Chapter 117: First Shopping Trip

That leaves only Lu Yuanheng, the会长. The extent of the power he wields was something Gou Ye had not anticipated; he is in charge of managing the commercial guilds in the capital. As the capital is a hub where various merchant clans gather, this position is exceptionally vital. It is no wonder that the competition among merchant clans in the capital has remained stagnant; with such a narrow-minded person at the helm, it would be a miracle if things flourished.

After listening to Jia Zhengyi, Gou Ye chuckled, showing his disdain for Lu Yuanheng, and asked, "Tell me, Boss Jia, as a representative, is it really alright for you to spend your days hovering around me instead of focusing on the merchant clan's business? And what about Yong'an? Is it fine for you to be away from there?"

Jia Zhengyi replied, "There are over a dozen representatives like me within the merchant clan. Our role is to facilitate communication between the local regions and the clan, recommend local talent, and report on business opportunities; we do not manage the businesses directly. As for Yong'an, there are local guilds that handle operations there. Besides Yong'an, I am also the representative for Jiangzhou, where Zheng'an County is located, which is why the merchant clan sent me to meet with you."

Gou Ye nodded. "I see. It seems the structure of a merchant clan is quite complex. To manage such a large group, Lord Xiao is truly remarkable. From what you say, our merchant clan is not even the most powerful one, so the others must be equally formidable."

"Of course. A merchant clan cannot be established easily. It requires imperial approval and the collective efforts of guilds over many years. The hardships involved go without saying. There are currently only eleven merchant clans, the highest number in history. Based on the current climate, it is unlikely that a new one will emerge in the next twenty years." Jia Zhengyi's words sparked a thought in Gou Ye. *You speak too soon,* he mused. *Who says I won't be the one to create a new merchant clan in the future?* Gou Ye kept this to himself, merely smiling at Jia Zhengyi.

Jia Zhengyi dropped Gou Ye off at his front door and took his leave. Back inside, Gou Ye realized he had spent so long at the clan that he hadn't even been offered dinner, which made him feel a bit aggrieved. He knocked loudly on the door.

As soon as Laifu opened the door, Gou Ye strode in, ignoring him, and shouted, "Is dinner ready? I'm starving!"

Hearing his voice, Yunniang skipped over. "Brother Gou Ye, you're finally back! I thought you weren't coming home for dinner, but I had them prepare it for you anyway, just in case."

Gou Ye hugged her and kissed her forehead. "Our Yunniang is the most thoughtful. If Jia Zhengyi hadn't brought me back, I wouldn't have even realized I didn't get a single bite to eat."

"Did everything go smoothly?" Yunniang asked.

Gou Ye recalled Lu Yuanheng's expression and burst into laughter. "Smoothly? Very smoothly. I'll tell you all about it while I eat. Where are the Guo brothers? What are they doing?"

Laifu replied, "Reporting to the Young Master, the Guo brothers are in their room drinking. If you need them, I shall call them at once."

"No need, let them drink. But go and tell them I plan to stroll through the streets of the capital tomorrow, so they should not drink too much and delay our plans."

Laifu went to find the brothers, while Gou Ye and Yunniang headed to the dining room. As he ate the food Yunniang had kept warm, Gou Ye remarked, "Sigh, though this place is grand, it doesn't feel as comfortable as our home in Tumen Village. I miss our own dining room, where we cooked and ate in the same space—it was so lively when everyone gathered together."

"I agree. Thinking back, our own home was the best. Even though this place is large, I never feel a sense of belonging or intimacy. It only feels like a home because you are here, Brother Gou Ye."

Gou Ye chuckled. "Our Yunniang knows just what to say. You're right; this is merely a temporary residence provided for us. But the day your Brother Gou Ye makes his fortune, I will build a house in this capital exactly like ours in the village—no, even bigger!"

"I believe in you, Brother Gou Ye. By the way, you kept saying things went smoothly when you walked in; what happened? Tell me all about it."

"Very well, I shall tell you..." Gou Ye recounted the afternoon's events. When he described how he had left Lu Yuanheng speechless and grinding his teeth in fury, Yunniang couldn't stop giggling. Laughing and talking, Gou Ye led her back to their room. Only then did Yunniang realize she had been tricked, but before she could turn to leave, Gou Ye shut the door behind them. Before she could react, his lips were already pressed against hers.

The next morning, Jia Zhengyi arrived just as Gou Ye was groggily stepping out of his room. Looking at the beaming Jia Zhengyi, Gou Ye asked, "Tell me, Boss Jia, what is your secret to being so full of energy every day? Do you never get tired?"

Jia Zhengyi smiled, eyes squinting. "How could I be tired when I am working for the merchant clan? If you, Young Master Gou, can find a way to help the clan succeed in the selection, I will have rendered a great service. How could I possibly feel fatigue? I am more worried that you, Young Master Gou, will be the one who is tired."

Though Gou Ye hadn't had a good first impression of Jia Zhengyi due to his rather unsavory appearance, he found him to be sensible and capable. Despite his portly figure, he was neither lazy nor gluttonous. Gou Ye couldn't fathom how such a diligent man had managed to become so round.

After breakfast, Gou Ye set out with Yunniang and the Guo brothers. Aside from Jia Zhengyi, the group was filled with enthusiasm; it was their first time exploring the streets of the capital, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of inexplicable excitement.