Chapter 5: Prefect Sun

Yan Buji calculated carefully and found that half of his current assets need to be liquidated, and the most profitable avenue is the local government.

Prefect Sun You of Lin Shan Cheng is one of Yan Buji's backers.

Yan Buji had submitted a tribute letter yesterday and received Sun You's reply, so he set out today to pay his respects, having prepared some fine gifts.

The prefect dislikes yellow and white items, but has a special fondness for fragrant tea.

Yan Buji has some family wealth, so hiring someone to buy fine tea is naturally easy.

"Excuse me, may I announce that Yan Buji has arrived to visit," Yan Buji said with a bow and a smile to the two armed guards at the gate.

"So it's Boss Yan, Prefect Sir, please inform us that you are visiting today; this way, please."

"Thank you, brothers; a small token cannot express my respect. Please go buy some wine for a little sip," Yan Buji took two small pouches from his sleeve and handed them to the guards.

The guard raised an eyebrow, knowing that the prefect and Yan Buji are old friends, so he took the small money without hesitation. Seeing Boss Yan so courteous, they naturally would not make things difficult.

Yan Buji followed the guards into the residence and entered the main hall, where the two guards clasped their fists and said:

"Boss Yan, please wait a moment; we will go report to the prefect right away."

"Much obliged."

"You're welcome."

Soon, an elderly man over fifty with graying temples, dressed in official robes, walked over, smiled, and bowed, saying:

"Brother Buji, hope you have been well."

"Prefect Sun," Yan Buji rose immediately and bowed in reply.

"Hey, we've known each other for years; calling me 'Sir' in ordinary settings is fine, but this is my brother's house—still so formal?" Sun You sat down, gesturing for Yan Buji to sit as well.

Yan Buji gave a slight smile, sat down and said helplessly, "Brother Sun, it's not that I'm being pretentious; it's just that you know the recent affairs in the city. Everyone says that I, Yan Buji, act recklessly under the protection of the officials, oppressing other merchants and leaving them no way out. The rumors are rampant, so how could I speak to you like this?"

"Hahaha, Brother Buji, you came in person; I suppose the matter has already been resolved, right?" Sun You said with a smile.

Yan Buji nodded and said, "I voluntarily relinquished the Yan family shop at the out‑city post station."

Sun You's eyes widened sharply, "Brother Buji, are you being threatened? The post‑station shop is the foundation of your fortune; merchants from all over stop at Lin Shan Cheng and rely on the post station to gather and disperse goods. Do you really have such generosity?"

Yan Buji shook his head, "My daughter can now attend Lingshan Academy, and it's precisely a time when we need money."

"Oh, I see. Even if you want to pave a way for your lady, it shouldn't require giving up such a large profit," Sun You said, puzzled.

Yan Buji sighed, "Leaving aside that my wealth attracts covetous eyes and I have no heirs to inherit the estate, my daughter is nearly of age but inexperienced and naturally unaware of the dangers. If I were careless, my legacy would become a barren tomb with no one even to tend the graves."

Sun You frowned slightly, said little else, and simply nodded.

"I came today to visit you, brother, also for my daughter; I'm afraid that after a while, my fortune will shrink by more than half," Yan Buji said helplessly.

"What do you mean by that?" Sun You asked in surprise.

Yan Buji explained that Yan Xirou had been accepted as a disciple by Zhou Hua, a successful candidate of Lingshan Academy, speaking with great relief, as if he were willing to stake the family fortune for her.

Sun You, after listening, raised his eyebrows slightly.

He thought to himself, does Yan Buji still not know that Zhou Hua is no gentleman at all?

But seeing Yan Buji's demeanor, his thoughts changed, and he suddenly laughed, "That is truly delightful; seeing you like this, I also hope that my beloved can achieve success and bring glory to the family someday."

"Thank you, brother, for your kind words. My visit is not for any other reason. I intend to transfer the shops on three streets of the city, leaving only the storefront on the street where my family resides. What do you think, brother?"

"This..."

What a juicy piece of meat!

Sun You's face remained expressionless, but his heart was ecstatic.

Although he is not suited for business and, as an official, naturally cannot meddle in commerce lest he be used as a pretext in the court.

But Lin Shan Cheng has been prosperous since ancient times, and now serves as a major hub for several large caravans of the Kun Dao Imperial Court, with daily goods worth ten thousand gold.

These itinerant merchants cannot sell their goods in a day or two, so they need a place to stay; thus the bustling Lin Shan Cheng is the obvious choice.

Back then, Yan Buji recognized the strategic location, built his fortune through the out‑city post‑station shop, and gradually established a presence in Lin Shan Cheng, eventually becoming a renowned tycoon.

The shops within the city are mostly inns and taverns; although they do not involve state‑controlled essential commerce, reaching this level truly shows Yan Buji's prowess in business.

Sun You silently calculated the meaning of Yan Buji's words, wondering if it hinted that he should find someone to take over the stall.

As for fraud?

Impossible; Yan Buji is merely a merchant, and with such a huge estate here, how could the Prefect of Lin Shan Cheng dare to cheat him?

Perhaps it truly is because the Spring Literary Assembly in three months will urgently need a large amount of cash, forcing him to offload so many enterprises.

Nevertheless, such a massive sell‑off will inevitably stir the merchants of Lin Shan Cheng; even if it could be sold, the shrewd merchants would likely drive the price down harshly.

So he wants me to step in and sell those enterprises at a reasonable price!

Sun You understood Yan Buji's meaning and patted his chest, saying, "Since you, brother, are willing to sacrifice so much for your beloved, I cannot leave you cold. Here's the plan: in a few days I'll convene a meeting of all the city's merchants, and I will guarantee to share the burden for you."

"Thank you, brother; I understand I must not let your efforts be in vain. I recall you like the bitter tea grown in my out‑city manor; I have already handed the manor over to my nephew to manage."

Sun You paused, then laughed, "You've got the spirit, brother."

"I only hope those merchants treat the old workers in my enterprises kindly," Yan Buji said helplessly.

"When people depart, the tea cools; brother, you should know that."

"Alas."

"But for your beloved, I suppose you also have further plans, brother."

"Hmm, it's just that I feel sorry for those old comrades who've followed me for years, and now I'm abandoning them..."

Yan Buji's expression was forlorn, seeming very reluctant.

But immediately, Yan Buji's gaze hardened; he rose and bowed, saying:

"Then that's that, brother; I won't disturb you further."

"Alright, brother, take care, and feel free to come for tea often."

A sharp‑faced middle‑aged man stepped forward, asking in doubt, "Sir, are you already agreeing to Yan Buji's...?"

"Hmph, what's the problem? They've arranged everything so well; to make it difficult would be excessive," Sun You snorted.

"But I actually think, Boss Yan's ambitions are surely not small, ah. Do you still remember how, back then, he fought for that relay station shop and actually beat four people to death? His methods are so ruthless; if it weren't for you spending a night talking with him in prison, he wouldn't be where he is today. Not to mention anything else, isn't this life-saving kindness worth half his family's property?"

"Sun You looked over and laughed: 'Master Li, this is what you don't understand—where could you find someone with such disposition and methods who is top-notch talent? If this person weren't willing to be a mud-leg doing business, if he pursued an official career in the same dynasty, he'd probably be doing better than me. Right now he's willing to give up his wealth to seek peace in life and after death, so why should I make things harder for him?'"

"Master Li bowed with clasped hands and said: 'Yes, your honor is too kind-hearted.'"