My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

Ji Xuanyuan leaned back in the thickly cushioned chair, a faint smile on his pale face, as if he had expected this: "Young Master Zhen is an expert, so why don't you share your thoughts first?"

Zhen Yan took a deep breath, his gaze regaining the shrewdness and prudence characteristic of a merchant.

He gently picked up a tall glass cup and examined it closely against the window light. The cup was as thin as a cicada's wing, transparent and flawless, refracting a seven-colored halo.

Zhen Yan put down his glass cup and said in a deep voice, "In my humble opinion, there are only a few ways to cooperate. First, the Zhen family can buy out this batch of goods in one go, with the price set by the General, and the General will not be involved in any profits or losses thereafter. Second, the General can entrust the Zhen family to sell the goods on consignment, with the Zhen family taking a certain commission. Third, the two parties can jointly operate, sharing the risks and profits. I wonder which option the General prefers?"

"Buyout?" Ji Xuanyuan chuckled and shook his head.

"Young Master Zhen, you and I both know the value of this item. Buying it outright would likely drain the Zhen family of most of their wealth, which is too risky. Besides..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the glassware: "Although this item is said to have originated from 'foreign merchants,' its manufacturing method... may very well be able to be reproduced in the future."

These words were spoken subtly, but Zhen Yan immediately understood the implied meaning.

Ji Xuanyuan likely possesses the method of production!

There might be more than just this batch of goods!

His heart skipped a beat.

"As for commission on resale."

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "It seems like a safe bet, but for me, the profit margin is too thin, not enough to match the value of this item, nor to demonstrate the sincerity of our cooperation."

"So, what does the general mean...?" Zhen Yan probed.

"Joint venture, sharing risks and profits," Ji Xuanyuan said decisively.

"I will hand over the goods to the Zhen family. The Zhen family will be responsible for transportation, sales, smoothing things over, and dealing with all parties involved. We will split the profits."

"What is the profit-sharing ratio?" That's the key question.

Ji Xuanyuan extended his pale finger and made a gesture: "Two-eight".

Zhen Yan frowned slightly: "Does the General believe that the Zhen family is only entitled to 20%?"

His tone already carried a hint of displeasure.

The Zhen family has all the channels, connections, and experience; they bear the main sales risks and costs. To take only 20% would be deceiving.

Ji Xuanyuan calmly said, "Young Master Zhen, please listen to my analysis."

"Firstly, the value of this item lies in its 'uniqueness' and its 'absolute purity.' Looking around the world today, no other place can provide it except us. The source of the goods is with us, which is fundamental. It's not an exaggeration to say that we alone account for 50% of its value, is it?"

Zhen Yan remained silent.

Indeed, without a source of goods, everything is meaningless.

"Secondly," Ji Xuanyuan continued.

"Selling this item doesn't require the same secrecy as selling refined salt, nor does it require establishing special trade routes. Simply transporting it to wealthy places like Luoyang, Yecheng, and Nanyang will naturally attract powerful clans to compete for it. While the Zhen family's channels are important, they are not irreplaceable in this matter. My trust in the Zhen family is based on mutual benefit. Is it fair that the channel's value accounts for 30%?"

Zhen Yan remained silent, but his tense expression eased slightly.

"Thirdly, and most importantly," Ji Xuanyuan said, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"I will teach the Zhen family an unprecedented method of sales. If this method succeeds, it can push the price of this batch of glass to a level unimaginable to either of us. This method will account for 20% of the value, so you get 20% and I get 80%. What do you think, Young Master Zhen?"

"An unprecedented method of sales?" Zhen Yan's curiosity was piqued.

"I would like to hear the details."

Ji Xuanyuan gestured to his servants to bring paper and pen, and as he drew, he said, "Ordinary sales are done by setting a price, or negotiating the price privately. My method is called 'auction'!"

"Auction?" Zhen Yan pondered the unfamiliar word.

"That's right," Ji Xuanyuan explained.

"The Zhen family can send out invitations to wealthy merchants, prominent families, and even powerful eunuchs and relatives of the emperor in Luoyang and the surrounding areas to hold a 'Glass Treasures Appreciation Meeting'. They should promote the gimmicks of 'heavenly glass,' 'miracle from the Western Regions,' and 'unparalleled in the world' to arouse their curiosity and competitive spirit."

"Once the guests have gathered, do not rush to set prices. Display the glasswares one by one, allowing them to admire and play with them, making them eager to try them out. When the atmosphere reaches its peak, you, Young Master Zhen, will personally preside over the event." Ji Xuanyuan tapped his pen on the paper.

"Then the rules are announced: This batch of treasures will not be priced; an 'auction' method will be used. For example, this glass horse has a starting price of one thousand gold pieces. Everyone present may bid, and each bid must have a minimum increment. Finally, the highest bidder wins!"

Zhen Yan was stunned. The scene flashed through his mind: a group of extravagant nobles, their faces flushed, vying for a unique treasure, bidding against each other, the price soaring...

This isn't a business transaction, it's outright robbery!

No, it's about getting rich people to willingly and eagerly hand over their money!

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Zhen Yan clapped his hands in praise, his eyes shining.

"In this way, not only can we secretly guide prices to rise continuously, but we can also exploit people's competitive spirit to reap huge profits! And the highest bidder wins; everyone who bets accepts the loss, and no one can say anything wrong! General Ji, you... you are not only skilled in military and political affairs, but you also have such a deep understanding of business! I... I admire you!"

He was truly impressed; such a brilliant idea was simply unheard of.

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly, this was just a common auction tactic in later generations: "Just a little trick. So, does Young Master Zhen still have any objections to this 20/80 split?"

After a moment's thought, Zhen Yan gritted his teeth and said, "Alright! It's as you say, General. We'll split the profits 20/80! The Zhen family will do everything in its power to make this auction a sensation in the capital!"

He could almost see the golden river rolling in, which, although only accounting for 20%, had a huge base and far exceeded the profits of ordinary businesses.

"Very good." Ji Xuanyuan nodded.

"The specific details can be discussed with Fengxiao and Yuanhao later. They will assist you in drafting the invitation list, arranging the venue, and promoting the event. As for the transportation of the glassware, security, and auction hosting, you will need to put in a lot of effort, Young Master Zhen."

After everything was discussed and agreed upon, Hu, the steward, was summoned to Ji Xuanyuan's study.

"Master Hu, this trip to Luoyang with Young Master Zhen is of great importance. As the head of the Glass Workshop, you are well aware of the value of this item. Therefore, you will accompany him to be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the goods, and to assist Young Master Zhen in explaining the craftsmanship of the artifacts. Along the way, observe and learn as much as you can," Ji Xuanyuan instructed, clearly intending to cultivate him.

Hu, the steward, trembled with excitement and knelt down with a thud: "This humble servant...this humble servant will certainly not fail in the great trust placed in me by my lord! I will do my utmost to protect the treasure and complete the task!"

Two days later, everything was ready.

More than ten specially made carriages, with soft cushions inside, were loaded with carefully packaged glassware and were ready to depart in the backyard of the prefect's mansion.

Manager Hu changed into a presentable robe, looking both nervous and excited. He would accompany the workshop as the head of the glass workshop and its technical advisor, responsible for the final inspection of the goods, their presentation, and handling any possible "professional" inquiries.

Ji Xuanyuan personally saw them off, his gaze sweeping over the convoy before finally settling on Zhen Yan: "Young Master Zhen, this journey is of great importance and the road is long, so please be careful."

Zhen Yan solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "General, rest assured, I understand."

Ji Xuanyuan then looked at Steward Hu: "Steward Hu, this is your chance to shine. You will be richly rewarded after the deed is done."

Hu, the steward, knelt down excitedly: "Your Excellency's kindness is immeasurable! I could never repay it, even with my life! I will certainly not fail in my duty!"

The candidates have all been chosen, but there is one thing that makes Ji Xuanyuan hesitate slightly.

Which military officer should be chosen to escort the enemy?

This batch of glassware is priceless. Traveling from Zhuojun to Luoyang, a distance of a thousand miles, it's hard to guarantee that no powerful figures wouldn't covet it.

Zhen Yan and Hu Zhushi are both weak and scholarly men. Although they have guards and soldiers, they may not be able to cope with real experts or large-scale bandits.

A capable military officer must be sent to accompany and escort them.

Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ran Min, Lü Bu... these were all men capable of defeating ten thousand men, enough to intimidate villains.

However, they were all proud and arrogant, and were all fierce generals who could command thousands of troops and charge into battle. Asking them to escort a caravan, no matter how important the caravan was, would inevitably make them feel that it was a waste of their talents and make them unhappy.

Moreover, Zhuojun is not peaceful at present, and the generals are all on defense, so it is not advisable to make any rash moves.

Zhao Yun is a suitable candidate; he is calm, highly skilled in martial arts, and already related to the Zhen family by marriage.

However, Zhen Tuo had just entered Zhuojun, and it would be unreasonable to send Zhao Yun away immediately.

Just as Ji Xuanyuan frowned slightly, weighing his options, Hu, the steward beside him, observing his expression, suddenly stepped forward cautiously, bowed, and said, "My lord, are you troubled by the matter of escorting the generals?"

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him: "What are your thoughts, Steward Hu?"

Hu, the steward, hurriedly said, "My lord, how could we trouble you generals with such a simple escort task? That would be too much of a fuss. I... I do have someone in mind who might be worth a try."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"He is a distant nephew of mine." A hint of pride appeared on Steward Hu's face.

"Last year, he heard that I had been highly valued by the lord in Zhuojun, so he came to join me. Although I am young, I have been gifted since childhood. I am incredibly strong and have the ability to lift a tripod. What is even more remarkable is my superb endurance. It is said that I can travel a hundred miles a day without feeling tired. I am currently serving under General Lü Bu. General Lü has also praised me as a good candidate and is looking for an opportunity to promote me."

Immense strength?

Traveling a hundred miles a day?

Ji Xuanyuan became interested. He had many fierce generals under his command, but most of them were famous figures in history. Could this suddenly appearing "distant nephew" also be a hero who had been buried?

"Quickly bring him to see me!" Ji Xuanyuan ordered.

When Chief Hu saw that his lord was interested, he was overjoyed. He quickly apologized and jogged towards the military camp.

Before long, Manager Hu returned, followed by a young man.

The young man seemed to have arrived in a hurry; a few crumbs of bread still clung to the corner of his mouth. He stumbled as the other man was pulled along, grumbling, "Uncle! What's the rush? I haven't finished my meal yet! The pickled vegetables were especially good with rice today..."

Hu, the steward, hissed, "You scoundrels! All you do is eat! When the lord summons you, even the most important matters must be put aside! Stop your noise!"

Upon hearing that it was "a summons from the lord," the young man's complaints ceased abruptly, his eyes widened suddenly, and his face lit up with excitement. He rushed ahead of Steward Hu, saying urgently, "Is it really General Ji who wants to see me? Why didn't you say so sooner, Uncle!"

He had some doubts about his uncle's recommendation to come to Zhuojun, but after several months, he saw with his own eyes the peaceful life of the people of Zhuojun and the disciplined military, and heard countless legendary stories about Ji Xuanyuan and his benevolent rule. His curiosity had long since turned into fervent admiration.

Ji Xuanyuan was universally recognized as the soul of the Jingnan Army and its wise ruler! To be personally summoned by him was an immense honor!

As he spoke, he shook off Steward Hu and strode off toward the Prefect's residence, his speed so great that Steward Hu was left panting and out of breath as he chased after him.

When the young man rushed into the courtyard of the prefect's study, he was stopped by Dian Wei.

Dian Wei Tongling glared at him, "Where did this brat come from, daring to offend our lord!"

"General Dian... General Dian Wei! My uncle said that the lord wants to see me!" The young man stopped abruptly, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a loud voice.

At this moment, Chief Hu also ran into the front courtyard of the prefect's mansion, panting heavily.

"General Dian, this is my nephew. My lord asked me to introduce him." Chief Hu looked at his nephew with a hint of resentment, truly afraid that he might impulsively run into the prefect's mansion and be mistaken for an assassin by Dian Wei, who would then kill him with a single halberd.

Ji Xuanyuan was whispering instructions to Guo Jia in the courtyard when he heard the sound and looked up.

"Erlai, let them in."

The young man straightened his somewhat disheveled military uniform, took a deep breath, and strode into the study.

A handsome young man in white robes was sitting in the main seat, looking at him. Although his face was pale and he looked sickly, his eyes were clear and wise, as if he could see into people's hearts.

The young man felt a surge of warmth in his heart. This was General Ji, whom he had longed for and admired since he joined the army!

The young man appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, and was over eight feet tall. Although he was not as imposing as Xiang Yu or Dian Wei, he was still broad-shouldered and strong.

He was wearing the leather armor of an ordinary soldier, without a helmet, revealing a slightly rugged but angular face with dark skin, clearly the result of years of exposure to wind and sun.

His eyes were exceptionally bright, sparkling with excitement. His steps were steady and powerful, landing silently, clearly demonstrating his solid foundation.

What's even more striking are his hands, with large knuckles and calluses, clearly the work of someone who trains for years.

"What a fine warrior!" Ji Xuanyuan nodded to himself. His spirit and physique were far beyond those of ordinary soldiers.

Hu, the steward, quickly pulled his nephew forward and said respectfully, "My lord, I have brought my nephew with me."

Without his uncle's prompting, the young man stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a salute, and said in a loud voice filled with barely suppressed excitement, "This humble one greets General Ji!"

Ji Xuanyuan said gently, "No need for formalities, please stand up and speak."

The young man stood up, his hands hanging down, his posture upright like a pine tree.

Ji Xuanyuan sized him up, growing more and more satisfied: "Indeed, you are exceptionally brave and imposing. Steward Hu said you have the strength to lift a cauldron and the ability to travel a hundred miles a day?"

The young man scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed: "General, you flatter me. I do have some strength and walk faster, but that's all from running around in the mountains since I was a child. It's nothing to mention."

Hu, the steward, added from the side: "My lord, I lost my father at a young age and grew up in the mountains and wilderness of Wuwei in Liangzhou. I chased wolves and deer, which honed my strength and speed. I once knocked down a frightened ox with my bare hands, and once chased an injured deer, crossing mountains and valleys for a whole day and night without stopping."

Liangzhou Wuwei? Ji Xuanyuan's heart stirred, and he asked, "May I ask your name, sir?"

The young man straightened his chest, his voice booming, carrying the unique boldness and resounding spirit of the Northwest frontier:

"I am Hu Che'er, a native of Wuwei County, Liangzhou!"