Chapter Seventeen: Preparations

With Lady He’s support secured, He Chong’an immediately sprang into action.

Xiong Dali led He Chong’an to a vacant lot just outside the north gate of Beijing city.

It was an open space, originally the equestrian grounds of the Marquis of Wuning’s manor.

The grounds were merely enclosed by walls, with only two small houses inside for people to rest. Yet outside the grounds, the area bustled with activity, seemingly no different from the rest of the city.

“Actually, a hundred years ago, this entire area was horse grounds,” Xiong Shili explained. “Back then, there were no walls, just some railings. Each noble family stationed their retainers, weapons, and mounts here.”

“Typically, bodyguards were not permitted to wear armor or ride horses into the city.”

“Noble families’ personal guards would dismount and remove their armor here, either returning home or changing into civilian clothes to accompany their masters.”

“However, over the past century, for reasons unknown, other noble families have ceased using the horse grounds. Houses have gradually been built here. Only my family remains.”

Xiong Shili’s tone brimmed with pride.

He Chong’an perceived the underlying implications and thought to himself, “The Daxia Imperial Guard is probably no longer what it used to be.”

During his time with the He family, He Chong’an had learned some basics of ancient military knowledge: any general who wishes to establish authority within an army must have loyal confidants willing to live and die together with him; otherwise, it is difficult to maintain control over troops.

The He family still maintained their retainers, but other noble houses seemed to have forgotten their ancestors’ glory. Otherwise, the horse grounds would not have been replaced entirely by buildings.

But that was none of his concern.

He was focused solely on location.

This was once where guards disarmed and dismounted, so naturally, the area was well connected. Outside the gate was the official road, leading in all directions.

Inside, there was ample space.

“When will everyone arrive?”

“All the estates have been notified,” Xiong Shili said. “A few people have just arrived. I estimate everyone will be here by tomorrow.”

“Good. Convert these few rooms into a large dormitory for sleeping. We’ll handle other arrangements later.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Is there a coal depot nearby?”

“Of course,” Xiong Dali replied. “Originally, Beijing’s coal came through Mentougou to enter the city, but later, some coal mines to the north started delivering coal through the north gate. They are not far from here.”

“Let’s go take a look.”

The Wuning Marquis’s carriage rocked and swayed as it made its way to the coal depot.

The curtain at the entrance was lifted, and a stool was placed down first. Then He Chong’an, clad in a pure white fur coat, slowly stepped out of the carriage.

His fur coat was whiter than snow. Though the marquis’s carriage seemed unremarkable, those who knew the manor’s standards could tell at a glance. This carriage had some years on it, which commanded respect—newer carriages belonged to nouveau riche families.

Truly established families replaced their carriages only once every few decades; they kept the old ones.

Like the emperor’s own carriage, which had a century of history.

A well-maintained old carriage was more awe-inspiring than a new one.

The coal depot manager was sharp-eyed and said nothing else, but seeing He Chong’an’s snow-white fur coat made it clear to anyone that this was no ordinary household.

A nobleman.

He immediately stepped forward and greeted, “Young master, may I ask the purpose of your visit?”

He Chong’an took out an embroidered handkerchief from his pocket and covered his nose, adopting the demeanor of a noble scion as his gaze swept across the entire coal depot.

The depot was open-air, with piles of coal stretching over a mile. Snow blanketed untouched areas, while the places where coal had been shoveled were pitch black, creating a stark contrast. He spoke disdainfully:

“What is your price for powdered coal? Never mind, charge the market rate. I want one hundred thousand jin, delivered to the He family horse grounds—the Wuning Marquis He family’s grounds outside the north gate.”

“Just say it’s for Third Young Master.”

He Chong’an seemed to find the place filthy, barely glancing at the manager before turning to leave.

The manager, surprised but cautious, hesitated. One hundred thousand jin was a huge order, yet no mention of payment was made. Carefully, he asked, “Young master—”

He Chong’an shot him a disdainful, domineering look, like a proud dragon soaring the heavens, and said, “What is it?”

The manager shivered and immediately dared not say another word. “Safe travels, young master. I will arrange the delivery at once.”

“Good,” He Chong’an said, then climbed back into the He family’s carriage along with Xiong Shili.

As the carriage slowly moved forward, Xiong Shili peeked through the curtain and saw the manager still standing in the wind and snow, holding a respectful posture. He gave a thumbs-up and said, “Third Young Master, you’re impressive. Just like that, a hundred thousand jin of coal is on its way.”

He Chong’an shook his head slightly, thinking, “It’s not my skill. This is the power of influence.”

Because so many bureaucrats and nobles abused their authority, people below had grown accustomed to such behavior.

He was somewhat ill at ease but understood it was the only option now.

He was pressed for time and had no mood for sentimentality.

He said, “Gather the supplies. Let’s pay a visit to Eunuch Qin.”

He Chong’an’s careful dealings with Eunuch Qin were not solely as he had mentioned to He Ziqi; there was a personal motive as well.

His private intent was to build his own network.

Dealing with someone like Eunuch Qin was like dancing with wolves. If he did not demonstrate his capabilities, he would only be prey. He Chong’an’s previous actions had yielded good results.

Eunuch Qin recognized He Chong’an as no ordinary man, and this visit was met with greater warmth.

The two exchanged greetings and sat down.

He Chong’an said, “I won’t hide it from you, Eunuch Qin. I’m here this time to ask for your help.”

“Still about the pocket watch?”

“No. It’s a business venture. A very profitable one. If you’re interested, you can take a share.”

“What kind of business?”

He Chong’an explained the coal briquette and briquette stove business. “I need some craftsmen, and who better to ask than you, Eunuch Qin? We get to know each other better this time. I’m willing to give you a share and will not treat you unfairly.”

The He family lacked enough craftsmen to run this business.

Eunuch Qin calculated quietly and thought it unlikely to be profitable.

Though briquette stoves were convenient, how could they compare to exquisitely crafted hand warmers, almost works of art? A single coal briquette cost less than a copper coin; a briquette stove sold for at most a few dozen copper coins. What profits could there be?

As for volume, Eunuch Qin was not interested in bulk sales.

The art of embezzlement lay in small operations with high returns. If everyone knew how Eunuch Qin was pocketing money or got involved in these affairs, it would be a mess. There was no such “embezzlement law.”

Moreover, the profits would be meager—just a modest income at best.

The craftsmen He Chong’an sought were not top-tier artisans; those were registered within the imperial court and always in demand, but difficult to deploy. Ordinary craftsmen were plentiful.

To Eunuch Qin, this was a trivial matter.

Better to exchange it for a favor from He Chong’an.

Eunuch Qin smiled and said, “Between you and me, there’s no need for such formality. Coincidentally, I have a matter I’d like your help with. Let’s lend each other a hand.”