Chapter 603 - 344: Dong Sang Ronin
"The young master is back! The young master is back!"
"Quickly, quickly, go tell the master and mistress."
When Qin Yuesheng appeared outside the Qin Mansion, it was as if a thunderclap had struck, immediately setting off a stir in the entire Qin family estate.
The household servants and maids ran around spreading the news, as if celebrating a great occasion.
Qin Yuesheng led Su Lanyin through the gate and immediately had a maid take him to meet his parents.
Having learned that the prominent families of Cyan Yang City were expanding their businesses, Qin Yuesheng thought it was time for the Qin family to establish themselves in Chang’an, fulfilling his previous goals.
So he had his second mother take Su Lanyin to explore other parts of the mansion while he had a private discussion with Qin Feng.
"Yuesheng, you must have experienced quite a bit during your months in Chang’an."
"Yes, indeed."
"Did you happen to encounter Qin Hai in Chang’an?"
Qin Yuesheng paused, recalling his distant cousin who went to Chang’an for the imperial examinations. Although somewhat socially awkward, he was a straightforward person.
"If I go again, I will make sure to search for him. I wonder how he fared in the exams, or if there’s any result yet."
The days for the metropolitan examinations in Chang’an had long passed. Despite internal chaos stirred by the Ten Attendants and external turmoil caused by rebels, the exams were held smoothly, according to Qin Yuesheng’s knowledge.
"Yuesheng, several large families in Cyan Yang City are busy opening businesses in Yangzhou Prefecture. Perhaps you should try opening a few shops as well."
Seeing that Qin Yuesheng intended to head to Chang’an, Qin Feng grew a bit anxious.
Although Qin Yuesheng was trained in martial arts, the world was chaotic, and he was just one man. If anything were to happen, the Qin family would lose its sole heir.
Unaware of Qin Yuesheng’s actual capabilities, Qin Feng was left in the dark. Qin Yuesheng, however, wasn’t inclined to explain and merely said, "No rush, Father. I’ve made many friends during my trip to Chang’an. If we want the Qin family’s business to flourish, we should aim to make it as grand as possible. Then, when we open shops in Chang’an, we’ll truly shine."
"Your ambitions are too grand, child. With our family’s current capabilities, how would we even establish a foothold in Chang’an? Don’t aim too high," Qin Feng advised.
"Understood."
After some casual conversation with Qin Feng, Qin Yuesheng excused himself with the pretense of other matters and left the Qin Mansion to seek out members of the Tai Sui Alliance based in Cyan Yang City.
The Gold and Silver Pavilion became the largest commerce guild in the world due to its vast network, resources, and wealth.
Qin Yuesheng possessed these three elements as well. With a bit of maneuvering, using his skills to propel the Qin family to the level of the Gold and Silver Pavilion was feasible.
In his absence from Jiangnan for several months, the Tai Sui Alliance had developed rapidly, spreading across more than ten cities in Jiangnan. A single message could quickly mobilize the entire alliance.
"Young master, we’ve been waiting for you," exclaimed the head of the Tai Sui Alliance in Cyan Yang City upon seeing Qin Yuesheng.
"What’s the matter? Is there a problem?" asked Qin Yuesheng.
"Indeed, there is. A gang has been competing with us for territory, and they’ve brought in a formidable fighter. He’s injured many of our brothers. I’ve been seeking help from headquarters, but they haven’t sent anyone."
"What gang?" Qin Yuesheng inquired.
"They are refugees from the East Sea, calling themselves Dong Sang Ronin Town."
"Hmm?" Qin Yuesheng was taken aback.
What a cherry blossom-scented name.
"Are they in Cyan Yang City now?"
"Yes, they’ve taken over all the dock areas and opened many restaurants and taverns. Strangely enough, these ronin serve raw fish dishes, slicing the fish and placing it on white rice. It’s terribly unpalatable, like something out of the wild."
"Too familiar," Qin Yuesheng thought to himself.
"No worries; I’ll handle this. Additionally, I want you to spread a message: instruct the members of the Tai Sui Alliance to open a Qin Pawnbroker in every city in Jiangnan. You can cover the initial expenses, and I’ll send someone later with the funds."
"Understood."
Having delegated his tasks, Qin Yuesheng headed towards the harbor in Cyan Yang City.
The harbor in Cyan Yang City was a critical area because of its proximity to the Gusu River and frequent merchant ship visits. Owning this area allowed for easy profits.
Qin Yuesheng had previously visited the Gusu wharf when the County Magistrate of Cyan Yang City was arrested, and he personally came to assist, memories of which were still fresh in his mind.
Upon stepping into the Gusu wharf, Qin Yuesheng observed many short men wearing loose robes, their hair tied in topknots, and long swords hanging from their waists.
Their faces bore rebellious and unruly expressions, walking with an air of arrogance.
Qin Yuesheng saw one of the ronin take a live fish from a roadside stall and stuff it into a cloth bag at his waist.
"Pay for that!"
"Shiba!" The ronin slapped the stall owner across the face. The old man was frail and couldn’t withstand the blow, collapsing to the ground and struggling to get up.
"Father!" The old man’s daughter rushed forward to help.
"Oh! Such a fair young girl," the ronin exclaimed, eyes lighting up as he reached for the girl’s cheek.