"Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong was startled, and his sleepiness immediately dissipated. He said to the carriage, "Grand Mistress, I met an acquaintance. I'll be back soon." The Grand Mistress hastily opened the curtain, only to see him dismount from the horse and run quickly to the restaurant.
Lin Wanrong entered the restaurant and ran straight upstairs. The third floor was very spacious. He found the position he had been aiming at, but there was no one there. There was no trace of Uncle Wei.
This was strange. Was there something wrong with my eyes? That blind old man had obviously returned to his hometown. How could he appear in Hangzhou? He thought to himself as he resentfully went downstairs.
In a private room upstairs, there were several pairs of eyes staring at him. A middle-aged man with a pale face, dressed in a yellow satin robe, looked at Lin Wanrong's figure and said lightly, "Is this the Lin Wanrong you were talking about?"
"Reporting to Master, it's him." Standing next to him was an old man with empty eyes. He was actually blind. Hearing the middle-aged man's question, the blind old man hurriedly answered respectfully.
The middle-aged man looked at Lin Wanrong with great interest, nodded and said, "This kid is quite clever. I was sitting with you for a while, but he ran into me. Was the business of the Xiao Family recently his idea? "
"According to the investigation of my informant, it was indeed done by this Lin Wanrong," said the blind old man.
The middle-aged man said with a smile, "He has a way of getting some money. Looking at the way he struts, he doesn't seem to be a person to be trifled with. It's not far from what you described. This is interesting. Is the person in the carriage a member of the Xiao Family? "
"Yes, in my opinion, that should be the Xiao Family's Grand Mistress," the old man said respectfully.
"Lady Xiao?" A trace of disappointment flashed across the middle-aged man's face. He sighed and said, "In the blink of an eye, 20 years have passed. I didn't expect her daughter to have grown up so much. "
He seemed to be reminiscing and said, "You've been in the Xiao Family all these years. How is Miss Guo doing?" The middle-aged man's expression changed very quickly. After he finished speaking, there was no trace of hesitation on his face, and he regained his calm expression.
"Reporting to Master, in this servant's opinion, Miss Guo has suffered a lot these years. The Xiao Family's Old Master and Young Master passed away one after another, and the Xiao Family relied on her to make a living. It wasn't easy for her until Grand Mistress grew up. "
The middle-aged man nodded and said, "I wonder if she still remembers me? I was too cautious back then and missed the opportunity. "
The blind old man hurriedly said, "Master, it was because of your forbearance back then that you managed to achieve great things. This servant has endless admiration for you."
"Endure silently? I've endured too much. " A trace of sternness flashed across his face, and he said, "You've been in the Xiao Family all these years. Does Miss Guo know your identity?"
"She doesn't know. I only said that I was the servant of Master Xiao's old friend, and Miss Guo has always trusted me. After I left the Xiao Family, I recommended this Lin Wanrong to the Xiao Family. "The old man said.
The old man's face regained its indifference. He said, "From what you've mentioned, this Lin Wanrong does have some means. Let him protect the Xiao Family first, and we'll slowly observe the other matters."
It was not easy to get praise from the middle-aged man. The blind old man hurriedly responded, and his empty eyes flashed with a deep light.
Lin Wanrong returned to the Grand Mistress's carriage. Xiao Yuruo looked at him and said, "What have you been doing? Why are you so rash?"
Lin Wanrong didn't find Old Man Wei, so he wasn't in a good mood. He nodded and said, "I saw an old friend. Oh, it's Uncle Wei. Grand Mistress, you should know him, right? "
"Uncle Wei?" Grand Mistress frowned and said, "Of course I know him. He's the disciple of my grandfather's old friend. He stayed in our Xiao Family for many years, and only left a few months ago. Do you know him? "
It turned out that he was the disciple of Master Xiao's old friend. No wonder this Old Wei didn't have to do anything and could live out his retirement in the Xiao Family. Lin Wanrong told her about his relationship with Old Wei. Grand Mistress nodded and said, "So you were recommended by Uncle Wei. No wonder. Uncle Wei's vision has always been very accurate. Mother has always respected him."
Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Grand Mistress's vision is also not bad."
"You're really thick-skinned." Grand Mistress said softly.
The Xiao Family's branch in Hangzhou was very large, and it faced the West Lake. In Hangzhou, it was considered a golden treasure. The shopkeeper was a woman in her forties or fifties who looked very capable.
"Grand Mistress, you're finally here." The shopkeeper held Grand Mistress's hand and said with a smile.
"Mammy Zhang, I haven't seen you for a long time. How are you?" Grand Mistress seemed to be very close to the shopkeeper.
Mammy Zhang smiled and said, "Good, very good. Thanks to Madam and Miss."
"This is my wet nurse when I was young." Grand Mistress introduced her to Lin Wanrong.
It turned out that she was a wet nurse. No wonder she was so close. Lin Wanrong bowed to Mammy Zhang and said, "Mammy Zhang, hello. Looking at your kind face, I know you're a kind person. My name is Lin San. Mammy, please take care of me in the future."
Mammy Zhang smiled and said, "You're Lin San. I've heard a lot of people in the house mention you. Not bad. You're really good-looking. Since you're in Hangzhou, you and Grand Mistress can rest assured and live here. I'll take care of everything. "
"Mammy …" Grand Mistress's face turned red and she hurriedly shouted. She probably heard some ambiguity in Mammy's words.
Grand Mistress is too sensitive. I haven't thought about that yet. Lin Wanrong smiled, and Grand Mistress's face turned red again. She glared at him.
The Xiao Family's time-honored brand deserved its reputation. The Hangzhou branch was not only located in an excellent location, next to the West Lake, but also occupied a large area with several courtyards of different sizes.
Grand Mistress seemed to see through Lin Wanrong's thoughts and said proudly, "This house is also the ancestral property of my Xiao Family."
This Xiao Family was really a big landlord. Not only did they own several big mansions in Jinling, but they also owned a mansion in the prime area of Hangzhou. It was really amazing.
Mammy Zhang led them into the house. Grand Mistress arranged rooms for everyone and then asked Mammy Zhang, "Mammy, when is the date of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce's invitation?"
Mammy Zhang said, "It's arranged for the day after tomorrow at the Clear Rain Building on the Su Causeway. President Yu of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has already sent the invitation. "
That was to say, there were at least two days before that. Xiao Yuruo nodded and said, "Since that's the case, let's stay in Hangzhou for two days first. It's just the right time to promote the soap and perfume. "
Mammy Zhang was pleasantly surprised and said, "Grand Mistress, can the perfume be supplied now? Many officials' wives and young ladies have come to ask. I've already pushed it back again and again. "
Grand Mistress said with a smile, "Since we've waited for so long, there's no harm in waiting a little longer. There's only a limit of 100 bottles in Hangzhou. You can let these young ladies and madams register first. It won't be too late to inform them when the goods arrive."
Mammy Zhang agreed. Grand Mistress saw that the perfume was selling so well and was very happy in her heart. She looked at Lin Wanrong and said to Mammy Zhang, "How is the effect of the soap I sent you a few days ago?" It turned out that the day after Lin Wanrong finished his experiment, Grand Mistress sent a horse to Hangzhou with the soap to test the reaction of all parties.
Mammy Zhang said, "How could the things that Grand Mistress sent be bad? Apart from the perfume, the soap is the most popular. Unfortunately, the quantity is too small. I only gave it to a few familiar ladies to try. The response was very good. The price is also very moderate. "
Grand Mistress smiled and said, "This soap will be supplied within half a month. Mammy, you don't need to worry."
After chatting with Zhang momo for a while, the eldest young miss was very excited. Unexpectedly, even her tiredness had decreased by a lot. Seeing everyone's tired appearance, she said, "Today, everyone has been on the road for a whole day, so you must be tired. Tomorrow we'll rest for a day. The ten sceneries of West Lake are world-famous. Let's go to West Lake for a stroll. "
As she said this, she intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Lin Wanrong.
In his previous life, Lin Wanrong had also been to Hangzhou several times. Although he wasn't very familiar with West Lake, he wasn't unfamiliar either. He laughed and said, "Since it's like this, then we'll follow Grand Mistress tomorrow to avoid any delays."
This perfume and soap were very popular in Hangzhou. Grand Mistress was in a good mood, so she also smiled and said, "That's good. You can all follow me tomorrow. I've been to Hangzhou several times, but I don't have the time to stroll around West Lake. It just so happens that I'm free tomorrow. "
Grand Mistress was in such a good mood. Moreover, it was a public holiday. Only an idiot wouldn't go. Lin Wanrong returned to his room. Just as he yawned and was about to sleep, he heard a knock on the door. Maid Xiao Cui's voice came through, "Third brother, Grand Mistress wants to talk to you."
What was going on? It was already so late and she didn't let him rest. This girl really worked like her life depended on it.
Grand Mistress's room was across the courtyard from Lin Wanrong's room. As he entered her room, he saw that she had just freshened up. She had a sweet smile on her face and her bright eyes were kind. She was smiling at him.
Smelling the faint fragrance coming from Grand Mistress's body, Lin Wanrong's heart was a bit itchy. When this girl became gentle, she really had a different kind of charm.
Xiao Yuruo looked at him and said, "Lin San, sit down and talk."
Perhaps it was because it was late, but Grand Mistress's voice was soft and gentle. It was rare for her to be gentle, "You've been on the road for a whole day. You must be tired. After we finish talking, you should go back and rest early. "
Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Grand Mistress, you, a woman, can handle it. Why would I be tired?"
Xiao Yuruo smiled bitterly and said, "I'm already used to walking like this. I asked you to come today because I want to talk to you about the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. In two days, I will take you to participate in this annual meeting. This is a rare opportunity. You must observe and learn well. "
Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Grand Mistress, what does this Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce do?"
Grand Mistress nodded and said, "Simply put, the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce is an alliance of the big merchants in Hangzhou. They are the leaders of all trades. They control the business of a province in Zhejiang. They are very powerful."
When Grand Mistress said this, Lin Wanrong understood and asked, "Does Jinling also have a Chamber of Commerce?"
"Of course." Grand Mistress nodded and said, "The Jinling Chamber of Commerce's strength is not inferior to the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce. A few years ago, our Xiao Family was the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Later, our family declined and the position of president was given to someone else. Jiangnan is rich and the world is abundant. The two provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu control the economic lifeline of the world. The Jinling Chamber of Commerce is said to be the most powerful Chamber of Commerce in the country. The two have a very close relationship and will invite each other to the annual meeting every year. Last year's annual meeting was held in Jinling. This year's annual meeting will be held in Hangzhou. "
This kind of interaction between business organizations was very normal. Lin Wanrong could also understand. He said, "Then what will this annual meeting be about?"
Grand Mistress said, "It's nothing more than to discuss the business situation of the two provinces in the past year, as well as the new industries and businesses that have emerged. The Chambers of Commerce in both provinces are very powerful, so the merchants in both provinces are proud to participate in the annual meeting. "
Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and said, "Grand Mistress, you asked me to come so late at night. Is there something difficult this year?"
Grand Mistress looked at him with admiration and said, "Lin San, if I attended this annual meeting in the past, I wouldn't be worried. But this year is different. Recently, there has been a big change in the direction of our business. This must have fallen into the eyes of some people with ulterior motives. The profits from the perfume and soap are very huge. I'm afraid there will be some waves at this annual meeting. "
Lin Wanrong understood what Grand Mistress meant. People were afraid of being famous as pigs were afraid of being fat. Although the Xiao Family had been in the cloth business for the past few years, it had been getting worse and worse. Suddenly, they found two profitable businesses, which would definitely arouse the jealousy of others. This annual meeting was the top event of the rich merchants in Zhejiang. They had to come, and if they did, they would be criticized. This was troublesome.
Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and said, "Grand Mistress, since our Xiao Family belongs to the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce should protect you, right?"
Grand Mistress smiled bitterly and said, "If it was in the past, it might be possible. But I'm afraid it won't be possible this year."
Lin Wanrong was surprised and asked, "Why?"
Xiao Yuruo looked at him and said, "You have offended them all. How can they protect me? "
Lin Wanrong was surprised and said, "The president of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce is Tao Dongcheng?"
Grand Mistress rolled her eyes and said, "At least you are not stupid. After our Xiao Family fell, Tao Dongcheng replaced us and became the head of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. "
Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of something and said, "That Tao Wanying is Tao Dongcheng's sister, right?"
The Eldest Miss nodded. Lin Wanrong chuckled. As expected, just by looking at that girl's wild nature, he knew that she wasn't an honest person. Lin Wanrong continued, "Grand Mistress, I have something to ask you. The Suhang Chamber of Commerce has such an important position in the country. Will there be someone from the capital attending this annual meeting?"
Grand Mistress looked at him in surprise and said, "You have good eyes. The Suhang Chamber of Commerce has a special position. Every year, the Emperor will send a representative to the annual meeting. I wonder who he will send this year."
Sure enough, the Emperor will not sit by and do nothing. The Suhang Chamber of Commerce will definitely send someone important to the annual meeting.
Lin Wanrong thought hard. Grand Mistress sighed and said, "I'm telling you this because I want you to be prepared. Don't be at a loss when the time comes."
Lin Wanrong saw Grand Mistress frowning and said, "Grand Mistress, everything has a solution. Don't think too much about it now. Did you forget what I said to you today? Learn to relax and learn to vent. "
Grand Mistress smiled and said, "I listened to you, that's why I went to the West Lake. If it was my usual personality, I wouldn't have the time."
Lin Wanrong smiled and didn't say anything. He was still thinking about the Chamber of Commerce. Human greed was endless. If it was as Grand Mistress said, that everyone was eyeing the Xiao Family, then the situation was not good for the Xiao Family.
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