Chapter 40: One Dares to Sell, One Dares to Buy

"Yes, your master is coming over this time as well. Everything must remain as it has always been until the dust settles." Meng Hongchang stroked his beard and spoke in a deep voice.

Xiao Cui did not respond. After offering a respectful curtsy to Meng Hongchang, she headed toward Meng Yuxi's courtyard.

Inside Meng Hongchang's study at the Meng estate, Meng Yuxi had just returned on horseback, singing the praises of his dragon-horse. Throughout the journey, the creature had moved with remarkable speed and stability, rivaling modern vehicles. If Meng Yuxi were given a long spear, he would surely emulate the legendary Zhao Zilong, charging in and out of enemy lines seven times over. Of course, he could not share such thoughts with Meng Hongchang.

"Yuxi, it is wonderful to see you enjoy it so much," Meng Hongchang said with a chuckle as he brewed a fresh pot of tea, clearly intending to have a proper conversation. "These dragon-horses are highly prized in the Dali Dynasty; only select dignitaries and generals on the battlefield possess them. Others, no matter how wealthy, cannot buy them."

"Old Meng, you are so wealthy, yet this is my first time seeing one. Didn't you think to procure a few for the Meng estate just in case?" Meng Yuxi asked with a smile after taking a sip of tea.

"Not at all. The dignitaries who own these are the elite of the capital, not those in the provinces. This horse can travel from Sucheng to the capital in just half a day," Meng Hongchang replied with a laugh. "Besides, I am a man of advancing years, soon to retire. I can hardly be called a dignitary." Having said this, he blew the tea leaves aside and took a slow sip.

Meng Yuxi could clearly sense that just before blowing the tea leaves, Meng Hongchang had cast a meaningful glance his way.

"Old Meng, how old are you this year?" Meng Yuxi asked, choosing not to follow up on the previous remark.

"I am forty-three," Meng Hongchang replied after a moment of contemplation while holding his teacup.

"You are in the prime of your life. Why talk of retiring like an old man?" Meng Yuxi frowned and murmured, "Has that formidable person finally made his move?"

"Earlier, you told me to forget what was said about Qin Ming, saying I shouldn't take a single word to heart. But even if I don't remember, others are still keeping tabs, aren't they?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Hongchang quickly set down his cup and bowed toward the direction of the capital. "Everything is the Emperor's arrangement. His Majesty surely has his reasons for doing so. As a subject, one must simply obey."

Meng Yuxi could not help but ask, "Old Meng, given our relationship, why are you still so formal? Every time you mention the Emperor in front of me, you start professing your loyalty. Are you hiding something? And that jade pendant—it was clearly a hidden poem about the Supreme Ruler. Do I dare use such a thing? Who would dare have that inscribed on it? Aren't they afraid of losing their heads?"

Meng Hongchang chuckled. "It is not merely professing loyalty; it is genuine loyalty. Yuxi, remember this: the current Emperor is the first sage-king in the history of the Dali Dynasty to be accomplished in both literature and martial arts. You may ponder the Emperor's intentions in your heart, but never act on them." His expression grew increasingly serious, and he made no mention of the jade pendant, pretending he hadn't heard a word.

Meng Yuxi was surprised to see this side of Meng Hongchang; in all the years he had known him, he had never seen him speak with such gravity.

"Understood. But the Emperor is only coming to oversee an examination. Where would I even find the opportunity to guess his intentions?"

Meng Hongchang nodded. "Just keep it in mind, Yuxi."

"Then when will you step down?" Meng Yuxi asked with concern. *My 'pantyhose' plan relies on Old Meng's support; he mustn't retire too quickly! So this is how the children of high officials feel—I never knew until I transmigrated!* Meng Yuxi suddenly felt the modern equivalent of "relying on one's father," though Meng Hongchang was far more formidable than any ordinary official.

Understanding his intent, Meng Hongchang replied, "It won't be that soon. I must wait until the Emperor arranges my successor. The Meng family has served the royal house for generations..." He trailed off, and Meng Yuxi listened intently. *It seems his next appointment is already decided. Old Meng is truly tight-lipped; he won't let a single word slip.*

Just as Meng Yuxi was about to press him further, Meng Hongchang interrupted, "I hear you've designed a new type of stocking. Do you think this design will be a big seller?"

Knowing that Old Meng didn't want to talk about it and that further questioning would be a waste of breath, Meng Yuxi laughed. "It will be more than a big seller. I intend to have the entire Dali Dynasty captivated by my 'Valentino' stockings."

Meng Hongchang stood up. "Be captivated if you wish, but I certainly won't be wearing them." He walked to the bookcase behind him and pulled out a stack of stamped contracts.

He searched through them page by page. "Valentino, Valentino... Ah, here it is." He brought the document to Meng Yuxi.

Meng Yuxi saw it was indeed for the Valentino Textile Mill, listing the location, the land deed, the list of workers, the names and quantities of spinning wheels, and the official seal of the Dali Dynasty’s textile bureau.

"The paperwork in this Dali Dynasty is quite impressive, no worse than the contracts I used to deal with!" Meng Yuxi said with admiration, rubbing his chin.

"What do you mean by 'contract'?" Meng Hongchang looked up, confused by the term.

Meng Yuxi brushed it off with a laugh. "Oh, it's just a type of agreement. I must have misheard something while I was out drinking. Old Meng, why are you bringing out the original deed for Valentino?"

Meng Hongchang nodded. "This Valentino—it has been operating for years. The quality is excellent, but it is always running at a loss. I thought about selling it, turning it from a state-run mill into a private one so it might become more agile. As a state-run mill, we have to meet mandatory textile quotas every year, leaving no time or opportunity to weave other things. Do you understand what I mean?"

Meng Yuxi nodded, thinking, *I know this plot; I've seen it in dramas all the time. But for someone in your position, Old Meng, the ending is rarely perfect.*

"Since it's losing so much money, I'll take it over. From now on, any losses are on me," Meng Yuxi said, patting his chest generously. "Old Meng, I'll turn this Valentino around even if I have to pour my own money into it. And for government procurement, I'll offer a twenty percent discount on the original price when selling back to the palace. I won't make things difficult for you, and no one will be able to find fault."

Meng Hongchang looked at Meng Yuxi, his eyes shining. This child was sharp—he understood the situation instantly. The future glory of the Meng family rested on his shoulders.

Gritting his teeth, Meng Hongchang said, "Since I'm retiring anyway, consider it a good deed. There are eight other businesses here that have been running at a loss for years—take them all!"