Chapter 233: The Eastward (Donglai) Commerce

Hua Zhi didn't idle during her stay at the inn. She had Xu Ying go out and roughly gauge the prices of local merchants, and she also inquired about the Eastward (Donglai) Commerce that Zhang Xing had recommended. Once she was certain that Zhang Xing hadn't misled her, she paid a visit the next day.

The Eastward Commerce was located in the most eye-catching spot of the east gate. The high eaves could be seen at a glance.

It was still early, and the shop was very quiet. As soon as Hua Zhi and her party appeared, they were noticed by the clerks inside. These clerks had long since developed a keen eye, and judging from the group's attire, a manager of considerable weight immediately greeted them with a beaming smile, "It's such an honor to have such distinguished guests so early in the morning."

The manager was short in stature but had a round face, and his smile made him appear exceptionally amiable. He was clearly a born businessman. After assessing him, Hua Zhi nodded politely, "If we can reach a deal, then I would indeed be considered a distinguished guest. Please call someone who can make the decision."

Bao Xia handed over Zhang Xing's letter of introduction. The manager took it with both hands and couldn't help but take a few extra glances at Bao Xia. Even the maidservant was so beautiful, he wondered what her background was.

He was not authorized to open the letter, so he personally led the group to a seat and motioned for a clerk to come and serve them. Then, he quickly took the letter inside, feeling relieved that the young master had arrived early today, otherwise, things would have been delayed.

The owner of the Eastward Commerce was surnamed Xia, and the shop was named after him. The Xia family had been a prominent household in Jingzhou City in the past, but their fortunes had declined mid-way, and it was only when Xia Donglai took charge that the family prospered again. He had four sons, and the eldest, Xia Jiang, was currently managing the shop. In all likelihood, he would be the next head of the family.

Xia Jiang indeed lived up to his father's expectations. He was prudent and methodical in his actions, and like his father, he was very benevolent. Everyone in the shop praised him, but he had not been having a very easy time recently.

Although the Eastward Commerce was not the only major shop in Jingzhou City, it was the oldest, and it had more connections and experience than any other. Coupled with their conciliatory approach, they were like a fish in water in Jingzhou City.

However, not long ago, the Zheng family had opened a new shop in the east gate, selling the same Jiang. If it had been anyone else, Xia Jiang wouldn't have been afraid, but the Zheng family was different. They were the in-laws of Mu Yunyang, the governor of Jingzhou. No matter how strong the Xia family's connections were in Jingzhou, they couldn't compete with the governor. Although the other party didn't dare to easily move against them, they had been losing a lot of business recently.

Xia Jiang was frowning over his ledger when the steward knocked and entered. But he was accustomed to being gentle with his clerks, and his expression softened into a smile as he saw him. "What is it?"

"There's a distinguished guest outside. I couldn't tell where they're from, but this is the letter of introduction they brought."

Xia Jiang took the letter, checked that the seal was intact, and opened it. Zhang Xing's handwriting was barely legible, far from elegant, but Xia Jiang read it three times from beginning to end. Still young, his eyes and brows lit up with joy.

Jingzhou, no matter how good, was just a corner of the south. How could it compare to the capital? And the visitor this time was a prominent family from the capital. Perhaps his current predicament could be resolved!

"Tell someone to prepare tea in the small flower hall."

"Yes."

Xia Jiang stood up, straightened his clothes, and strode quickly out. When he saw the person sitting to one side, he paused. Steward Chen hadn't told him the guest was a woman!

And such a beautiful woman at that!

But he was a businessman after all, and he quickly recovered. He approached with a warm smile and bowed, saying, "I apologize for keeping you waiting, distinguished guest. I am Xia Jiang, the young master of Donglai Trading Company."

'Young master' sounded like someone who could make decisions. Hua Zhi stood up and leaned forward slightly. "My surname is Hua. Young Master can simply call me 'Miss'."

"Miss Hua," Xia Tiao replied smoothly. "It's noisy outside. How about we talk inside?"

"Please."

The flower hall was decorated very luxuriously. Hua Zhi glanced at it and then looked away. The glittering gold was quite dazzling.

But her demeanor seemed confident in Xia Jiang's eyes. After they sat down, he said, "Miss Hua, was your journey smooth?"

"A smooth journey usually foreshadows a smooth outcome for the rest of my trip," Hua Zhiyi's sleeve fluttered as she glanced up at the young man across from her, who was no more than twenty years old. Most men from Jingzhou were short and dark, but Xia Jiang, though not fair-skinned, was tall enough and had a decent appearance, at least not off-putting for business dealings.

Xia Jiang, not wanting to appear too eager, was about to make more conversation to build rapport when he heard the other party say, "I'm here for a business deal. I wonder if Donglai Trading Company can handle it."

Xia Jiang's spirits lifted. "I'm not bragging, but if Donglai Trading Company can't handle a deal, probably no trading company in Jingzhou can. Miss, please tell me more. I'm all ears."

Hua Zhiyi looked at Bao Xia, who nodded and handed over the drawings she had shown to Zhang Xing earlier.

Xia Jiang examined them from beginning to end and looked up. "None of these are particularly difficult to obtain. Miss, you need these?"

"I need a lot of them. I plan to start a seafood business in the capital, and I'll need a large quantity. If Donglai Trading Company takes on this business, we'll need to send a ship to the capital every seven to eight days. If business is good, it might be as often as every four or five days, or even less."

A big deal!

Xia Jiang swallowed to ease the excitement welling up from within. "The company has ships, but will the goods be collected by my company or how?"

"I dare not put all my eggs in one basket. What if the basket falls to the ground?" Hua Zhiyi chuckled. "But I can't go and collect from the fishermen myself. For everyone's benefit, I hope you can recommend a few sellers with good reputations and quality goods."

"Miss, you're very thoughtful. I admire that. Miss, rest assured, I, Xia Jiang, dare not ruin Donglai Trading Company's thirty-year reputation."

Hua Zhiyi nodded slightly. "I like working with people who cherish their reputation."

Deals aren't made overnight. Hua Zhiyi wasn't in a hurry. On the first day, they only discussed a framework, and both sides left room for negotiation before parting ways.

Xia Jiang saw her to the door and, after watching them leave, quietly ordered, "Send someone to follow them and see which other trading companies she contacts."

The steward, knowing the young master was wary of the Zheng family, agreed and immediately arranged for the most astute clerk to follow them.

In the carriage, Bao Xia poured two full cups of water from the kettle for the young miss. Those who often accompanied the miss knew that she only pretended to drink tea when they were out; she would never actually drink much, no matter how thirsty she was.

"Miss, someone is following us from behind," the guard's voice came from outside.

Hua Zhi was not surprised. "Don't mind them, let them follow."

"Yes, ma'am."

Shao Yao, who had been quiet all along, finally spoke up, as if a bird released from a cage. "Huahua, where are we going next?"

"Is there anywhere you want to go?"

"No, I just don't want to go back to the inn."

"Alright, let's go and wander around some of the smaller docks."

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