Chapter 139 – Rare Commodities

The young and handsome official seemed completely unaffected by Light’s vivid depiction of a promising future, instead asking calmly like a seasoned merchant, “And from what I know, this business has already been taken up by government kilns in Guangzhou, Fujian, and Zhejiang. The advantages might not be as great as you think.”

Light replied fluently, “Trust me, no other kiln can match the quality of this.” He extended his finger and gently caressed the beautiful pearly surface of the porcelain, treating it with the same care and tenderness he would a maiden’s skin. “This is a treasure that anyone can recognize at first glance, irreplaceable.”

Xu Chun pressed on, “How do you plan to split the profits? It’s not easy to fire overglaze enamel porcelains. You can afford to disregard costs when producing for the royal family since they won’t require large quantities. But in business, we have to calculate costs, and there’s also the risk of sea transportation. If a ship capsizes, that’s an entire cargo lost.”

Light smiled, “A fifty-fifty split. We’ll pay fifty percent of the deposit before delivery, and after selling, we’ll split the profits. On your side, you’ll cover all the costs of porcelain production. After all, you should have access to cheaper resources, labor, and transportation than I do. I’ll handle transportation and sales, and bear the corresponding risks. We can sign a contract stating that even if there are unexpected risks with shipping or sales, I will still pay a minimum share, which is the cost of all the porcelain plus twenty percent profit to you.”

Xu Chun looked at him, “Mr. Light, you tell a good story and are well-prepared. But why are you so confident?”

Light laughed, “Because my heart burns with a desire for power and wealth, that burns day and night. Besides…” He looked at Xu Chun, his blue eyes filled with amusement. “I was only fifty percent sure at first, but when I met you, my confidence soared to one hundred percent.”

Light was candid, “When I entered the hall, I saw the paintings and decorations, the fragrance of incense. I assumed you were a refined scholar-official who didn’t care about money, only seeking peace for your soul. I was quite worried.”

“But after our conversation, I realized I was being overly cautious. Sir Xu pursues the pleasures of life, delights in his own enjoyment, full of wisdom. You’re interested in new things and free from prejudice. The calligraphy hanging on the screen is still wet with ink, and books are left open on the table, shows that despite your high position, you continue to learn. More importantly, just like Mr. Jiang, you’re willing to help others, a man of noble character.”

“I believe that doing business with someone like you will be very pleasant.”

Xu Chun felt a slight warmth in his ears from the praise. Few people openly praised him so sincerely and directly, with such enthusiasm and straightforwardness. How could this foreigner speak so eloquently? And the furnishings, incense burner, paintings… those were all gifts from Ninth Brother. Ninth Brother’s taste was indeed exceptional, and he didn’t indulge in material desires, only pursuing tranquility. This foreigner had a keen eye for judging people.

Xu Chun coughed lightly to hide his unease, taking out a folding fan from his sleeve and fanning himself to cool down his heated face. Seeing the foreigner’s gaze fall upon the four big characters on his fan, he felt somewhat uneasy again. This foreigner’s eyes were too sharp; he could probably find many weaknesses in his enemies.

Xu Chun waved his fan, the light silk sleeves flowed with the wind. The evening sunlight shone through the long window, reflecting on his amber-tinted pupils, as if gold shimmered on flowing water. Light felt a tinge of regret. Although this official was incredibly smart, he was too young, and his expressions were too easy to read. A little praise made him embarrassed like this. He needed more experience with the ways of the world to become more seasoned.

But Xu Chun said, “The deposit can be paid in gold coins, but the remaining fifty percent, I don’t want silver or gold.”

Light was taken aback. Xu Chun tapped the fan against his palm, then unfolded it with a swish. Ninth Brother’s bold brushstrokes came into view. Ninth Brother had the world in his heart, and he never cared for the trivialities of luxury and wealth. What he wanted was a prosperous country and a wealthy people.

He smiled at Light, “I want the latest repeating rifles, ammunition, bombs, looms, engines, your marine chronometers, astrolabes, range finders, compasses, and your books—mathematics, astronomy, medicine, cartography, surveying, climate, geography, military science. Textbooks are fine too. And your medicines, we can take some to study.”

After thinking for a moment, he added, “And some poetry and artwork would be nice too.”

Light looked at the young man before him, whom he had thought inexperienced and easily readable just fifteen minutes ago. Now, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Xu Chun looked at him, his lustrous golden eyes were still shining with bashful amusement, sweet like the finest honey. “Mr. Light is from the Lion Kingdom. Purchasing these items there, you should have access to cheaper resources, labor, and transportation than I do.”

He returned Light’s previous words verbatim. He had listened carefully to what Light had said and immediately put it to use.

Light felt as if his stomach was being squeezed by a hand. Sweat broke out on his back, and his blood boiled in his veins. The unprecedented thrill of adventure and hunting made his heart beat powerfully. He heard himself say, “Your Excellency’s ambitions are too grand. Light is just a merchant. The arms trade has always been regulated, and I’m afraid I can’t meet your needs.”

Xu Chun looked at him and smiled—the same innocent and sincere smile as before. But now, Light felt as if he was facing the most dangerous prey. Xu Chun slowly said, “Mr. Light is aiming for the pinnacle of power. Gaining the queen’s trust is the first step. Bringing more valuable luxuries to your queen and nobles, becoming the exclusive agent for more valuable goods, I have faith in you, Mr. Light.”

“When you first laid eyes on me, your eyes burned with ambition that was never extinguished. You’re also someone worth investing in.”

Xu Chun continued, “In our country, there is a saying, ‘rare commodities are valuable.’ I see that Mr. Light is very interested in our culture. You should look it up.”

Light repeated the phrase softly, “Rare commodities are valuable?” He couldn’t immediately grasp the profound meaning behind the words.

Xu Chun repeated, “Yes, an interesting story about a great merchant named Lu Buwei. Business is like war, Mr. Light. Since you’re pursuing the pinnacle of power, you must read it. I’m very patient. After all, I’m young, and I can wait. I’m willing to invest in you, Mr. Light, waiting for you to gain more power and agency over more goods.”

He looked at Light as if tempting him. “Actually, Mr. Light, there are some private channels that don’t require any agency licenses. If Mr. Light has some unconventional friends, it would be more convenient.”

Light realized that he had been completely led by the rhythm of this young official, who was much younger than himself. His angelic face spoke words that were as enticing as a devil’s.

Light swallowed, and Xu Chun said, “Mr. Light can consider it further, but I believe you won’t find a better business partner than me. Your judgment is indeed excellent.”

“Mr. Light is in Tianjin Port at this time, presumably for the upcoming Longevity Festival in winter. This is our emperor’s birthday, celebrated by all nations and the four seas. I’m also going to the capital soon. If you’re interested in continuing our cooperation, you can join me in traveling to the capital. I’ll assist you with this matter. Regardless of whether you agree to continue cooperating, I’ll gift you a set of overglaze enamel porcelain as a present to your esteemed queen—a woman becoming a queen, how admirable.”

Xu Chun turned to Jiang Mei, “Bring the return gift I prepared for Mr. Light.”

Jiang Mei brought it over, and Xu Chun smiled at Light, “Westerners like to open gifts and praise them in front of the giver, right? Why don’t you open it and take a look?”

Light opened the box and saw a finely crafted cane inside. The cane head was carved from ivory in the shape of a pine cone, while below it, emerald ivy leaves were carved to wind around it intricately, exceptionally exquisite and expensive.

Xu Chun said, “I bought this thing because it looked pretty. Later, someone told me that it’s a cane favored by Western nobles, symbolizing power. Now that I’ve hit it off with Mr. Light, I’ll give it to you. May Mr. Light achieve your wishes soon.”

Light murmured, “A staff of Dionysus.”

Xu Chun curiously asked, “This cane has a name?”

Light gently touched the pine cone carved on top, “This is the staff of Dionysus, symbolizing prosperity and vitality. In some places, people celebrate the wine festival to mark a bountiful harvest.”

Xu Chun clapped his hands delightedly, “What a wonderful omen! This was an unintentional act, but the implications are marvelous. I wish Mr. Light prosperity and success. May you reap the fruits of victory at the pinnacle of power.”

Light suddenly smiled, seemingly infected by the young official’s optimistic smile. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for the gift.”

“You’ve given me such a precious gift, but I have nothing to reciprocate. Allow me to offer you a piece of news.”

Seeing the young official’s face once again filled with curiosity, Light finally regained his rhythm. “Your Excellency thought that my arrival via the Grand Canal to Tianjin was solely for the Longevity Festival. You were only half right.”

Naturally, Xu Chun asked, “Then what’s the other half?”

Light smiled, “On this trip, I also purchased a lot of grain from Guangdong Province, headed northward.”

“Because on my way to Guangdong Province, I heard a rumor that’s seven to eight parts true, although it could be false.”

“The king of Silla is critically ill. The queen dowager and the king’s eldest son are at odds, and causing internal strife. And I’ve received word that Japan intends to attack Silla during this opportunity.”

Xu Chun looked sharply at Light, “Is this information accurate?”

Light replied, “Who is more sensitive than a merchant who hopes to profit from war? Japanese merchants are already buying grain and weapons in large quantities. Your Excellency can send someone to inquire.”

Xu Chun solemnly bowed to Light, “Thank you, Mr. Light, for providing this important information!” He instructed Jiang Mei, “Please have Mr. Jiang escort Mr. Light. I need to deal with this matter first.”

Light saw that Xu Chun valued this information and knew that with his wit, he had already understood the implications. Smiling, he bowed in farewell, watching as the young official turned and walked away in large strides. His green robes fluttered like flowing water, quickly disappearing into the inner room, followed closely by the tall guard.

Jiang Mei escorted Light out and called a carriage to take him away. Light, however, smiled at Jiang Mei. “Before, I didn’t understand why you traveled thousands of miles from Guangdong Province to come to Tianjin. Now, I understand the reason. I underestimated this Official Xu. I thought he was like you, willing to help others and of noble character. I mistook a leopard for a lamb. This Official Xu is determined and persistent, the fiercest and smartest leopard.”

Jiang Mei also laughed. “Mr. Light, I’ve only been his advisor for two months. But anyone who thinks he’s young and easy to bully has suffered a great fall. He’s able to receive the emperor’s favor and promotion because he has exceptional qualities.”

Light said, “Most people’s aspirations are for a luxurious life, or to gain greater power, amass more wealth, buy estates and farmland, and pass them down to their descendants.”

“This Official Xu is ambitious, with a great aspiration that cannot be spoken of.”

Jiang Mei chuckled inwardly. There were few people in the world who could treat others as rare commodities to invest in. Indeed, this man’s ambition was first-rate, and what was even more remarkable was that he possessed such breadth of vision and magnanimity at such a young age. How could one not admire him?

But Light seemed to have simultaneously thought of the idiom ‘rare commodities are valuable’ and humbly asked, “Where can I find the story Your Excellency mentioned about ‘rare commodities are valuable’?”

Jiang Mei was well aware of this foreign merchant’s eagerness to learn. Before leaving, he had written a note, which he now took out from his sleeve and handed to him. “In the book ‘Strategies of the Warring States,’ the chapter ‘Lu Buwei of Puyang’. Look for it and read it. If you don’t understand, find someone to explain it to you.”

Light cherished the note and picked up the box containing the staff of Dionysus. Smiling, he bid farewell to Jiang Mei, thanking him repeatedly before getting into the carriage and leaving.