Moma Liangshan

Chapter 72 Heroes Gather from All Directions

After Wang Hao left Fanlou, Master Li said, "Wang Hao auctioned off the shares of Baxian Winery, and he gave half a share to Dongjing City. In your opinion, should I also acquire that half share?" Boss Han pondered for a moment and said, "Although Fanlou is a Li family business, these days, when people mention Fanlou, their first thought is almost always Wang Hao, and their second thought is Miss Shishi. Miss Shishi and Wang Hao are as close as siblings, and it's an open secret that they go in and out of the Imperial Palace to meet the Emperor together. The Li family's backer has fallen, and they are hated by the powerful Grand Tutor Cai, but after so many years, why has the Li family's business only been nibbled away by rivals, and no one has dared to devour it whole? I wonder if Uncle has thought about this?" His nephew had indeed impressed Master Li today. He said, "Although Fanlou is large, Miss Shishi is the only core. It is because Miss Shishi is in Fanlou that the Li family has been able to retain its last bit of dignity."

Boss Han closed the doors and windows and said, “Miss Shishi is just a woman, yet she possesses such immense power due to the Emperor’s favor. Uncle should understand that compared to the Emperor’s grace, rank and power are secondary. This is also the main reason why Wang Hao can simultaneously contend with Cai Jing and Gao Qiu without being at a disadvantage.” Master Li fell into deep thought, and after a long while, said, “So you think I should acquire the other half of the shares to definitively demonstrate the Li family’s stance?” Boss Han nodded and said, “Exactly!” Master Li asked again, “You think so highly of Wang Hao?” Boss Han shook his head and said, “We have no other choice. If we miss out on Wang Hao again, the Li family will likely be wiped out in the capital within a few years.” Master Li suddenly pushed open the doors and windows and said, “The Fanlou restaurant, which rakes in money every day, not only reminds people of the Li family’s former power but also constantly reminds them of the Li family’s current helplessness!” Boss Han stood beside Master Li and slowly said, “The Li family cannot be without both support and allies; otherwise, they will only become lambs to the slaughter!”

Li Yuanwai's expression turned fierce as he said, "During the auction of the Eight Immortals Winery's shares, Fanlou will cease operations to focus on entertaining wealthy merchants from all over the country. All expenses will be borne by the Li family!" After a pause, he continued, "Please send another invitation to Wang Hao, inviting him to a banquet at Fanlou the day after tomorrow." Boss Han was surprised and asked, "Uncle, you've made up your mind so quickly?" Li Yuanwai nodded and said, "What Wang Hao needs most right now is money, and what the Li family has the most of right now is also money. If Wang Hao rises to prominence in the future, the Li family will be his closest ally. To cultivate such a friendship, one must show sufficient sincerity at crucial moments; otherwise, it's impossible!" Boss Han was full of admiration and said, "Uncle's courage and decisiveness are something I can never learn!" Li Yuanwai smiled bitterly and said, "When the situation develops to a certain point, and a choice must be made, you will understand my feelings right now!" Boss Han asked, "What kind of feelings?" Li Yuanwai suddenly laughed and said, "Forced by circumstances, doing my best and leaving the rest to fate!"

Two days later, in the elegant pavilion of Fanlou, Wang Hao sat facing Master Li. Wang Hao said, "Master Li, what brings you here with such hospitality?" Knowing Wang Hao disliked beating around the bush, Master Li said directly, "If the Li family intends to invest 800,000 strings of cash in Jiaozhou, what would you think, young master?" Wang Hao was quite surprised, but quickly regained his composure and said, "The Li family must be facing difficulties!" Master Li asked, "How so?" Wang Hao replied, "The Li family has been established in Dongjing for a century; they are not comparable to ordinary wealthy merchants. They would not choose to cooperate with someone like me, who is controversial, unless absolutely necessary!" Master Li exclaimed, "Young master, you truly understand the ways of the world and know your enemy well!" Wang Hao remained calm and said, "The Li family has money I urgently need, and I will certainly bring them surprises in the future!" Master Li asked, "Can this be considered your promise to the Li family?" "Oh?" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "No, this is my attitude towards merchants across the land!" Wang Hao's boldness exceeded Li Yuanwai's expectations. He said, "The Li family is willing to witness this day with you, young master!" After a slight pause, he added, "May I participate in the bidding for the share in Dongjing City?" Wang Hao said, "The first auction is reserved for Dongjing merchants, but only the Emperor will be the final winner. If you, Li Yuanwai, wish to participate, you can be his accompaniment!" Li Yuanwai was surprised and cautiously asked, "The Emperor is so busy with state affairs, how could he get involved in such trivial matters?" Wang Hao smiled and said, "All the money obtained from the Fanlou auction will be invested in the construction of Jiaozhou Bay, and Jiaozhou Bay is related to border military affairs. How could the Emperor not personally oversee it?" Fanlou was a property of the Li family, and Emperor Huizong was a frequent customer of Fanlou. Li Yuanwai knew this emperor quite well. Although Wang Hao's explanation was watertight, if the person in charge was no longer Wang Hao, how could the Emperor possibly participate in the same matter? Master Li had made up his mind to cooperate with Wang Hao. The greater Wang Hao's abilities, the more it suited the Li family's interests. He said, "From today onwards, the Li family will follow your lead!" Wang Hao smiled casually and said, "I don't like to use my power to oppress others! From today onwards, the Li family and I will work together wholeheartedly!" The more Master Li communicated with Wang Hao, the more he felt that his choice was correct. He said, "A woman adorns herself for her lover, and a scholar dies for his confidant. The Li family is willing to serve you faithfully!"

Fanlou offered lodging, but it wasn't an inn; merchants from various regions stayed in nearby inns. Merchants from Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Mingzhou, under Fang La's coercion and enticement, were all forced to join Lü Shinang's organization. Fang Tianding and Fang Jie also came to Dongjing with Lü Shinang. Lü Shinang booked the entire inn west of Fanlou, forbidding anyone else from staying there. Fang Tianding stood on the second floor, opened the window and looked at Fanlou across the road. He said, "I've heard that Fanlou is where Wang Hao made his name?" Lü Shinang replied, "Back then, Wang Hao brought Eight Immortals Wine to Tokyo and met Li Shishi in Fanlou. It was through Li Shishi's introduction that he gained the emperor's favor, which led to his current success." Fang Tianding, young and impetuous, was quite unconvinced by Wang Hao and said, "A respectable man like him has to rely on a woman's connections to rise to power. No matter what his future achievements are, he can't wash away the stain of his past!" Fang Jie said, "Wang Hao also came from a rural background. Using a woman to rise to power was probably out of necessity!" Fang Tianding remained disdainful and said, "While Wang Hao's family background may not be comparable to that of a powerful clan, they were undoubtedly wealthy in the countryside. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had strong men following him when he entered Tokyo."

Lu Shinang was quite surprised and said, "I didn't expect that the young master knew so much about Wang Hao's background!" Fang Tianding said, "Of the three warhorses you bought from Wang Hao, the Holy Duke bestowed one upon me. Later, I learned that Wang Hao was just a teenager, yet he could command the unparalleled warriors' loyalty. I dared not underestimate him and specially sent someone to Tokyo to investigate his background!" Fang Jie, upon hearing this, said, "Wang Hao's actions, though lacking in heroic spirit, were not self-serving. As outsiders, we should not look at him with disdain!" Fang Tiandi shook his head and said, "Cousin should know that we brought Wang Hao two million strings of cash this time. If this money were used to recruit soldiers, we could obtain 20,000 elite troops." He paused for a moment, looked at the two, and continued, "Although we have no official cooperation with Wang Hao, we have the reality of cooperation. Such an important person, if we don't..." "How can we feel at ease if we dig to the bottom of things?" Lu Shinang said, "Young Master's foresight is admirable!" Fang Tiandi looked at Fang Jie and said, "My cousin is a fierce general who only loves charging into battle and dislikes deceit. Although I lead troops, I must consider the overall situation; otherwise, how can I stand alone for the Holy Duke!" He then looked at Lu Shinang and said, "Prepare three sets of long robes. Tonight, we'll go to Fanlou for a drink." Lu Shinang said, "Young Master, you may not know, but the owner of Fanlou has closed down for Wang Hao's auction. Starting tomorrow, only those who have paid the auction deposit will be allowed to enter Fanlou." Fang Tiandi's lips curled slightly, and he said, "Fanlou is the number one restaurant in Tokyo. For Wang Hao to be able to use Fanlou for his own purposes, he is definitely not a peaceful person! Then we'll wait until tomorrow to enter Fanlou." Lu Shinang said, "I will go and make the arrangements immediately!" After speaking, he turned and took his leave.

In another inn behind Fanlou, a master and servant were also gazing at Fanlou from their windows. The man in the lead, with piercing eyes, arched eyebrows, and a nine-foot-tall, silver-white frame, spoke up, "What do you think of the grandeur of Fanlou, Xiao Yi?" The man called Xiao Yi was none other than Yan Qing, nicknamed "The Prodigal Son." Yan Qing had lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by the Lu family. He was the trusted servant of Lu Junyi, the current head of the Lu family. He was covered in embroidered patterns, skilled in crossbows, proficient in sumo wrestling, and highly skilled in martial arts. Moreover, he was multi-talented, excelling in playing musical instruments, singing, dancing, various regional dialects, and all sorts of arts and crafts. Upon hearing the patriarch's question, Yan Qing said, "Fanlou is indeed magnificent, and its interior is filled with countless beauties. However, I have a question." Lu Junyi asked, "What is it?" Yan Qing replied, "Patriarch, you are particularly fond of martial arts. Why have you traveled all this way to Dongjing City to attend an auction for the shares of a winery?" Lu Junyi looked at Fanlou across the street and said, "I and Lin Chong, the instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards, are from the same school. Wang Hao, the owner of the Eight Immortals Winery, has done Lin Chong a great favor. There are many rumors about Wang Hao in the marketplace, some praising and some criticizing him, but his Eight Immortals Wine is indeed of a high quality. After staying in Daming Prefecture for so long, it's good to get out and about!" Yan Qing said, "I didn't know that Patriarch also has..." "Junior Brother!" Lu Junyi said with deep emotion, "Although Lin Chong and I are from the same school, we didn't know each other. My master told me that Lin Chong took me in a year after I graduated. Later, I heard that this junior brother was an upright official, so I wanted to meet him, but unfortunately, I was too busy with worldly affairs. This delay lasted for many years. The next time I received news of Lin Chong was when he burned down the hay storage yard and was wanted by the government!" Yan Qing comforted him, "In this world, corrupt officials are rampant. Instructor Lin must have suffered an injustice!" Lu Junyi said, "Wang Hao has an official post and probably knows some inside information. Once we get half a share of the shares in Daming Prefecture, we won't have trouble seeing him. We can ask him then!"