Chapter 107: The Overbearing Clause

Day and night of relentless study gave Gou Ye a peculiar sense of déjà vu, as if he were once again preparing for the college entrance exam. Yet, looking back, his former self had never been as diligent as he was now. Had he studied with such fervor back then, he might never have ended up in a mediocre university. Though the university was unremarkable, he was grateful to have majored in Chinese Language and Literature. While that path ultimately led him to become an online novelist, it had also laid a solid foundation for his current journey through time.

A small, secretive delight swelled within him at this thought; everything seemed to have fallen perfectly into place. Just then, Yun Niang entered the room carrying a bowl of invigorating soup. Seeing Gou Ye’s cheerful expression, she smiled and asked, “Brother Gou Ye, what’s put you in such a good mood?”

Snapped out of his reverie, Gou Ye met Yun Niang’s mischievous smile and said with a chuckle, “Heh heh, I was just wondering—will you bear me a chubby boy in the future, or a clever little girl?”

Yun Niang’s cheeks flushed, and she shot him a sharp glance. “Hmph! Who said I’m going to have a boy? Who said I’ll have a girl for you? Brother Gou Ye, you’re always thinking such indecent thoughts.”

“Oh? How could that be indecent? The books say it plainly: food and sex are among the greatest human desires. ‘Book of Rites,’ social ethics—they’re all natural human feelings...” Gou Ye grinned as he quoted.

Yun Niang just pursed her lips. “Fine, I can’t argue with you.”

Feeling a bit carried away by his own pontification, Gou Ye quickly stopped and grabbed her hand. “Alright, let’s not talk about that anymore. By the way, Yun Niang, I haven’t been out lately; how’s business in the village?”

“Very good,” she replied. “It’s been a long time since it was this lively. Everyone says the market is crowded every day, and the best part is they’re all making money—more than when we used to sell at stalls. Plus, many new villagers have registered with the local authorities recently.”

Gou Ye nodded thoughtfully. The village’s affairs had always weighed heavily on his mind. He couldn’t explain where this kindness came from, but he felt that since he had started something, he must see it through to the end. “That’s excellent. It’s wonderful that people in the village can earn a living.”

“But Brother Gou Ye,” Yun Niang hesitated, “there is something you should know. Our remaining silver is running low. The daily expenses for food and supplies are considerable, and since you’ve had no income lately, our reserves won’t last long at this rate.”

Doing good deeds was never so simple; it required capital. Gou Ye sighed softly. “Let’s hold on for a month. Once everyone earns some money, the costs for supplies will be covered. When I have time, I’ll visit the county town’s shop and see if we can sell some goods. That should ease our finances.”

Just then, a voice called from the doorway. “Is Master Gou Ye home?”

Gou Ye stepped outside to see a footman from the Duke’s Mansion. “Young sir, may I ask the purpose of your visit?”

The footman replied, “Master Jia has come to the mansion. He sent me to find you, saying there is an urgent matter to discuss, and he hopes you can come to the mansion as soon as possible.”

Jia Zhengyi? Gou Ye hadn’t heard from him in a while. It seemed Jia was ready to ask for a favor. After all, one must repay kindness with effort. Gou Ye nodded and said, “Very well, thank you. Please tell Master Jia I will visit first thing tomorrow morning.”

Watching the footman leave, Gou Ye began pondering what kind of business proposal to offer the merchant clan. Suddenly, the aroma of food wafted through the air, and Xiao Die called out, “Master, Miss, lunch is served!”

The next morning, as promised, Gou Ye and Yun Niang arrived at the Duke’s Mansion. Jia Zhengyi was already waiting in the hall. Upon seeing Gou Ye, he squinted with a broad smile, so much so that it was hard to tell where his eyes were, as if he were speaking with them closed. “Master Gou Ye, please come in. Have things settled at home?”

“Settled?” Gou Ye found the question odd. “Master Jia, what do you mean? The imperial examinations haven’t started yet. I don’t suppose I need to leave so early?”

“Master Gou Ye, do you intend to stay here forever?” Jia Zhengyi said with a hint of reproach. “We agreed that we would help you if you provided the merchant clan with a strategy to win the election.”

“I never said I had to go to the capital,” Gou Ye replied. “I can offer ideas right here. Just follow my instructions.”

“No, no, that won’t do, Master Gou Ye,” Jia Zhengyi shook his head. “Since you devised the plan, you should implement it yourself. After all, no one in the merchant clan has your kind of innovative thinking. Rest assured, this won’t interfere with your exams. We will arrange everything for you, including accommodation in the capital for you and your family—even if you bring a dozen people. All your expenses will be covered by the merchant clan. Furthermore, if your plan yields profit, you will receive a share of the earnings.”

Indeed, the terms were generous: food, lodging, and all expenses covered. In modern terms, it was like being fully sponsored—just focus on the work. Although still a hired hand, it was a prestigious position.

Yet, as with all good things, there were conditions. Gou Ye never believed in free lunches. Even after buying lottery tickets for over twenty years, he had only won five yuan once. Luck was not on his side.

“Hmm, the terms are good, and going to the capital isn’t impossible. There’s not much left for me to do here anyway. I’ll have to go eventually, and getting a head start won’t hurt. But Master Jia, you wouldn’t mention all this without some strings attached, would you?”

Jia Zhengyi chuckled, and Gou Ye already sensed trouble. Jia pulled out a sheet of rice paper from the table behind him, meticulously inscribed with the merchant clan’s membership clauses. Gou Ye glanced over it and immediately thought of the rigid contracts he had signed with online publishing platforms, full of rules and restrictions.

“Please have a seat and read it carefully, Master Gou Ye. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me at any time,” Jia said.

Gou Ye sat down with Yun Niang to carefully examine the document. The initial sections covered benefits and protocols: personal guidance, exclusivity—no sharing of ideas with other merchants—and confidentiality agreements. But one clause startled him greatly.

It read: “Upon joining the merchant association, you shall sign a five-year contract. During this period, you must serve the association exclusively. All personal matters will be arranged by the association. Without permission from the merchant clan, you shall not leave the capital. All personal expenses and travel must be reported to the merchant clan. You shall be available whenever summoned throughout the year.”

A series of onerous restrictions that curtailed personal freedom—an ironclad clause binding him tightly to their will.