Chapter 278: Opportunity

The next day, at noon.

Four wealthy merchants of Weinan County almost arrived at the County Magistrate's office at the same time.

"Brother Zhang, long time no see. Seeing your flushed, radiant face, I bet you haven't made little profit from the County Magistrate's white wax."

A man in his thirties, slightly plump and showing a hint of wealth, with a comical look, spoke first to the stern-faced man.

"Wang Lao Wu, cut the nonsense. Looking at you, I'm afraid you earn more than I do," Zhang Ji gave Wang Lao Wu a casual glance.

He is a cloth merchant, specializing in brocade and silk, and his business is sizable; he has channels everywhere, and the goods he obtains from Chen Yan he can sell elsewhere at higher prices.

I am only a grain merchant, with a relatively simple trade, previously not involved in candles; this time I indeed made a profit, but certainly not as much as Wang Lao Wu.

"Gentlemen, it's almost noon; let's not chat further and go inside first,"

At that moment, another wealthy merchant said.

The remaining merchant also nodded in agreement.

One of them, named Jin Wan Cheng, is a shipping merchant who transports grain and other supplies for the government, and is said to have some connections.

The last one, named Guo Yu, specializes in Xiyu jewelry.

All four are the most powerful in Weinan County, and their subordinates are relatively clean.

Upon hearing that the hour was near, Wang Lao Wu and Zhang Ji's expressions changed slightly, and they hurriedly brought the lavish gifts they had prepared to the door.

Xiao Shunzi happened to be out and ushered all four inside.

At this moment, Chen Yan had already asked Zhang Yi to prepare the dishes, and after the four arrived, there was a round of polite chatter with Chen Yan.

Even the usually stern-faced Zhang Ji showed a flattering smile.

As for Wang Lao Wu, he was like a sycophant, spouting flattering words as if he had rehearsed them.

This made Chen Yan feel both amused and helpless toward him.

"Alright, everyone, no need for further pleasantries; please sit down!"

Chen Yan stopped them from continuing, had Qing'er first set down the gifts they brought, and then arranged seats for them.

"Everyone, regarding the white wax trade, it seems our cooperation has been pleasant, and you have honored our agreement; let me toast you with a cup!"

Saying so, Chen Yan lifted his cup and gestured toward them.

But this gesture startled the four merchants considerably.

Wang Lao Wu: "Sir, that's not permissible, not permissible!"

"You just said earlier that this is our agreement; we should abide by it, so how can we accept your toast?"

"You have humbled us."

"Sir, Wang Lao Wu's words are reasonable!" Jin Wan Cheng said, "From now on we will still rely on you for meals; we could never afford your toast."

Several people began to object, but Chen Yan ignored them and swallowed the wine in one gulp.

"I understand what you're worried about, and I know that although you possess vast fortunes, your status is low, and with recent rumors, you may be somewhat afraid of me."

"Is what I said correct?"

The crowd looked at each other, unsure how to reply.

Are they afraid?

Of course they are!

As top merchants, they have plenty of insider information and naturally know how formidable this lord truly is.

Having just arrived in Weinan County, on the first day he cleared out the long‑entrenched black and white underworld forces, even wiping out the county office officials.

It is said that now the grass on the graves is a full zhang tall.

Moreover, Chen Yan is truly very young.

That is the most frightening.

Wang Lao Wu, with a smile still on his face, showed a hint of bitterness, "Sir, as you said, we are wealthy, lacking neither money, grain, nor land, yet we are merely merchants; I, Wang Lao Wu, never imagined I could sit at a table with you."

"Honestly, my legs are still trembling."

The other three remained silent.

They have money, but often they have nowhere to spend it.

So, when Chen Yan first invited them over, he said that for future cooperative trades, they agreed without hesitation, even though at that time they had no idea what the trade would be, whether it would be a loss or profit.

They didn't mind.

After making money through white wax, they honestly paid taxes as Chen Yan required, even though they guessed this might reduce their future profits.

"Do you want to change?"

Chen Yan looked around with a smile and asked.

Without giving them a chance to speak, he continued, "As the saying goes, three generations of merchants are not as good as a single official robe."

"You have money, but I believe you lack stable channels to preserve your wealth, because you have no authority."

"Moreover, merchants are never valued; even if you have more money, what can you do? Not to mention the lofty figures, even a sixth‑rank official might not give you a proper look."

"I also believe you have sought many ways out, bribed numerous officials, and cultivated your own children to enter officialdom through the Imperial Examination."

"The result... probably wasn't good, right?"

"This..." The four were speechless.

They strongly agreed with Chen Yan's remark, 'Three generations of merchants are not as good as a single official robe.'

"Do you know who I am?"

Suddenly, Chen Yan posed another question.

Guo Yu sneered, "Aren't you the County Magistrate, sir?"

"The people of Weinan County may not know, but we of course are aware."

"Yes, yes, yes, you are the County Magistrate," Wang Lao Wu nodded repeatedly.

"You all understand I'm not meaning that," Chen Yan said, a smile at the corner of his mouth, his thoughts quietly shifting: "You also need not be so cautious; I don't care about these things, and flattery won't work on me."

"When I act, I value efficiency; if you can get things done, you may even point at my nose and scold me."

"As for who I am, you can go to Chang'an and inquire about the name Chen Yan; you should learn something."

Chen Yan poured a full cup for himself, lifted the goblet again, "Because our previous cooperation was pleasant, I am now willing to give you a chance."

"Take care of the dirty business under your command, and from now on conduct clean trade with me, pay taxes on time and according to regulations; I will ensure you can walk outside with your head held high, and also give your juniors or brothers a chance to enter official service."

With those words, the four people's faces changed dramatically!

Enter official service!

The simple two words were something they had never been able to achieve despite their utmost effort before.

At this moment, hearing Chen Yan's conditions, they all felt an unreal sensation.

Just need to handle the unclean matters under their command, pay taxes on time thereafter, and they would be given a chance to enter official service?

They were somewhat unwilling to believe it.

Because, to them, this seemed far too simple.

Zhang Ji remained silent for a long while, then said, "Sir, forgive my presumption; I do not know what you mean by the opportunity to enter official service—"

The three, including Wang Lao Wu, heard this and their expressions wavered; they had previously bribed many officials with money, and indeed some had promised to help their juniors enter official service.

But the result was that they wasted a great amount of money for nothing, receiving only a "not selected" reply.

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow, "Putting aside other matters, Weinan County currently has many vacant posts; of course, if you perform well, I can take you to see the Crown Prince, but it depends on whether you can seize the opportunity."

"......."