The Hidden Secrets of the Commercial Atmosphere in the Capital

The atmosphere in the capital was subtle and eerie, a sentiment even the steward Li Tongchen, who escorted the Tong family's longevity boat into the city, strongly felt. He should have returned home long ago, but he was waiting for a day when everyone from the Huo family was present to bid farewell. It had been several days since he last saw either of the Huo brothers after the old Marquis Huo's birthday celebrations. Marquis Huo instructed him not to worry, to wander around the capital for a few more days, and they would return once they finished their official duties. He then relaxed and strolled through the streets, buying some goods and picking up small gifts to take back home.

As he walked, he sensed an unusual atmosphere permeating the streets. Several pawnshops were suddenly liquidating their inventory, selling off mostly exotic goods from the southern seas at bargain prices. Agents seemed busier than ever, with many shops displaying signs reading "Prime Shop for Sale." When Tongchen saw an agent putting up "for sale" red paper, he approached to inquire about prices. Before negotiations even began, just as Tongchen glanced around and lifted his foot, he mistakenly be thought he was about to leave, so the agent began drastically lowering prices in a manner akin to a suicide bid. After a moment of contemplation, Tongchen returned to the Huo residence, where, to his surprise, he encountered the two young masters of the Huo family dismounting in front of the house.

"General Huo, greetings from Tongchen. I have some matters I'd like to discuss with you," Tongchen quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully and saluting.

Huo Changfeng turned around and warmly nodded to Tongchen. "Ah, it's Tongchen. How come you seem so unfamiliar since you arrived in the capital? Weren't you always calling me 'Big Uncle'? Come on are, let's go inside first."

"Yeah, Little Chenchen, were you out shopping? If you need anything, feel free to ask Uncle. Anything you need, just let me know," Huo Changlin gestured for Tongchen to join them as they entered the main hall of the courtyard.

"Sure thing, Uncles. Before coming here, Miss Bei instructed me to pay attention to the prices and rents of shops in the capital. So, I went out to take a look. However, I've realized that I might have caught the season for clearance sales and shop closures in the city. The market prices for shops are even lower than in Dongbin County. Therefore, I've decided to take advantage of the current market conditions to purchase some suitable properties for the Tong family and Miss Bei before returning. This will delay my return for some time. I'm here to ask Uncle to convey this matter to Miss Bei," Tongchen explained.

"Great! Tongchen, you truly live up to your role as the Tong family's chief steward. Your business acumen is remarkable. Uncle fully supports your decision. Come on, tell Uncle which properties you have in mind," Huo Changlin said with a meaningful smile, considering the changes in the capital.

"As for Miss Bei's development plan, there are currently three main initiatives. Firstly, it's the establishment of artisanal new schools in a front-shop-and-back-workshop style. This requires a whole street with a backyard, around twenty rooms or so. Secondly, there's the construction of same-city roadside traveler inn. It's best to have one at each direction after leaving the city gates, ideally located at the estates along the main road. And thirdly, there's the collaboration with Prince Mo and Master Qiao on the North-South Supermarket and FuHai Pavilion businesses. These two ventures are bound to expand to the capital sooner or later. I'm not sure if I should take this opportunity to help them secure suitable locations," Tongchen laid out his plans, already considering his options while walking through the streets.

"Your considerations are thorough. Tomorrow, I'll have my first attendant DaiDan accompany you for a few days to familiarize himself with the streets and meet some reliable agents. If you find any interesting locations, make a note of them or make some contacts. I'll make sure to relay the information back to Dongbin County." Huo Changfeng was very pleased with Tongchen's sharpness and maturity at this moment. Seeing such a capable young steward nurtured by the mountain family where his little sister had married, he could finally ease some of the concerns he had held for his sister over the past decade. In handling family relations, Huo Changfeng, as the eldest son, was more thoughtful. Therefore, after some thought, he advised Tongchen, "However, regarding your third point, I suggest you pay a visit to the Qiao Mansion and Prince Mo's Mansion first. If you find a suitable location, send them a message. These two mansions might also step in to purchase. Start making purchases in three days. If there's an urgent sale, you might as well try to negotiate for a lower price. They will surely haggle every penny." With that, Huo Changfeng's advice reached its limit, so he walked away.

"Little Chenchen, would you be interested in having a drink with your younger Uncle?" Huo Changlin was always carefree and easygoing. When it came to doing things, he felt no pressure. The sister Rui Huo, niece Bei, and Brother Qiao were all his own people. When the convicted traitors and criminals have their homes confiscated, the things seized will inevitably include a share for that emperor's own son, Prince Mo. It was just a matter of drawing an early circle. It hadn't been easy for his little sister over the past decade, but he wasn't as serious and stern as his older brother. If Tongchen showed signs of potential at this time, he wouldn't be Huo Erlong if he didn't take the opportunity to give him some guidance.

The two of them arrived at Changlin's courtyard. After a while, Huo Changfeng's attendant, DaiDan, also arrived, carrying the map of the capital given to him by General Huo. Huo Changlin waited until the servants brought food and set up the table, then instructed them all to leave before unfolding the map.

Tongchen listened as DaiDan detailed some of the main commercial streets and surrounding areas. Combining this information with the locations he had seen for sale and those he favored, Tongchen used a pencil to mark them on the map and handed it to Huo Changlin. "Alright, you two will go out tomorrow to negotiate with the agents slowly. Wait for my message at home around dinner time the day after tomorrow."