Cheng Chi had calculated things well, but matters didn’t develop as he had imagined.
First, Cheng Mian came to find him, tactfully expressing that since they had received kindness from the First Branch, it would be impossible to sell their shares for profit at this time—what difference would that be from merchants who buy low and sell high?
Then came Cheng Wen from the Fifth Branch to see him as well.
Cheng Wen spoke much more bluntly: “…Back when I had no silver and said I’d use family antiques as collateral, you agreed. Now that you have a conflict with the Second Branch, I can’t just walk away—what kind of person would that make me! Besides, I now have an annual income of five thousand taels of silver. Even if the Second Branch gave me a hundred thousand taels, that’s only twenty years of income—once it’s spent, it’s gone. But if I hold onto these shares, they bring in money every year, continuously and endlessly. Isn’t that more worthwhile than selling outright? Moreover, whether the Second Branch is even willing to spend a hundred thousand taels to buy my shares is uncertain. The more I calculate, the more I feel it would be too much of a loss.”
Cheng Chi picked up the teapot and poured Cheng Wen a fresh cup of tea, saying: “You’re so certain Yutai Bank can survive twenty years? What if Yutai Bank collapses in a couple of years? Wouldn’t you lose big!”
“No, that won’t happen, will it!” Cheng Wen’s eyes widened as he stared at Cheng Chi, his words becoming stuttered. “You’re only in your twenties now. Yutai Bank should be able to prosper for at least another twenty years, right?”
“What does Yutai Bank prospering for twenty years have to do with my age?”
“As long as you don’t become senile, this bank can’t possibly collapse, can it?” Cheng Wen’s eyes grew even wider. “Don’t try to fool me. I’ve heard that people from the Second Branch have been looking everywhere for partners to do business with. When people hear it’s the Cheng family of Jiuru Lane, they come running eagerly. But as soon as they hear it’s the Second Branch’s own idea, every one of them says they’re busy and runs away faster than anyone. Otherwise, do you think things would be so peaceful for you? Do you think Yutai Bank could be so prosperous? I’ve figured it out now—those people don’t want to do business with the Cheng family, they want to do business with you!” As he spoke, he revealed a hint of pride. “Anyway, I’ve figured it out this time. As long as you’re in charge of the Cheng family’s general affairs, I’ll enjoy the shade under the big tree. The day you stop doing it… well, I’ll follow you. Whatever business you do, I’ll invest!”
Cheng Chi only smiled without speaking.
Cheng Wen hurriedly said: “I’m telling the truth. I made up my mind before coming. If you and the Second Branch fight, I’ll definitely help you. If you don’t believe me, I can swear an oath.”
“It’s not as serious as you make it sound,” Cheng Chi smiled. “I just thought that if you sold your shares and then bought some farmland, the risk might be smaller.”
“You can’t catch a wolf without giving up the child.” Cheng Wen patted his chest. “The risk with farmland is small, but the returns aren’t high either. I’ve decided to follow your lead.”
That depends on whether I’m willing to let you follow me!
Cheng Chi muttered to himself, smiling faintly as he poured Cheng Wen another cup of tea.
“Oh my! Oh my!” Cheng Wen said hastily. “Let me do it, let me do it. You’re the God of Wealth—how can I let the God of Wealth pour tea for me?”
Cheng Chi raised his hand, avoiding Cheng Wen’s outstretched arm, and smiled: “Doesn’t drinking tea poured by the God of Wealth bring fortune? Just sit down properly and drink the tea I’ve poured for you.”
“That makes sense too.” Cheng Wen laughed and sat back down. Watching Cheng Chi fill his tea cup, he then eagerly moved closer to Cheng Chi and said in a low voice: “Silang, tell me honestly—this year you didn’t get salt licenses, was it because the Great Ancestor of the Second Branch…” He pointed toward where the Second Branch was located. “Let me tell you, I know the younger brother-in-law of the secretary to the newly appointed Lianghuai Salt Transportation Commissioner. Should I help you make a trip to Huai’an? If we can’t get Liangzhe salt licenses, surely we can get Lianghuai salt licenses? I just don’t believe in this bad luck!”
“No!” Cheng Chi was somewhat surprised and smiled. “I felt that salt licenses weren’t a good business anymore, so I gave up on them.”
Cheng Wen stomped his foot. “You find it troublesome, but I don’t find it troublesome! Why didn’t you think to give this business to me! You really don’t know hunger when you’re full!”
Cheng Chi hastily apologized: “I truly didn’t think of it… How about I make introductions for you to partner with someone in maritime trade? The risk is high, but you might not open for three years, but opening once feeds you for three years…”
Before he could finish speaking, Cheng Wen had already slapped his arm, saying with great emotion: “I knew the three brothers of the First Branch were the most righteous! Last time I went to the capital, I was too embarrassed to see Elder Brother Jing, so I went to see your Second Brother Wei instead. Your Second Brother Wei didn’t ask anything—he personally took me to Daxiangguo Temple, had a steward show me around the capital, and even gave me a hundred taels in banknotes at the end. Though I haven’t told anyone about this, I’ve always remembered it in my heart. Let’s settle this matter then. I have a total of twenty thousand taels of silver. In a moment, have your steward come with me to get the banknotes…”
“Brother Wen, you should negotiate with them yourself for this matter!” Cheng Chi smiled and interrupted Cheng Wen’s words. “It wouldn’t be good for me to be involved… The other party is a friend of mine, and his wealth isn’t particularly abundant. If he asks me to lower the percentage by a point, I can hardly refuse him. That might end up causing Brother Wen losses.”
“Good, good, good.” Cheng Wen smiled so broadly only two rows of white teeth showed. “Have your steward introduce me. How we negotiate will be my business!”
“But I can’t just hand it over to you and ignore it completely.” Cheng Chi smiled. “I didn’t have the manpower to manage this business before, so I never got involved. But previously I had my steward calculate the profits and what needs attention—he should be quite clear on this. I’ll have that steward talk with you shortly, so you won’t be completely in the dark when negotiating with people.”
“Exactly, exactly.” This time Cheng Wen slapped his own thigh. “Everyone says you’re aloof. I think you’re just shy. If I’d known you had this temperament, I should have come to visit you earlier…”
Standing to the side, Huai Shan’s stomach was about to cramp from holding in laughter. After finally seeing Cheng Wen off, he really couldn’t hold it in anymore and leaned against a pillar laughing.
Cheng Chi gave him a cold glance. Seeing it was getting late and nearly dinner time, he went to Old Madam Guo’s quarters.
Old Madam Guo asked him: “Has Great Master Wen left?”
“He’s left.” Cheng Chi said as he sat down below Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo pondered: “You put so much effort into bringing all the branches into Yutai Bank—why are you now having them sell their shares?”
Cheng Chi smiled: “Initially it was to warn the Great Ancestor of the Second Branch not to act rashly. Now that Elder Brother has firmly established himself, even if he wants to interfere, it won’t be so easy. Instead, I can separate out the Fourth and Fifth Branches—if there’s going to be conflict, let just we three branches fight it out. Better not to implicate them too.”
Old Madam Guo nodded and changed the subject: “I heard Shaojin came to find you to play chess?”
“Just a child looking for amusement.” Cheng Chi smiled. “When I have time, I humor her a bit. When I don’t, I just have to ignore her.”
Old Madam Guo smiled: “Why don’t you invite Jiunie to come play at home? You haven’t gathered with him in some time.”
“I just haven’t gathered with him at home in some time,” Cheng Chi smiled. “We had dinner together at Meiyan Pavilion just the other day!”
“Oh!” Old Madam Guo said curiously. “Didn’t you say Meiyan Pavilion doesn’t have anything good to eat? Why did you suddenly go there?”
Cheng Chi said: “It just happened to be on the way.”
Old Madam Guo couldn’t ask further.
Cheng Chi said: “Didn’t you say you wanted to go burn incense at Mount Putuo? When are you planning to go? I happen to have nothing much to do these days—I can accompany you!”
“That would be wonderful!” Old Madam Guo’s smile overflowed uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes and brows. She hurriedly grasped her son’s hand and said: “Then it’s settled. You can’t be like last time, saying something came up right as we were about to leave, making me lose all my enthusiasm.”
And then they didn’t end up going!
Looking at how his mother grasped his hand tightly like a lifeline, Cheng Chi’s heart felt sour.
When his mother learned he would never return, he could already imagine her heartbreak.
Perhaps he should wait until after his mother passed away peacefully?
This thought flashed through his mind but was quickly rejected.
If Xiao Zhenhai could find Jinling, he could find Jiuru Lane.
If he didn’t leave, he would only bring greater harm to his mother.
“I will definitely accompany you to visit Mount Putuo.” Cheng Chi’s voice was even gentler and warmer than he himself expected. “I’ll also go out and travel with Mother. Come to think of it, we haven’t gone anywhere together in ten years…”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Old Madam Guo nodded continuously. “Shaojin’s scripture copying should be finished soon. We’ll bring that child along too—she can take my place keeping you company playing chess on the road… Oh my, calculating the time, it’s still a bit rushed. I’ll leave the outside matters to you. On my end, besides Shaojin, Nanny Shi must also go. She’s served me her whole life and isn’t young anymore. After going to Mount Putuo with me this time, who knows if she’ll have another chance to travel. And Biyu and Feicui—I’m used to them, so they should come too. But then who will stay home to watch over things…”
Old Madam Guo, such a strong-willed person, became somewhat incoherent with joy.
Watching her, Cheng Chi felt even more heartbroken. He smiled and said: “Mother, you don’t need to be so hasty. I’ll be free these next few months and can accompany you out anytime. First choose an auspicious date, then I’ll have Qin Ziping come help you with the details, guaranteeing you a smooth departure.”
Hearing her son would be free for the next few months, Old Madam Guo was delighted but also calmed down, beginning to arrange the travel matters methodically.
In less than half an hour, Zhou Shaojin, who was copying scriptures in the Buddhist hall, already knew about it.
Biyu personally came to tell her: “…The Old Madam said you’ll go with us!”
“Really?” Zhou Shaojin jumped up excitedly and grabbed Biyu’s hand.
“Really!” Biyu smiled. “The Old Madam has already sent someone to relay the message to the Fourth Branch. Tomorrow she’ll visit the Fourth Branch to call on the Old Madam—it’s specifically to discuss this matter.”
“I wonder if my sister can come along too.” Zhou Shaojin murmured. “In both my lives, I’ve never been to Putuo Temple!”
“Talk to your family’s Old Madam about it,” Biyu suggested helpfully. “Just bring fewer servants on your end—wouldn’t that work?”
Those planning the trip only cared about having more people for liveliness. As for expenses and such matters, they weren’t within their consideration at all.
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t sit still anymore and returned to Jiashu Hall early.