With the wine flowing and people merry, Wufu and Ah Jiu proposed to take their leave, and Master Gui escorted them out.

"The region of Miaojiang is mountainous and forested; do you need assistance?" Master Gui asked.

Wufu smiled and said, "Not at the moment. Fortunately, Yan Er knows the Holy Maiden of Miaojiang, and this time we’re entering specifically for the matter of Gu Guiding."

Master Gui nodded, "Then I wish you a safe return!"

Ah Jiu clasped his hands in gratitude.

Master Gui watched them until they disappeared out of sight and then returned to the private room, where Jun Wenqi lay lazily on a soft cushion, his eyes bleary.

"Everyone’s gone?"

"Yes." Master Gui poured himself a drink and gulped it down.

"Cousin, the lady has made her marriage alliance, you should withdraw." Jun Wenqi refilled his drink.

Master Gui, hearing this, looked at him, "What do you know, kid?"

Jun Wenqi snorted lightly, "Originally, I thought you wanted to pursue another path, but you’ve known all along that Wufu is a woman, and you’re smitten with her."

"Nonsense."

"Cousin, my eyes aren’t blind. The emotions leaking from your eyes can’t deceive me." Jun Wenqi sighed, "It’s a pity that her status is so dignified; otherwise, with all my might, I’d help you pursue her."

"She values not the status!" Master Gui said, "There’s already an affection between them not based on status, and others can’t intervene."

Even Ah Jiu is willing to risk his life for Wufu, proposing to her in public and doing everything to win her heart.

"So, you knew all along. I thought you were feigning ignorance," Jun Wenqi muttered.

Master Gui gave him a bland look and said, "Let’s not talk about this. Now that the sea ships have returned, Wufu and her matters are entrusted to Mei San. You, and Jin Yu, have to get moving. Let me ask you, what’s your view on Northwest commerce?"

"What’s the view? If there’s Silver to earn, earn it," Jun Wenqi grumbled, "The Jun Family has spread everything out in the open, and they’re struggling to breathe..."

"That’s not what I’m saying, I’m talking about Beiyan and Nanyue."

"Cousin, what do you mean?" Jun Wenqi frowned slightly.

"Commerce and politics aren’t separated. Do you really only see commerce as commerce?" Master Gui said, "That Prince Jin is ambitious, and Emperor Yan’s ambition is even grander."

Jun Wenqi’s pupils contracted, and he sat up straight, looking at Master Gui, "Cousin, are you saying?"

"Do you want to be just a businessman all your life, or the richest man? Your descendants too?"

Jun Wenqi felt a stir in his heart; merchants are ranked last, so who the hell wants to be ranked last for generations, who wouldn’t want to be part of a noble and powerful family.

But with wealth alone, there’s only riches, not honor.

"Cousin, is it appropriate to talk about that now?" Jun Wenqi swallowed, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Not now, but opportunity is for those who are prepared. Once the flag rises, without a pledge of allegiance prepared, how do you participate?" Master Gui looked at him indifferently, "My point is to expand your forces towards the Northwest or even Beiyan, so once success is achieved, what’s the fear of not returning to Changan?"

Jun Wenqi was lost in thought.

"Cousin, do you think our Nanyue will really..." Jun Wenqi’s voice was suppressed low, his thumb pointing down, his expression grave.

Master Gui’s gaze drifted, "No breaking, no establishing. If it really comes to that, it might not be a bad thing. Don’t worry about anything else; preserving your strength is most important."

"I understand." Jun Wenqi nodded heavily.