Chapter 54 I Want to Start a Business? No, I Want to Lie Down and Be a Lazy Bum!
Once Yun Zhan left the palace, he felt like a dragon entering the sea… no, more like a salted fish coming ashore. Although he couldn't make a splash yet, his mindset was completely free. Originally intending to head straight for Jiangnan, Yun Zhan noticed that Yan Linye's people were all heading out of the city. So, he cleverly decided to play the "blind spot" and believe that the most dangerous place was the safest. He decided to stay in the capital and not run away. Little did he know that this was all a smokescreen set up by Yan Linye to prevent Yun Zhan from going far.
He and Eunuch Gao rented a small courtyard house in a neighborhood in the south of the capital, a place that wasn't too bustling but also not too remote. The courtyard wasn't big, but it was clean and tidy, and most importantly—it was free! There were no layers of guards, no prying eyes; he could sleep until the sun was high in the sky if he wanted, and wander around the courtyard in his undergarments if he wanted! Nobody bothered him.
For the first few days, Yun Zhan maintained a high level of vigilance and... a false fighting spirit.
"Eunuch Gao, quick! Take stock of our belongings!" Yun Zhan dumped the small bundle onto the table, the golden melon seeds clinking. "We need to develop a detailed business plan! First, market research! Let's see what's the most profitable thing in the capital right now!"
Looking at the dozens of gold melon seeds, Old Man Gao was filled with satisfaction: "Young master, rest assured, this old servant knows what to do. This money is enough for us to live on for a while. Whatever you wish to do, this old servant will support you!"
Yun Zhan rubbed his hands together, eager to get started: "Let me think... How about a restaurant? A hot pot restaurant? Or a dessert shop? Selling milk tea? That's it! Soap! Glass! I refuse to believe that with my knowledge that's thousands of years ahead of its time, I can't make a name for myself in this ancient world!"
[Host, based on the current level of productivity and the difficulty of obtaining raw materials, making soap and glass requires the establishment of a small workshop, involving complex processes such as equipment, raw material procurement, and manual management. The estimated start-up capital is...] Xiao Qi timely poured cold water on the situation, listing a long string of data and potential risks.
As Yun Zhan listened to the string of "difficulties," "risks," and "insufficient funds," his newly ignited ambition was instantly extinguished.
"Uh... well, let's think about it carefully." He waved his hand awkwardly. "Starting a business is risky, and investment requires caution. Let's investigate the market first."
Thus, the so-called "market research" turned into...
"Grandpa Gao, I've heard that the roasted lamb skewers in the East Market are absolutely amazing! Let's go try them!"
"A new pastry shop has opened in the West Market. They say the chef is from Jiangnan. I'll buy some for afternoon tea!"
Wow! The wonton wrappers here are thin and the fillings are generous, and the soup is delicious! I ate three bowls in a row!
"There's a new play at the theater today? Let's go, let's go support them!"
"I've heard that the storytellers in brothels... cough cough, I've heard they're exceptionally good? Let's go listen!"
After a few days, Yun Zhan knew exactly which restaurants in the capital had the best food, which pastry shops had the newest offerings, and which opera troupe was putting on the most lively show. He and his eunuch Gao spent their days either eating or on their way to eat, living the life of a spoiled rich kid who had come out to experience life.
As for starting a business? Making money?
What is that? Is it more important than the immediate pleasure?
[Host, you've been out of the palace for half a month.] Xiao Qi couldn't help but remind you, [Your 'startup capital' is already 15% depleted. At this rate, you'll be living off your savings for long.]
"Oh, Xiao Qi, enjoy life while you can, don't let the golden goblet face the moon empty!" Yun Zhan was happily munching on a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts when he heard this, and waved his hand dismissively. "Money, isn't it meant to be spent? Spend it and then earn it back!"
Eunuch Gao stood by, smiling as he poured tea for Yun Zhan. "Young master is right! You can play as you please, eat whatever you want! If you don't have enough money, this old servant is here for you! Over the years, this old servant has accumulated some... savings." He didn't say it explicitly, but his eyes clearly said, "We're not short of money."
Xiao Qi: [...] It scanned what Eunuch Gao called his "savings," and wow, the silver notes from various banks, as well as the gold and silver jewelry buried underground, all added up to many times more than Yun Zhan's measly gold seeds! This old eunuch must have made a fortune in the past!
[Host, the source of this money that Eunuch Gao has is probably...] It tried to subtly remind him.
"Where did it come from?" Yun Zhan spat out the chestnut shell, looking completely matter-of-fact. "Of course it came from the Great Yin State Treasury and my... uh, my private treasury! What's wrong with that? Can't I spend my own money?"
The more he spoke, the more reasonable he felt, and he even became a little indignant: "Little Qi, think about it! I worked so hard (later on) to become emperor, eliminating treacherous officials and caring about the people's livelihood, and what was the result? The throne was usurped by that scoundrel Yan Linye! The national treasury also became his! If it weren't for Eunuch Gao's wisdom in 'safekeeping' some of it for me in advance, wouldn't it have all gone to him? A huge loss! A huge loss!"
He beat his chest and stamped his feet, filled with regret: "I still feel heartbroken when I think about it! If I had known that history couldn't be changed, why did I work so hard? I should have gone all out in the beginning! Spend as much as I could! Save more money for my future travel expenses! Sigh, I was too young and too responsible!"
Xiaoqi: [...] It was speechless. The host's logic seems off, yet somehow it makes sense.
With the support of Grandpa Gao, this "mobile treasury," Yun Zhan became even more unrestrained. He completely forgot about starting a business and pursuing a career. He slept until he naturally woke up every day, then spent his time figuring out where to go and what to eat. Occasionally, when his conscience bothered him (mainly when his gold coins were running low and he needed to use Grandpa Gao's "savings"), he would symbolically ask:
"Xiao Qi, do you know any business that makes money quickly, is not tiring, and has no risks?"
Xiaoqi: [...According to the database, there are no legal professions that meet the host's requirements.]
"Tsk, what use are you!" Yun Zhan curled his lip in disdain, then turned around and discussed with Eunuch Gao with great interest whether to go for the newly opened Western Region Merchant's Roasted Lamb Leg that evening, or to try the fresh pufferfish transported from the south...
Looking at its host's increasingly rounded chin and completely resigned attitude, Xiao Qi felt despair. It now had to report its host's "wonderful" life to Yan Linye every day, and it could imagine the complex and indescribable expression on the face of that powerful figure in the imperial study when he heard, "The host spent XX taels today, mainly on eating, drinking, and having fun, with no signs of starting a business."
Nighttime, the Imperial Study.
The flickering candlelight illuminated Yan Linye's slightly weary yet still handsome profile. A mountain of memorials lay on his desk, mostly concerning epidemic prevention and disaster relief. He had just finished discussing matters with several high-ranking officials, and his voice was somewhat hoarse.
He dismissed everyone, leaving him alone in the vast imperial study. He did not immediately continue reviewing the memorials, but instead leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and rubbed his throbbing temples.
"Xiao Qi," he called softly.
A faint wisp of light appeared: [Boss.]
"How is he... today?" Yan Linye's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible expectation and... weariness.
Xiao Qi's light flickered and began its routine report: [The host woke up at the beginning of the morning (around 9 AM). Breakfast consisted of crab roe buns and chicken porridge. In the morning, went to the East Market, bought a bag of roasted chestnuts and two servings of osmanthus cake, and watched a variety show. Lunch was at 'Drunken Immortal Pavilion' with roast duck… In the afternoon, went to a teahouse in the West Market to listen to storytelling, ordered tea and four kinds of snacks. Dinner… plans to try Western-style roasted lamb leg. Total expenses for today, equivalent to… 28 taels and 7 mace of silver. No work or business-related activities. Physical condition is good, mood… very pleasant.]
As Xiao Qi reported, corresponding images seemed to appear in Yan Linye's mind: that guy yawning sleepily, biting into a juicy crab roe bun; in a bustling market, his eyes shining as he looked at roasted chestnuts, his hands covered in dust as he ate; in a teahouse, clapping and cheering along with the others at the exciting parts, laughing without a care in the world...
A faint smile unconsciously curved the corners of his mouth.
These days, he has been busy with state affairs and dealing with the impending crisis, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted. Only when he hears Xiao Qi reporting on Yun Zhan's trivial yet vivid daily life can his tense nerves find a moment of relaxation.
He could imagine that Yun Zhan, after leaving the palace, was like a bird finally released from its cage, greedily breathing in the air of freedom, and making up for the time he had been imprisoned in the simplest and most direct way—eating, drinking and having fun.
Although the direction of this "entrepreneurship" deviated a bit from his expectations... He originally thought that with Yun Zhan's little bit of cleverness and knowledge from later generations, he would at least make some noise, then run into obstacles, and then... remember his kindness.
Unexpectedly, this guy just lay down and started enjoying life.
It's really... kind of cute that he's so pathetic.
Yan Linye opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the dark night sky outside the window. There was no moon tonight, only a few scattered stars.
His fingers unconsciously caressed a jade pendant hanging from his waist—it was the one Yun Zhan had left behind, which he had picked up and kept with him ever since.
“Go ahead and play…” he murmured to himself, with a hint of indulgence and helplessness, “When you’ve had your fill of playing… it’s time to come back.”
He knew the outside world wasn't as wonderful as it seemed. The plague two months later was like a sword hanging over his head; although he was making every effort to prepare, the capital would inevitably be thrown into turmoil, and he would be attacked from both sides.
He hoped that by then, Yun Zhan would think of him first and take the initiative to return to his side to face the situation together, just like when they were in Hejian Prefecture.
This might be a selfish motive of his, or perhaps a huge gamble. He was betting that Yun Zhan still had feelings for him.
More than anything, he felt heartache. Heartache for Yun Zhan, who had been forced to be so cautious and trembling by fate and himself. Now, seeing him laugh so freely, even if it was only temporary, he felt... that the half of his fortune that had been given away was worth it.
"Protect him well." Yan Linye said to Xiao Qi's ball of light, his voice deep and solemn. "If there is any danger, inform me immediately."
Xiao Qi's glowing orb flashed respectfully: [Yes, Boss.]
Yan Linye sat up straight again, picked up the vermilion brush, took a deep breath, and once again immersed himself in the seemingly endless political affairs.
However, the furrowed brows seemed to soften slightly because of the vivid image in his mind.
Meanwhile, in a small courtyard several streets away, Yun Zhan, having eaten and drunk his fill, was sprawled out on a recliner without any regard for appearances, patting his round belly, gazing at the crooked tree in the yard, and letting out a satisfied sigh:
Ah! This is the life a human being should live!
"System, record this: Today's happiness level is perfect!"
Xiao Qi: […Recorded.] Host, I hope you'll still be this optimistic two months from now.
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