Chapter 67: Wings Gradually Flourishing

  "Brother Pei, Brother Qin! Long time no see, how are you? Deng Zixuan clasped his hands together in excitement. Your subordinate greets the master! Pei Ge knelt on one knee to pay respects. Quickly get up! Deng Zixuan hurriedly helped Pei Ge up. Mr. Deng, your subordinate pays respects! Qin Fan bowed his head. Brother Qin, I want to congratulate you and thank you for your diligence. Mr. Deng, Qin is not talented, but always remembers the master's teachings. Let me introduce you to this gentleman, Hu Xueyan! The two were shocked and hastily paid their respects."

  Haha, you're Qin Fan, the business magnate of Lingnan. Brother Zi Xuan, you're not being very kind. It turns out that Qin Fan is your subordinate, I should have thought of it earlier. Hu Xueyan looked at Deng Zi Xuan with admiration and was shocked in his heart. The reunion between Gongfu Ruo Er and Bi Ying was very touching as they hugged each other and poured their hearts out to each other. Then they visited the Dongguan Glass Factory, Acid Factory, Steel Factory, etc. Master, Mr. Hu, this year we've added two more high furnaces, now the steel factory has four high furnaces for steel production, with a monthly output of 5,000 catties of steel. The Steel Factory is half-owned by Hu Xueyan, so he naturally inspected it very carefully.

  You're telling me, Brother Zixuan, that you're absolutely unbelievable. Controlling Shanghai from afar and actually managing the steel factory so well. Your business empire has even taken over Lingnan, which is even more unbelievable. I wonder how many secrets you still have. Hu Xueyan was almost ecstatic. Big brother! You and I are partners, there's no secret between us. As for how Qin Fan became famous in Lingnan, it's entirely his own effort. What a pity! Why don't my subordinates have someone as capable as Qin Fan? Big brother! It's not that your subordinates aren't capable, but rather because of you yourself. My principle is to doubt people before using them and use them without doubting them, the key is to give them full autonomy. Hu Xueyan listened with a thoughtful expression.

  That night, Qin Fan accompanied Hu Xueyan and his wife, Wan'er Biying, to Guangzhou City. Deng Zixuan and Pei Gejin stayed behind, having a small drink together. During the meal, Pei Gejin said: Master! According to your instructions, the required factory has been built and is just waiting for the installation of machinery. Tomorrow you can go to the factory to take a look, if there's anything that's not right I'll make improvements. Deng Zixuan said: This year, the Shanghai secret arsenal has already started mass production. Let me tell you some good news, our replicated revolvers and Zhonghua 1-style rifles have already been mass-produced, and matching ammunition has also begun production. The infantry cannon has been finalized, it's just that the shells are not yet up to par, but it's estimated that they will be put into production by the end of the year.

  It's great, I've been looking forward to this day for a long time. Before the end of the year, I guarantee that the machine will be installed! Pei Gejin was overjoyed. Next year, I'll send someone to take charge and strive to start production by the end of the year. After that, the Dongguan Arsenal will be responsible for all military equipment in Lingnan. At present, Annan may change at any time, I think three years later it should be our turn to show off. I have been dreaming of that day, nine years have passed in a flash, and the wait has been long and painful. Brother Pei! Don't worry, we are going to do something earth-shaking, we must remain calm and absolutely not act rashly. Master, rest assured! I know how to grasp it.

  Deng Zixuan shifted the topic: "I didn't expect Leng Yifei to gain so much, it seems that Annan's strategy has already succeeded halfway. This kid is doing a great job." Leng Yifei had sent three thousand people to Hainan Island in batches, and Lin Haisheng's recruited refugees also reached tens of thousands. I think it's feasible to build an army of 20,000 soldiers on Hainan Island. After Kuang Jiazhi took office as the governor of Hainan, our hidden base on Hainan won't be a problem. Should we make Hainan our base? No, Hainan can only serve as a temporary shelter. Once we start an uprising, foreigners will blockade Hainan Island and its connection to inland areas. Our main base is Guangzhou, so you need to stockpile iron ore in large quantities according to plan. In case the source of iron ore is blocked, at least it should meet our needs for one year.

  Are you saying that foreigners will intervene? Pei Gejin was shocked. If we oppose the French, it also means opposing all foreigners, and we must think about this. Foreigners absolutely do not want a strong empire to appear on Chinese soil, and only a weak Qing dynasty is what foreigners are willing to see. The Dongguan industrial zone is our lifeline. Starting from this year, you will secretly build artillery emplacements at critical locations, and after that, foreign warships must not be allowed to rampage through our territory. I want to prevent foreign warships from entering the Pearl River estuary. What I am worried about is not foreigners landing in certain coastal areas, but rather their bombing of industrial facilities.

  Master! Rest assured, I will not betray your trust! The two of them chatted until late at night, and the eastern sky was already showing a fish-belly white before they fell asleep. When the sun rose to a height of one pole, the two got up hastily and had breakfast, then visited the armory. On the other side of the sea, they also checked the location for building artillery emplacements, not returning until evening. Before going to sleep, Pei Ge asked: Master, it's been half a year since Bai Sheng went to Hainan Island, now I've built estates in 10 counties, are you going to take a look at the island? I won't go, can't let Hu Xueyan discover the secret of Hainan Island, I want him to be left behind in Guangzhou, he will become suspicious.

  Next day, Pei Ge went to Hainan Island, and Deng Zixuan returned to Guangzhou City. Now Wang Xia'er and Pei Ge have set up their own household, so this three-entry courtyard is completely occupied by Qin Fan alone. The storefront no longer exists, replaced by a magnificent gate, with two stone lions standing guard on either side of the gate. There are only female family members at home, without any sign of Qin Fan or Hu Xueyan. Husband, Mr. Qin and Mr. Hu have gone to pay respects to the Governor-General, and Mr. Hu wants to thank the Governor-General in person. Yu'er explained the situation first.

  Deng Zixuan observed the courtyard and found that it had not changed much, only freshly painted. It seemed that Qin Fan was very frugal, and the luxurious door curtain was just for show to outsiders, after all his identity and past were different. In the afternoon, Hu Xueyan and Qin Fan returned. Hu Xueyan was in high spirits, but found Qin Fan frowning. Brother Zixuan, Governor Zhang doesn't even have enough money for a diamond ring, let alone trivial matters. Governor Zhang thought building roads would be easy, now he's in trouble. His road foundation has only been laid for tens of kilometers, and his silver is already gone. Governor Zhang asked me to invest, I agreed to invest 300,000 taels.

  Mr. Deng, Mr. Hu arbitrarily let me invest 1 million taels, it's really heart-wrenching! Qin Fan said with a sullen face. I say, young Qin, you are indeed short-sighted. Not to mention the profits that the railway will generate in the future, with Governor-General's support, your business will reach new heights. Deng Zixuan smiled and said: Brother Qin, what Hu said makes sense. Even if Governor-General doesn't ask for it, I plan to let you take the initiative to invest. Firstly, your reputation will prompt others to follow suit, secondly, I also hope that the railway from Guangzhou to Wuhan can be opened as soon as possible. There's a saying among foreigners: when the train whistle blows, gold worth ten thousand taels! Qin Fan's heart was put at ease upon hearing this.

  At night, Hu Xueyan couldn't hold his liquor and went to bed early, the ladies also left the table. Qin Fan said: Mr. Deng, our business network has now spread throughout Guangdong and Guangxi, its tentacles have penetrated deep into Fujian and Yunnan. In addition, our goods have entered northern Annam, and Annam's demand for our silk, tea, and daily necessities is increasing. Next, I plan to enter Huguang. I've already done the profit accounts for several years, you can check them.

  Don't be ridiculous, I'm not here to check your accounts. From now on, you're in charge of your own business. My purpose for coming here is to have you focus on the estate and assign a capable person to manage it. People rely on food as their heaven, so we need to produce more grain and store more grain. In the next three years, the scale of your estate needs to be doubled. Mr. Deng, rest assured that I remember your words! Also, you need to stockpile cotton, it will come in handy later. Afterwards, Deng Zi Xuan continued to discuss many business matters with Qin Fan until late into the night.

  Next day, Deng Zixuan accompanied Hu Xueyan to inspect the money house business. At present, Hu Xueyan's financial system has formed a scale in Guangdong under Deng Zixuan's promotion. It took only one morning to finish the inspection. On the top of Yuexiu Mountain, everyone looked out at the city view. I came to Guangzhou for the first time and didn't expect it to be so beautiful, it's simply a flower city. Just now while strolling in the street, I found that almost every family in Guangzhou raises flowers. Wan'er took the opportunity to express her feelings.

  Sister! I'm also here in Guangzhou for the first time, and it's really great! Hu Xueyan's concubine couldn't help but sigh with emotion. This actress-turned-concubine had a hint of performance in every frown and smile, making it hard to tell what was real or fake. Guangzhou is also known as the City of Flowers, and the people of Guangzhou are among the top few in the Qing dynasty for their infatuation with flowers. However, the commercial atmosphere in Guangzhou is even thicker, having led the way in foreign trade for over a century. Deng Zixuan's three sentences never stray from his profession.

  Hu Xueyan nodded in agreement: I'm also visiting Guangzhou for the first time, and I've had a deep impression over the past few days. My bank has branches all over Guangzhou, and it's inseparable from the city's thick commercial atmosphere. I like the business environment here, especially how friendly people are to outsiders. As one of the earliest cities to open up to the outside world, Guangzhou's strong commercial atmosphere has shaped its regional culture. The people here are very rational - as long as you have ability, you'll be able to showcase your skills; otherwise, foreigners wouldn't be so fond of this place either.

  Zi Xuan's younger brother's insight made me feel ashamed, and his words were sharp. Hu Xueyan praised him. The business atmosphere in Guangzhou, the prosperity of the thirteen major trading houses that were famous throughout the country, is a heavy historical prism that reflects the minimum standards for businessmen. I would like to recommend Wu Bingjian, whose business philosophy is exemplary. A small incident involving this person can illustrate the point: when foreigners came to do business, an English merchant once transported a shipload of cotton, which had become somewhat damaged due to the long voyage across the ocean.

  Everyone perked up their ears, and Deng Zixuan continued: At that time, the British merchants were stunned to find that the cotton had deteriorated, and no one would buy it from him, which meant he would lose all his investment. After learning about this situation, Wu Bingjian bought the cotton at cost price. People said Wu Bingjian was foolish. However, later events proved how sharp his vision was. After foreigners learned about this matter, they all eagerly transacted with him, thus creating his business miracle.

  Wu Bingjian not only did that, but also lent a helping hand to his peers who were in trouble, helping them get out of the crisis. Therefore, it is said that businessmen must not only pursue profits but also have a conscience. I admire Hu Lao's advocacy for integrity very much. You are hinting that having only integrity is not enough, one must also have a businessman's conscience and not put the other party in a desperate situation. Mutual benefit is the highest realm of business, just like two armies facing each other, killing a thousand enemies while suffering eight hundred losses. No wonder you often remind me, it seems that the realm of doing business is even more important. Zi Xuan, my brother, I have learned from you again, you are indeed one who will not rest until he has shocked people to death! I've been fooled by you again! The two of them couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  Wan'er couldn't help but hug Deng Zixuan's arm and asked intimately: Mr. Hu said he was cheated, what did he get cheated of? Mr. Hu was just joking, why are you taking it seriously? Seeing Wan'er being affectionate, the madam also couldn't help but hold onto Hu Xueyan's arm. How indecent! Hu Xueyan glared at the madam, who quickly let go of his arm. Haha! Older brother has 9 concubines and still talks about decency, how interesting.

  I can marry nine wives, which shows I have the ability. Is my younger brother Xuan not envious? Hu Xueyan shook his head and showed off. Deng Zixuan looked at this pair of old husband and young wife and couldn't help but tease: Let me tell you a joke. In a certain dynasty, there was an unwritten rule that the prime minister must marry an 18-year-old girl when he turned 60. On the day of the old prime minister's 60th birthday, they welcomed a beautiful girl into their home with drums and cymbals.

  The old prime minister was not aware, the young lady was like a widow, and soon she and the guard hooked up. At that time, there were no clocks, and every day when the old prime minister went to court, he used the crows perched on a tree in front of the door as a standard. The crow's call for food awakened the old prime minister to go to court, and it was very punctual. The guard felt that the time spent with the young lady was too short, so he drove away the crow ahead of time, intending to let the old prime minister go to court early.

  After several times, the old prime minister found something wrong. Today, the guard drove away the crow again, and the old prime minister walked halfway back. When he arrived at the door, he heard laughter coming from inside. The old prime minister stomped his feet to eavesdrop: Your tender white skin is like a powder ball, I'm dying! Your strong body is like a noodle, how can an old dry stick compare? The old prime minister was furious and wanted to go in and catch the pair of dogs. However, the old prime minister's kind heart held back.

  That evening happened to be August 15th, with a bright moon hanging high in the sky. The old prime minister proposed to admire the moon, but he shook his head and said: "On August 15th, the moon is full, there are people on the tree, crows are shouting, the powder ball is sleeping with its face covered, and the dry firewood is listening outside." The young lady-in-waiting and the guard knew that they had been exposed, and immediately became frightened, their faces turned pale and they knelt down to the ground. You two don't have to be afraid, as long as you can answer my poem correctly, I will spare your lives; otherwise, I will never forgive you.

  The little woman stood up boldly and said: On August 15th, the moon is in the west, my husband forcibly married a young wife, an old woman and a young man are not matched, it's someone else's business anyway. The old prime minister nodded, still quite neat. The guard also stood up and said: On August 15th, the moon is in the south, I'll drive away the crows on the tree. Mung bean paste and vermicelli noodles were originally a pair, dry firewood and sticks are easy to complete. From then on, the old prime minister abolished this absurd rule.

  Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted, and Yuanni covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. The concubine's smile was like a blooming flower. Are you setting me up? Hu Xueyan glared at the concubine with a stern face. The concubine immediately wiped away her smile and nervously said: Master, since I married you, I have always been faithful to my wifely duties! Older brother, I was just joking with you. However, your taking in nine concubines is indeed excessive. You should know that they are all living beings, and even though they may be well-fed and clothed, and enjoying wealth and luxury, their hearts are filled with bitterness. The concubine's words struck a chord, and tears began to flow from her eyes.

  Zi Xuan, little brother, I understand what you mean. What you said makes sense. From now on, I promise not to take any concubines! Big brother! I didn't intend to interfere with you. People often say that a wild goose leaves behind its call, and a person leaves behind their name. Life is short, it's impermissible to waste time in vain! Hu Xueyan nodded silently, savoring the words.

  Deng Zixuan also visited the Whampoa Military Academy. Half a month later, he and Hu Xueyan set out on their return journey.