Chapter 115: If You Aren't Impetuous, Are You Even Young?

Despite the rather humble facade of the Shang Clan’s residence, the interior sophistication and decor truly took Gou Ye by surprise; it felt as if he had transitioned from the earth to the heavens. Walking along a winding cobblestone path, he observed pavilions scattered throughout the grounds, while jagged rockeries and strange, weathered stones were intricately woven throughout the estate.

Gou Ye was mesmerized, much like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden. He thought to himself that if the exterior scenery alone was this breathtaking, the interior surely must be exceptionally luxurious. Noticing Gou Ye’s expression, Jia Zhengyi chuckled, "Master Gou, things are not always as they appear on the surface. The Shang Clan remains relatively low-key in the public eye. Whether it be ostentation or luxury, these are things one keeps for oneself, unlike the petty peddlers who seek shallow displays. We have moved past such superficial posturing."

"Boss Jia, I find that sentiment misplaced," Gou Ye countered. "If one has wealth but cannot manifest its value, instead resorting to acts that seem modest but are actually extravagant, I consider that not modesty, but hypocrisy. While it is often said that one should not be too conspicuous lest they attract unwanted attention, for a prestigious merchant clan to be duplicitous—constantly hiding its light—is, in my opinion, a form of isolation from the world. If a general cannot display his glory, or a merchant cannot exhibit his splendor, then what is it they are truly pursuing?"

Jia Zhengyi smiled faintly. "Perhaps everyone’s pursuits are different. Since its inception, the Shang Clan has served as a supply line for the imperial court, and we have always maintained a low profile. On one hand, it is a mark of respect for the court; on the other, it is a tradition upheld for years."

Gou Ye gave a light laugh. "I hope you are right, and that the Shang Clan is not merely gold on the outside and rotten on the inside." With that, the two passed through the corridor and arrived in the great hall.

As Gou Ye had imagined, the hall was decorated with extreme luxury; pearls and jade were used as common ornaments, and the landscape paintings hanging on the walls all appeared to be of immense value. Instead of waiting in the main hall, Jia Zhengyi led Gou Ye through a side door into a back chamber. This room resembled a modern conference room—simple in layout with long tables and chairs—yet the golden sandalwood table served as a testament to the immense wealth of the Shang Clan.

The two sat on opposite sides of the table, waiting for a long time. Gou Ye had finished five cups of tea and was growing impatient, yet the members of the Shang Clan had yet to appear. This left him feeling quite disgruntled, wondering if the Shang Clan members always acted with such airs. He suspected that making people wait was perhaps another one of their "traditions."

Just as he was thinking this, five people entered. Three appeared to be over fifty, while the other two were in their middle years. Each wore a grave, unsmiling expression. Without so much as a glance at Gou Ye, they seated themselves around the table. The oldest among them took the head seat, clearly holding a position of significant weight within the clan.

Jia Zhengyi spoke first, smiling, "Honorable Chairmen, this young man before you is Master Gou Ye."

Only then did the five chairmen begin to inspect Gou Ye. Their collective gaze made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. The man at the head of the table finally spoke: "Gou Ye, a very young man indeed. Jia Zhengyi tells us you have yet to reach the age of twenty. Seeing you today, you are but a child. However, Jia has told us of your affairs, and the Shang Clan has gained some understanding of your work—particularly the chilled delicacies you provided for the Imperial Clan's merchant faction; they were indeed unique. Jia Zhengyi has praised you to the heavens, claiming you possess unparalleled talent and can assist our clan in winning this year’s election. It is already autumn, and the year’s end is but a quarter away. We are quite curious as to how you intend to fulfill your promises in such a short time."

Jia Zhengyi interjected, "Master Gou, allow me to introduce them. The one speaking is our Grand Chairman, Lord Xiao Chengzhong; everyone addresses him as Elder Xiao, and you should do the same. These are Chairman Su Dingfang, Chairman Wen Qinghou, Chairman Wang Xiu, and Chairman Lu Yuanheng."

Gou Ye nodded to each in turn and replied, "I am Gou Ye, honored to meet you, Elder Xiao. Please forgive me, but I cannot immediately present a solution to secure the Shang Clan's electoral victory. Firstly, I have just arrived in the capital and lack sufficient knowledge of local affairs. I do not know what trades flourish here, nor what the people of the capital value most. I wish to observe and understand before offering a plan. Secondly, the chilled food trade I provided to the Imperial Clan was something they initiated. I have not yet had a deep understanding of this election, so I hope to learn more about the requirements and preferences of the elite clans from you. Only then can I prescribe the right medicine and devise a practical strategy."

No sooner had Gou Ye finished than Lu Yuanheng gave a cold, dismissive snort. "So, after all that talk, you have no plan at all? I thought you were some world-shaking talent, but you are nothing more than a hypocritical little swindler." Sensing the biting, acrimonious tone and the look of disdain, Gou Ye was certain this was the one among the five who had opposed his admission.

Gou Ye had little patience for such people. He looked at Lu Yuanheng with a cold, mocking smile. "I, too, originally assumed that the Shang Clan was led by exceptional merchant talents. I never expected that some of the elders here would be no different from petty street peddlers—peering through the crack of a door to judge others, sitting in a well and staring at the sky. You fancy yourselves noble, yet you fail to realize that your own words betray a shallow mind."

"Insolent! Who do you think you are to speak so recklessly before me? You are nothing but a country bumpkin! A young man should learn not to be so arrogant!" Angered and humiliated, Lu Yuanheng slammed his hand on the table and stood up, glaring at Gou Ye. The atmosphere in the room turned tense.

Before anyone could intervene, Gou Ye laughed aloud. "If a young man is not arrogant, can he even be called young?"