Chapter 304 The Birthday Banquet of the Noble Lady Xie
"Could that lady's surname be Pei?"
Inside the carriage returning to the city, the young man in the white fox fur shawl, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly spoke.
As the last rays of the setting sun shone through the window, Wang Caozhi, who was looking down at the account books, turned his head, glanced at Ouyang Rong's calm expression, and shook his head:
"A lady surnamed Pei? I don't know her." He asked curiously, "Why is my brother-in-law asking this?"
Ouyang Rong opened his eyes, met his gaze for a moment, and nodded slightly: "That's fine as long as it's not."
She further explained, “There’s a merchant woman surnamed Pei who has been traveling around Xunyang City recently. She’s also a merchant from Yangzhou, and it seems she made her fortune by selling smuggled salt.”
"Surname Pei? A salt merchant from Yangzhou?" Wang Caozhi chewed for a moment, then shook his head.
"Not very familiar with them. But brother-in-law, these salt merchants usually have close ties with local officials, their families have been running the business for generations, making huge profits and becoming incredibly wealthy."
"Moreover, when they are outside, they usually form alliances with people from the same hometown, forming powerful groups with abundant financial resources."
"Furthermore, the business world is mostly dominated by men. If a woman can do business, she must be a very capable person."
Wang Caozhi's tone was deeply moved, as if he had thought of something.
Ouyang Rong smiled but remained silent.
Wang Caozhi glanced at the young man in the white fox fur coat and cautiously asked, "Brother-in-law doesn't like that Madam Pei?"
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment and said, "You rice and wheat merchants are much cleaner than salt merchants like her."
"Uh." Wang Caozhi paused, then shook his head: "Brother-in-law's praise is a bit strange."
"What's strange about it?"
Wang Caozhi scratched his head: "I feel really embarrassed."
"..."
Ouyang Rong reminded her, "It's alright. As long as that Madam Pei doesn't follow your path and try to make connections again, it's fine."
Wang Caozhi nodded: "Don't worry, brother-in-law, we're not that insensible."
Ouyang Rong nodded.
In the days following her polite refusal of the sexual bribe offered by Youlan Courtyard, Pei Shisan Niang made several attempts to approach and win over Ouyang Rong.
This noblewoman, who loved to wear all sorts of colorful and luxurious robes, adopted a very humble posture and a warm and ingratiating attitude.
However, Ouyang Rong politely declined all of these offers. Later, he simply ignored them, pretending not to see them, and also privately instructed his aunt, Zhen Shuyuan, to reject all of Pei Shisan Niang's invitations.
On the way back, Wang Caozhi remembered something and spoke:
"However, I have heard that the salt merchants are having a hard time these days, not only in Yangzhou, but also in all ten provinces of the country."
"It seems that due to the aftermath of the Yingzhou Rebellion, the imperial court in the capital tightened its control and supervision over the salt and iron industry. Master Di also vigorously promoted some strict policies to restrict merchants from selling salt and to transfer the salt trade to a monopoly by government-designated agencies..."
He shook his head and sighed, "These salt merchants aren't having an easy time either. They were incredibly successful a few years ago."
Ouyang Rong remained silent.
The carriage entered the city bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, passing through Xingzifang and traversing a food street where vendors were gradually closing up shop.
He hooked his finger to lift the carriage curtain and gazed at the crowded shops and houses lining one side of the street.
Xingzifang.
A special area that is dirty, old, and chaotic, yet bustling and lively.
It is adjacent to Xunyang Ferry and located on the banks of the river.
In the eyes of urban planners, the location is excellent.
Moreover, once Ouyang Rong's grand plan for the benefit of Xunyang City is completed, the flood problem will be solved, and Xunyang City will be expanded westward to Shuangfengjian.
Xingzifang was able to transform from a remote and peripheral neighborhood into the central neighborhood of Xunyang City.
A truly prime location.
However, at present...
This place, however, is filled with old streets and neighborhoods that have been in disrepair for years, giving it a unique kind of liveliness.
Like an urban village, the low rent attracted most of the laborers from Xunyang City, as well as outsiders seeking a living.
"Were they being targeted so early? These profit-driven businessmen have noses as sensitive as sharks to the smell of blood."
"This was before my plans for the Twin Peaks Excavation and the Xunyang Grottoes Construction were announced..."
Ouyang Rong's dark eyes reflected the myriad lights of Xingzifang in the distance as he murmured to himself.
His face flickered with the glow of the lanterns from the shops along the street, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Wang Caozhi turned around: "What did my brother-in-law say?"
Ouyang Rong did not answer.
The short young man followed the gaze of the young man in the white fox fur coat and looked out the window. After a while, he smiled and said:
"Brother-in-law, this Xingzifang is in a great location."
Ouyang Rong suddenly said, "That Madam Pei and the salt merchants behind her want to buy most of the land in Xingzifang."
Wang Cao was taken aback, processed the information, then gradually frowned before returning to normal.
"Brother-in-law, we didn't talk nonsense outside."
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly: "She started preparing several months ago, earlier than us."
Wang Caozhi breathed a sigh of relief, then chuckled softly:
"Heh, interesting. So they're trying to go ashore and launder their money. The smuggled salt business is getting harder and harder, so they're preparing to find a new, stable source of income that's guaranteed to make money no matter what. In fact, it's going to be a money-making machine."
Ouyang Rong glanced at Wang Caozhi.
The latter waved his sleeve, exuding righteousness:
"Brother-in-law, don't let her fool you. After we finish our big project, Xunyang City will definitely be expanded. Isn't she just reaping the benefits for us?"
The tone shifts:
"Of course, most importantly, merchants spend a lot of money renovating the houses in the neighborhoods, so why would they let poor people live there cheaply? They set rent increases, which is even more despicable than those small landlords nowadays."
"Brother-in-law, we can't do something like this, where the people are ultimately plundered."
The short young man said with a sincere and firm expression, "I, Wang Caozhi, strongly oppose this matter!"
Ouyang Rong turned his head and silently looked at Wang Caozhi.
The two looked at each other for a while.
The atmosphere was somewhat quiet.
Ouyang Rong's expression seemed to ask, "You're just like the pot calling the kettle black. When did you develop such noble awareness?"
"Ahem, why is my brother-in-law looking at me like that?"
Wang Caozhi coughed, covering his mouth, and winked at Ouyang Rong, saying:
"Okay, actually it's just that I can't stand it. Seeing them make so much money is even more painful than me losing money! It makes me want to grind my teeth to dust."
After listening, Ouyang Rong looked away and said, "Don't overdo it. It's the same for you guys."
Wang Caozhi chuckled and didn't mention it again.
He glanced discreetly at the slightly weary-looking young man in the white fox fur coat standing before him.
In fact, when everyone was discussing the final version of the plan behind closed doors in the meeting room of the Municipal Trade Department this morning...
Many colleagues mentioned the Xingzifang incident, including Qingshu, the maid sent by the lady from Yangzhou, and Manager Guo.
The merchants all wanted to forge additional mutually beneficial collaborations with this 'easy-going' Chief Secretary, and with the official documents and regulations paving the way for their plans in Xingzifang, they made arrangements in advance...
However, as expected, he was firmly rejected by Ouyang Rong.
Everyone was naturally quite helpless and regretful, but after all, they were all outsiders and had not had much involvement or connection in Xunyang City before this collaboration.
This time, Ouyang Rong was only able to join this lucrative venture because of old friendships, so he didn't dare to ask for anything more and behaved himself.
Wang Caozhi snapped out of his daze and looked up: "Brother-in-law, those Yangzhou salt merchants are unruly; we should be careful later."
"clear."
Ouyang Rong nodded calmly.
Before long, the carriage carrying the two left Xingzifang. As they passed Huaiye Lane, Ouyang Rong spoke:
"You go first, I'll go home and get some things."
"Okay, brother-in-law."
Before Ouyang Rong got up and got out of the car, Wang Caozhi suddenly said, "Brother-in-law, remember to change into something more formal. There will be a lot of people tonight."
"Um."
Ouyang Rong was lost in thought about Xingzifang.
A carriage carrying Wang Caozhi drove away, leaving another carriage waiting outside. Ouyang Rong then entered the Huaiye Lane residence.
In the corridor, he looked down at his clothes.
Apart from the expensive white fox fur shawl gifted by the Prince of Xunyang's mansion, which made it look rather elegant.
Ouyang Rong was wearing a plain white brocade robe, a gift from his younger sister, Aqing, before they parted ways.
The plain white cedar has tight stitches and is thickened with cotton lining, making it very warm to wear in winter, but its appearance is quite ordinary.
Back at Yinbingzhai.
I didn't see Ye Weilai.
I don't know what he was busy with; he probably didn't expect Ouyang Rong to come back in the evening.
As darkness fell outside, the birthday banquet time indicated on the invitation was approaching.
I got back too late, so I was in a bit of a rush.
I was originally planning to take a shower after I got back to wash away the fatigue, feel refreshed, and then go there.
Ouyang Rong hesitated for a moment, glanced at the sky, and did not go to take a shower or change his clothes.
He walked to the cabinet, picked up the handmade oiled paper umbrella, and turned to leave. Then, as if remembering something, he looked back at the expensive gift box that a junior sister had given him.
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.
About fifteen minutes later, the carriage that had been parked in front of the mansion in Huaiye Lane slowly started moving and headed toward the bustling Xunyang Tower with its red lanterns hanging high on the riverbank in the distance.
...
Ouyang Rong fell asleep.
I was woken up by the coachman.
Slowly opening his eyes, Ouyang Rong looked at the cautious, dark face of the driver in front of him and quickly got up and got out of the carriage.
"Sorry, thank you for your hard work."
Ouyang Rong felt a little apologetic, and the coachman quickly waved his hand, "Sir, please go in quickly, it seems the banquet is about to start."
"good."
The carriage dropped Ouyang Rong off at the entrance of Xunyang Tower and drove to the stables.
A gust of river wind swept over me.
The chilling cold brought Ouyang Rong back to his senses. He rubbed his face and muttered, "How did I fall asleep..."
Perhaps the rhythmic jolting of the carriage just now helped me fall asleep.
However, recently, that important matter has indeed consumed too much of Ouyang Rong's mind and energy, and he almost overslept and missed his junior sister's birthday banquet.
Fortunately, everything is settled today, and I can relax and enjoy the New Year's holiday starting tomorrow.
Ouyang Rong shook his head.
He lowered his head to adjust his collar and cuffs, took a deep breath, and carrying the gift, walked into the towering Xunyang Tower ahead.
Ouyang Rong noticed that the entrance to Xunyang Tower seemed a bit deserted tonight, lacking the usual bustling scene.
However, the few guests who arrived by carriage and entered the building all appeared to be dressed in fine clothes and had an impressive presence.
Some even had an extremely grand entourage.
Ouyang Rong also saw a group of guards with swords riding tall horses under the shade of trees not far from Xunyang Tower, waiting quietly for their master, who seemed to have already entered the tower.
The guests tonight are all wealthy and powerful.
Could it be that Junior Sister and her relatives have booked the entire Xunyang Tower? No unauthorized guests allowed?
Ouyang Rong looked around curiously.
At the main entrance on the first floor of Xunyang Tower, there was a row of beautiful maids welcoming guests.
Following the example of other unfamiliar guests, Ouyang Rong handed over the gifts he had brought.
A welcoming maid smiled and said, "Young master, please follow me."
Ouyang Rong asked instinctively, "Where is Junior Sister?"
"What junior sister?" the welcoming maid asked in confusion.
Ouyang Rong glanced at her, paused, and shook his head: "It's nothing."
These maids appeared to be well-mannered and elegant, but their accents did not resemble the dialect of Jiangzhou. They were likely servants brought from the Xie family of Chenjun.
Ouyang Rong glanced again at the back of the welcoming maid.
Right now, there were two other guests around him, who had also been brought in by similarly smiling maids.
"What is your surname, young master?" the welcoming maid asked politely.
“Ouyang”.
"Young Master Ouyang, this way please."
"good."
Upon entering Xunyang Tower, Ouyang Rong realized that his previous guess was correct.
The entire Xunyang Tower was indeed booked out tonight. The first-floor hall was rearranged, filled with red lacquered wooden tables, and delicious dishes were scattered on the tables. The tower was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations in a festive vermilion color.
Ouyang Rong estimated that the large red candles consumed tonight alone would be equivalent to his annual salary as the Prefect of Jiangzhou.
"well."
Someone following behind the welcoming maid sighed.
He knew that a pitifully thick barrier had already separated him from his junior sister.
Ouyang Rong suppressed the corners of his mouth.
In the lobby on the first floor, many seats were already full, and many of the guests were unfamiliar faces, but each of them was dressed in a very stylish manner.
Ouyang Rong ignored them and looked around, but did not find his junior sister for the time being.
At this moment, most of the dishes have been served, and the birthday banquet seems to be about to officially begin.
It was unclear whether Ouyang Rong had arrived too late, or whether the welcoming maid genuinely didn't recognize him and hadn't received any prior instructions.
There were about twenty tables in the lobby on the first floor, but Ouyang Rong was led to a round red lacquered table at the back, quite close to the entrance. The welcoming maid turned around respectfully:
"Please take a seat, young master."
Ouyang Rong nodded, without finding fault.
He had just sat down when the other elegantly dressed guests at the table gave him sidelong glances.
"Your Excellency!"
A surprised male voice came from the table in front of this one.
Ouyang Rong turned his head.
It is Yan Liulang.
"Why is Your Excellency sitting here?"
Today, Yan Liulang, who was not carrying a sword and was wearing a silk robe, muttered to himself in confusion.
He still jogged over and said a few words to the guest sitting to Ouyang Rong's right.
The shameless man moved to this table and sat with Ouyang Rong.
Seemingly finding Yan Liulang's carefree and unruly manners lacking, some elegantly dressed guests at the surrounding tables frowned slightly and glanced over.
Neither Ouyang Rong nor Yan Liulang paid any attention to this. Ouyang glanced at his friend's clothes and chuckled, "Looks like a dog in human clothes." He paused, then added, "He looks quite smart in them."
“Hehe,” Yan Liulang scratched his head.
Unlike the banquets Ouyang Rong had attended in the past, the guests in the hall on the first floor exchanged quiet greetings, ignoring the delicacies in front of them, and no one touched their chopsticks before the host arrived.
The main reason is that Ouyang Rong used to always be in the host's seat at banquets and would start eating first, so he's feeling a little uncomfortable now.
Suppressing his habit, Ouyang Rong, who was practically invisible tonight, looked around...
(End of this chapter)
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