Chapter 97: The Binding of Interests

Yun Hao never imagined that Li Jiancheng had the habit of eavesdropping by listening at windows. In fact, this was the Li family’s backyard residence, and as the eldest son of the Li family, Li Jiancheng could come and go freely. In truth, Li Jiancheng’s courtyard was separated from Li Er’s only by a single wall.

“Daddy’s here, sit! Sit! Sit! Come, serve the tea!” When Li Er saw Li Jiancheng enter, he stood up at once. For this elder brother, Li Er still held him in great respect.

“I just heard about a way to get rich. The sooner the better. I want to learn what the opportunity is, and if it’s worthwhile, count me in too.” After taking his seat, Li Jiancheng smiled and said.

“Hehe! Bro Yun wants to engage in the stone coal trade, and Guanyin maid wishes to invest a share. If Daddy is interested, you may join as well. Everyone can earn money together!” The maid brought the tea, and Li Er personally carried it to Li Jiancheng’s side.

“Oh! Stone coal? That substance is poisonous! Bro Yun, your estate suffered a ground fire. It is a natural disaster—do not grieve. Should the family face any difficulties, speak to the Duke’s Mansion; they will certainly lend assistance.” Li Jiancheng smiled as he accepted the tea from Li Er, brotherly affection flowing freely.

Yun Hao felt as wretched as if he had swallowed a dead fly. His own business venture had been reduced by Li Er to nothing more than a favor. In the end, Li Er still failed to grasp the true scale of the profits involved. What pained him further was Li Jiancheng’s amiable and approachable demeanor, far kinder than that of Li Er himself! Yun Hao could not quite understand why he had turned first to Li Er for business matters.

“Daddy, the situation is this: although stone coal is poisonous, when used with care it can benefit the world. Every year in Jin Yang, our fires consume vast quantities of firewood and coal. Firewood and coal cannot burn hot enough to produce much heat, and are vastly inferior to stone coal.” Environmental awareness was an utterly rare concept in the Sui Dynasty. Yun Hao felt that discussing the greenhouse effect with these men would be a torment to himself.

“Oh! You boy has always been clever; the things you produce are naturally excellent. Later, let Guanyin maid escort your wife to my courtyard for a visit. I shall invest a share as well.” Li Jiancheng seated himself cross-legged in the center, leaving Yun Hao no opportunity to object, and the matter was settled.

Although Li Jiancheng and Li Er had not divided the family estate, each branch managed its own finances independently. Li Jiancheng’s childhood name had been Pisha Men, yet his wife was called Zheng Guanyin. Zheng Guanyin possessed a gentle temperament and conducted herself with propriety. She rarely ventured beyond the front and back doors, appearing every inch the noble lady. In matters of scheming and resourcefulness, however, she fell far short of Li Shimin.

…! Yun Hao was speechless. He had never expected Li Jiancheng to be so straightforward. It seemed he would have to claim his share after all.

“If there is a chance to get rich and you did not come to me, that is not very kind-hearted!” Now Yun Hao feared the sudden voice that had appeared; his mother was yet another fortune hunter.

Chai Shao entered from outside and greeted Li Jiancheng: “Daddy is here as well!”

“Among family, formalities are unnecessary. As for the ground fire matter, what did Father decide?” Li Jiancheng asked upon seeing it was Chai Shao. He had not attended the meeting in the study earlier and wished to know how Father would respond—whether to follow the old custom of casting children into the fire pit.

“The ground fire incident requires the Duke of the State to consult with Master Hongren before any decision. It is said that the Daoist Sect will also send envoys to inspect the site, but the matter has not yet been resolved.”

“Oh! This is natural. Such a mysterious affair still requires the wisdom of high monks and Daoist masters to solve. Nevertheless, thrusting children into the fire pit is best avoided. Casual human sacrifice offends heaven and earth. If Father chooses this path, Second Brother, you and I must exert every effort to persuade him. Though we cannot imitate the old affair of Sima Zan, we absolutely cannot allow innocent children to perish.”

Heaven’s mercy! Li Jiancheng was a saint! Yun Hao was taken aback. In an age when superstition and swords ruled the world, those who spoke such words were true saints. Yun Hao had to view this Li Jiancheng through new eyes.

“Listen to Daddy!” Li Er followed Li Jiancheng like a devoted shadow.

“Bro Yun! If there is a way to get rich, why did you not come to me? That is not very friendly. No need to say more—count me in. Later, let Xiuning go to Daddy’s place too. Second sister-in-law, you must work hard for us. My Chai family does not possess the thick foundation of the Duke’s Mansion. In the future, how shall we raise Xiuning!” Chai Shao still had the money-making opportunity on his mind and smiled at Li Shimin.

Deciding major matters belonged to men, while details fell to women’s hands. Zhang Miaoke saw all the Li family members join in, and her eyes had long been curved into happy crescents. With such powerful backing, even if someone dared to stir trouble, the Li family would come forward to settle it. Jin Yang had not yet been foolish enough to oppose the Li family.

The two women went to Li Jiancheng’s residence, while the remaining men stayed to drink at Li Er’s place. Yun Hao was particularly unfortunate; being too young, he had no share in the wine. Ever since tasting the steamed wine blended with Yun Hao’s secret mixture, the men of the Li family had come to call all other wines “miao zao.”

“Bro Yun! You encountered Li Mi in Lu Zhou—do you know where he has gone?” The four sat around a stone table, drinking and conversing. Chai Shao gave Li Jiancheng a signal, and he replied unhurriedly.

“This is unclear. Actually, I do not even know his given name is Li Mi. It was only after Wang Bodang called him the Marquis of Pingshan that I learned it.”

“You boy knows quite a lot. So many nobles and lords in the court, yet the moment you hear ‘Marquis of Pingshan’ you know it is Li Mi?” Chai Shao chuckled beside him.

Li Er’s eyes suddenly brightened. He glanced at his father with doubt, then at Chai Shao. After thinking for a moment, he swallowed the words on his tongue.

“There are many nobles in the court, but only a few who may be called dukes or marquises. I have never seen them, never even heard the name before. You look down on country boys far too much!” Yun Hao answered with a smile.

Yet his heart thundered with alarm! He had been careless after all! Displaying such extraordinary talent had drawn the Li family’s attention. From their expressions, Li Jiancheng and Chai Shao were clearly allies. Li Er remained in the dark, but from his demeanor he had already guessed most of it.

Deep in his heart, Yun Hao felt the hidden depths of Zhang Miaoke’s character. If he had followed his earlier plans, he would have been stuck in Jin Yang, advancing inch by inch, and ultimately met a tragic end of death and clan extermination. Only by binding his interests inseparably to the Li family would they accept, recognize, and even embrace him.

Now that he had arrived in Jin Yang, his fate had become inextricably bound to the Li family. Without their support, the days ahead would be exceedingly perilous.

“Stone coal is indeed a promising business. If managed with skill, it can yield steady, daily wealth. Everyone, do not underestimate it!” To survive well in this chaotic world, Yun Hao felt he must integrate himself into the Li family’s camp—the ultimate victor. The stone coal venture would serve as the key to entering the Li family’s inner circle.