Chapter Forty-Four: Good Deeds Are Rewarded

People coming to the wasteland were of no use, but Wei Renshi’s purpose was not to farm, so the land had its own value.

Setting aside the matter of Zheng, the village chief, negotiating to purchase several plots of saline land, Wei Renshi’s chief concern at this moment was the distillery.

The construction of the distillery was not complicated; the crucial part lay in building a proper fermentation cellar. Fortunately, Old Sun had spent his entire life as a wine-maker, his days intertwined with the art of brewing. He knew precisely how the distillery should be built and how the cellar should be laid. With him guiding the process, Wei Renshi had complete peace of mind.

After half a month, the distillery was nearly finished. It would take at least another half month before it could be put to use, and thankfully the weather was warm—otherwise, the wait would be even longer.

Taking advantage of a free moment, Wei Renshi made his way to the home of Jiao Haiqing.

As he entered the rear hall, he found Jiao Haiqing munching on a fresh cucumber. Seeing Wei Renshi arrive, Jiao gestured to the plate beside him and said, “These cucumbers are wonderfully crisp and tender, Brother Renshi—do try one.”

The cucumbers had been provided by Wei Renshi’s instruction to Jiao Haiqing’s cook, as a supplement for times when food was scarce at Jiao’s restaurant. Wei Renshi did not stand on ceremony; he took one, sat opposite Jiao, and bit into it. The taste was indeed crisp and juicy, refreshing his palate.

“How has your health been these past few days?” Wei Renshi inquired.

Jiao Haiqing replied, “Since Brother Renshi helped me with my ailments, I haven’t felt dizzy again. My body feels livelier, proving your methods truly effective. By the way, is there something you need today?”

“I’d like to ask your manager Tian to help me find a shop with a backyard in Luoyang,” Wei Renshi said. “I’m planning to open a shop and sell some goods.”

“Oh?” Jiao Haiqing’s eyes brightened, and he finished the cucumber in his hand before asking, “What business do you intend to pursue?”

“I plan to run this business myself,” Wei Renshi explained, understanding Jiao’s curiosity. “The method is simple; even if I find trustworthy staff, the secret could leak quickly, and others would rush to imitate. So it’s a short-term opportunity—if I seize the advantage, I’ll earn handsomely. Once the method spreads, profits will diminish.”

“If you’re managing it yourself, I won’t ask further,” Jiao Haiqing responded. “I’ll write a letter at once and have it delivered to Luoyang. Are there any other requirements?”

Wei Renshi considered for a moment and said, “Something slightly larger in the South Market, preferably facing the street, where there’s plenty of foot traffic. If possible, buy rather than rent, and the sooner the better.”

“That won’t be cheap,” Jiao Haiqing remarked. “Such shops cost several thousand strings of cash—some even tens of thousands or more.”

“Then let’s aim for the minimum. I’m far too poor,” Wei Renshi joked. “Brother Jiao, could you lend me the money? When the profits come in, I’ll repay you with interest from my share, all right?”

Jiao Haiqing waved his hand. “I owe my life and health to you, Brother Renshi. I’ll rely on you for guidance in the future as well—so what’s this talk of interest? Don’t worry, when you find a shop you like, I’ll have Manager Tian buy it outright.”

“Speaking of profits, how’s the seasoning business going?” Wei Renshi asked.

At this, Jiao Haiqing laughed, his eyes squeezed nearly shut with delight. He clapped his hands and said, “Brother Renshi, you’re truly a genius! In half a month, every restaurant and tavern in Fuchang, big or small, is buying seasonings from our shop. Once they try them, they can’t let go—they keep coming back for more! My elder brother has already arranged for people to seek shops in both Luoyang and Chang’an, and samples are being sent to the restaurants there as well. Soon, we’ll be selling in those cities too.”

Wei Renshi sighed, “Your family truly has deep roots. When you decide to expand, you do it with ease. Everything I attempt must be built up bit by bit.”

“With your abilities, Brother Renshi, how could you not prosper?” Jiao Haiqing said with a smile. “Perhaps, in time, my family will depend on your support. By the way, Manager Tian mentioned you’re interested in entering the wine-brewing business?”

“Your Manager Tian is truly loyal. When will I ever have such reliable helpers?” Wei Renshi laughed. “Indeed, I’m planning to start, and the distillery is under construction.”

“Is that so?” Jiao Haiqing sat up, then asked, “If my family buys wine from you, could we get a better price than others?”

Wei Renshi laughed aloud. “You trust me that much? What if my wine is undrinkable?”

Jiao Haiqing chuckled, “I believe in your skills. If you weren’t capable, you wouldn’t venture into this business.”

“That depends on how much profit you’re willing to share,” Wei Renshi said. “If the share is substantial, we could even work together directly.”

At such times, it was easier to speak frankly with merchants; interests could be laid out openly, without fear of criticism for talking about profit.

“How would that work?” Jiao Haiqing asked eagerly.

“In the domestic market, the distillery will handle sales itself. But overseas, the distillery can’t reach those markets yet. Your family has sea vessels; we could set a five-year term. For five years, the distillery will sell wine to you at cost price, and you can distribute it overseas. The profits from overseas sales—we take a share, and the rest is yours,” Wei Renshi explained.

“Overseas?!” Jiao Haiqing exclaimed in astonishment. “Brother Renshi, your ambitions are vast! Is this wine some legendary recipe revived?”

“When the distillery is finished, I’ll invite you to taste it,” Wei Renshi smiled. “Once you try it, you’ll understand why I dare make such claims.”

“I’m terribly curious now!” Jiao Haiqing said. “When will the distillery be ready? If you need help, just ask.”

“Another half month, I think,” Wei Renshi replied. “Actually, I do have a few things to ask, Brother Jiao. Do you know any grain merchants? Brewing requires grain, and not in small quantities. Without a reliable, steady supply, it won’t work. And I need trustworthy staff—people of good character. I don’t know where to find such helpers, so I’d appreciate any guidance.”

Jiao Haiqing pondered for a moment. “As for staff—perhaps you could visit the prefectural office. Sometimes, servants, stewards, and accountants from households that have been confiscated or have fallen on hard times are sold by the authorities. You can buy their contracts; they’re in high demand, well-trained, and their records are kept at the prefecture, making them reliable. As for grain merchants, when my elder brother returns from Luoyang, you can discuss it with him—he has several grain merchants under his management.”

Several grain merchants under his command!

Wei Renshi’s understanding of the Jiao family’s business deepened.

Their enterprise was broader and larger than he had imagined.

Then why were they still based in Fuchang?

Such questions remained in his mind, but he did not concern himself with them. The greater the reach of the Jiao family’s business, the more help they could offer him now.

Wei Renshi began to feel that good deeds truly bring good fortune—his rescue of Jiao Haiqing in the Hall of Health that day had indeed been the right thing to do.