Chapter 662: Bai Kui vs. Feng Lin (1)
Xiling, golden autumn.
Since the beginning of autumn in September, the imperial city of Du'an has gradually become lively.
The old emperor of Xiling's birthday is approaching, and envoys from various countries have come to congratulate him. There is an endless stream of people coming in and out of the city's posthouses, and carriages and horses are like dragons.
In a private room on the third floor of the South Street Restaurant, two streets away from the posthouse, a group of local merchants in fine clothes and handsome attire were toasting and chatting cheerfully.
"Brother Bai, you're here by chance! Xiling is at its busiest every autumn. Around the Emperor's birthday, the city is lit up with lanterns at night. Climbing up to the city wall and gazing out into the distance, the blazing fireworks are breathtaking!" Luo Chuan, a Xiling antique dealer in his forties, spoke. He had been immersed in the business world for years and was a seasoned and thoughtful person. "Let's discuss business slowly. You should stay in Du'an for a few more days. We've worked together for so many years, so this is the chance for me to show my hospitality!"
Cloth merchant Ying Shitong immediately took advantage of the situation and said, "Duan is Boss Luo's territory. We, who came from other places, are here to take advantage of him. Please don't look down on us for being so shameless! Brother Bai, you may be young but you are very capable. You have earned such a huge fortune with your own hands. I, Ying Shitong, admire young and promising people like you the most. There is no doubt that the business between us will be a good one. I must be included in the share!"
"Brother Bai, you are no ordinary person to be able to do business in foreign countries! We missed the goods you brought back from foreign countries last time. This time, we must make an appointment with you in advance. You must let us have a share of the goods when you ship back next time!" Several people nearby responded in unison, making the atmosphere at the table even more lively.
Bai Kui raised his glass and laughed heartily, "I am a humble man, but it is an honor to be appreciated by all of you big bosses. I would like to offer a toast to you all and wish us a long-lasting cooperation and shared prosperity!"
"Okay, let's have a long-term cooperation and share the prosperity!"
Everyone was chatting and laughing during the meal.
Bai Kui's origins are mysterious. Everyone only knows that he is from Dai Viet, but his family background cannot be found out. However, this is not a big deal for them.
They have been cooperating with each other for several years. Although Bai Kui is mysterious, he is very skilled in business and each cooperation can bring them considerable profits.
When doing business, just make a profit.
When we walked out of the restaurant, the moon was already at its highest point in the sky. The streets of Du'an City were lit up with all kinds of exquisite lanterns, and it was as lively as a lantern fair.
The Lantern Festival was just as Mr. Luo had said, with fireworks everywhere, so beautiful that the stars and the moon in the sky seemed much dimmer.
On a cool October night, Bai Kui stood on the bustling street, his dark brocade robe fluttering in the night breeze. He was tall and handsome, standing out among a group of plump and wealthy businessmen.
Facing the wind and admiring the scenery, the wine he had drunk from the table seemed to be starting to take effect, making him a little tipsy. He squinted his eyes comfortably, and when he turned his head, he saw a luxurious carriage running at the other end of the crowded street suddenly stop. After the old man carrying a lantern in front of the carriage passed by, the carriage started again and slowed down.
Bai Kui raised his eyebrows, a look of amusement in his eyes.
He often saw people giving way to cars in downtown areas, but it was rare to see cars giving way to people, and even rarer to see luxurious carriages giving way to humble people.
"Huh? That's the Third Princess's carriage! The Third Princess must be out to enjoy the lanterns!" Boss Luo, who was usually very reserved at the dinner table, was now shouting like a rookie, his face full of joy.
Bai Kui remained calm and said with a smile, "The Third Princess? From the tone of Boss Luo, it seems that he admires the Third Princess quite a bit."
"Brother Bai, you're not from Xiling, so you might not know that I'm not the only one who admires the Third Princess. We Xiling people all like this princess, hahahaha!"
"Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."
"We have three princesses in Xiling, and the third is the current emperor's favorite. Despite being extremely doted on, the princess is not overbearing or overbearing. Like the emperor, she loves the people of Xiling." When the third princess was mentioned, the merchants all smiled warmly. "You just saw it. Seeing is believing. There are countless such cases. I dare say that in the whole world, only our Xiling has a princess like this!"
"I heard that the Emperor wants to use this birthday banquet to arrange a marriage for the Third Princess, and his preference is for the young and famous Prince of Mobei in Beixiang. If this marriage is confirmed, Xiling and Beixiang will become a powerful alliance in the future."
"The King of Mobei is attracted to my Princess Fenglin of Xiling. This is known to almost everyone. He has proposed marriage twice in the past two years. In order to wait for Princess Fenglin, he has no one in his harem. He must be twenty-five or twenty-six this year, right? If he is the chosen one, he and our Third Princess would be a perfect match, with equal background and strength. It would be a great thing to celebrate."
The few of them were so engrossed in the conversation that the topic began to revolve around the third princess. Bai Kui listened from the side and sneered faintly.
He was not very interested in these royal stories. He had been wandering the world alone for more than ten years, dealing with all kinds of people, but he never made friends with people from the imperial court.
There are too many rules and it’s troublesome.
…
Bai Kui stayed in Du'an City for six days.
This time, it was because Boss Luo introduced him to several more partners that he came to Xiling in person again.
For the first collaboration, he had to meet them in person and get a feel for their character before deciding whether to cooperate or not.
Six days later, at the Xiling Outer City Pier.
The Bai family caravan loaded the goods to be transported onto the ship. Because there was so much cargo, it took a whole day just to load the goods onto the ship. By the time they finished, it was already night.
A carriage was parked in the open space next to the dock, and Bai Kui sat in the carriage with his eyes closed to rest.
"Master, I have personally counted all the goods loaded on the ship. This is the list, and it has been verified to be correct." Bai Yuan walked to the car window and presented the account book list recording the goods.
Bai Kui nodded and took the account book, but did not open it.
It was already dark, the lights at the dock were dim, and the carriage was even darker, so it was impossible to read the account book.
"I trust you to do the job. I'll look over the account books once we're on the boat." Lifting the carriage curtain and jumping off, Bai Kui casually patted Bai Yuan on the shoulder. The force wasn't strong enough, but Bai Yuan's knees bent. "Get on board! Let's go back!"
Following the Patriarch's footsteps, Bai Yuan muttered weakly from behind, "Patriarch, your blows are too strong. Sooner or later, I'll be broken by you."
"Capable." Bai Kui chuckled, walking with his hands behind his back. "We've already built up a network of connections in Xiling. From now on, we can just have the Bai family caravan come to pick up the goods. Bai Yuan, you've been with me for over a decade. You've worked hard. When you return, stay home and be a leisurely shopkeeper. Your monthly salary will remain the same."
"Yes!" Bai Yuan responded crisply this time, without any complaints.
Jumping onto the private passenger boat moored at the pier, Bai Kui paused imperceptibly as he walked towards the cabin. He continued to walk into the cabin without changing his expression, his eyes deep and dangerous in the night.
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