Chapter Ninety-Six: Buying Low and Selling High

To his surprise, the Zhou family had not given up; instead, they arrived once more bearing a lavish gift. They paid him a visit.

"Last time, we were too abrupt and failed to consider the changes carefully. We sincerely wish for your help," Zhou Chenjing spoke with genuine candor, revealing his intentions fully.

Their spinning industry had always ranked among the best in Blue City, yet lately, troubles had been frequent. After investigating, they discovered sabotage at the hands of someone operating in the shadows—damaging their reputation and sowing doubt among countless clients. They suspected the Du family was behind it, but without proof, they could not openly accuse another merchant.

In their inquiries, they heard the manager of the hotpot shop was particularly formidable. The way he had suppressed the Du family so ruthlessly had left the restaurants in dire straits—a rare opportunity.

"What is your plan?" Han Qing did not refuse; instead, he regarded them calmly. The Zhou family’s businesses had indeed been boycotted into near ruin in recent years, yet they could still become a valuable ally.

"Our textile industries are much alike, but their regular customers are many, and most of ours have been stolen away," Zhou Chenjing explained, frustration evident in his tone. He had tried to win back these clients, but the opposition moved too swiftly, even spreading rumors everywhere.

"Last week, we secured some new clients from elsewhere, but the Du family intercepted them all midway…" This wave of malicious competition had sent Zhou’s textile business into decline. Their original chiffon now faced a surplus—products piling up while demand waned. Was this disaster not looming over them?

"If you are willing to help revive our industry, we will grant you a thirty percent profit from all Zhou family businesses."

Oh? The offer was generous. He had only been in Blue City a few days, yet already earned the trust of merchants—it was remarkable.

"Agreed, but everything must follow my arrangements," Han Qing said.

Zhou Chenjing nodded, but Chen Tianwei was dissatisfied. "Young Master Han, you are here to assist with the investigation, not to endlessly pursue profit in this place," he protested angrily, carrying a prejudice against merchants—always viewing them as too cunning.

"But it is the Du family involved here. Do you plan to search for evidence and slowly build a case? By the time you find it, it may take ten years," he replied coldly—a truth not easily dismissed.

"You must not get too deeply involved. The Du family has dominated commerce for decades, and no matter how capable you are, you cannot topple them alone," Chen Tianwei said anxiously. His words were true, but few were willing to heed them.

"We shall wait and see."

Initially, Old Master Du had paid little mind to the matter. Yet recently, rumors in Blue City had begun to circulate, all pointing toward the chiffon industry. The whispers claimed the court was dissatisfied with the quality of chiffon, and soon, its use might be prohibited. But were these rumors to be trusted? No one knew for certain.

"Father, news from the capital advises us to sell off our stock of chiffon as quickly as possible," Second Young Master Du reported.

What? "Are the rumors true? Surely they cannot ban the fabric without cause?"

"Apparently, a court minister indulged in extravagance, spreading chiffon all over his estate, which incited public outrage," Second Young Master Du explained. At first, he doubted the story, but persistent warnings from friends in the capital made him uneasy. If a new decree came, their warehouse full of chiffon would be destroyed, costing them thousands of silver.

"Should we wait?"

"There is no official edict yet. If we lower the price now, it could trigger market chaos," Old Master Du reasoned. He was not easily convinced, preferring caution, as the rumors were mere speculation.

Moreover, Prince Yan had made no mention of the issue, so there was no need to bring trouble upon themselves at this time.

Another week passed.

Suddenly, the Zhou family dropped the price of their chiffon, followed by several smaller merchants. This startled Old Master Du greatly, prompting him to send people to gather information.

"Manager, doesn't the price of chiffon usually rise each year? Why has it nearly reached the price of common cloth now?"

"You may not know, but it's said chiffon is about to be banned. If you sell your stock early, you avoid losses; wait too long, and you could suffer," came the reply.

This… When the informants returned, they relayed the news to Old Master Du. Second Young Master Du urged him, "Father, we must sell as well. This quarter, we've bought up nearly all the other families' chiffon. If a new law comes suddenly, we'll be ruined."

Old Master Du nodded. This quarter, the Du family controlled eighty percent of the market's chiffon—a dangerous situation. It was unwise to linger, wasting time and energy.

"Let's lower our price by two taels below theirs," Old Master Du decided. With so much stock in hand, matching the small merchants’ prices would leave them unable to sell. In this way, the Du family could quickly unload their entire inventory. Although the sale barely exceeded cost, at least it would stave off losses. Yet, factoring in labor, there was still some deficit.

"All sold?"

"Yes, a wealthy buyer from North County came—a fallen member of the royal family, it seems. They bought it all."

Old Master Du nodded. Ordinary folk could never buy so much; only a great clan would need such quantities, given their many kin and servants.

But the Du family’s pride had always rested on their spinning business and restaurants. Now, both had been shattered, leaving Old Master Du dissatisfied. Restless, he began to pen several letters, reporting the situation to Prince Yan.