Chapter Forty-Four: Visiting Zhu Buhuo

Li Tianjun went to the security team, initiating training and preparations for their duties. He summoned Zhong Qiang, Liu Dong, Wei Xu, and five others to the back hall to meet the young master.

These eight were the earliest to pledge loyalty to Yang Cheng, destined to become his household’s core martial artists. Yang Cheng had important tasks for them. He ordered them to move out of the security team and temporarily settle in a small courtyard in the rear estate to focus on cultivation. As for the security staff, Li Tianjun would handle recruitment, sparing Yang Cheng any worry.

Yang Cheng instructed the eight to devote themselves to improving their cultivation whenever possible. He presented eight different martial techniques, letting them choose based on their aptitudes.

Upon seeing these techniques, Zhong Qiang and the others were stunned. From what they knew, the Yang family was not a clan renowned for cultivation. Since the young master did not speak of the origin, they did not ask; discretion was their duty. In their former sects, which tended to be conservative, men of their status would be lucky to possess one complete martial technique. Now, the young master offered eight at once—he was not only generous but also demonstrated deep trust.

Since these were his own core martial artists, Yang Cheng would not be stingy. The strength of a group far surpassed that of any one individual. The more power he gathered, the greater his security. For now, with few followers, he would pursue quality over quantity. Once he gained sufficient strength, his retinue would grow ever larger.

Then, when anyone dared to bully him, they would have to think twice. Yang Cheng preferred group fights to duels, he mused with a wry smile.

Several days later, in the morning.

Yang Cheng set out with Murong Tie and Xiao Wu. On his previous trip to Baixi Village, he had exchanged words with Murong Tie and found him quite likable. Murong Tie had hinted at not wanting to return home, and his manner was efficient and proper. Yang Cheng considered him a talent and hoped to recruit him as a Yang family martial artist. Spending more time together would allow him to observe Murong Tie further.

Coincidentally, Lu Baichuan was focused on training new disciples these days, so Yang Cheng specially summoned Murong Tie to accompany him.

This time, Yang Cheng intended to meet Zhu Buhuo to discuss business. The first venture for his woodworking factory would be furniture. Unlike food, the value of such items was not immediately obvious. He could not simply charge a nominal franchise fee and attract partners that way, or he would suffer losses. If the fees were too high, others might not trust him.

Therefore, Yang Cheng planned to run the business himself, build momentum, and then let others join as agents. He could operate exclusively, but with his current foundation, expansion would be slow, confining his ambitions to this market.

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Strengthening cooperation with local businesses would bind their interests together and bring long-term benefits. Moreover, he had many plans, and not all required his direct control.

He sought Zhu Buhuo’s help in handling certain matters, since he had no roots in Wuzhou City. Zhu Buhuo had worked there for over ten years, his connections were vast, and he could get things done faster. This would also let Yang Cheng gauge whether Zhu Buhuo was worth deeper future collaboration.

Xiao Wu sat with the coachman, while Yang Cheng conversed with Murong Tie inside the carriage, asking about the world of cultivation. Murong Tie respectfully answered, sharing tales from various city-states and legends of secret realms and wilderness, broadening Yang Cheng’s horizons.

Before long, Xiao Wu lifted the curtain and announced, “Young master, we’ve arrived at the Liuyun Pavilion restaurant.”

As they entered Liuyun Pavilion, the trio happened upon Zhu Buhuo, who was preparing to leave.

Zhu Buhuo was rotund, his eyes nearly hidden by flesh, but his gaze was sharp. Seeing Yang Cheng, he was both surprised and delighted, grinning broadly. “Ah, Young Master Yang, what a pleasure! No wonder I dreamed last night of a celestial telling me a distinguished guest would arrive. It turns out to be you! Please, come inside.”

He certainly knew how to flatter. Yang Cheng smiled, “I’ve come to see how your business is doing. Are you heading out, Mr. Zhu?”

“No, no, Young Master Yang, with you here, even the greatest matters can wait. Your visit is the true priority.”

“I must thank you, Young Master Yang, for your support. In the past, our establishments served mostly travelers, merchants, or those on business from other districts. Plain fare, nothing special—locals rarely spent money here. Now, neighbors come for breakfast before work, and at noon and evening, many return for fresh food and a little wine.”

Zhu Buhuo sighed, “With your help, my humble shop has flourished. Not just me, but all in Wuzhou City who use your food are grateful.”

They chatted as they ascended to a quiet private room, ordering some appetizers and a pot of fine wine. Xiao Wu served drinks, while Murong Tie waited outside.

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“You see, we used to rely mainly on lodging guests, few came to eat. Now, even the first floor can’t accommodate all diners. I’ve cleared out rooms on the second floor and refitted them as elegant dining chambers,” Zhu Buhuo beamed, gesturing around.

Yang Cheng suddenly recalled, “Mr. Zhu, since you mentioned wine, I remember an ancestral secret recipe for brewing superior wine. When I make it, I’ll invite you to try it. It might bring even more customers to your establishment.”

Zhu Buhuo offered praise, “If Young Master Yang is involved, it must be extraordinary. Please remember to let old Zhu be the first to taste it.”

Yet inwardly, he was skeptical. Yang Cheng’s food was indeed superb, and if he brought in other products, it would certainly draw more customers. As for wine, Zhu Buhuo already stocked aged daughter’s red, brewed by century-old shops. What could a family with no history of winemaking produce that would compare?

They continued their conversation. Though nearly forty, Zhu Buhuo felt a kinship with Yang Cheng. Both hailed from the southern district, and he had inquired about the Yang family’s background. This young master, like himself, came from modest prosperity before falling on hard times, now using his own efforts to support his family.

The only difference was that Zhu Buhuo had struggled since his teens, eventually owning this tavern and some small businesses nearby—he had been on his way to manage a general store. Yang Cheng, however, had risen quickly, pioneering unheard-of events like exhibitions and limited-merchant activities that prompted instant decisions. Even Zhu Buhuo, a seasoned businessman, found himself learning from these methods.

Yang Cheng asked about Zhu Buhuo’s beginnings, gaining insight into his business philosophy, which matched Yang Cheng’s ideal image of an entrepreneur. Old Zhu, too, was remarkable, having single-handedly upheld a struggling clan.

The two shared drinks, growing ever more congenial, soon calling each other “Brother Yang” and “Brother Zhu.”

After several rounds, Yang Cheng said, “Brother Zhu, I have a business venture I’d like to pursue with you. I wonder if you’d be interested?”