"I came here today to specifically find Shopkeeper Wu, because I’m resolved to go forward. Please don’t worry, Shopkeeper Wu," declared Ji Xinhe with certainty.
After pondering for a while, Wu Zhanggui responded, "The brothel business is indeed lucrative. If there is anything that tops its profitability, it’s probably smuggling or the fur trade. However, those are much riskier. Smugglers face threats from both the authorities and bandits. It’s very troublesome. The nickname ’Golden Cave’ associated with brothels is not without reason. But in truth, it’s a treacherous business. If one is not careful, it could lead to various problems."
"What kinds of problems?" Ji Xinhe asked.
"A famous brothel is naturally the center of power, where a complex web of vested interests is formed. Behind these, there might be various forces that even the brothel owners know nothing about. Do we know who they really are behind their façade?" Wu Zhanggui said, his words carrying significant implications.
The more profitable the business, the more complicated it gets!
Ji Xinhe’s brows slightly furrowed. She was prepared, but those words of Wu Zhanggui indicated a complexity she hadn’t perceived beforehand.
"Ji Xinhe, I understand that you have a knack for business. But there’s a saying that the arm cannot twist the thigh - trying to contend power with the high and mighty is futile," said Wu Zhanggui, genuinely concerned for Ji Xinhe’s well-being. Rumours about her origin only circulated within the capital city and had not reached this remote township.
Isn’t it similar to Marquis Mu, who lives modestly like a farmer here despite being a person of high interest in the capital city?
Even without considering her lineage, Ji Xinhe still had ambitions to try her luck. Life is full of challenges. Was the grape wine business devoid of offending powerful figures? The Shen Family once tried to suppress her by even going as far as hiring professional wine brewers for the Royal Family to rival her.
What sort of underhanded tactics had they not used? And had they ever scared her?
Ji Xinhe thought of this, her face turning cold. With a slight huff, she said, "Who can tell without trying?"
Wu Zhanggui looked at her determined demeanor and knew further persuasion was futile. "So, what’s your plan? Opening a new house?" he asked.
With a frown, Ji Xinhe shook her head. "As you’ve said, this business is very complicated. Opening a new house would attract a lot of attention even before it’s up. Interference from others could make it difficult to succeed."
Starting anything new poses the most challenge, especially when there are potential opponents in the wait, ready to hinder progress.
Wu Zhanggui chuckled, knowing that this witty girl was far more steady and mature than most people her age, and that she would give a lot of thought to starting in this business.
Wu Zhanggui then continued, "In our line of work, we meet all sorts of people, so we know quite a few things as well."
That was precisely why Ji Xinhe asked Wu Zhanggui, as she trusted that he was her most reliable source of information.
Ji Xinhe said, "Shopkeeper Wu has always been my trusted partner. Don’t I always consult you with all my plans?"
Chuckling, Wu Zhanggui understood that Ji Xinhe was sweet-talking him for his insights. Although they both knew the truth, the flattery was still pleasant to hear.
"Among the brothels that we’ve discussed, the most popular at the moment is the Yihong Courtyard. On the other hand, the least successful is the Flower House. The madam of Flower House has a poor eye for selecting girls. Even when they find a good one, they fail to train her properly, reducing a fairy-like girl to a vulgar woman. It is undoubtedly a depreciation in value. Hence, Flower House has lost its popularity and is gradually declining."
Wu Zhanggui then lowered his voice, "I also heard that Flower House is on the verge of closing. A failing brothel not only fails to profit but also loses money daily by incurring expenses such as wages for the workers and maintenance. How can such a business survive?"
Ji Xinhe’s eyes lit up at the news, "So, it seems that Flower House is no longer viewed as competition?"
"Who would take a failing brothel seriously? The attention is on the currently successful Yihong Courtyard. For you, this might be a small opportunity," said Wu Zhanggui, knowing that Ji Xinhe had already understood what he meant.
In such a business environment, Ji Xinhe, being an outsider, needs to keep a low profile until she establishes herself.
Otherwise, before she even had a chance to secure her footing, her business could be overrun by others. What hope would there be of a future then?
With Flower House on the brink of closure, it would be a perfect opportunity for Ji Xinhe to discreetly take over. Flower House was currently unpopular and dismissed, making it an exceedingly low-key option. It was far better than starting a new brothel from scratch.
"However," Wu Zhanggui paused before continuing, "you should be confident of making an immediate impact. Transforming the struggling Flower House into a place of interest overnight and quickly steadying its footing. Otherwise, the tiniest mistake could make you vulnerable."
Wu Zhanggui looked at Ji Xinhe with concern. He was unsure whether this young girl could handle and turn around such a large business.
However, Ji Xinhe appeared nonchalant as she stood up, smiling, "Thank you, Shopkeeper Wu, for giving me so much valuable insight today. When I have some free time, I must invite you to a meal as a token of appreciation."
Wu Zhanggui chuckled, "It’s really nothing. We’re old acquaintances, why the formalities? I will also help inquire about your affairs."
"Thank you! Now I must take my leave."
As Ji Xinhe left, she felt lightweight. Perhaps she felt more assured now. With some knowledge about her new venture, she could now plan more effectively.
Seeing Ji Xinhe preoccupied with her thoughts, Shulan couldn’t help but ask, "Madam, are you really considering starting a brothel? We already have some silver. Why do we need to dive into such murky water?"
Ji Xinhe took a deep breath, "If it’s only about some silver, then no, we don’t need it. But what if I say, I am aiming to gather wealth enough to rival a country?"
Shulan instantly widened her eyes in shock, "R... rich enough to compete with a country?"
She had never thought, her master, this seventeen-year-old girl, had such huge ambitions!
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