Chapter 82: Still Not Enough

After Wei Renshi returned home, he went straight into his study. He first penned a letter to Liu Yuxi, describing in detail the method, uses, and effects of the coal briquette, as well as the proportions and process for making honeycomb coal from bituminous coal. He also carefully explained and illustrated the design of the hand-crafted coal press and the coal stove.

Moreover, he included some of his own insights and judgments on the current political situation.

This was not an act of pure selflessness on Wei Renshi’s part; rather, the events of the day had deeply unsettled him. The fierce and menacing bailiffs, the old woman intent on selling her granddaughter—these things shook him to his core.

What was even more frightening was his utter powerlessness in the face of such things.

Utter powerlessness!

He could not bear to imagine if, one day, such humiliation were to befall him—how would he respond? Even Shen Wansan, with all his wealth, ultimately met a bitter end.

Shi the Elder had said that things were the same everywhere.

This was no longer the glorious Tang dynasty of old.

Those days of enlightened governance and peaceful people under the rule of Emperor Taizong, or the prosperous and robust era of Kaiyuan, were now only memories.

The Tang dynasty, once a brilliant sun, was now descending toward dusk. The clouds at the horizon were drifting in, soon to blot out the last rays of sunset.

The long song of Zhenguan was about to fade into silence; the once-great dynasty was riddled with wounds.

The shadow over the empire grew ever heavier.

At first, Wei Renshi had believed that earning wealth, improving his family’s status, and becoming the richest in the district would suffice to let him live well in this era.

Only now did he realize, with a start—

It was not enough!

Simply having money, a good family background, or local dominance—these were all insufficient. Entirely insufficient!

He needed to help Liu Yuxi gain promotion to the Censorate as soon as possible, so that through him he could meet Wang Shuwen. Only by connecting with Wang Shuwen could he get close to Li Song, and through Li Song, reach Li Chun.

Li Chun, now only in his twenties, was at the age of youthful vigor, unburdened by convention, and receptive to new ideas.

By approaching him, gaining his trust, and influencing him, he could, in turn, influence the Tang dynasty itself—and through him, safeguard his own future.

The letter he wrote was long and thorough, waiting only for Liu Yuxi to leave Weinan for the Censorate.

Once the letter was finished, Wei Renshi left his home and made his way to the neighborhood headman Zheng’s house, where Shi the Elder and his group were still lodging, having no place of their own.

“Uncle Shi, this letter is for Liu Yuxi, the registrar at Weinan County Office. It is extremely important—I cannot trust anyone else to deliver it.” Wei Renshi explained, “I would like you to choose someone reliable to take it to him personally.”

Shi the Elder nodded and called out, “Gou’er!”

A man named Gou’er ran out, greeted them with a smile and a bow, and asked, “Young master! Elder Shi! What do you need?”

“This is a personal letter from the young master, containing confidential matters,” Shi the Elder said solemnly, handing him the letter. “You are to deliver it yourself to Liu Yuxi, registrar at Weinan County Office.”

Gou’er straightened, nodded, and replied, “Very well! I’ll set out immediately!”

“Gou’er, there’s no rush. Come with me to get some travel money—don’t stint yourself on the journey. And pick out a horse to buy along the way,” Wei Renshi added. “You’ll need the horse for travel, and after you return, I’ll need a carriage as well.”

Hearing that he could ride a horse and need not economize on the road, Gou’er was even happier and bowed in thanks, “Thank you, young master!”

Just as he finished speaking, another man emerged from the house, approached Wei Renshi, and said, “Young master, Weinan isn’t exactly far, but it’s not right next door either. Gou’er is a bit simple-minded—if he goes alone, I won’t be at ease. May I accompany him?”

Shi the Elder looked to Wei Renshi, who nodded, “That’s even better. The two of you can look out for each other.”

The man clasped his fists in salute, “Thank you, young master! I’ll go prepare at once.”

He pulled Gou’er away to get ready. As they left, Shi the Elder remarked to Wei Renshi, “Ma Weilong is the most resourceful among us. We’ve escaped death several times thanks to his ideas. He’s truly capable and knows how to fight. If his superiors hadn’t stolen his credit a few times, he’d be a field officer by now.”

Among those uninjured, there were Shi the Elder, Gou’er, Ma Weilong, and another named Zhang Changgui, who had lost a foot. The little boy was Shi the Elder’s grandson, only eight years old, named Shi Qingye.

With Ma Weilong and Gou’er set to go, Wei Renshi gave them travel funds. They had little to pack, so after collecting the money, they set off immediately.

They would first travel to Luoyang, purchase horses and a carriage, and then proceed to Weinan.

The round trip would take at least half a month—just enough time for the blacksmith to finish a prototype of the coal stove.

Wei Renshi was about to redraw the stove’s plans when he heard a knock at the door. Xi’er went to open it, and in came Old Wang and his daughter, as well as Li He.

“Go ahead and speak,” said Li He, glancing at Old Wang after they had all sat down in the courtyard. “My business can be summed up in a word.”

“Thank you, young master!” Old Wang expressed his gratitude, then turned to Wei Renshi. “Thanks to your support, young master, my shop’s earnings over the last two months nearly match an entire year’s income in the past. Here are the account books for the last three months for your review. I’ve also brought your share.”

“No need to look. Just leave them there,” Wei Renshi waved his hand. “For now, I think you’ve learned quite a few recipes. Any more would be difficult to put into practice. Better to pause, solidify what you know, then innovate further—this way, the shop will endure. But it’s up to you; if you wish to continue learning, you’re always welcome.”

Old Wang hesitated, “To tell the truth, I’m here today to ask a favor of you, young master.”

“Speak,” Wei Renshi nodded.

“I’m already an old man, halfway to the grave. This flatbread shop is my life’s work, and I intend to keep it running till the end. But my daughter, Xiaosui, is different—she’s still young, only sixteen. I’ve heard you opened a restaurant in Luoyang, young master, and surely you have master chefs there. I wonder, if you could put in a word for her, perhaps she could apprentice under one of them.”

Wei Renshi was taken aback. “You want Xiaosui to learn cookery?”

Old Wang nodded, “I’ve muddled through life and come to understand one thing: there’s nothing better than relying on oneself. My daughter, forgive my immodesty, is a rare beauty—finding a good match shouldn’t be hard. But I believe there is no better reliance than one’s own skills. If she learns the culinary arts, she can not only take over my shop but perhaps expand it. When the time comes to choose a husband, she’ll have confidence.”

“Excellent insight!” Wei Renshi gave him a thumbs-up and laughed, “For your wisdom alone, I will surely help you with this!”

(Please add to your favorites and recommend us!)