Chapter 40: What a Coincidence
From years of seasoned experience, Shopkeeper Xu could tell that the man before him, dressed in brocade, spent with such extravagance and ease that not even a flicker crossed his brow; this was not the bearing of an ordinary person. This man was either the scion of noble lineage or a wealthy merchant of immense fortune.
Yet, among the aristocratic young men of Chang’an, Shopkeeper Xu had met nearly all; try as he might, he could recall no trace of this man in his memory. That left only the possibility of a merchant of great wealth—for given Xu’s current status, he rarely had the opportunity to encounter people of such rank.
With this thought, an uneasy premonition stirred within Shopkeeper Xu. “Could this man be here to poach my business?” he wondered in silence. But then, recalling that the master he referred to was none other than Li Yi, his concerns quickly abated and he felt reassured.
“Sir, in this matter, I must first consult my master before giving you an answer,” Shopkeeper Xu replied with a sincere smile. “Would you mind waiting here for a moment?”
The man in brocade paused, then nodded, “In that case, I shall await your good news, Shopkeeper Xu.”
“Please wait, sir.” With another smile, Shopkeeper Xu turned and walked toward the kitchen.
...
At that moment, in the back kitchen, Master Song and several chefs were bustling around the boiler, sweat pouring down their faces. Yet, they labored with the enthusiasm of men who had just taken a stimulant, their faces alight with joy as they prepared the set meals, full of a sense of accomplishment.
Li Yi, meanwhile, sat leisurely at the doorway, keeping watch lest anyone attempt to steal their secrets. Behind him, Yue’er skillfully massaged his shoulders.
“Yue’er, a little more strength on the left side…”
“Yes… a bit more to the left.”
“That’s it, right there…”
As Shopkeeper Xu lifted the curtain and entered, he was greeted by this vivid contrast, and his mouth twitched involuntarily, his cheeks faintly trembling.
“Master Li truly knows how to enjoy life,” he murmured bitterly.
Collecting himself, he stepped forward and respectfully saluted Li Yi. “Master, there is someone outside who wishes to order another ‘Orleans Series’ set meal. I initially declined, but he insists on meeting you to discuss terms. Would you care to see him?”
...
“You’re the one who’s cheap!” Li Yi rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Shopkeeper Xu was dumbfounded—what was happening, why had the master suddenly insulted him? Had he come at the wrong time and disturbed Li Yi’s pleasure? Yet Li Yi was not engaged in anything untoward.
Xu was utterly perplexed. After a long pause, he still could not fathom why he had been scolded. Reluctantly, he hunched his shoulders and lowered his head, asking softly, “Master, so you mean to refuse him? He offered fifty taels of gold!”
Having just been berated without cause, Shopkeeper Xu hurried to explain everything in detail, not wanting to be scolded again.
“Of course not!” Li Yi closed his eyes, pouting silently, then slowly opened them and glared at Xu. “If everyone wished to meet me, where would I find the time? Besides, rules must not be broken because of this!”
“Ah… yes, Master.” Xu blinked and nodded. “I understand.”
He turned to leave, intending to refuse the man in brocade. But just as he took a step, Li Yi’s voice called from behind.
“Shopkeeper Xu, how much did he offer again?”
Xu froze, quickly turned back, and held up five fingers. “Master, fifty taels of gold.”
“Let’s go.” Li Yi’s eyes flickered, and he slammed his legs, rising from the stool with a faint smile. “Accompany me out. Meeting him won’t hurt.”
Anyone able to offer such a sum was certainly not ordinary. Perhaps this was indeed a wealthy merchant! Li Yi decided to take a chance, to see if he might expand his business—otherwise, earning money was simply too slow.
Xu stood with his mouth agape, speechless. Hadn’t Li Yi just said he wouldn’t see him? How could he change his mind so quickly?
But he dared not contradict Li Yi, so he nodded repeatedly and went out with him.
Soon, Li Yi arrived at the Number One Heaven Room.
...
Shopkeeper Xu, ever perceptive, went alone to summon the man in brocade to the private room, then stood guard at the door to prevent interruptions, playing the role of bodyguard for Li Yi. As for the curious stares of those nearby, Xu ignored them entirely.
...
Inside the Number One Heaven Room.
The man in brocade was about to greet Li Yi, but upon seeing that familiar face, he froze in place as if turned to stone.
“Master Li?” he exclaimed, disbelief written across his face.
He had never expected that Shopkeeper Xu’s master would be Li Yi, the son of the Minister of War—Li Yi Li Bo’an!
Li Yi looked up, surprised, “You know me?”
He could not recall ever meeting this man, so seeing his shock, Li Yi was puzzled.
“Cough, cough…” The man in brocade cleared his throat, then bowed deeply to Li Yi before raising his head and saying earnestly, “My name is Zheng An. My father is Zheng Fengchi, Imperial Merchant. I once had the fortune to meet you briefly.”
“Ah, please sit…” Hearing this, Li Yi had no impression of Zheng An, but he knew of his father. Zheng Fengchi was the wealthiest merchant of the Tang dynasty, his fortune said to rival that of nations.
For having funded the founding emperor, Zheng Fengchi had been granted the title of Imperial Merchant since the reign of Gaozu, his status unparalleled.
And this Zheng An was his son?
“What a coincidence…” Li Yi thought.
Zheng An thanked him and sat down, casting furtive glances at Li Yi, but hesitated to speak since Li Yi had not initiated conversation.
Noticing this, Li Yi took a sip of tea and laughed. “Zheng, are you curious as to why the son of an official has become Shopkeeper Xu’s master?”
“Ah… I wouldn’t dare, Master Li.” Zheng An smiled calmly, his tone steady and composed. Clearly, he was not a novice.