20

Nie Huanzhang and Yu Weiwei stayed in Furu for about half a month. Initially, Cheng Hao'er approached this task with a trial-and-error mindset and he had no high expectations after selling his vase at a high price. However, after about five or six days, news spread that Coulee, Zandan's wife, personally went to Doga, bringing a congratulatory gift for her niece's wedding. She even specially sent her favorite vase from Yuhong Dynasty as an accessory for the bride. When Nie Huanzhang and Yu Wewei were about to leave for Yuhong Dynasty, they learned that the only princess of Doga had married one of Ruta's sons and Ruta rejected other suitors politely. The reason given was that Ruta's wife could not bear to see the princess marry far away. Everything unfolded as Yu Weiwei has described, greatly impressing Cheng Hao'er, who decided to switch to bulk commodity trading. 

When Nie Huanzhang and Yu Weiwei returned to Liangzhou city, Yu Weiwei found out that Zandan had contacted Yuhong Xuan secretly. When Nie Huanzhang was on his way to the eastern, he traveled with Runge, Zandan's son, and his staff, who went to the Jingdu, the capital of Yuhong Dynasty, as a hostage. Now Nie huanzhang had to admire Yu Weiwei's abilities. A trip to Furu effortlessly changed the situation, disrupting Khan Zakkel's plans to integrate Doga. The alliance between Furu and Doga became even more solid. Furu and Yuhong Xuan reached an agreement: as long as Runge stayed in Jingdu, in the event of a war between Yuhong Dynasty and Huichun Tribe, Yuhong Xuan would not set the battlefield in Furu unless Furu joined the war against Yuhong Xuan. As for whether Khan and other clans would set the battlefield in Furu, it was beyond Yuhong Xuan's control. Furu had to do their best to avoid this situation happened. All goods from Liangzhou to Furu would be sold exclusively to Furu. This was the public agreement, while privately, there was a consensus that Furu's iron would be exchanged for Yuhong Dyansty's salt. For Furu, this agreement ensured the security of their territory and reduce dependence on Doga clan, causing Ruta to become nervous and more eager to curry favor with Furu to secure the supply of goods for Doga.

Nie Huanzhang originally planned to visit Yucheng town first to see Zhou Chuyu because he missed him greatly. However, considering the approaching year-end, he decided to go back to Qingyun Mountain first to spend the New Year with his master, Nie Hong. He detailed everything that had happened in Huichun and Liangzhou during this period to Nie Hong and concluded:

"Sir, it is indeed much more difficult for us in this business now compared to before. Not to mention the wealthy households reinforcing the security of their own properties, even various prefectures and counties prioritize protecting them as long as they are willing to pay. Once they catch a thief, the punishment is severe."

Nie Hong asked:

"So are you planning to switch to bulk commodity trading?"

"I plan to do both. After all I am more familiar with the trade of stolen goods. As long as there is business like this, I will continue doing it. At the same time, I'll also engage in bulk commodity trading. You know, Feng Yuan has been doing it for a period. I'll just give him some money to manage it for me and we'll share the profits at the end of the year."

"Alright, you handle your own affairs. I don't want to deal with these matters anymore. How was it seeing Hao'er this time? Is he still in good health?"

"Yeah, he's sturdy as ever, still obsessed with wealth. He sends his regards to you."

"Great! Is Guan's child, Yue, living with Family Feng? Is she fine?"

"Yes, she is fine. I had visited her before going to Furu. Mrs. Feng is taking good care of Yue."

"I remember Guan had taught Yue Kung fu before, right?"

"Yes, he taught her some. When I visited last time, I also taught her a few pointers."

"When I have some free time, I will go and visit her and teach her more. Ever though She is a girl without parents, she shouldn't be overly delicate. It's good to be bold and spirited. That kind of secluded lifestyle is useless. Even if she is a princess, there is the possible to be bullied."

Nie Huanzhang said gladly:

"If you can teach her a bit, even if Yuheng were still around, he'd probably appreciate it. I plan to visit Feng Yuan again this time and share this good news with him."

Upon hearing that Nie Hong might come to see Guan Yue, Feng Yuan joyfully slapped his thigh and exclaimed:

"That's fantastic! With Mr. Nie coming to teach Yue, my kids will finally have someone to instruct them. Their kung fu will be improved a lot. Huanzhang, last time you gave them some pointers, didn't you? After that, they kept asking when you'd come again. If they know your teacher coming here soon, I think they will be happy to the heaven. By the way, how is the situation going on in Huichun?"

Nie Huanzhang didn't answer his question, but instead asked:

"Did you have been in contact with Family Zhou?"

"Yes, I talked with Zhou Chuqin and bought some goods from this family. Surprisingly, their embroidery products are so popular. I tried selling them in the capital and they sold like hotcakes. I made quite a bit of money."

Nie Huanzhang couldn't help but smile at this and said:

"I am going to the Zhou family. Do you want to join me? If you come, I'll tell you about the situation in Huichun."

Feng Yuan was momentarily surprised then chuckled and said:

"Are you practically forcing me to go to Yucheng with you?"

Huanzhang laughed and replied:

"I'm going to discuss deal with the Zhou family. If you don't come, I won't bring you along for the fun."

Feng Yuan laughed, clasped his fists and said:

"You're my god. I owe you."

Zhou Chuqin didn't expect Nie Huanzhang and Feng Yuan to come to Yucheng together. A few months ago it was Feng Yuan who suddenly approached him, saying that he wanted to do business with the Zhou family, claiming a connection through Nie Huanzhang. Zhou Chuqin had confirmed this with Zhou Chuyu and he was surprised at Nie Huanzhang's reliability. Due to Feng Yuan's help, their embroidered products had already sold in the capital, bringing him great joy. Now, with Nie Huanzhang and Feng Yuan coming together, he couldn't help but wonder how much more business awaited him. As a result, he arranged for a banquet at the largest restaurant in Yucheng to entertain them. 

As soon as they sat down, Nie Huanzhang said to Zhou Chuqin:

"Mr. Zhou, this time I'd like to trouble you to invite Wangshi to join us. And he doesn't know I'm here. Please keep it a secret until he arrives. I want to give him a surprise."

Zhou Chuqin smiled:

"I didn't expect Mr. Nie to still have such a childlike heart. Boy, go and tell Chuyu

that I've invited him for a meal here and ask him to make sure to come."

Nie Huanzhang remarked:

"With Wangshi's personality, he'll definitely be delighted."

Zhou Chuqin shook his head and said:

"That's true. I bet he'll jump on you in joy."

While everyone was waiting for Zhou Chuyu, Nie Huanzhang briefly explained the situation in Huichun to Feng Yuan and Zhou Chuqin. In conclusion he said:

"So, for now, the situation in Huichun has temporarily stabilized. I reckon Zakkel is currently cursing Zandan furiously. Although he has the support of two clans, he is powerless against other clans. Moreover, with our dynasty, we won't allow Huichun to grow stronger. This is our opportunity in the business."

At that moment they heard Zhou Chuyu calling from outside the door:

"Chuqin, you are really something, inviting me here for a meal!"

As the door opened, Zhou Chuyu rushed in and embraced Zhou Chuqin, laughing and looking at his eldest brother playfully. However, when he lifted his head, he saw Nie Huanzhang standing there, smiling at him. He was momentarily stunned, rubbed his eyes hard to confirm that it was indeed Nie Huanzhang standing there. Immediately, he let go of Zhou Chuqin, bounced towards Nie Huanzhang, and tightly hugged him. Nie Huanzhang hugged him back and quietly whispered in his ear:

"Don't cry, there are others present."

Only then did Zhou Chuyu realize that he had lost control of his emotions. He quickly let go of Nie Huanzhang, wiped his eyes with his sleeve and saw Feng Yuan staring at them dumbfounded. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he quickly bowed to Feng Yuan and apologized:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Feng. I was rude just now. Please forgive me."

Feng Yuan seemed to be slowly coming to terms with the situation and said in daze:

"It's okay, okay."

Zhou Chuqin quickly intervened to smooth things over:

"Apologies for any inconvenience, Mr. Feng. My youngest brother is always like this. He has a good relationship with Mr. Nie and often talks about him so he got a bit carried away just now."

Feng Yuan, now catching on, looked at Nie Huanzhang with a meaningful glance and said:

"I didn't expect that. Unbelievable! Mr. Zhou Chuyu, you truly have the nature of a teenager."