CHAPTER 767: CHAPTER 767: PERSUASION

Gu Youlu would directly say these words to Lord Lai, first to show off, wanting Lord Lai to see his capabilities. Second, because the Qi Family and Futai Building refuse to disclose the Gu Family’s residence, today he had asked several regulars of Futai Building, and they all said that the Qi Family and Boss Hu are tight-lipped, and no one would reveal the Gu Family’s address no matter who pressed for it.

Gu Youlu wanted Lord Lai to help him inquire. Lord Lai is an official; as long as he personally asks, neither Boss Hu nor the Qi Family would dare not to disclose it.

However, as soon as he uttered these words, not to mention the servants like Lai Zhuang who were waiting by the side, even Lord Lai himself felt it was too much.

Lord Lai said, "Youlu, although you all share the surname Gu, it’s not so easy to collaborate on business matters."

Lai Zhuang said on the side, "Elder Lu San, the Lord is right. Going into business together is not so simple; let’s eat first."

Surely he would be willing to partner up with the Old Gu Family in a business venture?

How could Elder Lu San say such a thing?

Other families’ businesses are running smoothly, and just because he’s of the same surname as Old Gu Family, he wants to get involved? Where is there such a good deal in the world?

Gu Youlu was displeased, but he knew that Lord Lai was fond of him, so he put on a sad face and said, "Uncle Lai, your nephew knows it’s a bit impolite to say this, but your nephew thought of this idea that benefits everyone only after finding out that the Gu Family has no shop in the Prefecture."

He continued, "Also, your nephew feels that our family has always been reliant on Uncle Lai’s household for a living. It’s not easy for Uncle Lai to serve as an official; the salary earned is hard-earned money. Your nephew wants to find a business for our own family in order to lighten Uncle Lai’s burden. If the business goes well, it might even be able to help Uncle Lai, after all, running for an office requires silver for arrangements."

Gu Youlu had seen Lord Lai run for office at his side, hence he knew the term.

Today, Lord Lai was vexed by Second Young Master Lai, and now hearing Gu Youlu’s words, he was extremely pleased, praising, "Youlu has made progress, knowing to help Uncle Lai share the burden."

However...

"This Gu Family in the Prefecture already has a business partner, that is the Qi Family. The Eldest Young Master Qi is a Capital Official in the Capital and also knows many people; we can’t just usurp their business so easily. That wouldn’t be right."

Gu Youlu, blinded by the desire to make a fortune, wouldn’t listen, and pulled over a chair to sit next to Lord Lai: "Although the Eldest Young Master Qi is a Capital Official, his rank is as high as yours, so you don’t need to worry too much about the Qi Family. And you also know that noble; with his help, are you still afraid of not being able to handle the Qi Family?"

Lord Lai frowned upon hearing this, scolding Gu Youlu for the first time: "Youlu, I’ve told you before, do not make rash comments about that noble!"

That person is part of the royal family, and he had only recently managed to curry favor. It was also due to that noble’s arrangements that he could become Vice Magistrate of He’an Prefecture.

That noble placed him in He’an Prefecture because he was interested in the Jiangnan granary, intending for him to stay in Jianghuai He’an Prefecture for three years before transferring him to serve in Jiangnan.

Gu Youlu hurriedly slapped his own mouth: "It’s my fault, Uncle Lai. Please forgive me. Rest assured, your nephew will not say it again next time."

He continued discussing business matters: "Uncle Lai, I never thought to monopolize all the business, just considering sharing it half and half with the Qi Family. Those spices are so profitable, and the Qi Family only sells spices in Jianghuai, truly foolish. If your nephew could get hold of this business, I’d definitely sell the spices in the Capital and Zhili. There, the nobles are many and are not lacking in silver; we could double the price of spices and surely make a killing."

Although Gu Youlu was greedy, he still had some cleverness, and managed to move Lord Lai.

Seasoning spices are indeed a good commodity, and the reason why the Qi Family doesn’t sell seasoning spices in the Capital is because they fear the nobles there, but with that lord’s assistance, they don’t have to be afraid. If they were to acquire the seasoning spice trade, it would be a good thing both for the Lai Family and that lord.

However, before taking office, that lord had instructed that everything should prioritize his reassignment to Jiangnan as Magistrate, and he must not let other matters delay this important affair.

Lord Lai considered and then said to Gu Youlu, "Agreed, Uncle Lai will have Lai Zhuang help you investigate, but Uncle Lai can only help with looking into the Gu Family’s residence. You will have to handle business matters in person."

He also cautioned, "Remember to use legitimate means. We’ve just arrived at He’an Prefecture and must not engage in any bully-like behavior."

Although he was fond of Gu Youlu and the others, he could not ruin his own career for their sake, as his reputation could affect whether he could move to Jiangnan as Magistrate in three years.

Gu Youlu immediately patted his chest and said, "Uncle Lai, rest assured, your nephew is no evil man, and will definitely conduct business through legitimate means."

He would be foolish not to use Lord Lai’s support as leverage against the Gu Family!

Gu Youwen, Qian Guangzong and his wife, and Little Sister Gu were all listening with bated breath; seeing Lord Lai agree to help, they were overjoyed. The Old Gu Family had not yet divided their household; if Gu Youlu really secured this business, the silver earned would belong to everyone.

Qian Guangzong, shrewd as he was, immediately took Qian Chengcai with him and brought Gu Dagu, holding Bao’er, to toast Lord Lai, "Uncle Lai, you have been too kind to our family; we offer you a drink."

With that, he drank his own cup in one gulp.

Lord Lai didn’t like Qian Guangzong much, for he was too mercenary, and Jinzhi marrying him was beneath her. But the marriage was done; what more could be done? Now, Lord Lai only wished to bring up Bao’er well, having given up hope on Qian Guangzong and his son.

Knowing that Lord Lai didn’t like him, Qian Guangzong immediately brought Bao’er over and said, "Bao’er, quickly wish your great-grandfather from the Lai Family a happy new year."

Bao’er was only half a year old and was already extremely sleepy. Qian Guangzong’s loud voice frightened him, causing Bao’er to start crying.

Qian Guangzong’s brow furrowed tightly; he almost wished he could strangle his grandson, who must have learned from Mrs. Zhou, always looking morose and either crying or with a deadpan face.

Lord Lai, on the other hand, felt sorry for Bao’er. Seeing this, he told Gu Dagu, "Jinzhi, take Bao’er back, he is sleepy, don’t bother him."

"Yes," Gu Dagu complied, took Bao’er back to their own table, and handed the child over to Mrs. Zhou’s maid, cursing in her heart: Damned misfortune, gave birth to a whelp that only knows how to cry, totally useless.

Mrs. Zhou didn’t wish to dine with the Old Gu Family, so she hadn’t come, merely sent a maid to bring Bao’er.

The maid tenderly took Bao’er and gently rocked him to sleep; it wasn’t long before Bao’er was asleep.

Lord Lai was really too tired today, and he still had to get up tomorrow to pay New Year’s visits to the Lord Magistrate and Deputy Magistrate Tang. Thus, he ended the banquet after just an hour.

After sending Lord Lai off, the Old Gu Family had the servants pack up the remaining dishes from the banquet and went back to the courtyard where they were staying together.

Upon entering Granny Gu’s courtyard, Gu Youlu was grabbed by Qian Guangzong, who smiled and said, "Youlu, you’ve done well for yourself. Silently, you’ve carved out a good business. Tell us about that Gu Family. I heard they run a substantial business. Just how big is it?"