CHAPTER 786: 785

Upon hearing Jin Yu’s question, Ah Jiu paused in the act of sipping tea and looked towards Jin Yu.

"Why does Young Master Jin ask such a question? Or do you presume what my status ought to be?" Ah Jiu countered.

Jin Yu revealed a bitter smile, saying, "Jin Yu would not dare to speculate, but judging by the naturally distinguished and commanding aura that Ninth Master you exude, and the elite caliber of your attendants, it’s somewhat forced to believe that you are merely the son of a wealthy businessman."

Ah Jiu laughed upon hearing this, "They say that the most important thing in doing business is to have courage and a sharp mind, but in my view, having foresight is what truly matters."

Jin Yu looked over.

Ah Jiu pondered for a moment, then said, "Rest assured, these two shops, once given to me, will be mine. You can write a deed of transfer. The business will still be managed under the name of ’Auspicious Pavilion’; it’s just borrowing the prestige of ’Auspicious Pavilion,’ nothing else will inconvenience the Jin family."

Jin Yu furrowed his brows slightly.

"Young Master Jin has escaped grave danger and will need to take control of the Jin family upon his return, right? I have been introduced to a merchant or two in Yuhang myself, such as Yu Caifu, who is in the rice and grains business. If Young Master Jin encounters any difficulties, you could ask for their help," Ah Jiu said indifferently.

Jin Yu was startled by these words.

How could he not know of Yu Caifu? A businessman who started from scratch and now controlled nearly fifty percent of Yuhang’s rice and grain business, ranking among the top merchants.

Moreover, it was said that Yu Caifu was extremely frugal, famously known far and wide as a stingy old miser who wouldn’t part with a single hair. Trying to pluck a single feather from him was said to be even harder than seeing the Emperor. Not only was he parsimonious with outsiders, but he was just as tight-fisted with his own family; it was rumored that his wife was still tending a vegetable garden at home with her daughters-in-law to sustain themselves!

However petty Yu Caifu the miser might have been, his audacity in amassing wealth was admirable, and his business acumen was exceptionally sharp and active. If Jin Yu wanted to seize control of the Jin family’s affairs, having Yu Caifu’s assistance would undoubtedly make the task easier.

Jin Yu had never thought to seize control of the family’s speaking rights from his father, but in recent years, his father’s actions had become increasingly biased, and he was always wary of him, all thanks to the pillow talk he had been given.

Taking the incident of his own injury years ago as an example, he had suspected Lady Yao, yet his father still did not believe it. Now, even if he himself caused a stir, with her tears, the most likely outcome would be being sent away to a temple or nunnery to repent, right?

As time passed, would she be released, and could she revert to her old ways?

Jin Yu could not guarantee, nor did he want to live in vigilance against his kin. The only solution was to seize the speaking power of the Jin family and become the Head of the Jin family ahead of time.

"Ninth Master truly conceals his brilliance, Jin has great admiration for you!" Having weighed the pros and cons, Jin Yu bowed respectfully to Ah Jiu.

"How does Young Master Jin consider it?" Ah Jiu asked.

Jin Yu gave a bitter smile, "I don’t have the right to refuse, do I?"

He really didn’t, and besides, he had already agreed to give away fifty percent of his properties. What could he stop others from doing with them?

Moreover, fortune often favors the bold, and Jin Yu too wanted to take a gamble to see whether the Jin family would thrive in his hands, or alternatively, undergo a transformation.

Ah Jiu said, "Young Master Jin is a man with grand ambitions. Rest assured, you will come to realize that your decision today is the right one."

Jin Yu’s heart skipped a beat, wanting to ask for more details, but Ah Jiu had already picked up his tea, saying no more.

Understanding that this was the end of the matter, he stood up, smiled, and saluted with his hands, "To form a bond with Ninth Master is Jin’s good fortune."

Ah Jiu looked up, a flicker passing through his eyes, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile.