Chapter 19: The Red-Hatted Merchant

  Deng Zixuan and Chen Jintang turned into a quiet street, the buildings on both sides of the street were very tall, and every household's gate was magnificent, it was clear that the people living in this street were all rich. This area is said to be one of Shanghai's wealthy residential areas.

  Chen Jintang held a wooden box in his hand, which was quite heavy, inside was porcelain. The wooden box contained a pair of flower vases, worth at least 100,000 taels of silver.

  Such good porcelain is given as a gift, Chen Jintang is somewhat heartbroken. At first, Deng Zixuan said to give it to a businessman as a gift, Chen Jintang was somewhat skeptical, but when the valuable vase was taken out as a gift, Chen Jintang couldn't help asking: "Deng, who is this Hu Xueyan, why give such an expensive gift?"

  Deng Zixuan said, "This Hu Xueyan is a big name in Shanghai's business circle. His Huqingyutang Chinese medicine shop is well-known, and his Fuheng money house is even more impressive. Let's take our time to chat on the way." The two of them carried their gifts out of the British and French concessions and headed towards Huangpu District where merchants gathered. As they turned into a quiet street, Deng Zixuan opened up again.

  "Brother Chen! In the early days, Hu Xueyan's family was poor and he worked as a runner in a money shop in Hangzhou for twenty years. That year was the most glorious time for Zuo Zongtang, when one of his deputy generals came to the money shop to borrow silver. The boss was not around, the Qing army was in urgent need of money, but none of the clerks dared to take charge and lend the silver. At that critical moment, Hu Xueyan stepped forward and lent the silver to the Hunan Army." Deng Zixuan spoke fluently.

  "This Hu Xueyan is really bold, the master will definitely not let him off!" said Chen Jintang. "When the master returned, he was furious and naturally fired Hu Xueyan. But Hu Xueyan also benefited from the disaster because Zuo Zongtang remembered him. At that time, the Huai Army and the Taiping Army were at war, and Zuo Zongtang asked Hu Xueyan to help with grain procurement as a merchant. As the saying goes, 'wealth and honor are sought in danger', Hu Xueyan put his life on the line for Zuo Zongtang!"

  "Hu Xueyan is not only bold, but also has a good eye for things!" Chen Jintang sighed. "That's right! Hu Xueyan risked his life to ensure the military supplies of Zuo Zongtang, and he himself received a generous return. Moreover, he helped Zuo Zongtang establish the Changjui Army, with its modern Western guns and cannons. It can be said that Zuo Zongtang's brilliant military achievements were inseparable from Hu Xueyan's support and participation. After Zuo Zongtang became the Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Hu Xueyan was like a fish in water, he opened the Fuheng Bank in Shanghai and established the Huqingyutang Chinese Medicine Store."

  "Hu Xueyan has been expanding his business through government procurement and his Fu Kang Money House has now opened in Beijing. This year, with the help of Zuo Zongtang, he gained the favor of Empress Dowager Cixi and was entrusted with the tax silver of Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. On our way back from Guangzhou, we passed by Fuzhou and saw that Mawei is building a shipyard, which is being supervised by Zuo Zongtang and supported by Hu Xueyan's funding. At present, Hu Xueyan is at the height of his power, enjoying the best of times, and soon his business will dominate half of China!"

  "Now Hu Xueyan is so wealthy and arrogant, I'm afraid he won't even notice us!" Chen Jintang worried. Deng Zixuan smiled: "That's why I sent him a gift, don't worry, I won't get involved in his business, but have other plans. A big tree provides good shade, I must make use of Hu Xueyan this big tree to achieve something. Not only that, later I will also establish a relationship with Li Hongzhang, who has already taken office as the Governor of Zhili and Minister of Commerce this year. An important part of my plan must be realized through Li Hongzhang."

  As they spoke, the two arrived at the gate of Hu's mansion. Deng Zixuan stepped forward and knocked on the door ring. After a while, a servant stuck out his head: "May I ask, who are you looking for?" The servant asked cautiously. "Deng Zixuan, specially came to give gifts to Mr. Hu!" Deng Zixuan said straightforwardly. At this time, Hu Xueyan was sitting in the mansion feeling anxious. This trip to Beijing was to help Zuo Zongtang, but he was worried about what gift to give to Empress Cixi?

  In his 40s, Hu Xueyan was in the prime of his life, well-preserved and radiant. Besides his first wife, he had married five concubines by then. Two were from his hometown Hangzhou, two from Shanghai, and one from Beijing. Not only did Hu Xueyan excel in business, but also navigated the complex relationships with his wives with ease. Under his careful management, household chores were handled with precision, and his backyard remained peaceful and calm.

  He had just returned from Fuzhou, and Zuo Zongtang sent him a letter asking him to go to Beijing. At present, the northwest is unstable, and Zuo Zongtang wants to go to the northwest to stabilize the situation. However, Hu Xueyan knew that this was Li Hongzhang's plan to lure the tiger out of the mountain, as he felt pressure from Zuo Zongtang being in charge of the Fujian-Zhejiang governor-general. Especially since the tax revenue of the three provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian were controlled by Zuo Zongtang, Li Hongzhang was even more anxious. Coincidentally, the northwest is unstable, and Li Hongzhang persuaded Prince Gong to speak to Empress Cixi, saying that only Zuo Zongtang can stabilize the situation in the northwest.

  At this time, Hu Xueyan, as a shrewd businessman, saw things very clearly. This trip to the capital, Hu Xueyan naturally wanted to help Zuo Zongtang gain momentum. However, when it came to deciding what gift to give Cixi, he was at a loss. "Mr. Hu! The Xuande stove you gave Li Lianying last time ended up back in the antique shop, which means Cixi didn't even think it was worth looking at, and let Li Lianying get it for half price!" his subordinate advised.

  "Li Lianying is clearly in cahoots with the antique shop owner, he gets them to recommend something, we buy it and give it to him as a gift, and then he resells it back to the antique shop, he's making a profit on both ends!" Hu Xueyan shook his head helplessly. Just then, a servant rushed in and said: "Mr. Hu, there is someone who claims to be named Deng Zixuan who wants to see you!" "Deng Zixuan? I don't know this nobody, tell him I won't see him!" Hu Xueyan flatly refused.

  "Mr. Hu! This young man says he's come specifically to give you a gift!" the servant said cautiously. "Haha! Giving me gifts? I'm a businessman, making profits is my nature, what's the point of giving me gifts? Alright, let him in, let's see what kind of gift this young man has brought that can catch my eye and what he wants from me?" Deng Zixuan and Chen Jintang were led in. "Junior Deng pays his respects to Mr. Hu, junior Deng suddenly came to disturb you, please forgive me, Mr. Hu!" Deng Zixuan said with both hands clasped together, showing great humility.

  Hu Xueyan didn't get up, nor did he show any intention of giving up his seat. He stroked his beard with one hand and sized up the visitor with a pair of bright eyes. The young man standing in front of him looked too tender-faced, but Hu Xueyan quickly discovered that the young man seemed to be older than his actual age, with an air of calmness and stability in his eyes. Hu Xueyan was slightly surprised and asked: "I'd like to know what gift you're giving me for no reason?"

  Deng Zixuan smiled and said, "I know that ordinary gifts wouldn't interest Mr. Hu, but the gift I'm giving him is something he won't refuse?" "Haha! Young man, don't be too arrogant, what kind of gift can a nobody like you come up with?" Hu Xueyan sneered. Deng Zixuan nodded, and Chen Jintang quickly opened the box, placing two Qinghua porcelain vases in front of Hu Xueyan. "Not just any...", Hu Xueyan's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the vases.

  "Master Deng, if I'm not mistaken, this is a Southern Song Dynasty blue and white porcelain vase, from the imperial kiln." Hu Xueyan had gained some knowledge of Song Dynasty porcelain in the capital. "Mr. Hu, you have a good eye, it's indeed a Southern Song blue and white porcelain vase. This is an heirloom passed down through our family, currently worth 100,000 taels of silver on the market." Deng Zixuan lied with a straight face, his heart not skipping a beat.

  Hu Xueyan's mind was racing, and he was certain that the Southern Song Dynasty porcelain bottles were not counterfeit. "Young Master Deng," he said, "since these are family heirlooms, why do you want to give them to me? Are you seeking something from me? But even if you are, this gift is too valuable!" Deng Zixuan flattered him, saying: "Mr. Hu, as the saying goes, 'a good horse deserves a good saddle.' These precious porcelain pieces can only be matched by someone of your stature, Mr. Hu!"

  "Deng Gongzi, speak directly, what do you want?" Hu Xueyan regained his composure. "Mr. Hu is indeed a hero in the business world, with eyes like gold and fire. I am ashamed to admit that I come from a family of merchants, but my father wanted me to take the imperial examination. Last year, I failed the exam and was disheartened, so I decided to enter the business world. My older brother is struggling to make ends meet by selling tea, barely making enough to get by. After much consideration, I decided to take a different path and do something big and impressive. Mr. Hu is my role model, so I thought it would be good to rely on you, this great tree, to enjoy the shade."

  "Haha! You're indeed a formidable opponent, but I'd like to know how you plan to lean on the big tree and enjoy the cool breeze!" Hu Xueyan's curiosity was piqued. "Mr. Hu, I dare to speak boldly. As Shanghai is becoming increasingly prosperous, I think of building a comprehensive trading market at Pudong Riverside Wharf, where silk, grains, cotton, cloth, livestock, etc. can be traded in one place." "A trading venue? That's not difficult, Master Deng can do it himself. Ah! I understand now, you want to use my name as a cover?" "That's the idea, hoping for Mr. Hu's support!" Deng Zixuan nodded his head.

  "Master Deng! In business, one should know the rules!" Hu Xueyan spoke up, revealing his mercantile face. In fact, he had no interest in the transaction market at all, but rather was amused by the young man's audacity in front of him, especially since he had accepted such a precious gift. "Mr. Hu! After the comprehensive trading market is built, I will contribute two-tenths of the total profit, but I also have conditions..."

  "Haha! Young Master Deng is indeed pleased, and his future prospects are limitless. Alright, I agree to your proposal. Tomorrow, you can go to my Fuh Kang Money House and find Shen Rui Sheng, the manager of the money house. He will represent me in our cooperation." Hu Xueyan showed little interest, clearly giving a dismissive order. Deng Zi Xuan was clever and knew when to retreat. After the guest left, he asked: "Mr. Hu, why did you agree to such an unreliable business deal?" Hu Xueyan smiled and said: "We won't invest a single penny, we'll just put up our signboard. Why wouldn't I do that? Besides, this young man's ideas are unconventional and imaginative. Who knows, maybe he'll succeed and we'll get a 20% profit out of it! Go find Rui Sheng for me!"

  "Mr. Hu, it's really as if you think of something and it comes true, is this fate? It seems that the trip to Beijing will be smooth sailing." Hu Xueyan turned his gaze to the porcelain vase, a smile on his face.

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