Chapter 829 - 832: Merchants

Chapter 829: Chapter 832: Merchants

Gu Wenheng and his wife had already discussed this. The properties they owned were drawing too much attention. This was the perfect opportunity to offload some of them.

However, seeing these people actually jumping at the bait still left a bad taste in their mouths.

"Have you arranged everything on your end?" Gu Wenheng asked.

Jin Qianqian replied, "I’ve already instructed the shopkeepers in various regions. If those people make a move, we’ll shut down all the shops and sell off the inventory at a low price. As for the locally hired staff, the shopkeepers will provide them with some severance pay. Once they finish handling the matters at hand, they’ll return to Fu County. But with this, I’ll have a lot of people under me. Do you think we should arrange the next steps in advance?"

Gu Wenheng asked once more, "Are you really planning to let our second son take over this mess?"

Jin Qianqian sounded helpless. "I originally planned to keep a few shops and close the rest. The stewards could go manage the estates—at worst, we’d just buy a few more. But that kid loves this sort of thing, so I figured I’d let him mess around with the staff. Besides, you already have a plan in mind. Don’t think I don’t know about those secret recipes you’ve been secretly writing down."

Over the years, the couple had indeed attracted a lot of attention.

This was especially true regarding Jin Qianqian’s wealth. If it weren’t for the fact that she had done her best to donate during recent natural disasters and man-made calamities, there was no telling how much gossip they would have drawn.

At this crucial moment of imperial succession, it was only normal for some people to try and fish in troubled waters. Coupled with the fact that Gu Wenheng had to observe three years of mourning, this was undoubtedly a golden opportunity for those with ulterior motives.

"I’ve arranged a new identity for Cancan," Gu Wenheng said. "From now on, he will travel under this identity. Although it will be harder at the start, it will give him much more room to grow."

If he were to operate under the identity of Mr. Gu, his business would likely be targeted the moment it showed any promise.

Jin Qianqian had her own arrangements. "He has to observe the mourning period for the next year. I plan to recall all the shopkeepers from outside and let Cancan figure out a way to win them over himself. As for the things you’re preparing to give him, it’s best to wait a while. Now isn’t the right time."

"I’ll listen to you," Gu Wenheng said. "I’m just afraid some people will be disappointed this time. Even if they get the shops, they’ll just be empty shells. But have you really decided to hand over the soap recipe?"

"Of course," Jin Qianqian replied. "If these people want to snatch things from my hands, it depends on whether I’m willing to let them!"

***

These days, the estate under Bai Jinglie’s name was bustling with activity.

"Marquis, Mrs. Gu’s shops are being squeezed out everywhere. With so many places exerting pressure simultaneously, their business shouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. They must have received the news by now. Do you think we should do anything else?" Xu Yanguang sat to the right of the seat of honor, his face covered in a broad smile.

His retainer had just sent a letter stating that the Gu family shops in their territory hadn’t opened for the past few days. Now, they were just waiting to see when Mrs. Gu would finally cave and transfer the shops.

Bai Jinglie spoke up. "Remember to instruct your men not to act rashly for the time being. Even if the other party sells at a low price, they must not go over and take advantage of the situation right now. At the same time, have them keep a close eye out. If anyone tries to swoop in, make sure to give them a warning."

Bai Jinglie stroked the jade ring in his hand, feeling quite pleased.

The world was truly full of opportunities. Gu Wenheng’s Ding You was undoubtedly his chance. He wanted the properties under Mrs. Gu’s name, and he also intended to intercept the Emperor’s favor towards Gu Wenheng. Once those properties were in his hands, many things could be manipulated.

"That’s a given," Xu Yanguang replied. "However, the people under Mrs. Gu are incredibly tight-lipped. I’ve offered hefty sums, but still, no one is willing to budge. Marquis Bai, I heard that Mr. Gu personally shared the glass recipe with you back in the day. You must understand them better than we do. How about you step forward when the opportunity arises..."

"Mr. Xu," Bai Jinglie interrupted him. "I don’t believe your father didn’t mention what happened back then. Even if you hadn’t entered officialdom at the time, sitting here today, you can’t possibly be unaware. If you sincerely want to cooperate, don’t bring up certain matters or words in inappropriate settings."

Xu Yanguang nodded with a smile, though his words lacked sincerity. "Look at my memory. After all, this idea was proposed by Marquis Bai; I imagine you already have a countermeasure. Otherwise, if we only acquire some empty shells, it will be hard for us to explain it to His Highness later."

"That is only natural," Bai Jinglie replied.

"It’s a pity," Xu Yanguang said. "My father has sent people to watch Gu Wenheng all these years, but the man is far too cautious. Even now, we haven’t been able to grasp anything to use against him. Since someone like him cannot be used by us, he can only be discarded. Marquis Bai, if we really manage to pull this off, do you think an old fox like Gu Wenheng will swallow his anger and endure it?"

"Mr. Xu, if you have something to say, just say it." Bai Jinglie saw right through his thoughts. "Whatever the case, we’re all in the same boat now. You don’t think you can just offend someone and then toss them aside without a second thought, do you? Unfortunately, I haven’t been in the Emperor’s good graces these past few years, so I have very few capable people under me. I’ll still need His Highness’s support for this."

"Marquis Bai asking for manpower right off the bat truly exceeds my expectations." Xu Yanguang sneered. "Are you planning to take the lion’s share just for coming up with an idea? Aren’t you worried it’ll be hard for me to explain this later?"

Bai Jinglie sighed. "Mr. Xu, you are mistaken. It’s not that I want to take the lion’s share, but there are others involved. Otherwise, relying solely on the Marquis Wu’an Mansion, we wouldn’t have been able to reach this point."

Xu Yanguang narrowed his eyes at Bai Jinglie. "That is also the reason for my visit today. Since this is a collaboration, there’s no need for Marquis Bai to be so secretive. Please invite the others as well so we can negotiate better together."

"They’re just some merchants; I fear they might sully His Highness’s and Mr. Xu’s eyes. Fortunately, while these people hold no power, their connections are fairly decent. Look at how they’ve forced the other party to close shop in just a few days." Naturally, Bai Jinglie wouldn’t introduce them. Otherwise, he would be kicked out of the game in the next step.

Fortunately, he hadn’t drawn much attention in Shangjing previously. This time, by safely relocating the people and making a few arrangements, no one would be able to trace anything back to him.

Xu Yanguang chuckled lightly, not believing a word of his story. For the sake of profits, he would put up with him for now. "Then what does Marquis Bai plan to do next? And what do you need the manpower for?"

"I’ve already planted my people in Fu County," Bai Jinglie said. "Going in again at this point wouldn’t be a wise move. However, it would be best if you dispatched people to keep an eye on the surrounding areas. Ideally, we should intercept all the information beforehand. Otherwise, given the shrewdness of that couple, our plan might not succeed."

"It seems Marquis Bai harbors a deep prejudice against Gu Wenheng," Xu Yanguang noted. "But are you certain that as long as we guard the perimeter, Gu Wenheng won’t receive any news at all?"

"I still have that much confidence," Bai Jinglie replied. "Mr. Xu, you should instead focus on figuring out how to get your hands on the secret recipes."