BDSMST -Chapter 105 The Imperial Merchant’s Proposal

Jiang Suisui had always been astonishingly proactive.

Early the next morning, news spread like wildfire across nearby villages and towns: Woniu Village was recruiting large numbers of workers to clear land and build houses.

The notices were clear: anyone who came to work would receive food and lodging, plus thirty wen per day as wages. Skilled artisans, such as carpenters or stonemasons, could earn up to fifty wen per day. Families willing to relocate to Woniu Village permanently would also be granted a newly built courtyard and three acres of land.

In the Dàxia Dynasty, where heavy taxes and levies left ordinary people barely able to save a few taels of silver in a year, such an offer was nothing short of a miracle.

At first, some were skeptical. But when the first group of brave migrants and poor farmers arrived and received real copper coins that very day—and enjoyed meals with both vegetables and meat—their doubts turned into fervent excitement.

Soon, the roads leading to Woniu Village were filled with crowds. Families arrived from all directions, carrying their meager belongings.

Jiang Suisui had already prepared for this. She set up a registration office at the village entrance, staffed by Uncle Fu and several astute villagers. All applicants had to register their birthplace, name, and any skills. Those wishing to settle permanently underwent careful questioning to ensure they were not spies or criminals.

Gu Yan had Wei Ziqian and the security team maintain order, while discreetly observing the crowd, noting anyone with unusual skill or suspicious demeanor.

The couple worked seamlessly: she managed internal affairs, he managed external.

Within just ten days, Woniu Village had recruited nearly a thousand laborers, with over three hundred households indicating their intention to settle permanently.

The entire village became a bustling construction site. The cries of laborers clearing land, the pounding of tamping soil, and the shouts of craftsmen blended into a symphony of life and vigor.

Jiang Suisui spent every day on the site, blueprints in hand, directing the work. She had tanned and lost some weight, but her spirit shone brighter than ever.

Gu Yan, after handling the village’s defense matters, silently stayed by her side. He spoke little, simply handing her water when she was thirsty, and subtly shading her from the sun when her cheeks reddened in the afternoon heat.

Just as Woniu Village’s construction was in full swing, an unexpected visitor disrupted the busy tranquility.

It was an autumn afternoon. A carriage of extraordinary luxury, flanked by several tall horses and armed guards, slowly entered Woniu Village. The carriage was made entirely of precious golden-threaded nanmu wood, adorned with intricate cloud carvings, and its four cornered bronze bells jingled clearly as the carriage jostled.

This opulent vehicle was completely out of place amidst the dusty, labor-filled village.

Wei Ziqian immediately ordered men to stop the carriage.

“Who goes there?”

The carriage curtain was lifted by a hand with prominent knuckles, and a young man in a pale moon-colored silk robe stepped down. He looked about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with refined, handsome features and an elegant demeanor, though his eyes held the sharp calculation of a merchant. He toyed with two smooth jade pieces in his hand, scanning his surroundings before fixing his gaze on Jiang Suisui, who was discussing work with the craftsmen a short distance away.

“I am Bai Yutang. Greetings to everyone,” the young man said, bowing slightly, his voice gentle. “I have come to seek an audience with the lady of this estate, the Madam of the Yongning Marquis.”

“Bai Yutang?” Wei Ziqian repeated the name, feeling that it sounded familiar.

“Could it be the Bai family of Jiangnan—the imperial merchants controlling the empire’s salt, iron, tea, and silk?” whispered one of the guards nearby, well-versed in the world.

Wei Ziqian’s mind raced. The Bai family of imperial merchants was unimaginably wealthy—so much so that even nobles and ministers in the capital treated them with deference. How could their representative have come all the way to this remote village?

He dared not be negligent and immediately sent someone to report the matter.

Jiang Suisui was equally surprised to hear it was the Bai family. She had never had any dealings with them before.

Wiping her hands, she stepped forward. “I am Jiang Suisui. May I ask what business brings you here, Young Master Bai?”

Bai Yutang’s gaze fell on Jiang Suisui. The woman before him wore a faded coarse cloth dress, sleeves rolled high, with traces of mud on her arms. Her skin had the healthy tone of wheat, her face free of makeup, yet her beauty was undiminished. Her eyes were bright and calm, showing no trace of the hesitation or flattery one might expect upon seeing his lavish attire.

“I’ve long heard that the Lady of the Protectorate has an extraordinary presence. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the reputation.” Bai Yutang put away his jade vial and bowed respectfully.

“Mr. Bai, you are too polite,” Jiang Suisui said, unimpressed by flattery. “May I ask what brings you here?”

Bai Yutang didn’t beat around the bush. He got straight to the point: “I am here on business.”

He gestured toward the greenhouses in Woniu Village, which were already fairly large, and the distant fields with thriving new crops.

“Madam, your estate is a treasure trove. Whether it’s winter vegetables or fruits never seen before, these are rare items worth a fortune. It would be such a waste to sell them only near the capital.”

He looked at Jiang Suisui, his eyes glinting with a merchant’s ambition.

“The Bai family has trading houses and connections in every major province across the country. I hope to cooperate with you, Madam, so that your estate’s produce can be sold to every corner of Daxia. Together, we can create an unprecedented ‘Suisui’ brand.”

As for profit, he raised three fingers: “Madam, you need only provide the goods. All transportation, sales, and arrangements will be handled by my family. The profits will be split 70–30: seventy for you, thirty for the Bai family.”

This was an extremely generous offer. The Bai family was practically placing silver right in front of Jiang Suisui.

Wei Ziqian and the surrounding guards all drew in a sharp breath.

But Jiang Suisui remained calm. Looking at the smiling man before her, she sensed that things were not so simple. There is no such thing as a free lunch; a merchant’s generosity often hides a greater scheme.

“Your proposal is very sincere, Mr. Bai,” she said, neither accepting nor rejecting it immediately. “But this is an important matter. I need to discuss it with my husband first.”

“Of course,” Bai Yutang said, as if he had expected her response. “I have also brought a few small gifts from Jiangnan as a token of respect. I will stay in the nearby town for a few days, awaiting your favorable reply.”

With that, his attendants lifted several large crates from the carriage. He bowed again, then climbed back into the carriage. The bells jingled crisply as it disappeared into the distance.

Jiang Suisui looked at the crates, then at the direction Bai Yutang had left, frowning slightly.

Gu Yan had, without her noticing, already walked up beside her.

“What do you think?” Jiang Suisui asked.

“Attention without cause,” Gu Yan said in a low voice, “means either treachery or theft.”

Jiang Suisui nodded in agreement. She walked over to the crates and opened one of them.

When the crate opened, those around her gasped.

Inside were not gold, silver, or jewels, but neatly packed rare plant seeds and ancient books from various regions.

Jiang Suisui casually picked up a volume, which was titled “Records of Southern Flora.”

She opened another crate and found a variety of agricultural diagrams and tools she had never seen before.

Every gift Bai Yutang had brought struck directly at her heart.

Before coming, this man had clearly studied her tastes thoroughly.

“This man is not simple,” Jiang Suisui said, closing the crate and turning to Gu Yan.

“I’ll have Wei Ziqian investigate his background,” Gu Yan said, his gaze already hardening.