Breaking Into The Circle
–“Master,” Yan Jin analyzed confidently, “The Sand Sword Technique is exceptionally exquisite, surpassing ordinary sword techniques. Master is certain to win!”
“I hope so,” Yan Ge said.
They walked into the spacious courtyard.
The top expert of the Imperial Guards, Yang Zhuo, took the lead. Both of them were accustomed to using swords and didn’t want to cause unnecessary harm, so they broke off a branch from a tree to use as their swords.
Yan Ge launched the first attack, channeling his inner energy from his dantian. His sword moves were illusory, and the sword energy swept out horizontally, resembling a desert storm engulfing Yang Zhuo.
The momentum of this first move caused Yang Zhuo’s expression to change. He soared upward like a graceful swan, evading in time. The sword energy passed by him, piercing into the forest. Two large trees made a cracking sound as they were severed at their trunks, crashing down to the ground.
Yang Zhuo’s entire demeanor changed. He exuded a resolute killing intent and lunged forward, clashing heavily with Yan Ge’s branch. They exchanged more than ten moves, creating a series of crisp sounds. Their movements became faster and faster, occasionally soaring from the ground into mid-air and then descending again.
Yan Ge had rarely had the opportunity to spar with others, but in this battle, he learned from the experience and gradually became skilled, his techniques flowing like water. After nearly half an hour, Yang Zhuo’s branch snapped with a “crack” from Yan Ge’s attack.
Regrettably, Yang Zhuo said, “I’ve lost.”
“I appreciate your humility,” Yan Ge smiled sincerely.
Yang Zhuo stepped aside, and the leader of the Shadow Guards, Cheng Jingfeng, appeared before Yan Ge like a ghostly shadow. Their duty as members of the Shadow Guards was to lurk in the darkness and discreetly resolve matters that should not be seen within the palace. Therefore, they were trained as assassins, and the aura of violence and killing within them was not something an ordinary person could withstand.
Cheng Jingfeng’s eyes were like two sharp knives. Yan Ge inadvertently looked into his eyes and felt a tremor in his heart. ‘Not good’
Fear arose within him and he realized that defeating Cheng Jingfeng would not be easy. He adjusted his state, intending to launch the first move again to seize the initiative and weaken Cheng Jingfeng’s killing intent with his own momentum.
However, Cheng Jingfeng had no intention of complying with his plan. He suddenly attacked, seemingly merging into the darkness of the night.
Before Yan Ge could react, Cheng Jingfeng’s killing intent was already at his back. Startled, Yan Ge tapped his toes on the ground and rose into the air like a startled bird. He swiftly turned and brandished his branch, attacking Cheng Jingfeng. But Cheng Jingfeng’s figure flickered, disappearing from his line of sight, only to reappear behind him in the next moment, having taken advantage of a nearby tree.
The two of them fought fiercely for over a hundred moves, yet neither could gain the upper hand. Yan Ge roaeed loudly, employing the “Raging Sea Dragon’s Roar,” a technique from the Sand Sword Technique. His figure seemed to multiply, swirling around Cheng Jingfeng at a rapid pace. It was impossible to distinguish which one was real and which one was an illusion. Taking advantage of Cheng Jingfeng’s momentary distraction, Yan Ge thrust the branch towards Cheng Jingfeng’s chest.
Cheng Jingfeng swiftly turned around, wielding his branch to block in time. In the end, the tip of the branch aimed at Yan Ge’s throat.
Yan Ge lost.
–“Ding. Side mission—defeat the two top experts. Mission failure-200 taels of silver will be deducted.” The flat voice sounded so cold and merciless in Yan Ge’s ears.
–“Uh…” Yan Jin sounded guilty.
Yan Ge stiffly turned his head, his expression sincere, and said to Cheng Jingfeng, “Can you give me another chance?”
Cheng Jingfeng’s eyes remained calm and unruffled. After bowing to Huangfu Yuchen, he stepped aside.
Yan Ge turned to Huangfu Yuchen and blinked, “Can I have another chance?”
Huangfu Yuchen gestured to Yang Zhuo and Cheng Jingfeng, “You two can step back.”
“Yes.”
Only Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and Deng Mande remained in the courtyard.
“Do you now realize that you’re not the best in the world?” Huangfu Yuchen teased Yan Ge, who had a gloomy expression on his face.
Deng Mande laughed along. In his opinion, Yan Ge’s defeat at the hands of Cheng Jingfeng was a good thing.
“Your Majesty, I’ve already been dealt a blow, please don’t add to it,” Yan Ge sighed. His silver box!
Huangfu Yuchen held his shoulder, looking into his eyes and chuckled softly, “When there are no outsiders present, you can call me Yuchen.”
Yan Ge readily agreed, “Alright.” Always addressing him as “Your Majesty” made him gave a sense of inferiority.
“Go back and rest earlier,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “I have a gift for you.”
Yan Ge replied, “I will go back now.”
Not long after he left, a eunuch named Xiao Jingzi from the Internal Affairs entered, kneeling before Huangfu Yuchen with a tray in his hands. “Your Majesty, *please flip the sign.”
*This is an act where the Emperor chooses whom to spend the night with. The sign or plaque has the consort’s name.
“No need,” Huangfu Yuchen turned and went into the inner room.
Xiao Jingzi looked at Deng Mande with hesitation, “Eunuch Deng, the Emperor hasn’t flipped the sign in a long time.”
Deng Mande waved his hand dismissively, “The Emperor’s decisions are not something we can influence.”
Yan Ge returned to Luoxue Pavilion, and Xiao Chuanzi approached him, reporting, “Reporting to Young Master, someone delivered a gift just now, saying it’s from the Emperor.”
Qiujie brought a basin of cool water, wringing the wet towel almost dry before handing it to Yan Ge.
“Bring it here,” Yan Ge wiped his face.
Xiao Chuanzi brought a small delicate box.
Yan Ge opened the box, and his eyes brightened. It contained improved toothbrushes and toothpaste. The toothbrushes were almost identical to the modern ones, with a silver handle and snow-white bristles. The back of the handle was engraved with the words “Nan Yi.” The toothpaste was in a round porcelain bottle with the same logo on the lid. Opening the lid released a refreshing mint fragrance, and inside was a small silver spoon.
“Young Master, these toothbrushes look so beautiful,” Wang Xiang praised.
Xiao Chuanzi chuckled, “Indeed, they are better than what we made before.”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. Why would Huangfu Yuchen suddenly send him toothbrushes and toothpaste? He felt that Huangfu Yuchen must have known all along that he was the inventor of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Sending them now was probably because of the promise he made earlier, “Treat me with sincerity, and I will treat you with sincerity.” He was honest with Huangfu Yuchen, and Huangfu Yuchen reciprocated. Perhaps they could indeed develop a good brotherly relationship in this palace.
“Well, rest early, tomorrow will surely be busy,” Yan Ge glanced intentionally or unintentionally at Qiujie. These days, he went out and returned in casual attire. Qiujie must have noticed his outings. From her silent appearance, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. After considering it, he decided not to say anything to Qiujie.
The next day, Yan Ge arrived at the company, and Zhang Yuan was anxiously pacing at the entrance. When he saw Yan Ge, he hurriedly approached, his face filled with joy.
“Young Master, you’re finally here!”
“What is it?” Yan Ge jumped down from the carriage, adjusted his clothes, and fanned himself with a folding fan.
Zhang Yuan said, “Following your orders, Zhao Cheng opened the tailoring shop after the Hundred Flowers Festival, and we have already received orders for over 5,000 sets of clothes!”
Yan Ge smirked, turned around, and got back into the carriage. “Let’s go to the tailoring shop.”
Wang Xiang hurriedly instructed Gao Feng, “Guard Feng, since you’re fast, could you please buy some breakfast for the Young Master?”
Gao Feng nodded and mounted his horse, ready to leave, but Yan Ge stopped him, “By the way, find out the price of toothbrushes and toothpaste… never mind, even if you know, don’t tell me.” Thinking about the profits from toothbrushes and toothpaste that he couldn’t get a single cent from, it pained him. It would be better not to know.
Wang Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi chuckled quietly.
Xiao Chuanzi had been quiet recently. Ever since the hot pot shop closed, he had been idle most of the time, unlike Wang Xiang, who managed the tailoring shop and was busy and fulfilled every day.
Yan Ge could vaguely guess his thoughts, but he was just one person, and there were few people he could trust. If the hot pot shop expanded too much, it would be difficult to manage. At least, after the tailoring shop was on the right track, he could explore other businesses. So, Xiao Chuanzi would continue to be idle for a while. This period would test his character.
Two guards stood in front of the entrance to the tailoring shop, standing tall and straight. Apart from them, four other guards divided into two teams patrolled outside the courtyard, vigilant against anyone sneaking in to steal samples or observe the tailoring process.
When the two guards saw Wang Xiang, they greeted her respectfully.
“Miss Xiang.”
Wan Xiang nodded and presented herself as a competent and strong-willed woman. “This is Young Master Qin, the owner of the ‘Yiyi Bushu Tailoring Shop.”
“Greetings, Master!”
Yan Ge casually rewarded the two with some money, “Work hard. If ‘Yiyi Bushu thrives, you will all benefit.”
“Yes!”
Deng Mama arrived upon hearing the news. “Young Master, you have arrived.”
Yan Ge asked, “Deng Mama, how many orders have we received so far?”
Deng Mama replied, “We have received over six thousand orders in total. The cheapest ready-made garments are priced at ten taels per piece, while the most expensive ones are even one hundred taels. By rough estimation, we can earn over sixty thousand taels.”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi couldn’t hide their joy.
Yan Ge, however, remained calm. “Making money is undoubtedly a good thing, but remind the workers to pay attention to the details and not be careless. Any substandard work must be redone. If an individual has more than ten pieces of substandard work per month, they will be dismissed.”
“Isn’t that a bit strict?” Wan Xiang hesitated.
Yan Ge smiled lightly and continued, “The less number of works redone, the higher the rewards at the end of the month. As for the specific rewards, Wan Xiang and Deng Mama can discuss it.”
Deng Mama suddenly brightened up, “That way, we don’t have to worry about dampening the workers’ enthusiasm.”
“It’s still Young Master’s thoughtful consideration,” Wan Xiang said. “Young Master, rest assured, Deng Mama and I will carefully consider it.”
“And one more thing,” Yan Ge said, “I am the only one currently drawing the designs for the Tailoring Shop. This is far from enough to meet the shop’s needs. You can recruit talented designers from outside and have them submit their designs to me. Once their designs are adopted, they will be rewarded.”
“Yes!” Wan Xiang and the others marveled at his idea.
Deng Mama beckoned to a nearby little maid, “Young Master, these are the invitations that arrived this morning.”
Yan Ge glanced at them. There were three in total, all inviting him to meals.
“Let’s discuss it later at the company.”
Wan Xiang took the food box from Gao Feng and said, “Young Master, have your breakfast first before you get busy.”
“Alright.”
While having his meal in the office, there was a commotion outside the Tailoring Shop.
Gao Feng looked out the window and said, “Young Master, it seems that the former owner of the Tailoring Shop has arrived.”
Yan Ge looked at Wan Xiang and Deng Mama.
Wan Xiang’s face turned serious. “He must be jealous of the successful development of the Tailoring Shop, which has become the flagship industry of the First Company. I warned him last time, but it seems he still finds the outside world too comfortable. Young Master, I will have someone send him to the authorities.”
Deng Mama pondered for a moment. “That might not be appropriate. ‘Yiyi Bushu is currently in the limelight, and if unfavorable rumors spread at this time, it will have an impact on us.”
Wan Xiang thought for a moment. “Then let’s publicize the laziness and gambling habits of Liao Wencai (the former owner of the Tailoring Shop). What does Young Master think?”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “As long as you think it’s the right thing to do, you can boldly proceed. If you can’t decide, you can always come and ask me.”
Wan Xiang and Deng Mama said in unison, “Yes! Thank you for trusting us, Young Master.”
After breakfast, Yan Ge returned to the company, and Liu Rong brought two more invitations.
Yan Ge gave instructions, “Reply to these five people. The day after tomorrow, at noon, I will host them at the Meixiang Hall in Dongcheng’s Liuxian Pavilion.” It was time to enter the circle of businessmen in the capital.
“Yes.” Lu Yaozu, the newly appointed accountant, immediately agreed. The former accountant, Li Jinru, was now working at the Tailoring Shop.
“Gao Feng, you and Zhao Cheng go and investigate the backgrounds of these five individuals. The more detailed, the better.”
“Yes.”
Yan Ge looked at Zhang Yuan and Liu Rong. These two young men, one lively and the other steady, were both clever and worth cultivating. He said to Gao Yun, “Gao Yun, since you’re idle, how about I give you something to do? It doesn’t need you to be far away from me.”
Gao Yun quickly said, “Of course. This subordinate has been bored with nothing to do.”
“In the future, the people in the company will have opportunities to be sent out on tasks. Having some self-defense skills can save us a lot of trouble. When you’re free, teach Zhang Yuan and the others a few moves,” Yan Ge said.
“No problem,” Gao Yun readily agreed.
“Zhang Yuan, Liu Rong, are you willing?” Yan Ge asked.
The two were overjoyed and said in unison, “We are willing! Thank you, Young Master, and thank you, Guard Yun!”
Breaking Into The Circle
–“Master,” Yan Jin analyzed confidently, “The Sand Sword Technique is exceptionally exquisite, surpassing ordinary sword techniques. Master is certain to win!”
“I hope so,” Yan Ge said.
They walked into the spacious courtyard.
The top expert of the Imperial Guards, Yang Zhuo, took the lead. Both of them were accustomed to using swords and didn’t want to cause unnecessary harm, so they broke off a branch from a tree to use as their swords.
Yan Ge launched the first attack, channeling his inner energy from his dantian. His sword moves were illusory, and the sword energy swept out horizontally, resembling a desert storm engulfing Yang Zhuo.
The momentum of this first move caused Yang Zhuo’s expression to change. He soared upward like a graceful swan, evading in time. The sword energy passed by him, piercing into the forest. Two large trees made a cracking sound as they were severed at their trunks, crashing down to the ground.
Yang Zhuo’s entire demeanor changed. He exuded a resolute killing intent and lunged forward, clashing heavily with Yan Ge’s branch. They exchanged more than ten moves, creating a series of crisp sounds. Their movements became faster and faster, occasionally soaring from the ground into mid-air and then descending again.
Yan Ge had rarely had the opportunity to spar with others, but in this battle, he learned from the experience and gradually became skilled, his techniques flowing like water. After nearly half an hour, Yang Zhuo’s branch snapped with a “crack” from Yan Ge’s attack.
Regrettably, Yang Zhuo said, “I’ve lost.”
“I appreciate your humility,” Yan Ge smiled sincerely.
Yang Zhuo stepped aside, and the leader of the Shadow Guards, Cheng Jingfeng, appeared before Yan Ge like a ghostly shadow. Their duty as members of the Shadow Guards was to lurk in the darkness and discreetly resolve matters that should not be seen within the palace. Therefore, they were trained as assassins, and the aura of violence and killing within them was not something an ordinary person could withstand.
Cheng Jingfeng’s eyes were like two sharp knives. Yan Ge inadvertently looked into his eyes and felt a tremor in his heart. ‘Not good’
Fear arose within him and he realized that defeating Cheng Jingfeng would not be easy. He adjusted his state, intending to launch the first move again to seize the initiative and weaken Cheng Jingfeng’s killing intent with his own momentum.
However, Cheng Jingfeng had no intention of complying with his plan. He suddenly attacked, seemingly merging into the darkness of the night.
Before Yan Ge could react, Cheng Jingfeng’s killing intent was already at his back. Startled, Yan Ge tapped his toes on the ground and rose into the air like a startled bird. He swiftly turned and brandished his branch, attacking Cheng Jingfeng. But Cheng Jingfeng’s figure flickered, disappearing from his line of sight, only to reappear behind him in the next moment, having taken advantage of a nearby tree.
The two of them fought fiercely for over a hundred moves, yet neither could gain the upper hand. Yan Ge roaeed loudly, employing the “Raging Sea Dragon’s Roar,” a technique from the Sand Sword Technique. His figure seemed to multiply, swirling around Cheng Jingfeng at a rapid pace. It was impossible to distinguish which one was real and which one was an illusion. Taking advantage of Cheng Jingfeng’s momentary distraction, Yan Ge thrust the branch towards Cheng Jingfeng’s chest.
Cheng Jingfeng swiftly turned around, wielding his branch to block in time. In the end, the tip of the branch aimed at Yan Ge’s throat.
Yan Ge lost.
–“Ding. Side mission—defeat the two top experts. Mission failure-200 taels of silver will be deducted.” The flat voice sounded so cold and merciless in Yan Ge’s ears.
–“Uh…” Yan Jin sounded guilty.
Yan Ge stiffly turned his head, his expression sincere, and said to Cheng Jingfeng, “Can you give me another chance?”
Cheng Jingfeng’s eyes remained calm and unruffled. After bowing to Huangfu Yuchen, he stepped aside.
Yan Ge turned to Huangfu Yuchen and blinked, “Can I have another chance?”
Huangfu Yuchen gestured to Yang Zhuo and Cheng Jingfeng, “You two can step back.”
“Yes.”
Only Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and Deng Mande remained in the courtyard.
“Do you now realize that you’re not the best in the world?” Huangfu Yuchen teased Yan Ge, who had a gloomy expression on his face.
Deng Mande laughed along. In his opinion, Yan Ge’s defeat at the hands of Cheng Jingfeng was a good thing.
“Your Majesty, I’ve already been dealt a blow, please don’t add to it,” Yan Ge sighed. His silver box!
Huangfu Yuchen held his shoulder, looking into his eyes and chuckled softly, “When there are no outsiders present, you can call me Yuchen.”
Yan Ge readily agreed, “Alright.” Always addressing him as “Your Majesty” made him gave a sense of inferiority.
“Go back and rest earlier,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “I have a gift for you.”
Yan Ge replied, “I will go back now.”
Not long after he left, a eunuch named Xiao Jingzi from the Internal Affairs entered, kneeling before Huangfu Yuchen with a tray in his hands. “Your Majesty, *please flip the sign.”
*This is an act where the Emperor chooses whom to spend the night with. The sign or plaque has the consort’s name.
“No need,” Huangfu Yuchen turned and went into the inner room.
Xiao Jingzi looked at Deng Mande with hesitation, “Eunuch Deng, the Emperor hasn’t flipped the sign in a long time.”
Deng Mande waved his hand dismissively, “The Emperor’s decisions are not something we can influence.”
Yan Ge returned to Luoxue Pavilion, and Xiao Chuanzi approached him, reporting, “Reporting to Young Master, someone delivered a gift just now, saying it’s from the Emperor.”
Qiujie brought a basin of cool water, wringing the wet towel almost dry before handing it to Yan Ge.
“Bring it here,” Yan Ge wiped his face.
Xiao Chuanzi brought a small delicate box.
Yan Ge opened the box, and his eyes brightened. It contained improved toothbrushes and toothpaste. The toothbrushes were almost identical to the modern ones, with a silver handle and snow-white bristles. The back of the handle was engraved with the words “Nan Yi.” The toothpaste was in a round porcelain bottle with the same logo on the lid. Opening the lid released a refreshing mint fragrance, and inside was a small silver spoon.
“Young Master, these toothbrushes look so beautiful,” Wang Xiang praised.
Xiao Chuanzi chuckled, “Indeed, they are better than what we made before.”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. Why would Huangfu Yuchen suddenly send him toothbrushes and toothpaste? He felt that Huangfu Yuchen must have known all along that he was the inventor of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Sending them now was probably because of the promise he made earlier, “Treat me with sincerity, and I will treat you with sincerity.” He was honest with Huangfu Yuchen, and Huangfu Yuchen reciprocated. Perhaps they could indeed develop a good brotherly relationship in this palace.
“Well, rest early, tomorrow will surely be busy,” Yan Ge glanced intentionally or unintentionally at Qiujie. These days, he went out and returned in casual attire. Qiujie must have noticed his outings. From her silent appearance, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. After considering it, he decided not to say anything to Qiujie.
The next day, Yan Ge arrived at the company, and Zhang Yuan was anxiously pacing at the entrance. When he saw Yan Ge, he hurriedly approached, his face filled with joy.
“Young Master, you’re finally here!”
“What is it?” Yan Ge jumped down from the carriage, adjusted his clothes, and fanned himself with a folding fan.
Zhang Yuan said, “Following your orders, Zhao Cheng opened the tailoring shop after the Hundred Flowers Festival, and we have already received orders for over 5,000 sets of clothes!”
Yan Ge smirked, turned around, and got back into the carriage. “Let’s go to the tailoring shop.”
Wang Xiang hurriedly instructed Gao Feng, “Guard Feng, since you’re fast, could you please buy some breakfast for the Young Master?”
Gao Feng nodded and mounted his horse, ready to leave, but Yan Ge stopped him, “By the way, find out the price of toothbrushes and toothpaste… never mind, even if you know, don’t tell me.” Thinking about the profits from toothbrushes and toothpaste that he couldn’t get a single cent from, it pained him. It would be better not to know.
Wang Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi chuckled quietly.
Xiao Chuanzi had been quiet recently. Ever since the hot pot shop closed, he had been idle most of the time, unlike Wang Xiang, who managed the tailoring shop and was busy and fulfilled every day.
Yan Ge could vaguely guess his thoughts, but he was just one person, and there were few people he could trust. If the hot pot shop expanded too much, it would be difficult to manage. At least, after the tailoring shop was on the right track, he could explore other businesses. So, Xiao Chuanzi would continue to be idle for a while. This period would test his character.
Two guards stood in front of the entrance to the tailoring shop, standing tall and straight. Apart from them, four other guards divided into two teams patrolled outside the courtyard, vigilant against anyone sneaking in to steal samples or observe the tailoring process.
When the two guards saw Wang Xiang, they greeted her respectfully.
“Miss Xiang.”
Wan Xiang nodded and presented herself as a competent and strong-willed woman. “This is Young Master Qin, the owner of the ‘Yiyi Bushu Tailoring Shop.”
“Greetings, Master!”
Yan Ge casually rewarded the two with some money, “Work hard. If ‘Yiyi Bushu thrives, you will all benefit.”
“Yes!”
Deng Mama arrived upon hearing the news. “Young Master, you have arrived.”
Yan Ge asked, “Deng Mama, how many orders have we received so far?”
Deng Mama replied, “We have received over six thousand orders in total. The cheapest ready-made garments are priced at ten taels per piece, while the most expensive ones are even one hundred taels. By rough estimation, we can earn over sixty thousand taels.”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi couldn’t hide their joy.
Yan Ge, however, remained calm. “Making money is undoubtedly a good thing, but remind the workers to pay attention to the details and not be careless. Any substandard work must be redone. If an individual has more than ten pieces of substandard work per month, they will be dismissed.”
“Isn’t that a bit strict?” Wan Xiang hesitated.
Yan Ge smiled lightly and continued, “The less number of works redone, the higher the rewards at the end of the month. As for the specific rewards, Wan Xiang and Deng Mama can discuss it.”
Deng Mama suddenly brightened up, “That way, we don’t have to worry about dampening the workers’ enthusiasm.”
“It’s still Young Master’s thoughtful consideration,” Wan Xiang said. “Young Master, rest assured, Deng Mama and I will carefully consider it.”
“And one more thing,” Yan Ge said, “I am the only one currently drawing the designs for the Tailoring Shop. This is far from enough to meet the shop’s needs. You can recruit talented designers from outside and have them submit their designs to me. Once their designs are adopted, they will be rewarded.”
“Yes!” Wan Xiang and the others marveled at his idea.
Deng Mama beckoned to a nearby little maid, “Young Master, these are the invitations that arrived this morning.”
Yan Ge glanced at them. There were three in total, all inviting him to meals.
“Let’s discuss it later at the company.”
Wan Xiang took the food box from Gao Feng and said, “Young Master, have your breakfast first before you get busy.”
“Alright.”
While having his meal in the office, there was a commotion outside the Tailoring Shop.
Gao Feng looked out the window and said, “Young Master, it seems that the former owner of the Tailoring Shop has arrived.”
Yan Ge looked at Wan Xiang and Deng Mama.
Wan Xiang’s face turned serious. “He must be jealous of the successful development of the Tailoring Shop, which has become the flagship industry of the First Company. I warned him last time, but it seems he still finds the outside world too comfortable. Young Master, I will have someone send him to the authorities.”
Deng Mama pondered for a moment. “That might not be appropriate. ‘Yiyi Bushu is currently in the limelight, and if unfavorable rumors spread at this time, it will have an impact on us.”
Wan Xiang thought for a moment. “Then let’s publicize the laziness and gambling habits of Liao Wencai (the former owner of the Tailoring Shop). What does Young Master think?”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “As long as you think it’s the right thing to do, you can boldly proceed. If you can’t decide, you can always come and ask me.”
Wan Xiang and Deng Mama said in unison, “Yes! Thank you for trusting us, Young Master.”
After breakfast, Yan Ge returned to the company, and Liu Rong brought two more invitations.
Yan Ge gave instructions, “Reply to these five people. The day after tomorrow, at noon, I will host them at the Meixiang Hall in Dongcheng’s Liuxian Pavilion.” It was time to enter the circle of businessmen in the capital.
“Yes.” Lu Yaozu, the newly appointed accountant, immediately agreed. The former accountant, Li Jinru, was now working at the Tailoring Shop.
“Gao Feng, you and Zhao Cheng go and investigate the backgrounds of these five individuals. The more detailed, the better.”
“Yes.”
Yan Ge looked at Zhang Yuan and Liu Rong. These two young men, one lively and the other steady, were both clever and worth cultivating. He said to Gao Yun, “Gao Yun, since you’re idle, how about I give you something to do? It doesn’t need you to be far away from me.”
Gao Yun quickly said, “Of course. This subordinate has been bored with nothing to do.”
“In the future, the people in the company will have opportunities to be sent out on tasks. Having some self-defense skills can save us a lot of trouble. When you’re free, teach Zhang Yuan and the others a few moves,” Yan Ge said.
“No problem,” Gao Yun readily agreed.
“Zhang Yuan, Liu Rong, are you willing?” Yan Ge asked.
The two were overjoyed and said in unison, “We are willing! Thank you, Young Master, and thank you, Guard Yun!”
