Chapter 67: The Purpose of Zheng Hongwen’s Visit

Let us speak of two matters. After Du Chengfeng finished training the cooks at Wangjiang Pavilion, he did not hurry back to his residence, but instead wandered around the eastern market and its surroundings. He took the opportunity to learn about the economic conditions of various trades in the vicinity of Chang’an.

To his surprise, this exploration yielded quite a few insights. At the very least, Du Chengfeng discovered that many craftsmen in the early Tang possessed a high level of skill. Yet, because their social status was low and they lacked recognition, many of these artisans had become somewhat dispirited. In their minds, whatever others told them to make, that was what they made—there was little sense of creativity. Strictly speaking, this group could only be called skilled workers; most of them still fell short of the true level of a craftsman.

Du Chengfeng had previously asked Li Xiaogong for craftsmen from various trades, hoping that their skills would not be too lacking. What he needed were people with creative minds. If that was not possible, he would have to retrain them himself.

By the time Du Chengfeng returned to his residence, it was already afternoon.

“Young Master, a certain Master Zheng from Yingyang has been waiting for you in the drawing room for over an hour,” Chunlan, the maid who had been keeping watch at the front courtyard, approached to inform him as soon as he arrived.

“Did he mention what business he has with me?” Du Chengfeng asked as he walked.

“No, Young Master. Master Zheng didn’t say anything. He simply said he would wait for your return,” Chunlan replied.

From what Du Chengfeng knew, there was indeed a prominent Zheng family in Yingyang. Could this Master Zheng be one of them? Yet, he was certain he’d had no dealings with the Zhengs. Why would they come seeking him now? Some time ago, he had offended Consort Zheng—could she be related to this Zheng family? If so, perhaps this was a visit to demand an explanation.

With that in mind, Du Chengfeng asked, “Did Master Zheng come alone, or was he accompanied by others?”

“He came alone, I saw clearly,” Chunlan answered.

“Very well, I’ll go see him. Prepare some refreshments—in any case, we mustn’t neglect our guest.” With that, Du Chengfeng strode toward the drawing room.

He was curious to see whether a scion of a noble family had indeed come to make trouble. If this visitor was here to make friends, Du Chengfeng would be more than happy to oblige. But if he was here to cause trouble, Du Chengfeng wouldn’t mind teaching him a lesson he’d never forget.

In moments, Du Chengfeng reached the drawing room, where a young gentleman about his own age sat waiting. The youth was remarkably handsome, his features noble and refined, his eyes bright, dressed in luxurious silk, seated calmly in an armchair and gazing quietly toward the door.

Though he had waited an hour, the young man was clearly patient, showing no sign of irritation—still sitting with composed decorum.

In a glance, Du Chengfeng had already sized up his guest: from attire and bearing, this was almost certainly a son of an illustrious family. The average wealthy youth often exuded a certain air of money, but this Master Zheng, so young and visiting alone, seemed utterly unruffled—such rare composure was surely the result of careful upbringing among the great clans.

Master Zheng also noticed Du Chengfeng’s arrival, but not knowing his identity, did not speak hastily.

Du Chengfeng walked over with poise and sat opposite Zheng, courteously pouring two cups of the residence’s special green tea—one for Zheng, one for himself.

“Master Zheng, I presume? I am Du Chengfeng, the one you’ve been waiting for. May I ask, sir, your purpose in visiting?” he began.

At Du Chengfeng’s self-introduction, Master Zheng’s expression shifted slightly—at last, the man he sought had arrived.

“Young Master Du is truly a dragon among men—your bearing is extraordinary,” Zheng responded in a gentle, refined tone, immediately offering a generous compliment.

Du Chengfeng took no notice of the flattery; his expression remained unchanged, eyes fixed on his guest, waiting for him to continue.

Seeing that Du Chengfeng did not react, Zheng introduced himself: “Young Master Du, I am Zheng Hongwen of the Zheng family of Yingyang. I wonder if you have heard of us?”

“Yes, I have heard of you. The Zheng family of Yingyang is renowned throughout the realm. May I ask what brings you to the house of a humble commoner like myself?” Du Chengfeng replied indifferently.

Having confirmed his guest was indeed from a noble house, Du Chengfeng’s enthusiasm waned.

Zheng Hongwen chuckled lightly, apparently unconcerned. “Young Master Du, you are fond of jest. Your youthful fame has spread throughout Chang’an, and you are greatly favored by His Majesty. In just a month or two, you have built up a vast enterprise in this city. If such a person as you is but a commoner, then the rest of us ought to be ashamed.”

Du Chengfeng picked up his tea, took a sip, and replied casually, “Ah, fame and fortune are but fleeting things, not worth mentioning. Master Zheng, perhaps you should say what business brings you to my humble door.”

For some reason, Zheng Hongwen’s presence made Du Chengfeng uncomfortable. Though his guest was unfailingly polite and refined, something about him felt insincere.

Seeing Du Chengfeng’s nonchalance, Zheng had no choice but to proceed directly: “Very well, since you ask, I will be frank.”

“Please, go on,” Du Chengfeng said, spreading his hands to indicate the other should continue.

“I have heard that a few days ago, you presented two rather miraculous medicines to His Majesty in the court. Is this true?” Zheng asked, probing.

So, that’s it—he’s come for the medicines.

At last, the fox’s tail is revealed. Zheng Hongwen’s purpose was now as clear as day.

“Your sources are quite impressive, Master Zheng. It’s a long way from Chang’an to Yingyang, and you’ve come all this way, braving dust and distance—it cannot have been easy,” Du Chengfeng replied with icy sarcasm. “But since you know I have already presented the formulas to His Majesty, may I ask why you have come to see me?”

The matter of presenting the medicines had occurred before all the officials; Du Chengfeng was not surprised the Zheng family got wind of it so quickly. After all, among those officials, there were surely supporters of the Zhengs. There was no need for him to deny it.

Zheng Hongwen smiled elegantly. “Though you delivered the formulas into His Majesty’s hands yourself, our Zheng family believes that, with your talents, you must already have mastered the methods for preparing the medicines. Thus, we hope to form a sincere partnership with you, Young Master Du, so that we might prosper together.”

Having spoken, Zheng Hongwen took a long drink of tea, then looked confidently at Du Chengfeng, waiting quietly for his reply, showing no sign of impatience.