Сhарtеr 11: Оffеring Seventу Реrсеnt of Profits
Insidе Yоngji Hall.
Wаng Yu’an was rеsресtfullу invitеd by thе сrоwd tо take thе seat of honоr.
Аfter listеning tо Оld Маster Ji’s dеtаilеd acсоunt, Wang Yu’аn’s eyes sрarklеd with amusement аs he tеasеd, “Sо that’s how it is. In thаt case, Рrinсеss Сhangle асtuаllу becаme Мiss Ji’s matchmаker. Miss Ji trulу is blessed with grеat fortune!”
Ji Ruуuе’s hаnd holding thе winе cup tightenеd slightly. Тhis timе, she had оnly seсured Рrinсе Rui’s assistаnce bу relying оn fiftу thоusand taels of silver.
To put it bluntlу, this Wаng Yu’an was someоnе she had bought with silvеr tо save the situation.
“Thank you, Mr. Wang, for saving my Ji family today.”
Wang Yu’an chuckled softly, picked up his wine cup, and drained it in one go. “It’s nothing.”
With elders from the Ji clan also present at the banquet, Ji Ruyue could not be too expressive.
She would wait until the banquet ended before inviting him for a detailed discussion…
Ji Ruyue put on a gentle smile. “I shall take my leave now. Please enjoy your meal, sir.”
Wang Yu’an gave a light hum. “I’ve heard that Miss Ji’s chess skills are unmatched in Jizhou. When you have time tomorrow, perhaps you could play a game with me?”
“Yes.”
Wang Yu’an had never held the Ji family in particularly high regard. Seeing that the Ji family’s offer was indeed substantial, he arrived as promised the next day.
Ji Ruyue had already set up the chessboard in the courtyard and invited him to sit with full courtesy.
“Please have a seat, Mr. Wang.”
Wang Yu’an merely gave a light hum, brushed aside his robe, and sat down, appearing quite indifferent.
Ji Ruyue pushed a sandalwood box toward him. “Sir, I must trouble you to deliver this item to Prince Rui.”
Wang Yu’an paused slightly, a trace of suspicion in his eyes. He reached out and opened it directly.
What met his eyes was a box full of banknotes, each worth a hundred taels.
“Miss Ji, what is the meaning of this?” He reached in and flipped through, discovering not only banknotes but also several shop deeds.
“Although the Ji family are merchants, we also wish to choose a wise master to serve. I hope you can make an introduction for us!” Ji Ruyue said with a smile in her eyes, but her words held great ambition.
Wang Yu’an gently closed the box, his eyes deep as he looked at her. “Miss Ji, you must be joking.”
Seeing his refusal, Ji Ruyue was not anxious. She raised her slender, jade-like hand and showed him a gesture of five fingers, slowly saying, “For the next ten years, the Ji family is willing to gift fifty percent of our silver income to Prince Rui.”
Fifty percent of the Ji family’s silver income?
This was no small sum!
Even Wang Yu’an couldn’t help but feel a stir in his heart. He narrowed his eyes slightly and re-examined the woman before him.
Although Wang Yu’an was Prince Rui’s subordinate, their bond was extraordinary.
He deeply understood the complexity of the power struggles at court. Helping Prince Rui ascend to that position would be no easy task.
And this enormous sum from the Ji family would undoubtedly become a significant asset for them.
Seeing that he was tempted, Ji Ruyue also felt relieved. She picked up a black piece and placed it on the board, continuing to express her stance: “My Ji family only seeks a chance for survival, with no other delusions. Please rest assured, sir.”
Wang Yu’an neither agreed nor disagreed. He picked up a white piece and placed it on the board without hesitation. “Since the Crown Prince’s unfortunate passing, Prince Rui has been immersed in the pain of losing a close relative. The current situation at court is chaotic. My intervention this time was already an exception. It absolutely cannot happen a second time.”
A smile played on Ji Ruyue’s lips. She was not angered by his refusal again. “What if I said I could assist Prince Rui?”
Upon hearing this, Wang Yu’an was taken aback, and his tone immediately turned unfriendly. “Don’t talk nonsense! You are merely a merchant’s daughter. What could you possibly accomplish?”
“So, sir, you look down on my status. That’s understandable. But sir, don’t forget, although my Ji family are merchants, we possess immense wealth!”She deliberately emphasized the words “immense wealth.”
The Ji family was willing to offer such a significant gesture of support for Prince Rui. If they were sufficiently loyal, generous in their contributions, and could be protected to some extent, it might indeed be feasible.
Wang Yu’an had already made up his mind, but he still bargained verbally, “Since the Ji family has made such a statement… five percent is not enough. I would like to request seven percent on behalf of His Highness.”
Ji Ruyue: ?
Raising the price on the spot? Why doesn’t he just go rob someone?
Ji Ruyue gritted her teeth inwardly. When she met his seemingly amused gaze, the fire in her heart flared up again. Suppressing her temper, she placed another piece on the board. “Very well. I have also prepared a generous gift for you, sir. Please deliver this brocade box to Prince Rui on my behalf.”
Wang Yu’an slightly raised his eyelids and unceremoniously took the box, handing it to the servant beside him. “I thank Miss Ji on behalf of His Highness.”
With that, the matter was settled.
The two played a round of chess, ending in a draw.
Wang Yu’an found it intriguing but never truly regarded this young woman as a serious opponent.
Yet he could never have imagined how deeply he would regret this moment of underestimation and “taking her lightly” the next time they met…
Wang Yu’an did not stay long in Jizhou City. After spending just two days at the Ji residence, he bid farewell and departed.
After seeing Wang Yu’an off, Ji Ruyue felt somewhat reassured. The connection with Prince Rui was halfway established, but the subsequent preparations were of utmost importance.
Jizhou City was about to face a plague. If she wanted to earn Prince Rui’s trust and be highly valued, she had to demonstrate her value…
“Xi Qiu, prepare the carriage. Tomorrow, we will go to Dong’an Town in the eastern part of Jizhou,” Ji Ruyue instructed.