Chapter 108: The Mysterious Buyer

Upon reading this, Gou Ye immediately felt displeased. Pointing to the clause, he said to Jia Zhengyi, “Boss Jia, how can you call this a cooperation agreement? This is clearly a one-sided, oppressive contract. It’s like a servitude agreement—if I join your merchant clan, it’s as if I’ve lost all my freedom.”

Jia Zhengyi felt somewhat embarrassed. He had indeed reviewed this clause and acknowledged its harshness, but since it was the result of deliberations by the higher-ups, he had no way to change it. He forced a smile and said, “Don’t be so quick to judge, Young Master Gou. Keep reading.”

At the bottom of the clause, it read: “If one refuses to participate in the above terms, a deposit of 100,000 taels must be paid to the merchant guild. Upon successful election of the merchant clan, the full amount will be refunded.”

“100,000 taels?” Gou Ye exclaimed in disbelief, looking at Jia Zhengyi with an indescribable expression. “Boss Jia, isn’t this condition a bit too harsh? You know I don’t have a steady income right now. Where am I supposed to come up with 100,000 taels? Even if I did, I couldn’t produce that kind of money immediately.”

Jia Zhengyi couldn’t meet Gou Ye’s gaze. The merchant clan’s regulations weren’t drafted by him; he was merely the messenger. Yet facing Gou Ye directly, he felt uneasy. He knew that every clause was indeed demanding, especially for Gou Ye.

“You understand, Young Master Gou, I’m just a representative. These terms were agreed upon by the elders of the merchant clan. I have no say in it. I realize these two stipulations are difficult for you, but the merchant clan has its considerations. On one hand, they worry you might switch allegiances midway; on the other, they doubt if you can bring effective strategies to ensure our success in this year’s election. Besides, the merchant clan has already done some work on your behalf.”

Gou Ye felt a wave of frustration. The first clause was tantamount to selling himself completely to the merchant guild, forfeiting all freedom for five years. The second clause, even if he could muster the 100,000 taels deposit, required that the merchant clan succeed in the election this year; otherwise, that money would be lost entirely.

Comparatively, the second clause seemed less restrictive, at least it didn't curtail his freedom. But the sum of 100,000 taels was the biggest obstacle. Tentatively, he asked, “Boss Jia, if I want to back out now, is it still possible?”

Jia Zhengyi looked surprised and said earnestly, “Young Master Gou, if you’re thinking that, I advise you to abandon the idea immediately. The merchant clan has already done work for you; that means a contract is effectively in place. If you turn your back now, the clan won’t hesitate to retaliate.”

Hearing this, Gou Ye frowned. “Oh? What kind of retaliation? Do they plan to kill me? Surely the merchant clan wouldn’t dare defy the law?”

Jia Zhengyi nodded with a faint smile. “The merchant clan doesn’t break the law, but they have money. They can easily bribe unsavory characters to do their dirty work. If you deceive them, it’s not just about losing face—it’s about making them feel mocked. The elders won’t let it slide. The merchant clan rarely does favors lightly; they’re risking enmity with the Zhu Jin family over you. If you suddenly back out, where does that leave them?”

He took a sip of tea and continued, “So, Young Master Gou, I strongly advise you against this. You have a family to consider. Let me tell you something: once, a merchant who was doing well in the clan became independent, took off with his wealth to Chen State, causing significant losses to the clan. The merchant clan spared no expense and hired assassins there, wiping out that merchant’s entire family. To the merchant clan, only interests matter. Anyone harming those interests becomes the enemy.”

Reflecting on this, Gou Ye found Jia Zhengyi’s words reasonable. He couldn’t fault the clan—they weren’t playing games; if he were in charge, he’d consider these things too.

“Alright, Boss Jia, give me a few days to think it over. If I choose the second option, I’ll need some time to gather the funds.”

Jia Zhengyi nodded. “No problem, Young Master Gou. I’ll return to Yong’an by noon and come back in no more than seven days. By then, you’ll have to give me your decision. After that, you’ll accompany me to the capital to report to the merchant clan.”

Just then, Gu Shen passed by and entered the hall. Hearing about the situation, he expressed some understanding due to his familiarity with the merchant clan. Patting Gou Ye’s shoulder, he consoled, “Brother Gou, I told you this path wouldn’t be easy. Honestly, I don’t think I can help much with this matter.”

Gou Ye laughed heartily, looking at Gu Shen’s gloomy expression. “I never asked for your help. If you offered, I might even refuse—you’ve already done me enough favors. Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out myself.”

But truthfully, Gou Ye felt quite vexed. They hadn’t even had lunch at the mansion before he hurriedly returned to Tumen Village with Yun Niang. Sitting in the carriage, he kept wondering if he had chosen the right path. Though one problem seemed resolved, new troubles lurked ahead, like climbing a mountain only to find another looming beyond.

For three whole days, Gou Ye found no solution and didn’t set foot in the county town. It felt like avoidance, but even if he faced it head-on, what good ideas did he have? Since he avoided the town, he entrusted Da Li with selling the shop. At noon, Da Li rushed back.

Gou Ye knew this meant progress, but what Da Li said puzzled him. Apparently, there had indeed been a buyer willing to pay a high price, but the person negotiating wasn’t the actual seller. The real owner insisted on meeting the boss in person before closing the deal. The buyer wanted to meet the man who had created the first love ice treat.