Chapter 257: Private Chamber Discourse on Commerce

Jia Cong originally entered the Ministry of War to observe governance thanks to the recommendation of Minister of War Gu Yan.

Others thought Gu Yan stern and upright, with poor social ties, yet he took to Jia Cong and showed him mentorship.

During the provincial examination, my policy essay shook the scholarly world and earned me the top rank as the favored scholar.

With my considerable literary reputation and dazzling scholarly aura, many regarded me as a natural-born civil official.

Ge Ge Hongzheng of the Hanlin Academy once submitted a memorial recommending me as a seventh-rank Librarian of the Hanlin.

A provincial examination top scorer entering the Hanlin Academy outright gave one a brilliant start on the civil path.

Yet this bright future was casually dismissed by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's words: "Noble military families must cultivate martial spirit."

The implication was obvious—the emperor did not fear a provincial top scorer under twenty.

Rather, the balance between civil and military factions, the covert struggles in court, better served the sovereign's control.

A man of military noble blood, equally formidable in civil and martial affairs, would hinder the emperor's balance of power and prevent factional consolidation.

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lin Daiyu's boudoir.

Even if digging a pit won't kill him outright, it can certainly weaken his strength and crush his prestige.

As long as we maintain restraint, avoid excess, and make the affair appear as if it naturally unfolded.

…

But after the Qin Keqing incident, my opinion of him had sunk to its lowest point.

Dig enough pits, and eventually one will bury him.

Even from a pragmatic standpoint, if you're going to cling to someone's leg, cling to the thickest one.

Should my noble military lineage later hinder my civil career path…

To others, Gu Yan lacked humility and failed to earn a reputation for virtue, yet this elder minister was truly favored by the emperor—he stood behind the throne.

On one side of the desk lay two newly embroidered sachets, a set of autumn garments, and several small trinkets from the capital.

Under conditions of information asymmetry, even minor flaws can be perfectly concealed.

As for Prince Marquis Jingjing of the North, Jia Cong had no prior impression of him.

So, whether for public or private reasons, he hoped Gu Yan would assume the post of Commander of Nine Provinces.

And what of the risks involved?

Many things, once done once, will be done again—statistically, it is undeniable.

Now I've been appointed Director of the Firearm Bureau, a post neither civil nor military, equivalent to a master craftsman—my future path has grown ambiguous.

At least I still have Gu Yan, a senior figure, to guide and shield me on the military path.

Out of concern for my own future and safety, I must make additional plans.

Lin Daiyu finished writing the letter, carefully reviewed it for errors, then neatly folded it and placed it in the envelope.

When I toppled Zhang Shou'an and eliminated Jia Zhen and his son, when I pushed Xiuniang's Perfume Shop into the imperial merchant channel—wasn't every move a risky gambit, victory snatched from danger?

The best solution is to dig a pit and bury him, eliminating all future threats.

These are all the gifts Lin Daiyu intends to send to her father.

Zhi Shao came over to replace the cold tea, glanced at the thick envelope, and asked: "Did you write about Third Master's request in the letter?"

"Yes, Xinchun Company has already established trade routes in the south. Third brother wants to open branches in Su Zhou and Yangzhou and is asking Father for help."

"Miss, everyone in the mansion is talking—Xinchun Company is actually Third Master's own business. Is it true?"

Lin Daiyu smiled: "Most likely true. Since childhood, Third brother has always done strange, unusual things. I asked him—he invented the perfume himself."

He's so invested in seeking Father's help—Xinchun Company must be his own venture."

Zhi Shao's eyes brightened curiously: "I heard the female manager of Xinchun has an unusual relationship with Third Master—is she his…?"

At that moment, light, steady footsteps sounded outside.

Jia Cong visited Lin Daiyu's room often enough now that Zhi Shao could recognize his steps; she stuck out her tongue and swallowed the gossip.

Lin Daiyu gave Zhi Shao a reproachful glance—though she didn't say so, how could any of the sisters not be curious?

…

Jia Cong entered the room; Zhi Shao stepped out to brew tea, leaving them alone.

"Third brother, I've written the letter—ask Father to use his southern connections to help Xinchun Company secure shop locations and trade routes in Su Zhou, Yangzhou, and elsewhere."

Father has served as Salt Commissioner of the Two Huai for years and has had extensive official dealings with the great salt merchants there—this shouldn't be hard."

Jia Cong smiled: "Thank you, sister. With Uncle's help, Xinchun Company will soon take firm root in the south!"

Lin Daiyu smiled demurely: "I never thought Third Brother, with his literary brilliance, also harbors the ambitions of Tao Zhu and Yi Dun."

Jia Cong laughed: "People divide society into scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, always thinking merchants the lowest. But a nation's strength requires abundant agriculture and a vigorous military—undoubtedly essential."

Commerce, however, facilitates exchange, drives the flow of silver, introduces new goods, and reforms outdated systems—its benefits are extraordinary."

Yet people cling to old notions, seeing merchants as base, failing to grasp their deeper role."

Moreover, commerce generates wealth and nourishes the people's livelihood."

With silver, one can aid the destitute, foster new wisdom, and usher in new customs…"

Though today's world holds scholars highest, Lin Daiyu felt no resistance to Jia Cong's involvement in commerce.

Raised on poetry and classics since childhood, she was unlike ordinary young ladies; her rebellious nature gave her uncommon insight.

Growing up in Su Zhou and Yangzhou, where society was open and commerce thrived, she was long accustomed to it.

Her father, Lin Lin Ruhai, had served as Salt Commissioner of the Two Huai for years, regularly interacting with great salt merchants—she had absorbed the culture and never considered merchants beneath her.

Yet due to her limited experience, she could not grasp Jia Cong's depth; hearing his unusual views, she found them fresh and striking, her eyes gleaming.

If Third Brother had spoken of commerce as merely an ordinary trade, it would have been ordinary enough.

But he articulated such novel principles—refreshing and new.

Lin Daiyu smiled: "Third Brother has always been unconventional. I never imagined commerce, in your hands, could shine so brilliantly."

When the Xinchun branches open in Yangzhou and Su Zhou, I truly want to go see them."

Hearing Lin Daiyu's cheerful laughter, Jia Cong felt a faint stir within.

He smiled: "Sister, so wise and gifted, overflowing with poetry—yet confined to your boudoir—it's a pity."

One day, if opportunity arises, I'll take you out to see the world."

Lin Daiyu's eyes lit up—those like her, confined to the inner chambers, longed most for the outside world.

Not just her—Tan Chun, Ying Chun—all the girls felt the same.

Xue Baochai, raised in a merchant family, naturally had broader exposure to the world.

"Third Brother, don't just flatter me—say it once, remember it. I'm waiting for the day you take me out."

"Honestly, I still envy that… that Qu girl—she gets to do things outside with Third Brother, travel the world."

As she spoke, Lin Daiyu suddenly recalled Zhi Shao's words; a blush rose on her cheeks, her voice faltering, hesitant, almost unspoken.

Though she cherished Jia Cong, she was still young; thoughts of romance and marriage were rare—or rather, too shy to dwell on.

Yet a woman's nature could not help but notice and wonder about the women close to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong noticed her strange expression and felt puzzled.

"Third Brother, I heard people in the mansion say… that Qu girl is your concubine. Is it… true?"

Jia Cong saw Lin Daiyu's eyes shimmering, her gaze soft yet reproachful; his heart softened.

When Jia Mu had tried to use the excuse that Xiuniang's Perfume Shop was his private venture to clear Jia Zhen in the Ministry of Justice, the rumor that Qu Qu Hongxiu was his concubine had spread throughout the Jia household.

Tan Chun, Ying Chun, and other cousins were curious, but since it was a brother's private matter, they dared not press.

Xue Baochai cared, but her relationship with Jia Cong was distant—she naturally couldn't ask.

Only Lin Daiyu cared most deeply for Jia Cong, having grown up beside him for years.

When Jia Cong's mother's spirit tablet could not enter the ancestral hall and was housed instead in the Muni Temple, among all the sisters, only Lin Daiyu, disregarding suspicion, went alone to pay respects and keep him company—deepening their bond.

Though no vows had been exchanged, mutual devotion had taken root; just now, as they spoke of Xinchun, Lin Daiyu naturally voiced the question that had long lingered in her heart.

Jia Cong's expression turned odd: "Don't listen to those people. Qu girl is not my concubine."

"I met Qu Qu Hongxiu three years ago. She shared hardship with me—she even taught me martial arts."

He then recounted to Lin Daiyu how he met Qu Qu Hongxiu and established Xiuniang's Perfume Shop.

Yet he revealed nothing of Qu Qu Hongxiu's origins or the operation of the women's guild—not because he distrusted Lin Daiyu, but because the matter entangled danger; knowing it would harm her.

Moreover, in recent days, some incidents would arise within the women's guild—now was no time to speak of it.

(End of Chapter)