Chapter 145 Matters of the Chamber of Commerce

"Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, his sleepiness instantly dispersed. He turned towards the carriage, "Miss, I've run into an acquaintance. I'll be back shortly." The Eldest Miss hastily lifted the curtain, only to see him dismount and rush towards the tavern.

Upon entering the tavern, Lin Wanrong immediately headed upstairs. This third floor, quite spacious, was where he spotted the location earlier. However, there was no one there, not a trace of Uncle Wei to be found.

‘How strange, he thought. Could my eyes have deceived me?’ That blind old man had clearly returned to his hometown. How could he be here in Hangzhou? Pondering this, he left the tavern dejectedly.

From one of the private rooms above, several pairs of eyes had been observing him. A somewhat pale middle-aged man, dressed in a yellow satin robe, carrying an air of elegance, watched Lin Wanrong depart, and spoke faintly, "Is this the Lin Wanrong you spoke of?"

"Master, it indeed is him," replied an old man standing next to him. He was blind. On hearing the middle-aged man's inquiry, the blind old man answered respectfully.

The middle-aged man gave Lin Wanrong an interested look, nodded, and said, "The lad is quite shrewd. I decide to have a leisurely sit and he happens upon me. Are all of the recent dealings of the Xiao family his idea?"

"According to my informants, it indeed seems to be the work of Lin Wanrong," replied the blind old man.

The middle-aged man laughed, "He does have his ways, making some money. He carries himself with pride and determination, not someone easy to provoke. He fits your description, quite intriguing indeed. The person in the carriage, is she from the Xiao family?"

"Yes, in my opinion, that should be the Eldest Miss Xiao," the old man responded with great respect.

"Miss Xiao?" A hint of nostalgia crossed the middle-aged man's face. He sighed, "Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never thought her daughter would grow up so quickly."

He seemed to be lost in his memories for a moment, then asked, "You've been in the Xiao family these years, how has Miss Guo been doing?" His expression changed swiftly. After asking this, he resumed his tranquil, undisturbed demeanor.

"Master, in my opinion, Miss Guo has had a hard time these years. The elder and younger masters of the Xiao family passed away one after the other, and it's been tough on her managing the household. It wasn't until the Eldest Miss grew up that she had some respite."

The middle-aged man nodded, "I wonder if she still remembers me? I was too cautious back then and missed my chance."

The blind old man hastily said, "Master, it was your restraint back then that made great things possible. I admire you immensely."

"Restraint? I've endured too much." A fierce light flickered across his face, then he asked, "Does Miss Guo know about your identity during your time at the Xiao's?"

"She does not. I only mentioned that I was a servant of an old friend of the elder Master Xiao. Miss Guo trusted me entirely. When I left the Xiao family, I recommended this Lin Wanrong to them," the old man explained.

The middle-aged man's face returned to its calm demeanor. "Considering what you've mentioned, this Lin Wanrong does seem to have some capabilities. Let him protect the Xiao family for now. We will observe the rest slowly."

Receiving praise from the middle-aged man was no small feat, and the blind old man quickly agreed, his hollow eyes shining with a profound light.

Lin Wanrong returned to the Eldest Miss's carriage. Xiao Yuruo glanced at him, asking, "What were you doing? You were quite rash."

Unable to find Old Wei, Lin Wanrong was not in the best mood. He nodded, saying, "I ran into an old friend. Oh, Uncle Wei. Miss, you should know him, right?"

"Uncle Wei?" Miss Xiao frowned, "Of course I know him. He served under one of my grandfather's closest friends and stayed with us, the Xiao family, for many years. He left only a few months ago. How do you know him?"

So, he was a servant of her grandfather's old friend. No wonder this Old Wei could retire comfortably at the Xiao's. Lin Wanrong recounted his association with Old Wei, to which the Eldest Miss nodded, saying, "So you were recommended by Uncle Wei. That explains it. Uncle Wei has always had a keen eye, and my mother has always respected him."

Lin Wanrong laughed, "Eldest Miss Xiao also has good judgment."

"You are quite thick-skinned," Eldest Miss Xiao said softly.

The Xiao family's branch in Hangzhou had a large estate, located right by West Lake, considered a prime location within the city. The steward was a capable woman in her forties or fifties.

"Eldest Miss Xiao, you're finally here," the steward greeted her, gripping her hand with a smile.

"Madame Zhang, it's been a while. How have you been?" Miss Xiao seemed very fond of the steward.

Madame Zhang replied with a smile, "I've been well, thanks to Madam Xiao and Eldest Miss Xiao."

"This is my wet nurse from when I was a child," Eldest Miss Xiao introduced Madame Zhang to Lin Wanrong.

Ah, her wet nurse. No wonder they were so close. Lin Wanrong greeted Madame Zhang, "Madame Zhang, nice to meet you. Just from your kind and gentle look, I can tell you have a warm heart. My name is Lin San. I hope you can take care of me."

Madame Zhang burst into laughter, "So you're Lin San. I've heard about you from many people in the house. You're indeed handsome. Now that you're here in Hangzhou, you and Eldest Miss Xiao can live here without worry. I'll take care of everything."

"Madame--" Miss Xiao blushed and called out abruptly, perhaps detecting a potential misunderstanding from Madame Zhang's words.

‘Eldest Miss Xiao was being too sensitive. I hadn't even thought about it in that way.’ Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, causing Eldest Miss Xiao to blush even deeper and glare at him.

The reputation of the Xiao family was indeed well-deserved. Their Hangzhou branch was not only in a prime location next to West Lake, but also occupied a large area with several courtyards of various sizes.

Madame Zhang led the group into the residence. Miss Xiao assigned rooms for everyone before turning to Madame Zhang and asking, "Madame, when is the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce's meeting scheduled according to the invitation?"

Madame Zhang replied, "It is set for the day after tomorrow, at the Qingyu Tower on Su Causeway. Chairman Yu from the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has already delivered the invitation."

That meant there were at least two days left before the event. Xiao Yuruo nodded, saying, "In that case, let's stay here in Hangzhou for two days. It will be an excellent opportunity to promote our soap and perfume."

Madame Zhang exclaimed with delight, "Miss, is the perfume ready for delivery? Many ladies and young misses from various families have been asking about it. I've had to turn them away several times."

Miss Xiao laughed, "Given that they've waited this long, they can wait a little longer. There are only one hundred limited edition bottles available in Hangzhou. Register the ladies' names and we can notify them when the perfume arrives."

Madame Zhang acknowledged the instruction. Seeing how well the perfume was selling, Eldest Miss Xiao felt thrilled. She glanced at Lin Wanrong and asked Madame Zhang, "How did the soap I sent you a few days ago fare?" It turned out that the day after Lin Wanrong completed the experiments, Eldest Miss Xiao had quickly dispatched a messenger to deliver the soap to Hangzhou, to gauge its reception.

Madame Zhang replied, "Miss, everything you send is exceptional. After the perfume, the soap is the most popular item. Unfortunately, we didn't have many samples, so only a few close acquaintances received them for trial. The response was quite good, and the price was just right."

Eldest Miss Xiao smiled slightly, saying, "The soap will be available in large quantities within half a month, Madame Zhang, so there's no need to worry."

After conversing with Madame Zhang, Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits, even her fatigue seemed to diminish. Noticing everyone looking weary, she suggested, "Everyone has traveled a long way today and must be tired. Let's rest tomorrow. The West Lake is world-renowned. Why don't we take a stroll there?"

As she proposed this, her gaze fleetingly met Lin Wanrong's.

Lin Wanrong, having visited Hangzhou several times in his previous life, wasn't unfamiliar with West Lake. He laughed, "In that case, we'll accompany Eldest Miss Xiao tomorrow to avoid any mishaps."

Seeing the popularity of her perfume and soap in Hangzhou, Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits. She laughed, "Excellent. Everyone can come with me tomorrow. Despite my many trips to Hangzhou, I haven't had the time to explore West Lake. Tomorrow would be a good opportunity."

Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits and it was a chance to tour at the company's expense. Who would refuse? Lin Wanrong retired to his room and was about to sleep when a knock at the door disturbed him. A maid named Xiao Cui called from outside, "Brother San, Miss Xiao requests your presence for a chat."

What was going on? It was so late and they weren't even allowing him a moment's rest. This Eldest Miss Xiao really was a workaholic.

Miss Xiao's room was situated directly across the courtyard from Lin Wanrong's. As he entered, he saw her freshly bathed and groomed, her eyes twinkling with delight as she smiled at him.

The faint scent emanating from Eldest Miss Xiao stirred something within Lin Wanrong. He found her charming and beguiling when she was in such a gentle mood.

Xiao Yuruo glanced at him and said, "Lin San, please have a seat."

Perhaps because it was late, Miss Xiao's voice was soft and gentle. "We've been traveling all day, you must be tired," she said. "After we finish our talk, you should head back and rest."

Lin Wanrong laughed, "If a lady like you can hold up, why would I feel tired?"

Xiao Yuruo gave a bitter smile, "I'm used to traveling like this. I called you here today to discuss the annual meeting of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce. In a couple of days, I'll take you to the event. It's a rare opportunity; you should observe carefully and learn as much as you can."

Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Miss, what exactly is this Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce?"

Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, "In simple terms, the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce is an alliance of prominent Hangzhou Merchants. They lead various industries and control the business affairs of Zhejiang Province. They wield considerable power."

Understanding dawned on Lin Wanrong, and he asked, "Does Jinling have a similar association?"

"Of course," Miss Xiao nodded. "The Jinling Chamber of Commerce is no less powerful than its Hangzhou counterpart. A few years ago, our Xiao family was at the forefront of the Jinling association. However, as our fortunes dwindled, the chairmanship was passed to others. With its abundant resources, the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang control the economic lifeline of the country. The Jinling Chamber of Commerce is arguably the most powerful in the nation, and they have a close relationship with their Hangzhou counterpart. They invite each other to their annual meetings. Last year's meeting was held in Jinling; this year, it's Hangzhou's turn."

Lin Wanrong understood that such interactions were common among business organizations. He asked, "What happens at these annual meetings?"

Eldest Miss Xiao replied, "They mainly discuss the business climate in Jiangsu and Zhejiang over the past year, as well as emerging industries and the Merchants. Both associations hold considerable power, so Chamber of Commerce from both provinces take pride in attending these annual meetings."

Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, "Eldest Miss, did you call me over so late because there's a problem with this annual meeting?"

Eldest Miss Xiao gave him an approving look. "Lin San, if this were like previous years' meetings, I would have nothing to worry about. But this year is different. Our recent business direction has undergone significant changes, which haven't escaped the notice of those with a keen eye. The profits from our perfume and soap are substantial, and I fear they may stir up waves at this year's meeting."

Lin Wanrong understood Eldest Miss Xiao's concern. The Xiao family had been declining in the past few years, despite their involvement in the textile business. Suddenly, they had found two incredibly lucrative ventures, which would certainly spark jealousy among others. The annual meeting was a grand gathering of wealthy Merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang; not attending wasn't an option, yet attending could invite trouble. This was indeed a predicament.

Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then said, "Eldest Miss, since our Xiao family is part of the Jinling association, shouldn't the chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce protect you?"

Eldest Miss Xiao gave a bitter smile, "Under normal circumstances, perhaps. But I fear this year might be different."

Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Why?"

Xiao Yuruo glanced at him, "After all the trouble you've stirred up, how do you expect them to support me?"

Lin Wanrong looked surprised, "Is the chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce Tao Dongcheng?"

Miss Xiao shot him a glance, "At least you're not completely clueless. After our Xiao family fell, Tao Dongcheng took our place and became the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce."

Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered something. "Tao Wanying is Tao Dongcheng's younger sister, right?"

Miss Xiao nodded, and Lin Wanrong let out a sly smile. Just as he expected, Tao Wanying's wild temperament was a sign that she wasn't exactly a straightforward person. He then asked, "Miss, I have one more question. Given the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce's national importance, will people from the capital be attending this annual meeting?"

Eldest Miss Xiao looked at him in surprise, "You do have a point. Given the unique status of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, the Emperor sends a representative to the annual meeting every year. I wonder who he will send this year."

As expected, the Emperor would not ignore the "Granary of the South". There would undoubtedly be important figures attending the annual meeting of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce.

While Lin Wanrong pondered, Eldest Miss Xiao sighed softly, "I'm telling you all this to prepare you, so you're not caught off guard."

Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao's worried expression, Lin Wanrong reassured her, "Eldest Miss, every problem has a solution. Don't think too much about it. Have you forgotten what I told you today? You need to learn to relax and vent."

Eldest Miss Xiao gave a faint smile, "It was because I took your advice that I visited West Lake. If I had acted according to my usual temperament, I wouldn't have had the time."

Lin Wanrong laughed and fell silent, his mind still on the issues surrounding the Chamber of Commerce. Human greed was limitless. If things were indeed as Eldest Miss Xiao suggested, with everyone now watching the Xiao family, it might spell trouble for them.