Pei Lin hadn't expected Yun Ling to react so quickly. She was truly a businesswoman; her mind was much sharper than most. However…
"Unfortunately, what I thought of, others must have thought of long ago as well. The money has already been earned by others. If I get involved now, not only will I not get any of the porridge, but I might also get involved with the powerful and influential, which could easily lead to more losses than gains."
"So be it, so be it. What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force."
Pei Lin seemed to know why Lu Yinghuai was attracted to her. She was quick-witted, not greedy, and knew how to behave appropriately. She was undoubtedly a good businesswoman, and being a woman, she was even more rare.
If she really likes doing business, then let her do it. Anyway, the Pei family has no objections to her. After getting married, she can continue doing business, she just needs to stay away from Lu Yinghuai.
Pei Lin breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"This brokerage shop sells tea permits and salt certificates, as well as ordination certificates."
"A certificate of ordination? What kind of kung fu is hidden inside?"
"Previously, anyone who wanted to become a monk, nun, or Taoist priest had to apply to the government for a certificate of ordination to prove that they were a monk, nun, or Taoist priest. Otherwise, it would be considered illegal ordination. But now, this certificate of ordination can be purchased directly without application."
Yunling still didn't grasp the hidden meaning in Pei Lin's words, her brows furrowing slightly, when she heard him continue:
"Our dynasty's laws stipulate that as long as one is a monk or nun, one can be exempted from certain taxes. Therefore, many wealthy families in Bianjing would buy a monk or nun's certificate to reduce their taxes."
Yunling understood then that merchants make money, but they also pay heavy taxes. Any method to reduce taxes would be very popular. However, the money comes from the people themselves. Since a certificate of ordination carries the responsibility of tax reduction, its value is naturally high.
But Yunling was thinking about another question: which one was cheaper, the ordination certificate sold in Bianjing or the one sold in Pingcheng?
Logically speaking, Bianjing is a prosperous city with many merchants, so the price of ordination certificates should be higher. However, although Pingcheng has fewer merchants than Bianjing, it is more remote than Bianjing, and some prices there are even higher than in Bianjing. It is unknown whether the price of ordination certificates there will be even higher.
Furthermore, whether or not she should buy a certificate of ordination to reduce some taxes is also a question. If she wants to trade with merchants from neighboring countries, she will definitely have to pay taxes. As for how much tax she should pay on the wool, how easy the transaction documents issued by both parties are, and whether she can reduce some procedures because she has a certificate of ordination, these are also key issues.
Seeing that Yunling remained silent, Pei Lin assumed that she didn't quite understand, so he explained again:
"What I mean is that you can get a tax exemption just by buying a certificate."
"I know."
"You know you should buy one, but Lu Yinghuai said that you have to pay taxes when you trade at the border market, right? Or... should I buy one for you?"
Yunling quickly pulled the person back.
"No need, let me think about it."
"What's there to think about? It's just a certificate of ordination. Buying it will reduce your tax burden. Or do you think the certificate is too expensive? I already told you, I'll buy one for you. You don't need to pay anything."
Tang Ling, standing behind him, couldn't help but frown. Pei Lin's words were really not very pleasing. She even thought that if Lu Yinghuai were present, he would definitely not have said such a thing.
He might guess Yunling's thoughts and buy the ordination certificate in advance, and then analyze with Yunling the distribution of the certificate in various places and its price.
Even if we don't buy it in advance, we will discuss with Yunling whether the ordination certificate is worth buying and what key role it can play in terms of buying wool.
"Alright, everyone knows you, the second son of the Pei family, are rich and powerful. Didn't we agree to go out to a restaurant? Hurry up, hurry up. The bowl of sheep intestines I just ate has long been digested, and my stomach is very empty right now."
"So, you're not buying the degree certificate?"
"Let's go."
"You really aren't buying it?"
To avoid wasting words with this person, Yunling simply pushed and pulled him away.
After leaving Jie Shen Alley, the three headed south. Pei Lin picked out a large restaurant with a decorated pavilion at the entrance, which looked magnificent.
Upon entering, there is a large hall that seems to stretch endlessly. On the north and south sides, there are courtyards of moderate size. On both sides of the courtyards, there are rows of small private rooms. However, the three of them arrived at an inconvenient time and had not made a reservation with the restaurant in advance, so they could only sit in the main hall.
No sooner had he sat down than a simply dressed man came forward, bowed, and paid his respects.
"I extend my greetings to the three young gentlemen. May I ask if you would like me to buy some snacks to accompany your drinks, or perhaps go to East Chicken Alley or West Chicken Alley to invite a couple of young ladies to keep you company and sing songs?"
"No need, let's go."
Pei Lin waved his hand, and another person came to pour wine and tea. Soon, three people came and brought pickled radishes, pickled cowpeas and candied fruits to the table. Just as Yun Ling was thinking about which one to eat, two young ladies came to drink and sit down.
They were talking and singing, their voices delicate and long, as if they were telling a story. Pei Lin was completely captivated, his eyes closed, leaning back in his chair, his head swaying with the music. If there had been a fan with them, it would have been quite romantic.
That's what Yunling was thinking. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, because Pei Lin couldn't bear to listen any longer and abruptly opened his eyes, asking:
"Hey, have you ever played for those multinational businessmen?"
"have."
Yunling's eyes lit up, and she heard Pei Lin ask again:
"When? Which country's merchant was it?"
"Just two days ago, I met him when I was playing and singing at the Wang Family Restaurant in Caomen. He said he often travels to Khitan. After a meal, he praised the vastness of Khitan's territory and the deliciousness of its cattle and sheep."
Yunling's pupils widened; she desperately wanted to rush to that Wang Family Restaurant, but Pei Lin's rational voice stopped her in her tracks.
Do you remember what he looked like, or if he had anything special on him?
"His face was fat and muscular, especially his nose, which was like an orange peel. He had a small curved knife tucked into his waistband, but there was nothing else particularly special about him."
Pei Lin pulled out half a string of copper coins from his sleeve and casually broke off a small half.
After receiving their thanks, the two young ladies curtsied and left.
"Hey, can you run an errand for me?"
It was that simply dressed man again. Seeing Pei Lin's cheerful greeting, he quickly came forward to greet him.
"Young master, please give your orders."
"Go to the Wang Family Restaurant in Caomen and ask about a merchant with a round face and a nose like an orange peel. He often travels to Khitan to do business and carries a small curved knife at his waist. If you can find out where he is staying, the reward will be doubled."
As Pei Lin spoke, he broke off about twenty more copper coins and handed them to the man.
The man weighed the copper coin in his hand, then took a step and ran outside.
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