Gu Qinlan glanced at him and said earnestly, "A person who only resorts to force and does not know how to use wisdom can only be considered a boor. Although the Zheng family has been military men for generations, which one of them is an uneducated warrior? If you do not study military strategy and learn how to deploy troops, how can you command an army in battle?"
"If your ambition is merely to become an ordinary soldier who only knows how to charge into battle, then whether or not you continue your studies is indeed irrelevant. But if you aspire to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Zheng family and inherit the family's glory, then you must calm your mind, study diligently, and become an outstanding general who is both wise and brave."
After hesitating for a long time, Zheng Fenghui finally raised his head and said firmly, "I will remember your words, but I do not want to stay here. I long to return to Jindu City and continue my studies."
Gu Qinlan raised her eyebrows slightly, with a hint of defiance in her expression: "However, it seems that the schools in the city are no longer open to you."
Zheng Fenghui responded, "I will find a solution myself. But before that, I need you to agree to one condition."
A hint of curiosity flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes: "What kind of conditions?"
Zheng Fenghui quietly approached and whispered, "If I can handle the enrollment matter independently, then you must persuade Luo Feng to accept me as your disciple."
Gu Qinlan was slightly surprised: "You wish to follow Luo Feng to cultivate martial arts?"
Zheng Fenghui nodded firmly: "I originally wanted to learn martial arts from my father, but unfortunately he was too busy. As my father's nephew, Luo Feng's martial arts skills must be superior to those of the martial arts instructors we have hired. Only by following a true master can I learn the essence of martial arts."
Gu Qinlan chuckled: "Your judgment is indeed insightful, but I can't guarantee anything. Luo Feng isn't one of our family members. If he's unwilling to take you as his disciple, even your father probably can't change the situation."
Zheng Fenghui frowned, his face full of worry.
Gu Qinlan comforted her, "However, I will do my best to fight for you."
Since Zheng Fenghui decided not to stay in Bianliang, Gu Qinlan planned to set off for Jindu the next day.
However, a sudden downpour struck that night.
The rain poured down, and the streets of the city quickly filled with water. If the houses had not been built on foundations that were higher than the ground, they would probably have been submerged.
The situation worsened, and the innkeeper and his staff stood guard downstairs, not daring to relax their vigilance for fear that rainwater would flood into the house.
Gu Qinlan also couldn't fall asleep. There were two leaks in her room, one of which happened to be right above her bed.
She was awakened by the sound of rain leaking.
Hongye went downstairs and borrowed two basins from the innkeeper to collect water, and took the opportunity to ask to change rooms.
The innkeeper looked apologetic: "I'm so sorry, miss, we really don't have any rooms available. I'll have my waiter move the bed a bit, would that be alright with your wife for the time being?"
Hongye was somewhat dissatisfied: "What's the use of just moving the bed? With the constant sound of water leaking, how can I sleep peacefully? How can such a big inn have a leaky room?"
The innkeeper's face was clouded with worry: "I'm so sorry, how about this, we won't charge you for your wife's room? What do you think?"
Unable to make the decision herself, Hongye could only go upstairs to report to Gu Qinlan.
Gu Qinlan did not blame the shop owner and accepted the offer to waive the room fee.
Since she couldn't sleep, she lost interest in sleeping.
Because an important business opportunity suddenly flashed into her mind.
She remembered that there would be a month of heavy rain in July that year, which caused the downstream canal to breach its banks, flooding vast tracts of farmland and leading to a surge in grain prices the following year. Unpolished rice, which originally cost three coins a pound, suddenly rose to ten coins!
Her business opportunity has arrived!
The next morning, Gu Qinlan immediately invited Jiang Wenyuan.
Looking out the window at the still torrential rain, she said to Jiang Wenyuan, "Uncle, I would like to invite you to Lingnan."
"Go to Lingnan?" Jiang Wenyuan frowned in confusion, not understanding why his niece suddenly wanted him to go to such a faraway place.
Gu Qinlan said, "Uncle, I would like to ask you to do some business in Lingnan. Would you be willing to take the risk?"
Jiang Wenyuan's eyes flickered, clearly somewhat tempted by the deal, but going to such a far place was no small matter, and he still hesitated.
Gu Qinlan smiled gently: "Uncle, there will be a month-long heavy rain in July this year, which will cause grain prices to soar. I have a business opportunity and would like to work with you to seize it."
Jiang Wenyuan said with a wry smile, "Is it really okay for me to go to such a far place for this business?"
A sly glint flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes: "Of course, Uncle, this business opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, you mustn't miss it."
After pondering for a moment, Jiang Wenyuan finally agreed to Gu Qinlan's suggestion and decided to take the risk.
Gu Qinlan chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes: "Uncle, you'll contribute your life as a share, I'll provide the money, and you'll contribute your labor. We'll split the profits at a 40/60 ratio, you get 40%, and I'll take 60%. What do you think of this proposal, Uncle?"
Jiang Wenyuan refused without hesitation: "How can that be? I've only contributed my person; how can I be entitled to 40% of the profits? Can't you really find a reliable steward to manage these affairs? Wouldn't it be better if all the profits went to you?"
Gu Qinlan had already anticipated his reaction, so she slowly said, "Uncle, please don't be so quick to deny it. Let me explain in detail. Lingnan is a long and arduous journey, and we will encounter countless hardships and dangers along the way. When you were young, you traveled around a lot and have seen far more of the world than an ordinary steward."
"Besides, your uncle is most familiar with the customs and culture of Lingnan. If you were to handle it, not only could you avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble, but you could also purchase the best goods at the most favorable price. The cost savings would far exceed the 40% profit."
“The Prince Duan’s mansion does indeed have a few capable stewards, but Uncle is well aware of their greed for money. If we let them go, the amount of money they embezzle would probably be more than 40% of the profits. Uncle, can you bear to be harmed by those cunning servants?”
These words left Jiang Wenyuan speechless.
Having been exiled to Lingnan for many years, he knew the local customs and traditions intimately, and could even speak the local dialect fluently. The people of Lingnan were both xenophobic and united, making it extremely difficult for outsiders to establish themselves there. Even if they wanted to use money to pave the way, without connections, it would be difficult to succeed.
During his years in Lingnan, he not only accumulated a wealth of connections but also cultivated considerable resources. It can be said that he was indeed the best candidate to do business in Lingnan.
"A 40% profit margin is indeed a bit too much. Your money didn't come easily either. I can only accept 20% at most."
If he offered to take only 10%, Gu Qinlan would definitely not agree. 20% profit, while somewhat advantageous, is still reasonable.
Gu Qinlan pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's do 30%. Uncle, please don't argue with me anymore. Let's split the profits 30/70 for this one deal. Consider it my contribution to your family. Once you have enough funds, we can officially cooperate. Uncle, just this once, please agree to my terms."
Fearing he would refuse again, Gu Qinlan resorted to emotional appeal.
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