Chapter 305: Chapter 271: Boldly Taking Liberties with the Menial’s Wife
"You’re being modest." He Qunying said, "In today’s court of military generals, who can match your acumen and Ming Zhi’s?"
"And what help can my acumen offer you?"
He Qunying leaned in a bit closer: "A personal matter."
Pei Zhan shot him a sidelong glance, then put down the wine cup he’d brought to his lips: "I don’t meddle in personal matters. I, for one, have never liked interfering in others’ private affairs."
"But this matter also concerns you." He Qunying straightened up as he spoke, "I heard your newly wedded wife is the granddaughter of Ning Pochi and coincidentally the daughter of the Master of this place."
Pei Zhan held his wine cup, gazed at him for a moment, and said calmly: "So what?"
"I’ve been running a few shops in the South, and this year I shifted to the silkworm business, bought some lands, and properly set up a workshop. Now, the first batch is ready and I’m planning to ship it north via canals, but I can’t find a reliable and affordable barge at the moment. I hoped you and Mrs. Ning might offer some convenience and lend me a few of the Ning Family’s merchant ships for the journey."
"You want a ship?"
Pei Zhan raised his tone slightly.
From behind the curtain, Fu Zhen hadn’t clearly heard what He Qunying said, but Pei Zhan’s reply made it quite clear to her.
Although He Qunying’s official career was full of ups and downs, he wasn’t an ordinary official. Hosting a banquet here with such seriousness, Fu Zhen thought he was seeking benefits in his official position.
Unexpectedly, it was for his own business!
The eldest legitimate son of the General’s Mansion, even if out of favor, his status as first son was obvious, could he not even manage to secure a few ships?
"At this time of year, all silk, tea, and grain from the South are flooding north, and every merchant’s ships are full.
"I’ve just started up, and I can’t find any ships for now. Even if I do, the prices are frighteningly high.
"Merchants do business for profit; when costs are too high, there’s no margin left.
"I figured since the Ning Family has such a large business, with significant capital and traffic between the North and South, allocating a couple of ship cabins should be easy, especially if someone esteemed like you could mediate, maybe the rent could be more favorable?"
Saying this, He Qunying refilled his wine cup.
Pei Zhan leaned an elbow on the table and looked down at the food, saying nothing.
Earlier, he said He Qunying lured him over, and he hadn’t lied a bit.
After the morning court, he originally planned to head to the Capital Camp with Du Mingqian and Cheng Chili, but a Government Official from the Ministry of War came saying Ning Lady at Wanbin Building passed a message for him to come over for a few words.
Pei Zhan knew Fu Zhen wished to meet Mrs. Ning today, so he was happy to come, and hence came upon receiving the message.
But to his surprise, He Qunying was waiting at the door and led him inside upon meeting.
Pei Zhan knew Fu Zhen wanted to draw the He family away from Xu Yin, and there was no need to fall out with him, so he sat down.
The meal here wasn’t cheap, and with the two renowned actors invited, it would likely take half a month of He Qunying’s salary.
When he began with a request, Pei Zhan grew wary. After all, the He family’s situation was obvious; He Qunying was the son of an unfavored first wife, though holding the position of first son, he surely had some who were displeased with him in the inner family.
To him, the most important thing was to secure his position as the heir to the General’s Mansion, and the prerequisite for achieving this was to have a certain official position and power.
Though Pei Zhan was of the same generation, even younger, his status in court was far beyond He Qunying, and even Xu Yin could sponsor him, so Pei Zhan naturally had the capacity.
Thus, like Fu Zhen, he didn’t expect that he was merely asking for a few ships to transport goods.
"Now I have a full warehouse of silk accumulating, if you help me with this, you won’t be short of benefits from me.
"You, younger brother, are famous across the land, but you’re busy defending the country, serving the court, likely leaving little time to engage in activities outside the capital.
"Due to the sowing of mulberry crops these two years, I’ve managed to connect some dots in the South, and they might give me some face.
"If the Ning Family needs any assistance over there in the future, just say the word, and I’ll naturally take care of it."
After speaking, He Qunying drank a cup of wine, then glanced at the two actors singing.
Pei Zhan said, "I appreciate your goodwill, but spending so much to host me for a few ships, don’t you find it extravagant?"
He Qunying laughed heartily and said, "With your status? Just sitting down gives me enormous face, no matter how extravagant, it’s my honor."