Deaf

The head of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs lives on Baiyun Road.

Su Wuwen sent a letter requesting a meeting in three days. The time passed quickly, and Su Wuwen and Gu Fengnian entered the residence to find tea already prepared. The head of the Hongs was waiting for them. After introductions, Su Wuwen asked how to address the head, who replied that his surname was Wu. Su Wuwen politely said, "I've heard much about you."

Wu replied seriously, "Oh? Su Miss, you are from Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, and you have heard of our Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs?"

Su Wuwen nodded, "Naturally. The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs are well-known, and people across the country have probably heard of them."

Wu showed pleasure, "Miss Su, you manage one of the four great ceramic families and have created the imperial color of the Qing Dynasty. I am very respectful of you."

"You're too kind, Mr. Wu."

Wu said, "I see from your letter that you want to discuss porcelain."

"Yes, Mr. Wu. The four great ceramic families—though now only three—have always done business with the East India Company. However, the East India Company has been too overbearing, trying to purchase our Langyao red glaze, which is a national treasure of the Qing Dynasty. We cannot sell it to Westerners so easily. Since they have stopped buying from us in anger, they seem to want to force us to yield. I heard you supply porcelain to Western merchants as well. Would you be willing to cooperate? I can supply porcelain to you, and you can provide it to the Western merchants. This would be beneficial for both of us. Our family's porcelain is more exquisite and in larger quantities compared to other merchants. If Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs purchases from us, you save time and effort, and it would also help curb the East India Company's arrogance. They have become too dominant in our Qing Dynasty market."

Wu was delighted, "Miss Su, if you agree to cooperate, I would be thrilled. Everyone knows the name of your porcelain and that you are the mother of national colors. Though Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs is famous, it is much smaller compared to the East India Company and is struggling with resources. Your cooperation would be very welcome."

Wu suddenly thought of something and frowned, "However, Miss Su, I must inform you in advance."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Wu."

"I've heard that the East India Company sends people to handle goods during procurement, but we don't have such resources. Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs is much smaller and can't organize transportation. You may need to send someone to deliver the porcelain to us."

Su Wuwen replied, "That's no problem; I will handle it."

"Good. If you encounter any difficulties, just write to me. We can stay in touch."

Su Wuwen smiled, "Mr. Wu, your straightforwardness is appreciated. I hope for a pleasant cooperation between our families."

Wu said, "Miss Su, Mr. Gu, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? Tomorrow I will have the contract prepared and sent to you."

Su Wuwen did not refuse, "Then we'll trouble Mr. Wu."

After dinner, they bid farewell to Wu and awaited the contract the next day. The contract was signed and stamped, with each party keeping a copy. The quick resolution surprised Su Wuwen; Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs was very honest and did not take advantage.

Everything was ready, and they planned to return to Jingdezhen the next morning. Tonight, however, was a good opportunity to explore.

Su Wuwen grabbed Gu Fengnian's sleeve, "Let's go out for a stroll."

"Where to?"

"To the Pearl River. I've heard it's famous, and since our porcelain will be exported from here, it's good to check it out and see the port."

"Alright, let's go."

"Wait."

"What's up?"

"I need to fix my hair first."

Gu Fengnian blushed, "Alright, I'll wait for you."

The Pearl River at night was particularly beautiful, with a wide river surface and gentle breezes creating ripples. The boats were brightly lit, and many people were walking along the riverbank. Boatmen were calling out to attract customers.

Su Wuwen and Gu Fengnian approached a boatman standing on a small boat. The boatman greeted them, "Do you want to take a boat ride? I'll show you around the river."

"Can you take us to the port?"

"The port? I'm afraid not; the boat can't go that far. There's a long stretch before reaching the port."

"That's fine. Just take us close to the shore, and we'll walk the rest of the way."

"Alright, come aboard."

They boarded the boat, and the boatman sang a song in Hakka, which sounded interesting even though they didn't understand it. As they passed by other boats, a young girl waved at them from another boat, and Su Wuwen waved back.

When they reached their destination, the boatman docked. Su Wuwen and Gu Fengnian paid and got off. The boatman directed them, "Just walk straight along the river, and you'll reach the port."

"Thank you."

As they walked, the wind grew stronger, rustling their clothes. They saw many bright lights ahead.

Su Wuwen said, "Mr. Gu, isn't that the port ahead?"

The wind was too strong for Gu Fengnian to hear, "What? Miss Su, what did you say?"

Su Wuwen could hear because she was on his right, where the wind was blowing from.

"I said we're almost at the port."

Gu Fengnian still couldn't hear, "What? Miss Su, what are we almost at?"

Su Wuwen shouted, "The port."

Gu Fengnian finally understood.