Chapter 51 Chamber of Commerce Cooperation

In the courtyard of the First Prince’s estate, Zhou Hao reclined leisurely in a chair, sipping his tea with a relaxed expression.

Bi Ruxue sat beside him, a hint of bewilderment flickering in her eyes.

"Young Master Zhou, how can you remain so carefree?"

Zhou Hao spread his hands, his demeanor casual.

"What else could I possibly do right now? Many things simply cannot be done within the imperial capital."

If one were to list the things Zhou Hao wanted to do, the list would be endless.

For instance, improving metallurgy, or inventing new agricultural tools.

Yet, none of these could be undertaken inside the imperial capital.

Where in the imperial capital could one find vast tracts of arable land? If he, the First Prince, were to wander around farmland for no apparent reason, it would only invite trouble.

Countless eyes within the imperial capital were closely watching him, eager to discover his every move.

The same applied to improving metallurgy.

Any such improvement required specialized and corresponding equipment.

Once those tools were brought into play, the ministers in the imperial court would naturally catch wind of the clues.

His creation of the floral soap had already drawn the wary gazes of many court officials, let alone if he were to embark on other ventures now.

"Therefore, it is better to rest early and wait for His Majesty to assign my fief."

Before Zhou Hao could continue resting, however, a servant hurried toward them.

"Your Highness, Manager Zhao of the Fortune Chamber of Commerce is here. Will you see him or not?"

The Fortune Chamber of Commerce?

Zhou Hao turned to look at Bi Ruxue.

He truly had no idea who wielded influence within the commercial guilds of the imperial capital.

Bi Ruxue said in a clear voice, "The Fortune Chamber of Commerce is the largest merchant guild in the capital, controlling nearly seventy percent of all business within these walls. They must have set their sights on your floral soap."

Since it concerned the floral soap, Zhou Hao naturally had no reason to refuse.

"Very well, let him in."

The servant acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Not long after, a plump man dressed in opulent attire walked into the hall.

The rings on his fingers alone exuded an unmistakable aura of immense wealth.

He wore at least two rings on every single finger, and the carved reliefs on each ring were entirely different.

This detail alone was ample proof of the boundless prosperity of the Fortune Chamber of Commerce.

"This humble one pays respects to the First Prince." Manager Zhao first bowed deeply to Zhou Hao before stating the purpose of his visit.

"Your floral soap has truly shaken the imperial capital; even merchant guilds like ours are burning with envy."

Zhou Hao smiled, casually gesturing toward a nearby seat. Only then did Manager Zhao gingerly lower himself onto the chair, looking somewhat restrained.

"Naturally, who wouldn't be envious seeing the speed at which my floral soap generates silver? And after all, this is merely the imperial capital, is it not?"

Manager Zhao nodded repeatedly.

It was not as though they had never attempted to replicate the floral soap.

Upon hearing of the item's remarkable efficacy, the Fortune Chamber of Commerce had immediately investigated the materials Zhou Hao used.

Yet, no matter how they tried, the final results were always subpar.

Either the cleansing power was inadequate, or the floral fragrance failed to linger.

One had to understand that mere cleansing ability, or simply a fleeting fragrance, was not what gave the floral soap its current status.

After numerous failed experiments, the Fortune Chamber of Commerce had finally conceded defeat.

This wealth rightfully belonged in this man's hands.

Such a feat was simply beyond their capabilities; they could not even manage to produce a basic imitation.

"Judging by Manager Zhao's words, you wish to sell this floral soap across the entire territory of the Great Zhou?"

Zhou Hao smiled, his gaze fixed piercingly on Manager Zhao.

He had not expected Manager Zhao to possess such a grand ambition—not only wanting to make money, but aiming for a massive fortune.

"Indeed. Who wouldn't want to engage in such a lucrative business? Moreover, this benefits Your Highness as well."

"Just think, our Fortune Chamber of Commerce is willing to forge a trade route exclusively for you. Wherever your fief may be, our trade route will extend right to its borders. What do you think?"

"As long as Your Highness can maintain a steady long-term supply of the floral soap, everything else is open for discussion."

Manager Zhao’s proposal came as somewhat of a surprise to Zhou Hao, who had initially expected the man to try and buy the secret formula outright.

A lump sum would be paid, a large amount of silver exchanged, and both parties could part ways happily.

He had never imagined that Manager Zhao would be so straightforward and direct.

"Oh? If you managed to acquire the formula from me, you could probably earn even more, couldn't you?"

Manager Zhao gave an awkward smile, his expression shifting slightly.

Had it been earlier, Manager Zhao certainly would have entertained such a thought.

Not only would it have yielded greater profits, but it would have multiplied the overall earnings of the entire Fortune Chamber of Commerce several times over.

However, Zhou Hao was a prince—and the First Prince at that!

Within the imperial capital, the First Prince's reputation had been growing increasingly prominent of late.

Manager Zhao had recognized Zhou Hao's character and capability at a single glance.

While partnering with Zhou Hao might yield modest profits at the start, it was undeniably a secure, win-win venture in the long run.

"Your Highness jests. How could I ever covet your formula? You need only expand production slightly, and we will distribute the floral soap throughout the vast lands of the Great Zhou."

"We shall split the profits evenly, fifty-fifty. Isn't that a splendid arrangement?"

Manager Zhao rubbed his hands together, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

As long as he could secure a commitment from Zhou Hao, the Fortune Chamber of Commerce would achieve a twofold victory!

First, they would earn money directly from Zhou Hao—victory number one.

Second, whenever Zhou Hao needed to procure goods or build his fortune in the future, the Fortune Chamber of Commerce would naturally serve as his primary and most vital commercial partner.

Victory number two!

Calculated thusly, the Fortune Chamber of Commerce would clearly win twice over!

Zhou Hao pondered for a moment, sensing that the proposal was entirely feasible.

Utilizing the merchant guild's trade network to purchase goods while simultaneously exporting the floral soap would undoubtedly generate far greater wealth than remaining confined to a single imperial capital.

However, he did not give an immediate answer. Instead, he turned to look at Bi Ruxue.

"Lady Ruxue, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Bi Ruxue mused in silence for a brief moment before nodding.

She had no reason to object.

In this arrangement, there were no losers; everyone secured their rightful share of the benefits.

"I believe this proposition is well worth discussing. If our fief truly lacks everything, we can manage through the Fortune Chamber of Commerce."

At this, Bi Ruxue paused, a trace of tension crossing her features.

"Without an established trade route, our future development will inevitably be restricted and constrained."

Restricted? Constrained?

Zhou Hao understood the reality of the situation without even needing to think deeply.

His fief would undoubtedly be the most desolate and difficult place to develop.

Emperor Zhou and the Empress would certainly make things as difficult for him as possible, refusing to grant him any favorable territory.

"Very well, Manager Zhao. Since you came prepared, you must have already drafted the contract, haven't you?"

Zhou Hao did not believe Manager Zhao would have arrived empty-handed.

How could a manager of the Fortune Chamber of Commerce be so foolish?

Manager Zhao offered a ingratiating smile and pulled two sheets of paper from his sleeve.

The papers already bore the official seal of the Fortune Chamber of Commerce.

They clearly and explicitly detailed everything Zhou Hao was required to do and what he stood to gain.

As for the responsibilities of the Fortune Chamber of Commerce, they were likewise laid out clearly and neatly without the slightest ambiguity.