Chapter Ninety-Six: A Prosperous Business

“He really intends to support those tenant farmers?” Li Yuan looked at Chai Shao with a puzzled expression. If Chai Shao hadn’t said it himself, Li Yuan would never have believed it: an eight-year-old child planning to provide for nearly a hundred people, half of whom were elderly, weak, women, and children!

“That’s what he said.” As the son-in-law of the Li family, Chai Shao faithfully fulfilled his role as informant, recounting every detail he had observed and heard at the Yun family manor.

“Pei Supervisor, what do you make of this?” Beside Li Yuan sat a man in his forties, with a broad forehead, large eyes, and three long strands of beard hanging from his chin. His gaze was sharp and penetrating, as if two needles were probing the depths of one’s heart. This was Pei Ji, the Vice Supervisor of Jinyang Palace, hailing from the western branch of the Pei clan of Hedong—a noble family of considerable standing.

It was clear that Pei Ji and Li Yuan enjoyed a close relationship. Otherwise, Pei Ji would not have been allowed to sit in Li Yuan’s study and listen in on his questioning of Chai Shao.

“This child’s origins are unclear. He claims to have met Li Mi and knows a great deal about the affairs of the court. Clearly, he is no stranger to the world, and his story of being a farmer’s son from the countryside is unconvincing. He possesses all sorts of unusual skills. I believe he is likely the disciple of some hidden sect, not a messenger sent by the Sage. If he were, with his abilities, our people in Chang’an and Luoyang would surely have caught wind of him.” Pei Ji pondered a moment before speaking slowly.

Li Yuan nodded, finding Pei Ji’s reasoning sound. As the head of a noble family, even his own household could not produce such a prodigy. If any other family had a child like this, he would certainly be groomed as the future master, and word would inevitably leak out.

“Do you think this child can be employed?”

“Certainly! As the saying goes, ‘The sea accepts all rivers; greatness lies in tolerance.’ Only by gathering talent from across the realm can one secure a place in troubled times. However, with this child, one must observe both his words and deeds, and exercise utmost caution. Do not be lulled into complacency simply because he is eight years old. This is a matter of grave importance; many lives and fortunes are at stake, and we must be careful—extremely careful.” Pei Ji spoke with the wisdom of a seasoned fox, and Li Yuan wholeheartedly agreed.

“Pei Supervisor, your words are wise. Chai Shao, I entrust this matter to you. For the time being, you need not concern yourself with other affairs—just follow Yun Hao. Also, lay down secret posts; to know oneself and one’s adversary is the key to victory. If possible, find out which hidden sect he belongs to and what his intentions are. But do not alert him—patience is our ally.” Li Yuan understood well the importance of lying low. Though the empire was showing signs of decay, it had not yet reached a state of utter collapse. The Sage’s judgment in his late years was clouded, but the machinery of the Sui dynasty still functioned. Any rash movement now could lead to disaster.

“Yes!”

“Do not underestimate this child, even if he is only eight. Remember! Never take him lightly, understood?” Seeing Chai Shao respond so readily, Li Yuan grew concerned and reminded him again with solemn emphasis.

“Yes! Chai Shao will not underestimate him!” Sensing Li Yuan’s seriousness, Chai Shao bowed and answered promptly.

While Li Yuan was meeting Chai Shao, Yun Hao was actually in Li Yuan’s residence as well. He had come with Zhang Miaoke to pay a visit, ostensibly to check on Changsun’s health and see if her symptoms had eased, as well as to thank Li Yuanba for his intervention the other day.

“Xuanba may be honest and simple, but he is fiercely intolerant of evil. Hmph! Those Turks dare to behave so arrogantly—one day, I’ll make them pay.” Li Er, though young, already displayed the aura of a sovereign. At the mention of the Turks, he snorted coldly. He regretted not being present that day; otherwise, he would have relished a bout of hand-to-hand combat. His back injury had kept him from fighting for some time, and he was itching for action.

“Several Turks were killed that day; I wonder how the Duke will handle it?”

“For now, the news is contained. Autumn is deep, and according to Turkic customs, everyone on the steppe is busy migrating to their winter camps. The grasslands are isolated, and unless someone deliberately informs them, such matters might go unnoticed for a year or more.”

Yun Hao nodded at Li Er’s words. Although Jinyang bordered the Turks, their movements were unpredictable, always following water and grass. Winter made travel difficult, and without someone deliberately spreading the news, it was hard for the Turks to find out. Still, with so many people present on the street that day, secrecy would be difficult. Yun Hao reckoned Li Yuan must have some follow-up measures, though Li Er had no intention of sharing them. That suited Yun Hao just fine; keeping quiet and minding his own business was the best course.

As the two spoke, Zhang Miaoke and Changsun Yingying entered. Seeing Changsun’s radiant smile, Yun Hao knew she had agreed to Zhang Miaoke’s proposal. With ingrained historical notions, Yun Hao steadfastly preferred Li Er over Li Da. He couldn’t tell whether it was Yun Hao influencing history or history influencing Yun Hao, but he naturally gravitated toward Li Er. When it came to making money together, Li Er was the obvious choice.

“Second Master, Brother Hao wants to venture into the coal business and seeks to partner with our family. I’d like to hear your thoughts!” Changsun, though mistress of the household, knew that such matters required the head’s approval. Her heart was already fully supportive.

“Coal business? You want to deal in coal? That stuff is poisonous—it can suffocate people.” Li Er looked at Yun Hao in confusion, not understanding why he would pursue such a trade. Only the desperately poor who couldn’t afford wood or charcoal would risk their lives with coal.

“Pufferfish are poisonous, but prepared correctly, they are a delicacy. Coal is toxic, but used properly, it is unparalleled for heating and smelting iron. How can you not know this, Second Master? If we get the coal business running, it will be a lucrative venture.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“In that case, Guanyin, let’s invest. More income is always welcome!” An extra source of revenue was cause for joy, but Li Er’s ingrained beliefs still left him skeptical about Yun Hao’s coal business.

“If Second Master agrees, I will take charge of this matter.” Compared to Li Er’s assertiveness, Changsun preferred to manage financial affairs. When the men of the house lacked funds, it was the duty of a competent mistress to provide ample support. Thus, when Zhang Miaoke approached her about the partnership, Changsun agreed without hesitation.

“Second Master, this is a profitable venture. May our business thrive and bring in gold by the day!”

Yun Hao was delighted. As the dominant force in Jinyang, no one could compete with the Li family. In a place so small, the Li family was like the heavens. Though Wang Wei and Gao Junya posed obstacles in governance, they dared not oppose the Li family in matters of profit. After all, the Li family were hereditary Dukes of Tang.

“If there’s a lucrative business, why not invite me?” As the room filled with joy, a voice suddenly sounded from outside.