Chapter 102: The Water Is Too Cool; Let Us See Whether This Big Pancake of Mine Is Round or Not

The sky was clear for ten thousand miles, the sunlight bright and beautiful.

The Qinhuai River, without a ripple, bathed in the warm sunlight; one would think the water temperature should not be too cool.

Qian Qianyi, wearing a Fame cap, frowned slightly.

The person before him would look at the river water, then look at the hat atop his own head — truly quite rude.

"So it is Master Mu Zhai in person."

Lin Dao cupped his hands in a probing manner: "Master is not at Jiangyun Tower reading books; what brings you to this place?"

Qian Qianyi frowned, his heart greatly displeased.

We do not know each other at all, yet you meddle quite broadly.

"This old man's actions — why must I report and explain to others?"

Hearing this, Lin Dao confirmed that the person before him was indeed Qian Qianyi.

One of the famous figures of the late Ming.

His most famous deed: when the Ming fell, Liu Rushi urged him to die for the country together, but he refused on the grounds that the water was too cool.

Afterwards, the wild boar skins enforced the queue hairstyle — keep hair or lose head — and he again took the lead in shaving the money-rat tail on the grounds that his scalp itched.

Historical records state that last year, under enormous pressure, Qian Qianyi married Liu Rushi as his formal wife.

He built Jiangyun Tower for Liu Rushi.

This matter caused a huge sensation at the time.

Because he married the courtesan Liu Rushi with grand ceremony, not bringing her in through the side door as a concubine.

"Meeting by chance is fate."

Lin Dao's mind swiftly turned over thoughts, yet his face revealed a smiling expression: "Master Mu Zhai, how about sharing a cup?"

Qian Qianyi flatly shook his head: "This old man has other matters; since the misunderstanding is cleared, let us each go our own way."

By rights, a retired high official of his rank — if someone crashed into his sedan chair, a single warrant sent to the yamen would suffice to have the man seized and thrown into prison.

But this Qian Qianyi had been stripped of office.

Moreover, last year's marriage to Liu Rushi stirred up a huge commotion.

He does not want more trouble now, adding further complications.

Seeing Qian Qianyi about to leave, Lin Dao immediately stepped forward: "Master Mu Zhai, do not rush; I have here a rare item that Master likes."

He knew very clearly that if he went through normal channels.

A black-household registrant like him, Lin Dao, could not even enter the main gate of Qian Qianyi's residence.

Now that he has encountered him, he naturally cannot just let him go like this.

The servants all around quickly closed in, yet Lin Dao did not care in the slightest, merely speaking this one sentence.

Qian Qianyi raised a hand to stop the servants.

He observed the man before him: bearing lofty and dignified, stature tall, moreover a healthy lustrous complexion — looking not like a common mortal.

One would think he would not commit violence in broad daylight.

"Although this old man is not some extravagant person," Qian Qianyi said with slight displeasure, "my household is also considered affluent, lacking no rare objects."

Lin Dao said with a smile: "I have heard Master Mu Zhai likes collecting books; I have here an ancient edition of the 'Qian Wheel', wonder if Master has interest?"

Qian Qianyi, just about to turn and board the sedan, halted his steps.

He turned and surveyed Lin Dao, his gaze full of incredulity.

"How can this be!?"

The Han-era 'Analects' had three versions: 'Lu Wheel', 'Qian Wheel', and 'Gu Wheel'.

Among them, the 'Qian Wheel' was unique because it contained two extra chapters, 'Zhi Dao' and 'Wen Wang'.

But the 'Qian Wheel Yu' was gradually lost during the Wei-Jin period, and afterwards completely vanished from transmission.

Qian Qianyi was a descendant of Qian Liu, the Wusu King of Wu Yue; his family had been wealthy gentry for generations.

He himself had served as a high minister in the court.

Wealth, jewels, and such — he did not care for.

Rare objects and such — over these years he had seen quite a few exotic imports.

If Lin Dao spoke of other things, he would at most sneer and turn away.

But once it touched on lost Confucian classics, he could not remain calm.

This is not a matter of money!

At this moment, Lin Dao instead took a step back.

"Wonder if Master Mu Zhai would be willing to sit and converse?"

Recovering from his shock, Qian Qianyi eyed him suspiciously: "You really have it? Do you know the Qian Wheel was already lost in the Wei-Jin period?"

"Whether it is truly there, when I take it out, Master will naturally know."

Lin Dao was not deceiving him; he truly had it.

When Ye City was captured, Wang Meng urgently collected all kinds of classic books.

When Jiangzuo was taken, during the confiscation of high-ranking families' estates, countless books and bamboo slips were found.

Among them was the Qian Wheel.

Qian Qianyi stared closely at Lin Dao, observing he did not seem to be feigning.

He nodded: "Good."

He looked left and right, raised a hand to signal the huge flower boat nearby: "Please."

Boarding a flower boat in broad daylight like this. Lin Dao stepped forward and followed onto the boat.

The high-end flower boats on the Qinhuai River are essentially reputation-driven.

The local gentry and famous scholars all liked to engage in high-flown talk on the flower boats.

Having a famous courtesan for company was an even more refined affair.

So entertaining guests on high-end flower boats was the fashion of this era, not some trivial matter.

As for those who specifically did that business, they usually operated on small boats similar to black-awning boats.

People with a bit of status and position would not go there.

"Master Mu Zhai has arrived~" The madam, who had clearly just gotten up, hurried forward to greet him. "Last night I dreamed of magpies calling; it was an omen for this very moment."

It seemed Qian Qianyi was a regular here; quite a few people recognized him.

"Gathering friends today, borrowing your precious establishment for a moment."

Qian Qianyi spoke very politely, not putting on airs in the slightest because of the other party's status.

"This young master is truly a handsome talent." The madam smiled radiantly, her words pleasing to the ear. "If the girls on the boat catch sight of the young master, I'm afraid none of them will be able to walk away~"

Lin Dao didn't understand, taking it only as polite social pleasantries.

Qian Qianyi understood, though. He smiled and asked, "Still don't know the young friend's honorable surname and great name?"

"Surname Lin, given name Dao, courtesy name Zi Hou."

"Master Mu Zhai, Young Master Zi Hou." The madam stepped forward to lead the way. "Please."

The cabin was spacious, with many partitions.

Entering one of the elegant rooms, flowers were arranged and paintings hung inside, decorated extremely beautifully.

Lin Dao glanced over the calligraphy and paintings, but saw the inscription on one of them was actually by Tang Yin of the Jin Chang period.

On the banks of the Qinhuai River, a random flower boat actually had a painting by Tang Bohu hanging.

Could it be a fake?

He was thinking wrong on this.

This wasn't just any random flower boat, but one of the very top few flower boats on the entire Qinhuai River.

The power behind it even connected to a certain ducal mansion.

Maidservants served melons, fruits, pastries, and tea.

The madam was most skilled at reading expressions; she could tell the two had business to discuss, so after a few pleasant words she took her leave.

The so-called elegant rooms on this kind of flower boat actually had no cabin doors to close them off; they just used folding screens unfolded as partitions.

Lin Dao glanced at the screen; a painting of court ladies was painted on it.

One thought, if brought to the modern world, selling it for over a million would be no problem.

Only at this point could they finally properly discuss serious business.

"Master Mu Zhai."

Lin Dao spoke calmly. "Lin has returned from the seas, and wishes to do business in Jinling City, selling some overseas goods."

With this one sentence, Qian Qianyi understood.

He had come seeking a backer.

Jinling City hid dragons and crouched tigers; all manner of forces converged here.

Wanting to do business here without connections or a backer, one would be eaten until not even bones remained.

Thinking of this, Qian Qianyi's face clearly showed a few more traces of a manipulating expression.

"Although this old man has already retired, in Jiangnan I still have a few points of thin face."

"If Zi Hou wants to do business in Jinling, this old man can assist a thing or two."

According to the rules of this era, Lin Dao should next pledge allegiance, hanging the shop under his name.

Afterwards not only could he obtain the lost "Qi Wheel", but also gain a stable income.

For Qian Qianyi, this was a sure-profit, no-loss business.

Unfortunately, Lin Dao's thoughts weren't quite the same as his.

A beggar general coming to do business is giving you face, yet still wants to take advantage of me?

Right now he needed to use Qian Qianyi; Lin Dao's expression didn't change, and he began painting a grand vision for him.

"Master Mu Zhai, currently the nation's power declines daily, inside there are the Chuang rebels, outside the Jian slaves; we urgently need able ministers like Master Mu Zhai to step forward and save the state, to turn the tide when it has already collapsed."

He had checked the records and knew Qian Qianyi was an official-obsessed man.

Compared to the Qi Wheel, returning to office was clearly more attractive.

These words indeed struck Qian Qianyi's heart.

He picked up the tea bowl and let out a long sigh.

"This old man also wishes to serve the nation, to share the Son of Heaven's worries."

"But alas~ sigh~~~"

He had been driven out of the imperial court by Wen Tiren and Zhou Yanru joining forces.

Now Zhou Yanru is still Chief Grand Secretary, and the Son of Heaven is even displeased with the Donglin Party.

He wants to be reinstated?

Absolutely impossible.

"This is one time, that is another time."

Lin Dao shook his head, noncommittal. "Currently the imperial court is tottering in wind and rain; the Son of Heaven cannot sleep at night."

"If Master Mu Zhai can resolve the Son of Heaven's urgent need, the matter of reinstatement and heavy appointment is right before our eyes."

Qian Qianyi was greatly surprised. You even understand the court situation?

"What Zi Hou speaks of, what is the Son of Heaven's urgent matter?"

"Money, silver." Lin Dao picked up the tea bowl. "If Master Mu Zhai can raise a large sum of silver for the Son of Heaven, reinstatement is as easy as turning over one's hand, and he would even be heavily favored because of it."

"It's not that easy." Qian Qianyi shook his head repeatedly. "What the Son of Heaven needs — hundreds of thousands of taels likely won't be enough; at least a million is required."

"Though this old man has modest family wealth, where would I get a million in wealth?"

"Mr. Qin Huai doesn't have it, but I do." Lin Dao revealed his true intent. "As long as Mr. Qin Huai supports me and gets the business going."

"Not to mention a million taels — even several million, or ten million, isn't impossible."

"When the time comes, Mr. Qin Huai presents several million taels of silver to the Son of Heaven; such a peerless master of finance, the Son of Heaven will surely value highly — making you Chief Minister isn't out of the question."

He took a sip of tea, and Lin Dao's heart was full of amusement.

Once I open up the situation, the money I earn will be my military funds.

Ask me for silver?

Go ask the troops I've raised, whether the blades and spears in their hands agree!

When the time comes, you, Qin Huai, just go eat the big, round pie I've drawn for you.

Qian Qianyi looked at Lin Dao with the gaze one reserves for a fool.

Your tone is truly big!

"Zihou, what business are you actually in, to dare boast such a Haikou?"

Several million taels!

The Great Ming's annual tax revenue is only a few coins!

Upstairs on the Flower Boat.

The Madam hurriedly pushed the door open and entered.

"My good daughter, the sun is shining on your buttocks, yet you're still sleeping~"

On the Jinxiu Yun Tuo, a young girl with delicate snow-white skin, eyebrows and eyes like a painting, and peerless beauty hugged the quilt and refused, shaking her body.

"Last night, Young Master Bianjiang and the others played drinking games, making noise until very late."

"Daughter laughed all evening, her face almost swollen from laughing; Mother, just let daughter sleep a bit more."

"My good daughter." The Madam came to the couch side and sat down. "It's not that Mother doesn't feel for you, but Mr. Qin Huai has come."

The young girl was unmoved by this.

"Mr. Qin Huai has already married the Hedong Lady."

He's already married a Ming Qi; how could there possibly be another Ming Qi opportunity.

Girls like them see things very clearly.

"There's also a young man beside Mr. Qin Huai."

The Madam's words didn't stop. "Mother observes he must be a rich family's son, the extremely wealthy kind."

The young girl hugging a cup with her back to the Madam suddenly sat up and called out.

"Spitting Liu, come do my hair and makeup~~~"

"Bring me that embroidered gold moonlit gauze skirt~~~"

(End of Chapter)