19

Cheng Hao'er patted Yu Weiwei's shoulder and said:

"My boy, you are still young. There is a lot for you to learn. When you come back to Huichun in the future to do business, look for me and I promise you make more money."

Yu Weiwei clasped his fists and replied:

"I'll rely on you, sir. However, there's a question on my mind, not sure if I should ask."

"If you're not at ease, just spit it out."

"I just want to ask whether our business will be affected by the current situation in Huichun or not."

Cheng Hao'er paused and said:

"They can do whatever they want and we'll do our business. How does that affect us?"

Yu Weiwei explained to Cheng Hao'er:

"Sir, listen to why I'm asking. I've inquired about Huichun before coming here. Khan Zakkel has issued some regulations regarding business, especially for bulk goods. You know, if I deal in bulk goods, I can't just bring them from my country and go back empty-handed. I must buy some goods in Huichun to bring back to Yuhong Dynasty and that incurs taxes. That's not a big deal but the issue is what the most needed goods in my country are iron and horses. However, now they've banned the export of these goods to my country. You know that you need salt in many clans. If Yuhong Dynasty also prohibits salt from going out, it will affect the people here. That's the reason for my question."

Cheng Hao'er looked at Nie Huanzhang then glanced at Yu Weiwei and said:

"You're involved in large-scale transactions, which are different from what we do. If that's the case, it could be troublesome."

Yu Weiwei bowed deeply and said:

"I am seeking your advice."

Cheng Hao'er replied:

"Well, your way of speaking is quite elegant but it's a bit difficult for me. To be honest, I can't say much about it."

Yu Weiwei asked:

"So, sir, are you suggesting that Doga should continue the marriage alliance with Furu to strengthen their relationship? Or do you hope Doga will form an alliance with Khan or Antare clan and become their vassal? what do your clan want from this marriage, consolidate the relationship between Furu clan and Doga clan or Doga become the vassal?"

Nie Huanzhang looked surprised at Yu Weiwei for directly raising these questions and couldn't help but glance at Cheng Hao'er. 

"This..."

Cheng Hao'er hesitated for a moment but quickly responded, "Of course, I hope there is a good relationship between Furu and Doga. I'm from Doga but now I live in Furu as if I'm in my own home. Doing business with you from Yuhong Dynasty is convenient. But if Doga has a good relationship with Khan or Antare, Furu will definitely be angry. And then it will be awkward for me, a Doga person, to stay here."

Yu Weiwei continued to ask:

"So let me ask another question. If Furu and Yuhong Dynasty go to war, Furu will inevitably become a battlefield. At that time, can Doga people help Furu?"

"Definitely Doga can help Furu. In Doga my leader's wife is from Furu, who is not trifled with. Don't forget that her son, York, will be our leader in the future."

"Why did Zandan in Furu strive to need this marriage to consolidate this relationship? If it's to strengthen relations, I think Furu should consolidate ties with Yuhong Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Hao'er stood up abruptly and shouted:

"Shut fucking up! It is impossible for us to have a good relationship with the people from your dynasty."

"But You have good relationship with Huanzhang, his father and his teacher for a long time, right? How do you explain this? Please remember they are from Yuhong Dynasty. Don't you think they are good persons? Can you tell me how long you keep this relationship with them? One day, one month or one year? I think it is at least twenty years. Did they have cheated you when you did the business with them? Or did they sell any information about your clan to Yuhong Dynasty, which demages the benefit of your clan?" 

Cheng Hao'er, feeling awkward after hearing this, glanced at Nie Huanzhang and shot an angry look at Yu Weiwei. Yu Weiwei continued:

"Sir, I'm not saying this for any other reason. Selfishly speaking, it is because I hope to do business in Huichun in the future. Furu is adjacent to Yuhong Dynasty and in case of any conflict, Yuhong people would likely target this area. Even if the people in Huichun go to war with Yuhong Dynasty, Furu territory will inevitably be the battlefield and occupied by people from other clans. By then, where would Furu's territory come from? It's the similar situation in Doga. No matter how the war unfolds, Doga people can't avoid the battlefield. If they retreat, they would be abandoned by other clans or even by the people in Furu. In the end, it's your two clans that would suffer losses and the influence of your two clans would be significantly weakened. The other clans are in the rear and they won't be greatly affected."

Cheng Hao'er, after a moment of contemplation, finally understood and asked:

"My friend, what do you think we should do?"

Yu Weiwei suggested:

"I believe the people in Furu should voluntarily withdraw from this marriage competition, shift their focus to Yuhong Dynasty, mend relations with them and avoid turning their territory into a battleground. Continue doing business with Yuhong Dynasty is for increasing the wealth for Furu and my country. And Doga clan also can get the benefit from this relationship. I think it is better for Ruta in Doga to find a husband in his own clan for that girl, for example his son, without offending anyone. With Furu stabilized, at least half of the issue with Doga would be resolved."

Cheng Hao'er pondered for a while and then raised his hand, saying:

"I get it now. Your ideas can indeed facilitate smooth business transactions for those involved in large-scale dealings. However, I'm not the leader in any clans, neither in Furu nor in Doga. I can't control this. Besides, without this marriage, the value of my vase might not fetch as high a price."

Yu Weiwei said:

"Sir, the profit from this vase is too little. If the situation could be developed as I suggested, even greater profits lie ahead."

Cheng Hao'er became interested and asked:

"How to do?"

Yu Weiwei explained:

"I've been doing quite well in business with Yuhong Dynasty, with many merchants there. However, I lack connections in Huichun. Now that I've met you, sir, I propose entrusting all my goods bound for Huichun to you. Imagine the profits that could bring in the future."

Cheng Hao'er glanced at Nie Huanzhang and asked:

"What about you? Are you planning to switch to dealing with bulk goods?"

Nie Huanzhang looked at Yu Weiwei and said:

"I'm just a person who ships the goods. As you know, I'm used to being on my own and prefer a more carefree lifestyle. I do enjoy our current trade but I'll be honest with you, it's getting more difficult. Many are quitting and the sources have dwindled. Some friends have indeed shifted to dealing with bulk goods even considering business outside the borders. They've asked me more information about Huichun. That is why I'm here with Dayu. After all, my knowledge about bulk goods is limited."

Cheng Hao'er, deep in thought, asked again:

"What should I do?"

Yu Weiwei suggested:

"Sir, stick to your original plan of promoting your vase. However, during your promotion what you're selling, casually mention what I just told. Don't be too deliberate, just chat with them and share some of the complexities involved. Complain a bit. Someone is bound to listen, especially those from noble families and officials. Your vase might even sell at a higher price, earning you the profit you desired."

Cheng Hao'er inquired:

"How should I say it?"

Yu Weiwei explained:

"First give them a little time to discuss this matter. Second, they should prepare for both possibilities. Third, there will surely be opponents and those opponents will try to persuade your leader. Your vase could be a good reason. Fourth, even if this plan goes through, there will always be a few naive buyers who don't see the bigger picture and will purchase your vase."

Cheng Hao'er joked:

"Doing business with so many twists and turns, you should be ennobled and appointed as a official at a loss. I don't know how you come up with these ideas with thoughtfully and carefully. Huanzhang, you're far behind. Don't mix with him, or he might sell you out and you help him count money at the same time. Stick with me because I'm straightforward."

Nie Huanzhang chuckled and said:

"Don't worry, I'm sticking with you. Regarding to Dayu, you can do business with him. If he tries to deceive you, I'll break ties with him."

Cheng Hao'er laughed heartily and said:

"Marvelous, I trust you. Alright, I'll go out tomorrow and what are you doing?"

Nie Huanzhang said:

"We will go out too. Dayu wants to see whether there is any merchandise that can be sold in Yuhong."

Yu Weiwei added:

"Sir, we need to stay here for a few more days and see what your leader decide. Based on the situation here, we can decide what to do on our end."

Cheng Hao'er said:

"Alright, I'll see if there is any merchandise here for you to take back. Don't let your trip be in vain." Cheng Hao'er said to Nie Huanzhang, "And, when you go back, give my regards to your master. Tell him Hao'er misses him a lot."