Chapter 234 - Investment (1/2)

In terms of modern alcoholic drinks, beer tasted closest to sorghum liquor, though not as smooth and sweet. While drinking the liquor, they talked about the camel team again.

Squire Liu told Ye Xiaoxian’s suggestion to Li Chengru. He said camel trade would be a profitable business but they didn’t have enough capital. “Alas, if only we had enough money to do this business…” Squire Liu was a shrewd man. He wanted to see whether Li Chengru would lend them money, but he didn’t say so directly.

Li Chengru didn’t bother to gauge Squire Liu’s intentions. He asked without hesitation, “How much do you need?”

“20 silver taels for a camel. So 15 camels will cost 300 taels. I can invest in five camels, and Little Ye two or three camels. But Little Ye made the proposal, so no matter how many camels she buys, she will be the team leader. Oh yes, there’s a local guy called Tarico. He can help guide the camel team. Since he can invest in one camel, we still need seven, that is 140 taels.”

Li Chengru rubbed his chin and thought for a while. Then, he made up his mind. “This idea sounds good. I can also invest some money.”

Everyone was surprised by his generosity.

Displeased by their look of astonishment, he cleared his throat and said, “Since I’m close to you, you think I’m not a king again? You think I have no money?”

Their thoughts being read, they all smiled sheepishly.

Chengru continued, “I have nothing except for money! My annual salary is tens of thousands of taels! I can invest 500 taels so that you can buy more and make the business bigger.”

Ye Xiaoxian asked, “But you’re living in Baoning city now. Isn’t your money in the capital? Can you get it out?”

“Of course! I can let the steward send the money to me, or I can go to the capital in person. After all, I haven’t gone back for a long time. Oh yes, if you don’t know how to sell your goods, I can help you find a trading agent. It’ll be responsible for selling your goods and also collecting the goods you need. This way, you don’t need to look for buyers by yourself.”

Both Ye Xiaoxian and Squire Liu thought his arrangement was excellent. Although the others didn’t quite understand, they also felt that it was an awesome idea.

Li Chengru then looked at Ye Xiaoxian. “But it may be quite dangerous. You must be very careful. It’s said one may die in the desert at anytime from being buried by the sand, getting lost or just thirst.”

Ye Xiaoxian said, “We’ll be careful. We’ll ask a local who’s familiar with the terrain to guide us, so it’ll be safe.”

“That’s good!” But after thinking for a moment, he added, “Apart from a local, you also need extra protection. After I return to the capital, I’ll send two strong men to escort you.”

Ye Xiaoxian beamed with joy. “Really? Thank you so much! If we make any profit, we’ll give you the biggest share!”

He revealed a contemptuous look again. “I don’t need the money! Besides, I do so actually for Baoning city.”

“For Baoning city?” They were confused.