Chapter 59: Small Gathering at Xingyang Tower

The boy knelt on his knees and clasped his hands together.

"Master Li, I have already discussed with these seniors. We nominate Zheng Bowan as the president and establish the Xingyang Chamber of Commerce today."

The old man with a crew cut stood up hurriedly and bowed to the merchants, saying:

"Thank you for your kindness. I will do my best to achieve the goal."

He turned around and looked at Li Ji, bowing and saluting.

"It is my duty to contribute to the prosperity of Xingyang's business."

When Li Ji saw that the young man had a good idea, he raised his voice and said:

"This government agrees to your request. We will be responsible for the security of the Chamber of Commerce."

When Zheng Baiwan heard what Li Ji said, he knelt on his knees with a thud and replied in a trembling voice:

"Thank you, Lord Li!"

The young man smiled and said:

"With the support of the county government, especially the attention of you, Lord Li, the Xingyang Chamber of Commerce will surely be successfully established."

He knelt down and begged:

"Master Li, this is the first time we meet. I have an unwelcome request. I would like to invite you to have a gathering at Xingyang Tower at noon ."

Li Ji was about to refuse when the young man sang loudly:

"Don't worry about having no friends on the road ahead, Xingyang's wealthy businessmen are looking for soulmates; in troubled times in the Celestial Empire, we need to join hands to build the foundation for our hegemony."

When the old man with a crew cut heard this, he burst into laughter.

"Master Li, although Zheng Shan is young, he has great ambitions."

He turned around, looked at the other businessmen, and continued:

"Although we are old, we are also ambitious. Lord Li, please don't refuse."

Several businessmen not only donated money but also offered a warm hospitality, and Li Ji felt a sense of accomplishment.

Yes, when I, Li Ji, came to Xingyang County, firstly, I was not appointed by the government, and secondly, I had no relatives to help me. If I want to gain a foothold, I cannot do it alone.

Gold and silver cups are not as good as the reputation of the people. If Xingyang is safe, the Central Plains will be stable.

Only with a stable foundation can we take Luoyang in the east and look to Chang'an in the west.

Otherwise, agree to their request.

He said with a smile:

"I, Li Ji, am also a good friend. Since all the wealthy businessmen are so kind, it would be a bit unkind of me to refuse."

As he spoke, Li Ji ordered Yu Cheng to prepare the carriage, and then he went to Xingyang Tower with Zheng Shan, Zheng Baiwan and others.

The Xingyang Tower is located by the mountains and the water, with beautiful scenery.

Although it is far away from the downtown area, many famous scholars come here to visit.

Zheng Shan led the way in front, and Zheng Baiwan accompanied Li Ji as they slowly walked up the stairs.

Walking along the corridor on the second floor and twenty steps inside , you will find a luxurious restaurant.

Eight young ladies, wearing purple flower scarves on their heads and tight cotton shirts with large collars, outline their figures with graceful curves and flowing lines.

Zheng Shan is a local acquaintance and the third largest household in Xingyang. He is known as the "Little Yang Guang" of Xingyang.

He is proficient in eating, drinking, playing and traveling.

Soon, eighteen Xingyang fine dishes were served.

All eight bottles of Dongdu Imperial Wine have been opened.

There was a girl standing behind each visitor, and Li Ji was a little reserved at first.

Just as he was feeling uneasy, he heard Zheng Shan's laughter.

When Li Ji looked over, he saw that the young man had already hugged the girl next to him and was whispering in her ears.

After a while, the girl also laughed like a silver bell.

"Everyone, please allow the new President Zheng of Xingyang Chamber of Commerce to say a few words."

With just a turn, the young man sat up straight again and extended an invitation.

Zheng Baiwan stood up, pushed his chair back slightly, cleared his throat and said:

"Dear Lord Li, with your approval, the Xingyang Chamber of Commerce is officially established today."

He picked up the glass and said with a smile:

"The Chamber of Commerce is just a form. In the future, we will rely on Lord Li to provide more guidance, frequent inspections, and frequent contacts to the Chamber of Commerce."

He raised the glass to the bridge of his nose, then leaned back and stretched out his left hand.

"Master Li, please!"

Li Ji stood up, smiled slightly, held the cup in his hand, and said slowly:

"Everyone, thank you for your hospitality. Let's toast together."

He put down his glass and sat down slowly.

"I am very happy about your kindness. Bandits are a problem now and the government has no time to take care of them."

"Whether it's the Dongdu headquarters or the Jiangdu Palace, they are now in a difficult situation."

“It is our duty to defend our territory and to do our duty. This is not just the government’s job. We also need the support of all the wealthy businessmen.”

The girl refilled everyone's glass.

Li Ji raised his voice and said:

"This government will do its best to maintain the safety and stability of Xingyang. We also hope that you can provide more information about the bandits."

He suddenly became serious, his tone slightly harsh:

"Anyone who is in contact with the bandits will be killed without mercy. Of course, if we catch a bandit, we will kill him."

Zheng Shan smiled and said hurriedly:

"Sir, please rest assured. With the Chamber of Commerce, our information channels will be wider."

He picked up the big pot and said with a smile:

"Master Li, you and I are close in age, come on, let's go get the fat one."

Zheng Baiwan said hurriedly:

"Zheng Shan, don't show off. That big pot weighs at least half a pound."

Zheng Shan said with a smile: "President Zheng, don't worry, I can still control my alcohol intake."

After he finished speaking, he tilted his head back and, with a gulp, drank the large pot of wine.

Then there was a burst of applause.

Li Ji was also very impressed. It was rare for someone so young to have such a high alcohol tolerance.

Don't be too restrained at your first gathering.

He smiled slightly, picked up the big pot, looked at Zheng Bowan and said:

"President Zheng, this government will also practice it."

He raised his hand, and in just three or two seconds, the pot of wine was empty.

"Great, Lord Li, you have courage."

Zheng Bowan stood up while praising.

He trembled as he picked up the large pot in front of him and said:

"I, Zheng Bowan, would also like to follow suit. I hope you will approve it!"

Li Ji took a look and saw that Zheng Baiwan, although over fifty years old, still had a ruddy complexion and looked energetic.

"Okay, President Zheng can respond positively, and this government agrees!"

He looked at Chairman Zheng and said loudly:

"After you finish this pot of wine, I will provide you with ten personal guards."

Li Ji took out a piece of Tianshan jade from his body and handed it to Zheng Baiwan.

"If you encounter an emergency, take out this jade token and it will save your life."

Zheng Baiwan was very excited when he heard what Li Ji said.

With just a few splashing sounds, he had finished drinking the pot of imperial wine.

There is a car in front and tracks behind.

The other five businessmen did not dare to be negligent. Regardless of whether they could drink or not, they all raised the big pot and gulped down the whole pot of wine.

Li Ji naturally provided personal guards to several other members as well, and awarded each of them a piece of Hetian jade.

After three rounds of drinking.

The girl cleaned the table and served everyone a bowl of sobering soup.

Li Ji saw that two of the businessmen present were already drunk, so he hurriedly said:

"President Zheng, let's get started! Next time, I'll be the host."

Zheng Bowan was also staggering from drinking, and the girl next to him supported him tightly.

He hesitantly said, "Okay, Master Li, see you next time."

Li Ji said goodbye to everyone one by one, and then got on the carriage.

After walking through an alley, the government office is in front.

When they arrived at the yamen gate, Yu Cheng helped Li Ji get off the carriage.

Suddenly there was a shout, "Master Li!"

Li Ji took a look and found that it was the housekeeper Li Ai.