Chapter 14: A Name Renowned

Hour of the Rooster, the crimson sun hung low in the west.

The southern precinct of the Imperial City Office was alive with laughter and merriment. Some indulged in wine and song, others danced with flowing sleeves.

All were wealthy folk; if the place grew untidy, they hired cleaners from outside; if hungry or thirsty, they summoned servers; if the atmosphere was lacking, they sang their own tunes for pleasure.

By the time Eunuch Chen returned to the southern precinct, all semblance of solemnity and authority had vanished.

With the beating of copper gongs and the blare of suona horns, the crowd finally quieted.

Two young eunuchs carried a horizontal plaque, unveiling it from red cloth to reveal the solemn inscription: “Benefiting the People and Aiding the World,” written with stern neatness.

“Everyone, the sovereign has graciously bestowed this handwritten decree to encourage righteous merchants and citizens in acts of benevolence benefiting the people and the world. All who participate in this charitable school-building endeavor shall keep this monument in their homes!”

A slap followed by a sweet reward, the matter was thus defined.

“Deputy Commander Cao Rui has been drinking and causing trouble, his conduct unbecoming. The sovereign has ordered him to remain in confinement for self-reflection. You are all free to go home immediately.”

Li Chang’an stepped forward to accept the plaque, and the crowd raised their cups in another round of celebration.

“Thanks for your hospitality, Eunuch Chen!” The jesters always tossed out this line on their way out.

Fortunately, Li Chang’an showed face and paid wages, hiring cleaners to tidy the venue.

“Let’s go quickly, Young Master Li! I’ve prepared a carriage; you must accompany me for a parade!” Eunuch Chen held the plaque while urging from behind.

“You probably don’t know—this afternoon alone, over three thousand people beat the drum of grievance, all rallying for the young master’s cause. Though I posted notices over there, I still need you to make an appearance and show your face.”

Li Chang’an, drunk and dizzy, was helped into a fresh robe and lifted into the carriage.

Unaware onlookers might have thought a new custom had arisen for evening ceremonies during Bianliang’s wedding processions.

The carriage rumbled through the city, drawing curious whispers from passersby.

“Hey, who’s that? Which widow princess has summoned this son-in-law?”

“Don’t be absurd. He looks like a doctor—can’t you read? It says ‘Benefiting the People and Aiding the World.’”

“No young doctor like that. I think he runs an apothecary.”

Circling half an hour through the city, Li Chang’an had become a well-known figure. Though previously known only as the ‘Little God of Wealth,’ today he truly lived up to the name.

Everywhere he went, cheers, shouts, and pleas echoed in a tumultuous chorus.

Meanwhile, the Cao household was far less jovial, tinged with sorrow.

Their master had been dragged back and confined, forbidden from feasting, singing, dancing, or attending performances for a month.

Garden renovations halted.

He was ordered to study diligently, six hours a day.

By decree of the Duke’s mansion, if he failed to fulfill his duties as Deputy Inspector of Officials, he was to be barred from ancestral tombs forever.

Cao Rui bore this bitterly, unaware that his reckless outburst had caused such a calamity.

Li Chang’an emerged unscathed. The common people dispersed, and the court’s dignitaries breathed a sigh of relief.

At a critical moment of national reform, when confidence was fragile, such an incident could have gone down in history as a great scandal if mishandled.

What to do? They had to protect this troublesome youth.

By direct order of the Political Affairs Hall, officials from the Ministry of Rites were assigned to guard the school, ensuring its construction would no longer be disturbed.

Wen Yanbo quietly dispatched a battalion of imperial guards to assist, both to support and to keep watch.

Upon awakening, Li Chang’an felt refreshed.

No more work obligations; it was time to set up the procurement system and free himself completely.

He sent Guangxiao to invite guests to the largest teahouse in the city’s eastern quarter.

This time, it wasn’t just the guilds of recommended workers but also transporters, timber merchants, bookbinders, and grain and oil sellers—everyone was invited.

The occasion: The Benefactors’ Financial Partners Assembly.

This announcement alarmed both the Imperial City Office and the Kaifeng Prefecture. Was Li Chang’an courting disaster? Holding a Loyal and Righteous Hall right under the Son of Heaven’s nose?

Spring Blossom Pavilion’s four courtyards were filled with over two hundred informants and soldiers.

Everyone cautioned Li Chang’an not to court ruin; rebellion was no trivial matter—you think it’s just storming the county office?

Once the city gates shut and the ten-zhang-high walls sealed, not even a gecko could scale them.

Before long, Li Chang’an made a dazzling entrance amid thunderous cheers, resembling a bandit chief convening a sworn assembly.

The guild bosses fretted—two hundred thousand strings of cash in business contracts were all snapped up by nobles; they couldn’t get a foot in the door.

Yet Li the Boss made it clear he had not forgotten them and intended to lead everyone to prosperity.

Once seated, Li ascended the teahouse stage, where Guanghe and Guangxiao unveiled a large backdrop plastered with fresh white rice paper.

In bold black ink, the word “Tender” was inscribed.

“Since ancient times, commerce is fair trade, voluntary by both parties. Goods are auctioned, multiple bids offered, highest price wins. Now, the situation has changed; supply exceeds demand, and the market is inverted. I propose a new pricing method to reform our procurement customs.”

Li Chang’an spoke eloquently, sharing the knowledge he had gleaned from books, adapting it to the times, enlightening the assembled elites.

No more opaque dealings—fair competition would prevail.

Mastering this new model, they would unite and create a new realm of commerce.

Some understood immediately and rejoiced inwardly, knowing this would prevent many unscrupulous collusions and leaks of trade secrets.

Others were confused but trusted Li the Immortal; after all, he was the reincarnation of Zhao Gongming, surely teaching only wisdom.

“I will recruit fifty partners, calling it the Project Tender Evaluation Committee. Whenever a tender arises, five or seven members will be selected to vote on bids based on price and quality, choosing the best supplier.”

“This way, no more secret deals with the powerful to the detriment of business.”

“Since we have an assembly, let us also give it a name and a base for everyone to voice their opinions.”

What? To be in the same society as Li the Immortal?

“Pick me! Pick me!”

“What name? Just call it the God of Wealth Society!”

The crowd responded enthusiastically, brainstorming wildly.

After much debate, Li Chang’an unfolded a fresh sheet and wrote three characters: “Finance Assembly.”

“Finance” naturally signifying wealth.

“Assembly” symbolizing reason, principles, and order.

“Assembly” as the organizational form.

The Finance Assembly—a society dedicated to discussing ways to prosper and manage wealth.

“Brilliant! Brilliant! Truly worthy of the sovereign’s appointed righteous merchant. Such a fitting, elegant, and unconventional name!”

“Don’t flatter him. Tell me, what’s the catch? How do we benefit from joining?”

“Bah! Simpletons like you could never grasp Li the Immortal’s true meaning. I won’t tell you.”

The heated discussion below contrasted with Li’s radiant face above.

So this was what it meant to have all the world’s heroes under one roof—delightful! Herd the sheep and slaughter them; they’ll thank us for it!

“Uh… er! Every member of the Finance Assembly shall meet twice monthly, with myself and the great talents of the Wu and Qian families personally explaining the changes in Bianjing’s commerce. Once my school is completed, we will open business courses to train all owners and managers.”

At this declaration, cheers erupted in support.

Hearing the God of Wealth’s guidance was a matter of fate; not everyone could solve the three riddles, but listening to him was like gold falling from the sky.

“I support it! I am the owner of Spring Blossom Pavilion and offer my venue as the Finance Assembly’s meeting place!”

This old official, cunning and sharp, had already seen the business opportunity while others still buzzed with excitement.

Soon, the mood shifted. Why should you provide the place?

“I have a villa outside the city, lush with bamboo groves…”

“The Golden Pavilion by the Bian River is my family’s; broad grounds and lovely scenery…”

…