Chapter 331: The Troubles of Sudden Wealth

"If we can get you to join us, with the Young Master Heir backing you, would the Maritime Trade Office even dare to make a peep?"

"If the Maritime Trade Office stays out of our way, our profits will be that much higher. We’re also hoping to ride Little Fei’s coattails to fortune, HAHAHAHA." Young Master Zhou grew more excited as he spoke.

Gu Fei considered this. "If we’re really going to do this, we might as well bring the Young Master Heir in as a partner." ’After all, who isn’t interested in making money?’

’Just yesterday, Xiao Yu told me I was free to make use of him!’

Young Master Zhou’s eyes glinted. He lowered his voice, "I’ve heard that the Prince Qi Mansion has its own fleet that sails the seas year-round."

"I just wonder if the Young Master Heir would be willing to partner up?"

Gu Fei thought for a moment. "Even if the Prince Mansion has a fleet, it doesn’t all belong to Xiao Yu. If he comes by in the next few days, I’ll talk to him about it."

Young Master Zhou chuckled. "If you’re serious, what are you waiting for? Just send someone to the Prince Mansion with a message for the Young Master Heir. He’s sure to come."

Gu Fei waved her hand. "I still need to think about it. My eldest brother is away at his studies, and my third brother has joined the army. I have the inn to manage, and there’s no one from the family who can go."

"By the way, how much Silver does one of the best sea-faring ships cost these days?"

Young Master Zhou held up a hand. "Five thousand Silver. That’s for the best and biggest sea-faring ship. We have a shipyard right here in Ping’an City that builds them."

"I’ve been to see them. The ships are massive, and they’re made from high-quality timber."

Gu Fei raised an eyebrow at him. "Then how many does Brother Zhou plan on buying?"

Young Master Zhou gave a sheepish laugh. "I’d love to buy more. It’s not easy to make a single voyage. But after buying the ships, you still have to load each one with cargo worth over ten thousand—or even tens of thousands—of Silver. I don’t have that much Silver myself; I only have enough for two ships."

Gu Fei nodded. "Alright. I’ll think it over first and give you an answer in a few days."

Young Master Zhou stood up. "Please be as quick as you can. Sailing is seasonal. Next month is the best time to set out. Once the winds change, we won’t be able to go."

Gu Fei replied, "Okay, I’ll go back and discuss it with my father today."

After seeing Young Master Zhou off, Gu Fei sat lost in thought. She wanted to go to sea herself, but it would be a problem with no one to look after the inn.

Thinking about the two thousand mu of land and her several shops, Gu Fei felt that her family was in desperate need of more people.

She thought for a moment, made arrangements for the inn, and had Er Lang pack up the barbecue stall. The two of them then drove the mule cart back to the countryside.

Gu Zhang, Mrs. Chen, Lan Zhi, and Li Chunhua were all in the fields picking chili peppers. Little Cao was there too, playing amongst the crops.

When Gu Fei found them in the field, her family was a little surprised to see her return so suddenly.

Gu Zhang quickly stood up, wiping his hands. "Is something wrong?"

Gu Fei nodded. "There’s something important I need to discuss with you, Father."

Mrs. Chen looked nervous. "What happened?"

Gu Fei smiled. "It’s good news. Dad, Mom, everyone, let’s pack up and go back first. I’ll tell you all about it then."

The family quickly packed the peppers they had picked. With the mule cart parked at the edge of the field, they loaded up the harvest and headed for home.

Once everyone had washed their hands, Gu Fei took out several land and property deeds. "Father, these are some things I’ve acquired recently."

Gu Zhang opened them and was stunned. So much land—two thousand mu! ’Doesn’t that cost more than ten thousand Silver?’

’His daughter has become a major landowner just like that?’

"Where did you get these?"

’The inn makes money, sure, but it hasn’t been open long enough to earn this much.’

Gu Fei waved her hand dismissively. "You don’t need to worry about that, Father. In any case, it’s all mine now."