Chapter Sixteen: Today, Sir Is Here Just to Spend Money
Just as Fang Xiaoru was about to say more, Chen Kan hurriedly continued, “Teacher, please rest assured, your student is well aware of the situation. The decision to cancel the engagement today was made after careful consideration. I am convinced that Prince Jin’s arrogance will not last much longer. Severing ties with the Jin Prince’s residence sooner rather than later will benefit me more than harm. It will save me from getting entangled with Zhu Jixi and ending up in that dreadful prison—I couldn’t bear a single day there.”
Fang Xiaoru furrowed his brow. “How do you know Prince Jin’s arrogance won’t last long?”
“Because I’ll be the one to thwart him!”
“Hmph? You scoundrel!”
“Just joking, teacher. Please don’t be angry, but listen carefully to what I have to say.”
“If you can’t come up with a clear explanation, don’t blame me for cleaning house today!”
Chen Kan paid no heed to Fang Xiaoru’s threat. He took the seat Zhu Jixi had just vacated and placed the gold coins he held on the table.
Seeing this, Fang Xiaoru had no choice but to sit down nearby. He was curious to hear what insights this wayward disciple might have.
“Ahem.”
Clearing his throat, Chen Kan asked, “Teacher, what do you think His Majesty’s purpose is in reducing the power of the regional princes?”
Fang Xiaoru replied expressionlessly, “Naturally, it is out of concern that the princes, becoming too powerful, might threaten the central government.”
Chen Kan nodded. “Correct. His Majesty intends to curtail the princes. But what about the Prince of Yan?”
Fang Xiaoru pondered for a moment before continuing, “The Prince of Yan is himself a regional prince. He understands well the dangers such princes pose to the state. Once his position is secure, he will surely implement policies to reduce the powers of other princes.”
Chen Kan smiled subtly. Indeed, Fang Xiaoru had thought of this too. The old man was feigning ignorance while fully aware. Otherwise, how could he remain indifferent when Chen Kan agreed to break the engagement?
“Teacher, your insight is truly sharp,” Chen Kan offered a modest compliment.
Fang Xiaoru nodded with a restrained look of satisfaction.
Then, relaxing somewhat, he said, “Very well. Since you have considered these matters, I shall no longer trouble myself with you. Take care of yourself.”
“Yes, teacher.”
The two exchanged a glance, each detecting a hint of cunning in the other’s eyes.
A sudden understanding dawned on Chen Kan. Fang Xiaoru was beginning to cultivate him. Perhaps today’s incident was the first test.
“Dinner is ready.”
Mrs. Zheng, seeing their conversation had ended, opened the door and called out.
Together, the two rose and entered the room.
---
Outside the courtyard, the thousand taels of gold lay on a table. Neither Fang Xiaoru, Chen Kan, nor Mrs. Zheng glanced at it again.
...
Early the next morning, Chen Kan set out.
Since he had decided to renovate the residence and, by coincidence, had a windfall of money, everything was ready—just waiting for the crucial moment.
After walking nearly an hour under the blazing sun, Chen Kan arrived at the southwest of Jinling City.
The Eighteen Workshops of Jinling was his destination.
In the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the relocation of 45,000 households of artisans—about 200,000 people—from all over the country into the capital.
The goal was to develop handicraft production within Jinling to stimulate the market and supply goods for both military and civilian use.
Upon their arrival, the court designated a large area in the city’s southwest to settle them, establishing eighteen workshops specializing in cloth beating, bow making, carpentry, liquor brewing, weaving, gold, silver, copper, iron, and so forth.
To renovate his residence, Chen Kan only needed to come here to find everything required, including building materials and skilled craftsmen.
The Carpentry Workshop was an area nearly as large as his old marquis residence.
Standing at the gate, Chen Kan felt the heavy gold bars in his bosom and suddenly gained confidence.
Today, the master was here to spend lavishly!
Half an hour later, Chen Kan fled from the workshop gate with a distressed look.
In just half an hour, his thousand taels of gold had been completely spent.
Chen Kan was speechless.
Where did my money go?
He had thought a thousand taels was a fortune, but it vanished so easily.
Hadn’t even begun spending, and it was already gone?
Looking at his empty purse, he forced a bitter smile.
Sure enough, no matter the era, anything related to houses was never cheap.
All his gold was gone, and that was only enough for a basic renovation.
Expensive. Too expensive. Absolutely exorbitant.
It was worth noting that during early Ming, gold still held strong purchasing power.
One tael of gold could exchange for four taels of silver or 4,000 copper coins.
At that time, the price of rice was such that one string of coins could buy one shi of rice—about ninety-five kilograms—roughly five copper coins per jin (half a kilogram).
So one tael of gold could buy four shi of rice.
Using modern rice prices for comparison, that would be about two thousand yuan.
A thousand taels of gold would equal two million yuan.
---
Yes, by this calculation, renovating a thirty-mu estate with all the furniture included—a full package—costing two million yuan, didn’t seem too unreasonable.
After a quick mental calculation, however, Chen Kan still felt uneasy.
“Bah, swindlers!”
Pointing at the workshop gate, he muttered a curse and immediately felt refreshed.
He turned to head home.
But just as he turned, two burly men bearing weapons and wearing menacing expressions blocked his way.
“Gentlemen, we’re all from the same world here. Can you show us some respect?”
Chen Kan felt utterly helpless. Was he cursed by the heavens? Why did danger follow him wherever he went?
“Are you Chen Kan?”
Chen Kan replied miserably, “Yes, sirs. What do you want? If it’s money you need, I have none either—I’m broke too.”
The two men exchanged glances. One spoke in a wheedling tone, “Young Master Chen, our prince requests your presence.”
“Huh?”
Not a gang from the green woods, then it’s fine.
Chen Kan straightened his chest and asked, “Which prince? Do I know him?”
“You’ll find out when you get there.”
Without further ado, the two grabbed Chen Kan and marched him toward a nearby carriage.
“Whew...”
Chen Kan drew a deep breath and raised a hand to cover his face.
“Chen Kan, I really wonder how you always manage to turn misfortune into good fortune.”
A familiar voice sounded.
Chen Kan’s feet touched the ground, and he saw Zhu Gaozu seated in the carriage, curiously eyeing him.
“Tsk, I thought it was some other prince,” Chen Kan muttered, half-heartedly saluting, “Your Highness, the humble servant greets the Prince of Gaoyang.”
“No need for formalities. Tell me, I’m very curious.”
Chen Kan grimaced and asked, “Is there something Your Highness wants? If not, I have to go—I’ve been busy all day and haven’t eaten yet.”
Zhu Gaozu jumped down from the carriage, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked down at Chen Kan thoughtfully.
“I haven’t eaten either. Come, let’s go to Júde Tower. It’s on me.”