Chapter 54: Jealousy, Secrets

Wang Wanzi’s body stiffened. Wasn’t this obvious? To run a business was to seek greater profits, amass wealth, and ensure the long-term survival of one’s family. The emperor’s vision was indeed something he deeply desired, yet caution ruled him. All because he had been thoroughly chastened by Liu Bei in the past. The Wang family had once held the right to mint coins, but Liu Bei had stripped them of that privilege, and even seized three of their mines—a grievous loss indeed!

But there had been no alternative. Merchants were of lowly status; aside from their wealth, they had no other advantage. The private soldiers of his family were as powerless before Liu Bei’s iron cavalry as toddlers before a tempest, utterly incapable of resistance.

The right to mint coins and the three mines—he had considered them payments for his family’s survival and as stepping stones. Thus, marrying his daughter to the emperor was an exchange for a period of peace.

Though he possessed considerable wealth, he lived in constant fear. If the emperor or the prime minister ever claimed they lacked funds for the northern campaign and resorted to outright plundering, he could do nothing to resist.

His father had acted the bandit, reaping many benefits from the Wang family. The son would likely do the same. Therefore, he was exceedingly cautious.

As they walked, Wang Wanzi pondered in silence before cautiously asking, “What does Your Majesty intend? Please enlighten me.”

Liu Tan smiled. It seemed that promises of grandeur did not sway everyone. Merchants, indeed, were shrewd! Once the group reached the Wang family’s reception hall, Liu Tan seated himself squarely in the seat of honor and declared, “Very well, I shall speak plainly. I have come today to discuss a business venture with my father-in-law!”

“A business venture?” Wang Wanzi’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at his two sons, whose expressions were now equally uneasy—no doubt thinking what he was thinking.

It must be a joke—the emperor discussing business with him? It was probably just another pretext to extract wealth.

He only hoped the emperor’s appetite was not too large.

He was also puzzled. Every year he offered the emperor gold and silver, so why had the emperor come in person today? Was it not enough?

Seeing their expressions, Liu Tan understood their suspicions and continued, “Please, do not be anxious, Father-in-law. I truly have a business proposal for you.”

Having his thoughts laid bare, Wang Wanzi forced a laugh and asked, “Then, may I ask, what sort of business does Your Majesty propose?”

Liu Tan replied, “For now, only a paper mill and a printing press! Later, there will be more—perhaps a distillery and the like. In short, I have the technology, while you, Father-in-law, have the capital, the connections, and the market. Cooperating with me, you will reap nothing but profit!”

“A paper mill?” Wang Wanzi shook his head. “The paper made by Lord Cai is not good—there’s no market for it! And what is this printing press Your Majesty mentions?”

Liu Tan had come prepared. He drew from his breast the manuscript of the “Memorial on the Expedition” he had copied in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and handed it to Wang Wanzi. “What if it’s this kind of paper?”

“This—!”

As Liu Tan expected, both Wang Wanzi and his sons were taken aback after examining it.

“If we can produce such paper, it should sell extremely well!” Wang Wanzi, as a seasoned merchant, could instantly discern an item’s value.

“The printing press will take paper from the mill—some will be sold and some used in the press to reproduce ancient classics and essays, binding them into volumes to be sold as books. What do you think of the market for that?” Liu Tan explained, then asked.

“Books have always been costly and scarce. If they could truly be printed and bound, they would surely sell,” Wang Wanzi replied.

Indeed, in ancient times, scholars boasted of their vast learning, yet bamboo slips and silk scrolls contained little and cost a fortune to produce and collect. Ordinary people could never afford to read.

“So, Father-in-law, do you wish to join me in this enterprise? If not, it’s no matter—I’ll simply seek another merchant,” Liu Tan said indifferently.

This time, Wang Wanzi did not look to his sons, for his mind was already made up.

“Of course, I am willing to cooperate! But, Your Majesty, how shall we divide the profits?”

As expected, a merchant’s chief concern was always his share of the gains.

To make the horse run, you must first feed it well!

Liu Tan said, “After deducting costs and taxes, the profits will be split: sixty percent to me, forty to your family.”

As he spoke, he saw Wang Wanzi fall into deep thought, obviously weighing the pros and cons.

So Liu Tan continued, “Father-in-law, my business is no small affair. In time, I plan to expand it throughout the Nine Provinces. Even if your family’s share drops to twenty or thirty percent, the profits will overflow your coffers. All you must invest is this negligible sum at the outset.”

With that, he drew a piece of silk from his sleeve and handed it to Wang Wanzi. “Here is the contract I’ve drafted. Take a look; I won’t stay today—I’m sure you’re eager to study the terms. Take your time to discuss it amongst yourselves. If you agree, you may give me your answer next time I visit.”

Having spoken, he took his leave. He had other matters to attend to, and besides, it was wise to give them time to consider—push too hard, and it might backfire.

Leaving the Wang residence, Liu Tan made his way to the Shen family’s grain shop.

He hadn’t seen Yuan Yuan, the young widow, for several days. By now, she must have started missing him. It was said that women at thirty are as fierce as wolves and tigers—and Yuan Yuan was nearly thirty herself!

Indeed, when he entered the shop and saw Yuan Yuan, though she said nothing, he could read the joy in her expression.

He followed Yuan Yuan into the back courtyard but did not see her son, Shen Hongzhi.

When he asked, Yuan Yuan told him her son had joined the Deathsworn Corps under the old clan leader’s command.

“You’re willing to let him go?” Liu Tan asked.

Yuan Yuan’s expression darkened. “The old clan leader said the Deathsworn Corps would be recruited primarily from the first Shen family group.”

This left Liu Tan somewhat indifferent. Though the Shen clan had produced an assassin, he had nevertheless gained their loyalty—so, on the whole, he still profited.

“Don’t worry! My Deathsworn Corps are not being sent to their deaths,” he reassured her.

Yuan Yuan nodded, setting aside her worries. “The old clan leader sent word yesterday. Because of the need for secrecy, both corps are recruiting only a few men for now, but training has already begun, mostly with members of the Shen clan. To reach the numbers and caliber you desire, it will likely take about half a year.”

“I understand. Tell the old clan leader there’s no need to rush—better to have too few than too many of lesser quality. Once recruitment is nearly complete, I will personally instruct them,” Liu Tan said.

Yuan Yuan agreed. Liu Tan then asked, “Do you know anything about the tavern next door?”

“The tavern keeper next door is surnamed Wang. Everyone calls him Old Wang. His family has brewed wine for generations and their reputation is quite good on this street. By the way, Your Majesty, are you going home tonight? Should I fetch some wine?”

As she spoke, Yuan Yuan’s cheeks reddened.

“Of course I’m not going back. I chose this time precisely because I didn’t want to! Isn’t it obvious?” Liu Tan replied with a smile.

“Then I’ll fetch some wine and prepare a few dishes for you,” Yuan Yuan said, rising to leave.

“Wait!” Liu Tan stopped her. “You said the keeper’s name is Old Wang?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Why do you ask?” Yuan Yuan replied, puzzled.

Liu Tan frowned. “Go ask Old Wang if he’s willing to sell his tavern. I intend to buy it.”

The thought of having Old Wang living next door to his beloved was enough to make him uneasy.