Chapter 6, Conversations on the Night of the New House

If we deduct the amount from the Pacific Company, we can recover at most fifty percent, which is over thirty thousand, and it may even be less. After all, some items, even if returned to us, we have no place to sell them, and at most we can only transfer them to others at a low price

Zhu Yifeng's words made Xu Lingyun's heart tremble slightly, and she naturally recalled the incident from two months ago when he caught typhoid fever after getting caught in the rain on his way back from the British Concession.

This is a commonality among those "foreign white laborers"; they do not deny their debts, nor do they "default". At least to some extent, they all agree to repay their debts, but the so-called repayment is merely a form of "discrimination" that has taken on different guises

Originally, he intended to calculate his assets and then carefully plan to achieve something significant in the future. However, it now seems that all of this is naturally out of reach. Zhu Yifeng does not believe that he possesses any kingly or hegemonic aura that would allow him to accomplish great things with nothing but bare hands

Fearing that her words might provoke Zhu Yifeng, Xu Lingyun spoke with great caution, carefully choosing her words. However, she did not mention the difficulties currently faced by the Zhu family, nor did she bring up how her husband had "ruined" the Zhu family's business with his passionate resolve.

As long as a way is found to resolve the debt of nearly 100,000 taels, that will suffice

over 40,000

Upon hearing the inquiry about this matter, Xu Lingyun felt a tightening in her heart. Although Zhu Yifeng, due to his resurrection, had forgotten many things, she was aware that there were no longer any subsidies related to this matter.

This is the era of adventurers

Damn it, it's another pitfall!

This ship is nearly a decade old, and its original cost was at most 20,000 yuan. Moreover, it still owes the dock over 1,000 yuan in docking fees. If it were to be sold, after various deductions, it could at most fetch between 11,000 and 12,000 yuan

Seeing the worry on Xu Lingyun's face, Zhu Yifeng smiled and offered his comfort

Including both principal and interest, it is approximately ninety thousand taels

Lingyun, you need not worry. After this ordeal, I have come to understand many things. Since the money cannot be retrieved, let us reclaim whatever we can.

This body can be gradually trained, but this money must ultimately be reclaimed, as the amount of money not only affects one's life in this time and space but also relates to whether one can establish a career in this time and space

How much do we owe Liang Wenzuo in total

Xu Lingyun's words surprised Zhu Yifeng, who thought to himself that this "cheap old man" certainly had an extraordinary vision. This was the year 1852, and it had been less than ten years since the opening of the Shanghai concession, yet he had already made investments within the concession.

English

Zhu Yifeng picked up an English debt agreement.

So how much do we owe in total

Others can carve out a space for themselves with nothing but their bare hands; even if one is not doing well, it cannot be said that they are completely empty-handed! There is a home to speak of, and there is still a bit of family fortune!

In business transactions, when someone owes money, they naturally owe money to others as well. In this regard, Zhu Yifeng is naturally psychologically prepared.

Lingyun, tell me the truth, does our family still owe debts to others

This person... has schemed throughout their life, only to end up with nothing in the end

Xu Lingyun glanced at her husband, and it was he who, after several turns of fortune, ultimately led to the gradual downfall of the business due to those debts.

"Taking a position at a foreign trading firm is merely a last resort; ultimately, the most important thing is to recover the debts we have outstanding abroad."

Although it is said that typhoid can easily be fatal in this era, it is thanks to the assistance of the so-called "artificial intelligence". While being "possessed", it has appropriately fulfilled its role in this body. Now, apart from becoming weak in the limbs due to prolonged bed rest and suffering from a chronic illness that has led to deficiency and frailty, there are no significant issues.

Upon this thought, Zhu Yifeng's chest suddenly surged with hot blood, and even his breathing became somewhat rapid due to the excitement of his emotions. What if there are more lice? They don't bite! It's just a bit of debt! What's the big deal! With over 164 years of experience beyond this time, how could he possibly worry about not making money? Aren't you just embarrassing the face of a time traveler!

Yifeng, in fact, although the business has ceased operations, my father-in-law has left behind some assets that can still ensure our family's livelihood without worry. You need not be concerned. Furthermore, your English is excellent, and even working in a foreign firm in the concession would be sufficient to support the family and ensure we are well-provided for

Cursing inwardly, he was left with over a dozen debts, ranging from a minimum of over 1,000 yuan to as much as 20,000 yuan. At this moment, Zhu Yifeng couldn't help but admire that "cheap old man" for his "boldness." In this day and age, doing business with foreigners without requiring cash payment was quite remarkable. Even if the matter went to court, those foreigners would hardly advocate for him.

Zhu Yifeng, who originally thought of himself as a wealthy young master, felt a sinking sensation in his heart, and his brows immediately furrowed into a tight knot, worrying about the days to come. Just as this worry began to manifest, another voice within him comforted himself, saying, what is there to be so concerned about? Isn't it just money? You finally have a home now, and a wife, which is something you have longed for in the past. Perhaps you should not desire anything more.

Muttering this character, Zhu Yifeng's brows furrowed into a knot. This sum of money seems considerable; it is enough for daily living, but what about himself? He is preparing to undertake a grand endeavor. Moreover, since he has come to this era, even if he cannot achieve great things, he still wants to live comfortably. What can be accomplished with just over 40,000?

But now, before the dream of achieving a great career has even begun, a massive debt has already weighed down here

Zhu Yifeng's mind raced as he contemplated this potentially ruinous debt that could destroy his family. Amidst his furrowed brows, a phrase once again surfaced in his thoughts

However, fate plays tricks on people. Two years ago, Zhu Daoming fell seriously ill, and before his passing, the last business deal he completed was the marriage alliance with the Xu family of Guanquiao. Although the Xu family, which once produced Xu Guangqi, a Grand Secretary and Minister of Rites during the Ming Dynasty, has long since declined, they are still locals of Shanghai. More importantly, the Xu family has maintained a tradition of scholarship for hundreds of years since Xu Guangqi, and aside from their Christian faith, they are well-versed in foreign languages and mathematics. This is true even for Xu Lingyun, who is the daughter of a concubine.

At present, there is a debt of nearly 100,000 taels waiting for me there

Seeing that he wanted to change the subject, a sense of foreboding surged in Zhu Yifeng's heart

Then according to their current method, how much can we recover

Xu Lingyun's voice grew softer and softer, fearing that it might provoke Zhu Yifeng, whose body had just recovered. Although his personality had changed quite a bit now, she still felt a bit worried, concerned that he might once again embark on the hopeless path of debt collection as he did in the past

What does the person with the surname Liang want when they come to our house

Recalling the experiences of time travel, Zhu Yifeng inquired.

74,612 yuan, and this is just the principal; if we include the interest...

Suddenly, a thought emerged in Zhu Yifeng's mind: in all the stories he had read about this era in later generations, none failed to prove this fact—this is an age belonging to adventurers. With insights that surpass those of more than a century ahead, could he not achieve something great?

At this moment, at the table in this "new house," Zhu Yifeng was leaning on the table, constantly rubbing his temples with his hands. In front of him lay a dozen contracts, IOUs, and similar documents, all of which were the legacy left by his "cheap old man." The former Zhu Yifeng had fallen ill after catching typhoid from being caught in the rain while pursuing these debts, and in addition to the stress that led to a fit of anger, he subsequently fell gravely ill and died in bed.

With a sudden jolt, Zhu Yifeng opened his eyes wide, unable to believe that he and the library owed such a large sum of money

Lingyun, even without you saying it, I can guess that outside we can only recover a little over 30,000. Perhaps the amount our family owes is even more than this!

No wonder the Liang family has set their sights on that warehouse; the land in the Shanghai concession is expected to appreciate by thousands or even tens of thousands of times in the coming decades

In the future, whether in the realm of the nation or in business, one will inevitably have to interact with foreigners. You must learn English well, as it will surely be of great use to you one day

Lingyun, how much do these foreign firms owe us in total

At the end, Xu Lingyun specifically emphasized that her father-in-law had encouraged her to learn English and even arranged the marriage with the Xu family in hopes that she would be able to interact with foreigners. Had her father-in-law not passed away early, her husband would likely be working as an agent in a foreign trading company by now, as currently, about 70 to 80 percent of business in Shanghai involves dealings with foreigners

He, he wants the shop and the warehouse at the dock that his father-in-law established in the concession years ago

This is indeed the truth. In the fragmented memories related to Zhu Yifeng, he could communicate directly with foreigners in English and read foreign newspapers. The reason he could speak fluent English was due to that "cheap old man." Among the merchants of this era, that old man could be considered quite perceptive. When the British arrived in Shanghai and opened the concessions, he immediately took the initiative to approach the British trading firms to engage in the silk trade, and even sent his son to learn English from a foreign priest.

Yifeng, in fact, this matter is not a big deal. A few years ago, when my father-in-law partnered with Liang Wenzuo, they made quite a profit. However, later on...

This ... ... Yifeng, shall we not discuss this matter today?

No, that won't do; we must come up with a solution.

What!

This account seems a bit theatrical, isn't the Pacific Trading Company supposed to agree to repay the debt using the 'Pacific' sailing ship? The total amount is less than 20,000, and this ship... 772 tons? Oh, it also has steam power! It should be worth this price, right

Recalling the words of that refined "cheap old man," Zhu Yifeng could not help but admire this "father" he had never met. In this era, how many people possess such insight?

Xu Lingyun was naturally well aware of the household accounts, especially since she had reviewed these documents during his serious illness, so she could easily speak about them.

Things

It is quite rare for those foreigners to acknowledge their debts. However, it must be said that for Westerners who value laws and regulations, they cannot sacrifice the "rules of the game" they have established for a Chinese person. Nevertheless, this does not prevent them from manipulating the so-called "game of rules" within those "rules," much like how Chinese people enjoy wordplay.

Even if there is no capital for rebellion in the short term, achieving a career should be entirely unimpeded

Xu Lingyun, who had been paying close attention to Zhu Yifeng, noticed that his breathing seemed somewhat rapid. She thought he was getting upset again and quickly spoke up.

Husband, in fact ... ...

It seems that the history of acting as a "rule maker" is indeed long-standing

Lingyun, how did I not agree?

The flickering oil lamp emits a light that is not particularly bright, as it uses rapeseed oil, which causes the room to always carry a faint smell of the oil smoke released by the seeds. Under the light, the carved wooden bed is draped with red silk curtains, and even the bedding is in a festive red. One might inadvertently mistake it for a newlywed's chamber.

Yifeng, that is because, because ... ...

But the problem is... that is the future

Furthermore, this is also the expectation of my father-in-law

In doubt, as there were no relevant memories of this debt in the fragments of memory, Zhu Yifeng turned his gaze towards Xu Lingyun

At least, in a certain sense, this house tonight is indeed Zhu Yifeng's "new house"

Yifeng

Warehouse within the concession

Are there no authentic ones among these foreign devils

Despite some hesitation, Xu Lingyun still answered truthfully