“Father, I’ve missed you!” Zhang Fang stood up and embraced Mr. Zhang.
Mr. Zhang couldn’t hold back his emotions; while he smiled, tears welled up in his eyes. His youngest son, at just fifteen or sixteen years old, was already burdened with such weighty responsibilities.
“Father, the porcelain and tea I brought last time have sold out. Have you contacted other merchants? Is anyone willing to follow me overseas?”
Zhang Fang had purchased three streets in the Sunset Empire, intending to have domestic merchants set up shop there. Only with a group of merchants following him could they establish a solid foundation in the Sunset Empire and build a strong commercial empire. Even if the political landscape changed, and the Johnson brothers betrayed Zhang Fang, it wouldn’t affect the empire he built!
Mr. Zhang secretly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, resumed his serious demeanor, released Zhang Fang, and said, “Many people are eager to seize an opportunity with me; I’ve already chosen the first batch of partners for you.”
Zhang Fang pulled Mr. Zhang to sit down and poured him a cup of hot tea.
Mr. Zhang stared intently at Zhang Fang and murmured, “You’ve grown taller.”
The young man’s once slender shoulders had broadened considerably.
“Father, I’m already grown up and can protect you from the storm. Is everything well at home?” Zhang Fang looked at Mr. Zhang with concern.
Mr. Zhang’s smile was comforting, yet his heart felt bittersweet. He was pleased with his son’s understanding and filial piety but also felt a sense of regret that it was his own inadequacy as a father that forced his son to shoulder such burdens.
“Everything is well at home. You need to take care of yourself while you’re away.” Mr. Zhang thought it unnecessary to inform Zhang Fang about the situation in the court. After all, the officials bought off by the George family couldn’t compete with the high-ranking officials influenced by their local merchants.
Zhang Fang reminded Mr. Zhang, “Father, at this point, the George family is still unwilling to withdraw from the Eastern market. They might lash out when cornered. You must be careful when you go out, and do not let your guard down at home.”
In the Sunset Empire, the George family had attempted to undermine Zhang Fang multiple times. Zhang Fang felt they were like a rabid dog, now desperate enough to bite. He wouldn’t be surprised if the George family resorted to kidnapping Zhang family members to threaten him.
Mr. Zhang thought of this too, his expression disdainful, snorting lightly, “Just them?”
Since the George family lost military support, they could no longer act as recklessly as before within their territory. Mr. Zhang united with the members of the merchants’ association, spending money to have court officials target the George family, intending to put their textile factory out of business!
“One must always be careful and prudent. You are my most important relatives, and I do not wish for anything to happen to you.” Only with his family safe could Zhang Fang focus on his endeavors abroad.
Mr. Zhang deliberately responded to Zhang Fang impatiently, “Alright, I understand! Just take care of yourself and be safe outside!”
“Okay!” Zhang Fang nodded with a smile.
Seeing Zhang Fang so obedient, Mr. Zhang’s gaze softened and turned kind.
“Old Fifth, you finally decided to come back!”
Zhang Si, upon seeing Zhang Fang, immediately threw a punch at him.
Zhang Er and Zhang San quickly pulled him away while Zhang Da stepped forward to scrutinize Zhang Fang. He spoke in a reproachful tone, “Old Fifth, you are too bold!”
After a long absence, Zhang Fang embraced each of his brothers, smiling as he said, “I missed you all so much when I was far away.”
Zhang Da and his brothers weren’t genuinely angry with Zhang Fang; seeing him like this made them unable to suppress their smiles.
That evening, the Zhang family had a reunion dinner. Mr. Zhang watched his sons clinking glasses together, feeling immensely satisfied.
Zhang Fang’s visit was brief; he stayed at home for just three days before leaving again.
Zhang Da and his brothers knew he had secretly run off again, feeling both angry and helpless.
It was only the second day of the new year, and Mr. Zhang had already sent someone to inform the selected merchants on the list to immediately go to Haicheng to meet Zhang Fang.
The first batch of merchants chosen to collaborate with the Zhang family was ecstatic, rushing day and night with a large amount of goods towards Haicheng.
Upon arriving in Haicheng, Zhang Fang visited the fabric factory owned by the George family. Although there was no work to be done, the workers still came to the factory every day. These workers resembled soulless shells, completely devoid of spirit and vitality.
These were the workers bought at a low price by the George family; in other words, they were slaves. The George family had even sold many citizens overseas into slavery.
Leaving without emotion, Zhang Fang returned to his inn, where John’s brother was still gorging on food. Over the past six months, he had visibly gained weight.
“I heard there is a festival going on locally, dear Zhang, take me out to see!” John’s brother had truly fallen in love with this country; the rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and folk entertainment were all so enchanting! He felt he could spend his entire life here!
“Sorry, but we are about to leave.” The first batch of merchants had begun to arrive in Haicheng with their goods, loading them onto ships over the next few days. Once all the goods were on board, they would set off for the Sunset Empire.
John’s brother looked at Zhang Fang with a look of helplessness.
The first batch of merchants comprised twenty-seven individuals. In addition to porcelain and tea, it also included various handmade manufacturing industries and even established a traditional Chinese architectural industry.
As this was their first time abroad, these merchants were nervous. Upon seeing Zhang Fang, they all put on flattering smiles to curry favor with him.
Zhang Fang held a meeting on the ship to share his thoughts with them.
Upon learning that Zhang Fang intended to open several Eastern trade streets in the Sunset Empire, helping them unlock overseas markets with direct sales, the group of merchants was thrilled and rushed to praise Zhang Fang’s brilliance.
The domestic merchants, upon realizing they were not selected, felt disappointed but did not give up hope. They brought lavish gifts to the Zhang family, pleading with Mr. Zhang for a chance next time!
Mr. Zhang naturally would not refuse them. He explained that they still did not know if the overseas market could be opened, so only one batch of merchants was brought out to try. Once the trade business was established, the Zhang family would certainly lead more merchants out to trade.
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments