The Yihusheng Money House, though established only months ago, had already become legendary in Nanjing.
On its opening day, two boxes of gold were displayed at the entrance. It was said that some gangs had coveted the gold but lacked the courage to rob it, as the guards were from General Qi’s Qi Family Army. Only those tired of living would dare attempt such a robbery given their formidable presence.
With abundant wealth, substantial backing, and a business philosophy centered on righteousness, generosity, and sustainable growth, Yihusheng Money House quickly became the leader among Nanjing’s financial institutions. During the current land speculation crisis, only Yihusheng managed to remain unscathed.
In a drizzle, Luo Jiu and Li He sat drinking by the bamboo window on the second floor of Yihusheng.
“Sailing in shallow streams, conversing by bamboo windows in the rain, cooling one’s feet by the creek in the summer heat, viewing mountains from a tower after rain…” Li mused. “Among the ten pleasures described by Master Dongpo, surely our drinking by bamboo windows in the rain while observing life’s vicissitudes counts as one of them.”
“Brother Li’s words are misplaced,” Luo Jiu remarked, savoring the fragrance of his Bird’s Tongue tea. “In this land crisis, some have jumped from buildings, others have hanged themselves, and countless have lost their fortunes. As the noble Imperial Son-in-law, shouldn’t you be concerned for the common people rather than watching their misfortunes with amusement?”
Li He was indeed Princess Ning’an’s consort.
“Come now, everyone knows how much influence an Imperial Son-in-law has. Worry for the common people? That would make life unbearable. I know my place – even as a wealthy man, I walk on thin ice. Let those in court worry about the nation and its people,” Li He replied irritably.
Being a consort in the Great Ming was no easy task.
“What a pity. I had hoped to invite you to join in this game, but it seems you lack the interest,” Luo Jiu said lazily.
“Play if you wish, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. General Qi isn’t having an easy time lately. Be careful not to overplay your hand – he might not be able to protect you,” Li He said, narrowing his eyes.
“I know my limits,” Luo Jiu swirled his tea. After discovering the gold mine, he donated a portion to General Qi’s army when they were struggling with provisions at the border. This earned him the protection of Qi’s border army, allowing him to safeguard his gold mine in Tartar territory.
His journey south served two purposes: first, to attend to some unfinished business in his hometown, perhaps with a touch of triumphant return; second, to raise military funds. The land situation was too sensitive.
As for his acquaintance with Li He, they had met while traveling from the north. Finding kindred spirits in each other, they began associating regardless of their respective stations.
“So you mean we should just watch the Xu family profit from this?” Luo Jiu questioned.
“What else can we do? Let them have their way for now. Heaven makes those it wishes to destroy first go mad. Minister Xu may be a pillar of stability at court, and his gains might be reasonable, but his sons are too greedy. They’ll eventually overreach,” Li He said gravely.
Unlike others, he knew who was pulling the strings behind this land crisis.
Luo Jiu remained noncommittal about Li He’s words, having little interest in court politics. Looking out the window, he suddenly straightened his back: “Here come some players.”
“Who?” Li He asked curiously, following Luo Jiu’s gaze. They saw Hu Zonglin and Zhao Yigui entering the money house, followed by a young woman wearing a veiled hat. Li He didn’t recognize her.
“Them? How do you know they’re joining the game?” Li He asked, giving Luo Jiu a curious look.
“Haven’t you heard that Sifang Money House is about to seize the Han family residence? Madam Han was dragged down by Second Madam Xu’s scheme and got thoroughly trapped. If Han Yigui is clever and bold enough, having already entered the game, he should play it through to the end – that’s his only chance for survival. Their appearance here can only mean they want to borrow money to continue playing. They wouldn’t come to me otherwise, given my unpleasant relationship with the Hui merchants.”
“Indeed, in all of Nanjing, only your Yihusheng Money House still has funds to move around,” Li He nodded. He noticed Luo Jiu’s eyes fixed on the veiled woman following Han Yigui.
“Who’s that, catching our Master Luo’s attention so completely?” Li He teased.
The woman was Li Zhenniang. Despite her veil, Luo Jiu recognized her figure instantly.
That girl had quite a talent for making money. He’d heard she’d even managed to con Tian Benchang once. Back in Huizhou, he’d only known her as a girl with strong opinions and excellent ink-making skills. After their recent encounter, he’d made inquiries about her activities over the past year and learned she’d accomplished several significant feats. Beyond his previous impressions, she’d become increasingly intriguing to him.
However, in response to Li He’s teasing, Luo Jiu found it too trivial to address. Rubbing his nose, he said, “It seems the Imperial Son-in-law has too much free time. Shall I arrange a boat on the Qinhuai River for your entertainment?”
“You think my life is too comfortable, don’t you?” Li He replied irritably. Though there was no prohibition against imperial sons-in-law visiting Qinhuai, someone of his status had many social constraints to consider.
“Hehe,” Luo Jiu grinned. He clapped his hands, and an attendant approached: “Master, what do you need?”
“Fetch Manager Yan,” Luo Jiu instructed.
Manager Yan Xilai of Yihusheng Money House had been Luo Jiu’s accountant at the northern gold mine, brought south by him. Within moments, Yan Xilai appeared. Around thirty years old, dressed like a scholarly accountant, he carried an air of refined competence.
“What business brings President Hu and his group?” Though Luo Jiu could guess, he still asked.
“They’ve brought deed certificates for several shops and residences from the former Li Family Ink Shop as collateral for a loan. We’re currently assessing their value,” Manager Yan reported.
“No need for assessment. Let them borrow whatever amount they want – their reputation is worth more than those deeds,” Luo Jiu said.
“Indeed, one is the current president of the Hui Merchants’ Commercial Association, the other a veteran of the silk trade – both are notable figures in Nanjing,” Yan Xilai nodded, agreeing with Luo Jiu’s point. Building good relations with these two would facilitate Yihusheng’s future development in Nanjing. He bowed courteously and went back to handle the matter.
The bow was directed at Imperial Son-in-law Li He, of course. As for Luo Jiu, they’d worked together since their northern days and didn’t stand on such a ceremony.
“Such a large loan – you’re not going down to oversee it yourself?” Li He asked curiously.
“Yan Xilai is completely reliable. Why should I go down? In business, you must know how to use people. We don’t make money to exhaust ourselves, but to enjoy life’s leisurely moments,” Luo Jiu laughed.
Normally, he should have gone down for such significant business, but his acquaintance with Miss Li had been purely coincidental. This loan was strictly business, and he didn’t want Miss Li to feel indebted to him. Better not to go down.
“Brother, while others run themselves ragged doing business, you seem more at ease than even a leisurely Imperial Son-in-law like myself,” Li He chided with a laugh.
“This is what I call knowing how to live,” Luo Jiu replied without modesty.
Upon leaving the money house, Li Zhenniang’s group hadn’t expected borrowing from Yihusheng would be so easy. Whatever the reasons might be, with proper collateral and loan terms, it was a legitimate business transaction that needed no overthinking.
Leaving the money house, they gathered at the Han residence and assigned various people to collect land in different areas. Even Zheng Fuli received an assignment, though Li Zhenniang herself wouldn’t need to be involved.
She then returned to the Li residence with Xiaohua.
The weather had grown warmer.
In the front courtyard of the Li residence, Madam Fang and Madam Ge were chatting by the entrance.
“Mother-in-law, why haven’t you discussed the tax matter with Miss Zhen yet?” Sister Ge Qiu asked Madam Fang.
“I’m still thinking it over,” Madam Fang hedged. She couldn’t bring herself to say that her husband had threatened to divorce her if she mentioned it again. Though she knew the threat was mostly empty, no woman would want to test such waters.
“What’s left to think about? It’ll be too late if we wait any longer,” Sister Ge Qiu grumbled.
“What do you mean?” Madam Fang raised her eyebrows.
“Don’t you know? I heard that Miss Zhen has mortgaged these houses and shops to Yihusheng Money House to borrow money for buying land. At this critical time, still buying land? Isn’t that like an old man hanging himself – tired of living?” Sister Ge Qiu said irritably.
“Really? Such an important matter and Li Zhenniang didn’t tell us? We’ve watched over these Nanjing properties for over a decade – what does she take us for?” Hearing this, Madam Fang jumped up angrily.
“Exactly! The main family branch never respected us, yet Father-in-law still thinks of them in everything,” Madam Ge added fuel to the fire.
“This won’t do. I’m going to find Second Mistress,” Madam Fang said bitterly.
“What are you doing? What are you doing? Is this something a woman should meddle in? Stay put and mind your own business.” Li Jingming had just returned from the shop, which was under renovation, and looking somewhat dusty. Hearing Madam Fang’s words, his face darkened.
“What do you mean ‘mind my own business’? We’ve guarded this family business for over a decade, and now we’re watching Miss Zhen run it into the ground. Not only will our years of hard work be wasted, but we might end up taking the blame for her,” Madam Fang protested.
“I’ve already discussed this matter in detail with Second Aunt and analyzed the implications with Uncle Jingming. Furthermore, I’ve written back to Huizhou beforehand. I, Li Zhenniang, will bear all consequences alone. Your hard work and contributions will be fully acknowledged by Seventh Grandmother,” Li Zhenniang said sternly, having just entered with Xiaohua to hear Madam Fang’s outburst.
Her words weren’t empty promises – she held shares in the Wuyuan inkstone quarry.