Chapter 23: The Opening of the Ginseng Firm

Everyone looked at him, and Tong Weixing, even if he wanted to say something, found it difficult to speak again. While he blamed Guo Tongfang in his heart for being reckless, he had no choice but to say, "Very well. In that case, I shall address you as Brother Jia from now on, though I still prefer to call you 'An-er'."

"That is fine. As long as you are pleased, Brother, you may call me whatever you wish," Jia Ping'an replied. He did not care how others addressed him, as long as he was happy with how he addressed them.

Chang Chao and Tong Gui watched from not far away, both of them thoroughly stunned. How did a conversation that began between an uncle and his nephew turn into one between brothers? What exactly was going on?

Chang Chao, in particular, couldn't help but think to himself: my young master is truly remarkable. With just a few words, he managed to make two former high-ranking imperial officials set aside their status and social standings to befriend one another as brothers. How could an ordinary person ever achieve such a feat?

Once they had acknowledged each other as brothers, their bond grew even closer, and for the rest of their conversation, bursts of laughter echoed frequently.

Despite being more than a decade younger than the other two, Jia Ping'an felt completely natural in their company. Just like an old scholar, he remained composed and capable, rarely speaking without purpose; yet, whenever he did offer a remark, it always served as the finishing touch to their discussion.

Towards the end of their conversation, Guo Tongfang took the initiative to mention the upcoming grand opening of the Zhou family's ginseng shop.

"The invitation from the Zhou family has arrived. I intend to attend the opening in person. Tong, my brother, why don't you come along with me?"

"Me?" Tong Weixing pointed to himself, looking hesitant.

"Yes, you. You were a top scholar, after all. Who is to say when the Emperor might remember you, allowing you to shed your current status and return to court? Surely, the Zhou family would value an association with a man like you. As for yourself, do not remain so closed off. Rules are important, yes, but by comparison, staying alive is far more vital."

Guo Tongfang spoke with earnest sincerity; he truly had Tong Weixing's best interests at heart.

In the past, Tong Weixing likely would not have listened. Even if someone had told him this, he would have treated it as wind passing his ears. But this time, after his home had been robbed and he had been left helpless, if it hadn't been for Jia Ping'an learning of the situation and extending a helping hand, it was questionable whether he would have even made it this far.

Compared to one's life, so-called rules had become secondary.

It was only after experiencing this ordeal that Tong Weixing accepted Guo Tongfang's words, beginning to wonder if he should indeed make some changes.

"Very well, I shall go with you, brother," Tong Weixing finally overcame his internal hurdle and nodded in agreement.

"Haha, excellent!" Guo Tongfang said, looking quite pleased. He then turned his gaze to Jia Ping'an and asked, "Brother Jia, your father should have received an invitation as well, should he not?"

"I am not certain, to be honest. I will ask him when I return." Jia Ping'an shook his head slightly. He had not asked his father about it, but he assumed they likely had; after all, these merchants were the most tactful of people, and unless necessary, they would not easily offend others.

"Then will your father be attending, or will you?" Guo Tongfang continued to ask.

He secretly hoped Jia Ping'an would go. He felt he had built a good rapport with this young man, whereas if his father went instead, he would have to start building that connection all over again.

"My father is in poor health, so I fear he will be unable to go." Although Jia Ping'an had not asked his father, he had enough confidence in this assessment. Often, the more troubled a person is, the less they wish to deal with the outside world, and over time, this creates a vicious cycle.

"Haha, very well. Then we shall all attend the opening of the Zhou family's ginseng shop together." After understanding Jia Ping'an's meaning, Guo Tongfang laughed heartily.

After staying for nearly another hour, Jia Ping'an took his leave, fully satisfied. Guo and Tong rose to see him off, watching until he had disappeared from the courtyard. Only then did Tong Weixing ask Guo Tongfang, "What do you think? What is your impression?"

"Though young, this boy is extraordinary. I fear the small town of Ningguta will not be able to contain him," Guo Tongfang said, his smile fading into a serious expression.

"Hm? Are you suggesting that it would be difficult for him to leave this place?" Tong Weixing clearly disagreed with this assessment.

"How so? Do you think it is simple to leave Ningguta?" Guo Tongfang retorted with a question of his own.

"Is it not? Is there not a rumor that you will soon leave this place and return to Changdu?" Tong Weixing asked, looking completely baffled.

This earned a bitter smile from Guo Tongfang. After a few moments of silence, he said slowly, "As you said, that is merely a rumor."

"Are you saying that even if you want to return, you cannot?" Tong Weixing looked astonished.

"Alas, it is not that I cannot, but rather that it is incredibly difficult. You know how it is in the imperial court: every position is already occupied. My own 'hole' has already been filled by another; how could it be so easily vacated?" As he spoke, he shook his head, revealing his pessimism regarding the future.

In contrast, Jia Ping'an did not concern himself with such matters. By getting to know Guo Tongfang and Tong Weixing today, he had learned quite a few secrets, which gave him a better understanding of the political landscape of the Xuan Kingdom.

As for the two ginseng roots he had given away, while others might view them as priceless treasures, to him, they were easily obtained items, so he felt no regret at all.

Of course, Jia Ping'an did not view ginseng as common cabbage; he still required seedlings. Therefore, after leaving the Tong residence, he made a firm decision: he would head deep into the mountains this time. With Xiaobai, a natural treasure-hunter, it would be a massive waste not to make use of its talents.

As a former exemplary youth and government secretary from his past life, wasting resources was something he would never do.

Upon returning to the Jia residence, Jia Ping'an asked, and Concubine Yu confirmed that the Zhou family's ginseng shop had indeed sent an invitation.

"It seems the opening is in eight days. The invitation was delivered this morning." After Concubine Yu explained the situation, Jia Ping'an replied, "Father’s health has not yet recovered, so I shall go in his stead."

With that, Jia Ping'an took the invitation without ceremony and tucked it into his robe.

Jia Ping'an did this because he did not want his father to have contact with the likes of Tong and Guo just yet—not until he had established a solid foundation for himself. There was no other way; at this stage, his father appearing would only diminish his own influence, and for now, that was not a good thing.

Yu Luoli watched everything, saying nothing. Her husband was currently weighed down by heavy thoughts and was not suited to meet outsiders, and as a woman, it was not appropriate for her to show her face in public either, so she left everything to An-er.

Although she secretly wished for An-er to live a peaceful, unremarkable life, this was Ningguta, not Changdu. Surely, even if he stirred up some trouble, it wouldn't be anything major, and it shouldn't lead to any serious catastrophe.

"By the way, Concubine, I intend to go into the deep mountains tomorrow."

"The deep mountains? That is very dangerous." Hearing that he planned to enter the deep mountains, Yu Luoli’s beautiful brows immediately furrowed.

"It is fine. I will have Chang Chao with me; there will be no danger." Jia Ping'an's tone was calm and firm. He told Yu Luoli only so they would be aware of his movements; after all, this woman had planted a parasitic insect in his body, and he still had not figured out her true motives.

Feeling the firmness in his tone, Yu Luoli knew that persuasion would be futile. She could only blame herself for having fed the insect too well, watching as Jia Ping'an's health improved day by day. It seemed that once her husband felt better, she would have to find an opportunity to extract the insect and plant it in him again. She just had a feeling that Jia Ping'an was becoming too troublesome.

What she did not know was that Jia Ping'an had long been aware of the parasite. Furthermore, unless he willed it, it would not be easy for Yu Luoli to find another chance to contact the insect within him.

The next morning, after saying goodbye to Yu Luoli and his younger sister, and greeting his father who was still resting in bed, Jia Ping'an left the Jia residence with Chang Chao.

As soon as they reached the main street, Jia Ping'an instructed Chang Chao, "Wait for me at the foot of the mountain in seven days. During this time, stay in the city and gather information; do not return to the Jia residence."

"Understood." Chang Chao wanted to ask questions, especially to warn him that the deep mountains were not safe. He had some strength, and while he might not be able to do much against a wild beast, he could at least block it for a while.

But since it was the young master's wish, and Chang Chao and his sister relied entirely on Jia Ping'an for their food and clothing, how could he dare to disobey?

Chang Chao was left in the city, and Jia Ping'an entered the deep mountains alone. Once he was sure no one was around, he released Xiaobai and, guided by its joyful lead, headed straight into the depths of the forest.

The black soil in his space had already proven its worth, but ginseng could not be conjured out of thin air. If Jia Ping'an wanted to earn his first bucket of gold, he needed enough seedlings.

This trip into the deep mountains was aimed at finding wild ginseng seedlings. With Xiaobai as his guide, he was certain to have a bountiful harvest.

Seven days later, in the city of Ningguta.

It was the day of the grand opening for the Zhou family's ginseng shop.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers hitting the ground, the plaque covering the shop's sign was revealed, marking the official start of business.

General Hu Buyun of Ningguta arrived with Hu Buxin, who managed the ginseng operations.

Zheng Yugong, the military advisor of the General's Mansion and the public face of the Zheng family, also arrived, accompanied by Zheng Denggao, who oversaw the Zheng family's ginseng trade.

Beyond them, several influential merchants in Ningguta also made an appearance. Additionally, exiled officials like Guo Tongfang and Tong Weixing were present.