East Market? West Market?

Xu Mingyuan arrived at the Chen family's main entrance.

The doorkeepers saw him and immediately cupped their hands, saying, "Second Young Master Xu, are you looking for the Eldest Young Master or the Master?"

These retainers all knew that the Xu Family and the Chen Family had a very close and intimate relationship.

"I'm looking for Uncle Ergou."

"Second Young Master Xu, please follow me."

The Chen Family and the Xu Family had partnered up, and after five years of development, they had become one of the most prominent landowners in Dongxi Village.

Compared to his second-rate martial artist elder brother, his life was clearly more comfortable.

His elder brother, Chen Daming, had married a rich merchant's daughter, but he himself was not good at earning money or doing business.

In the past two years, he had borrowed a considerable amount of silver from his father and father-in-law, and through connections, he had become a yamen runner in Qingjiang County.

Although he could skim some profits most of the time, it was just average.

Sometimes, he would also borrow money from Chen Ergou.

Chen Ergou, in front of his elder brother, was no longer subservient but stood tall.

Of course, if Chen Daming could become a first-class martial artist, that would be another matter.

But now, at his age of forty, his potential was long gone, and second-rate martial artist was his limit.

It was also because of this that he had found a way to become a yamen runner in Qingjiang County.

A "rice bowl" job, at least stable.

Now, the Chen family courtyard had long been renovated, and a new large courtyard had been built.

Its area was even half again as large as the Xu Family's.

They had also hired accountants, retainers, and maids.

It had the genuine air of a wealthy landowner.

Xu Mingyuan followed them into the Chen Family compound and looked around, thinking, Uncle Ergou really knows how to enjoy life. I haven't been here for a month or two, and there's a new osmanthus tree and a rock garden.

Front courtyard.

Chen Daniu was practicing martial arts at home. When he saw Xu Mingyuan, he immediately stopped his movements and walked up with a smile, asking, "Why are you here?"

After Xu Mingyuan started practicing martial arts, Chen Daniu had also brought it up with his father.

Seeing that the Xu Family all practiced martial arts, Chen Ergou also sent him to a martial arts school.

The Black Tiger Martial Arts School had acquaintances of Chen Daming, and Chen Daniu, being Chen Daming's nephew, would at least receive some care.

But whether one succeeded in martial arts depended on oneself.

Fortunately, Chen Daniu was different from Chen Ergou; he had perseverance.

He would wake up at the crow of the rooster to practice martial arts and wouldn't rest until midnight.

His family spared no effort in cultivating him, and Chen Daniu's strength was close to Xu Mingyuan's. It wouldn't be a problem for him to become a third-rate martial artist in two to three years, and he had a chance to become a second-rate martial artist before the age of thirty.

"Come on, A Yuan." Chen Daniu said, "It's rare for me to see you when I'm back. Let's spar."

"I won't lose to you anymore."

"Next time. I have important business with Uncle Ergou this time."

Xu Mingyuan smiled. Not to mention his distant cousin, he quite liked the temperaments of the Chen father and son.

One thing at a time, Xu Mingyuan was very clear about that.

Because Xu Chuan also set an example for them in this way.

"Looking for my father? Alright, but if you keep getting distracted like this, I'll surpass you sooner or later."

"Heh, what's there to compare with me? Practicing martial arts was forced on me by Father. If you want to compare, go compare with my elder brother. In terms of martial arts talent, I'm far behind him."

"I'm not stupid, I'll compare with you!"

Looking at Chen Daniu's seemingly clever but actually foolish expression, Xu Mingyuan was a bit speechless. He waved his hand, "I won't disturb your practice anymore. We'll chat later."

Then, he followed the retainer to the inner courtyard.

"A Yuan, why are you here?"

Chen Ergou was overjoyed to see him. He waved to the retainer beside him, telling him to leave.

The retainer cupped his hands, left the inner courtyard, and returned to stand at the main entrance.

"You have something to discuss, right? Come, come, let's go to the study to talk."

Inside the study, a row of bookshelves was filled with books.

Seeing Xu Mingyuan look over, Chen Ergou explained with a smile, "Just for show. You know, Uncle Ergou doesn't have much ink in his belly, so I can only put on a good front."

"Lately, I increasingly feel that Brother Chuan was incredibly right to have you all study and practice calligraphy from a young age, not giving it up even after starting martial arts."

"Unlike my Daniu, who has now completely devoted himself to martial arts."

"He's probably forgotten most of what he learned in school these past few years."

"A Yuan, have a seat."

Chen Ergou gestured for Xu Mingyuan to sit down, then asked, "Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you. I just finished breakfast."

Xu Mingyuan smiled and said, "Uncle Ergou, it's not that serious. Daniu is quite good. His future achievements in Martial Arts will surely surpass his uncle's."

"That's for sure," Chen Ergou said proudly. "I've spent a lot of money on him, so it wouldn't be a waste if there wasn't some result."

"Enough small talk. What did you want to see me about? Let's hear it."

Chen Ergou poured himself a cup of tea and took a sip.

"Uncle Ergou, you mentioned opening a shop in the county town to my father before, right?"

"That's right. Did your father agree?"

Xu Mingyuan nodded. "Opening a shop, my father also agrees. Developing in Dongxi Village has its limitations. The future center for my Xu Family will be in Qingjiang County Town."

"Is that so?" Chen Ergou's face lit up with joy. "Then let's discuss how we should open this shop, uncle and nephew."

"There's no need, Uncle Ergou."

"What do you mean?" Chen Ergou was slightly taken aback, looking at Xu Mingyuan in surprise.

At thirteen, the childishness on his face was gradually disappearing, replaced by a hint of heroism and confidence in his brows.

"Qingjiang County is different from the countryside; it's mostly officials and nobles. If we join forces, any trouble could cost both families years of effort."

"So, I suggest we go our separate ways."

"You mean, each family opens their own shop and manages it independently."

Xu Mingyuan nodded.

Chen Ergou began to ponder.

After years of experience, he was no longer a novice and had his own strategies for business.

"It's not impossible. Qingjiang County Town is the wealthiest and largest among the nearby counties. The fruit and vegetable market is huge. As long as we don't open too close to each other, it won't affect each other's business and will maximize profits."

Seeing Chen Ergou's interest, Xu Mingyuan said, "Uncle Ergou, then it's decided. Father has authorized me to be fully responsible for the Xu Family's fruit and vegetable shop in Qingjiang County. I need to get busy with that."

"Qingjiang County Town is full of hidden talents, so I need to plan carefully."

Xu Mingyuan bid farewell and left. As he exited the inner courtyard, he was seen by Xu Yan, who was coming out of a room.

She frowned slightly and walked into the study. "Was that A Yuan just here? What did he come for? Was it to discuss the cooperation for the Qingjiang County fruit and vegetable shop?"

"That's right," Chen Ergou replied. "However, after much consideration, I've decided to go our separate ways."

"Each family opens their own shop."

"We can't always rely on the Xu Family's name for everything we do."

"That's true, but right now..."

Xu Yan was about to say something when Chen Ergou raised his hand to stop her. "Alright, that's settled. Let's discuss the shop matters ourselves."

She sighed inwardly, "It seems the Xu Family doesn't want to cooperate anymore."

"Fine, then we don't have to hold back anymore and can go all out."

"Wife, do you think our shop should be in the East Market or the West Market?" Chen Ergou asked. "The East Market has more officials and nobles, while the West Market has more common folk."

"Naturally, the East Market. The East Market is prosperous and earns more."

Xu Family.

"Father, do you think our family's shop should be in the East Market or the West Market? Let's go with the East Market. We've always sold there before, so we have a foundation."

Xu Mingyuan pondered before saying to Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "A Yuan, selling from scattered stalls is different from opening a shop."

"Once a shop is opened, it's like putting down roots. The East Market is prosperous, prices can be set higher, and profits will be greater. But behind the prosperity lies a complex web of interests."

"Father, you're leaning towards the West Market?"

Xu Chuan nodded. "Today, I'll talk to you about what a supermarket is."

He began to explain. Xu Mingyuan, being intelligent and quick-witted, immediately understood Xu Chuan's meaning and even extrapolated from it.

"In the West Market, our Xu Family can purchase fruits and vegetables from individual farmers and then sell them under the Xu Family's name. Furthermore, our own produce can be classified as premium, with much higher pricing to differentiate it."

"For those individual farmers who are unwilling to sell, we can also establish cooperative relationships. Our Xu Family will provide the venue and collect some rent."

"Our Xu Family has the 'Green Jade Pear' brand, a golden signboard, which will easily help us build our reputation."

"With reputation comes popularity."

"This will drive sales of the fruits and vegetables purchased from ordinary farmers, attracting more individual farmers."

"It will be like a snowball, growing bigger and bigger."

After being enlightened, Xu Mingyuan seemed to have a breakthrough. His eyes grew brighter and brighter, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Father, I'll head to Qingjiang County Town right away to discuss cooperation and select a location. I won't be back for a few days."

"Go," Xu Chuan said with a slight smile. "Take Zhou Ming and Zhao Dalong with you. Remember to prioritize stability and be selective."

"Yes, Father."

Xu Mingyuan went to Bai Jing to collect several thousand taels of silver notes and then rushed to Qingjiang County Town with his entourage.