Volume One, Chapter Five: The Shopkeeper's Assistance

Cao Huachun walked briskly through the bustling markets of the capital. Though small in stature and dressed in a moon-white eunuch’s robe, his movements were exceptionally capable and precise.

"This street is teeming with people and lined with shops; it is the perfect place for business," he remarked, stopping before a three-story pavilion to inspect it carefully.

The building faced south, its ground floor serving as a bright storefront, while the second and third floors housed private rooms. To its left was a lively teahouse, and to its right, a restaurant overflowing with savory aromas; the flow of customers was endless.

"Young Master Eunuch, have you taken a fancy to this shop?" a middle-aged man in a blue gown approached with a beaming smile.

"Are you the owner?" Cao Huachun asked, scrutinizing him.

"I am indeed. My surname is Wang, and this shop is indeed for sale."

Cao Huachun nodded. "What is your asking price?"

"Eight hundred taels of silver." Shopkeeper Wang held up eight fingers. "The location is prime and business is booming. Eight hundred is not expensive at all."

"Too expensive," Cao Huachun countered, shaking his head. "How about six hundred?"

"This..." Shopkeeper Wang hesitated. "Young Master, consider the location, the storefront..."

"I know the shop is good," Cao Huachun interrupted, "but business is difficult these days. Six hundred is a fair price."

"Seven hundred, and not a penny less," Shopkeeper Wang said, gritting his teeth.

Cao Huachun pondered for a moment. "Agreed. But I must first examine the deed and land title."

"That goes without saying," Wang smiled. "Please, follow me."

They stepped inside. Cao Huachun checked the documents thoroughly, and once confirmed, he immediately produced the silver notes to settle the payment.

"Shopkeeper Wang, I have one more favor to ask," he said, tucking the contracts away. "You are surely the most familiar with the customs of this street..."

Shopkeeper Wang smiled in understanding. "Rest assured, Young Master, I know all the rules. Since you are opening a business, you will inevitably need to grease some palms."

"I would appreciate your guidance," Cao Huachun said with a bow.

"On this street, you must appease the yamen runners, the local thugs, and the neighboring shopkeepers," Wang said, counting on his fingers. "You will need to prepare two or three hundred taels in total."

Cao Huachun nodded. "I would be grateful for your introductions."

"You are too kind," Wang laughed. "What kind of business are you planning to open?"

"Tea, porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings, along with other refined goods," Cao Huachun replied. "I intend to cater primarily to the wealthy."

"A fine eye!" Wang gave a thumbs-up. "This street is exactly in need of such a shop."

Cao Huachun smiled slightly. "May I also ask which figures on this street I should cultivate relationships with?"

"Well..." Wang lowered his voice. "There is Master Zhao, the local kingpin. And Manager Li at the teahouse across the street—he has very extensive connections..."

Cao Huachun carefully noted these names. He understood that to gain a foothold on this street, these relationships were essential.

"Oh, and one more thing," Wang added. "The owner of the silk shop at the end of the street is surnamed Wen, and it is rumored that he has ties to high-ranking officials in the imperial court..."

Cao Huachun’s eyes brightened. "A relative of Minister Wen Tiren?"

"Hush!" Wang quickly waved his hands. "One must not speak of such things lightly."

Cao Huachun felt a surge of secret delight; this was an unexpected windfall.

"Shopkeeper, take me to pay a visit to Master Zhao now." He took an ingot of silver from his sleeve.

Wang accepted the silver, his smile broadening. "This way, Young Master."

As the two were about to head out, a young man in a brocade robe strode over. "Shopkeeper Wang, I heard you are selling your shop?"

"Ah, Young Master Xue." Wang offered a conciliatory smile. "The shop has already been sold..."

"Sold?" The youth frowned. "To whom?"

"I am Cao Huachun," Cao said, bowing.

The youth looked him up and down. "You? A eunuch?"

"Indeed," Cao replied, neither humble nor overbearing.

"Hmph, and a eunuch thinks himself worthy of such a fine shop?" The youth sneered. "Shopkeeper Wang, I want this shop. Name your price."

"This..." Wang replied in a difficult tone. "The contract has already been signed..."

"A contract?" The youth scoffed. "What is the contract of a mere eunuch worth?"

Cao Huachun narrowed his eyes. "Young Master, that is not a proper way to speak."

"What? You dare to contradict me?" the youth demanded angrily.

"I would not dare," Cao Huachun smiled. "However, this shop is being established by the decree of His Majesty. If you do not believe me, you are welcome to consult Minister Wen."

"Min—Minister Wen?" The youth’s face turned pale.

"Indeed," Cao said calmly. "Are you acquainted with the Minister?"

The youth’s demeanor shifted to one of instant respect. "So you are in the service of His Majesty. I have offended you."

Cao Huachun bowed. "You are too kind, Young Master. I hope for your support in the future."

"That goes without saying," the youth replied with a forced smile. "I shall certainly pay a visit another day."

Once the youth had departed, Shopkeeper Wang looked at Cao with admiration. "A master stroke, Young Master!"

Cao Huachun smiled faintly. "Let us go. It is time to meet Master Zhao."

Along the way, they passed several large shops. Cao noticed the owners peeking at him from their doorways.

"News travels fast," he chuckled to himself.

Master Zhao lived in a secluded courtyard. Several burly men stood at the gate; seeing Wang leading someone, one of them went inside to announce their arrival.

Before long, a man in his fifties emerged. He wore a brown cloth gown and had a ruddy complexion, yet his demeanor carried a hint of the underworld.

"So this is the new Manager Cao?" the elder asked with a smile.

"It is," Cao Huachun bowed. "I have long heard of your reputation, Master Zhao, and have come to pay my respects."

"You are too polite," Master Zhao waved a hand. "Come inside."

The courtyard was filled with rare flowers and plants, looking quite elegant. Master Zhao invited them to sit and ordered tea.

"I hear Manager Cao is from the palace?" Master Zhao asked, getting straight to the point.

"Indeed," Cao replied respectfully. "By the grace of His Majesty, I have been permitted to conduct some business outside."

"Oh?" Master Zhao looked at him meaningfully. "Then Manager Cao must manage it well. The rules of this street..."

"Rest assured, Master Zhao." Cao Huachun produced a pouch from his sleeve. "I understand the rules."

Master Zhao weighed the pouch and nodded with satisfaction. "I like you. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, do not hesitate to come to me."

"Many thanks, Master Zhao." Cao Huachun rose to take his leave.

Once they were out of the courtyard, Shopkeeper Wang gave a thumbs-up. "Young Master, you truly know how to handle people! Master Zhao is not an easy man to deal with."

Cao Huachun smiled without a word. He knew this was only the first step. To stand firm on this street, there was still much to be done.

"Let's go. Take me to meet the others," he commanded.

Wang nodded repeatedly. "Right away! Let us first go to the teahouse to see Manager Li."

As the sun set, the flow of people on the street gradually thinned. Cao Huachun looked at his new shop, calculating in his heart: the first step had finally been taken.

Shopkeeper Wang asked with a smile, "Manager Cao, when do you intend to open?"

"In three days," Cao replied calmly. "I hope for your continued support, Shopkeeper."