Ancient Wen Heng led him to the backyard. "What is going on? How could you just bring her back like this?"

"Seventh Uncle, didn’t you agree to let us move in?"

Ancient Wen Heng thought, ’I’m about to cough up blood from frustration!’

"The formal betrothal process involves three matchmakers and six rites. How far along are you? Bringing her back under such improper circumstances... what is this supposed to mean?

And another thing—you gave her family the Silver Taels, but did you even sign a marriage contract?"

Gu Lejia was completely dumbfounded. ’There are so many formalities?’

Ancient Wen Heng said, "Go ask Hong Da. You’re a grown man now. There are some things you should take the initiative to learn, not wait for someone to spell them out for you."

He shook his head. "Don’t think I’m being annoying. If I weren’t your Seventh Uncle, I couldn’t be bothered to waste my breath on you.

I’m not in the mood to explain all this to you right now. Go ask around, then decide for yourself."

With that, he ignored him and turned toward his room. He had just had a little to drink and was feeling a bit tipsy.

＆

「Late at night.」

Bai Jinglie raised an eyebrow at the subordinate before him. "Ye San, how did you come up with such an idea?"

"Young Master, the shops all went into a frenzy this afternoon. The moment they posted notices about new foreign goods arriving, long lines formed at their doors.

The profits are astronomical. If we could get our hands on the secret recipe, we could make even more money."

Bai Jinglie asked, "Then what is your assessment of Ancient Wen Heng?"

Ye San looked impressed. "The man is formidable. If he were to truly pursue the path of a merchant, his accomplishments would be immense."

Bai Jinglie pointed to his head. "His real strength is up here. He may only be a minor Scholar now, but if we were to scheme against him, could you guarantee he wouldn’t come back to settle old scores in the future?"

’It’s not that I didn’t consider it during the trial period,’ Bai Jinglie thought. ’But I always weigh the pros and cons. This is only the beginning, and Ancient Wen Heng has already delivered such a huge surprise. Doesn’t that suggest he has other aces up his sleeve?’

’Just by having a few people leak some information and pulling a few strings at the docks, he managed to sell off all his stock in an instant. And he did it while making everyone think they got a great deal. With a mind that calculating, how could he not be wary of me?’

’Although Ye San manages my shops, he’s leagues behind a man like that.’

’I’ve tested him these past few days. Ancient Wen Heng is far-sighted, with his eyes set on the imperial examinations. Besides, with those two secret recipes, he has no reason to bow to anyone.’

Ye San hung his head. ’If the Princely Heir had these two secret recipes, even the scheming Lady Wu’an Hou would have to think twice. What a shame!’

Bai Jinglie said, "Over the next couple of days, speed up the preparations for the convoys. As soon as Ancient Wen Heng makes his delivery, get the goods transported to our various shops as quickly as possible."

Ye San said, "But the delivery is too small, there’s no way to distribute it."

Although Bai Jinglie was the noble Young Master Wu Anhou, he understood a thing or two about the ways of business. "Scarcity creates value. This is perfect. First, we’ll whet everyone’s appetite. Then, when Ancient Wen Heng makes his next delivery, we’ll be ready to meet the demand."

Ye San had just stepped out of the room when Ye Yi grabbed him and dragged him to an empty spot in the backyard. "You’ve been getting restless lately."

Ye San said, "I’m just doing what’s best for the Young Master. He’ll need more leverage in his hands if he’s to take control of the Marquis Wu’an Mansion smoothly."

Ye Yi replied, "The Young Master has his own plans. You just need to do your job. He doesn’t need subordinates who overstep their bounds.

If you can’t remember your place, then go back to Dark Night for retraining."

Ye San shivered. "I was just giving a well-intentioned reminder. And maybe Scholar Gu would be willing to sell his secret recipe. There’s no harm in trying."

Ye Yi kicked him. "Once this business is settled, you’re to hand off your duties and go back. Let Old Ye and the others ’loosen your bones’ for you. Maybe it’ll stop your spine from going soft and taking your brain with it."

Ye San, "..."

＆

These days in Sea City, everyone was talking about two things: Had the soap and scented soap arrived yet? And when could they get their hands on some glass?

The first shopkeepers to buy the glass were quick-witted. They each installed a glass window in their own shops. The moment these windows were unveiled, anyone with spare money wanted one for their own home. Unfortunately, with so little available, it was impossible to even get on the waiting list.

Even Bai Jinglie was being asked indirectly by some people to see if he could part with some of his share.

"You’re certainly composed," Lu Ping said, looking at Ancient Wen Heng with envy. "Right now, you look like a gleaming God of Wealth to me."

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "The profits aren’t as huge as you imagine. We have to invest a great deal of manpower and resources. It’s really just hard-earned money."

Shan Ke’an clapped him on the shoulder with an eager, fawning expression. "Brother Wen Heng, when are you going to give us a leg up? It’s tough living with an empty coin purse all day."

Ancient Wen Heng glanced at the bulging purse at Shan Ke’an’s waist. ’With a purse that full, you have the nerve to cry poor to me.’

"Don’t be fooled by its weight," Shan Ke’an said, noticing his gaze. "This money doesn’t last. Once you spend it, it’s gone. It’s not like your income, which is a never-ending stream." He broke into a fawning smile. "So, about the next shipment... think you could set some aside for us?"

’I may not own a business myself,’ he thought, ’but I can always start one.’

Lu Ping also nodded. "Brother Wen Heng, I’m not asking for much. Just enough to supply my mother’s shop would be fine."

’With these rare goods,’ he thought, ’I’m sure my mother’s struggling little shop could be saved. It might even turn a real profit.’

Ancient Wen Heng said, "I just finished the batch for the Young Master. It’ll probably be some time before the next one. Can you wait?"

"We can," Shan Ke’an and Lu Ping said in unison. Even if they couldn’t, they would have to. They knew better than anyone that of the batch Bai Jinglie just received, only a small portion was shipped to Shangjing, which was probably not even enough to be divided among his allied families.

Ancient Wen Heng glanced at Bai Jinglie, who remained silent. Taking this as tacit approval, he nodded readily. "I can manage one more batch before the new year. I’ll make sure everyone gets a piece of it."

Ye San, standing behind Bai Jinglie, grew anxious. ’If Scholar Gu keeps handing out shares like this, our portion will shrink.’

He tried to speak up several times, but Ye Yi, standing beside him, held him firmly in check, leaving him to do nothing but glare in frustration.

Just then, Bai Jinglie pushed a deed across the table to Ancient Wen Heng. "This is for that estate we discussed. It’s more useful in your hands than mine, so I’m gifting it to you."

Ancient Wen Heng quickly refused, pushing the deed back. "I can’t possibly accept this. I can’t take a reward I haven’t earned. Besides, that estate is incredibly valuable, and I’d feel wrong taking something you value.

I actually bought a small estate nearby myself a few days ago. It’s almost ready now, so I really can’t accept this gift."