Chapter 1049: Chapter 885: Head-to-Head Confrontation

"Why has the manager of Juxiang Building also come?" asked the master of the Wang Family to the two wealthy merchants beside him.

The two shook their heads and replied, "We don’t know. Perhaps he represents the mysterious owner of Juxiang Building? As you know, this owner is very secretive; perhaps he received an invitation and sent Manager Zhan to attend in his stead."

"Quite possibly. I didn’t expect even Lord Imperial Envoy could persuade Juxiang Building to send someone. However, it’s a pity the owner still refuses to show himself. Could this be seen as him losing face in front of the imperial envoy?"

Another merchant seemed to revel in the situation, enjoying the drama.

The other two merchants then looked towards the two imperial envoys seated at the head, curious if they’d feel slighted by Juxiang Building only sending a manager.

To their disappointment, the imperial envoys were still smiling broadly, showing no displeasure, and their hearts sank.

When they first received the invitation, they suspected it might be a Hongmen Banquet, otherwise why gather all these wealthy merchants?

Linking this to the flood victims outside the city gates and the ongoing river embankment diversion, along with the envoy’s attitude, they increasingly believed today would not end well.

Xia Hongji’s face showed he was somewhat displeased; Juxiang Building had branches all over, totaling around ten establishments. Four were added in the last two years, indicating rapid expansion and significant wealth.

However, the owner of the restaurant remained a mystery, with no one knowing who he truly was. Two years ago, it was rumored the owner was originally a farmer, but such tales are hard to believe.

Could a farmer possess such capability? Opening a restaurant in the Prefecture required substantial resources.

First, connections were necessary, someone to support you in the officialdom. Juxiang Building with so many branches couldn’t rely on just one official, and the rank couldn’t be low.

Next, relationships had to be fostered with local ruffians. Though having backup, some ruffians dared much, the barefoot were not afraid of those who wore shoes. They’d call frequently; how would your business survive?

Lastly, there was industry competition. Take Hangtian Prefecture, for instance, there are no fewer than ten major restaurants in the Prefecture, excluding small eateries. With such competition, food quality was unquestionable, and underhanded tactics were rampant.

Those who managed to endure possessed certain skills; otherwise, they’d have been squeezed out long ago.

The Xia Family also ran restaurants but had been overshadowed by Juxiang Building in recent years. Fortunately, the restaurant’s higher prices and backing from Grand Secretary Xia kept them from shutting down.

Tactics had been tried but were fruitless. The opponents were shrewd, often countering the Xia Family. To date, they had not gained any advantage.

Thus, when both families encountered each other, tension was high, with mutual distaste.

Manager Zhan entered the floral hall and immediately spotted his master. His expression unchanged, he approached and respectfully greeted, "Manager Zhan of Juxiang Building greets the esteemed gentlemen!"

Hu Maoshen cast a glance at Gu Chengyu, surprised they’d invited a manager from Juxiang Building.

Uncertain if today’s goals would be attained, Hu Maoshen was apprehensive about Gu Chengyu’s plan.

"Manager Zhan is fashionably late; indeed, busy with important affairs!"

As Manager Zhan made greetings and sat down, Xia Hongji sarcastically remarked.

From the start, the merchants flocked around Xia Hongji like bees to flowers. But with Manager Zhan’s arrival, they wavered like reeds in the wind.

Such scenes displeased Xia Hongji, compelling a sarcastic comment.

"Our Juxiang Building sees a constant stream of guests daily. As its manager, I’m indeed occupied. However, summoned by Lord Imperial Envoy, our owner dared not refuse, though far from Hangtian Prefecture. He asked me to apologize on his behalf and will make amends personally next time."

Manager Zhan explained the owner’s absence, using it as the reason, although the owner was seated prominently. Some were oblivious to the presence of a mountain before their eyes.

"Mr. Xia barely arrived ahead of me; I spotted your carriage just ahead earlier on the road!"

Manager Zhan coldly retorted, directly countering Xia Hongji’s sarcasm, emboldened by his master’s backing, unafraid of Grand Secretary Xia.

Xia Hongji’s face fell; ’constant stream of guests’ was a slight on Xia’s Restaurant’s business. Manager Zhan was merely a manager; how dare he speak disrespectfully against the noble Xia Family?

Gu Chengyu, seated at the head, observed the dynamics below, noting the early confrontation.

A famous saying states that one mountain cannot hold two tigers; and Xia Hongji, no gentleman, prompted a plan to keep him occupied.

"Gentlemen, today is the Gold Autumn Festival, traditionally a day for family reunions. However, new to Jiangnan, I’ve yet to meet all of you. Today, we use this festive opportunity to drink and enjoy each other’s company."

Hu Maoshen, as the highest-ranking official, spoke first with pleasantries.

Merchants seldom had time with loved ones, only gathering during important festivals.

Thus Gu Chengyu deliberately arranged the day, ensuring full attendance, for where else would he source his Silver?

"Such words from Lord Imperial Envoy are humbling. Typically, upon your arrival in Hangtian Prefecture, we should have paid our respects, but as you know, with our travel schedules, it’s taken until today. It’s burdensome to make you extend the invitation, causing us sincere regret."

A man in a brown robe rose respectfully in response.

Gu Chengyu recognized Mr. Sun, whose family wealth came from textile trade, having multiple cloth shops and a trade convoy that sold goods at the border.

Under Gu Chengyu’s focus, Mr. Sun was marked as valuable for future collaboration.

Gu Chengyu thoroughly investigated the merchants, and Mr. Sun’s business boomed with every border trip, hinting at potential partnership.

Prince Jing lay dormant long enough at his fief. Mr. Sun’s frequent border dealings suggested knowledge of the area, potentially easing intelligence gathering.

"Mr. Sun, your words are too kind!"

After exchanging pleasantries, the group moved to a side hall for the feast.

The meal proceeded harmoniously, with laughter and camaraderie.

Gu Chengyu watched silently, noticing the excessive praise towards Xia Hongji, now flushed likely from much drink.

Feeling the timing was right, Gu Chengyu signaled to Hu Maoshen with a glance.