Chapter 470: Benefits

Chapter 470: Chapter 470: Benefits

The top-floor private chambers of Hong’en Hall were reserved only for the most powerful guests. In Fengri City, Liu Hengyi was as wealthy as they came, entitled to such suites; but Shen Hao was a guest even Hong’en Hall could scarcely invite. Thus, the madam personally accompanied them upstairs, attending to their every need with utmost caution.

The suite was exceedingly cool; the difference was felt immediately upon entering.

Shen Hao glanced around to discover the cause of the coolness. Two enormous slabs of ice, each as large as a door, had been placed upright like screen panels on either side of the round table in specially fashioned copper trays. Even upon closer inspection, one could see actual relief carvings across the frosty surfaces.

"Since when did Hong’en Hall become so extravagant?"

Ice itself wasn’t rare, but it was remarkable to find slabs of such size in this season. Normally, only the richest households kept them buried in ice cellars. To bring them out for cooling was truly a mark of opulence.

The madam smiled and explained that a small hall such as Hong’en Hall could not afford such luxury; these two slabs of ice were specially transported here by Master Liu. Knowing that Lord Shen disliked the heat—especially so on these upper floors where the warmth lingered—he had arranged for this cooling comfort.

Those who survived as madams in Hong’en Hall were nothing if not eloquent. In a few words, she not only explained the origin of the giant slabs, but also took the opportunity to flatter Liu Hengyi. Such a matter was far better spoken by her than by Liu Hengyi himself.

Shen Hao looked a little surprised, then smiled at Liu Hengyi and said, "Old Liu, you have been most considerate."

"Not at all, Lord Shen. As long as you are satisfied, that’s all that matters. Haha."

After the madam herself served tea, fruit, and pastries, she withdrew. Shen Hao’s guards stood watch at the door. Shen Hao even retrieved a magic disc from his storage bag, activating it to shroud the room in concealment.

Upon seeing Shen Hao employ an array, Liu Hengyi rose from his seat and formally bowed to Shen Hao once more, respectfully saying, "Your subordinate pays respects to Lord Hundred Households."

Liu Hengyi was no longer a mere merchant. Since that last occasion, when he threw his lot in with Shen Hao to save his Hengshun Carriage and Horse Company, he had slipped quietly into Shen Hao’s pocket. He had already secretly accepted the commission of Small Banner Officer for the Xuanqing Guard; now he carried true official rank—though not publicly, for he belonged to the class of "Secret Agents."

"Hehe, you look well. So? Did I mislead you when I said you’d have no regrets?"

"No, my lord. I was foolish and hesitant back then. Only now do I realize I must thank you for your guidance!" Saying so, Liu Hengyi bowed deeply again.

There was no falsehood in these words. Liu Hengyi had not only returned to his former heights, but had surpassed them.

Places once closed to him now welcomed him—he could even push aside the local tycoons with ease. Dangers that once made him hesitate no longer troubled him, for he feared no traps or intrigues. In the business to this extent, one could truly say he moved with resolve. Even his competitors remarked on his luck: every opportunity that eluded others landed in his hands. But only he knew the real reason why.

"I did support you, but only because I saw potential both in you and in your line of work. The carriage and horse businesses underwent a forced upheaval after the Jingxi Action—even the mid-level and small operators have been swept away, haven’t they? It is a golden chance for your expansion.

I have been watching your Hengshun Carriage and Horse Company closely. You are now the largest operation in Jingxi Village. When do you plan to break out beyond that?"

"My lord, to be frank, I asked you here today precisely to discuss this matter." Liu Hengyi paused, then continued, "My lord, I have found an opening in Jingnan—a once-prominent carriage and horse company called ’Jinghong Carriage and Horse Company.’ They used to handle military provisions, but recently, the Border Army there is undergoing a purge and many have been implicated. The master of that carriage and horse shop was drawn in as well.

Now, after finally extricating himself, he no longer dares pursue business, and wishes to sell. However, because his company is entangled with Military ties, none dare take it over. It has been left idle. I want to acquire it."

"Acquire it, then. Do it first—we can discuss the rest later. What you really want is their relay stations and channels; the business can follow at its own pace. You won’t lose out."

"Exactly, my lord, I am of like mind. Yet, I have run into a slight difficulty."

"Oh? Do you have competitors?"

"No, my lord; no one else is even considering the Jinghong Carriage and Horse Company. We are their sole buyers. It’s just that... I’m a bit short on silver coins."

At this, Shen Hao chuckled and shook his head, saying, "You, short on money?"

"I beg your pardon, my lord. Our expansion is swift—the rewards have been paid out as reassurance, and the repairs and fitting out of various relay stations and branches have swallowed up silver as fast as it’s earned. So, while profits roll in quickly, they flow out just as fast. At present, I lack enough ready silver. Might you... lend your subordinate a hand?"

Shen Hao was no fool—indeed, he had kept a close eye on Liu Hengyi’s carriage business all along. Though he was not directly involved, with the Xuanqing Guard as backing, could Liu Hengyi truly lack funds for business? Shen Hao was not convinced.

"Speak, then. How do you want my help?"

"You could take a share, my lord—nothing too substantial. For ten thousand taels, I’d give you a tenth share. What do you say?"

"A tenth? Of the new carriage and horse company?"

"No, no. The new company, once acquired, will be merged straight into Hengshun Carriage and Horse Company. I meant a tenth share of Hengshun itself." With that, Liu Hengyi smiled expectantly at Shen Hao, waiting for a reply.

"Heh." Shen Hao made no immediate answer, but gazed at him with a half-smile, half-suspicion. After a long moment, he spoke: "So, are you handing me money to spend, or seeking my protection?"

"Hehe, my lord, you are too sharp. I truly am short of ready silver and hoped to borrow a little from you. Besides, the share is not large—only a tenth—and it serves also as collateral. Should some mishap arise on my end, you wouldn’t lose everything. I implore you, lord, extend your aid!"

Now, see how skillfully he turned a blatant bribe into something altogether proper, with substance to back it. That, in itself, took skill.

How much was Hengshun Carriage and Horse Company worth now? Easily six or seven million silver coins at the very least—and in so promising an industry, if one factored in future prospects, the value would be double without exaggeration. And for just ten thousand taels in ready silver, one could acquire a tenth share? If that wasn’t free money, it was a sumptuous fortune gifted outright.

He called it ’collateral’—an orthodox form of lending—yet once the ’loan’ was out, and the collateral in hand, what if it was never repaid? Did that not mean the collateral could be held indefinitely?

Then, from another perspective, if anyone ever tried to accuse Shen Hao of taking bribes, he could righteously retort, "No, I merely hold collateral; Liu Hengyi has yet to repay my loan, hence I retain the share..."

Such thorough consideration.

"This, I will assist you with." At last, Shen Hao set down his tea and nodded assent.

"Many thanks, my lord, for relieving your subordinate in his hour of need." Liu Hengyi even arose and offered a cupped-fist salute, unable to hide his excitement. To have Shen Hao accept this tenth share truly set his mind at ease.