Li Jindou undoubtedly attached great importance to Fu Xiaoguan's visit to the Li Mansion.
He was a businessman, his family were all businessmen, and Fu Xiaoguan was an official, a high-ranking one at that! He was also the son-in-law of Minister Dong! He was also the grandson-in-law of the Prime Minister Yan! He was also the son-in-law of His Majesty!
What the hell, who else in the entire Yu Dynasty has such a powerful background!
If you add the legendary identity of the eldest prince of the Wu Dynasty... who else in this world could it be?
This is the real boss, Li Jindou naturally dare not underestimate him.
So after receiving the news about his son Li Cai today, he immediately left Baolong Money House and called back his eldest son Li Jia, third son Li Wan and fourth son Li Guan.
He sent Li Cai to Sifanglou to invite the best chef, and asked the maids and servants in the mansion to clean the house inside and out.
Li Jindou and his four sons sat in the study, burning a sandalwood stick and brewing a pot of good tea. He glanced at his four sons and spoke slowly:
"When Master Fu got married, my Li family gave him a pair of corals. Although they were worth a fortune, it seems that the gift was a bit too little. I didn't expect him to pay attention to our Li family..."
Li Jindou's thin, hale face showed a hint of nervousness. He stroked his goatee and added, "Since the second brother has established a relationship with Master Fu and invited him here, tonight, the four of you brothers should each prepare a generous gift, but you must not claim it's a wedding gift."
"Second brother, you did a great job on this matter. You must be even more diligent in the court in the future. Because as soon as Master Fu steps into the gate of our Li family, you will be branded as Master Fu. Don't embarrass Master Fu."
Li Cai's face was filled with joy. He poured tea for his father and brother and said, "Of course. I just didn't expect Master Fu to be so easygoing. I casually invited him to Hongxiuzhao, but after hearing your name, he wanted to come and visit."
The eldest brother, Li Jia, frowned slightly and asked, "He is a very busy man. Why did he come to my house?"
Li Jindou thought for a moment and said, "I'm afraid it has something to do with the new policies being implemented by the country."
The third son, Li Wan, had his eyes light up. "Father, do you think he'll ask you to be his advisor? After all, the new policies are all centered around the revitalization of commerce. Although Master Fu is a genius, when it comes to understanding business, he's only seventeen. How can he compare to your insights?"
Li Jindou did not answer. He sipped his tea slowly, his mind racing.
No one comes to the temple for no reason. Fu Xiaoguan came to the Li Mansion for something, and it is very likely as the third brother said.
But he was in charge of the Baolong Money House, and the boss behind the Baolong Money House was the current Queen Shang, Fu Xiaoguan's mother-in-law!
They are a family and cannot afford to offend either side. If Fu Xiaoguan really brings it up at that time... the matter will have to be left to Queen Shang to decide.
He took a deep breath and said to his four sons, "Don't make wild guesses. Everything Master Fu does is a major event. Besides the second son, who serves as an official in the imperial court, the rest of our Li family are merchants. Master Fu is working hard to boost the status of merchants, which is of course a good thing for our family. So, when Master Fu arrives, be careful in your service and be sure not to offend this upstart from the capital!"
These words naturally reached the ears of the four sons. They knew that Fu Xiaoguan's literary talent was unmatched in the world, and they also knew that Fu Xiaoguan's status was noble, so they were extremely uneasy - people who are successful at a young age are usually not easy to serve!
…
…
When Li Cai welcomed Fu Xiaoguan to the Li Mansion, it was already dark.
Li Jindou was standing in front of the gate of the Li Mansion with his three other sons, eager to greet them.
"I, Li Jindou, and my four sons come to see Master Fu!"
The five of them bowed, and Fu Xiaoguan immediately walked over and supported Li Jindou with a smile on his face. "You are really embarrassing me, old man. I hope you won't be disgusted by my unauthorized visit."
"Master Fu's visit to my humble abode truly brings honor to the Li Mansion. Please come in, Master Fu!"
"Mr. Li and all the brothers, please come in!"
After a simple conversation, Li Jindou and his four sons refreshed their views of Fu Xiaoguan.
Except for Li Cai, this was the first time for the four of them to see the legendary Fu Xiaoguan.
Most scholars are arrogant, especially those like Fu Xiaoguan who is only seventeen years old but has already become the world's top scholar. He should have been even more arrogant, but he happened to be a humble gentleman.
He holds a high position and has a distinguished status, so I thought he would be arrogant, but I didn't expect him to be so humble.
He was polite, his words were gentle, and even his every move appeared frank and magnanimous in the eyes of the four sons following Li Jindou and Fu Xiaoguan.
So this is what my father often said: A mind full of literature and art is as humble as a valley, and a belly full of poetry and books is naturally elegant!
He is truly a young talent!
Their uneasy hearts finally settled down. As businessmen, what they feared most was dealing with officials, especially those self-righteous officials!
Fu Xiaoguan is obviously not that kind of official, so what kind of official is he?
Under the guidance of Li Jindou, Fu Xiaoguan and others came to the restaurant. After another round of politeness, Fu Xiaoguan finally couldn't resist Li Jindou's persistence and sat at the top seat.
"Brother Li Cai invited me today, and I should have come earlier, but I never thought that His Majesty would keep me here. Brother Li Cai knows this."
Li Cai nodded and said with a smile, "Master Fu is your Majesty's son-in-law, and I know that this national policy was originally drafted by Master Fu. Now that it is about to be fully implemented, I think your Majesty wants to ask you for advice."
"You're right. This question has been going on since the court was dismissed until the evening. I went back to the mansion to explain to the ladies. I'm sorry to have kept Brother Li Cai waiting for so long."
"Master Fu, your words have frightened me. I would gladly wait not only for an hour but also for a whole night. This is not to flatter you, but the policy you have implemented is truly beneficial to the country and the people, and I truly admire you!"
Fu Xiaoguan laughed, "Really?"
Li Cai replied seriously, "Of course I'm serious!"
"Then..." Fu Xiaoguan looked at Li Cai while holding his teacup. "In order to implement the new policy, the court is going to set up a new Ministry of Commerce. If I invite Brother Li Cai to come to the Ministry of Commerce to work, would you be willing?"
Li Cai was stunned. I just climbed up to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue for just over a month, and you want to invite me to the Ministry of Commerce... "Ministry of Commerce, what kind of ministry is that?"
"Of course it's the department that dominates the Yu Dynasty's commerce, directly under the leadership of the Political Affairs Hall, and half a level higher than the six ministries. How do you think it is?"
Li Jindou's old eyes flashed, and he kicked Li Cai under the table. Li Cai hurriedly stood up and bowed: "Your humble servant is willing!"
"Okay, wait for me at the Secretariat tomorrow. You're the first person I personally recruited. Let's take the Yu Dynasty's business to a whole new level!"
Li Jindou was overjoyed and roared with full energy: "Come on, bring some wine!"
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