Chapter 219 - Acuteness
Although there were a lot of people passing out greetings every day in the past, in the past, everyone had the intention of fawning on them and flattering them with nice words. But now, even though they were still saying nice words, the anger and puzzlement in their eyes couldn't be ignored.
“Boss, you've caused so much that you've offended all of our coastal merchant.” Ke Youliang smoked the imported smoke as he said with a look of regret on his face.
In order to not cause trouble for Cao Sect, Zuo Shaoqing and Lu Zheng had already moved into their new home. This three-in-one courtyard didn't have any special characteristics from the outside, but it was like an iron bucket inside.
“When we were discussing officials and merchants, I had already expected that the Great Yang would not have such a big loophole if it wanted to make a rich country strong enough! Moreover, this is something that will happen sooner or later. Even if I don't bring it up, others will also bring it up. “
Ke Youliang thought gloomily: Other people are other people, at least they won't all target Zuo Shaoqing.
Most of the merchants in Crane City knew that the one behind the name of the bigwigs was the Left Prefect. Because of this, he had to be on guard against people throwing stinky eggs when he went out.
Sigh, but I heard that the Emperor recently gave Crane City Prefect an imperial edict and accepted the Left Prefect's proposal to restrict the import of salt, iron, gold and silver from coastal merchant. Every ship that arrives at Hong Kong must be strictly checked before they can come ashore.
“Make the arrangements as soon as possible. I have created excellent conditions for you to meet up with second uncle in Changping. If you do not get the title of imperial merchant, then you will have wasted your time.”
“You mean …?” Ke Youliang's pair of small eyes shone with a bright light. His hands were trembling as he waited for Zuo Shaoqing's next words.
In the paper, I suggest that the coastal three counties each choose a business firm that is responsible for salt, iron, and gold, one of which is silver. Considering that the Crane City is the headquarters of the water master and is responsible for the management of iron ore, but Dasheng Trading Company would definitely not be able to obtain this right, so Second Uncle and I suggest that you two should choose salt from Changping County.
Ke Youliang's mind started to work, he quickly understood Zuo Shaoqing's meaning. Zuo Shaoqing was Crane City Prefect, if Dasheng Merchant Shop took over this business, outsiders would only say that he was using his power to gain personal benefits, so out of reputation, Zuo Shaoqing would not do such a thing.
But it was different once the Crane City came out. Chang Ping was their home, and with the existence of connections, as well as Duke Zhen Manor's big backer, it was not difficult to move the Chang Ping Prefecture.
“But …” Why are you with Second Master? Our Da Shen Merchant Shop can totally take on this project by itself. “
Zuo Shaoqing glanced at him and said, “Second Uncle has taken care of me a lot, so we won't talk much.”
Ke Youliang rolled his eyes gloomily. He didn't really believe Zuo Shaoqing's explanation.
“The Grand Life Trading Company is mine. Naturally, it belongs to the Wu Steel Manor. Second Uncle represents my family. Do you understand?” Zuo Shaoqing waved to him to get busy, regardless of whether he understood it or not.
However, Ke Youliang was an evil merchant and was definitely a smart person. After thinking for a bit, he understood that Zuo Shaoqing was the son who married off, so his family couldn't not have any influence. Otherwise, it would look bad in the eyes of outsiders.
In the future, even if Duke Zhen changed his mind or Duke Zhen Manor was in trouble, they still had a way out.
Ke Youliang happily went back to prepare. Zuo Shaoqing had He Min sent for after he finished his business.
After He Min took over, Zuo Shaoqing chose an upright official from among the officials leaning against him to be promoted to clerk. His master was recommended to him by Lu Zheng, who was one of Wu Steel Manor's aides.
“Sir, do you have any instructions for me?” He Min walked in with a tired expression.
Zuo Shaoqing knew that Lin Zhihao had been sentenced to be executed after autumn, and the Lin Family had been sentenced to exile in the northern border. He Min had often secretly looked for connections to take care of the Lin Family descendants.
It was probably because he felt guilty. After all, it was a message he had sent to Zuo Shaoqing. That was why he was so persistent about this matter.
Because of this, Zuo Shaoqing also slowly changed his opinion of him. He felt that even though he was scheming, he did not lose his conscience, so he could use it.
“Send an invitation letter to each of the large trading companies in Crane City. Invite them to meet at Yellow Crane Tower five days from now. I want to choose an iron ore to handle Crane City.”
Hemming paused for a moment before asking, “You want to publicly choose?” He had thought that Zuo Shaoqing would definitely hand this over to a company under the name of the Wu Steel Manor. After all, the benefits from this were enormous.
“This is a very important matter, I do not wish to leave any leeway for outsiders. At the same time, I want to let the coastal merchant see, I do not intend to go against them, as it concerns the great scheme of the people, and I believe they will understand.”
The corner of He Min's mouth twitched as he sincerely clasped his hands in a bow. “The adults are determined to be with the people. They will definitely find out.”
He had heard about the undercurrents in the Crane City business community recently. From the perspective of an official, the policies Zuo Shaoqing proposed were definitely beneficial to the country and the citizens, and only harmed the interests of the coastal merchant.
When the official documents were posted, the entire Crane City was shocked. Zuo Shaoqing had just chopped off a portion of their profits and sent them a huge meat patty. As long as he could take down this biscuit, the position of the richest man in Crane City would definitely remain stable.
Wang Family naturally received the invitation as well. Wang Xu and his son spent the entire day in the study room discussing countermeasures.
Wang Zhenhai had never participated in these kinds of discussions before, but after going through a series of twists and turns, he gradually grew up.
“Dad, based on our relationship with the Left Prefect, do you think he will …?” Young Master Wang asked with bright eyes.
Everyone knew what this so-called relationship was. Wang Zhenhai's eyes darkened as he felt bitter in his mouth.
Wang Xu glanced at his eldest son and replied at a moderate pace, “In terms of relationships, the name ‘Great Sage' is Prefect's first choice.”
“Then… “Are we just going to watch the title of imperial merchant slip away from our hands?” Second Young Master Wang's personality was more straightforward, always speaking in a straightforward manner.
A merchant had a lowly status. Even though their Wang Family were well-connected with the officials because of their rich family, and ordinary people did not dare to look down on them, no one would respect them.
Royal merchants were different. They were merchants that followed orders. If they did a good job, they could even obtain a position. To them, this was a great temptation.
San'er, go up to the Lu mansion and take a look at that kid, and also scout Lord Zuo's words. Our Wang Family has been greatly damaged by the previous battle, so we must take over this business!
Wang Zhenhai didn't want to use his son as a weapon, but he knew that Zuo Shaoqing was the only child that was related to them. He replied dejectedly with one word: “Oh.”
Lu Zheng heard the earth-shattering news the moment he entered the city. He raised his eyebrows and revealed a faint smile.
He knew Zuo Shaoqing wouldn't fight a battle with no confidence, it seemed like he was worrying too much.
“Master Lu is really smart!” Liang Qi was half a step behind Lu Zheng on his big horse, but his words were clearly heard by Lu Zheng.
On the other side, Soong Hanlin said with a low voice: “Bootlick, tsk!”
Liang Qi held the reins in one hand and opened the fan with the other. With a smile that was not a smile, he looked at Soong Hanlin and said, “Vice General Song, do you think what I said is wrong?” If you have the guts, nod your head!
Soong Hanlin widened his eyes. His rough facial features were extremely vicious. “Don't bully me because I'm not a scholar. That's why I didn't play with you!” He had fallen into Liang Qi's trap of words more than once. Even if he were to be foolish, he would not fall into Liang Qi's trap.
Liang Qi looked at him fixedly, then shook his head regretfully and said, “With such a coarse appearance, no wonder there's no matchmaker at this age!”
Soong Hanlin was already over 20 years old and joined the army at 15. He originally had an unmarried wife before he turned 15, but unfortunately, because he chose to join the army, he quit the marriage. After all, no one could guarantee that he could return safely.
When he climbed up to the position of a lesser general, the family started to look for his wife. However, he did not know if it was because he did not want Yue Lao to see him, but before he could come back, the marriage they arranged was ruined once again.
When he returned home, the first thing he did was of course to get married and have children. But after much difficulty, he finally fell in love with one, his parents did not agree, and even if the other party's family background was too poor, he did not have the intention of not marrying her, so he did not insist on it.
Later on, his parents fell in love with a daughter of the Shangguan family. He sent people to ask around and Mother told him that she already had someone she liked and was unwilling to marry into his family. Thus, he voluntarily annulled the marriage.
Outsiders didn't know that the girl from the official family already belonged to someone else. They only thought that he had a very high opinion of her, because of this matter, that family almost had a dead relationship with their family, and the news that he had a high opinion of them also spread. Gradually, even the matchmaker didn't dare to come over, so his marriage was put on hold.
When he thought about how the daughter of an official would rather marry a scholar who was helpless than marry a general like him, he felt that he deserved it more than he deserved.
“That's right, Lord Liang is handsome and handsome, with an elegant demeanor. It's a pity that he is too romantic. Isn't he also alone?”
Liang Qi smiled confidently, “My close female friends are everywhere in the world, I just don't want to be tied down by a woman!”
Soong Hanlin looked at his smiling face and really wanted to punch him. Unfortunately, Liang Qi was not ordinary and it was very difficult to get him to take advantage of it.
Holding his breath, Soong Hanlin returned to the Lu Manor dejectedly.
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