Chapter 3: Open and Aboveboard

"Since that is the case, are you bold enough to speak openly? Are you willing to compete with me fairly?" Bai Renyuan remained imposing.

It is not that the insult is harsh, but rather that the words are too eloquent in their cursing

Although Wan Hong felt that it was somewhat inappropriate, he had to meet Ning Chen's request

open and aboveboard

Upon arriving at the private room, Ning Chen naturally took the main seat, while Wan Hong carefully accompanied him at the side

Ning Chen waved his hand and said, "No need, I will enter through the front door openly and aboveboard"

The Great Wu Dynasty has produced another treacherous minister, whose name is Ning Chen, and he is also the newly appointed top scholar.

As long as you speak up, I, Wanli Puxing, can definitely procure it. Whether it is something available in our Great Wu Dynasty or something far overseas, as long as you have it in mind, there will absolutely be no problem.

In fact, he is not the only one who thinks this way

Select Wan Hong directly to receive 100 points of "Flattery". Subsequently, all evaluations related to the event will automatically convert into the corresponding official prestige points.

Upon hearing this, Wan Hongyi's face immediately lit up with joy, and he directly took out a stack of silver notes, preparing to show his filial piety to Ning Chen

Ning Chen boarded the carriage, and Wan Hong followed him onto the vehicle

Event Selection

The ceiling of the car is adorned with auspicious clouds painted in gold powder by top-tier artists

After Bai Renyuan pushed the door open, he directly exclaimed: "Wan Panzai, you are once again here engaging in these petty and sordid activities. The establishment of the heir by the Son of Heaven is a matter of utmost importance, how can it be tarnished by your trivial pursuits"

Indeed, it is truly shameless

There is no need to be so formal, as long as Boss Wan has something to say.

Ning Chen nodded slightly: "That is good."

Thus, when Ning Chen made his entrance, still in such a splendid manner, it had already attracted criticism

Upon hearing of the esteemed position of the adults, I, a humble individual, was granted the title of Scholar of the Ministry of Rites and was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the grand ceremony for the establishment of the heir. Therefore, I took the liberty to recommend myself, hoping that the esteemed adults would consider my Wanli Trading Company as a supplier

Others are relatively easy to deal with, but the person in front of me truly makes Wan Hong feel a bit intimidated

However, Ning Chen has a request, and he will simply comply with it

After listening to the fair competition between Bai Renyuan and Wan Hongping, make a just choice and earn 5 points of "Loyalty". Subsequently, all evaluations related to the event will automatically convert into corresponding official prestige points

"How did I end up in such a petty situation? I am merely here to promote my business, which is a normal commercial activity." Wan Hong's tone was so assertive that it unconsciously made Bai Renyuan seem half a head shorter.

As the saying goes, good news does not travel far while bad news spreads like wildfire, although Ning Chen's actions took place during the court meeting, there are already quite a few well-informed individuals who are aware of it

So you can imagine, when you can spend the money of a street vendor, you can enjoy a luxurious meal at a top Michelin three-star restaurant, how would you choose

Ning Chen particularly enjoys this kind of stubbornness. After Bai Renyuan finished speaking, Ning Chen simply chuckled and said: "Since you want it to be aboveboard, then I will now tell you openly that this procurement for the upcoming heir ceremony has nothing to do with you"

After getting on the vehicle, Ning Chen realized that it was even more luxurious inside

"How can a corrupt official utter such eloquent words? It is truly against the natural order!" a Confucian scholar exclaimed indignantly, looking up to the sky.

Ning Chen took a sip of the wine and found it bland and tasteless, so he set it down: "Even if Wanli Puhang is truly as good as you say, you must first be on the Ministry of Works' list for me to select you."

There is no need to stop at the back door, which is so troublesome; just stop at the front door. As I said, I am dignified, upright, and aboveboard, with nothing to hide from others.

Firstly, this place has an air of sophistication, and the food is quite delicious. Secondly, the three establishments, in order to project an image of prestige and attract wealthy patrons, offer discounts to current officials.

Slow down. Ning Chen raised his hand, signaling Wan Hong and Bai Renyuan to stop

However, this individual, Bai Renyuan, is deeply favored by the Qingliu faction and has the strong support of a group of Qingliu advocates

As one of the top three restaurants in the capital, Wanhualou naturally attracts a considerable number of high-ranking officials and nobility.

The most incredible thing is that this is clearly a carriage, yet it travels on the uneven official road without any bumps at all

It may not be fast enough, but it is definitely luxurious enough

Moreover, those individuals of refined character seek out Bai Renyuan for any business transactions.

This is a mandatory question

Upon seeing the arriving individuals, Wan Hong could not help but frown

This is the first time Wan Hong has heard an official describe their banquet as being conducted in an open and upright manner

At the same time, Wan Hong also stood up, preparing to see which blind fool dared to disturb the good business of his boss, Wan.

Ning Chen and Wan Hong arrived at the private room of the Wan Hua Building

The soft couch inside the carriage is also crafted from top-quality wood, and the gemstones embedded in it are quite valuable

The carriage is also equipped with an ice compartment, allowing for the placement of ice cubes inside during the summer to lower the temperature within the carriage

He has the audacity to speak of being open and aboveboard, truly bringing shame to us scholars

The boss is Bai Renyuan, the owner of Jing Shi Xin Yi Puhang.

Bai Renyuan, however, was quite obstinate and retorted, "My lord, the establishment of a successor by the Son of Heaven is an immensely significant matter and must never be conducted behind closed doors"

"There is... there is nothing to be afraid of." Wan Hong stuttered a bit when he said this

A luxurious carriage soon came to a stop in front of Ning Chen

My Wanli Puhang is a top-tier supplier in the capital, offering high-end items that cannot be found elsewhere. You can find everything at my Wanli Puhang.

For Ning Chen, this is not a multiple-choice question

Beneath my feet lies an unknown piece of white beast skin, with long and clean fur, devoid of any stray hairs

Do you not regard this official at all? Is this a livestock market? You say it is a competition, so it is a competition. What do you take this official for?" Ning Chen perfectly embodied the demeanor of a sycophant.

"It is the fault of the petty person; please punish him, my lord." Wan Hong was very understanding and immediately knelt down.

Ning Chen's statement left those who were quietly cursing in a state of confusion

If one must make a comparison using automobiles from later generations, then the carriage in front of Ning Chen is the Rolls-Royce of carriages

... ...

Upon hearing Ning Chen's words, both individuals stopped and turned to look at Ning Chen

However, before Wan Hong could send it out, the door to his elegant room was suddenly pushed open from the outside

Many people in the Wanhualou have actually recognized Ning Chen

"Comparing ... ... to ... is just comparing." When Wan Hong said this, his confidence was extremely lacking

There are also beautiful young ladies in the car ... ... being attended to by maids

The most crucial point is that Wan Hong is also aware of how his business operates, which is why he genuinely feels apprehensive when facing Bai Renyuan

Stepping on it feels as if one is treading on clouds

Such a vehicle is truly worthy of one's identity as a sycophant

Before me stood a middle-aged man, dressed simply, towering over me, yet exuding an air of righteousness and remarkable presence. He was also the owner of a prominent establishment in the capital.

Seeing Ning Chen, he got off the carriage

Listening to the various murmurs and discussions, Ning Chen directly proclaimed: "A gentleman is open and at ease, while a petty person is always anxious and troubled"

Moreover, the quality of the supplies provided by my company, Wanli, is beyond reproach. Since the opening of the business, there has not been a single incident of quality issues.

Therefore, even if Bai Renyuan does not spend any money, he will often have business opportunities

Wan Hong, frightened, quickly took back the banknotes.

Not only the two of them, but also the onlookers outside turned their attention to Ning Chen

Sitting in the carriage, Ning Chen realized that being a sycophant had so many advantages

Xinyi Puhang is also on the Ministry's list, but Xinyi Puhang is not the same as Wanli Puhang

In front of Ning Chen, Boss Wan can act submissively, but in this capital city, Boss Wan is not someone to be trifled with

Wànlì Pùxíng has managed to satisfy everyone, which is why it has entered the official list of the Ministry of Works and is frequently selected.

Adult, do you want to ... ...

Upon hearing this, Wan Hongyi immediately spoke up: "My lord, rest assured, my Wanli Shop has always been on the procurement list of the Ministry of Works. Therefore, as long as you agree, there will be no issues on the Ministry's side"

Although the Wanhua Tower is a top-tier restaurant, not all who come to the Wanhua Tower are there for banquets or are corrupt officials.

Well, since you want to compete fairly, shall we have a contest right now? Just in time, Lord Ning is also here

Looking at Wan Hong, who weighs at least 300 pounds, and having just barely touched the edge of the chair with his bottom, Ning Chen was worried that the chair would not be able to withstand the uneven distribution of weight

The Xinyi Puhang, on the other hand, has taken a completely opposite approach; not only does it refrain from giving gifts, but it also frequently undermines the good deeds of its boss, Mr. Wan

"Lord Ning, I shall speak frankly."

On the contrary, whether it is the Wanhualou or the other two top restaurants, they are all places that the elite are willing to visit

Wan Hong absolutely believes that this Ning Chen before him is truly not an ordinary person