Chapter 88: A Perfect Match

There was a minor disturbance during the process of entering the city, which deviated slightly from the original plan, but the caravan ultimately did not stop and traveled all the way to Sihai Fang.

It was a district in Xinzhou City specifically reserved for them, where their four families, as well as their subordinate guards and attendants, could all be accommodated.

Within the district, the four families were separated, each with their own courtyards.

Feng Zaining and his grandmother moved into the courtyard belonging to their Feng Family.

In the past, given their family assets, they certainly would not have looked twice at such a place. But the situation was different now; having a whole district to themselves was enough to temporarily set their minds at ease.

His grandmother, Old Madam Wei, sat down to catch her breath, and looking at the Beidi architectural and decorative style, she was filled with emotion.

"Separated for several decades..."

Old Madam Wei was actually born in Beidi, and being part of the first group to migrate was also because she understood the culture and customs of Beidi better than anyone else in the Feng Family.

"Having left Beidi for the better part of my life, returning now, I am no longer accustomed to it."

Being advanced in age, her spirit was somewhat listless.

Feng Zaining let his grandmother rest first, while he went to the study that had been tidied up.

A trusted aide walked over, and only when there was no one else around did he say in a low voice, "This place is too small."

Feng Zaining also felt it was small, but the situation was different now.

"In times like these, having a place to live and being able to fit everyone in is already no small feat."

Afterward, several more trusted aides came in one after another and told Feng Zaining the news they had gathered.

For instance, about the expansion of the houses.

If one wanted to expand, land was not the issue, but building materials and craftsmen were scarce; especially regarding building materials, a quick inquiry at the market would reveal that in this Xinzhou City, apart from those hoarded by a few high-status bigwigs, more than half of the rest had been reserved by Wanfu Garden.

The financial backers behind Wanfu Garden were numerous, and no one was willing to directly offend such a large group of people.

This garden even had the tacit approval of the Zhao Family.

"We went to inquire about the situation of the others who migrated north this year; by comparison, our place is the largest!" one said.

In Sihai Fang, where they lived, the Zhao Family had already built a batch of houses in advance; they could not be compared to their previous living conditions, but in the current climate, they were already quite good.

The study gradually grew quiet.

Feng Zaining sat there the whole time without speaking.

"Young Master?" someone probed.

Feng Zaining looked over, his gaze slightly heavy: "Building materials are only a minor matter."

What he cared about at this moment was not some big house or big courtyard.

Traveling all the way from the south to the north, the thing he cared about most was whether he could lead his clansmen to survive!

And, whether he could... take the family a step further!

"Everyone is exhausted from the journey, so rest for two days first. Remind everyone, don't talk nonsense if it's not appropriate!"

"Yes!"

Feng Zaining thought again of the Treasure Bridge he had seen on the road.

He would indeed send people to investigate, but it was not convenient to send too many people over at a time like this.

Inside Sihai Fang, it was a scene of busyness.

People from other surrounding districts were very curious.

But the entrance to Sihai Fang had people specifically arranged to turn away guests who came to visit and probe.

That night, Feng Zaining had many thoughts and his mind was unsettled; having arrived in a strange place, he had expected to sleep poorly, but having been so physically exhausted from the journey, he actually slept until dawn.

Waking up the next day, he dared not rest too much.

"There will likely be many distinguished guests visiting today." He instructed the household servants to make extra preparations.

Thinking of the list he had looked at before, Feng Zaining already had his strategy in mind.

On this list, there were some marked with highlights for special attention.

For example, the former power-holders, and the new upstarts of today; these people would likely not deign to come in person.

He would still have to prepare generous gifts and go to pay them a visit himself.

Among the new upstarts in the city, he planned to start with the Shen Family.

Just as he was thinking about it, the steward came to report that Shen Qing and Shen Liu, the two brothers of the Shen Family, had come to visit.

"..."

Feng Zaining thought he had misheard.

"Who? Which Shen Family?"

The steward was also very excited: "The Shen Family of that Lady Shen from the Zhao Family!"

The Shen Family were new upstarts; although they were merchants in the past, their status was vastly different now, and they could openly clash with members of the Zhao Family's branch in this Xinzhou City.

When he was gathering information earlier, he heard that those two brothers of the Shen Family were somewhat arrogant and haughty.

Yet at this moment, those two had come in person, and they were the first of today's visitors to arrive!

Beyond the excitement, there was also vigilance in his heart.

Although he did not know the other party's intentions, it was indeed beneficial to his family's plans.

Soon, the Shen brothers were welcomed in.

Feng Zaining wore a sincere and enthusiastic smile on his face.

Then he discovered that the smiles on the faces of those two from the Shen Family were even more sincere and enthusiastic than his own.

Feng Zaining:???

The two brothers, Shen Qing and Shen Liu, were truly excited at this moment.

They had gathered information about the four families residing in Sihai Fang; all four families used to be in maritime trade and were extremely wealthy!

With the four families led by the Feng Family, they would start by finding the Feng Family.

If the Feng Family alone could fill the remaining gap in money and grain, they would not need to look for anyone else.

The day before was not suitable, so they started preparing early this morning and ran over as soon as the Ward gate opened.

On the other side.

In Jingxing Fang, Wen Gu was also counting the time.

Those two from the Shen Family should have started acting; concerning their purses and their reputation, they would certainly be very proactive, and having run around quite a bit during this period, they would definitely not miss those wealthy households in Sihai Fang.

The first day to make friends, the second day to discuss business; it would take no more than three days at most before they brought people over.

He Da told Wen Gu: "There are new people again, coming to Jingxing Fang to scout for information. Those people look like they are often exposed to the sun, a bit dark-skinned, but they don't look like ordinary village folk."

Wen Gu asked: "How many people?"

He Da was uncertain: "About two or three? Perhaps there are more we haven't discovered."

Wen Gu thought to himself: What are two or three enough for?

He said: "No need to pay attention, handle it as usual."

He Da did not take it too seriously either.

They had never lacked scouts here; at first, they were locals, and later, they were new residents who had moved north, almost all of whom had sent people to probe for information.

Jingxing Fang seemed to be the same as usual.

Another day passed.

It was indeed as Wen Gu had guessed; the two Shen brothers went to the Feng Family on the first day to express friendliness and even chatted about Wanfu Garden.

Feng Zaining followed the topic and expressed interest.

Both sides hit it off immediately and agreed on the spot, discussing the profit-sharing matters on the second day.

Feng Zaining intended to participate in the Wanfu Garden project; it was an interest, but also a probe, and at the same time, it would allow him to integrate into Xinzhou faster and establish a new network of relationships.

It was just a bit of money, after all; they had plenty of Money Vouchers in their hands now.

Once the profit-sharing was settled, the Feng Family could directly fill in the missing money and grain.

However, Shen Qing stated: "We still have to make a trip to Jingxing Fang to give notice."

When chatting about the Wanfu Garden project, there were some questions Feng Zaining asked that he could not answer, so he had to find Wen Gu to resolve his confusion. He would also take the opportunity to tell Wen Gu the good news that "the gap has been filled."

Feng Zaining had wanted to get to know that new favorite who was overseeing the construction of the Treasure Bridge. In his conversation with the Shen brothers, there was also probing and guidance.

Although Wen Gu was only a small Ward Chief, everyone knew his status was extraordinary; he was not just the cousin of the Zhao Family, but also highly valued by the person in power in the Zhao Family, and could be called a "new favorite."

Thus, on the third day of the Shen and Feng families getting to know each other, they went to Jingxing Fang together.

"Do we not need to write a post first?" Feng Zaining asked.

"No need to be so troublesome; we have a close relationship with Wen Gu and are very familiar, so there is no need for such trouble. Besides, he usually works there, so we can just go over directly," Shen Qing said.

The three of them brought their attendants to Jingxing Fang.

Feng Zaining looked at the "Jingqing Public Office" on the plaque.

Shen Liu introduced: "The plaque was written by my cousin!"

There was two parts more solemnity in Feng Zaining's eyes.

Shen Qing walked over to the guard room and knocked on the window: "Luo, open the door!"

Feng Zaining's gaze only lingered on the Glass for a moment before he stopped paying attention, focusing on the guard inside.

The sharp and scrutinizing gaze that swept over in that instant was not that of an ordinary gatekeeper.

Upon entering the courtyard of the Public Office, Feng Zaining said: "This person does not look simple?"

Shen Liu had an expression of "your eye for talent is good" and said: "He retired from the Patrol Guard Division."

Before coming here, Feng Zaining had inquired and knew the nature of the Xinzhou Patrol Guard Division.

He felt a bit annoyed in his heart. The gift he had prepared for today was still too light!

Shen Qing and Shen Liu were familiar with the place and found the document room.

But only Cheng Zhi and He Xiaodi were working inside.

"Where is Wen Gu?" Shen Qing asked.

Cheng Zhi bowed before replying: "The Ward Chief has gone to Qingyun Fang opposite. Would you like me to send someone to find the Ward Chief?"

Shen Qing thought for a moment and asked again: "About how long until he returns?"

"Not too long." Cheng Zhi thought of Wen Gu's words from the morning, looked at the sky, and said: "He should be back within an hour."

"Then no need to go find him. He must have something to do over there, so we will wait here for a while," Shen Qing said.

Beside him, Shen Liu explained to Feng Zaining: "Jingxing Fang is open to the outside, but Qingyun Fang currently has restrictions; there are several kilns inside, and it involves some technical secrets, so it is managed quite strictly for the time being."

The document room was not suitable for a long stay, and the place for receiving guests was too boring.

Shen Qing asked: "Is Pei Jing here?"

Cheng Zhi replied: "Yes, Young Master Pei came over this morning."

"Then let's go find Pei Jing; it's warmer over there."

They walked out of the document room.

Feng Zaining asked: "Who is Pei Jing?"

Shen Qing said: "Pei Jun's younger brother, you know Pei Jun, right?"

Feng Zaining: "... The chief official of the Patrol Guard Division."

How could he not know! He had just highlighted him on his list not long ago!

Seeing Feng Zaining's expression turn serious, Shen Qing laughed and said: "Hey, don't worry, Pei Jing is Pei Jing, he is different from his brother; he also invested money in Wanfu Garden, which I told you about yesterday."

Feng Zaining thought to himself: But you didn't say he was here!

If he had known, he would have definitely made some preparations in advance, at least preparing an extra small gift.

For the first time, he realized deeply that the legendary unreliable Shen brothers were truly this unreliable!

Opposite is Qingyun Fang.

Qingyi Daozhang had newly crafted a "Dharma Artifact"; later, once the Danguan was built, he could take it out to exchange for some "Merit" from the benefactors and believers.

Upon hearing that Wen Gu had come over, Qingyi Daozhang hurriedly handed the object in his hand to the young Daoist acolyte and waved his hands rapidly.

The young Daoist acolyte was also experienced; he didn't ask a single extra word, hugged it, and ran toward the warehouse—

If the object Master refined was not to Ward Chief Wen's liking, that would be fine, but if it were, there was a high probability he would deploy the "Hand It Over" Great Art.

And yet, every time, the reasons Ward Chief Wen gave were impossible to refuse.

Afterward, Master would regret it again.

After going back and forth a few times, it became the reaction seen before them.

Qingyi Daozhang returned to the room empty-handed, and he didn't have a pleasant expression when he saw Wen Gu.

Wen Gu had come to Qingyun Fang in the morning, first toured a few kilns to check the progress, and only then came here to drink tea leisurely.

When Qingyi Daozhang came over, Wen Gu asked, "The gift I entrusted you to refine, is it finished?"

Qingyi Daozhang: "What gift?"

Wen Gu looked over.

Qingyi Daozhang thought for a moment and remembered: "Oh, you mean that gift for learning the arts? It's being made, it's being made!"

He paused, then defended himself: "Color matching isn't easy; I failed a few times."

Without waiting for Wen Gu to press him, he said as if complaining: "I don't get it, in this day and age, what is the point of you spending time learning calligraphy and painting?"

While saying this, he observed Wen Gu's expression.

If it were anyone else doing such a thing, the Daoist Priest would definitely think that person was an idiot with nothing better to do.

But with Wen Gu, he always felt this Gou Shusheng was plotting something bad.

Wen Gu said calmly: "Balance work and rest, cultivate one's character."

Daoist Priest: I believe you!

"What calligraphy and painting? You should go learn tea arts; when the tea house in Wanfu Garden is built, it can be put to use."

Wen Gu did not continue this topic with him, but said: "Besides the gift for learning the arts, there is also the year-end gift, you all hurry up!"

Qingyi Daozhang was only responsible for one part of it; the other processes were completed by specialized craftsmen.

The craftsmen had been working hard on research, yet Qingyi Daozhang slacked off from time to time.

Wen Gu watched the time, drank tea, and gave some words of urging on the side.

At this moment, someone from Jingxing Fang came to report news.

"The Feng Family from Sihai Fang has come?" Wen Gu's voice was neither high nor low.

Qingyi Daozhang raised his eyes to look over.

Wen Gu set down his teacup: "There is an honored guest over there, I will go over first."

"Wait!"

Qingyi Daozhang called him to stop.

The muscles on his face twitched slightly due to being overly conflicted.

The Daoist Priest called over a young Daoist acolyte: "Bring the newly made Warding Evil Gourd."

A colorful gourd, carved with Warding Evil Runes, was handed into Wen Gu's hands.

"Put it in your Public Office first; it's safer with someone guarding it."

Qingyi Daozhang also paid attention to the four big wealthy families of Sihai Fang. Perhaps they would all be his big clients in the future; as the saying goes, if you don't risk the bait, you won't catch the fish.

Wen Gu looked at the Treasure Gourd in his hand, knowing what Qingyi Daozhang was planning: "They believe in the Sea Goddess and the Buddha."

Qingyi Daozhang thought to himself: That is exactly why I must let them be influenced by my Daoist Dharma Artifacts!

Wen Gu returned to Jingxing Fang carrying the box containing the Treasure Gourd.

He first went to Pei Jing's place and gave him some colored Glass beads used for puzzles.

Then, taking the Shen Family brothers and Feng Zaining, he arrived at the reception room.

In front of them, as if very casually, he took the Treasure Gourd out of the box and placed it to the side as an ornament.

Then, when the three's attention shifted, Wen Gu pulled the topic back and expressed his welcome to Feng Zaining.

Welcome to the Feng Family of Sihai Fang for officially joining the Wanfu Garden financier group!

The few of them discussed the construction of Wanfu Garden for a while.

Feng Zaining had matters at home, so he took his leave.

Wen Gu also gave him an entry pass: "Next time you come, you can go directly into the Public Office."

Shen Qing and Shen Liu had just resolved a troublesome matter and were thinking of finding some fun, so they didn't stay long either.

After they left, Cheng Zhi brought over an exquisite box.

This was the gift from Feng Zaining's first visit.

The box was not large, but it was clear that the craftsmanship was very meticulous.

Inside were nine pearls and coral beads of considerable size.

However, compared to the jewelry inside, Wen Gu actually liked the outer box more.

After toying with it for a while, Wen Gu prepared a return gift.

He had Chang Shun take Cheng Zhi to deliver the return gift to Sihai Fang.

At dusk, before the ward gates closed, Feng Zaining saw this return gift at home.

Thump!

A wooden box was placed on the table; it was not considered exquisite, the material was decent, and it was somewhat heavy.

Feng Zaining opened it curiously.

The box was divided into two layers.

The top layer was a bamboo-leaf-shaped Glass Book Knife with a warm, smooth texture.

The bottom layer was entirely Grain Tickets.

They were stamped with the vermilion seal of the "Jingqing Public Office."

(End of this chapter)