Heh, who do you think you are?” Seeing Li Wantang remain silent, Li Qin assumed his father disdained to acknowledge Gu Pingyuan, so he stepped forward himself and mocked: “What did you say? You want my father to tell the Ministry of Revenue that the Grand Tea Competition won’t judge first place anymore, and won’t even rank the ten famous teas? Then what are these merchant guild leaders from across the land doing here? Are they so full they came to play around?”

“‘Maintain commercial order’? What a grand tone! Listening with my eyes closed, I’d think the God of Wealth had descended from heaven, but opening my eyes – oh, it’s just a poor boy! Haha…” Gao Kui took up the mockery, looking around and laughing loudly.

The crowd immediately burst into waves of laughter, everyone looking at Gu Pingyuan as if he were a madman or fool.

“Men! Throw him out and dump him in the octagonal trough in front of the temple.” Li Qin decided to humiliate Gu Pingyuan before everyone, signaling to several servants.

“Stop!” With a woman’s sharp rebuke, a young woman quickly walked over and stood protectively in front of Gu Pingyuan without hesitation.

“Miss Chang?” Gu Pingyuan asked in surprise.

Although Chang Si was ill, his condition wasn’t serious. Worried his daughter would be bored staying at the inn all day, he had Liu Heita take his younger sister out for fresh air, and they too had come to this Guandi Temple, witnessing the entire scene.

Seeing Gu Pingyuan mocked and ridiculed by merchants from various regions, Chang Yu’er felt more distressed than if she herself had been wronged. When she saw people about to attack her beloved, she stepped forward to block them without thinking. Her eyes widened like saucers, her desperate expression resembling an enraged lioness. Several servants hesitated upon seeing this, and when they noticed a tower-like burly man crossing his arms and glaring as he approached, they dared not act rashly.

At this point, Chang Yu’er and Li Qin recognized each other. Chang Yu’er, seeing the person who had once tried to kill her in Shanxi was also here, couldn’t help but feel afraid, yet she still bit her lip and stood steadfastly beside Gu Pingyuan. Li Qin, upon seeing Chang Yu’er, was also taken aback. He avoided her gaze and waved his hands repeatedly: “Let them go. Don’t delay the auspicious time for worship.”

Gu Pingyuan looked around and saw all the merchant guild members directing their gazes at him. Though a few showed sympathetic expressions, most displayed mockery and scorn. He sighed silently, bowed to everyone, and left the Guandi Temple with Secretary Hao and the Chang siblings.

“Miss Chang, thank you for just now,” Gu Pingyuan said after walking a short distance, noticing Chang Yu’er still following closely beside him. He stopped and earnestly thanked her.

Only then did Chang Yu’er realize she had been too nervous, forgetting even proper decorum between men and women. She quickly stepped back and lowered her head, not knowing what to say.

“Sister, shall I head back first?” Unfortunately, Liu Heita spoke tactlessly, making Chang Yu’er’s face flush red. She glared fiercely at Liu Heita and hurried toward the other end of the street market.

“Hey, wait for me!” Liu Heita called out, chasing after her. Gu Pingyuan stood transfixed, watching Chang Yu’er’s retreating figure, only noticing Secretary Hao watching him with a knowing smile.

“Hehe, old brother, I wondered why you’ve been so distracted lately – turns out you’re having romantic luck!”

Gu Pingyuan was greatly embarrassed: “Brother Hao, it’s a long story. Please don’t tease me about this.”

As they spoke, a neatly dressed servant caught up from behind.

“Master Gu, my master requests your presence. Please come sit in the rear chamber of Guandi Temple for a while.”

“May I ask who your master is?”

“My master’s surname is Li, given name Wantang.”

“Oh.” Gu Pingyuan was stunned. Li Wantang had seemed so cold earlier – why was he now specially sending someone to invite him? He had wanted to go with Secretary Hao, but the servant said Li Wantang only invited Gu Pingyuan alone. He had to ask Secretary Hao to return to the inn first while he followed the servant to the rear chamber of Guandi Temple.

Entering through the back door led to a courtyard with a tall, verdant cypress tree. Following the covered walkway, the servant led Gu Pingyuan to the east chamber, where no one was present when the door opened.

“Please wait a moment, Master Gu. My master will be here shortly.” The servant was extremely courteous, brewing fine scented tea, serving colorful tea snacks, and lighting a brazier of Tianzhu incense in the room.

Seeing this, Gu Pingyuan settled his mind, drank half a cup of tea, and when the incense had burned halfway, the door creaked and Li Wantang, leader of the capital merchants, entered.

“Master Li.” Gu Pingyuan rose and bowed.

Li Wantang stared at him intently, then nodded after a long moment: “Sit.” His tone was flat, revealing nothing of his intentions.

After host and guest were seated, Li Wantang fell silent again, merely watching the misty smoke from the brazier as if lost in thought.

Gu Pingyuan also remained quiet, lost in his own thoughts. He had ruined the Li family’s great plans in Shanxi, Zhang Guangfa had essentially died by his hand, Li Qin hated him to the bone, and the Li family had suffered heavy losses because of him. They could be said to be bitter enemies. Now that Li Wantang was meeting him privately, it certainly wasn’t for anything good. He needed to be extremely careful not to fall into any trap.

“Young man,” after a long while when the smoke had dissipated, Li Wantang finally spoke, but his words surprised Gu Pingyuan: “You’re also here for the Grand Tea Competition, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Huizhou produces good tea. What you brought must be top quality.”

“I dare not claim so. Actually, it’s a newly created tea without much reputation, called ‘Lanxue’ (Orchid Snow).”

“Orchid Snow…” Li Wantang nodded. “How much did you bring?”

There was nothing to hide about this – even if he didn’t tell the truth, with the capital merchants’ power, investigating the cargo depot would be effortless. “Less than two thousand catties.”

Li Wantang replied without hesitation: “I’ll buy it all.”

“What?” Gu Pingyuan never expected Li Wantang to seek him out for business. After a moment of shock, he said: “Master Li, I brought the Orchid Snow tea thousands of li to the capital to have tea masters and merchants taste and evaluate it at the Grand Tea Competition, hoping to establish a brand. Since it has no reputation yet, I cannot sell it.”

“What’s the purpose of establishing a brand?” Li Wantang glanced at him, his eyes showing a hint of amusement.

“This…”

Gu Pingyuan hesitated slightly, and Li Wantang continued: “The goods are what they are. Establishing a brand is naturally to earn more money. Though your tea is currently unknown, I can pay the price of premium Biluochun.”

The price of premium Biluochun was already among the elite of teas. Li Wantang’s offer was equivalent to giving Gu Pingyuan over a hundred thousand taels of silver for nothing.

“Currently, Orchid Snow tea sells on the market at one percent of premium Biluochun’s price. Master Li, why exactly do you want to pay such a high price for Orchid Snow tea?” Gu Pingyuan truly couldn’t understand.

“You must know the reason?”

“Yes.” Gu Pingyuan’s tone was resolute.

Li Wantang nodded slightly: “Do you have tea leaves with you?”

Gu Pingyuan carried a small tea canister containing his family’s Orchid Snow tea, intended for convenient tasting. Li Wantang had someone brew a cup. Though the tea’s fragrance was refreshing to the heart, he only took one sip before setting down the cup.

Gu Pingyuan desperately wanted to know Li Wantang’s evaluation of this Orchid Snow tea, so he watched him intently. Li Wantang noticed the tension in Gu Pingyuan’s heart, smiled slightly, and said: “Good tea.”

Just these two dry words, with no additional commentary whatsoever. Gu Pingyuan couldn’t help but feel greatly disappointed.

“Can we sign a contract to sell the tea now?” Li Wantang suddenly asked.

“Sell tea?” Gu Pingyuan felt Li Wantang’s actions were unfathomably deep, as if he had been led by the nose from the start.

“Of course. You just asked why I want to buy this tea, and haven’t I already given you a reason?”

“What reason?” Gu Pingyuan couldn’t help but ask.

“Good tea! I like drinking it, so I’m willing to pay a high price for it. Is this reason sufficient?”

Nonsense! Gu Pingyuan absolutely didn’t believe it, and angrily stood up: “Master Li, if you’re mocking me, please excuse my departure.” He rose to leave.

“Wait. Do you think someone who jokes about business could become ‘Li Half-City’? If the price of premium Biluochun still doesn’t satisfy you, then name your price – whatever you say, I won’t bargain.” Li Wantang’s confident tone would convince anyone there was no deception.

Gu Pingyuan drew in a sharp breath. What was Li Wantang trying to do? Surely he didn’t have so much silver lying around that he was determined to give it away? Moreover, he and the capital merchants were enemies – instead of seeking revenge, Li Wantang was offering him a large sum to get rich. There was no such logic in the world.

He lowered his head and thought quickly for a moment, then turned back with a serious expression: “It’s not that I don’t love money, but money, however much, is only family wealth. If I can establish a brand, that becomes a true enterprise. I think Master Li naturally understands this difference. So this tea cannot be sold. I thank Master Li for his kind intentions.”

He paused and added: “But I have one more request.”

“Oh, let’s hear it.” Li Wantang’s tone remained consistently amiable.

“It’s what I said in the main hall earlier. I know the Li family plans to claim this ‘World’s First Tea,’ but commerce cannot exist without exchanges, and exchanges depend on mutual trust. For a mere empty title, damaging harmony among merchants worldwide and breeding mutual suspicion – how can we do good business? Moreover, there’s always uncertainty in everything. With famous teas from across the land gathering in the capital, I’m afraid Master Li wouldn’t dare guarantee he can grasp first place. Please consider the pros and cons carefully, Master Li.”

“An empty title that brings real profit is no empty title. As for pros and cons – if it generates profit, why fear the harm!” As Li Wantang spoke in calm tones, he slightly raised his head. When his gaze met Gu Pingyuan’s, his eyes flashed with sharp light. Gu Pingyuan suddenly realized that Li Wantang, who appeared like a scholarly gentleman, was emanating an intimidating aura that took one’s breath away.

“This is Li Wantang’s true face – a fierce tiger that opens its mouth to swallow the sky!” Though Gu Pingyuan considered himself bold, at this moment he felt all his body hair standing on end, staring transfixed at the man before him.

“Old brother Gu, your complexion looks terrible,” Secretary Hao said after waiting at the inn for quite a while before seeing Gu Pingyuan return with a heavy expression.

“Li Wantang has made up his mind. Even if it means turning the commercial world upside down, he’s determined to grasp the ‘World’s First Tea’ title,” Gu Pingyuan said in a low voice. “In his eyes, tea leaves have no distinction of quality. The so-called ‘Tea King’ is merely a tool for him to seize wealth.”

“What does this have to do with you? Orchid Snow tea has no chance at being number one anyway. You’re just here to gain some recognition. Once the Grand Tea Competition begins, have tea merchants from various regions taste your tea, earn some praise, gather some customers, and we’ll head home,” Secretary Hao said dismissively.

“I originally thought so too, but…” Gu Pingyuan bit his teeth, “Li Wantang’s ‘World’s First’ sign isn’t earned through integrity and quality – it’s bought with money. By brazenly setting such an example before merchants worldwide, if everyone follows suit in the future, won’t he turn the Great Qing’s commercial world into a smoky, polluted mess?”

“Your anger is useless. They have great wealth and power – this is what they mean by ‘money can reach the gods,'” Secretary Hao used Gu Pingyuan’s words from the other day to console him.

“My thinking has changed now,” Gu Pingyuan seemed to have made a decision. “Besides gaining fame for Orchid Snow tea, I also plan to disrupt the capital merchants’ wishful calculations.”

Secretary Hao was startled: “Old brother, this Li Wantang is completely different from Master Hou Er. Don’t try to stop a chariot with a mantis arm. What exactly do you want to do?”

“As long as the capital merchants don’t get the ‘World’s First’ sign, it doesn’t matter who gets it. It would all serve as a warning – ‘calculating too cleverly’ ultimately won’t succeed, which would discourage others from following suit.” Gu Pingyuan let out a long breath. “As for how to do it, I can’t think of that right now.”

“If you can think of it, fine; if not, let it be. Why seek trouble for yourself?” Having been to the capital several times, Secretary Hao knew the capital merchants’ power was enormous. Not only could Gu Pingyuan, a common citizen, not even he, a ninth-rank official, could cross their threshold, let alone oppose them. If they truly angered Li Wantang, none of them might leave the capital safely.

At this time, in the rear chamber of Guandi Temple, Li Wantang was quietly repeating Gu Pingyuan’s earlier words: “Wealth is only family business, reputation is the true enterprise… well said. He’s someone who can do great business.”

“Hmph!” Lost in thought, he was startled by a cold laugh from the doorway.

Li Wantang looked up to see his wife standing before him. Several ladies had come along, and since it was inconvenient to worship in the main hall, they had made offerings in the west chamber. Mrs. Li was among them. She wore a red dress with a strand of overseas pomegranate-red gemstone necklace that, against her snow-white skin, was particularly striking.

“Do you think giving that Gu fellow some money will settle the grudge between you?” Mrs. Li’s face bore a mocking smile. “That’s a father-killing revenge – how much money do you think can repay that debt?”

Li Wantang’s facial muscles twitched involuntarily. He took a deep breath and stood steadily: “That was years ago. I’ve almost forgotten – why do you still bring it up?”

“You’ve forgotten? I doubt it. Doesn’t this Gu fellow remind you of that person? If you’d really forgotten, why are you so eager to stuff silver into his pockets?”

“This matter ends here. I don’t want to hear another word about this person.” Li Wantang stepped toward the exit, then suddenly stopped and said in a low voice: “Madam, let me also advise you: ‘Once is quite enough – can it happen again?'” With that, Li Wantang walked toward the courtyard’s rear gate.

Mrs. Li stared intently at his graceful, elegant retreating figure, her eyes suddenly showing a mixture of pain and venom as she muttered: “Again and again? Hmph, I want it to happen a third time too! If a debt can’t be repaid, there are ways to make it disappear – just eliminate the creditor.”

That evening, Gu Pingyuan invited Secretary Hao and Charles Lin to his room for discussion. Naturally, their conversation centered on the capital merchants and the Grand Tea Competition. Secretary Hao disapproved of Gu Pingyuan’s position at Guandi Temple today, but Charles Lin was greatly excited after hearing about it.

“Master Gu, I wasn’t wrong about you – you’re a true businessman. Everyone in your Great Qing knows we British have strong ships and powerful cannons, but building one ocean-going warship costs millions of taels of silver. Our British Empire is called the empire on which the sun never sets, with British warships on endless seas everywhere. Do you know where this money comes from?”

Seeing Gu and Hao exchange glances without responding, Charles Lin was taken aback, then said awkwardly: “I know what you’re thinking, but British merchants didn’t start by selling opium. For over two hundred years, British merchant ships have shuttled back and forth across the seas, trading spices, fabrics, fine wines, and tea, silk, and porcelain bought from your China. It’s precisely through these merchants’ trade that Her Majesty the Queen receives astronomical tax revenues, which fund national expansion, creating today’s invincible British Empire. Because the nation was built on trade, merchants hold very high status in Britain. Great merchants can even be granted titles by Her Majesty the Queen and sit as equals with the Prime Minister.”

Merchants could be granted five ranks of nobility and treated as equals with court ministers! Gu Pingyuan found this incredible, yet felt a vague excitement stirring within him.

Charles Lin spoke with growing enthusiasm, leaning forward and grasping Gu Pingyuan’s hand: “Master Gu, I see in you a spirit that has nearly vanished among British merchants – you pursue true business. If there were more people like you, the Great Qing would surely grow strong. When that time comes, we could trade as equals, no longer selling harmful things like opium, exchanging what we need and making money together – this is what you call commercial order.”

Having endured a day’s frustration, with even Secretary Hao disapproving of his actions, and reflecting on the capital merchants’ vast wealth and power, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t help but doubt whether he had been too presumptuous. Now, finally gaining one person’s approval – though from a foreigner – he still felt a warm current flowing through his heart.

“A nation built on commerce!” This fresh concept struck like lightning across a dark sky, suddenly illuminating Gu Pingyuan’s mind. He looked at Charles Lin and nodded solemnly.

As the three men were deep in animated conversation, someone knocked softly on the door outside.

This was Gu Pingyuan’s room, so he stood up and opened the door, only to be startled – Liu Heita stood outside, looking flustered and uncertain.

“Oh, Brother Liu…”

Liu Heita’s dark face had turned purple with embarrassment. Being a straightforward man, since his argument with Gu Pingyuan, they hadn’t spoken. Not knowing how to begin this time, he struggled until his face was red and ears burning before managing: “Father asks you to come speak with him in his room.”

Gu Pingyuan nodded, greeted the two men inside, and followed Liu Heita to the west courtyard. His heart was in turmoil, not knowing what Chang Si wanted to discuss, though it surely concerned Miss Yu’er.

Upon entering the west courtyard, Gu Pingyuan nervously went to Chang Si’s room, where he found the old man wearing a simple robe and drinking tea. Seeing him arrive, Chang Si said kindly: “Master Gu, please sit, please sit.”

Gu Pingyuan sat at one side of the square table. Chang Si said to Liu Heita: “You sit too, but don’t interrupt.”

Liu Heita, apparently having received prior instructions, sat silently across from Gu Pingyuan without making a sound.

Seeing Chang Si’s normal demeanor, Gu Pingyuan relaxed slightly. Wanting to ask but not daring to, he said casually: “Father, this probably isn’t your first time in the capital?”

“When I was young, I traveled as a peddler and came to the capital many times. What has Master Gu been busy with these past days?”

“Nothing but the Grand Tea Competition affairs.” Gu Pingyuan didn’t elaborate, not wanting to worry the old man.

Chang Si nodded, then suddenly asked: “Has Master Gu ever married?”

“I…” This direct approach completely threw Gu Pingyuan off balance. He could only shake his head.

“I remember – you told me in Shanxi that you had never married.” Chang Si smiled.

Gu Pingyuan understood clearly in his heart and smiled awkwardly.

“You’ve also met my daughter Yu’er. After this Grand Tea Competition, I plan to personally visit Huizhou to meet your mother and propose marriage for my daughter. What does Master Gu think?”

“This…” Honest people were truly difficult to deal with. Chang Si avoided the “divine doctor prescribing medicine” incident and didn’t mention that Gu Pingyuan had another love in Huizhou, but formally proposed marriage face-to-face. Gu Pingyuan truly had nothing to say.

He was like “a mute eating wontons – knowing the count in his heart.” The matter had reached the point where the cart hit the wall. The Chang family’s kindness to Gu Pingyuan was as great as heaven, yet they didn’t mention this favor at all, only spoke of proposing for their daughter. It depended on how he would answer – either yes or no, but he had to give them a straight answer.

“Though we live in turbulent times and we’re merchants constantly traveling, the proper ceremonies of matchmaking cannot be avoided, though they may be simplified. You can rest assured about this matter.” Seeing he didn’t respond, Chang Si thought and said this.

Gu Pingyuan was truly forced into a corner. They were the bride’s family, able to humble themselves this way. If he still didn’t speak, that would be too unreasonable.

“Father, there’s something that no one knows except the Gu family. Today I’ll tell you.” Gu Pingyuan sighed and related how his teacher had shown him kindness, died to clear his name, and entrusted his daughter to his care before death, while Bai Yimei had fallen into the hands of the Taiping rebels.

“I swore before my teacher that I would care for his daughter throughout my life. Now Bai Yimei is in the rebel army with an uncertain future. How can I marry?” Gu Pingyuan said with difficulty.

Chang Si was also stunned. He had heard that his daughter had saved Gu Pingyuan’s life with her chastity – she absolutely had to marry into the Gu family. He was completely satisfied with Gu Pingyuan as a son-in-law, but never expected this complication.

Now Chang Si was also in a difficult position. Thinking it over, he felt something was wrong and looked up to ask: “Just now you said this Miss Bai is married?”

“Yes, but she married a rebel. Looking at the current situation, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom cannot last long. Once they’re defeated and scattered, I must rescue her. As for afterward…” Gu Pingyuan didn’t continue, but Chang Si understood. If the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom collapsed, the False Brave King Chen Yucheng would surely die, and then Gu Pingyuan would never despise Bai Yimei but would still be willing to marry her.

Chang Si secretly gave Gu Pingyuan a thumbs up, praising him as a man of loyalty and righteousness. Liu Heita also understood, knowing Gu Pingyuan had unavoidable difficulties, and his expression changed from gloomy to bright, no longer looking as dark as water.

Understanding was one thing, but the present situation still needed a solution. Chang Si was troubled – he couldn’t ask his daughter to marry as a concubine. Although wealthy families commonly took concubines before marrying wives, this would be too unfair to his daughter. Moreover, waiting for a “primary wife” who might never arrive – wasn’t this a joke?

Chang Si thought and thought, finally stamping his foot secretly and speaking with difficulty: “Master Gu, I have a request. Would you agree to it?”

Gu Pingyuan could only repeatedly say: “Yes, yes, please tell me, Father.”

“I’m thinking this way – let’s set a three-year term. If Miss Bai is still the ‘Brave King’s Consort,’ then please give Yu’er a red dress. If after three years Master Gu has found a good match… then it’s Yu’er’s fate, and I’ll marry her to you as a lesser wife. Would this work?”

Chang Si spoke euphemistically. “Giving a red dress” meant Gu Pingyuan should marry her as his principal wife, since only the primary wife was entitled to wear red. This was a helpless compromise, half depending on heaven’s will, essentially gambling on the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s “national fortune.”

Before Gu Pingyuan could respond, Liu Heita was already shouting: “This won’t do! Why should my sister humble herself as a lesser wife!”

“Silence!” Chang Si was irritated and vented his temper on Liu Heita. “Didn’t I say not to speak?”

Liu Heita angrily took a deep breath. Chang Si ignored him and asked Gu Pingyuan again: “What does Master Gu think?”

Gu Pingyuan knew they had retreated to their final position. If he didn’t agree now, his relationship with the Chang family would be finished. But Liu Heita was right – Chang Yu’er was a lovely young woman who had saved his life. Why should she suffer this injustice? He felt sorry for Chang Yu’er, but Chang Si was waiting for an answer. Having no choice, he nodded heavily.

Just as he nodded, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Chang Yu’er stood slender in the doorway.

This caught them completely off guard – all three men in the room were stunned.

Chang Yu’er’s face was burning red, her large eyes brimming with tears that she fought to hold back. She immediately said: “Father, I don’t want to marry. I… I’ll go to a nunnery to become a nun.” After these words, two streams of pearl-like tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Nonsense! What kind of talk is this from a young woman?” Chang Si couldn’t bear to hear his only daughter say such things and immediately became furious.

Chang Yu’er looked at Gu Pingyuan with reproach, bit her lower lip tightly, then turned and ran to her own room.

“Sigh!” All three men sighed simultaneously, feeling this matter was more difficult than any business deal.

“Old brother, this ‘Capital First’ restaurant’s shumai has thin skin and rich filling, and their ‘Buddha’s Hand Dew’ is exceptional. You should really try it instead of sitting there in a daze all day.” Secretary Hao picked up a shumai, put it in his mouth, followed immediately by a cup of wine, eating with delight and drinking with satisfaction. Looking up to see Gu Pingyuan across from him looking dejected, he spoke to console him.

Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s disturbed state of mind, he had forcibly dragged him out to relax. Having been to the capital several times, Secretary Hao knew this restaurant had both food and entertainment, so he brought Gu Pingyuan here. The two went upstairs together and chose a window seat. The waiter brought hand towels and served hot tea, but Gu Pingyuan remained absent-minded.

“Do you see that earthen ridge in the main hall downstairs, stretching from the entrance to the counter?” Secretary Hao pointed with his chopsticks.

Gu Pingyuan had noticed this unusual feature upon entering: “Why is it surrounded with bright yellow silk?”

“That’s called the Earth Dragon.” Secretary Hao explained. “This ‘Capital First’ is an old restaurant, but business was always poor. They didn’t even dare close on New Year’s Eve, trying to earn a few extra coins. One New Year’s Eve, when all other restaurants had closed, only they were still open. Just when they were worried about having no customers, a well-dressed gentleman came with two servants to eat. When leaving, he asked the restaurant’s name. The proprietor said it had no name – just a nameless small shop. The man said since all others were closed and only this place was open, it should be called ‘Capital First.’ The proprietor didn’t think much of it, but the next day two young eunuchs delivered a tiger-head plaque with ‘Capital First’ written in three large characters – it was the Qianlong Emperor’s royal calligraphy. That man the previous night had been the emperor on a private visit.”

“Such a thing happened.” Gu Pingyuan was also amazed. “What happened next?”

“The proprietor was clever. He kept the central pathway in the main hall open, calling it the Imperial Way. Everyone wanted to walk the Imperial Way that the emperor had used, so the restaurant’s business increased a hundredfold. After becoming famous, the proprietor surrounded the path with silk, allowing only viewing but no walking, and stopped cleaning it. Over time, accumulated dust gradually formed a ridge, but they don’t call it a dirt ridge – since it’s the trace left by the true dragon emperor, they call it ‘Earth Dragon.'”

“Oh.” The story was indeed interesting, but Gu Pingyuan had things on his mind and soon became lost in thought again.

Secretary Hao sighed deeply: “You’re definitely hiding something. What do I do for a living? I’m a secretary, dealing with all sorts of people daily. If you had nothing on your mind, I’d gouge out these eyes.”

Gu Pingyuan had been holding this in for several days and really wanted to confide in someone. Secretary Hao had been his friend for years, and they got along like brothers. There was no harm in revealing his troubles, so he sighed and told Secretary Hao about Chang Yu’er, concluding: “Brother Hao, this involves a young woman’s reputation. Keep it to yourself – don’t spread it around.”

“Why would I create such trouble for myself?” Secretary Hao understood the gravity but disapproved of Gu Pingyuan’s approach. “I saw Miss Chang that day – she’s indescribably beautiful, fresh as a flower, the right age and appearance to match you. She’s also a filial daughter. Of the four virtues ‘morality, appearance, speech, and work,’ she has at least two, and I’d guess the other two aren’t far behind. As for family background, though not scholarly, anyone can see the Chang family is honest and decent, and you have quite a connection with them. Why can’t this match be made? Why are you so troubled?”

“It’s not that…”

“I know – you’re still thinking about that Princess Chen, aren’t you? Old brother, you absolutely cannot get involved with that woman. She’s a rebel’s consort – touch her and you’ll lose your skin, possibly getting your whole family killed.” Secretary Hao advised in a low voice.

Gu Pingyuan smiled bitterly: “She’s a rebel’s consort, and I’m no clean person either – just an escaped convict who fled across the pass…” He suddenly stopped, realizing that in his distracted state, he had inadvertently revealed his secret.

“What… what!” Secretary Hao was so shocked he nearly bit a chip off his white porcelain wine cup.

Since the words were out, Gu Pingyuan had to explain his escape across the pass from the beginning. Secretary Hao listened in amazement, mouth agape for a long time before suddenly coming to his senses: “Old brother, that was extremely dangerous, but fortunately you’re safe now. In my opinion, since the Fengtian camp didn’t issue wanted posters, that Camp Commander Xu probably manipulated things – either reporting you as deceased or simply mixing you into the general amnesty list. This way, you probably don’t need to worry about them coming from beyond the pass to arrest you. As long as no one actively reports you, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“That’s what I think too.” Gu Pingyuan nodded.

“Then Chang Yu’er naturally knows about your fugitive status.” Secretary Hao suddenly thought of something.

Seeing Gu Pingyuan nod, Secretary Hao praised repeatedly: “Rare, truly rare! That young woman has entrusted her entire life to you – what are you still hesitating about! Old brother, if you let her down, I’ll be the first to disagree. Like this – I’ll take the Chang father and daughter back to Huizhou and serve as the main matchmaker. I’ll handle everything.”

Originally just wanting to unburden himself, he hadn’t expected to attract such an enthusiastic volunteer. Gu Pingyuan broke into a sweat, not knowing what to do, when a tremendous roar thundered from downstairs.

This roar was deafening and heart-stopping. Secretary Hao, who had been enthusiastically pressing his questions, was startled and shivered all over. After collecting himself, he said: “What… what was that roaring?”

Gu Pingyuan was also startled but found the sound familiar. After thinking carefully, he said: “Hey, isn’t that a tiger’s roar?”

“A tiger’s roar?” Secretary Hao found this incredible. “Hey, old brother, you must be mistaken. This isn’t some deep mountain forest – this is Beijing, at the emperor’s feet. Where would wild beasts come from?”

Gu Pingyuan also found it puzzling but was confident he hadn’t misheard. At the Fengtian camp beyond the pass, twice yearly mountain hunts required a team of convicts to transport supplies. This was hard labor, usually assigned to newly arrived convicts. When Gu Pingyuan first arrived beyond the pass, he went three or four times. In the white mountains and black waters, moon bears and Siberian tigers were common beasts, so he was naturally familiar with tiger roars.

At this moment, the restaurant’s waiters brought up dishes one by one – “Red Sleeve Drunken Chicken,” “Dragon Gate Duck Webs,” “Jade Cover Shark Fin”… steaming hot and mouth-watering, plus aged wine with its fragrant aroma. Secretary Hao eagerly picked up food with his chopsticks, still asking the waiter: “What’s that thing downstairs – is it a tiger?”

“Ha, your ears are sharp enough, sir. That’s right – it’s a tiger.”

“People keep cats, dogs, and mynahs for fun. Even keeping monkeys isn’t unusual, but who keeps tigers for entertainment? Aren’t they afraid it will eat people?”

“What you say! The tiger cage has iron bars thick as eggs. Never mind a tiger – even an elephant couldn’t get out. Where would it eat people?” The waiter acted as if this were perfectly normal.

Secretary Hao had never traveled further north than Beijing. Though he’d seen several tiger skins, he’d never seen a living tiger. Curiosity aroused, he continued asking: “Does your family keep it?”

The waiter shook his head. “You’re joking – that tiger eats dozens of catties of meat daily. We at Capital First couldn’t afford to feed it.” He pointed across the street. “See that century-old shop Tongrentang? It’s theirs.”

A pharmacy keeping tigers – both Hao and Gu had never heard of such a thing. Both wanted to see this curiosity. This worked out perfectly – Secretary Hao stopped pressing Gu Pingyuan with questions. Sharing the same thought, they hurriedly finished eating, went downstairs, and headed straight across the street.

It was nearly noon, with the overhead sun making the street blindingly white. Though Tongrentang had a large storefront, looking inside at this time, it was pitch black and unclear. Secretary Hao, being nearsighted, squinted as he walked, trying to see inside, wondering where the tiger was.

Coincidentally, just then another tiger roar sounded, startling Secretary Hao so much that his legs went weak. He was climbing steps and nearly fell flat on his face, fortunately saved by Gu Pingyuan’s support.

“Brother Hao, look carefully – there’s no tiger in this pharmacy’s front hall. I think it’s probably kept in the back courtyard.”

Secretary Hao blinked and saw that Gu Pingyuan was right. The front hall had a long counter with several scales on top, and the wall behind was densely packed with rows of drawers containing various medicinal materials. On one side sat an elderly doctor taking patients’ pulses.

Many people had come to buy medicine, forming several long lines. The pharmacy clerks were measuring and dispensing medicines according to each person’s prescription, then packaging them in paper bags printed with the Tongrentang name and handing them to customers.

Despite the many medicine buyers, the shop was orderly. Over ten clerks each had their duties, busy but not chaotic, and those waiting for medicine waited patiently.

Gu Pingyuan immediately saw that Tongrentang’s proprietor must be an excellent businessman. Such a large shop conducted business like flowing clouds and water, with every step arranged in order, like a master strategist playing chess. He couldn’t help but nod approvingly.

Secretary Hao wasn’t very interested in these matters – he cared about where the tiger was. Seeing that customers in the shop seemed oblivious to the tiger’s roar, he knew the tiger must have been in the shop for some time for everyone to be so accustomed to it.

Since this was the case, he casually asked an elderly man buying medicine: “Old sir, may I ask you something?”

Beijing people were polite. The old man, hearing the question, bowed: “I dare not presume – what would you ask this old man?”

“Does this shop keep a tiger?”

Hearing this, the old man looked Secretary Hao up and down: “Are you new to the capital, sir?”

“From the south, arrived just a few days ago.”

“I thought so. Tongrentang keeping a tiger became known throughout the capital three months ago. Everyone’s seen enough of the novelty. Except for outsiders, no one finds it interesting anymore.”

“Why does a pharmacy keep a tiger?”

“For making medicine.” The old man pointed. “See those bottles of medicinal wine on the medicine shelves? They’re all made with tiger bones – extremely effective for treating rheumatism.”

“Exactly.” This reminded Gu Pingyuan of his journey to Mongolia selling medicine, when he had asked pharmacy clerks about medicinal knowledge and particularly remembered prescriptions related to “Five-Cortex.” He now recalled: “Tiger bone, papaya, saposhnikovia, angelica, gastrodia, and five-cortex, combined with sorghum liquor distilled the previous year, called ‘Tiger Bone Papaya Liquor,’ has miraculous effects on rheumatism caused by wind, cold, and dampness invading the meridians.”

“Young man, you’re quite knowledgeable, but most ‘Tiger Bone Papaya Liquor’ on the market uses dog bones instead of tiger bones – it can only treat symptoms, not the root cause. Only the medicinal wine sold at Tongrentang here is genuine. Buy three bottles of wine and you can see the living tiger in the back courtyard. Many people in line came to buy this medicine, and many buy extra to take to other places as gifts for relatives and friends.”

“What if they’re also selling fake medicine with dog bones? What makes you say theirs is genuine?” Secretary Hao was somewhat skeptical.

“Would a century-old shop deceive people? Besides, they keep the tiger in the back courtyard – if it weren’t real, would they go to such trouble?” The old man glanced at Secretary Hao dismissively and ignored him.

“Hey, this kind of trick can only fool ignorant common folk.” Secretary Hao bought three bottles of wine to see the tiger but was quite disdainful upon leaving the shop.

“Brother Hao means…”

“Keep a tiger, then still sell fake wine – wouldn’t that work too?”

“I don’t see it that way.” Gu Pingyuan frowned and looked back at the Tongrentang plaque.

“Oh?”

“Let me ask Brother Hao – medicines in the market are often adulterated, good and bad mixed together. If you were this pharmacy’s proprietor, knowing your family’s medicine was good but unable to prove it, what would you do?”

“This…” Secretary Hao was truly stumped by this question.

“The best method is to keep a tiger.” Gu Pingyuan slapped his palm suddenly. “First, it can strengthen customers’ trust – with a real tiger in the shop, the tiger bones in the medicinal wine are naturally genuine too. Eight or nine out of ten customers will think this way. Second, it can make the brand famous – Tongrentang is a century-old shop, but it surely has many competitors. When the tiger-keeping story spreads throughout Beijing, everyone comes to see the novelty, and Tongrentang’s reputation becomes even greater.”

Secretary Hao laughed upon hearing this: “You speak so persuasively – don’t tell me there’s a third point?”

“Of course there is! The third is selling medicine. Buy three bottles of medicinal wine and you can see the tiger in the back courtyard. Brother Hao, look at what you’re carrying. With just this one move, their business becomes extremely prosperous.”

Secretary Hao nodded repeatedly: “According to this, it’s a strategy that kills three birds with one stone. This pharmacy proprietor is remarkable. But how long will he keep this tiger? Feeding it dozens of catties of meat daily – the cost isn’t small either.”

“Brother Hao has hit the key point.” Gu Pingyuan had completely grasped the pharmacy’s intention. “Precisely because he sells genuine medicine, he dares to keep the tiger. Soon enough, patients who use his medicine will discover it’s real – it treats both symptoms and root causes. Once this reputation is established, the tiger won’t be needed anymore. As for those selling fake medicine, even if they kept tigers their whole lives, they couldn’t build this reputation. For them, keeping tigers would be treating symptoms but not the root cause.”

“Ah! I understand now.” Secretary Hao suddenly realized. “Tongrentang has truly earned the character for ‘genuine.'”

Gu Pingyuan was about to nod when suddenly inspiration flashed through his mind, leaving him standing dazed in the middle of the street.

Secretary Hao continued walking and talking, going quite far ahead before realizing no one was responding. Looking back, he saw Gu Pingyuan standing motionless in the middle of the road with his mouth half-open and eyes staring.

Secretary Hao saw passersby laughing as they walked around Gu Pingyuan, so he quickly returned and whispered: “What are you doing? Let’s go quickly.”

Gu Pingyuan frowned slightly, staring straight at the ground, seemingly oblivious to Secretary Hao’s words.

Secretary Hao had heard that wild beast roars could mesmerize people – could this old brother have developed a stupor? He quickly pulled and tugged, dragging Gu Pingyuan into a nearby restaurant, pressing him to sit down while instructing the waiter: “Is there a doctor nearby? Please help find one quickly.”

Beijing waiters were famously attentive and flattering. Recognizing the customer from earlier, he agreed and was about to leave when Gu Pingyuan suddenly stood up, startling Secretary Hao.

Gu Pingyuan grabbed Secretary Hao and without a word strode rapidly outside.

“Hey, hey.” Secretary Hao was completely baffled, not knowing what ailment had struck him.

Gu Pingyuan said nothing, breaking into a trot down the street. The waiter and a group of diners naturally chased out to see the spectacle.

Not far from the Capital First restaurant, a servant dressed as a book boy was questioning a group of beggars, nodding occasionally and giving instructions. He took out a piece of silver from his clothes and handed it over, then turned to leave. Unexpectedly, several people swayed over from behind, and one of them carelessly bumped into the book boy.

“Damn it, which bastard walks without eyes!” He clutched his stomach. “You hurt me – pay up!”

Only after these words left his mouth did his eyes fall on the book boy’s face. Upon seeing, he was so startled he shuddered.

“It’s… it’s you!”

The book boy was indeed Four Happiness (Sixi). Following Su Zixuan’s orders, she had been wandering the streets for two days and was about to return to report to her master when she saw this person seemingly recognized her. She frowned, rolled her eyes, and remembered too.

“It’s you.” She covered her mouth and smiled. “What, did you travel all the way from Shanxi hoping to wear split-crotch pants again?”

“No, no…” The man stepped back two paces, staring fixedly at Four Happiness’s hands, afraid a dagger might appear there again.

This ruffian was naturally Chen Laizi. In the past, he had relied on Wang Tiangui’s power to extort and intimidate, dominating the region. Now that Wang Tiangui had fallen like a collapsed iceberg, quite a few people wanted to settle old scores with him. Even the constables and bailiffs at the county yamen wanted to squeeze some profit from him. Hearing these rumors, Chen Laizi knew Shanxi was no longer habitable, so he fled to the capital to seek refuge with a distant cousin who also worked the streets. Who knew this cousin had been arrested by the authorities a year ago? He brought two subordinates and mixed around Beijing daily, making a living by helping others collect debts, camping wherever they could find space – naturally not as prosperous as before.

Today his debt collection had failed, and he was lamenting his bad luck when he encountered this little demon on the street. For a moment he was tongue-tied and speechless.

Four Happiness hadn’t planned to bother with him and was about to leave when she saw a crowd pouring out of the Capital First restaurant ahead, all looking toward a young man hurrying past.

“Oh, isn’t that…”

“It’s him!”

Four Happiness and Chen Laizi simultaneously spoke in low voices, their gazes fixed on this person.

Chen Laizi came to his senses only to find Four Happiness had vanished. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then suddenly showed a sly smile, saying to his two subordinates: “Come on, let’s go make some money!”

“Where?”

“Hehe, the Li family in the capital.” Chen Laizi raised an eyebrow, his earlier dejected appearance completely gone.

Gu Pingyuan dragged Secretary Hao forward. Secretary Hao, being corpulent, was soon gasping for breath.

“Stop, take a break.” Secretary Hao refused to continue, panting heavily. “Are we rushing to market or what? At least tell me where you’re going!”

Seeing he really couldn’t walk further, and noticing a sedan chair rental nearby, Gu Pingyuan hired a small sedan for Secretary Hao, instructing: “Outside Qianmen, Ke Lai Sheng Inn!”

Only then did Secretary Hao understand he wanted to return to the inn, though he couldn’t fathom why the urgency. No matter how he asked, Gu Pingyuan wouldn’t speak.

Returning to the inn entrance, Liu Heita had just come back from checking the cargo at Yongding Warehouse. Gu Pingyuan said: “Perfect timing. See if Manager Lin is in his room and invite him over.”

Soon, several people gathered in Gu Pingyuan’s room. Secretary Hao was drenched in sweat and, seeing no outsiders present, stripped down to just his undershirt, constantly fanning himself and drinking tea while complaining: “It’s just returning to the inn – was it necessary to be so urgent? You nearly gave me leg cramps.”

Everyone laughed, but Gu Pingyuan remained serious: “I’ve thought of a strategy that might help make Orchid Snow tea famous.”

“Oh!” Secretary Hao was greatly excited. “Does this mean Orchid Snow tea will win a ranking at the Grand Tea Competition?”

“This tea competition is controlled by the capital merchants, plus there are so many famous teas renowned throughout the land. There’s no chance for the unknown ‘Orchid Snow.’ I just want to make this tea as widely known as possible – I wouldn’t dare dream of winning any ranking.”

Charles Lin disagreed with this statement, retorting: “Master Gu, you Chinese have a saying: ‘Kings, marquises, generals, and ministers are not born to their stations.’ Who says a nobody can’t make a stunning debut?”

Gu Pingyuan was polite to him: “Manager Lin is right, but that depends on opportunity – I’m not holding out hope.”

Charles Lin had nothing more to say. Gu Pingyuan then asked Liu Heita: “Most tea merchants come from the south. I had you check around Yongding Gate – how was it?”

While others saw the uncertain path between Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yu’er, only the straightforward Liu Heita considered Gu Pingyuan his sister’s definitive choice for a husband, so he worked doubly hard. He reported everything he’d seen in detail: Southern tea merchants had basically all arrived in the capital, and candidate teas were mostly stored in warehouses near Yongding Gate, making several nearby streets fragrant with tea aroma. Some tea fanatics even came specially to smell the tea fragrance.

“Huizhou has nine tea varieties participating this time, all represented by merchants who control the largest tea fields. Like Huangshan Maofeng – forty percent is annually purchased by Old Master Hu’s Tailai Tea House, so Master Hou Er brings Huangshan Maofeng to the capital for competition.”

Gu Pingyuan calculated mentally. Huizhou produced famous teas, so nine varieties were participating at once. But the nation had many other tea-producing regions, several matching Huizhou’s quality. This way, competing teas would likely exceed a hundred varieties.

When he shared this thought, Secretary Hao immediately said: “Hehe, according to this, the Ministry of Revenue will collect over 800,000 taels of silver – quite a windfall!”

He added: “But that’s the Ministry’s business, nothing to do with us. Old brother Gu, tell us about that good strategy of yours.”

Gu Pingyuan nodded, arranged teacups from the table in a row before him, then said slowly: “Over a hundred tea varieties, tasting each one on the spot – even heavenly fragrant varieties would be hard to appreciate properly. To leave an impression on the tea merchants, we must think of something different.”

“Water for brewing tea at the Grand Tea Competition all comes from Yuquanshan in the capital suburbs, and the tea sets are identical. There’s no room for tricks with water and vessels.” Charles Lin had been busy these past days, gathering quite a bit of information through inquiries.

“So I estimate everyone will try ‘Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Each Showing Their Abilities’ with tea ceremony.” Gu Pingyuan said with great confidence.

“Tea ceremony?” Secretary Hao pondered for a moment before saying: “Speaking of tea ceremony, Wuyi’s Da Hong Pao tea ceremony is world-famous. Besides that, Biluochun and West Lake Longjing tea ceremonies are said to have exquisite aspects. Our Huizhou teas have never focused on this, so we might be at a disadvantage.”

“That’s fine. I estimate everyone has thought of emphasizing tea ceremony – it’s just brewing tea, with only so many techniques. Learning and applying them immediately would work, but everyone doing the same thing won’t show anyone’s advantages.” Charles Lin shook his head dismissively.

“Manager Lin is right, so I’m thinking this way…” Gu Pingyuan lowered his voice and quietly explained his planned method to the three men.

After he finished, the several people in the room stared at each other wide-eyed. After a long while, Secretary Hao said: “I say, old brother, the people you want me to find have nothing to do with the tea business. Is this reliable?”

Charles Lin also said: “My end will probably be difficult too. Though having me negotiate should be much more convenient, your idea is unheard of. Whether they’ll agree, I really have no confidence.”

“Let’s just try. Brother Hao should treat people with sincerity – make three visits to the thatched cottage if necessary. As for Manager Lin’s end, as long as they’re willing to help, money is negotiable. As the saying goes, ‘heavy rewards will surely attract brave men.'” Gu Pingyuan also lacked confidence and could only earnestly entreat the two men.

Hao and Lin exchanged glances and reluctantly nodded.

“What should I do?” Liu Heita asked eagerly.

“You and I will rent a small residence and arrange everything inside. This can’t be done in a place like an inn with many eyes and ears. As they say, ‘heavenly secrets must not be revealed.'”

Secretary Hao laughed: “What I admire most about you is your many ideas. Just from one trip to the street, you could think of methods I never considered.”

Gu Pingyuan repeatedly waved his hands: “Brother Hao isn’t a businessman – naturally your mind isn’t focused on this.”

“I’m also a businessman – why couldn’t I think of such ideas?” Charles Lin’s remark drew laughter from everyone.

Gu Pingyuan smiled: “If Manager Lin is interested, you might try the same approach.”

“No need. I’ve inquired – I’m the only foreign tea merchant participating in this Grand Tea Competition. That alone is enough to make me stand out.”

“Sister-in-law Wang, has there been any activity from the master’s side these past days?” Mrs. Li had always been sensitive to cold. Though the Dragon Boat Festival had passed, she still kept a hand warmer beside her, covered with fur – everyone knew it was skin peeled from “Snow Slave.”

Ever since Mrs. Li had Sister-in-law Wang monitor Li Wantang, Li Wantang quickly became aware of it, making it even harder for Sister-in-law Wang to discover anything. Thinking of the mistress’s sinister nature, her heart skipped a beat. Suddenly remembering something, she grasped it like a lifeline.

“Just now at the mansion gate, I saw someone who said he wanted to come in and find the master, to report the whereabouts of someone surnamed Gu. He said this was an enemy of the Li family, and if he couldn’t find the master, he’d look for the young master. The gatekeepers ignored him, but he wouldn’t leave.”

“Surnamed Gu!” Sister-in-law Wang’s words triggered an unexpected reaction. Mrs. Li, who had been half-reclining and smoking a water pipe, suddenly opened her eyes wide and sat up, startling the maids attending her.

“Could it be Gu Pingyuan?”

“This… I didn’t ask.” Sister-in-law Wang swallowed, not knowing if this was fortune or disaster.

“Go ask clearly. If it really is this name, quietly bring him in. I have questions for him.”

Chen Laizi had never seen such an exquisite garden in his life. Compared to the Li family’s, Wang Tiangui’s garden was truly earth versus heaven. The garden was filled with artificial mountains and winding corridors, with pavilions appearing and disappearing, winding paths leading to secluded spots – walking inside was like being trapped in a maze. Looking at the servants and maids, all dressed splendidly and beautifully adorned, Chen Laizi looked at his own reflection in the lake and felt somewhat ashamed, walking on tiptoe.

“Madam, the person has been brought.”

“Come in.”

Led inside, Chen Laizi smelled a faint, elusive fragrance and couldn’t help taking deep breaths. A woman’s voice suddenly spoke from behind a screen.

“You said you came to tell the Li family about an enemy’s whereabouts – is it that Gu Pingyuan staying at ‘Ke Lai Sheng’?”

Chen Laizi had assumed the capital Li family was enemies with Gu Pingyuan, thinking he could get reward money by reporting Gu Pingyuan’s whereabouts. He hadn’t expected they already knew where Gu Pingyuan was staying, which deflated him. “Yes…”

“What grudge does he have with the Li family?”

This question made Chen Laizi’s eyes widen.

“Tell me everything in detail, and naturally you’ll be rewarded.”

Chen Laizi didn’t dare ask more questions. Unable to figure out the situation, he simply told everything he knew.

After listening, the person behind the screen remained silent for a long time. Chen Laizi’s heart was in turmoil when the voice instructed: “Go outside first and wait in the corridor.”

“Yes, yes!” Chen Laizi bowed and backed out.

“Sister-in-law Wang, see where Qin’er is and bring him here.”

Li Qin was busy with Grand Tea Competition affairs. Ten days remained until the official event, requiring coordination with tea merchants from various regions and liaison with the steward of Prince Chun’s mansion – he was extremely busy when his mother summoned him. Li Wantang’s emotions never showed on his face, and Li Qin had felt distant from his father since childhood, finding him difficult to approach. His mother, however, was moody – when happy, she’d reward beggars with priceless jewelry; when angry, she could punish all household servants to kneel under the scorching summer sun over a dog’s mistake. Li Qin felt his mother was like being separated by gauze – he could never see through or understand her clearly.

Recently, he had angered his mother by insisting on mourning Zhang Guangfa, not seeing her for several months. He didn’t know why she summoned him now. Upon entering the garden and seeing Chen Laizi in the corridor, he was startled.

“Qin’er, you recognize that person in the corridor, don’t you?” Mrs. Li had now removed the screen and held a cup of rose juice – not to drink, but to smell the sweet fragrance.

“I recognize him.” Li Qin nodded. “He’s a ruffian scoundrel from Shanxi.”

“He just told a very interesting story. He said our Li family’s complete defeat in Shanxi was all thanks to someone named Gu Pingyuan, and this person has now come to the capital to participate in the Grand Tea Competition.”

“That’s right! He not only ruined our family’s business but also caused Uncle Zhang’s death.”

“Really?!” Mrs. Li said in amazement. “Then we absolutely cannot let this person go. If we let him run wild in the capital, who will respect the Li family in the future?”

“Oh, but…” Li Qin originally wanted to see Gu Pingyuan dead, but this thought had changed – the reason for this change was known only to him. “Your son thinks grievances should be resolved, not escalated. Besides, the Grand Tea Competition is also a major business matter for our Li family. He’s a participating tea merchant – rash action might ruin the big picture.”

Hearing Li Qin say this, Mrs. Li couldn’t help but look at him more closely. “A mother knows her son best” – for Li Qin to say “grievances should be resolved, not escalated” was completely unexpected.

“You’re wrong. The Li family’s prestige cannot be damaged because of this one person. Moreover, you mourned Zhang Guangfa for forty-nine days, but now when his killer arrives, you’re timid – is this proper?”

Li Qin was troubled. He truly didn’t want to make things difficult for Gu Pingyuan anymore. In desperation, he mentioned being saved by Gu Pingyuan beyond the pass.

“Speaking of it, he also showed me kindness. With grudges and favors canceling out, I think this matter should end here.”

“Nonsense!” Mrs. Li suddenly became angry, slamming the table hard. “That Gu fellow is just a poor boy – saving you, the Li family’s eldest son, is only natural. What do you mean ‘grudges and favors cancel out’? Do you think his life compares to yours? How self-deprecating!”

Li Qin, having been scolded, lowered his head without daring to speak.

“Take this!” Mrs. Li handed over a piece of paper. Li Qin took it and saw it was a five-hundred-tael bank note.

“Give it to that person outside and have him…” Mrs. Li lowered her voice and gave detailed instructions.

“This…” Li Qin still frowned hesitantly.

Mrs. Li looked him up and down, then suddenly softened her tone: “Qin’er, do you know why only local Beijing merchants sell roasted seeds like melon seeds, peanuts, and mixed nuts in the capital, while vendors from Shandong, Henan, and other places that produce the best seeds can only transport raw goods to outside Yongding River, unable to even step foot on Lugou Bridge?”

Li Qin, hearing his mother suddenly change the topic completely, shook his head in confusion.

“The capital is a cold northern place. After the beginning of winter, people have nowhere to go in the evenings. Rich and poor families gather around the kang, chatting idly with roasted seeds in the middle, just to pass time until sleep. So the roasted seed business is particularly good.”

Li Qin still didn’t understand why his mother was discussing this and didn’t dare interrupt, only nodding while listening.

“Originally, anyone could sell roasted seeds in the capital. Street vendors had various accents. With such good business, naturally people coveted it. Today you want this territory, tomorrow I want that territory – fights were inevitable, causing several deaths each year. Later, a Shandong roasted seed dealer named Xu gathered several major dealers from the capital and Henan to the capital suburbs, lit a large roasting pot until it glowed red, then without a word threw his still-nursing infant into it.”

“Ah!” Li Qin was startled and couldn’t help crying out.

Mrs. Li showed no emotion: “The child was immediately burned with charred skin and flesh, cried shrilly twice, then died in the pot. The man named Xu said whoever could do the same would cause all Shandong roasted seed dealers to withdraw from the trade. If they couldn’t, then no one, including capital merchants, could do roasted seed business in Beijing. Since he could do this, all Shandong people naturally obeyed him without question. The Henan dealers immediately backed down, but a Beijing merchant named Gao saw red and grabbed his seven-year-old child to throw in the pot too.”

“The Xu man went all out, grabbed his second son and threw him in. The Gao man followed by throwing in another child. Coincidentally, the Xu man had three sons and two daughters, the Gao man had two sons and three daughters – both had five children. After Gao threw four children in the pot, only his eldest daughter about to marry remained, trembling all over and collapsed nearby. The Shandong Xu man looked at his eldest son, hesitated for a long time, then wailed loudly but couldn’t bear to continue, thus losing.”

Mrs. Li spoke of this horrific tragedy as calmly as if discussing a restaurant’s new dish or a theater’s new play. “Thus, no one dared compete with the capital merchants for the roasted seed business again. That Gao fellow made a fortune and became the leader of Beijing’s roasted seed merchants. Even now, it’s still his eldest daughter’s descendants who control this trade.”

After finishing, she looked at Li Qin: “Do you understand?”

“Mm, hm?” Li Qin’s mind was still caught in that heart-stopping story.

“I asked if you understand!” Mrs. Li suddenly said sternly.

“Understand what?” Li Qin asked in panic.

“Didn’t Zhang Guangfa tell you! The capital merchants have a rule: ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!’ Whoever tries to snatch food from the capital merchants’ mouths must be prepared to lose some flesh!” Mrs. Li glared. “You are the Li family’s eldest son, the future leader of the capital merchants. If you don’t dare deal with even one enemy, how will you lead the capital merchants in the future!”

She pointed toward the corridor outside and said in an unquestionable voice: “Go!”

Su Zixuan brought Four Happiness to the “Ke Lai Sheng” inn. Gu Pingyuan happened to be out, so Su Zixuan waited in the main hall.

Four Happiness had reported to Su Zixuan yesterday about a pile of major and minor affairs she’d gathered. The news she brought back was varied – court gossip as well as scattered marketplace rumors. Su Zixuan listened quietly, her eyelashes flickering when she heard that Prince Gong was rumored to be at odds with Empress Dowager Cixi. Originally uninterested in the news that the Grand Tea Competition was manipulated by Prince Gong behind the scenes and that the capital merchants had predetermined the winner, Su Zixuan blinked when she heard Gu Pingyuan had also come to the capital.

“Miss, isn’t it coincidental that this old adversary has come too?”

“Times change – once an adversary, but not necessarily so now.” Su Zixuan said only this, sometimes raising her head, sometimes lowering it. Clearly she was thinking tensely about something, occasionally murmuring to herself. Four Happiness pricked up her ears but only caught fragments.

“Perhaps… maybe… or…”

As Four Happiness listened in complete bewilderment, Su Zixuan spoke: “Tomorrow take me to the inn where Gu Pingyuan is staying.”

Now master and servant sat in Ke Lai Sheng, but Four Happiness still couldn’t fathom Su Zixuan’s intentions. Knowing this young lady was extremely clever and that she couldn’t guess her thoughts, she had to ask directly.

“I want to find him because he’s the most capable person I’ve ever met. I’ll point out a path for him – perhaps he can build that path well. Someone might walk down that road, or perhaps fall into a pit I’ve dug beforehand.” Su Zixuan smiled coldly.

Four Happiness grew more confused, but before she could ask again, Su Zixuan looked outside the inn: “He’s back.”

Early that morning, Gu Pingyuan had taken Liu Heita to Qianshi Alley, close to Qianmen Street, where several silver-smelting furnaces were located. Because of robbery fears, the alley was built narrow and long, inconvenient for passage – a secluded place that perfectly suited Gu Pingyuan’s needs. He rented a courtyard house inside and transported several large bundles of tea leaves from Yongding Warehouse.

After finishing his business, near noon, Gu Pingyuan returned to “Ke Lai Sheng.” As soon as one foot touched the inn’s steps, a shout came from the side: “Officer, it’s this fellow!”

Gu Pingyuan was startled and turned to look. Before he could see clearly, a black shadow flashed before his eyes, and with a “clang,” a thick iron chain was already around his neck.

Caught off guard, Gu Pingyuan’s heart jumped. Just as he was about to ask, several constables stood before him, the leader sneering coldly: “Are you Gu Pingyuan from Huizhou?”

“This humble person is indeed Gu Pingyuan.” Hearing the constable ask his name and origin, Gu Pingyuan knew trouble had come.

“Someone has accused you. Come to Shuntian Prefecture for trial.”

“May I ask who accused me?” Gu Pingyuan glanced outside and saw Chen Laizi – no need to ask further. Liu Heita also saw him and roared: “Chen Laizi!”

Chen Laizi hadn’t expected this formidable adversary to also be in the capital. Frightened, he shrank his neck and hid behind the constables: “Officers, officers, they’re accomplices – they want to kill people!”

Liu Heita angrily strode over to grab Chen Laizi, who ran circles around the bailiffs. The scene immediately became chaotic.

It was Chen Laizi who reported Gu Pingyuan to Shuntian Prefecture, but the real instigator was Li Qin – specifically, Mrs. Li’s five-hundred-tael bank note. The charge was still “escaped convict.” Four Happiness, watching clearly from the inn, whispered: “If this Gu Pingyuan is thrown in prison, he’ll lose a layer of skin if he doesn’t die.”

“No, I need him now. Quick, go to the Shenji Camp and find Yisang’a.” Su Zixuan had Four Happiness lean close and gave her instructions.

Secretary Hao rushed out upon hearing the news. Seeing the chaotic scene, he first had several inn workers restrain Liu Heita, then bowed to the constables.

“Brothers, I work in Huizhou Prefecture. All clerks in prefectures are one family. This Brother Gu is my friend – please take care of him.” As an experienced clerk who had handled countless criminal cases, he knew the priority was preventing Gu Pingyuan from immediate harm. He reached into his clothes, took out a fifty-tael bank note, and quietly slipped it to the lead constable.

“Ah, of course, of course.” Whether from Huizhou or Liuzhou Prefecture, as long as the bank note was real, the constable immediately beamed.

“Since someone made an accusation and the prefect issued a warrant, we naturally must carry out our duties – there’s no helping it.”

Secretary Hao nodded repeatedly: “I understand the rules, but people’s hearts are unpredictable these days, with false accusations everywhere. What law has my Brother Gu violated?”

“Accused of being an escaped convict.”

Secretary Hao’s heart sank – what he feared had come to pass. How serious was this charge! He pondered: “If I may speak frankly, except for the ten unforgivable crimes, all other convicts were pardoned when Emperor Tongzhi ascended the throne. How can there be talk of escape?”

“I heard this Gu Pingyuan escaped before the pardon. We need to take him back to the yamen for questioning. If it’s false accusation, naturally we’ll release him. If the accusation is true, we’ll have to send him back beyond the pass.”

“True, of course it’s true! Last time I went beyond the pass, I inquired clearly – this Gu fellow escaped before the general pardon.” Chen Laizi, seeing Liu Heita restrained by the crowd with several bailiffs between them, became bold again.

“Bastard, I’ll tear you apart!” Liu Heita’s lungs nearly burst with rage.

Secretary Hao knew the situation was difficult. The only plan now was to let Gu Pingyuan go to prison first, then immediately send someone beyond the pass to manage connections from top to bottom – a strategy of removing the firewood from under the pot. He gave Gu Pingyuan a meaningful look. Gu Pingyuan also knew there was no other option now and resolved to face this lawsuit.

“What’s happening here?” Just then, a white horse came slowly down the street, carrying a handsome young general.

“Greetings to Commander Yi!” Which Beijing constable didn’t recognize this favorite of Prince Chun? Moreover, all constables were under the Ministry of Justice, and this general’s father-in-law was the Minister of Justice – which Beijing constable dared offend him?

After a few words explaining the situation, Yisang’a’s face darkened: “Can you randomly accuse innocent people of being escaped convicts without evidence? By this logic, I could accuse you of being an escaped convict tomorrow, then accuse him the day after!” He pointed his riding whip at each bailiff, who shrank back as he pointed.

“In the capital, this exemplary region, laws should be even more strict and thorough.” Yisang’a softened his tone. “Let’s do this – release the man first. Go back and tell your prefect I’ll visit his residence another day to discuss this. The Ministry of Justice’s rules really should be reformed.”

“Yes, sir.” Which bailiff dared touch this big tree? Not just them – even the prefect had to submit a calling card to request an audience with Yisang’a. They obediently removed the shackles from Gu Pingyuan’s neck and prepared to release him.

At this critical moment, Chen Laizi saw things going badly. In desperation, he rolled on the ground and grabbed Gu Pingyuan’s trouser legs with both hands, pulling with all his might. With a “rip,” Gu Pingyuan’s trousers below the knee split in two.

“Sir, please look – convicts all have, have, have…” Chen Laizi stared dumbfounded at Gu Pingyuan’s ankle. Where there should have been a brand mark was now just a large scar, showing the injury had once been severe.

When returning to Huizhou, Gu Pingyuan had stepped into a trap in the mountains while avoiding deserters, leaving a large scar on his foot that covered the original brand. This delayed his journey by several days but led to encountering bandits attacking the city and reuniting with Qiao Henian. These events now seemed destined, yet accidentally eliminated the evidence of his convict status.

“Scoundrel!” Yisang’a looked at Chen Laizi disdainfully, said nothing more, and rode away.

“Disperse, disperse.” The constables felt embarrassed, scolded the crowd of onlookers, and left.

Liu Heita stepped over, looked at Chen Laizi lying on the ground, and grinned. Chen Laizi immediately shuddered but saw Chang Yu’er, who had just rushed out from the inn entrance upon hearing the news.

He lunged forward, landing beside Chang Yu’er, glared at her, and said through gritted teeth in a low voice: “Save me quickly, or else…”

Chang Yu’er was already stunned seeing Chen Laizi. Hearing this, her face turned deathly pale. She swayed and blocked Liu Heita: “Big brother, don’t cause trouble – don’t worry Father.”

“Sister, why are you stopping me? I must beat him up to vent my anger!” Liu Heita swayed left and right but couldn’t shake off Chang Yu’er. Looking again, Chen Laizi had already run far away, making him stamp his feet in frustration.

Secretary Hao and others consoled everyone while comforting Gu Pingyuan. Gu Pingyuan waved his hand – when he first escaped beyond the pass, he had prepared for this day. He hadn’t expected a Cheng Yaojin to appear, allowing him to pass this danger so easily – truly unexpected.

“Master Gu, it’s been a while.” As several people entered the inn together, someone suddenly spoke up.

“Young Master Su!” Gu Pingyuan was surprised but bowed in greeting. Liu Heita, seeing this person, quietly shrank his neck and hid silently – not for any other reason, but because he had seen this handsome young master when he was a Nian rebel and feared being recognized.

“An invitation is better than a chance meeting. It’s been a long time – would you care to sit and chat?” Su Zixuan smiled. Before Gu Pingyuan could respond, Four Happiness was already loudly calling the waiter to add stools, heat a pot of fine “Imperial Workshop Liquor,” and ordered seven or eight expensive dishes.

Seeing no way to refuse, Gu Pingyuan asked the others to return to their rooms first while he sat at the table.

“Let me toast you first, to calm your nerves.” Su Zixuan picked up a cup from the curved water tray on the table, drank it all, and showed the empty cup.

“Thank you.” Gu Pingyuan also drank a cup.

“You have worry between your brows. I heard that though you helped the draft bank achieve great victory in Shanxi, you left quickly afterward. Did you return home?”

“Yes.” Meeting Su Zixuan, Gu Pingyuan was extremely cautious, unwilling to say an extra word.

Su Zixuan looked at him and suddenly chuckled. Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s puzzled look, he said: “Back in Shanxi, we clashed over conflicting interests. Now I’ve only met you by chance to share a drink – why be as wary as a mouse seeing a cat?”

Gu Pingyuan blushed, feeling he had judged a gentleman with a petty mind.

“Let me guess – the hottest topic in the capital now is the upcoming Grand Tea Competition. As a businessman, you must be here for this excitement too.”

Gu Pingyuan could no longer hide it, nodded seriously, and explained his plan to gain fame for Orchid Snow tea.

“That will be difficult! I heard the capital merchants spent a large sum, and Prince Gong has agreed that this ‘World’s First Tea’ belongs to the capital merchants. With first place decided, there will be second and third places – money talks everywhere. No matter how fragrant your tea, in their mouths it will taste like chewing wax.”

This hit exactly on Gu Pingyuan’s hidden worry, making him say: “If so, why call it the Grand Tea Competition? Might as well call it the Grand Silver Competition.”

“Excellent name!” Su Zixuan clapped and laughed loudly. “Tomorrow I’ll write a plaque for you – shall we deliver it to Prince Chun’s mansion on that day?”

Gu Pingyuan had spoken in momentary indignation. Seeing Su Zixuan tease him, he smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Su Zixuan glanced at him, feeling the time was right, and suddenly became serious: “Why worry? Master Gu, look at this.” He casually picked up a wine cup from the table and threw it precisely into the water channel of the curved water tray.

The trays in the water channel had been flowing slowly in order. Su Zixuan’s thrown cup splashed water everywhere, immediately overturning the front tray, with the rest colliding in disorder – a complete mess.

“Guest, what are you doing? This perfectly good wine…” The waiter rushed over anxiously.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay double.” Four Happiness quickly intervened.

“Master Gu, did you see clearly?” Su Zixuan looked at Gu Pingyuan with amused eyes.

Gu Pingyuan seemed to understand: “You mean…”

“Exactly! The capital merchants have mapped out their route, thinking they can rest easy. Actually, if you disrupt the front link, everything behind becomes useless.”

“The front link is Prince Gong.” Gu Pingyuan, being quick-witted, immediately understood.

Su Zixuan nodded approvingly.

“But…” This was exactly what Gu Pingyuan couldn’t figure out – how to break this. Could he outspend the capital merchants with Prince Gong?

“You’re thinking about it wrong – only thinking about outbidding the capital merchants with money, but haven’t you considered whether anyone could overpower Prince Gong?” Su Zixuan’s casual remark struck Gu Pingyuan like enlightenment.

“Minister Chong, that’s how things stand.” Gu Pingyuan sat beside an elderly white-bearded man, hands on his knees, expression respectful. “I came today first to visit you, and second, since you’ve long served as an official at court, I especially came to ask – who can stand as equals with Prince Gong?”

This elder was Chong’en, the former Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs who had greatly appreciated Gu Pingyuan on the Mongolian grasslands. He was a Beijing native who had returned to his banner at Yuquan Mountain after retirement. Gu Pingyuan had thought of this great minister, inquired about his address through various channels, and came with generous gifts seeking guidance.

“Oh my, you’ve really stumped me. Prince Gong is a regent prince, leader of the Grand Council, receiving double princely stipends – who can stand as his equal or even surpass him? I really can’t think of anyone.” Chong’en spread his hands.

Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s disappointed expression, Chong’en added: “However, I did think of one path for you.”

“Oh?” Gu Pingyuan looked up expectantly.

“The Imperial Household Department. It manages imperial tribute tea for the royal family – first, this is big business; second, whatever tea the Imperial Household Department selects as imperial tribute will surely become famous. The current Director-General of the Imperial Household Department was a jinshi degree holder from my examination years ago. I’ll write a letter recommending you to meet him.”

Gu Pingyuan was overjoyed, but when he met the Director-General with Chong’en’s letter, the man immediately showed disdain upon hearing he was just an ordinary tea merchant, yawning and acting extremely impatient. Gu Pingyuan, well-versed in human nature and accustomed to the world’s coldness, knew this man was dishonorable – people leave and tea cools, no longer respecting Minister Chong’en. He could only swallow his anger and leave.

This path seemed blocked. Standing in the Imperial Household Department’s corridor, lost in thought, Gu Pingyuan accidentally bumped into someone carrying a tray who hadn’t seen him either. They collided solidly. Gu Pingyuan was fine, but the other person suffered – the tray fell, and over ten silk flowers and a bundle of colored ribbons scattered on the ground.

The person quickly bent to pick things up. Gu Pingyuan looked closely and groaned inwardly – judging by the clothing, this was a eunuch. Eunuchs, having physical disabilities, often carried psychological resentment, taking opportunities to vent frustration and making trouble even without cause, let alone when he was at fault. He’d surely be scolded terribly.

Without thinking much, he quickly bent down to help collect the items. After placing everything back on the tray, both men looked up simultaneously.

This glance was startling – Gu Pingyuan’s legs went weak and he sat heavily on the ground, staring dumbfounded at the person before him like being struck by lightning, mouth agape, unable to speak.

The other person spoke first, voice tearful: “Brother Gu, is it you? Brother Gu, I’m not dreaming, am I?”

“Brother Liancai!” Gu Pingyuan cried out, lunging forward to grip the man’s shoulders tightly, looking at his face again and again, then at his clothes. “Brother, I thought you were dead, but how did you, how did you become a…”

The person before Gu Pingyuan was amazingly Kou Liancai, who had supposedly died at Shanhai Pass with his corpse displayed on the city gate tower. Gu Pingyuan bit his finger – no mistake, this was real. This convict brother who had once risked everything to help him escape from Camp Commander Xu’s inn room was actually alive and well. For a moment he seemed dazed, unconsciously shaking his head, staring at Kou Liancai in shock as if he had lost all ability to react.

Kou Liancai’s face also showed mixed expressions of crying and laughing, but he was more composed than Gu Pingyuan. Looking around, their commotion had already attracted many Imperial Household Department people. He wiped his tears and pulled Gu Pingyuan up.

“Brother Gu, let’s find a place to talk properly.”

The Imperial Household Department was adjacent to the Imperial City. At the foot of the Imperial City was a marketplace called “Salt Mart,” a homophone for “eunuch mart,” providing buying, selling, resting, dining, and even gambling for eunuchs who couldn’t venture far from the palace. Business was extremely prosperous. Though right under the noses of the Imperial Guards, they turned a blind eye since the guards received their cut.

Kou Liancai brought Gu Pingyuan to Salt Mart, where entry and exit were unrestricted. They went to a small tavern filled with duck-voiced eunuchs drinking tea, wine, and chatting. Finding a secluded corner, Gu Pingyuan burst with questions: “When I first left the pass, I had someone go back to check on you. They returned saying you’d been executed with your corpse displayed at Shanhai Pass. Did they lie?”

“Not false.” Kou Liancai slowly shook his head. “Only it was a prisoner from the standing cage who died, killed to make an example.”

He fell into bitter memories: “I was taken back to Shangyang Fort by Camp Commander Xu. He had great difficulty covering up his embezzlement of military funds and naturally hated you, and by extension me for helping you escape. So upon returning to camp, I was assigned the most exhausting and dangerous work. If I hadn’t learned some skills from you, Brother Gu, I’d have been eaten by bears or buried in snow long ago. Camp Commander Xu punished me constantly, tying me to wooden posts, branding me with red-hot iron wire, then whipping me and dousing me with salt water. Several times I fainted from pain…” Remembering that endless agony, Kou Liancai still trembled all over.

“Brother…” Gu Pingyuan’s heart felt cut by knives. If he had known Kou Liancai suffered so terribly because of him, he would have returned to Fengtian Camp to surrender regardless of consequences. He gripped Kou Liancai’s hand tightly, too pained to speak.

“I knew Camp Commander Xu would eventually beat me to death. Rather than suffer this piecemeal torture, better to end it all. So I prepared poison, planning to take it on my mother’s death anniversary to serve my parents in the underworld.”

Then an old eunuch came from the capital, sent to procure imperial ginseng beyond the pass. Everyone knew eunuchs were hard to serve, so this task fell to Kou Liancai.

With his heart set on death, the old eunuch discovered his plan and said: “If you want to die, I won’t stop you, but I can show you a way to live.”

This way to live was self-castration, then being brought to the palace by the old eunuch. After much thought, Kou Liancai decided a bad life was better than a good death and agreed. Normally, new palace eunuchs couldn’t exceed fifteen years of age – older ones faced danger, almost certain death. Fortunately, this old eunuch had worked in the “castration chamber” and knew some remedies that saved Kou Liancai’s life.

“Thus I recovered and came to the palace, where I’ve been for almost two years now.” Kou Liancai swallowed with difficulty.

“Crack!” Gu Pingyuan crushed the wine cup in his grip. Never imagining he had inadvertently caused such harm, he hated himself intensely. Kou Liancai was two years younger than him, the same age as his brother Pingwen, yet now had white hair at his temples and forehead – showing what torment these two years had been.

“Your elder brother has wronged you…” Originally he had always looked after Kou Liancai beyond the pass, who regarded him as a real brother. Who would have thought he ultimately caused such suffering? Gu Pingyuan’s chest felt heavy as if pressed by a great stone.

“Brother Gu, please don’t say that.” Kou Liancai’s eyes reddened as he patted Gu Pingyuan’s shoulder consolingly. “Later I came to terms with it – living is living however you do it. Not suffering is better than anything.”

“Can’t eunuchs also leave the palace? I’ll take you back to Huizhou, buy you a residence and land, in the future…” Gu Pingyuan suddenly stopped, his expression both sad and bitter.

Kou Liancai smiled bitterly: “People like me have only one place under heaven – I can only stay here. It’s quite good here too. Though sometimes I’m punished, at most it’s kneeling without food – a hundred times better than the military camp.” He forced a smile. “Brother Gu, don’t worry about me, and don’t blame yourself. I know my nature is weak – outside is full of tigers, leopards, wolves, and jackals. The palace world is actually quieter and more peaceful.”

Though he said this, how could Gu Pingyuan not blame himself? Kou Liancai, unwilling to let him dwell on it, changed the subject: “Didn’t you return home? How did you end up at the Imperial Household Department?”

This was a long story. Gu Pingyuan briefly recounted his experiences, finally mentioning coming to the capital for the Grand Tea Competition, following Minister Chong’en’s guidance to find the Director-General of the Imperial Household Department, but meeting with disappointment.

“Ha, I’d say even if you connected with the Director-General, it wouldn’t help.” Kou Liancai, having been in the palace two years and listening to eunuchs show off their knowledge in idle chat, was not unfamiliar with the capital’s official circles. “The Director-General doesn’t dare stand straight before Prince Gong. Not just in the capital – in all of the Great Qing, no one with an official cap dares surpass Prince Gong.”