Chapter 320: Profit First – A Blade in the Hand

Since the Song and Yuan dynasties, the southeastern coast had gradually flourished. Shanghai Town, along with Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Qingyuan, and Xianpu, was among the seven major maritime trade centers in the country, ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade. However, after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang issued a ban on sea trade, causing merchants to gradually disappear from the scene, and those who relied on the sea for a living lost their means of sustenance. Due to the dire economic conditions, many families risked breaking the ban by smuggling goods overseas. Though it was a life-threatening endeavor, the huge profits involved meant that powerful families were often behind such activities. As for what else these powerful families were up to, ordinary people had no way of knowing.

Liegang, located near two military garrisons in Dinghai, was a bustling place even in the cold wind. Despite the strict ban on any ships setting sail, several large ships with sails raised were ready to head south. Having spent years at sea, these ships bore various signs of repairs. Sailors shouted loudly, while a group of laborers in vests sweated profusely, carrying heavy boxes onto the ships. In a corner of the small dock, two people wrapped in thick clothes were whispering to each other.

“This time, the treasure ships bound for the West are returning, so the risks at sea are much lower than usual. We set sail in November and return in May or June next year. Once we sell these ships’ worth of porcelain and silk for real money, the old master won’t have anything to say.”

“Don’t worry, second young master. I’ve made this journey many times before. Our sailors and maps are just as good as those of the imperial ships, so nothing will go wrong. But is the rumor true? Is the court really lifting the ban? If so, the risks will decrease, after all, we’re in a highly dangerous business.”

“Foolish! Do you understand that rarity makes things valuable? If all the wealthy families start trading overseas, how much will our profits be diluted? The imperial ships are different from ours—we set the prices unchallenged. If those people use other tactics to drive down prices, how much profit will we still have? Two-thirds of our family’s income comes from this sea route. We go to the West in winter and to Korea and Japan in summer—how can we let others take over?”

Although Lao He had been engaged in smuggling at sea for over twenty years and had served this family for many years as well, it was the first time he had seen a middle-aged man wear such a fierce expression, which made him shiver involuntarily. Yet, his wife, children, and family all relied on this man for support, and the money he received was enough to last him several lifetimes. It was impossible for him to leave, so he had no choice but to go to extremes. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly noticed someone approaching and quickly shut his mouth.

“Are the two of you discussing this trip to sea here? This is quite a significant operation—five ships are all loaded to the brim, with the hulls even sinking significantly. The profit from this round trip is indeed substantial. However, although it was said to be worth five thousand taels of silver, my rough estimate suggests it’s more than that. Even if calculated based on a hundred chests of porcelain and five hundred bolts of silk, it seems to be at least fifteen thousand taels of silver. The difference between this and what you said before is quite large!”

Hearing this, Lao He and the middle-aged man in the green silk coat immediately changed color. They were experts in this kind of business, so how could they not know the actual value of the goods on this ship? Usually, the person in charge would just send someone to check things out, assuming that the person in charge of this trip wouldn’t be very knowledgeable. But who would have thought that after observing for a while at the dock, this person could estimate it so accurately!

So, the middle-aged man quickly smiled and explained, “Manager Fang, you really overestimate us. Five thousand taels of silver is already a huge burden for us—how could it possibly be worth fifteen thousand taels? There are some personal goods brought along by some important people we can’t refuse, but they’re not worth much.” As he spoke, he reached into his sleeve and finally pulled out a bulging silk pouch, handing it over with a smile, “You’ve been busy these past few days—this is just a small token of my appreciation…”

However, to his surprise, the man in front of him was different from those he had dealt with before, who could be easily bribed. He didn’t even glance at the pouch filled with gold and showed no intention of taking it. Instead, he said with a fake smile, “As the saying goes, one should remember their roots. If it weren’t for the master protecting you, those two garrisons would be stationed in Dinghai, and your trips at sea wouldn’t be so easy. The master only takes a 20% cut, yet you still dare to play tricks—your audacity is truly astonishing!”

“Manager Fang, please listen to my explanation…”

“I won’t make things difficult for you either. This shipment is going to Nanyang, and 30% of it will be lost en route. When it returns, we’ll calculate a tenfold profit. The young master will end up with at least 20,000 taels. Even if we don’t use the official price but convert it to gold at market rate, it will still be several thousand taels of gold. If less than that amount arrives, you’ll have to figure it out yourselves!”
Seeing the young man in the light blue velvet robe turn and leave without a word, Lao He’s face immediately took on a fierce expression. “Second young master, this kid dares to give orders right from the start. He really doesn’t know the rules! Even if that boss needs so much silver this time, he should have been dealt with long ago! It’s all at sea anyway—just cause an accident, and I’m sure he won’t be able to spread his words!”
“Enough, let’s not create extra problems!” Seeing Lao He revert to his pirate ways, the middle-aged man frowned and then sighed. “The rules from the imperial court aren’t clear yet. If we offend that boss again, things will get even more troublesome. This man is young and full of ambition. I’ve invited him to my house first. With wine, women, and wealth, as long as I train him properly, I don’t believe he’ll remain unmoved. Leave all matters at sea to you—be extremely careful!”
Lao He chuckled, stepped back, and bowed. “Then I wish the second young master success in seizing the position of family head right away! The first young master is really too timid. He gives up such a good way to make money without thinking about what will happen to all these people. We brothers will naturally follow you, second young master. As for rules of seniority and propriety, we who make a living at sea only know one thing: whoever has more power gets the top position!”
The middle-aged man wasn’t surprised by this reply. He nodded with a smile. After watching them leave, he turned and walked a few steps, meeting two capable attendants by a rock. From there, he went to a simpler dock on the other side. Seeing his unremarkable small boat, he narrowed his eyes slightly and called over a sailor.
“Prepare to set sail. We’re heading back today.”
As the three large ships set sail southward, a small boat silently slipped into the sea from the other side ofLeigang. In a cabin near the bow, the middle-aged man took off his thick green silk coat, put on a tight lu silk jacket and a fox fur robe, then sat on the bed holding a heating stove, lost in thought.

The Yang family of Songjiang Prefecture has existed since the Tang Dynasty, with countless branches. Even the elders who always claim to be the legitimate line actually know that their branch may not truly have noble origins. Compared to the Wu family, which remained renowned despite never holding official positions throughout the Yuan Dynasty, the noble Shen family, the highly respected He family from the medical community, and even the Du family, which was once inferior to them, the Yang family now has nothing but money. The eldest brother, Yang Jinde, true to his name, only seeks to associate with scholars for fame, never considering that if the Yang family loses its wealth, who in the countryside will still respect them?

Thinking of this, Yang Jincái couldn’t help but sneer. His sister Yang Lin and her husband Fang Qing happened to return for a visit at just that time. On the surface, they claimed to be concerned about their father or to mediate between the two brothers, but who could really know their true motives? It was said that the Fang family had gradually obtained many salt permits they had owed for years. With such confidence, it was hard to rule out the possibility that they might eye the Yang family’s wealth. If the division of assets continued to be delayed, who knew whose hands those properties and resources would end up in!

Speaking of which, that manager, Fang Rui, shared the same surname as his brother-in-law. Why did he keep attracting people from the Fang family?

The ship sailed at sea for two days and nights. Yang Jincái tried every means to strike up a conversation with Fang Rui but couldn’t figure out his intentions. One night, loud knocking on the door woke him from his thoughts. Soon after, a deep voice said, “Second young master, let’s follow the old plan—land on small boats in the area between Chuansha Fort and Baoshan Station. Our contacts must already be waiting there. Since we’re not carrying anything, even if we meet patrol soldiers, nothing bad will happen.”

“Good, let’s do it as usual. After landing, take the ship to Hengsha and hide it. I’ll send someone to inform you if anything happens.”

In the pitch-dark night, two small boats arrived at the sea dike one after another. As seven or eight people jumped off the boats, they rowed back. After landing, the leader skillfully lit an oil lamp, casting long shadows behind them. The group marched up the dike and soon reached a nearby fishing village. Less than half an hour later, two sturdy horse carts set off on the road.

Along the way, although they encountered two groups of patrol officers from the inspection department, the coachman handled the situation skillfully and generously, and since the officers saw only people and no goods when they lifted the curtain, they let them pass easily, unaware at all that the second young master of the Yang family from Songjiang Prefecture was in the carriage. It wasn’t until dawn that the two carriages finally stopped at the back door of the Yang residence.

Although Yang Jincái kept it quiet, there were no secrets in such a large household, and the masters soon learned of the news. Fang Qing, awakened from sleep by his wife Yang Lin, learned that his second uncle had returned. Frowning slightly, he then asked his wife, “How many days has it been since the messenger was sent to Nanjing?”
“Seven or eight days, with no news at all.”
“Then something must have happened.” Fang Qing sat up, put on his clothes, and began counting on his fingers. His expression grew increasingly serious. “The journey from Songjiang Prefecture to Nanjing takes at most two days—enough time for two round trips. Given Lord Zhang’s character, he would never deliberately ignore things or hold people back. What exactly happened in Nanjing?”
Just as he was filled with doubts, a maid’s voice came from outside: “Young master, someone has left a message at the main gate. It says it’s from an old friend of yours.”
“An old friend?” Fang Qing was greatly surprised and quickly asked, “Bring the message here for me to see!”