Chapter 562: Chapter 564: Banquet

Ancient Wen Heng was in a much better situation than Jin Qianqian.

He was, after all, the city’s highest parents official, so even if these people had ideas, they wouldn’t dare to approach and stop him.

Even He Gaofei, no matter what thoughts he had, only gave Ancient Wen Heng a few more glances.

This atmosphere lasted until evening. Just as Ancient Wen Heng was preparing to pack up and return to the back office, Zhou Shixiong stopped him.

"I hear the seafood feast at Tianfu Restaurant has been excellent lately. Today, I’ll be treating you."

Ancient Wen Heng said, "Brother Zhou, are you sure you’re not joking? If we go to Tianfu Restaurant, I’ll have to make Ming Nian take your silver."

Zhou Shixiong paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Look at me, I almost forgot. This is your wife’s business.

"Since I said it’s my treat, it’s only natural that I should be the one to pay. Taking my silver is how it should be. You’d better tell that Shopkeeper not to give me a discount of even a single copper coin."

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "In that case, I thank you, Brother Zhou.

"You should know, I’m a bit tight on cash right now. I’ll make sure they don’t let you off by even one copper coin."

Zhou Shixiong pointed at him with an amused smile and led the way out. Tianfu Restaurant was only two streets away from the government office, a perfect distance for a walk.

"I didn’t think it would take this long for you to become so calculating. What’s wrong, short on silver? Do you need your big brother here to help you figure something out?"

Ancient Wen Heng walked alongside him on the street. Due to the first snow of early winter, many shops had already closed. "Then I thank you, my brother. As you know, shipbuilding and sea trade are very expensive. With this investment, my family’s savings are just about empty."

Zhou Shixiong said, "You rascal. There’s a hidden meaning in your words. Have you guessed why I’ve come?"

Ancient Wen Heng didn’t play dumb. "This morning, my back office was flooded with a huge stack of calling cards. I never knew I, the Magistrate, was so popular in Lu City."

Zhou Shixiong scoffed. "Heh, if I, the Great General, hadn’t been keeping them in check, you’d probably need baskets to hold all the calling cards in your back office by now.

"I came over today not only to chat with you about other things but also because I was asked by my subordinates. They want a definite answer: is there still a chance to invest?"

Ancient Wen Heng shook his head. "The opportunity was already given to everyone before.

"My wife and I prepared the ships and goods according to those plans. If we let more people in now, all our previous plans would be thrown into disarray, and it would be unfair to those who invested earlier.

"As for the future, do you think it will still be up to me to decide?"

Zhou Shixiong cursed, "Those bastards. A golden opportunity was right in front of them, but they had to hesitate and overthink everything. Now look, they’re pushing me out to be the bad guy.

"You don’t have to pay them any mind. I’ll keep my own men in line. If anyone else in Lu City dares to act out, I’ll deal with them all at once."

Ancient Wen Heng said with a smile, "I imagine they wouldn’t dare."

Zhou Shixiong’s authority in Lu City was long-established and deeply feared. Now that he had said such words, things would probably be much quieter from tomorrow onward.

When the two arrived at Tianfu Restaurant, Ancient Wen Heng discovered that Vice General Wang had already ordered a large table full of dishes and was waiting for them.

"Why do I have an uneasy feeling about this?" Ancient Wen Heng joked as he stepped into the private room.

"This is actually a banquet hosted by Vice General Wang. He’s here to thank you on behalf of the several thousand soldiers who went to sea this time. What’s there to be uneasy about?" Zhou Shixiong found a seat and patted the one next to him. "Sit down, let’s talk."

Ancient Wen Heng looked at Vice General Wang with a smile. "There’s no need for such formalities. I only did what I was supposed to do. What’s there to thank me for?

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"But you, Vice General Wang, you’ve gotten quite tanned from this sea voyage.

"If I saw you at night, I’d probably only be able to see your white teeth."

Vice General Wang grinned. "Mr. Gu is absolutely right. When I returned to my residence yesterday, the gatekeeper didn’t recognize me for the longest time. I was almost turned away at my own door."

"And you have the nerve to tell that story? Your gatekeeper needs to be disciplined, not even recognizing his own master." Zhou Shixiong personally poured a cup of water for both Ancient Wen Heng and Vice General Wang, and the two men quickly stood up.

But Zhou Shixiong raised a hand to stop them. "None of that nonsense. It’s just the three of us brothers here.

"However, you should accept Vice General Wang’s thanks.

"It’s because you figured out the correct nautical charts that they were saved from taking many detours.

"It’s also because of your advice that everyone who went to sea returned safely. In fact, I feel this meal is hardly enough to show our gratitude."

Ancient Wen Heng said, "You two are too kind. I am also a citizen of the Rong Dynasty, not to mention the parents official of this city. It is only natural that I should think of the Rong Dynasty’s soldiers."

At this, he changed his tone, speaking with a hint of teasing. "Besides, I had my own selfish motives. The shipping lanes you’ve familiarized yourselves with have laid the foundation for my wife’s sea trade ventures. When you put it that way, I’m the one who’s gotten the better deal."

Vice General Wang laughed. "Mr. Gu, you refuse to take credit, but we will still remember this favor.

"This time, we were able to sail around the Eastern Yi, and Mrs. Gu’s large ship was a great convenience for us.

"It not only deterred the scouting ships of the Eastern Yi, but also provided a stable guarantee for our supplies on this journey.

"It’s just that it’s too much of a waste for such ships to be used as mere merchant vessels. Once the Navy is established, I hope your esteemed wife might lend us those craftsmen."

These large ships were built with piles of Silver Taels; Vice General Wang naturally knew it wasn’t appropriate for him to make such a request.

But borrowing the craftsmen was a different matter. After all, it’s better to work with those you know, as it guarantees a high level of efficiency and quality.

Ancient Wen Heng glanced at Zhou Shixiong. "Is there news on this matter?"

Zhou Shixiong picked up his cup and took a sip of tea. "I’ve already worked through the night to submit a memorial to the throne about what Vice General Wang and his men saw and heard on their voyage. I also had maps drawn of some of the coastal islands and sent them along.

"I imagine there are countless places like this in the outer seas. Regardless of the interests at stake, it’s time for the Navy to be established.

"It’s just that, if this happens, you probably won’t be able to hold on to your craftsmen for much longer.

"If your wife wants to build more ships, she’d best get it done as soon as possible."

Ancient Wen Heng leaned back in his chair. "So ’borrow’ was just a euphemism, then?"

Zhou Shixiong shot him a look. "Nothing is set in stone yet. I’m just telling you this so you can be mentally prepared.

"As long as those old codgers in the imperial court aren’t completely senile, they shouldn’t stand in the way this time."

But Ancient Wen Heng just smiled, idly turning the cup in his hands. "Brother Zhou, you might be a bit too optimistic.

"Do you know how much manpower and financial resources it takes to establish a Navy?

"After years of natural disasters and man-made calamities, even if the National Treasury has been replenished somewhat for various reasons, it’s still not enough to provide that kind of confidence.

"This matter will likely be a long grind. It will all depend on the tug-of-war in the imperial court and which side has a better chance of winning."

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