That evening, the “Kelai Sheng” inn hosted a grand banquet. Gu Pingyuan invited all the workers from the Chang family caravan to celebrate in the inn’s main hall. For this outcome that exceeded everyone’s expectations, those who knew Gu Pingyuan were naturally all happy for him.

The innkeeper gifted two jars of ten-year-aged wine and filled his own cup to the brim, smiling until his eyes narrowed to slits: “No wonder I heard magpies chattering in the courtyard this morning—it turns out Master Gu was destined to strike such fortune today. This is truly cause for celebration! From now on, my inn will also bask in the glory of you, the ‘Tea King.’ Master Gu, allow me to drain this cup first in your honor.”

“Brother-in-law, sister’s husband.” Liu Heita was delighted and had already drunk most of a jar by himself. “I knew you were extraordinary. This victory is truly satisfying—even more satisfying than our time in Mongolia!”

Gu Pingyuan patted his shoulder and without a word drained the cup Liu Heita offered him.

Liu Heita squinted his eyes again: “Although my sister is still staying in the back courtyard and won’t come out, I can see she’s happy for you in her heart.”

Gu Pingyuan nodded. Secretary Hao and Old Man Chang Si returned from making rounds offering toasts and both came to pay their respects to Gu Pingyuan.

“Pingyuan, you’re truly remarkable. At such a young age, you’ve claimed the title of number one under heaven. Your future in the business world is truly limitless.” Ever since making the three-year pact with Gu Pingyuan, Old Man Chang Si had changed his address from “old brother” to calling him by name directly.

“Not at all, Old Father, you praise me too much. I merely stumbled upon good fortune through blind luck.”

Secretary Hao interjected: “Old brother, you’re truly formidable. Last time you came to the capital, you didn’t pass the imperial examination, but this time you’ve taken first place like a top scholar. Honestly, when you executed those two moves, I saw even the Prince was dumbstruck. It must have been precisely because of this that he chose you for first place.”

Gu Pingyuan knew this couldn’t possibly be true. No matter how ingenious his methods, they couldn’t possibly surpass the Beijing merchants’ six million taels of silver. But he truly couldn’t understand the reason behind it all, so he simply smiled without speaking. The group drank and made merry, and the atmosphere at the table was extremely lively.

Many workers gathered around, wanting to hear about the grand tea assembly in the Prince’s rear garden, so they could boast about it when telling others later.

What interested them most was how Gu Pingyuan could have conceived the “graft substitution” and “foreign women presenting tea” strategies. They competed to hear Gu Pingyuan explain it personally. Unable to refuse their insistence, Gu Pingyuan laughed and said: “Actually, I don’t have that many clever ideas. These were all learned and borrowed from others on the spot.”

That day, after seeing Tongrentang’s tiger-raising medicine selling, he suddenly had an epiphany. He reasoned that if a pharmacy could raise a tiger to demonstrate the authenticity of their goods, then tea merchants could bring tea trees to the grand tea assembly site and pick and brew tea on the spot, which would surely attract everyone’s attention. Of course, these tea leaves couldn’t be green leaves—this required the skills of a horticulturist. This was different from grafting tender shoots and leaves; it involved connecting fragile processed tea with hard branches. If they couldn’t be removed intact without damage, it would affect the tea’s appearance. When Secretary Hao found Zhuo Sansan, this problem was easily solved.

“But what about using foreign women? Don’t tell me Master Gu also saw foreign women serving in some teahouse?” An impatient worker asked, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

“That wasn’t it.” Gu Pingyuan’s voice grew somber. His gaze passed over the crowd, looking toward the distant Mongolian grasslands. “A remarkable elder once told me that there’s no need to fear foreigners. Dealing with foreigners requires only four words: ‘neither servile nor arrogant.’ Since we treat each other as equals, naturally I can hire them with my money.” He was referring to Lord Chong’en, of course.

“This is truly rare. Other merchants either keep their distance from foreigners or grovel before them. Who would think to hire foreign women to present tea ceremonies! Old brother, this move of yours was like Zhuge Kongming’s fire attack at Red Cliffs, catching all the tea merchants completely off guard.” Secretary Hao, having had several more cups, praised endlessly. “Mark my words, just like Tongrentang’s tiger-raising for fame, within days this ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ will be renowned throughout the land, and you, old brother Gu, becoming the number one tea merchant under heaven is just a matter of time.”

While the “Kelai Sheng” was filled with joy and celebration, that night throughout the capital there were merchants who couldn’t sleep. Too many people lay awake due to jealousy of Gu Pingyuan, grinding their teeth and muttering curses. Especially the Beijing merchants, who had suffered a great loss this time—the managers of the “Four Great Heng” banks couldn’t sit still.

After waiting several days and seeing no movement from Li Wantang’s side, the four managers gathered together and decided to go to the Li residence to demand an explanation.

The first to speak was Manager Shi from Lao Hengxing. He was an opera enthusiast who loved singing painted-face roles, famous for his booming voice. Now, in his agitation, his voice rose even higher.

“Master Li, you are the head of the Li family. This time you guaranteed us there would be no problems, which is why we went to our respective bosses to promote this venture. Now it’s all come to nothing, and the bosses are already blaming us. Who will protect our rice bowls?”

Manager Liu from Lao Hengli was equally anxious, wiping sweat as he spoke: “Six million taels of silver—we Four Great Heng each contributed one million. You must understand, this represents nearly half of our total capital. We cannot afford any mistakes!”

The other two managers chimed in: “Even in the capital, twenty thousand taels is no small sum for opening a bank. Now it’s four million taels all at once, gone just like that. It’s heartbreaking!”

“Gentlemen, gentlemen, please remain calm.” Li Wantang wore a blue robe with a faint smile on his face, leisurely admiring the snuff bottle in his hands as if the crushing defeat of several days ago had never happened.

“How can I remain calm? If the Four Great Heng collapse, I’m afraid even you, Li Wantang, won’t be able to keep smiling.” Manager Shi said this because the Li family’s money was all deposited in the Four Great Heng banks.

Hearing the threatening tone, Li Wantang smiled indifferently and placed the snuff bottle on the table before speaking seriously: “It’s not that I’m not anxious. The night the grand tea assembly results were announced, I went to see Minister of Revenue Baojun. He was extremely apologetic about this unexpected turn of events.”

“Just being apologetic is enough? Six million taels of silver! Even if thrown into a river, it wouldn’t just make a sound—you could build a dam with it.”

“Please let me finish.” Li Wantang’s expression darkened, and the managers immediately fell silent.

“The next day, Minister Bao went to see Prince Gong. The Prince naturally couldn’t let the Beijing merchants contribute six million taels for nothing, so after they discussed it, and following my suggestion…” Li Wantang paused here. The Four Great Heng managers weren’t naive—they could tell there must be an unexpected pleasant surprise, and all showed expectant expressions.

Li Wantang smiled and continued: “Prince Gong has agreed to let us Beijing merchants purchase the seventy-two government-operated salt fields along the Lianghuai coast. These salt fields will henceforth be operated by us Beijing merchants.”

“What!” All four managers stood up upon hearing this, their faces showing that expression of disbelief upon suddenly hearing good news.

“Master Li, you didn’t mishear, did you? Government salt fields have always been operated by Yangzhou salt merchants and never sold to other merchant houses. Over twenty years ago, when the Yangzhou salt merchants collapsed and couldn’t operate them, they were returned to government ownership. How could they be sold to us Beijing merchants?”

Only then did Li Wantang show a hint of satisfaction: “We Beijing merchants have wanted to operate Yangzhou’s salt business since the Jiaqing era, but the Yangzhou salt merchants controlled it tightly, leaving us no opening. If not for the Prince’s guilt this time and his intention to compensate us, it would be impossible to easily acquire such a large batch of salt fields. As the saying goes, ‘The old man lost his horse—how do we know it’s not a blessing?'”

“This represents enormous profits! People can do without tea, but they cannot do without salt. With these salt fields, Beijing merchants can earn gold by the bucket daily. Compared to the ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven,’ salt fields are far more practical!” Manager Shi said excitedly.

“Manager Shi understands well, but…” Li Wantang deliberately kept them in suspense, pondering silently.

“Master Li, just tell us! Don’t keep me anxious!” Manager Shi didn’t want to let such a plump, cooked duck fly away, and the other managers also urged him on.

Seeing the timing was right, Li Wantang pretended to look troubled: “It’s just that to purchase these seventy-two salt fields requires at least this amount!” He held up one finger.

“One million taels?” Manager Liu frowned.

Li Wantang laughed: “For a businessman, you’d think these were salt wells or salt ponds? These are Lianghuai salt fields spanning hundreds of li. Let me tell you—it’s ten million taels!”

The managers gasped, looking at each other. Their earlier excitement vanished completely as they sat stunned in their chairs, unable to speak for a long while.

Li Wantang wasn’t in a hurry either, picking up his snuff bottle again to admire the interior paintings.

“Master Li, you couldn’t be thinking of…” Finally, Manager Liu stammered.

Li Wantang replied unhurriedly: “I know you Four Great Heng together have exactly ten million taels in ready cash. To compete for this ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven,’ you invested four million. Though it seems lost, I’ll count those original four million taels toward this venture. You contribute another four million, and we’ll do this salt field business together.”

“This is impossible! The money has all been lent out. Do you want to ruin the Four Great Heng?” Manager Shi cried out upon hearing this.

Li Wantang responded confidently: “I also know something about the banking business. You Four Great Heng have been operating for hundreds of years, but these past ten years have seen the largest reserves in your vaults. Because of the Taiping Rebellion, people were terrified and no one did business, so naturally no one came to borrow money. Though you have much silver, it sits unused. In reality, daily deposits and withdrawals roughly balance out, so you rarely need the silver in your vaults. Even for occasional large withdrawals, two to three hundred thousand taels is sufficient. So when I mentioned needing four million taels earlier, though the amount was large, after your bosses considered it, they all agreed because you have so much idle silver that rather than let it sit and gather dust, it’s better to find good business opportunities to lend it out for interest.”

These words made the managers frown deeply—they hadn’t expected Li Wantang to understand the Four Great Heng’s situation so thoroughly.

Manager Shi felt somewhat unwilling and retorted sarcastically: “You can hide your Li family’s situation from others, but not from us bankers. Having already invested two million taels in the grand tea assembly, to say you can independently produce the remaining six million taels of silver, heh heh…” Though he didn’t finish speaking, everyone understood his implication.

Manager Liu, fearing Li Wantang might become angry, quickly interjected: “Master Li, since you understand the banking business, you surely know our difficulties. Though keeping this silver unused violates banking principles, it’s truly because Shanxi draft banks have been continuously establishing branches in the capital in recent years, becoming a major threat to our banks. If we lend out another four million taels, each bank would have very little left in reserves. While this wouldn’t affect daily withdrawals, if the Shanxi draft banks learned of this and attacked en masse, the consequences would be unthinkable.”

Li Wantang nodded: “Both managers make valid points. First, though my Li family is wealthy, producing so much silver at once would indeed be difficult. Second, I’ve long heard about Shanxi draft banks competing with Beijing banks for business. The reason I’m ‘forcing your hand’ this time is that I have solutions for both problems.”

The four managers didn’t understand his meaning. Li Wantang smiled: “You gentlemen came at an opportune time. I was just discussing this matter with someone. Let me bring him out, and you managers will understand everything.”

With that, he coughed and called toward the screen: “Manager Wang, the Four Great Heng are worried about Shanxi draft banks. Hearing this, don’t your ears burn?”

From behind the screen emerged a thin, wizened old man with a sallow complexion, clearly showing signs of years of opium use. Though his face was gaunt, his eyes were deep as pools, and one could tell at a glance that his thoughts were unfathomable.

As soon as he appeared, he cupped his hands toward the Four Great Heng managers: “Forgive me for hiding so long. I am Wang Tiangui, chief manager of the ‘Taiyufeng’ draft bank in Shanxi Taigu, here to pay respects to my fellow colleagues.”

Managers Shi, Liu, and the others were greatly startled. Taigu was one of Shanxi’s three great money centers, and “Taiyufeng” was Taigu’s largest draft bank. What was this chief manager doing at the Beijing merchant leader’s residence? Several pairs of eyes simultaneously showed defensive and hostile looks.

“Gentlemen need not be so wary!” Li Wantang could clearly see the hostility in their hearts. He laughed heartily, stood up, and patted Wang Tiangui’s shoulder. “Manager Wang comes not to engage in bank-draft bank competition, but to join us in the salt field business. Everyone should harbor no ill feelings. He’s also brought news that you’ll all be satisfied to hear.”

Wang Tiangui spoke about the current state of Shanxi draft banks. Initially, Li Wantang had arranged a series of schemes, Wang Tiangui had pushed up copper coin prices, and with rampant private coin minting, Shanxi draft banks suffered heavy losses. Though a year had passed, they still hadn’t recovered their strength. Self-preservation was manageable, but attacking enemies was beyond their capability. Wang Tiangui, being a chief manager of Shanxi draft banks, knew their inner workings well. The managers present were all banking veterans who could tell Wang Tiangui wasn’t fabricating stories.

“So you needn’t worry about Shanxi draft banks anymore.” Li Wantang glanced at Wang Tiangui.

Since being defeated by Gu Pingyuan’s scheme, Wang Tiangui had lost all his business but still held several million taels of silver. Living as a wealthy man would certainly suffice, but he wasn’t content with this and constantly pondered opportunities for a comeback. Finally, he also set his sights on the Lianghuai salt fields. He knew that while salt was in Lianghuai, the people who could decide the salt fields’ ownership were in the court. So he came to the capital several days ago to lobby, learning that Li Wantang had just obtained the Lianghuai salt fields from Prince Gong. Greatly disappointed, he then heard that the Li family had suffered considerable losses in the grand tea assembly and might have difficulty raising such a huge sum.

Wang Tiangui took the initiative to approach them. Li Wantang, worried about insufficient funds, was delighted to have someone offer money at his door. The two hit it off immediately, planning to convince the “Four Great Heng” to invest another four million taels, with the remainder to be made up jointly by the Li family and Wang Tiangui. As for the previous thrilling battles between the Li family and “Taiyufeng,” these two businessmen who had spent their lives in commerce tactfully avoided the subject.

“Most remarkably, Manager Wang is magnanimous and willing to count your previous four-million-tael loss toward the capital investment. This means each of you contributed one million taels but receives double shares. You couldn’t find such a good deal even searching with lanterns—what are you still hesitating about?” Li Wantang used both carrot and stick. The four managers knew that if they didn’t agree, their previous one million taels would be completely wasted. With no choice, they could only agree to return and discuss with their bosses, promising a satisfactory answer.

With matters settled, Li Wantang relaxed. Just as he was about to speak, Wang Tiangui opened his mouth.

“I hear Beijing merchants were defeated by a young upstart this time, losing not only money but also reputation. I wonder how you plan to respond?”

Li Wantang paused, considered, and said: “I heard the Empress Dowager personally selected his tea as first place. Presumably his luck was good, and the tea he produced happened to suit the imperial taste.”

Rather than imperial taste, it was more like heavenly will. Li Wantang had attempted to use Su Zixuan to deal with Empress Dowager Cixi, but Su Zixuan used Gu Pingyuan to lead Cixi to the grand tea assembly. Through this strange coincidence, Beijing merchants lost a sure-fire first place. Heaven’s will is unpredictable—even Li Wantang himself was in the dark. However, to say it was entirely heavenly will wouldn’t be accurate either. Gu Pingyuan had endured so much hardship to create this Orchid Snow tea. Without good tea in hand, even with opportunity, it would be difficult to claim first place.

“Anyway, the result can hardly be changed. Further entanglement would be futile. We should focus our thoughts on acquiring and operating the salt fields.”

“Not so, not so.” Wang Tiangui waved his hands repeatedly. “Since Beijing merchants are going south to do business, naturally they must first establish their reputation and intimidate southern merchants. But now it’s the reverse—from the start, they’re at a disadvantage. This won’t benefit future business! That Gu Pingyuan is an Anhui merchant. We might as well target him. Though he won first place, we’ll still make him arrive with high hopes and leave in disappointment. Only this will demonstrate our capabilities. When we reach the south, others won’t dare easily trouble us.” Wang Tiangui truly couldn’t have imagined that in the blink of an eye, Gu Pingyuan would claim the title of number one tea under heaven and be about to make a fortune. Being a vengeful person, how could he watch Gu Pingyuan be so triumphant? He had to settle this score in the capital.

“This might not be easy…” Li Wantang didn’t want more trouble and was about to politely decline when he heard a voice from outside the hall.

“I have an idea!”

The speaker was Li Qin, who had been listening outside for a long time. Only when they mentioned Gu Pingyuan did his eyes light up as he joined the conversation.

“Why are you butting in!” Li Wantang showed displeasure seeing Li Qin barge in uninvited.

“Oh, if it isn’t Young Master Li. Surely you have some brilliant insight—why not share it?” Wang Tiangui was already acquainted with Li Qin, though both men’s eyes flashed as they said nothing more.

Li Qin wasn’t polite either. After briefly greeting everyone, he said: “Dealing with that fellow surnamed Gu isn’t difficult. We’ll use a two-pronged approach that will leave him crying without knowing where to turn. First, right now almost all prominent tea merchants under heaven are in the capital, and they’re all dissatisfied that Orchid Snow tea won ‘Number One Under Heaven.’ We’ll exploit this, inciting all tea merchants to refuse business with that Gu fellow—no one will buy his tea. This way, he’ll have the title but not the profit. Over time, he naturally won’t be able to continue. This approach has another benefit: as time passes and people can’t taste this ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven,’ they’ll gradually forget it.”

“Excellent! This is the ‘gradual withering’ method—used brilliantly.” Wang Tiangui looked at Li Qin with appreciation. “Nephew just mentioned a two-pronged approach, so naturally there’s another move.”

“Precisely.” Li Qin said smugly: “Originally, it was agreed that after the grand tea assembly, tea merchants who won the ten famous teas would jointly host a banquet for all tea merchants under heaven. Originally, we Beijing merchants had already planned this event, but unexpectedly things changed…”

“Now what’s the point of mentioning banquets!” Li Wantang interrupted him.

“This banquet must still be held, just with a different explanation. We’ll say Beijing merchants want to fulfill their duty as hosts. The grander the better—let’s have a ‘Manchu-Han Imperial Feast’ flowing banquet, inviting all tea merchants in the capital. But there’s one condition: we won’t invite that Gu fellow, isolating him completely. Once this scene is set, it equals all tea merchants under heaven jointly boycotting Gu Pingyuan and his Orchid Snow tea. Even if someone wants to secretly do business with him, they won’t dare. This kills two birds with one stone—recovering Beijing merchants’ face while ensuring that Gu fellow can never establish himself in the business world again.”

Li Qin spoke eloquently. Li Wantang sat with a stern face saying nothing, while the Four Great Heng managers listened in secret alarm, not expecting such young Li Qin to have such vicious scheming.

“Good, good! Truly ‘the tiger father has no dog son’—admirable, admirable!” Wang Tiangui continuously applauded in praise.

“Something’s not right here!” Liu Heita scratched his head vigorously. “I say, did this Orchid Snow tea win first place or last place? How is it that after seven or eight days, not a single person has come to buy tea?”

Everyone in the inn looked worried. Though Gu Pingyuan was also puzzled, he comforted everyone: “Don’t worry. Perhaps the tea merchants are deliberately delaying, intending to drive down the price.”

Though he said this, in his heart he hoped Secretary Hao, whom he’d sent to gather information, would return soon with news.

The man did return, but seeing Secretary Hao’s expression, everyone knew trouble was brewing. Usually cheerful, he now wore a bitter expression and immediately said: “Old brother, I’m afraid this tea can’t be sold.”

“What do you mean?” Gu Pingyuan’s heart sank.

“I inquired at each merchant guild’s hall individually. They’re all conducting heated tea business negotiations, but absolutely refuse to mention Orchid Snow tea. Later, I tried promoting it to Guangdong and Sichuan merchants, but before I could finish speaking, I was thrown out.”

“How could this happen?” Old Man Chang Si was also anxious.

“They want to jointly boycott Orchid Snow tea, saying unless we establish our own shops, Orchid Snow tea won’t sell a single tael!”

After hearing this, Gu Pingyuan understood. His face immediately darkened as he lowered his head in thought for a long while without speaking.

“What’s to fear? These bastards are sore losers playing dirty tricks behind our backs. We’ll establish our own shops to sell tea. I don’t believe common people won’t want to taste this ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven.'” Liu Heita puffed his cheeks and shouted.

Gu Pingyuan shook his head gently and said: “Opening just one or two shops won’t help. If we opened eight or ten, where would the capital come from? Moreover, if the tea merchants truly unite to boycott us, as soon as our tea goes on sale, they’ll buy it all up. We only have two thousand jin of tea. If there’s price but no market, wouldn’t Orchid Snow tea exist in name only?”

“Old brother’s concern is valid. I’m afraid that’s exactly their plan. You worked so hard to win first place under heaven—this effort mustn’t be easily wasted.” Secretary Hao nodded and sighed.

“I heard they’re also organizing a grand banquet for all tea merchants under heaven, but they’re specifically not sending us an invitation.”

“How vicious! This is the ‘surrounded by enemies’ strategy, intended to drive us to desperation.” Gu Pingyuan exclaimed. He stepped forward and asked Secretary Hao: “This matter must have a ringleader, right?”

Secretary Hao nodded heavily: “It’s Beijing merchants behind the scenes, instigating all merchant guilds to isolate us.”

“Beijing merchants again!”

“Brother-in-law, what do we do?” Liu Heita asked urgently.

Gu Pingyuan understood that if this situation wasn’t handled well, all previous efforts would be wasted. As he pondered, Lin Charlie stood up.

“Master Gu, if you trust me, wait until I return from attending this tea merchant banquet before making decisions. I’ll go see what ghosts they’re up to!”

Gu Pingyuan also felt that remaining calm for now might not be a bad approach. Fortunately, the Beijing merchants’ banquet was only three days away—no need to rush these three days. He readily agreed.

Three days later, everyone waited until the sky was completely dark before Lin Charlie returned from the banquet. The same group gathered in Gu Pingyuan’s room. Lin Charlie’s expression was even worse than Secretary Hao’s had been, and he immediately said: “Master Gu, you’re in big trouble this time.”

Li Qin, representing Beijing merchants, had been eloquent at the banquet, continuously stirring up emotions among tea merchants. Though they dared not speak against Empress Dowager Cixi, they disparaged “Orchid Snow tea” as worthless. Finally, they agreed at the banquet that absolutely no one would be permitted to trade with Gu Pingyuan.

“Master Gu, now tea merchants from all regions are colluding, signing agreements and pressing handprints, forming an offensive and defensive alliance. I’d say you should return to Huizhou—no one here will do business with you.” Lin Charlie was also saddened.

Liu Heita punched the wall. “I heard even Huizhou tea merchants pressed their handprints, with that Master Hou leading the way, talking about ‘righteousness over family.’ That bastard! Master Gu, you helped him before—truly feeding a kind heart to an ungrateful wolf.”

Secretary Hao looked at this one, then that one, plopped into a chair, and sighed deeply: “How did it come to this? Winning first place under heaven is worse than not winning at all!”

Old Man Chang Si also lamented endlessly, not expecting Gu Pingyuan’s painstaking efforts to achieve success only to end like this.

Gu Pingyuan gritted his teeth and said nothing for a long time, just standing and pacing continuously in the room. Everyone’s eyes focused on him, waiting for him to speak.

Gu Pingyuan slowly stopped and spoke with resolute determination: “This time is different from before. If we lose, it means total defeat with no chance of recovery. Think about it—if holding the ‘Tea King’ title still leads to complete failure, who would dare do business with you in any trade thereafter? You’d become a laughingstock in the business world!”

“Commerce is about back-and-forth dealings. I’ve never heard of doing business with yourself. Now even Anhui merchants are boycotting you—what other options do you have?” Secretary Hao also understood the danger but could think of no solution.

“How about we ask for help?” Old Man Chang Si frowned. “The Shaanxi merchant guild and Shanxi draft banks both owe you enormous favors. Go discuss with them and see if there’s any way.”

“Right! Father’s idea is excellent.” Liu Heita jumped three feet high, his excitement overflowing.

But Gu Pingyuan remained unmoved—he had already considered this. Based on the help he’d provided before, if he asked, Kang Suyuan, Qiao Zhiyong, and others would undoubtedly help without hesitation. But this would force them to oppose all merchant guilds under heaven. Considering only himself without regard for others—Gu Pingyuan wouldn’t do such selfish things that harmed others for his benefit. Moreover, though Gu Pingyuan appeared gentle and modest, he was actually proud-spirited and would never consider asking for help unless absolutely necessary.

“I refuse to believe that begging for help is the only path left.”

In the main hall of the Anhui Merchants’ Guild, Chief Administrator Hu was discussing matters with others, speaking precisely about Gu Pingyuan.

“I hear this Gu Pingyuan has quite some courage—traversing the Black Water Marsh, fighting the Mongolian Prince’s manor. What a pity, he truly is good material for commerce.” He shook his head with some regret.

“This time he’s angered both Beijing merchants and the Dongting merchant guild. Now he’s become everyone’s target. All merchant guilds under heaven view Gu Pingyuan as a thorn in their eye and Orchid Snow tea as a thorn in their flesh—they won’t rest until they’re eliminated. If we protect him, we’ll inevitably suffer collateral damage.” Master Hou Er, hearing Chief Administrator Hu’s slight pity for talent, feared he might change his mind and quickly added this remark.

“This fellow surnamed Gu’s luck was truly at its peak, but as the saying goes, ‘fortune contains the seeds of misfortune.’ Though he won first place under heaven, he still can’t escape bankruptcy and ruin—wasting that fine tea for nothing.” He continued rotating those large copper balls in his hands.

A nearby Anhui merchant also chimed in: “I too pity that tea—truly a fine tea rarely seen in a hundred years. How did Old Man Min happen to choose him and create such an incomparable tea?”

Everyone shook their heads and sighed, though naturally not for Gu Pingyuan, but for that hard-won “Number One Tea Under Heaven.”

Just then, a doorkeeper came to report.

“Reporting to Chief Administrator, Old Master Hu has arrived!”

“Who?”

“Old Master Hu from Tailai Tea House!”

Hearing that the long-reclusive Old Master Hu had come in person, everyone stood up. Chief Administrator Hu hastily directed everyone to the entrance to welcome him.

In moments, Old Master Hu’s sedan chair had stopped before the main gate. Chief Administrator Hu hurried out with the others to greet him.

Some junior Anhui merchants had never seen Old Master Hu, but all knew this old gentleman had a fierce temper and was an elder among Anhui merchants. Upon seeing him, they were first struck with surprise—for no other reason than his short, stocky stature made it hard to believe this was the Anhui merchant predecessor who had once competed with merchant guilds from all regions across the four seas.

Chief Administrator Hu was related to this old master—an out-of-mourning nephew. Seeing Old Master Hu’s face dark as water and his ever-present long pipe unlit, his heart jumped with alarm as he carefully approached to attend him.

“Hu Qida, tell me, has your boy’s heart been clouded by lard!” Sure enough, Old Master Hu opened his mouth calling the Chief Administrator by name and scolding him.

“Old Master, please don’t be angry. Who exactly has offended you? Why didn’t you send word when coming to the capital? We could have all gone to Gaobeidian to welcome you.” The Chief Administrator thought it was the failure to greet him from afar that had displeased Old Master Hu.

“Welcome me? Save it—I don’t have such great fortune!” Though advanced in years, Old Master Hu’s voice was powerful. His gaze swept the entire assembly. “If you ask who offended me, you all have a share!”

“How do you mean? How would we dare offend you, old sir?” The Chief Administrator smiled apologetically.

“Don’t say you wouldn’t dare—you people have courage greater than the sky! Let me ask you, did you blacklist Gu Pingyuan’s ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’?”

“That… that was started by Beijing merchants…”

Before he could finish explaining, Old Master Hu spat: “I heard about it at Hejian Prefecture—our Anhui merchants won the ‘Number One Under Heaven’ title, personally endorsed by the Empress Dowager herself. What great honor this is, what great business! But you worthless lot actually want to help outsiders undermine this matter. Good, good, good—truly a fine bunch!”

Master Hou Er skulked behind Chief Administrator Hu like a dog. The Chief Administrator, feeling angry and thinking how Hou Er had instigated this matter but now hid away, shifted his body slightly to expose Hou Er. Seeing Hou Er made Old Master Hu even more furious. He pointed his pipe stem at Hou Er’s nose: “I hear Beijing merchants hosted a banquet requiring everyone to sign pledges not to do business with Gu Pingyuan, and you were the first to press your handprint?”

Master Hou Er dared not raise his head, and only after a long while stammered: “Yes!”

With a “crack,” the old master jumped three feet high and delivered a harsh slap to his face.

“You’ve grown so big yet only know how to eat without thinking! Can you distinguish inside from outside? Do you know the ‘Jing’ character in Beijing merchants and the ‘Hui’ character in Anhui merchants aren’t the same character?”

Master Hou Er dared not talk back and immediately knelt before everyone.

With him kneeling, Old Master Hu could strike even better—”crack, crack” came two more slaps. These slaps seemed to strike everyone’s faces. Chief Administrator Hu felt his face burning with shame as he came over to mediate.

Old Master Hu finally calmed down somewhat and addressed the crowd: “I know that initially Gu Pingyuan aroused universal anger, but times change. Today he’s won the ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ title—what great face this brings to us Anhui merchants! No matter what wrongs he committed before, they should be forgiven. But look at you all—your elbows bend outward, wanting to force him to bankruptcy and ruin. Let me ask you elders and juniors one thing: don’t we all share the same name of Anhui merchants? How did our own people start engaging in internecine warfare?”

People surrounded Old Master Hu listening quietly, all showing shame on their faces.

Old Master Hu sighed deeply, looked around, his voice trembling with the weary appearance of old age.

“I still remember when I was young, doing business in Mongolia. Several Shanxi merchants colluded with local draft banks to cut off my money supply, leaving me unable to pay the Mongolians. I was so desperate I nearly jumped in the river. Just then, several Anhui merchants in the capital learned of this and rushed silver to me overnight by cart. The silver arrived on the very last day of the deadline—truly sending charcoal in snowy weather from complete strangers. I nearly knelt before them, but what did they say? They said they weren’t saving me, Hu Tailai, but saving Anhui merchants’ reputation in Mongolia.” Old Master Hu’s tears streamed down his face.

“What are Anhui merchants? Unity of voice and spirit, solidarity—that’s what Anhui merchants are. Only this way can you hold up this banner when walking outside and earn others’ respect. What you’re doing now is clearly undermining your own people, watching your own suffer while secretly laughing. When others turn around to deal with you someday, regret will come too late!” Old Master Hu struck the ground repeatedly with his long pipe stem in his excitement.

These were truly words of gold and stone! The Anhui merchants listened in alarm and shock.

Old Master Hu stamped his foot and removed a ring from his hand, throwing it before Master Hou Er.

“Tomorrow, use the seal on this ring to withdraw silver from the bank.”

Only then did Master Hou Er raise his head: “Uncle, I still have silver on hand. Don’t you have some great use for it?”

“Buying ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ requires paying a good price. If others won’t support it, we must support it ourselves. I know you have silver—I’m deliberately sending you to the bank. When you withdraw the silver, make it clear: this silver is for doing business with Gu Pingyuan! Isn’t there no one buying ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’? I’ll buy it all and sell it at Tailai Tea House!”

Master Hou Er was alarmed: “Uncle! This won’t do!”

Old Master Hu glared: “What did you say!”

Master Hou Er swallowed: “After hearing Uncle’s teaching, I know this matter was handled wrongly. But having already erred, if we change now, others will say we’re fickle—pressing handprints then reneging. What about Tailai Tea House’s reputation?”

“Nonsense! Now you think of reputation! Is Tailai Tea House yours or mine? I didn’t press any handprint, so it doesn’t count!”

“Please listen to me.” Master Hou Er was truly anxious. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate Gu Pingyuan’s situation. This time he’s truly offended all merchant guilds. If we help him, it equals opposing all tea merchants under heaven. Tailai Tea House has branches throughout the country. If we arouse universal anger and are attacked by the masses, even we cannot bear such losses. Your lifetime’s foundation might be destroyed in an instant. Acting on momentary impulse to be Gu Pingyuan’s shield really isn’t worthwhile.”

His earlier words were all correct, and Old Master Hu seriously considered them. But the phrase “momentary impulse” stirred up the old master’s anger again. His stubborn streak emerged, his goatee bristled as he said angrily: “I, Hu Tailai, have done business my whole life and never feared anyone! If they’re dissatisfied, let them come at me! Don’t say more—this matter is settled. Tomorrow morning we go find Gu Pingyuan to buy tea!”

“I hear that Gu Pingyuan has fallen into desperate straits. Beijing merchants, united with all merchant guilds, plan to drive him to complete destruction.” Fourth Sister gently combed Su Zixuan’s long black hair, softly speaking in her ear.

Su Zixuan remained silent for a long while. Fourth Sister wasn’t surprised—this young lady had been taciturn since returning from the grand tea assembly that day. More remarkably, after several days she actually began wearing women’s clothing she hadn’t worn in ages. Today, after bathing, she even asked Fourth Sister to help her dress before the mirror.

“This palace powder I bought from Linglong Pavilion in the southern city surpasses even the finest face powder from Beijing West Rouge Shop. This deep purple lip rouge is Persian goods—when you use it for your lips, young lady, it’s truly beautiful.” As Fourth Sister spoke, she arranged Su Zixuan’s hair in a chignon, adorning it with a pearl flower hairpin bought from Duobao Studio in Liulichang. The pearls were as large as fingertips with jeweled tassels hanging below.

Su Zixuan slowly rose. Fourth Sister hastily draped a silver-threaded scarlet fine cloud brocade albizia-patterned long robe over her undergarments, carefully saying: “Young lady, where do you plan to go dressed as a woman?”

“Nowhere—just to look.” Su Zixuan gazed at herself in the mirror, saying in a daze: “I’ve almost forgotten I’m a woman.”

Fourth Sister’s heart ached hearing this, nearly bringing tears to her eyes.

“This move is indeed vicious.” Su Zixuan suddenly spoke. Fourth Sister was startled, then understood she meant Beijing merchants’ dealings with Gu Pingyuan.

“Now is precisely the time to strike while the iron is hot, but they want to pour cold water on it and extinguish the fire completely.”

“If it were you, young lady, how would you respond?”

Su Zixuan fell silent again. Just as Fourth Sister felt uneasy and wanted to change the subject, Su Zixuan walked to her writing desk and took a small note. Seeing she wanted to write, Fourth Sister quickly ground ink. Su Zixuan wrote only two characters on it.

“Tomorrow morning, take this to ‘Kelai Sheng’ and give it to Gu Pingyuan.”

“Sacrifice?” Fourth Sister softly read the characters, puzzled.

At dusk, Gu Pingyuan walked out of the inn. After much thought, he still couldn’t find a way to sell Orchid Snow tea. Feeling extremely irritated, he unconsciously walked to Qianmen Street.

This was the time when all trades finished their day’s work and sought places to drink, have tea, chat, and boast. Qianmen Street was bustling, but Gu Pingyuan was absent-minded. Though his eyes looked around, his mind remained on Orchid Snow tea.

“This is Orchid Snow tea, the Number One Tea Under Heaven. Shopkeeper, please try it—this truly is good tea.” Hearing these words, Gu Pingyuan was greatly startled. Looking sideways, he saw at a teahouse counter a young woman holding a tea package, pleading with the shopkeeper.

“Miss, please take it away. My shop doesn’t stock this tea.” The shopkeeper waved his hands.

“I’ll leave this tea with you for free—can’t you let these tea customers drink it for nothing?”

“That won’t work either.” The shopkeeper grew impatient. “Take it, take it!” He waved repeatedly.

“Shopkeeper, please.” The woman was Chang Yu’er. Her face flushed red with embarrassment. Reluctant to leave, she stood pitifully outside the counter.

“Sigh, I’ll tell you the truth. If this Orchid Snow tea enters my shop, my teahouse will close. Several days ago Beijing Merchants’ Guild spread word everywhere: whoever dares buy or sell Orchid Snow tea will be put out of business. How many heads do I have to dare provoke Li Bancheng? Miss, please don’t make things difficult for me.”

Chang Yu’er bit her lip and was about to turn away when someone nearby said sarcastically: “Strange things happen every year, but this year especially. How can Number One Tea Under Heaven require begging people to drink it? Must be fake.”

“It’s not fake—this is genuine Orchid Snow tea, personally made by Huizhou tea master Old Man Min.” Seeing someone willing to acknowledge her, Chang Yu’er hurriedly addressed him.

At the central table sat several dandies with oiled hair and powdered faces. One who had spoken pointed to the teapot on the table: “Don’t say so much—brew some of this free good tea for us masters to taste.”

Chang Yu’er nodded and approached to lift the pot. The dandy also reached out, grasping Chang Yu’er’s hand: “Hey, you…” Chang Yu’er was startled and struggled. The pot tipped on the table, hot water spilled and burned her hand, and the tea package scattered—half the tea leaves fell on the floor, half on the table.

As Chang Yu’er bent to gather them heartbrokenly, the dandy blocked her with his arm, pointing to his crotch with a lewd smile: “How careless—I asked you to make tea, but you’ve soaked me all over, even my pants are wet. Quickly wipe me down.” His tablemates all laughed with ill intent.

Chang Yu’er felt both ashamed and angry. Just as she was about to stand, someone charged from behind and kicked the tea table over with a “crash.” Cups and pots shattered on the ground as the dandies scattered in fright.

“Yu’er.” The man pulled Chang Yu’er’s arm.

“Brother Gu.” Chang Yu’er stared at him in a daze. This was the first time Gu Pingyuan had called her “Yu’er,” and warmth suddenly flooded her heart.

Gu Pingyuan looked at her with complex emotions, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Though he was a seven-foot man, he had let a delicate woman plead for him in the street. Looking at Chang Yu’er, he felt both heartache and sorrow. He casually threw silver to the shopkeeper and said to Chang Yu’er: “Let’s return to the inn.”

Chang Yu’er obediently nodded and followed Gu Pingyuan out.

The lamp in Gu Pingyuan’s room burned all night. He sat at the table throughout, racking his brains for a way to break the current deadlock.

“I sacrificed my family’s tea fields for a good tea; Master sacrificed his life for mine; Miss Yu’er sacrificed a woman’s dignity, all hoping to win me a business opportunity. Am I truly so useless that I can’t think of a single solution and can only watch this hard-won Number One Tea Under Heaven suffer complete defeat?” Gu Pingyuan felt restless. He picked up the long-cold Orchid Snow tea and drained it. The fresh, clear essence flowed down his throat. Drawing on this coolness, he thought further: “Everyone can sacrifice—can’t I sacrifice too? But what must I sacrifice to make all merchant guilds abandon their prejudices and be willing to do business with me?”

“Could it be…” Gu Pingyuan’s eyes suddenly brightened. The lamplight reflected in his pupils made the flames seem to grow larger.

Early the next morning, Secretary Hao, the Chang father and son, Lin Charlie, and all the workers worried about this matter gathered in Kelai Sheng’s main hall, staring at the staircase to the second floor. With goods piled at Yongding Warehouse, dragging on day after day wasn’t a solution. They all knew Gu Pingyuan hadn’t slept all night and hoped he might have some solution—even selling at a loss would be better than wasting away here.

But after waiting long, Gu Pingyuan still didn’t come down. Later, Secretary Hao couldn’t bear it and wanted to go upstairs to call him. Just then Gu Pingyuan appeared. Seeing everyone watching him, he smiled slightly. Secretary Hao, being closest, was surprised to discover Gu Pingyuan’s face bore that expression of “breaking through side paths to see the moon bright as washing”—the worried look of recent days had completely vanished.

“Old brother, you…”

Secretary Hao’s words were barely begun when Gu Pingyuan waved his hand to stop him: “Brother Hao, don’t rush. I need to go out for a while. We’ll discuss matters when I return.”

“Where to?” Liu Heita asked eagerly.

“Do you need to prepare anything?” Old Man Chang Si also asked urgently.

Gu Pingyuan patted Liu Heita’s shoulder reassuringly: “Don’t worry, everyone. I have what I need. Just follow me.”

Only then did everyone notice Gu Pingyuan held a paper booklet with ink traces still fresh—apparently written overnight.

Secretary Hao knew Gu Pingyuan was deep and deliberate. Since he was unwilling to elaborate, asking would be useless. He suppressed his curiosity and instead quieted everyone’s chatter.

Gu Pingyuan looked around, saw everyone was present, and headed toward the inn’s exit. Fourth Sister had just arrived outside the inn. Seeing Gu Pingyuan leading everyone out, she considered and followed.

After walking awhile, everyone realized they were heading straight for West Liulichang’s Back Sunhu Alley.

Liu Heita quietly asked Secretary Hao from behind: “What’s my brother-in-law planning?”

Secretary Hao looked worried: “Don’t tell me he’s going to cause a scene at the various merchant guild halls? That would be most unwise.”

“What wise or unwise? They can bully people, but we can’t vent our anger? If brother-in-law wants to cause trouble, I’ll lead the charge!” Liu Heita never feared escalating matters.

As they spoke, the group had entered Back Sunhu Alley. By now all the guild halls had people coming and going. Seeing this “target of all arrows” Gu Pingyuan arriving with a group, they all hurried to report to their administrators.

Gu Pingyuan ignored the pointing and whispering along the way, walking straight to the Anhui Merchants’ Guild entrance. Just as he was about to step up, he saw Old Master Hu leading Master Hou Er and several tea merchants walking out.

When the two parties met, both were startled. Gu Pingyuan felt surprised joy, then remembered Anhui merchants’ current attitude toward him and hesitated to greet them.

But Old Master Hu thought nothing of it. After widening his eyes to confirm it was Gu Pingyuan, he quickly stepped forward and grasped Gu Pingyuan’s hands.

“Worthy nephew, this truly wasn’t easy—congratulations! Winning ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ has brought such honor to our Anhui merchants—cause for celebration!”

With just these words, Gu Pingyuan nearly shed tears. After so many days, this was the first time an Anhui merchant had congratulated him.

Suppressing his inner grievance and bitterness, he forced a smile: “Old Master, thank you so much. Are you heading out?”

“I was just going to find you. Isn’t there no one buying your tea? I’ll buy it—however much you have, I’ll buy it all!”

Hearing this, everyone behind Gu Pingyuan was overjoyed—except Gu Pingyuan, whose face showed no trace of a smile.

Though Gu Pingyuan appeared unmoved outwardly, his heart was more shaken than anyone’s. With his astute mind that understood at a glance, seeing Master Hou Er’s frowning, stern face and Old Master Hu’s excitement, he knew this was the old master acting unilaterally to help him. Of course, he could play ignorant, sell all his tea to Tailai Tea House, and ignore what happened afterward. But that would push all problems onto Old Master Hu—too unrighteous.

Thinking this, Gu Pingyuan’s momentarily stirring thoughts steadied again. He grasped Old Master Hu’s arm sincerely: “Old Master, I understand your meaning completely. Please allow me to enter the courtyard first to address everyone, then we’ll discuss business.”

Old Master Hu nodded repeatedly. With him present, Chief Administrator Hu naturally dared not obstruct Gu Pingyuan. The group entered the guild hall’s main chamber.

By now, many tea merchants and guild administrators from various regions had gathered outside the Anhui Merchants’ Guild, all wanting to see what Gu Pingyuan would do.

Gu Pingyuan stood in the very center of the hall. Merchants venerated different deities according to their main trade—tea business honored Lu Yu, salt business honored Chi You, silk weaving worshipped Silkworm Mother. But in guild halls, all were uniform—the central hall invariably displayed Zhao Gongming, the God of Wealth.

Gu Pingyuan first bowed to the God of Wealth, silently praying several times before rising to face everyone.

“Fellow Anhui colleagues, I, Gu Pingyuan, come here today for no other reason than to apologize to everyone. Previously, I was rash and reckless, causing Anhui merchants to lose their Tibetan border clientele—truly a crime deserving a hundred deaths. I hope everyone will be magnanimous.”

Rather than pursuing how Anhui merchants had colluded with outsiders to persecute him, he immediately acknowledged his own “guilt.” This greatly surprised everyone—their faces all showed discomfort, clearly ashamed in their hearts.

But some believed Gu Pingyuan’s move was a case of retreat before advance—perhaps he was about to cause trouble next. They waited to see what he would say.

Gu Pingyuan continued: “Since this is an apology, naturally there must be a gift of apology. I, Gu, possess nothing of value except this most precious thing.” He gently placed the paper booklet he had been clutching in his palm on the table. When releasing it, he hesitated momentarily before letting go. The booklet’s cover bore a clear wet handprint—he had been so nervous his palms were sweating. “I present this specially to demonstrate the sincerity of my heart.”

By now everyone’s curiosity had reached its peak—they all wished they could rush over and open the booklet to see what was written inside.

“Worthy nephew, what medicine are you selling in this gourd? You’ve got this old man completely confused.” Old Master Hu had traveled north and south his whole life—what hadn’t he seen? But this move by Gu Pingyuan left even him completely baffled.

Gu Pingyuan pointed to the booklet on the table: “This contains the methods for cultivating and producing Orchid Snow tea—the crystallization of Old Man Min’s life’s work. He has already taught it all to me, and I’ve recorded everything in this booklet. Any tea merchant or tea farmer from our Huizhou can look at it and learn from it.”

With these words, everyone was struck with disbelief. For tea merchants, tea-making secrets were their lifeblood—especially for “Number One Tea Under Heaven.” What Gu Pingyuan was doing was equivalent to handing over the kingdom he had worked so hard to establish, leaving himself empty-handed.

“Pingyuan!” “Brother-in-law!” “Old brother!” “Master Gu!” All those who had come with Gu Pingyuan were shocked, crying out in dismay, thinking he had been driven to madness by desperate pain.

“Though I, Gu, had some luck in growing Orchid Snow tea, after Old Man Min’s improved methods, this Orchid Snow tea can be easily grown in any suitable growing location. If you have any unclear points, feel free to ask me.” Gu Pingyuan spoke unhurriedly and methodically, showing even more clearly that his mind was lucid, not temporarily confused.

“You’re…” Old Master Hu was thrown into complete confusion by Gu Pingyuan’s move, looking at him without knowing what to say.

“Old Master, I too have read a few books in my time. Ancient texts say: ‘Which brings more joy—enjoying alone or enjoying with the people?’ Naturally, it’s enjoying with the people. This heaven-sent Tea King’s blessing shouldn’t be enjoyed by the Gu family alone. Sharing it today with all tea industry people in Huizhou accords with heaven’s way.”

After saying these words to Old Master Hu, Gu Pingyuan turned to face the murmuring tea merchants and declared loudly: “However, I must make one thing clear. Since this Orchid Snow tea was created by my Gu family, it’s like flesh and blood—I won’t tolerate others abusing it. Henceforth, regardless of which family sells Orchid Snow tea, it must be graded by my Gu family and only sold after establishing its grade. This grading costs nothing—it’s merely to prevent people from passing off inferior products as superior ones. Without my Gu family’s grading seal, any Orchid Snow tea sold is not authentic. Have all my fellow colleagues heard this clearly?”

“We’ve heard!” The entire hall responded like spring thunder, clearly showing how widely Gu Pingyuan’s action had won hearts.

“Old Master, shall we go inside to discuss business?” Only then did Gu Pingyuan smile and address Old Master Hu.

Old Master Hu gazed at Gu Pingyuan—first puzzled, then with growing admiration in his eyes, finally nodding heavily.

“Good, let’s discuss business!”

Li Wantang received Li Qin’s report when the sun was at its zenith. After quietly pondering for a while, he looked up and asked Li Qin: “What do you think Gu Pingyuan’s purpose was in giving away the tea-making secrets for free?”

Li Qin had come to report precisely because he couldn’t figure it out despite racking his brains. He lowered his head: “Your son doesn’t understand. Please enlighten me, Father.”

“Of course you wouldn’t understand.” Li Wantang’s tone was bland. “Let me ask you: on a battlefield, when drawing a bow and shooting arrows, which target do you aim for?”

“Naturally, capture the king first to capture the bandits.”

“But what if the entire battlefield is full of commander flags—which one would you shoot?”

“This…” Li Qin didn’t know how to answer.

“Hmph!” Li Wantang looked at him and shook his head. “He effortlessly broke your few tricks. Go back and think about it slowly.” With that, he flicked his sleeves and entered the inner room.

Li Qin stood there stupefied, his face slowly turning the color of pig’s liver.

In the Anhui Merchants’ Guild hall, Old Master Hu concluded his business contract with Gu Pingyuan and saw him out before returning to sit in the main hall.

Master Hou Er stood cautiously beside him. Seeing the old master’s expression was decent, he ventured to speak: “This move by Gu Pingyuan truly exceeded everyone’s expectations. But this way, doing business with him won’t be problematic, because everyone can grow Orchid Snow tea. The Gu family’s Number One Tea Under Heaven has become Anhui merchants’ Number One Tea Under Heaven. No one has the ability to oppose all Anhui merchants.”

Old Master Hu glanced at him: “Only you are clever!”

Master Hou Er quickly lowered his head: “Your nephew wouldn’t dare—it’s all from Uncle’s daily teachings.”

“What you said isn’t wrong either. Gu Pingyuan indeed used this to extricate himself from his precarious position. Otherwise, no matter how capable he was, it would be difficult to turn things around. Even more wonderful is that from now on, Gu Pingyuan needn’t rely on Orchid Snow tea to do business.”

“Why is that?” The speaker was Chief Administrator Hu. The large copper balls in his hands had long stopped rotating—his mind was entirely on the day’s events at the guild hall. The more he thought about it, the more he found this young man unfathomable.

“Don’t you understand?” Old Master Hu waited for a servant to light his pipe, took several deep puffs, then continued: “If it were you, doing business with someone who could give away ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ for free, would you still be uneasy? When someone can laugh and discard such great profits, no matter what business they do, would they lack integrity or covet small gains? For merchants, nothing matters more than ‘integrity.’ Gu Pingyuan traded the Tea King for these two words. His future achievements truly are limitless.”

Master Hou Er kept his head down, listening to Old Master Hu’s lengthy praise of Gu Pingyuan, his eyes full of jealousy and hatred.

Here, everyone followed Gu Pingyuan back to “Kelai Sheng.” Except for Secretary Hao who understood somewhat, everyone else was still confused, waiting to hear Gu Pingyuan explain the day’s actions.

Gu Pingyuan’s words carried fatigue: “I’ve given away ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’—surely they won’t still view me as a thorn in their eye or flesh?”

“That’s not right.” Secretary Hao asked doubtfully: “Old brother, don’t I know your character? There’s no reason to raise a white flag in surrender.”

“Haha!” Only then did Gu Pingyuan break into hearty laughter. “Really, nothing can be hidden from big brother.”

“Brother-in-law, what’s really going on?” Liu Heita was completely puzzled.

Even Old Man Chang Si, who rarely spoke, asked: “Pingyuan, why did you give away the ‘Number One Under Heaven’ you worked so hard to obtain? Isn’t this too regrettable?”

“No, previously I was single-mindedly focused on the great profits Orchid Snow tea would bring, blinded by this profit. Giving and receiving are one entity—only by first giving can you later receive.”

“So what did you receive by giving away the tea-making secrets?” Secretary Hao still didn’t understand.

“Quite a lot!” Gu Pingyuan said first: “By presenting this treasure, I’ve essentially pulled all Anhui merchants to my side. Tell me, what merchant under heaven dares say they won’t do business with Anhui merchants?”

“Right! This way, it’s equivalent to mixing Anhui merchants, Orchid Snow tea, and the Gu family together, easily breaking the offensive and defensive alliance of tea merchants under heaven against old brother. Truly brilliant.” Secretary Hao also understood this level.

Gu Pingyuan continued: “Moreover, by giving up Orchid Snow tea, I’ve gained the trust of tea merchants under heaven. Henceforth, even if we don’t do tea business, we’ll be welcomed everywhere.”

“But working so hard to grow ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ yet being unable to profit from it—isn’t that regrettable?” Liu Heita shook his big head with a rueful sigh.

“How could it not profit? Didn’t you hear me say that henceforth, regardless of which family wants to grow or sell Orchid Snow tea, they must go through my Gu family’s grading?”

“Didn’t you say no money would be charged? Where’s the profit in this free work?” Liu Heita still didn’t understand.

“Being able to grade ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’ is itself profit.” Seeing he still didn’t understand, Gu Pingyuan made it clear: “Others merely sell tea, but I can grade the tea they sell. Think about it—what grade would tea sold by my Gu family receive? This sign doesn’t need polishing to shine bright. Why worry about not getting good prices?”

“Ah!” Only then did Liu Heita suddenly understand, laughing heartily: “Brother-in-law, you’re really something!”

Chang Yu’er had been hiding behind the door listening. Speaking of who worried most about Gu Pingyuan, it was still her. Now her face also showed a joyful smile, carrying infinite admiration for Gu Pingyuan.

Su Zixuan sat at the table, her delicate chin resting on her hand, staring at the lamp flame in a daze until Fourth Sister called her for the third time before coming back to her senses.

“Miss, what are you thinking about?”

“Guess.”

This was easy to guess: “It’s Gu Pingyuan, isn’t it? He’s truly clever—without even seeing Miss’s letter, he thought of this ‘sacrifice and gain’ solution.”

Su Zixuan smiled bitterly: “He’s more than just clever. Actually, the ‘sacrifice and gain’ I wanted him to do wasn’t like this. I only hoped he would distribute part of the tea stored in the warehouse for free to tea lovers in the capital to taste. Once the market got stirred up and people flocked to various tea shops to buy Orchid Snow tea repeatedly, some profit-seeking merchants would always break the offensive-defensive alliance and secretly do business with him. With one, there would be no worry about a second or third—like a dam breaching at one point, the alliance would naturally collapse. His business could then continue.”

“But what he’s done now…”

“What I suggested was conspiracy; what he practiced was the kingly way. Done openly and honestly, moreover changing an expedient measure into a permanent solution—I don’t know how many times better than my strategy.”

After a moment of silence, Su Zixuan continued: “This Gu Pingyuan could actually give away the secrets of ‘Number One Tea Under Heaven’—truly beyond my expectations. What great business he might achieve in the future, I’m afraid these merchant guilds currently in the capital couldn’t imagine in their lifetimes.”

“Mother, how can murder be done lightly?” Li Qin’s voice trembled slightly as he looked hesitantly at his mother.

“Truly useless.” Mrs. Li stood up, looking down at the kneeling Li Qin. “This time you represented the Li family in organizing the grand tea assembly, achieving nothing and causing Beijing merchants to lose six million taels for nothing. Then you devised schemes against Orchid Snow tea, which were also effortlessly broken by that Gu Pingyuan, shattering the alliance among tea merchants. Continuing like this, your name will become a laughingstock among merchants. When you take charge of the Li family in the future, no one among Beijing merchants will respect you, and no one will listen to you. Then the Li family’s generations of hard work will be ruined.”

“Would killing Gu Pingyuan restore everything?”

“You still don’t understand.” Mrs. Li shook her head. “What needs restoring isn’t the Number One title or the lost silver, but your spirit. As long as Gu Pingyuan lives, whenever you see him, you’ll forever remember losing to him. Are you willing to be suppressed by someone for your entire life?”

“No!” Li Qin pounded the ground with his fist, letting out a low roar.

“That’s right! And I must tell you something else.” Mrs. Li leaned back in her chair, eyes gazing at the ceiling beams, and after a long while said slowly: “This Gu Pingyuan has a feud with our Li family. His father died at the Li family’s hands years ago—more precisely, at your father’s hands.”

“What?” Li Qin couldn’t believe it.

Mrs. Li stared into his eyes: “Remember the speculation business dispute I mentioned? Since he’s already caused trouble for the Li family, we must retaliate in kind!”

Night had fallen, the moon shone bright. In a secluded place outside Desheng Gate, two people stood in the shadows.

“One thousand taels. Kill one person, and the banknote is yours! Another thousand after it’s done.”

“Kill whom?”

“Gu Pingyuan.”

The questioner was Chen Laizi. Hearing this, he shivered. He’d been a thug for many years—kicking down widows’ doors, robbing graves of extinct families—he’d done every bad deed, but never killed anyone. Even thugs and ruffians had their rules: never get involved in murder cases unless absolutely necessary.

“Well?” The other person pressed impatiently.

Chen Laizi thought about his desperate situation. Having failed to inform on Gu Pingyuan, he didn’t dare show his face in the capital for fear of being caught by Liu Heita. He couldn’t even go out to collect debts for others, and his subordinates had long scattered. These two thousand taels were truly tempting—with this money, wherever he hid for a while, he could live a life of wine and women.

“Fine, Young Master Li. I’ll kill him for you.” Chen Laizi gritted his teeth, took the banknote, and turned to leave.

Having handled this major matter, Li Qin felt relieved. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard applause behind him.

“Good, excellent! Heart and hand in harmony—truly a hero emerges young.”

Li Qin’s heart tightened as he turned around quickly. Stepping out from behind a large tree was Wang Tiangui, the chief manager of the Shanxi draft bank.

“Why are you here?” Li Qin knew this man had heard everything and felt panicked.

Seeing Li Qin’s face alternating between pale and flushed, Wang Tiangui said: “Don’t worry. That Gu Pingyuan is also my enemy. I absolutely won’t reveal what I just heard.”

Only then did Li Qin’s expression ease slightly. Then he heard Wang Tiangui continue: “Things always have contingencies. What if that Chen Laizi can’t kill Gu Pingyuan? Do you plan to just let him go?”

“This…” Li Qin was truly stumped.

Wang Tiangui smiled and stepped forward to pat his shoulder: “Worthy nephew, the killing is your business. Leave the rest to me.”

Now people came to buy Orchid Snow tea in an endless stream. Gu Pingyuan had been busy with the Chang father and son for several days. By evening, they hurried back to “Kelai Sheng” from Yongding Warehouse. He and Old Man Chang Si walked in front, with the inn’s corner already visible not far ahead.

Gu Pingyuan was preoccupied with business matters and walked somewhat absent-mindedly. Old Man Chang Si, however, immediately spotted a masked man crouching halfway up. Seeing the two approaching, the man sprang up, a gleaming boning knife in his hand, thrusting viciously toward Gu Pingyuan’s heart.

Gu Pingyuan was completely unprepared—if this struck, he’d surely die. Seeing the danger, Old Man Chang Si rushed forward a step to knock Gu Pingyuan aside. A scream was heard as the sharp knife pierced directly through Old Man Chang Si’s back.

Everything happened too suddenly—everyone was stunned. Only the attacker, seeing he hadn’t struck Gu Pingyuan, gritted his teeth, pulled out the knife, and prepared to strike again.

Liu Heita was only a step behind Gu and Chang. By now he’d reached them. Seeing Old Father wounded and fallen, his eyes turned red as he roared: “You bastard!”

Seeing him stride over in several steps, the assailant turned and ran. How could Liu Heita let him escape? He pursued relentlessly, pulling out the nine-section whip from his waist as he chased.

With his long legs and large strides, he caught up to the assailant within half a street. Swinging the steel whip in a full circle, he brought it down toward the man’s head.

Missing the head by half an inch, the whip’s tip struck the man’s heel. This whip could crack stones—what more a human body! With an “ow,” the assailant fell to the ground, clutching his foot and rolling.

Liu Heita stepped on him and yanked off his mask. “Chen Laizi!” He roared and raised his whip to strike.

“Stop!” Secretary Hao, who had rushed out upon hearing the commotion, grabbed him just in time. Being experienced in legal matters, he said: “Keep him alive!” He instructed two workers to tie Chen Laizi up in the stable.

When the two hurried back, Gu Pingyuan was holding Old Man Chang Si and calling to him continuously, but the man had already lost consciousness.

Gu Pingyuan immediately assigned tasks: Liu Heita was to quickly carry Old Man Chang Si back to the inn, with Secretary Hao accompanying them. He himself would fetch a doctor and procure all the finest wound medicines, regardless of how many types or cost.

Fortunately, this was the capital where the world’s finest medicines could be bought. Guihe Hall’s “Golden Wound Healing Paste” had miraculous effects on knife wounds. The bleeding stopped, but the wound was too deep. Gu Pingyuan summoned not just one doctor but every practicing physician nearby willing to make house calls. Yet each one who examined the patient shook his head.

“The heart meridian is severed—impossible to save.” Old Master Huang from Tongrentang shook his head, with the other doctors agreeing.

Chang Yu’er was already crying heartbrokenly, kneeling and pleading continuously, but all the doctors were helpless.

Gu Pingyuan stood guard nearby, looking at Old Man Chang Si who had only one breath left on the bed, tears in his eyes, his heart feeling like it was being fried in oil and boiled in water.

The man had again saved his life, trading his own life for it! Now, if it could pull Old Man Chang Si back from death’s door, Gu Pingyuan would willingly give his own heart as medicine!

Several people surrounded the doctor pleading continuously. Only then did Old Master Huang sigh: “There’s no way to save him, but if you want to see him one last time, only ginseng over a hundred years old might sustain his life briefly. The cost would be considerable.”

Without hesitation, Gu Pingyuan sent someone to spend fifteen hundred taels of silver at the pharmacy for a top-grade old ginseng root. Chang Yu’er personally went to brew the soup. Passing the stable, someone inside called out urgently in a low voice: “Chang Yu’er, come here!”

“You…” Chang Yu’er trembled all over, looking at Chen Laizi through gritted teeth.

“Cut the nonsense—quickly untie me. Otherwise, if I let slip even half a word, you can forget about being human, let alone becoming some young mistress of the Gu family.” Chen Laizi glared with his triangular eyes threateningly.

“Fine, I’ll untie you.” Chang Yu’er set aside the ginseng soup and pulled out the bone-handled small knife from her bosom.

Chen Laizi waited smugly for Chang Yu’er to cut the ropes binding him, still cursing in his mind: “Damn Liu Heita, that whip was really heavy. Once I…” Just as he thought this, he felt a chill in his chest. Looking down, he saw the small knife protruding straight from his heart.

He stared blankly at the knife, then at Chang Yu’er who had stepped back two paces, suddenly feeling terror wash over him.

“I’m freeing you to meet the King of Hell.” Chang Yu’er glared at him fiercely.

“Save… save me…” Chen Laizi opened his mouth as blood trickled from the corner. Unwilling to die, he gasped desperately: “It wasn’t… wasn’t me…” Before finishing, his head tilted and he moved no more.

Chang Yu’er closed her eyes, her chest heaving. When she opened them again, she suddenly remembered something and stepped forward to roll up Chen Laizi’s sleeve. Her eyes suddenly widened.

“It wasn’t him, it wasn’t him…” Chang Yu’er trembled all over, her wide eyes seeming unable to see anything clearly, pupils filled only with chaotic fear and confusion.

After brewing the ginseng soup, they pried open Old Man Chang Si’s teeth and poured it down. Here, Old Master Huang used the medicine’s power to apply acupuncture. Soon, a weak sound came from Old Man Chang Si’s throat.

“Father, please open your eyes and look.” Liu Heita and Chang Yu’er threw themselves beside the sickbed, crying and calling.

“Mm.” Old Man Chang Si struggled to open his eyes, laboriously recognizing that both his daughter and adopted son were by his side. He opened his mouth and asked in a voice thin as mosquito’s buzzing: “Where’s… Pingyuan?”

Hearing Old Man Chang Si ask for him immediately upon waking, Gu Pingyuan felt even more heartbroken beyond words. He leaned forward to meet with the old father.

Old Man Chang Si’s lips trembled as he couldn’t speak. His eyes looked at his daughter, then at Gu Pingyuan, tears slowly flowing from the corners of his eyes.

At this moment, Gu Pingyuan no longer needed to hesitate about anything. He stepped back half a pace, lifted his robe and knelt down, respectfully kowtowing to Old Man Chang Si, calling out:

“Father!”

Everyone in the room was startled, but at the same time they all understood his feelings. Old Man Chang Si’s eyes shone with joy as he moved the corners of his mouth in a comforted smile.

Chang Yu’er looked at Gu Pingyuan with complex emotions—both grateful and helpless. However, she also knew that at this moment, nothing could comfort the old man’s heart more than Gu Pingyuan’s address.

Indeed, Old Man Chang Si’s spirits lifted and his speech gained strength, but Old Master Huang nearby understood this was merely a final rally stimulated by good news.

“Heita!” Old Man Chang Si first called his adopted son.

“Father!” Liu Heita was already crying beyond recognition.

“From now on, you must listen to Pingyuan. Don’t cause trouble! Don’t seek revenge for me!”

“Yes!” Liu Heita sobbed while agreeing emphatically.

“Yu’er, Pingyuan.” Old Man Chang Si called his daughter and son-in-law.

The two immediately knelt side by side before the bed, listening to the old father’s words.

“You two… you two should hold the wedding ceremony in a few days. I won’t go far—seeing this will make my heart happy.”

Everyone in the room hadn’t expected Old Man Chang Si to make this request. According to ritual, when parents died, children should observe mourning for three years. Even if the wedding date was already set, it should be postponed three years. How could there be reason to marry during the mourning period? Everyone couldn’t help but look at each other, not knowing how to respond.

Some people thought that Old Man Chang Si must be concerned for his daughter. Once he was gone, though his daughter still had an adopted brother, they weren’t blood siblings after all. Living together would be inconvenient in many ways, and three years would be hard to endure. Only by marrying her off early would she have someone to depend on.

Gu Pingyuan thought even more deeply, believing Old Man Chang Si worried that delays brought complications—fearing changes might occur over three years, especially regarding the matter between himself and Bai Yimei. That’s why he urgently wanted the two to marry quickly.

Understanding the old father’s painstaking care and unwilling to let the old man die with unresolved worries, his heart had already agreed. However, this matter needed an explanation, otherwise if word spread, Chang Yu’er would be considered unfilial. He turned to look at Secretary Hao.

Secretary Hao had assisted the county magistrate with civil affairs for several years and was broadly learned. After brief consideration, he nodded: “Under no circumstances can a man marry within three years of parental death. However, women are different. Folk custom has the practice of ‘borrowing good fortune’—when a woman has no close relatives and no one to depend on, she can borrow good fortune for the ceremony. Since Brother Liu is only the old father’s adopted son, Miss Chang can be considered as having no close relatives, so this wouldn’t be improper.”

“Good, well said! Let’s do this!” Old Man Chang Si was so pleased he tried to struggle up, but as soon as he lifted his body, he collapsed again. No matter how everyone called or Chang Yu’er cried, he never woke again.

Seven days later, the Anhui Merchants’ Guild held a red and white ceremony that shocked the capital.

Old Man Chang Si’s seventh-day memorial and Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yu’er’s wedding were both held on the same day, because the seventh day was when the deceased returned home. Since Old Man Chang Si couldn’t rest easy about his daughter’s marriage, they wanted him to know in the afterlife.

Wedding ceremony in the mourning hall—such a thing naturally became a strange tale. Common people all came to watch the excitement, surrounding the Anhui Merchants’ Guild so tightly that not even water could leak through. Chief Administrator Hu, grateful for Gu Pingyuan’s gift of tea, had completely abandoned past grievances and actively proposed placing the coffin in the guild hall, setting up a memorial tablet to receive condolence visitors.

Merchant guilds from various regions now knew that Gu Pingyuan’s Orchid Snow tea had become Anhui merchants’ Orchid Snow tea. To profit from it, they inevitably had to deal with him. Since this was so, they might as well do it gracefully, so they all sent people to offer condolences. These mourners were also congratulators today—after three bows before the spirit, they also had to congratulate Gu Pingyuan, who received guests before the spirit as a “half-son.” However, this “congratulation” was only silently implied in their hearts, merely cupping hands—the word “congratulations” could never be spoken.

Secretary Hao also helped receive guests. Finding an opportunity, he called Gu Pingyuan aside and handed him a neatly folded paper.

Gu Pingyuan unfolded it and saw it was a banknote—exactly one thousand taels.

“I found this on Chen Laizi’s body.” Secretary Hao said with a grave expression.

Chen Laizi had been mysteriously killed in the stable. Almost everyone believed there must be someone behind this, that Chen Laizi was killed to silence him.

“You mean someone hired an assassin.”

“A thug carrying a thousand-tael banknote on his person—isn’t that suspicious?”

“Can we find out who gave him the banknote?” Gu Pingyuan asked.

“Even if we found out, a single banknote couldn’t serve as evidence. They could claim it was lost or stolen—there are plenty of excuses to deny responsibility.”

Hearing this, Gu Pingyuan was puzzled. “But did you actually find out or not?”

“I did find out, but it can’t serve as evidence. Hearing it would only increase your troubles.”

“Who exactly was it?”

Secretary Hao hesitated before saying: “This banknote was issued by an inconspicuous small bank with poor market credibility and little circulation. One thousand taels is already their largest denomination. Most peculiar is that this bank is operated by Jiangxi people.”

“So what?” Gu Pingyuan thought about it—he hadn’t made enemies with anyone from Jiangxi.

“Old brother, you’re wise in general but confused for the moment. Think about it—this is in the capital, where Beijing merchant bank notes are the hard currency and convenient to handle. Why would someone specifically go to a small bank run by out-of-town merchants to exchange banknotes?”

Gu Pingyuan suddenly understood: “Someone deliberately did this to avoid suspicion falling on themselves.”

“Trying to cover up only makes it more obvious.” Secretary Hao nodded dismissively.

“Beijing merchants? It must be the Li family!” Gu Pingyuan ground his teeth after hearing this. The Li family was connected to his being framed in the examination years ago, and now they were suspected of hiring someone to kill his father-in-law. This enmity was truly irreconcilable.

“Li Wantang could easily deny both cases cleanly. If you really want revenge, you can’t be hasty, especially can’t let him know. If this hot-tempered one storms into the Li residence to kill people, no one could save him!” Secretary Hao pointed to Liu Heita not far away.

Gu Pingyuan nodded gravely.

Liu Heita rubbed his big head as he walked over. He had been wailing for days, his voice hoarse as a wolf’s howl, his eyelids swollen high: “Brother-in-law, where has my sister gone?”

“Yu’er is missing?” Gu Pingyuan asked in surprise. Since they were marrying today, naturally they couldn’t meet.

“She’s been missing since morning. She wasn’t there for the seventh-day incense ceremony either. I thought she was being shy and hiding in her room, but the wedding attendant just went to look and said the room was empty too.”

Gu Pingyuan and Secretary Hao looked at each other, both puzzled and confused. Where could Chang Yu’er have gone?

Early that morning, just as dawn was breaking, when the gates of Sansheng Nunnery north of the city opened, the abbess stepped out and saw a bride in bright red wedding robes kneeling on the bluestone slabs by the road, hands clasped together, head bowed.

“Female benefactor, on such a good day, instead of being in the wedding hall, why have you come to the Buddha hall?” the abbess asked in surprise.

“In the red dust of the nine streets, who can be happy every day? One day of contentment should satisfy the heart.” The woman spoke while removing the phoenix crown and ceremonial cape from her head, taking off the bright red wedding robes. Underneath, she was actually wearing a set of gray monastic robes.

“I beseech the abbess’s compassion!” She raised her head, tears filling her eyes.

“How can a wedding proceed with one person missing?” Secretary Hao, acting as chief matchmaker, couldn’t find the bride anywhere. The wedding banquet was delayed repeatedly, guests were already murmuring, and he was spinning in circles with anxiety. Liu Heita was even more frantic, having searched everywhere possible, but Chang Yu’er was nowhere to be found.

Gu Pingyuan was also anxious, but he kept thinking—the last time Yu’er disappeared, she was kidnapped by Li Qin. Could it be that Beijing merchants were targeting him again and had abducted her? Thinking this, Gu Pingyuan’s eyebrows rose. If he really couldn’t find her, regardless of whether he had evidence or how powerful the Li family was, he would storm the Li residence with his men today and turn the Li family upside down.

Suddenly there was commotion at the guild hall entrance. “Miss Chang has returned,” Secretary Hao, being severely nearsighted, spoke more from hope than sight. He hurried forward several steps, pushed through the crowd, and was startled by what he saw.

“Oh, you gentlemen are…”

He recognized all these people in front of him—they were the constables sent by Shuntian Prefecture to arrest Gu Pingyuan several days ago.

The lead constable was surnamed Song. He also recognized Secretary Hao, who had slipped silver into his hands last time and was a government official from Huizhou Prefecture, so his manner was respectful.

“Master Hao, our respects to you.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.” Secretary Hao was returning the courtesy when Gu Pingyuan had already rushed over, his heart filled with foreboding—could something have happened to Chang Yu’er?

“Officers, dare I ask if you have news of Miss Chang?”

The constables looked at each other and shook their heads: “We don’t know of any Miss Chang.”

Gu Pingyuan’s heart had just settled when Constable Song pointed at him: “Come, arrest this Gu Pingyuan and take him back to jail!”

This sudden change startled everyone in the guild hall. Liu Heita straightened up and stepped forward: “Why arrest my brother-in-law? What law has he broken?”

Secretary Hao, being a government man himself, knew opposing the authorities brought no good. He held Liu Heita back and said with a forced smile: “Wasn’t this case closed last time? Why trouble yourselves to arrest him again?”

Indeed, Chen Laizi was already dead—even the plaintiff was gone. Why think of reopening the case?

Constable Song nodded: “With Commander Yi’s word, even if someone else accused him of being a fugitive, we wouldn’t come to arrest him again. But this time is different. The person accusing him… sigh!” He sighed, looking at Gu Pingyuan with some sympathy. “Consider yourself unlucky. This person is the real authority—when he accuses you, it’s guaranteed.”

“Who?” Everyone wanted to ask this question.

“It’s me!” The voice came with the person—a stocky military officer walked over, his wolfish eyes looking at Gu Pingyuan with a seeming smile: “Fellow surnamed Gu, you’re truly capable. Not even a mouse can slip through Shanhai Pass, yet you escaped. Remarkable, truly remarkable.”

“Commander Xu!” Gu Pingyuan’s face immediately turned pale.

“This is the commander of Shangyang Fort, in charge of exiled criminals, who came specially from beyond the pass to bring back the fugitive.” This sealed Gu Pingyuan’s fate completely—trying to bluff through like last time was absolutely impossible.

Commander Xu leaned close to Gu Pingyuan’s ear and said with a sinister smile: “Blame your bad luck. Someone paid five hundred taels of silver. When we return to camp, one tael per military rod—five hundred intimidation rods await you.”

Seeing it was him, Gu Pingyuan knew there was no hope. From Kou Liancai’s mouth, he already knew Commander Xu hated him to the bone and wanted to flay him alive. Even without silver, he would put him to death. Falling into his hands meant certain death.

With things at this point, he simply stopped thinking about it and turned to Secretary Hao: “Don’t worry about me. You and Heita quickly go find Yu’er.”

“Old brother Gu!” “Brother-in-law!” Everyone watched helplessly as Gu Pingyuan was led away by the constables. Outside the guild hall door sat a sedan chair. Inside, Wang Tiangui lightly lifted the curtain, watching Gu Pingyuan with a cangue around his neck being escorted to Shuntian Prefecture, finally showing a satisfied smile on his face.

The winner of Number One Tea Under Heaven was a fugitive exile who had now been caught by the authorities and would soon be sent back beyond the pass. This news spread like wildfire through the mouths of merchants leaving the guild hall, quickly spreading throughout Beijing.

Late that night, near midnight, neither Secretary Hao nor Liu Heita had slept. Both were nearly driven mad with anxiety. On the wedding day, the groom was arrested and the bride disappeared—this was truly unheard of. Liu Heita was convinced the Li family was behind it and several times wanted to confront them, but Secretary Hao held him back firmly. Just then, someone suddenly knocked at the inn door.

“Sister, where have you been all day?” Liu Heita stared wide-eyed at Chang Yu’er.

Chang Yu’er didn’t respond, just walked steadily toward her room. Liu Heita followed closely, constantly questioning, but Chang Yu’er wouldn’t say a word.

“Do you know that brother-in-law has… has been arrested by the authorities?”

Hearing this, Chang Yu’er wasn’t panicked, just nodded lightly. She had changed her mind overnight precisely because she knew this news.

Chang Yu’er remained silent throughout, just taking a bundle and quietly packing clothes, leaving Liu Heita anxious and at a loss.

“Miss Chang, are you leaving?” Secretary Hao asked from outside the door.

“Brother Hao, please come in.” Only then did Chang Yu’er speak for the first time. Secretary Hao hesitated before entering the room.

Chang Yu’er suddenly rose and bowed gracefully. Secretary Hao quickly dodged aside, hearing her say: “Brother Hao, you are my husband’s close friend. After we husband and wife go beyond the pass, please help look after matters here, especially my big brother—he has a quick temper, please take care of him.”

“This… this goes without saying, but…” Secretary Hao hadn’t expected Chang Yu’er to say this and didn’t know how to respond.

Liu Heita cried out: “No! If anyone’s going, it should be me accompanying brother-in-law. How can you, a woman, go to that bitter cold place beyond the pass? Besides, you and brother-in-law haven’t officially married yet!”

“Father betrothed me to him, so I belong to him. Living as a person of the Gu family, dying as a ghost of the Gu family—naturally I should accompany him and care for him along the way. As for the future, to speak inauspiciously, even if he dies beyond the pass, wherever his lonely grave lies will be where I spend my final years.” Chang Yu’er spoke lightly but with absolute determination. Anyone hearing this knew her mind could never be changed.

Secretary Hao was both admiring and moved, nodding repeatedly: “Miss Chang, I’ve already sent an express letter to Lord Qiao overnight, explaining everything here. He’s now highly regarded by Governor Yuan—perhaps he can ask the Governor to find a solution. You needn’t worry too much.”

“Oh.” Chang Yu’er didn’t pay much attention. She had already decided that even if no solution could be found, she would accompany Gu Pingyuan to suffer beyond the pass.

Outside the window, clouds gathered without rain. Inside, someone gently played the qin. The piece “High Mountains and Flowing Water,” usually flowing smoothly like quicksilver, today repeatedly faltered.

“Forget it, put the qin away.” Su Zixuan sighed softly, stroking the qin body and pushing it forward an inch.

“Yes.” Fourth Sister put away the qin and turned to look at her mistress with unspoken words.

“Speak. You seem to have had something on your mind all day.” Wearing pure white Han-style gauze robes that trailed to the ground, Su Zixuan’s brilliant starlike eyes seemed like a fairy from dreams.

“I heard that Gu Pingyuan will soon be exiled again, and this time it’s probably more dire than fortunate.”

“It’s certain death.” Su Zixuan knew that exiled criminals who escaped and were escorted back to camp would definitely receive five hundred intimidation rods. Those rods were as thick as goose eggs with seasoned copper bands—no one had ever survived a hundred strokes. It was really immediate death under the rods, with the remaining hundreds of strokes merely for show to the other exiles in camp.

“He did save Miss’s life after all. I was thinking… thinking…” Fourth Sister looked at Su Zixuan. Since this mistress had changed back to women’s clothing, the coldness in her eyes had diminished considerably. She gathered courage: “Why not use that thing in the book chest to save him?” If Su Zixuan would agree, perhaps the matter she had been planning could be abandoned. Fourth Sister hoped for this from the bottom of her heart.

Su Zixuan slowly stood and came before Fourth Sister, looking at her quietly for a while: “Is this what you think?”

“Yes.” Fourth Sister nodded.

“Crack!” Su Zixuan delivered a heavy, harsh slap to Fourth Sister’s face, sending her staggering as she quickly covered her face and knelt on the ground.

“Miss, I was wrong. I won’t dare again.”

“Go get the long robe and jacket.”

“Yes.” Fourth Sister dared not say more and turned to leave.

Su Zixuan’s gaze slowly fell on the ancient qin. The qin expressed the heart’s voice—her agitation while playing was indeed for that Gu Pingyuan. Striking Fourth Sister was because before she spoke, the same thought had appeared in her own mind.

“I am Su Zixuan, not Princess Zixuan! No one in this world is worth using that thing to save.” Su Zixuan gently wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.

When Fourth Sister returned with the clothes, she was surprised to see her mistress holding sharp scissors, cutting the white gauze robes into butterfly-like pieces. Wind blew through the window, and the light gauze danced like snow falling in June.

“Old brother, this golden wound medicine is good for rod injuries.” Secretary Hao handed over a packet of Tongrentang wound medicine.

Though Gu Pingyuan knew it was useless, he still accepted it. Wearing heavy cangue and with restricted movement, he handed it to Chang Yu’er.

The Ten-Li Pavilion outside the city had been a farewell place for those leaving the capital since ancient times. Gu Pingyuan didn’t want to disturb too many people with his exile today—only Secretary Hao and Liu Heita were there to see him off.

Liu Heita had initially insisted on going together, but Gu Pingyuan firmly refused. Only after entrusting family affairs and business to him did Liu Heita stop arguing. When it came to persuading Chang Yu’er, it was completely ineffective. No matter what Gu Pingyuan said, Chang Yu’er had only one response—either accompany Gu Pingyuan beyond the pass or die before him.

Secretary Hao couldn’t wait for Qiao Henian’s reply, so he heavily bribed the two Shuntian Prefecture escorts. First, with Commander Xu watching nearby, he could only hope the escorts would help at crucial moments. Second, he asked the escorts to travel as slowly as possible, delaying arrival at Shangyang Fort. With a large sum of silver in their pockets, the escorts naturally agreed readily.

“It’s getting late. If we delay further, we won’t reach Yukou Town before dark to rest.” The escort came to urge them.

“Yes.” Gu Pingyuan knew further words were useless. Besides, sending someone a thousand li still meant eventual parting, but he was still unwilling and looked aside: “Yu’er, you should still go back.”

Chang Yu’er smiled with pursed lips, gently shaking her head. Without a word, she shouldered the bundle and helped lift Gu Pingyuan’s heavy cangue.

Gu Pingyuan tearfully parted from Secretary Hao and Liu Heita, following the escorts along the official road northeast. Thinking of the ten-thousand-li separation beyond the pass and enemies watching like tigers, knowing this departure might mean never meeting again, Secretary Hao’s nose stung as two streams of tears flowed down. Liu Heita, watching his sister’s forlorn figure, buried his big head in his arms and sobbed.

“Master Hao! Master Hao!” Someone called repeatedly from behind. Secretary Hao wiped his tears and turned to squint—it was a worker from “Kelai Sheng.”

“A letter from Huizhou just arrived at the inn. The old manager knew you were anxiously awaiting this letter and had me rush it to you.”

“Thank you, thank you.” Secretary Hao quickly tore open the letter, reading rapidly, then stood speechless in shock.

“What does it say? What does the letter say?” Liu Heita asked urgently.

Secretary Hao gazed at the several figures gradually shrinking on the horizon and murmured: “Lord Qiao says that as long as Gu Pingyuan hands over one person to the court, he can get his life back.”

“Who?”

“Bai Yimei!”

End of Volume Four