Chapter 1626: Chapter 1564: Preparing an Oath of Allegiance
With the wine flowing and people merry, Wufu and Ah Jiu proposed to take their leave, and Master Gui escorted them out.
"The region of Miaojiang is mountainous and forested; do you need assistance?" Master Gui asked.
Wufu smiled and said, "Not at the moment. Fortunately, Yan Er knows the Holy Maiden of Miaojiang, and this time weāre entering specifically for the matter of Gu Guiding."
Master Gui nodded, "Then I wish you a safe return!"
Ah Jiu clasped his hands in gratitude.
Master Gui watched them until they disappeared out of sight and then returned to the private room, where Jun Wenqi lay lazily on a soft cushion, his eyes bleary.
"Everyoneās gone?"
"Yes." Master Gui poured himself a drink and gulped it down.
"Cousin, the lady has made her marriage alliance, you should withdraw." Jun Wenqi refilled his drink.
Master Gui, hearing this, looked at him, "What do you know, kid?"
Jun Wenqi snorted lightly, "Originally, I thought you wanted to pursue another path, but youāve known all along that Wufu is a woman, and youāre smitten with her."
"Nonsense."
"Cousin, my eyes arenāt blind. The emotions leaking from your eyes canāt deceive me." Jun Wenqi sighed, "Itās a pity that her status is so dignified; otherwise, with all my might, Iād help you pursue her."
"She values not the status!" Master Gui said, "Thereās already an affection between them not based on status, and others canāt intervene."
Even Ah Jiu is willing to risk his life for Wufu, proposing to her in public and doing everything to win her heart.
"So, you knew all along. I thought you were feigning ignorance," Jun Wenqi muttered.
Master Gui gave him a bland look and said, "Letās not talk about this. Now that the sea ships have returned, Wufu and her matters are entrusted to Mei San. You, and Jin Yu, have to get moving. Let me ask you, whatās your view on Northwest commerce?"
"Whatās the view? If thereās Silver to earn, earn it," Jun Wenqi grumbled, "The Jun Family has spread everything out in the open, and theyāre struggling to breathe..."
"Thatās not what Iām saying, Iām talking about Beiyan and Nanyue."
"Cousin, what do you mean?" Jun Wenqi frowned slightly.
"Commerce and politics arenāt separated. Do you really only see commerce as commerce?" Master Gui said, "That Prince Jin is ambitious, and Emperor Yanās ambition is even grander."
Jun Wenqiās pupils contracted, and he sat up straight, looking at Master Gui, "Cousin, are you saying?"
"Do you want to be just a businessman all your life, or the richest man? Your descendants too?"
Jun Wenqi felt a stir in his heart; merchants are ranked last, so who the hell wants to be ranked last for generations, who wouldnāt want to be part of a noble and powerful family.
But with wealth alone, thereās only riches, not honor.
"Cousin, is it appropriate to talk about that now?" Jun Wenqi swallowed, his voice slightly hoarse.
"Not now, but opportunity is for those who are prepared. Once the flag rises, without a pledge of allegiance prepared, how do you participate?" Master Gui looked at him indifferently, "My point is to expand your forces towards the Northwest or even Beiyan, so once success is achieved, whatās the fear of not returning to Changan?"
Jun Wenqi was lost in thought.
"Cousin, do you think our Nanyue will really..." Jun Wenqiās voice was suppressed low, his thumb pointing down, his expression grave.
Master Guiās gaze drifted, "No breaking, no establishing. If it really comes to that, it might not be a bad thing. Donāt worry about anything else; preserving your strength is most important."
"I understand." Jun Wenqi nodded heavily.