Yangzhou in Turmoil
Wang Yue, of course, couldn't admit it. Youzhou was already powerful enough, and only Yizhou could compare with it. If Qingzhou and Youzhou joined forces, they would inevitably provoke the other governors.
So he waved a hand and said calmly, "You've got the wrong idea, Uncle. Qingzhou is surrounded by rivals on all sides. We just want to get along with all our neighbors and protect Qingzhou. That's all we could ask for. Look, I came to Yangzhou to do business, didn't I? We could work together, actually."
Wang Yue's last remark was only meant to placate Wang Shanquan. He didn't want to seriously offend the old man before leaving Yangzhou.
If Wang Shanquan flew into a rage, it would probably be difficult for Wang Yue to get away unscathed. After all, this was Yangzhou.
Wang Shanquan seemed lost in thought. After hearing Wang Yue, he pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Oh? What business does Qingzhou want to discuss with me? Don't tell me it's that Muyunsha you produce?"
Wang Yue frowned. Why was Wang Shanquan so calm? There had to be something fishy going on. It seemed best to leave Yangzhou as soon as possible.
Still, he gave nothing away and replied with a straight face, "There are so many rich people in Yangzhou. If I gave you the exclusive right to sell Muyunsha, that wouldn't be out of the question. You'd make a fortune."
Wang Shanquan curled his lip, thinking disdainfully that what he wanted was the Gu family's wealth—the wealth that even the emperor coveted. Wang Yue thought he could get it just by offering the rights to sell Muyunsha? How naïve.
He remained composed, casually discussing a partnership with Wang Yue as if he were simply passing the time.
While the two