Hhheewww!
The scholar lazily stretched his limbs inside the carriage.
"Xiao Zhiyu, your carriage has become more decadent than last time I rode."
"I changed the cushions of the seats, it's deeper now. Also materials used for the cushion are extraordinarily soft."
"Aren't you afraid of falling for worldly pleasures? I remember you were quite opposed to the opulence of the capital's nobles. Has finally, the princeling, opened his eyes to the pleasures of the world?"
"I oppose unnecessary vain excess. Should I suffer back pain to show I'm not a decadent person? I think not." Yuan Yao slightly widened his lips. "But Boda, wouldn't you tell me about the merchants we are going to meet?"
"They are relatively small merchants from the Gu and Shang clan. We are going to meet Gu merchant first, whose name is Bohai. This individual comes from a long standing local magnate family. He is sort of a guy who can turn a barter into an hour-long story, a favour into future debt, and a cracked teapot into an antique–all while keeping his smile and feeling like you're the only friend of his all along." The scholar folded his fan. "I ask you to exercise utmost caution in dealing with him."
Yuan Yao listened to him attentively, "This should be a matter of course for any shrewd merchant. In any case I'll be extra cautious."
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The carriage entered the city through the southern gate and moved towards the west gate through the city. Both Yuan Yao and the scholar watched the city and its inhabitants through the carriage window.
In the time it takes to drink tea, the carriage reached the location of the merchant near the west gate. Gu Bohai welcomed them both in front of his mansion.
"Welcome Lord Yuan Yao to the humble abode of this merchant. Please, Lord Sima Lang, Lord Yuan Yao, make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you Mr. Gu." Both Yuan Yao and Sima Lang thanked Gu Bohai sincerely and sat upon a cushion provided by him.
"Mr. Gu," Sima Lang opened the conversation, pointing to Yuan Yao. "Xiao Zhiyu, here, has just established his own manor. I recommended you as one of the solid merchants that could help him."
Gu Bohai lightly smiled, "It is my good fortune that Lord Sima Lang thinks this highly of myself, I am but a simple merchant…" He paused slightly. "I have the good fortune of my ancestors' hard-work, but I am ready to fulfill any requests that Lord Zhiyu has to the best of my abilities."
"Your reputation is well known mister Gu." Yuan Yao stated. "If I do not have it wrong, you're one of the biggest grain merchants in the city. As long as you supply us with the requested amount, we can do business with you."
The shrewd merchant agreed quickly. Yuan Yao instructed him to talk to Simal Lang for more detailed information.
After the conclusion of negotiations, they stood up ready to leave. Yuan Yao cupped his hands, "May this relationship be everlasting as the bodhi tree."