Chapter 20 – Ji Guang

Xu Chun set out early on horseback with his servants to the canal port, where he indeed spotted the grand ship of the Sheng family entering the harbor from afar. Sheng An led a group of managers and stewards who galloped ahead to meet the ship, arranging for porters to unload the cargo and contacting familiar brokers.

Before long, a servant from the Sheng household came running to report, “Grandmaster Zhou has arrived.”

Xu Chun dismounted and waited. Soon enough, he saw a team of carriages pulling up. The servants hurriedly lifted the curtains, and a young man around twenty-four years old stepped down from the carriage. He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, dressed in a deep purple robe. His attire wasn’t overly luxurious, yet he carried himself with dignity.

Xu Chun rushed forward with delight, “Brother Changzhou!”

Sheng Changzhou steadied him with one hand, “Hey, you’ve grown taller again. Why are you still so careless?”

Xu Chun clung to Sheng Changzhou’s arm, grinning, “Brother, why did you come to the capital? How are Brother Changyun and Brother Changtian? Why didn’t you bring them along? Is Grandpa doing well?”

Sheng Changzhou chuckled, “You’ve thrown out a string of questions; which should I answer first? Well, let me pay respects to your aunt first before we sit down for a proper conversation.”

Xu Chun said, “Mother already knows. She said there are many matters at the estate, so she asked you to settle in outside for now. She’ll choose a time for you to visit and pay respects to the elders. Mother also mentioned that your grandfather sent you here specifically for something important. With many eyes around in the estate, she suggested you discuss it with me first. Whatever can be handled, I’ll handle it.”

Sheng Changzhou was somewhat surprised, giving Xu Chun an appraising look, a smile in his eyes. “It seems our young Youlin has grown up and can help alleviate your aunt’s worries. Let’s head to Huifeng Building first. I’m staying there, and we can transfer the gifts I brought for your aunt and you. If delivering them to the Duke’s estate attracts too much attention, find a place outside to store them.”

Youlin was the nickname bestowed upon him by the patriarch of the Sheng family. Years ago, the Sheng patriarch prayed for his daughter’s safe childbirth at the Temple of the Heavenly Empress. That night, he dreamt of the Heavenly Empress tossing down a golden scale from the clouds, shining brilliantly. A few days later, a letter arrived from the capital, announcing the birth of his grandson, the young heir. The timing coincided exactly with his dream, which seemed auspicious and divine. He wrote to Madam Sheng, giving Xu Chun the nickname Youlin. Back at the Duke’s estate, however, Grandma found the nickname unsatisfactory and forbade anyone in the household from using it. Thus, only the Sheng family continued to call him by it.

Hearing his cousin address him by his nickname, Xu Chun felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity, his face beaming with joy as he nodded and swung onto his horse. “Alright.”

The two rode side by side into the city, heading to Huifeng Building, a property owned by the Sheng family. Sheng Changzhou naturally brought many goods with him on this trip to the capital, so he needed to settle the transactions first.

As Sheng Changzhou ordered a feast to be prepared, he took Xu Chun’s hand and led him inside to speak, “I heard that you recently donated a hundred thousand taels to secure a court lady’s title for your aunt.”

Xu Chun felt somewhat awkward, “It was unintentional, a fortunate coincidence.”

Sheng Changzhou said, “It was worth it. There are plenty of wealthy people in the world, but a court lady’s title cannot be bought with money alone. Grandfather was thrilled and asked me to praise you properly when I came to the capital.”

Xu Chun asked, “How are Grandfather, Uncle, and Aunt?”

Sheng Changzhou replied, “They’re all well. This visit is about another matter. After receiving your aunt’s court lady title, everyone in our household was overjoyed. However, not long after, we received official notices from the Fujian provincial governor’s office and the Office of Foreign Trade, appointing us as the imperial merchants for the Imperial Household Department, exclusively supplying foreign goods to the royal family.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Chun was elated, “Really? That’s great news! Imperial merchants can be exempted from a lot of taxes!”

Sheng Changzhou agreed, “Yes, even the funds for procurement have been allocated. Although the annual budget isn’t more than a hundred thousand taels, what’s rare is the title of imperial merchant. It can save us a considerable amount on vehicle and boat taxes and port duties every year. We’ve calculated that, considering we haven’t engaged in inland trade much due to high taxes, this unexpected opportunity could save us tens of thousands of taels in vehicle and boat taxes alone. Moreover, having this title would make things easier with local officials, eliminating the need for constant bribes. But how could such good fortune fall upon our Sheng family? Grandfather couldn’t figure it out and suspected that your aunt might have arranged something in the capital. That’s why he sent me here to investigate.”

Xu Chun was taken aback, “Mother probably didn’t do anything… Our Sheng family is a renowned maritime trading clan; we’re certainly qualified to be imperial merchants, aren’t we?”

Sheng Changzhou laughed, “Such childlike words. Imperial merchants are positions reserved for those with a foundation in the past, bestowed as a reward for ancestral contributions.”

Sheng Changzhou pulled Xu Chun close and seated him at the table, where dishes flowed out like a stream.

As he explained to Xu Chun, Sheng Changzhou said, “Let’s talk about the imperial merchants in Fujian Province. Mainly, there’s the Fan family providing pearls, the Zhang family providing tea, and the Bao family providing seafood. They have a monopoly on their respective products. Other miscellaneous items like medicinal herbs and furs are insignificant. Basically, those three families control everything.”

“Our maritime traders have always been labeled as ‘merchants turned pirates,’ with a bad reputation. Even though we conduct large-scale business, and many goods from the Fan, Zhang, and Bao families come from us, we never get a chance to engage in royal trade. Although maritime trade is highly profitable, the annual taxes are extremely high. We often have to deal with conscription and pirate suppression, which are essentially forced labor. If we don’t handle local officials carefully, they can slap us with accusations of piracy or maintaining private armies, forcing us to pay a hefty price. Otherwise, we risk being wiped out.”

Xu Chun, who had heard his maternal grandfather mention these issues before, comforted him, “Hasn’t everything been slowly shifting inland in recent years? From what I see, our businesses in the capital have stable profits.”

Sheng Changzhou shook his head, “If it weren’t for this, how could Grandfather have been willing to marry your aunt to the Duke’s estate back then? It’s precisely because of the connection we established with the capital that we’ve been able to live in peace for these years. Unexpectedly, we’ve been granted a special imperial supply contract. We inquired around and found out that the Fujian provincial governor’s office, including the Fan, Zhang, and Bao families, knew nothing about it. Instead, they came to us to ask how we obtained it. Grandfather didn’t disclose any information to them. He only told my father that it seems your aunt did something in the capital. He hurriedly sent me here, fearing that your aunt spent a large sum of money. Grandfather said that, first, we can’t let your aunt suffer any losses. Regardless of the cost, we’ll cover whatever expenses she incurred. Second, we need to find out which noble helped her. If they extended such a great favor, they might have ulterior motives.”

Xu Chun was perplexed, “With such a significant matter, how could Mother take action without consulting Grandfather? It doesn’t seem likely.” Furthermore, his mother had always been subtly excluded from the social circle of the capital’s nobility due to the lack of a court lady title. Now, although she had obtained the title, she hadn’t actually formed any connections with truly powerful individuals—unless the other party was motivated by the vast wealth of the Sheng family. Grandfather’s concerns were clearly well-founded. Such sudden kindness was likely to have hidden intentions. If they inadvertently got involved in something, it would be better to repay the favor sooner rather than later. No wonder he sent his eldest grandson to handle the situation. Clearly, sending any other younger generation member wouldn’t have sufficed, as they wouldn’t have the authority to make decisions. If the head of the family had been sent instead, it would have attracted too much attention and caused a stir.

Xu Chun furrowed his brows in deep thought for a moment, then hesitated and said, “By the way, a few days ago, I gave a box of overseas multicolored pigments to the Prince Shun’s heir. He liked them very much and praised them greatly. Could it be because of that?”

“Prince Shun’s heir?” Sheng Changzhou frowned slightly at the mention.

Xu Chun asked, “Brother Changzhou, are you worried about getting involved with the imperial family?”

Sheng Changzhou said, “Families like ours, despite appearing prosperous, can’t withstand the power of officials, let alone the might of the imperial family. Many wealthy and influential families, with their bells ringing and cauldrons steaming, have crumbled overnight, their homes destroyed and their lives lost. How much more so for merchant households like ours. Grandfather is worried that your aunt is in the capital without anyone to support her, and you are still young…”

He hesitated for a moment, but Xu Chun continued smoothly, “Grandfather is worried that Mother and I will be tricked into dragging the Sheng family onto a sinking ship. If we get involved in succession struggles, it will be a disaster.” Sheng Changzhou paused and sighed, “You’ve grown up, Youlin.”

Xu Chun smiled warmly, hugging Sheng Changzhou’s arm. “We’re family, brothers of the same blood. There’s no need to avoid these topics. My mother and I have received much care from the family. How could we disregard the vast flesh and blood kinship of the Sheng family? Don’t worry, I’ll inquire around and find an opportunity to visit the young prince to sound him out. If he really helped us, we’ll find a way to repay him and try to resign from the position of imperial merchant.”

Sheng Changzhou looked at Xu Chun intently, never expecting his cousin to be so understanding. It had been several years since they last met, and the last time he saw Xu Chun, he was still a child. Now, he was mature in his actions and speech. When the Sheng family suddenly received the imperial supply contract, Grandfather and Father discussed it and guessed that it must have been due to the favor bestowed upon Grandmother. However, they were uncertain whether it was a blessing. They absolutely couldn’t hurt Grandmother’s feelings. Therefore, they repeatedly instructed him to go to the capital. Being a junior, if he said anything inappropriate and offended Aunt, the senior family members would have room to maneuver. Also, being young, he could take advantage of the opportunity to socialize with his cousin to find out the details of which powerful noble was behind it, allowing them to make timely decisions.

Before coming, he had rehearsed countless phrases in his mind, unsure how to speak to Aunt without hurting her feelings. However, he never expected that the cousin, who had always been associated with Changyun and Changtian in his heart as someone who ate and played foolishly with a reputation for being a wastrel, would be so intelligent. He sighed, “No wonder Grandfather often says that Little Brother Lin is smarter than us three brothers combined. He also said that if Aunt were a son, Father might not have been the head of the family. In the past, I only half-believed it, but now I realize that Little Brother Lin truly possesses exceptional talent.”

Xu Chun chuckled, “Brother Changzhou, how did you start showering me with flattery? We’re family, cousins sharing the same blood. Using business tactics on me, how can I handle it? If I become too light-headed, how will Brother Changzhou catch me when I fall?”

Sheng Changzhou also laughed, holding Xu Chun’s hand. “Little Brother Lin is understanding. Before leaving, Grandfather and Father both instructed us to be grateful to Aunt for what she’s done for the Sheng family. The imperial merchant status appears to be beneficial to the Sheng family for now. Even if the other party has ulterior motives, we’ll resolve it slowly. Everything in the world boils down to negotiations. Success or failure has its price. Once we know our bottom line, it’s easy to deal with. At worst, we can send a ship overseas to search for that utopian paradise.”

Xu Chun smiled, “With Brother Changzhou in charge, I have nothing to fear. Stay for a few more days. It’s still the New Year break right now. I’ll definitely find out the cause and effect of this imperial merchant status, putting Grandfather and Uncle’s minds at ease.”

Sheng Changzhou also smiled. The two brothers enjoyed a warm lunch together. Then, Sheng Changzhou pulled Xu Chun over to show him the gifts he had brought. The gifts filled an entire room, dazzling in variety. Sheng Changzhou just laughed, “There are gifts personally selected by Grandfather, from my parents, and from various senior relatives. Each one has a note attached. These two boxes were specially chosen by Changtian and Changyun to bring. Many of them are oddities they scoured to find. You can browse through them at your leisure. These are the gifts for your aunt. This box is specifically for you. The others are for the matriarch, your uncle, and other elders of the estate, to be distributed at your aunt’s discretion. Take a look, and I’ll have the steward prepare the gift list for you in a bit.”

As he spoke, two pages went over to open each chest, displaying various gifts. It was noon, and the courtyard was bathed in bright sunlight. Coral trees, glass screens, potted landscapes of various gems, cloisonné porcelain, white jade decorations, and other items sparkled and dazzled in the courtyard, extraordinary in their rarity.

Xu Chun’s gaze fell on a pale golden fur coat hanging on a clothes rack. Under the sunlight, the golden hairs appeared smooth and lustrous, shimmering like sunlight reflected on water. He couldn’t resist walking over to pick it up and examine it. It was light, soft, and dense, with the pale golden hair gleaming brilliantly, but he couldn’t recognize the type of precious animal fur. Sheng Changzhou laughed, “You have a discerning eye. This is called a Ji Guang fur coat. It doesn’t get wet in water and doesn’t burn in fire. It’s quite rare.”

Xu Chun hurriedly said, “Keep this one for me. Don’t include it in the gift list. Wrap it up separately for me. I want to give it to someone.”

Sheng Changzhou smiled, “This fur coat is prized for its bright color. I suppose Little Brother Lin has someone special in mind?”

Xu Chun chuckled, not denying it. Sheng Changzhou was greatly surprised, “Indeed, you do have someone? Which maiden is it? Does your aunt know? Considering your age, it’s time to arrange a marriage. Should I mention it to your aunt when I see her tomorrow?”

Xu Chun shook his head, “Don’t mention it. It’ll just result in some random concubine being arranged for me. I feel… I don’t like women.”

Sheng Changzhou was stunned, then suddenly became furious, “Did Changyun and Changtian teach you something ridiculous? Or did they take you somewhere low-class? Wait until I return and inform Grandfather. I’ll make them kneel in the ancestral hall and talk sense into them!”

Xu Chun hastily waved his hands, “Don’t blame them. It’s not true. It’s just something I thought about myself. Brother Changzhou, don’t meddle in this. I have my own plans.” He glanced at the sky, remembering that Ninth Brother had promised to tutor him in studies. Hurriedly, he said, “It’s getting late. I still have some matters to attend to. I’ll go back and discuss this with Mother. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow to visit the estate. Don’t worry about the imperial merchant matter. I’ll definitely find out the truth for you.”

He waved goodbye but didn’t forget to grab the wrapped cloak package. In a flash, he was gone.

Sheng Changzhou was both amused and exasperated. “Just when I thought he had grown up, he’s still as impulsive as a child.” For a moment, he recalled his cousin’s confession about not liking women, feeling worried. He wondered if Aunt was aware of the situation and if the four boys, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, knew how to serve their master properly. Perhaps he should interrogate them.