Chapter 29: Fortune Favors the Bold

After seeing the government soldiers off, Chen Tong watched their receding figures and let out a long sigh of relief. He understood, however, that such luck could not last forever; he had to find a more stable path for development.

"This is the only way!"

With that, Chen Tong carefully packed the glass cups and tableware he had exchanged from the Jingbao Pawnshop. He also selected a portion of refined salt and, filled with anticipation, decided to head into town to negotiate business with Boss Zhang, a local merchant.

Chen Tong rode hard to reach the city and went straight to Boss Zhang’s shop. The store was bustling with activity, and Boss Zhang was busy weaving through the crowd, greeting customers with enthusiasm. Glancing over and spotting Chen Tong, he paused for a moment, then squeezed out a smile and said, "Oh, Scholar Chen, what wind has blown you here today?"

Chen Tong smiled back. "Boss Zhang, it has been a while. I’ve come today because I have a major business proposition to discuss with you."

The moment the word "business" was mentioned, Boss Zhang’s eyes lit up. He quickly set aside his work and invited Chen Tong into the back room, closing the door carefully behind them. "Scholar Chen, please, take a seat. Tell me, what is this business?"

Chen Tong didn't waste any time. He took out the glass cups and tableware he had brought and arranged them on the table. "Boss Zhang, take a look at these."

Seeing the crystal-clear glass, Boss Zhang’s eyes widened in astonishment. He picked up a cup, held it up to the light to examine it closely, and turned it in his hand, feeling the texture of the glass. "Scholar Chen," he exclaimed, "these items are truly rare! Where did you get them?"

Chen Tong smiled faintly and replied calmly, "Boss Zhang, you know that our Qingfeng City is located on the border; these items were imported from overseas. As of now, I am the only one in this city who has them."

Boss Zhang nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "They are indeed fine goods. The wealthy and powerful in this city will certainly love them."

Chen Tong struck while the iron was hot. "Boss Zhang, I have come to propose a partnership. You have extensive connections and are well-informed in this city. If we work together to promote these items, we will surely make a fortune. Furthermore, I have a large supply of refined salt. You know as well as I do that salt is a highly sought-after commodity in these chaotic times. If we join forces, this business is bound to flourish."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Boss Zhang’s face faded. He furrowed his brows, pondered for a moment, and replied with hesitation.

"Scholar Chen, what you say is certainly attractive. But as you know, the salt trade is strictly controlled by the government, and the risks are simply too high. My modest business cannot withstand such a storm. I am afraid I cannot take on the salt trade."

Chen Tong had anticipated this concern. Unfazed, he took an exquisitely crafted set of glass tableware from his bag and placed it gently on the table. The set refracted the light in the room, casting iridescent colors that immediately captivated Boss Zhang.

"Boss Zhang, look at this set. This is top-tier craftsmanship from abroad; you won't find another like it in all of Qingfeng City." Chen Tong picked up a glass plate to showcase its intricate patterns. "Just imagine how prestigious it would look on the dining tables of the elite. Moreover, once we get this glass business off the ground, there will be even more novel goods to follow. As for the refined salt, I have an absolutely secure method that guarantees it will cause you no trouble."

Boss Zhang’s gaze was locked onto the glass set. His hand reached out instinctively to touch it, his eyes filled with indecision—torn between the temptation of massive profits and the fear of the risks associated with the salt trade. After a long silence, he gritted his teeth and said, "Scholar Chen, you truly make it hard for me to refuse. Fine, for the sake of these glass items, I will give it a try. But let us be clear: if anything goes wrong, you must bear the responsibility alone."

Chen Tong was overjoyed. "Boss Zhang, rest assured. I have always been a man of discretion; our partnership will surely be successful. From now on, we shall share in the fortunes and face the hardships together!"

As they finished talking and Chen Tong prepared to leave, he suddenly remembered something and stopped. "Boss Zhang, there is one more favor I would like to ask. Could you help me collect some antiques, calligraphy, and paintings?"

Boss Zhang looked puzzled. "Scholar Chen, why do you need such things? They are hard to find, and they aren't cheap."

Chen Tong gave a mysterious smile. "Boss Zhang, to be honest, my overseas clients have a special fondness for these antiques. They do not have our long history or such exquisite art, so they find these things incredibly rare. If we can acquire high-quality pieces and sell them to them, the profits will be substantial."

Boss Zhang’s eyes flashed with interest. He stroked his chin and thought for a moment before saying, "Scholar Chen, your idea is certainly novel. However, the world of antiques is deep and treacherous; one can easily be deceived if not careful."

Chen Tong replied confidently, "Boss Zhang, you are surely more knowledgeable than I am in this regard. As long as you keep an eye out, with your connections and keen eye, you will certainly find good pieces. We shall make a fortune together."

Boss Zhang nodded. "Very well. Since you put it that way, I will keep a lookout. If I find anything suitable, I will notify you immediately."

Chen Tong smiled with satisfaction. "Then I leave it to you, Boss Zhang."

After leaving the shop, Chen Tong headed straight back to the new village. Although the village was still somewhat rudimentary, it was full of vitality. Everyone was working together to build houses and cultivate the land; the scene was bustling with energy. Chen Tong found Xie Qingshuang in the crowd. She was directing a few men in moving timber, sweat beading on her forehead, yet she remained full of vigor.

Seeing Chen Tong return, Xie Qingshuang went to meet him. "Brother Chen, how did your trip to the city go?"

Chen Tong wiped the sweat from his brow. "Qingshuang, it went quite smoothly. I have finalized a partnership with Boss Zhang; our first venture is underway."

Xie Qingshuang frowned slightly, a hint of worry in her eyes. "What kind of venture is it? I feel uneasy just hearing about it."

Chen Tong looked around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, he lowered his voice. "Some glass products and refined salt. But as you know, refined salt is contraband, so our market will primarily be the officials and the nobility."

Xie Qingshuang’s expression turned solemn. "Brother Chen, the risk is too great. If the government finds out, we will be in serious trouble."

Chen Tong patted her shoulder, comforting her. "Qingshuang, I understand your concern. But wealth is sought in danger; if we don't take risks, how can we achieve great development? Besides, I have already discussed countermeasures with Boss Zhang. As long as we act with caution, there will be no problems."