The nonchalant phrase "We met by chance, why bother leaving a name?" paired with the flamboyant emoji above Xiao Che's head that read "[Small scene, don't mention it.gif]", firmly established his image as a "reclusive master".
All the talented scholars from Jiangnan present, including the scholar Zhang who had previously made difficult remarks, now looked at Xiao Che with completely different expressions of "contempt" and "watching the show," instead of "awe" and "admiration."
Zhang Xiucai blushed deeply, wishing he could disappear into the ground. Holding his wine cup, he tried several times to apologize, but was intimidated by Xiao Che's unfathomable aura and dared not approach, so he could only pace anxiously in place.
As the host of this literary gathering, "Jade-faced Gentleman" Gao Changgong was extremely excited.
As the most talented scholar in Jiangnan, he had a high opinion of himself. Usually, he was surrounded by sycophants and had never seen such a brilliant and talented person.
Moreover, this person is not only exceptionally talented, but also so indifferent to fame and fortune!
This...this is simply the perfect embodiment of the noble character of ancient scholars in his mind!
Young Master Gao was not about to let go of this opportunity to befriend a "master".
He immediately pushed through the crowd, walked up to Xiao Che himself, and bowed respectfully once again, his attitude several times more humble than before.
"Sir, you are truly a man of great talent. I admire you to the point of utter admiration!" His voice was filled with sincere respect. "The noise downstairs is an insult to your ability to hear me. We have a private room upstairs with tea. I hope that you and your wife will do us the honor of joining us for a chat, so that I may have the opportunity to learn a thing or two from you."
His words were certainly very polite.
It should be noted that the private rooms on the top floor of this pleasure boat are usually reserved for top figures like Young Master Gao.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Che exchanged a glance with Lin Wanwan.
He knew that the other party was trying to probe his capabilities.
That's good. He was just worried about not finding an opportunity to break into the core circle of Jiangnan.
So, he pretended to ponder for a moment before slowly nodding amidst the envious and jealous gazes of the group of talented men: "Since Young Master Gao has extended such a warm invitation, then... I shall respectfully accept."
"Sir, Madam, please!" Young Master Gao was overjoyed and quickly led the way himself.
Under the admiring gaze of everyone, Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan followed Young Master Gao and gracefully ascended to the top floor of the painted boat.
The private room on the top floor was indeed completely different from the hustle and bustle downstairs.
This place is quiet and elegant, furnished with valuable calligraphy, paintings and antiques. Outside the window is the vast lake and moonlight, and the air is filled with the fragrance of fine agarwood, which brings peace to the mind.
After the three of them took their seats as host and guest, a maid immediately served them top-quality pre-rain Longjing tea.
Young Master Gao personally poured tea for Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan, adopting an extremely humble posture, and his words were full of praise for Xiao Che's talent.
"To be honest, I have been presiding over the Jiangnan Literary Gathering for many years and have seen many so-called talented people, but I have never seen anyone like you who can casually compose timeless lines like you!" He exclaimed sincerely. "Your talent is probably no less than that of the Hanlin scholars in the capital!"
Xiao Che picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and smiled faintly: "Young Master Gao is too kind. I am just a merchant who enjoys reading some books in my spare time and occasionally has some insights. I am not worthy of the title 'Master'."
His casual remark, "I am but a merchant," struck a chord deep within Young Master Gao's heart.
merchant?
A barely perceptible glint flashed in Young Master Gao's eyes.
He had been so focused on marveling at the other man's talent that he had overlooked his identity. Now, hearing him admit it himself, Young Master Gao's heart immediately stirred.
In his view, no matter how talented a merchant is, he is ultimately the lowest of the "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants" social classes.
However, a merchant who possesses both extraordinary talent and immense wealth is entirely different!
This kind of person is definitely the best target for winning over!
Therefore, Young Master Gao's attitude, based on his original respect, was further enhanced by a touch of deliberate enthusiasm.
He began to subtly inquire about Xiao Che's background.
"Oh? So Brother Xiao... is a merchant? My apologies!" he said, feigning surprise. "Judging from your extraordinary bearing and elegant speech, you must be... no ordinary businessman, right? May I ask where you work?"
Xiao Che sneered inwardly, knowing that the other party's true colors were about to be revealed.
Following the words he had agreed upon with Lin Wanwan beforehand, he replied unhurriedly, "Young Master Gao, you are too kind. My surname is Xiao, and my given name is Yizhi. My ancestors have always lived in the capital, making a living by selling silk and tea."
"From the capital!" Young Master Gao's eyes lit up even more instantly!
A very wealthy businessman from the capital! His background must be extraordinary!
His smile grew even more enthusiastic, almost to the point of flattery: "So you're Master Xiao from the capital! I've heard so much about you! The capital is right under the emperor's nose, a place where hidden talents abound. To be able to run a successful business in such a place, Master Xiao, you truly are a hidden master!"
He picked up his teacup, toasted Xiao Che with tea instead of wine, and then changed the subject, extending his own "olive branch".
"Master Xiao, your trip south this time must be... also to expand your business, right?" he asked tentatively.
Xiao Che nodded noncommittally.
Upon seeing this, Young Master Gao immediately patted his chest and said confidently, "Then you've come to the right place! To tell you the truth, my father is the Salt Commissioner of Suzhou. In this Jiangnan region, especially in business, as long as the Gao family is involved, there's nothing we can't accomplish! If you, Master Xiao, are interested in developing your business here, please feel free to ask if there's anything you can do to help me! I will definitely be happy to assist you!"
When he said this, his tone was full of confidence and arrogance, as if his family had the final say in all the business in Jiangnan.
Lin Wanwan sat to the side, quietly drinking her tea, but she already knew exactly what was going on.
The Salt Commissioner was a key position in the imperial court, in charge of salt administration, a highly lucrative and powerful post. This young master Gao, clearly relying on his father's influence, acted with impunity in the Jiangnan region, even openly promising "business favors" to a "wealthy merchant" he had just met.
If there's no shady collusion between officials and businessmen behind this, she'll write her name backwards!
Xiao Che's face remained calm and composed.
He turned to Young Master Gao and subtly revealed a look of surprise and gratitude: "Oh? In that case, thank you in advance, Young Master Gao. To be honest, I do intend to open up some new trade routes in Jiangnan, but unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with the area and I am worried about not having any connections!"
"Haha! Connections? The Gao family has no shortage of connections!" Young Master Gao laughed triumphantly.
Seeing that the atmosphere had been set in motion, he finally revealed his true intentions, taking out a gold-embossed invitation from his sleeve and handing it over with both hands.
“Master Xiao, it’s quite a coincidence. Tomorrow is my father’s fiftieth birthday. All the prominent figures in Jiangnan will be there. I’ve hit it off with you the moment we met. If you and your wife don’t mind, I hope you can spare some time to visit my humble abode tomorrow. This would also give me the opportunity to introduce you to my friends in Jiangnan.”
This is his real purpose.
A birthday banquet would not only earn Xiao Che's favor, but also provide an opportunity to bring this "fat sheep from the capital" into their circle, killing two birds with one stone.
Xiao Che looked at the gold-embossed invitation, a cold smile playing on his lips, but on the surface he appeared flattered.
He stood up, accepted the invitation with both hands, and replied without hesitation, "Young Master Gao is so kind, how could I, Xiao, dare to refuse? Tomorrow, my wife and I will certainly arrive at your residence on time to celebrate the old lady's birthday!"
After a pleasant gathering, the young master Gao, satisfied, personally escorted the two off the painted boat.
Back in his room at the inn, the moment he closed the door, the "grateful" expression on Xiao Che's face vanished instantly, replaced by a chilling aura.
Lin Wanwan walked to his side and whispered, "This person... is too enthusiastic. He promised to help and invited me to the banquet. He doesn't seem like a simple literary gathering host."
"Simple?" Xiao Che sneered. He walked to the window, opened it, and looked down at the still brightly lit and bustling night view of Jiangnan.
Lin Wanwan saw that above his head, a cartoon figure was looking down with disdain at a weasel wagging its tail and fawning, with a line of large text next to it—
[Offering unsolicited favors.gif]
Xiao Che's gaze fell on the area in the distance that was lit up by countless lights, which was the direction of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office.
His voice sounded somewhat cold in the quiet night:
"He's not naive, he's impatient."
"They were eager to pull us, this 'big fish from the capital,' into their already woven net."
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