HRPM – Chapter 67 Winning Over the Fourth Prince (3)

“Master Zhu, how generous—ten thousand taels of gold in a single move. In previous years, when you gifted officials in charge of recruiting imperial merchants for the Imperial Household Department, it was only about two thousand taels. Making such a grand gesture this year… could it be that you’ve encountered a formidable rival?”

Ever since he received the imperial edict assigning him to oversee this year’s merchant recruitment for the Imperial Household Department, the Fourth Prince’s residence had immediately become the most sought-after place in the capital.

Wealthy merchants hoping to secure a contract in the open bidding all came bearing gifts, each more lavish than the last, all aiming to gain favor through the back door.

Zhu Jiu had won the bids every year for the past decade, consistently supplying silk garments to the Imperial Household. So although he had given gifts in previous years, it had never been this extravagant.

It seemed the competition in the silk trade would be fierce this year.

“Your Highness, the silk produced by our Zhu family has always been of the highest quality, and the imperial consorts in the palace are very fond of it. However, in the past two years, that Jin Luoluo has inserted herself into the silk industry. With some strange so-called ‘trendy fashions,’ she’s drawn everyone’s attention away. A newcomer like her, rising to fame through a few tricks—how can she compare to our Zhu family, an established name in Chuyun with a long history? Our quality far surpasses those rootless upstarts.”

At the mention of Jin Luoluo, a shadow of malice flickered in Zhu Jiu’s eyes.

He, Zhu Jiu, had always been the most renowned silk merchant in Chuyun. The Zhu family’s silk shops were spread across the entire country—almost everyone in Chuyun wore clothing produced by his family.

But the sudden rise of Jin Luoluo two years ago had caused his business to steadily decline. Now, the people no longer favored Zhu family garments, but instead eagerly chased after the new designs Jin Luoluo released each month.

The silk empire he had built was being shaken by an obscure young woman—how could he not feel resentful?

“If Master Zhu is so confident in securing the Imperial Household’s silk contract, why come to me?” Xiao Yu asked leisurely as he looked at the merchant before him, though inwardly he was deeply stirred.

Jin Luoluo again.

This name had been appearing frequently in his ears lately, surprising him time and again.

He had long heard of Jin Luoluo’s reputation in the business world, yet had never taken her seriously. He believed she relied on family backing and a stroke of good timing to achieve her success.

But even the head of the century-old Zhu family regarded her with great caution—treating her as a true rival.