Chapter 1393 – Southern Prosperity, The Autumn of Chaos (Nineteen)
“There’s a scholar in every profession.”
Those merchants who could expand their businesses had a vision that mere common folks couldn’t fathom.
While this crowd struggled painstakingly for a path, one individual had already taken the lead to meet Jiang Pengji.
This person was none other than Cui Yu, the head of the Cui Family from Chongzhou.
When outsiders mentioned the Cui Family of Chongzhou, they all spoke of their leader Cui Yu with keen admiration.
Why?
Because Cui Yu had placed a heavy bet on Jiang Pengji before her power had truly consolidated.
It was this decision that allowed a small family teetering between the second and third tier to leap into the forefront of Chongzhou’s power.
Before aligning with Jiang Pengji, the Cui Family was merely seen as fence-sitters by outsiders, becoming wealthy through business with Northern Frontier, but always looked down upon. Once Jiang Pengji took charge of Chongzhou, she faced threats from the Northern Frontier and suppression from local gentry.
Undaunted by the situation, the Cui Family bravely chose to support Jiang Pengji, and it turned out to be a winning gamble.
As a reward, the Cui Family secured the selling rights for bamboo paper and Xuan paper from Jiang Pengji. After five years of cooperation, the Cui Family would also receive the production secrets for both types of paper. Thanks to this business, the Cui Family had raked in substantial profits over the past few years, elevating their status even further.
Hearing that Jiang Pengji was planning to attract investment for the Golden Scales Academy branch, Cui Yu hurried over.
Fortunately, he was near Wanzhou checking on his shop’s business when he heard the news; otherwise, it would have been too late!
When Jiang Pengji learned that Cui Yu was visiting, she was quite surprised, “Why isn’t he staying in Chongzhou? Why come to Wanzhou?”
The anonymous viewers in the live stream looked bewildered; time had passed so long that many had forgotten who Cui Yu was.
Luckily, there were plenty of loyal followers taking notes in the live stream.
Genius Guo Fengxiao: Cui Yu from Chongzhou? I have a bit of an impression; he seems to be the head of the Cui Family. I remember his courtesy name is Zhonghuan. This guy always reminds me of Yuan Chonghuan. Speaking of which, it’s been years since he showed up in the stream-
Stowaway Non-Money: If Cui Yu doesn’t pop up, I might forget who he even is.
Old Anonymous’s “running into an old acquaintance” attitude sparked curiosity among the newcomers.
Salami Chicken Wing: Who’s Cui Yu? How’s his looks? How old is he?
Poor Daoist Looks at Your Flower With Toxicity: Back when Dongqing had an earthquake, the host saved a baby protected by its mother before she died, and that baby is Cui Yu’s son. Later, the host used that child to connect with Cui Yu, wooed the Cui Family, and suppressed the other gentry in Chongzhou, ultimately taking control of the region. Cui Yu should be about the same age as Feng Zhen, married with kids, and looks alright, I guess.
The viewers collectively wondered what Cui Yu’s purpose for visiting was.
Could it be to compete for a spot in the branch academy?
No matter how curious the viewers were, the answer would only be revealed upon seeing him.
Years had passed, but time hadn’t etched deep marks on Cui Yu’s face; instead, it had added a touch of depth and steadiness.
Jiang Pengji got straight to the point, asking, “Why did Zhonghuan come to Wanzhou?”
She was a busy person; her time was precious, and she had no time for games.
Cui Yu was used to Jiang Pengji’s straightforwardness; he replied, “I was checking on the shop because some accounts from last year didn’t match up, and I happened to hear that the lord plans to construct a branch of the Golden Scales Academy… Is this true?”
Jiang Pengji looked at Cui Yu with a smile that was almost teasing, “Of course it’s true. Could it be that Zhonghuan has this in mind as well?”
The viewers couldn’t help but hold their breath, feeling the atmosphere was a bit off.
Cui Yu coming to invest—wouldn’t that be a good thing? Why didn’t the host seem too pleased?
“The Cui Family has been in business for many years, with a modest fortune. If the lord doesn’t mind, I would gladly offer support to ease any urgent needs.”
Jiang Pengji laughed, “Zhonghuan’s information is quite outdated. Just recently, I eliminated some fat sheep from the Tao Clan; how could I lack for silver?”
Cui Yu smiled gently, relieved, “I see, then I was just worrying needlessly.”
After they exchanged those words, the previously tense atmosphere dissipated, leaving the viewers utterly confused.
Musician Zhuge the Piano Demon: Did you forget the Cui Family’s standing? Nowadays, the Cui Family is the top force in Chongzhou. They used to just be rich, but now they’re powerful, trusted by the host, and have taken on many lucrative businesses. If they also set their sights on the Golden Scales Academy branch, the students produced will naturally provide the Cui Family with valuable connections. These students are the host’s investments, not ordinary folks; at the very least, they will end up as small officials, or potentially even higher-ups.
If the Cui Family has any ambition, it’ll be easier for them to form factions than others.
Cui Yu came to test Jiang Pengji, and seeing that she had no intention of letting the Cui Family get involved, he changed his tone.
After hearing the analysis from the senior viewers, the newcomers couldn’t help but exclaim how complex society could be.
Do you really need to be smart to watch a live stream nowadays?
Cui Yu was, after all, an ally, and Jiang Pengji didn’t treat him too harshly.
Politely refusing Cui Yu’s involvement in the chaos, she instead handed him the paper supply business for the academy and government.
As papermaking technology improved, the yearly demand for paper surged.
The small workshop model couldn’t meet such great demand any longer, and coincidentally, the five-year cooperation period between Jiang Pengji and Cui Yu was coming to an end; she would soon share the paper production secrets with the Cui Family. Once they made a fortune, she would then fully reveal the secrets to allow other merchants to share the pie. With more businesses producing paper, supply would increase, and market prices would gradually drop.
Ultimately, it would be the common scholars who would benefit.
When Jiang Pengji conveyed her decision, Cui Yu’s expression brightened considerably, and his worries lifted.
“Is Zhonghuan’s child studying at the academy? I remember the child’s name is Fushou, right?”
For the common yet auspicious name Fushou, Cui Yu could only maintain an awkward but polite smile.
It couldn’t be helped; that name was requested from Jiang Pengji, and it had to be used no matter how cliché it was.
“My son has been studying at the academy for two years. The teacher is diligent, and I recently received a family letter saying he ranked in the top three of his class.”
Jiang Pengji sincerely praised, “Top three? That’s really impressive; Zhonghuan’s got a promising successor!”
Cui Yu silently thought that since Jiang Pengji was still single and childless, he could only smile quietly and listen, not daring to respond.
While the world awaited a spectacle from Jiang Pengji, no one anticipated the Cui Family appearing at this critical juncture.
Learning that the Cui Family didn’t secure a spot either, everyone continued to mock and observe, leaving a group of wealthy merchants restless.
Cui Yu was Jiang Pengji’s trusted confidant, and with him competing for a spot, they truly had no hope!
Thus, connections and backdoor dealings became even more frequent as these merchants grew anxious. Just when they were in a frenzy, Jiang Pengji announced the specific timing.
