“He’s already calculated his plans and invited you here to add the finishing touches. If he had called Wan San to assist, the Wan family would undoubtedly profit immensely. Within three years of starting the Yellow River project, Wan San would become the wealthiest merchant in all of Great Yong. But a single merchant monopolizing such wealth isn’t good for national prosperity or long-term balance. My master, being loyal to the nation, refused to favor even his friend, giving you all a chance to seize this opportunity and amass your fortunes. It’s a pity that despite his painstaking efforts, not a single one of you appreciates it. Instead, you sit here judging him with petty minds, unwilling to part with your meager fortunes. It’s like a beauty dressing up for a blind man—completely wasted effort.”
The man in the melon-skin cap nodded repeatedly as he listened, wanting to ask Wang Chao more questions, but they were interrupted when Pipa entered, lifting the curtain with a smile.
Pipa said, “The young master invites you in. Which distinguished guest would like to meet him first?”
The man in the melon-skin cap quickly replied, “I’ll go first and set the example.”
Pipa gestured politely. “Please follow me, and I ask the rest of you to wait a moment.”
The man followed Pipa into the banquet hall and returned to the tea room about the time it would take to burn a stick of incense. His face beamed with joy. “Everyone, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Young Master Wang has already drawn up detailed maps of the Yellow River’s nine bends and eighteen curves. He’s even calculated the rate and depth of silt accumulation over the next fifteen years. With properly constructed dams, the river can be redirected within ten years.
“He’s also designed ingenious machines capable of dredging the riverbed silt and turning it into building materials. With these, you could construct countless pavilions and towers as exquisite as the Mirage Pavilion. This is a heaven-sent opportunity! The God of Wealth is knocking—go accept your assignments!”
The woman in the snow fox fur scarf eagerly said, “I’m next!”
After about half a cup of tea’s time, she returned, grinning ear to ear. “Haha! Anyone who doesn’t listen to Young Master Wang must be the biggest fool in the world. By dredging just two canals and using his dragon-spine waterwheels, you can irrigate thousands of acres of farmland and forest automatically, without any manpower or livestock. I’ve already claimed the Hangbai Twelve Canal project. If you don’t go now, there won’t be anything left!”
The remaining merchants rushed to meet Wang Cang Hai, including the previously skeptical man with the jade thumb ring, who eventually accepted a role measuring the water levels of the Yellow River using spirit levels. In the end, everyone walked away with an assignment.
Seeing the last merchant leave, Wang Chao, excited that it was finally his turn to meet the young master, stood up eagerly and headed toward the banquet hall.
However, just as he lifted the curtain and stepped out of the tea room, a young man rushing in collided with him, nearly knocking him over.
The young man stopped immediately, steadied Wang Chao with a hand, and apologized breathlessly. “Sorry, sorry! I didn’t see anyone coming out.”
Wang Chao took a closer look at the young man. With his dragon-like brows and tiger-like eyes, deep dimples, and striking appearance, the man radiated charisma. Despite his simple and modest clothing, he exuded an air of nobility, starkly different from the ostentatiously dressed merchants.
Once Wang Chao had regained his balance, the young man stepped back politely, bowed, and introduced himself. “I’m Wan San. May I ask how to address you, brother?”
Hurriedly returning the courtesy, Wang Chao said, “Young Master Wan, you’re too kind. My name is Wang Chao, a servant of the Wang family.”
Wan San, with beads of sweat still glistening on his forehead, nodded and smiled. “Brother Wang Chao, pleased to meet you. I urgently need to speak with your young master. Could you lead me to him?”
Before Wang Chao could reply that he was also waiting to meet Wang Cang Hai, a girl’s voice cut in: “Young Master Wan, I’ll take you to see him.”
Wang Chao turned to see that it was Xia Xia, Wang Cang Hai’s other maid.
0 Comments