Shopkeeper Shi winced at the expense, patting his chest as though to comfort himself.
"It's fine. Now that you've entered officialdom, President, being able to serve the court will greatly benefit your career. We can't fuss over immediate gains and losses; we need to look further ahead. Once the day comes when you stand second only to the emperor, people will be lining up to deliver money to our merchant association."
"Not entirely. We sold these jade tubes at cost, so we truly won't make any money from them. But that also means our jade tube customers will be spread throughout the Great Cloud Dynasty. Can't we advertise our own goods inside the jade tubes? Wouldn't that count as an enormous profit?"
Tang Yu asked with a smile.
Prompted by Tang Yu's words, Shopkeeper Shi said excitedly, "What a great idea, President! The way you put it, it feels like someone poured hot water over my head—I suddenly get it."
"Shopkeeper Shi's learning is growing ever more profound. I'll recommend you to become Chancellor of the Imperial Academy someday."
"That won't do. If I leave, who'll help keep an eye on the merchant association? I wouldn't trust anyone else."
Tang Yu pointed at Shopkeeper Shi and laughed. "Once we're done receiving the guests, we'll head out of the city. Buy every mountain around Flying Fish Mountain. Our workshop needs to expand by at least tenfold."
"Alright."
Shopkeeper Shi nodded and went back out to receive the guests.
By nightfall, the two of them left the city together for Flying Fish Mountain.
Along the way, Tang Yu sat inside the flying artifact, somewhat absent-minded.
"President, is something troubling you?"
Noticing this, Shopkeeper Shi asked curiously.
"Nothing. I was just wondering why that person still hasn't come."
"That person? A man or