Chapter Twenty-Five: Gynostemma

Strolling casually along the tree-lined roadside, Wei Renshi watched the sunlight, fragmented by the leaves, scatter across the shadows, leaving mottled traces of brightness. The sky, untouched by pollution, was a dazzling, almost illusory blue. Occasionally, a few wisps of cloud drifted lazily past, their carefree manner reminiscent of a cat lounging in a sunbeam, lazily and serenely observing the bustling crowds below.

At times, Wei Renshi wished he could be like those drifting clouds—gathering and dispersing as nature willed, lingering or leaving without thought or care, doing nothing, thinking of nothing, simply drifting at will. A warm, gentle breeze carried with it the faint fragrance of grass, exuding a soft, refreshing warmth.

Everything seemed to possess a fleeting beauty, as if it might vanish in an instant.

The farmers, freed from the need to fetch water for irrigation, spent their saved time tending meticulously to their fields. Weeds that threatened the crops were carefully pulled up and tossed aside, then left to dry in the sun, later to be used as firewood. The sun’s heat also helped to wither the severed roots, preventing them from regrowing.

In recent days, the village head, Zheng Lizheng, had been busy visiting every household, reminding everyone that the tax season would arrive in a few months and urging them to prepare in advance.

Luozhou was not far from Chang’an and, as the location of the Eastern Capital, was considered within the emperor’s reach, a place of grandeur and prosperity. Thus, apart from the standard two taxes, the local officials did not dare to impose additional levies, making life here significantly better than in more distant regions.

Wei Renshi had heard of other places where local authorities, beyond collecting the official two taxes, invented new excuses to extract more from the people, leading to widespread resentment.

The proceeds from the goods Jiao Haiqing had sent to be sold had turned out to be substantial, enough to cover the upcoming taxes. Once those funds were spent, the profits from the newly started plowing and condiment ventures would likely be coming in, ensuring a smooth transition.

With these worries eased, Wei Renshi found himself humming a country tune as he wandered leisurely along the path, truly savoring the beauty of life.

Indeed, when clothing and food are secure, the heart is carefree; when one is well-fed and warmly dressed, thoughts of home fade away.

And, as if summoned by his thoughts, Wei Renshi spotted from afar a rotund figure ambling down the road, dressed as always in a green robe, resembling a watermelon from a distance.

He had grown so overweight that only gentle exercise was possible; anything more strenuous could cause his heart to race dangerously, raise his blood pressure, or harm his joints.

He moved slowly along the road—at least it was something. Once his health improved, he could attempt other forms of exercise.

Seeing him approach, Wei Renshi found a large stone by the roadside, brushed it clean, and sat down to wait.

It was quite a while before Jiao Haiqing finally drew near. This time, instead of a young attendant, a steward followed behind him.

“Brother Renshi, help me to sit down and rest!” Jiao Haiqing called out as soon as he saw Wei Renshi.

Wei Renshi stood up, making room on the stone. Jiao Haiqing plopped down, panting heavily.

The steward hurriedly handed him a towel. After wiping his brow, Jiao Haiqing said, “Brother Renshi, I’ve come today on important business. My father specifically had my elder brother return home to draft an agreement, and I’ve brought it for you to review.”

“Where is it?” Wei Renshi held out his hand. “Let’s look at it now—home isn’t convenient.”

Jiao Haiqing glanced at the steward, who immediately produced a stack of papers and presented them with both hands.

Wei Renshi took them and read through. The agreement was well-structured; clearly, these were people who knew business.

“As for the profit split,” Jiao Haiqing explained once Wei Renshi had finished, “my father and brother’s view is this: if Brother Renshi provides the method, our family will contribute the manpower and materials, and handle the production and sales. While you supply the recipe, the actual operation will be on our side, which means higher costs for us. So, for the profits, we propose an eight-to-two split—eight for us, two for you.”

Wei Renshi laughed. “Now, now, Jiao, let me guess: your elder brother told you to start with a low offer, see how I respond, and if I accept, that’s the end of it; if not, you’ll increase it bit by bit. Am I right?”

Jiao Haiqing was momentarily stunned.

Wei Renshi continued to laugh. “I’m no merchant, so I won’t waste time haggling for a fifty-fifty split or try to push your bottom line. I’m providing only the method, doing nothing else, so I won’t ask for half. Let’s do a forty-sixty split—forty for me, sixty for you. That’s my bottom line. If you go any lower, I’ll simply hire a few hands myself and set up shop in Luoyang or Chang’an, just as I did in Fuchang. I won’t lack for buyers.”

Jiao Haiqing considered this, then nodded. “Brother Renshi, you’re straightforward, so I’ll be the same. My brother’s bottom line was also forty-sixty. Let’s settle on that—forty percent for you, sixty for us. But in the future, if you have any other good ideas for partnerships, you have to come to our family first.”

“Agreed,” Wei Renshi nodded. “When shall we go to the market office to sign the contract?”

“My acquaintance with Brother Renshi is the reason this is possible,” Jiao Haiqing replied. “So my family wants me to handle the contract signing with you. I’m free anytime.”

Since the Sixteen Kingdoms period, contracts—known then as “agreements”—were made by writing the character for “agreement” at the joining of two strips of paper. Over time, this evolved into writing the word “contract.” To sign a contract now meant going to the magistrate’s office, obtaining an official form, making any necessary amendments, signing it, and having it stamped with the government seal; otherwise, it was a private agreement, holding no legal force.

“Let’s do it tomorrow,” Wei Renshi suggested. “By the way, I found something for you and left it at my house. Come with me to fetch it—it’ll be very beneficial for your condition. Just treat it as ordinary water; drink it often throughout the day, whenever you’re thirsty. If you have any ganoderma, boil it together for even better effect.”

Jiao Haiqing was overjoyed and quickly reached out to the steward. “Quick, help me up!”

Supported by the steward, the three of them made their way to Wei Renshi’s home.

Once there, Wei Renshi asked Xi’er to fetch the dried jiaogulan and handed it to Jiao Haiqing. “This is called jiaogulan. The best kind has seven or nine leaves and grows in the south, but here we can only get this type, so it’s not quite as effective. If you’re able, have people search for it in Jiangnan, Lingnan, Qianzhong, Nanzhao, or other southern regions—it also goes by names like seven-leaf gall, five-leaf ginseng, seven-leaf ginseng, groundroot, and so on. Wash it, dry it, and boil it for drinking—it’s very good for your health.”

“Wonderful! Wonderful!” Jiao Haiqing nodded eagerly. “Many thanks, Brother Renshi!”

“Once we finish the contract tomorrow, select a few trustworthy men, and I’ll teach them how to source ingredients and make the condiments. The sooner we get this business started, the better.”

Jiao Haiqing nodded in agreement. “Exactly my thought. We already have the shop; as soon as we prepare the first batch, we can open for business. We’ll start selling in Fuchang, then look for a place in Luoyang.”

At the mention of Luoyang, Wei Renshi’s heart stirred. He asked, “Jiao, I’m thinking of making a trip to Luoyang to seek out some foreign merchants and inquire about a few matters. Does your family have any connections there?”