Chapter 100: Crafting a Pretext

The nine mansions and one pavilion were all very eager, and within the span of the next day, the others all came to seek out Wei Renshi.

Wei Renshi stood firm on his pricing, insisting that the highest bidder would win. In the end, the Dongyue Pavilion offered the highest price and became the other establishment permitted to sell white spirits.

Cart after cart of white spirits was hauled out from the warehouse behind the Yimeng Building and delivered to Dongyue Pavilion and Huachun Pavilion respectively.

"Keep these earnings for now; we will need them in a few days," Wei Renshi said to Sun Peng.

"Is the prefectural government coming to demand money?" Sun Peng asked.

Wei Renshi nodded and said, "Since the nine mansions and one pavilion intend to use this method against us, it must be within these few days. If they hadn't been busy scrambling for white spirit supplies, they would likely have come already."

Just as they were speaking, a waiter ran in from outside. Upon reaching them, he said, "Greetings, Master. Someone has arrived from outside, claiming to be from the Luozhou Prefectural Office."

"Speak of the devil," Wei Renshi smiled and said to Sun Peng, "Go and handle it."

Sun Peng nodded and walked out.

Wei Renshi did not have to wait long before Sun Peng returned.

"So fast?" Wei Renshi remarked. "Was it just to deliver a message?"

"Yes. He claimed to be a subordinate of the Luozhou Prefectural Chief Secretary, saying that the Chief Secretary heard that the Yimeng Building had been elected as the head of the guild, so he invites you to the prefectural office for a discussion," Sun Peng replied. "He said tomorrow afternoon."

"Very well," Wei Renshi nodded.

The information Liang Yuxi had revealed to him was that the prefectural government was fabricating excuses to demand money from the Yimeng Building. The prefectural government had done this many times before; they would either demand money directly or apportion various expenses among the businesses. These were the two most common methods used by the prefectural office.

The former involved a specific amount, which paradoxically meant the prefectural government would end up extorting less.

The latter, however, was a bottomless pit. One day they would demand money for repairing this, the next for building that, assigning the tasks to various establishments without providing any funds. The money that should have been spent on these projects was then embezzled by the prefectural government.

No matter how much money a business made, it could not withstand such apportionments by the prefectural government.

However, the prefectural government maintained a sense of restraint, not wanting to drive these businesses to ruin, so they did not do this often. Usually, they simply asked for money.

But since they were colluding with the nine mansions and one pavilion, they would surely apportion something to the Yimeng Building, and it would not be a small amount.

Yet, this actually played right into Wei Renshi's hands.

The next day, Wei Renshi made some slight preparations, and after noon, he went alone to the office.

After being announced, it did not take long before Wei Renshi met the Luozhou Chief Secretary.

"I heard that the newly elected head of the restaurant and tavern guild in Luoyang was a young lad, and it turns out to be true," the Chief Secretary said, looking Wei Renshi up and down upon meeting him.

"This commoner, Wei Renshi, pays his respects to the Chief Secretary," Wei Renshi performed a formal salute.

"I have also heard of the reputation of the Yimeng Building recently," the Chief Secretary said. "I have tasted that white spirit myself; it is truly marvelous."

Wei Renshi smiled, "Thank you for the compliment, Chief Secretary."

"Haha, Master Wei, you are so young, yet you have managed to build the Yimeng Building to such a level after being in Luoyang for only a few months. Your talent goes without saying," the Chief Secretary said. "And to have gained the support of the entire restaurant and tavern guild in just a few months shows that your character is also commendable."

"It is all thanks to the kindness of others," Wei Renshi replied with a smile.

"Seeing that Master Wei is young, yet possesses such grace and speaks with such composure, have you studied the books of the sages?" the Chief Secretary asked.

Wei Renshi nodded, "I have read a few. I believe that if I treat others with sincerity, they will treat me with sincerity in return, so perhaps that is why I was recommended by my fellow brothers in the trade."

"Good, well said," the Chief Secretary pointed to the side and said, "Master Wei, please sit."

Only then did Wei Renshi sit down, and he asked, feigning ignorance, "I wonder, what is it that the Chief Secretary wished to ask me?"

"Hearing what you said just now, I can tell that you are different from other merchants," the Chief Secretary said. "I invited you here today because there is indeed a matter to discuss. I hope you will consider the prosperity of Luoyang, which facilitates your business, and the people of Luozhou, and not refuse."

"This... I do not know what the matter is. Please, Chief Secretary, speak plainly!" Wei Renshi thought to himself that the moment had arrived, but on the surface, he acted completely bewildered.

The Chief Secretary’s expression suddenly changed to one of extreme sorrow. "In the current times, we are not as we were in the Kaiyuan era. The people today are mostly impoverished. Tax collection in Luozhou is difficult, and we must prioritize payments to the national treasury, leaving the Luozhou office with nothing. However, there are many matters concerning the welfare of the people that urgently require funding. The prefectural office is helpless and must ask the kind and virtuous merchants in the city who care for the people to temporarily lend some funds to the office for civil repairs. As the Yimeng Building is the head of the guild, I hope Master Wei can set an example so that our city's restaurants and taverns can do something for the people. It is not that I want your money, but the office has no funds, and the welfare of the people cannot be delayed. I beg you to help me and the prefectural office."

Upon hearing this, Wei Renshi immediately said, "I understand what you mean, Chief Secretary. The Yimeng Building is a restaurant; we have earned some wealth from the people. Firstly, this is because Luoyang is prosperous, and we have benefited from doing business here—this is due to the governance of the prefectural office. Secondly, it is because the people support us and give us our livelihood. Therefore, we merchants should naturally give back to the imperial court, the prefectural government, and the people. Although I am a merchant, this is a family business; I have always been a scholar, constantly thinking of serving the country and bearing the common people in my heart. Now that I can make a contribution to the office and the people, how could I refuse? Please, Chief Secretary, tell me plainly: how much does the office need? Even if I have to sell the Yimeng Building, I will raise the money and send it to you!"

"No! Master Wei, you take it too far." The Chief Secretary looked at Wei Renshi with some astonishment; it was the first time he had seen someone agree so readily, and he could not help but feel suspicious.

"Please, Chief Secretary, enlighten me!" Wei Renshi pressed, "As long as I can raise it, even if I have to smash the pots and sell the iron, I will come up with it."

The Chief Secretary's brow twitched. Smash the pots and sell the iron? Could this boy be posturing, waiting until the amount was stated only to then cry poverty and play the victim? He had encountered such people before.

After a pause, the Chief Secretary said, "Neither the office nor I will handle your money, Master Wei. Please rest assured of that. We are only asking for your help because the office is penniless. If we were to handle the money ourselves, it would be difficult to account for. Please trust me and the office. Asking for your help is not about taking your money, but truly using it for the people."