Chapter Fifteen: Humiliate Me—Shame Me Without Mercy!

The Jinling Tavern was a government-operated business. On the surface, it was backed by the Jinling Prefecture Office, but in reality, it was the private enterprise of the Prefect of Jinling, Xu Yougong. If Xu Yougong knew that Manager Liu had missed out on such a great fortune, he would surely dismiss him from his position.

In ancient times, directly calling the prefect by name was punishable by flogging. Yet Ye Xiu uttered Xu Yougong’s name without any reverence or hesitation, as if referring to an ordinary person. It was clear that Ye Xiu was no ordinary young man.

“Young master, this wine truly can’t compare to the Forget-Worries White now. The best I can offer is six taels of silver per jin,” Manager Liu said, sweating profusely and almost pleading. “But I can sign a long-term supply agreement with you. If the price of wine in our shop increases, we will raise your payment accordingly.”

“How would the price increase work?” Ye Xiu narrowed his eyes, looking at Manager Liu with deep meaning.

“For example, if you supply at six taels per jin now, and we sell at twenty taels per jin, we would raise your price to eight taels, and so on.”

“After all, wine is a consumable. I acknowledge the quality and taste, but before it gains a reputation, the purchase price can’t be too high. Besides, in all of Jinling, only our small shop is likely to cooperate with you long-term.”

Manager Liu looked like he had encountered a great difficulty, his eyes imploring, “Young master, six taels per jin, consider it as us making friends. What do you say?”

Ye Xiu silently calculated. His father’s price was three taels, which was also the first price Manager Liu had offered. If the price rose as promised, increasing his payment accordingly, it was quite reasonable.

They agreed on the price and immediately signed a supply agreement. Ye Xiu carefully examined it to ensure there were no exploitative terms before signing with satisfaction.

The shop assistants came over, carefully lifting the wine jars to inspect and weigh them.

Manager Liu brewed some tea and tentatively asked, “Young master, from your words, it seems you’re quite familiar with Prefect Xu. May I ask whose nobleman you are?”

Ye Xiu pondered briefly before replying, “When Xu Yougong became the top scholar, my grandfather was the chief examiner. Technically speaking, my grandfather was his mentor.”

Manager Liu suddenly stood up, his expression complex as he looked at Ye Xiu. “Young master’s grandfather... could he be the highly reputable and trustworthy Minister Ye from the capital?”

“That was long ago. He’s no longer a minister,” Ye Xiu said, striving to maintain his guise as a fallen noble youth.

“No wonder young master bargains so fiercely—you truly come from a distinguished family.”

Manager Liu did not look down on Ye Xiu because of his family’s decline; rather, he showed even greater respect.

Not only was Old Master Ye of impeccable character and reputation, but his name had been tested and proven in all manner of high-level circles. Rumor in the capital said that if Minister Ye couldn’t manage a matter, no one else could, not even a prince of the realm.

Just a few days ago, Prefect Xu had withdrawn ten thousand taels of silver from the tavern to send to the capital.

When Old Master Ye was imprisoned in the Censorate, not only did the Prefect of Jinling not abandon him, but he even helped him in his hour of need. This showed the strength of his backing and the breadth of his connections.

As for those who hurried to sever ties, they were nothing but shortsighted petty men.

After inspection, the two men named the strong wine with a rather clichéd name: Imperial Jade Nectar!

Manager Liu handed Ye Xiu a silver note for two hundred taels, with twenty more taels as a deposit for the next batch.

“Our shop doesn’t have enough cash on hand, so payment must be with silver notes,” he explained.

“These are from Heshengyuan. They also own a grocery store called Tongji.”

“If young master has other items to sell, you can try your luck at Tongji.”

After speaking, Manager Liu added mysteriously, “Young master, the manager of Heshengyuan is no small figure. She is not only a renowned wealthy merchant in the capital but also the most celebrated widow, Lady Wei, of Jingzhao Prefecture.”

“Lady Wei? Never heard of her!” Ye Xiu paid no mind, pocketing the silver notes and contract, then left with Zhao Yide.

“Too young and impetuous, always trying to prove oneself with one’s personality!” Manager Liu looked after Ye Xiu’s departing figure with deep meaning. Rumor in the capital held that Lady Wei was the concubine Old Master Ye never married into the family!

Sighing softly, Manager Liu sealed a jar of wine, took the signed contract, and boarded a carriage straight to the Prefecture Office to share the good news with Xu Yougong.

From Manager Liu’s account, it was clear that Heshengyuan’s journey from the capital to Jinling was no small feat, and that Lady Wei was undoubtedly a formidable woman.

This also reminded Ye Xiu that keeping money at home was unsafe; it was better to deposit it at Heshengyuan.

Silver notes and personal notes were bearer instruments, redeemable at any time, but cross-region cashing required a seven-day verification period.

Thus, Ye Xiu opened an account at Heshengyuan, stamping and filing the documents on site.

He deposited one hundred and fifty taels but actually spent one hundred and fifty-two.

The remaining two taels were Heshengyuan’s handling fee, which pained Ye Xiu greatly but ensured safety.

Ye Xiu left with Zhao Yide. In the back room of the counter, a noblewoman smiled quietly.

The manager, puzzled, cautiously poured her a cup of tea.

“In three days, I will return to the capital,” the noblewoman said elegantly, sipping her tea with supreme authority. “Arrange for someone to keep Ye You’an’s deposit slip separately. Write a monthly letter to the capital—I want to know his monthly deposit and withdrawal status.”

“Yes, madam,” the manager replied, confused how a mere child had drawn the noblewoman’s attention.

“If you feel reluctant, then you should resign as manager,” the noblewoman’s imposing presence nearly suffocated him.

“I am merely curious, please forgive me, madam!” The manager dropped to his knees, “I will personally oversee this matter, not only deposits and withdrawals but his daily affairs will be recorded meticulously—there will be no errors.”

“Rise,” the noblewoman said meaningfully, eyes full of expectation. “You may do your job, but do not assist him! Unless it concerns life or death, legal troubles, or imprisonment, do not intervene.”

“As you command, madam.”

The manager wiped the cold sweat from his brow, quietly noting Ye You’an’s name.

He understood the noblewoman’s implication: at a crucial moment in life or death, Heshengyuan must come to Ye You’an’s aid.

Now, Ye Xiu had twenty-eight taels of silver left, plus the bookroom deposit and some loose change, totaling eighty taels in cash.

He bought chickens, ducks, fish, meat, as well as dried fruits and snacks, deciding to celebrate.

Back at Wulong Lane, he first delivered the dried fruits and snacks to Zhao the Butcher.

Then he arranged to have dinner together that evening, intending to thank Zhao Yide properly. Without him, the bargaining wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

For this, Ye Xiu deliberately placed twenty taels under the gift box.

Just as he stepped out of the Zhao household, Zhao Yide called him back and threw two silver ingots at Ye Xiu’s feet.

Ye Xiu looked embarrassed. “Brother Zhao, I can’t let you run around all day for nothing.”

Zhao Yide’s face flushed red, trembling with anger. “You give my father dried fruits and snacks, I accept that kindness. But making me handle silver money—that’s an insult!”

With that, Zhao Yide slammed the door.

Ye Xiu scratched his head in confusion. Was that really an insult? If so, he wouldn’t mind being insulted ten thousand times over...