Chapter 556: Losing money to gain publicity, asking for help
Chapter 556: Losing money to gain publicity, asking for help
"Collect money?"
Lu Yunyi suddenly stopped and looked at Li Jinglong in a daze.
"what happened?"
Li Jinglong felt uneasy when he was stared at by him and scratched his head in frustration.
"How many workshops do we need to open and we even need to raise money for it?" Lu Yunyi asked.
“There should be at least one store in each province, so there will be fifteen stores in total.
If you want to open a workshop in some places, you will encounter resistance from some forces.
At that time, you will have to spend some money to smooth the relationship.
Oh, and there are also the U-Tsang Dusi and the Dogan Dusi.
All other places have been opened, so these two places cannot be left out, so there are a total of seventeen stores.
If one workshop costs 10,000 taels of silver, this would be nearly 170,000 taels.
Adding the money for opening the door, it might cost two hundred thousand taels to win it."
"It costs so much money to open a workshop?" Lu Yunyi was shocked.
In his opinion, a workshop would only need 1,000 taels of silver at most.
A small workshop can be run with only 100 taels of silver.
How come it costs 10,000 taels? Could it be that I was cheated?
Li Jinglong sighed helplessly:
“Maybe there will be more. The palace is saying,
The opened workshop needs to install an assembly line and employ enough people.
The emergence of tricycles and carts will have an impact on the pullers.
The resulting losses need to be compensated by the workshop, which can only do so by hiring more people.
I asked someone to calculate it, and it's not difficult to open a workshop.
One thousand seven hundred taels of silver will do the job.
But the wages for the next five years may be tens of thousands of taels.”
After this explanation, Lu Yunyi understood:
"Ten thousand taels per family, does that cover five years of expenses?"
Li Jinglong nodded:
“I was afraid of trouble, so I just took out five years’ worth of money at once.
Anyway, this isn't about making money, so just treat it as opening up a trade route for the court."
"So it's a loss-making scheme to gain publicity."
"That's the truth. This thing can't make money.
If there is money to be made, all the local powerful and wealthy will flock here.
By then, the streets will be filled with carts.
Most of the laborers will be out of work, and that will cause a big mess."
After listening to Li Jinglong's explanation, Lu Yunyi understood the court's intention.
It is to let these nobles take the initiative to pay and occupy the price trough,
This will deter local dignitaries and let them know that this is an unprofitable business and they should not get involved easily.
Thus, the imperial court controlled the market by losing money.
It not only ensures the issuance of new items, but also protects Li Fu to the greatest extent.
However, Lu Yunyi thought of a question:
“The situation is so tense now, what should we do if someone deliberately pays to cause trouble?
Not to mention 10,000 taels, even if it was 100,000 taels,
As long as it can make the place chaotic, it's worth it in the eyes of some people."
Li Jinglong's expression became serious:
"The court has also considered this situation, but has not yet come up with a good solution.
We can only take one step at a time.
But I think His Majesty might be expecting them to jump out.”
Lu Yunyi's face darkened instantly, his brows furrowed, and a hint of danger appeared in his eyes.
Judging from the style of the emperor in the palace, perhaps this is really what he meant.
Otherwise, we wouldn't be so eager to promote these two items to the public.
After all, this item has not yet been popularized in the military, and it is too hasty to promote it to the public.
Lu Yunyi always felt confused and couldn't see clearly what was going on in the palace.
Helplessly, he sighed softly and looked at Li Jinglong:
“I have no idea about this matter, but I still have to act with caution and not let my subordinates fool me.
Don’t let that happen and you become the first person to oppose the imperial court for no apparent reason.”
Li Jinglong knew he was talking about the car dealership and nodded slightly:
"The palace will send someone to assist me when the time comes.
The princes of various places will also pay attention to this matter, and there won’t be any major chaos.”
Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Okay, I'm going out of town to the workshop, do you want to come?"
"Leaving the city again? The rebels from last time haven't been caught yet."
"There's no other way. I have to go.
Counting the time, it’s been almost twenty days. I have to go and see how strong the concrete is.”
"You go ahead. I need to go back and rest. I'm really tired these past few days."
Li Jinglong shook his head, with dark circles under his eyes, and his eye sockets seemed sunken.
Lu Yunyi asked as he walked:
"What have you been busy with these days? Why do you look so haggard?"
"It's all because of the Northern Expedition.
Lately I have been studying my family's teachings, as well as the documents from the three northern expeditions.
I have to be prepared in advance, otherwise I, a great duke, will be laughed at if I go to the frontier completely clueless."
As Li Jinglong spoke, he shook his head and his body language was very rich.
After hearing this, Lu Yunyi couldn't help but laugh out loud:
“That’s indeed the truth.
Although the Duke of Ying was in charge of the Northern Expedition this time, there were also many veterans in the army.
But because of them,
King Yan, King Jin, and you must not let your guard down and keep your mind alert at all times.
They will notice the slightest mistake.
On the contrary, if everything is well prepared, you can stand out.
Apart from anything else, Lu Chen, the defender of Puzikou City, will also go with them.
If he comes back and says that you are good at fighting and strict in military discipline,
The thousands of generals in Puzikou City will all know your abilities."
After hearing this, Li Jinglong was not excited at all. Instead, he felt a strong sense of uneasiness and a little nervous:
"Yun Yi, why don't you come with us?
I am here with you to help with military affairs, and with so many people present, I am afraid something might go wrong."
"Me?" Lu Yunyi looked surprised and shook his head slowly.
"I can't go. I've been working in Daning for almost two years and I haven't shown up there yet. It's really outrageous."
At this point, Lu Yunyi paused and sighed softly:
"Duke Cao, this war is meant to allow you to shine and to calm down some veterans.
If I go, I'll steal your limelight.
This is not good.
Then I will become the target of public criticism and offend a lot of people for no reason. It is not worth it."
Obviously, Li Jinglong also understood this truth, and said with a smile:
"Are you afraid of offending people?"
"Of course I am afraid. I was deeply touched by the changes in Duke Ying after he returned to Beijing.
There are some people that you should try not to offend if you can. "
"Row."
Li Jinglong took a deep breath, clenched his fists, looked sharp, and said through gritted teeth,
"I, Li Jiujiang, must make great achievements this time.
Let those who look down on me see that I can also achieve great things!"
As evening approaches and the sun sets,
The sunlight poured down like a furnace, filling the entire Yingtian City.
While the last ray of afterglow has not yet disappeared,
Lu Yunyi rushed back to the Lu Mansion at No. 2, San Tiao Lane, Xi'anmen from the workshop outside the city.
He dismounted from his horse.
His gaze lingered for a moment on a carriage and several war horses not far away, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
The butler Wang Bo hurried out and bowed:
"Greetings, sir."
Lu Yunyi pointed at the carriages and asked:
"What's going on?"
Wang Bo replied:
"Reporting to the master, it was General Aju Miao who came with gifts and said he hoped to see the master.
Madam has arranged for them to stay in the side hall, and they are waiting there now."
"What are they doing here? And they brought gifts?"
Wang Bo looked a little strange, and said as he stepped over the threshold:
"They said they came to thank you for your teaching.
But I don't think so.
They all had worried and anxious looks on their faces, as if they were asking the master to do something for them."
Lu Yunyi frowned slightly and nodded.
"I see."
Lu Yunyi did not go to meet them immediately.
Instead, he went back to the main hall and saw Mu Chuting who was reading a book there.
Mu Chuting saw Lu Yunyi coming back, and her eyes lit up with surprise:
"Husband? Why are you here? General Ajumiao is waiting in the side hall."
"Never mind him, it's more important to see the lady first."
Lu Yunyi stepped forward and sat down beside her.
Mu Chuting felt sweet in her heart after hearing this.
Uncle Wang, who was standing at the door, also smiled and quietly retreated.
Lu Yunyi casually glanced at the book in Mu Chuting's hand, and a slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth:
"I haven't been home for two days. You've worked hard, ma'am."
Mu Chuting's eyes narrowed into two crescents, full of joy:
"Aiya~ My husband is busy outside for important things,
I stay at home all day, either reading books or tending flowers. The servants take care of my meals and drinks, so it's not hard at all.
It is my husband who is having a hard time." Lu Yunyi looked at her:
"Madam, you are becoming more and more like a good wife and mother."
"That's what I am."
"Hahahahaha." Lu Yunyi laughed out loud:
“If you feel bored during the day, Madam can go out for a walk.
There are many beautiful sights and places to have fun in the city.
It is said that Miaoyinfang specializes in the business of imperial concubines, and the items in it are very good.
Madam, you can go and have a look. Black Hawk went there to buy some things a few days ago."
Mu Chuting curled her lips and shook her head gently:
"I don't like going out, and I don't like chattering in such luxurious places.
I think it is great to read books at home.
Oh, my dear, it is a bit embarrassing for my sister Lingyun to be placed outside by you.
It would be better to bring her home so she can have company."
Mu Chuting's eyes sparkled, as if she had discovered something new.
Lu Yunyi touched his nose awkwardly, then scratched his head:
"I'm afraid this isn't a good idea. The girl is innocent, she just had some conflicts with her family.
If I bring her home,
Who knows what rumors will spread.”
“Husband, you don’t understand the minds of us women.
Sister Lingyun is a stubborn person.
Since you love your husband, why would you care about the rumors outside?
What's more, my husband is handsome, it would be strange if no one liked him.
I am the only girl in the family, and it would be bad if my husband got the reputation of being henpecked."
Lu Yunyi shook his head repeatedly, feeling overwhelmed:
"Forget it. There are already so many women at home. I get a headache when I see them."
Mu Chuting raised her eyebrows, and a hint of mischief flashed in her eyes.
He came close to Lu Yunyi and exhaled softly:
"My lord, they are all waiting for you."
Lu Yunyi shrank his neck and waved his hands quickly:
"I'm so busy with the affairs of the government office that I don't have time to serve them.
Okay, I'll go see Ajumiao.
This person is really strange. He won't let anyone have peace and quiet even after returning home."
Mu Chuting said with a smile:
"My dear, please go quickly. We will have dinner together later."
"it is good."
Lu Yunyi followed Uncle Wang to the side hall.
At a glance, I saw Aju Miao pacing back and forth inside.
Ajumiao has not changed much, he is in his fifties.
Wearing clothes made of fine silk and a man's hat on his head,
He doesn't look like a Siamese at all, but more like a wealthy man in Yingtian City.
Seeing Lu Yunyi approaching, his eyes lit up and he quickly went to meet him, with an apologetic look on his face:
"I have come to your house, and I hope Lord Lu will forgive me."
Lu Yunyi walked quickly into the room and waved his hand:
"We are old friends, so why be polite?"
He took the lead and sat down in the main seat, then pointed to the chair below:
"Please sit down, General Ajumiao, there is no need to be so reserved.
The Ming Dynasty has always valued guests from afar.
From Siam to Yingtian, it's nearly 6,000 miles, so you are a distinguished guest."
When Ajumiao heard this, his heart was filled with joy.
Although Siam Elementary School is in decline, it had previously stood on the wrong side.
But in Yingtian, he did receive many courtesies.
This made him sigh that the Celestial Empire is indeed a country of etiquette and rituals, it is just different.
"Sir Lu, I am not worthy of being your distinguished guest.
But if Lord Lu recognizes me, Aju Miao, as his friend, then we will be friends for life.
If General Lu has the opportunity to go to Siam in the future, Aju Miao will definitely entertain him well."
Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded.
A Jumiao pointed at the young man standing behind him and introduced him with a smile:
"General Lu, this is Luang Basong, his father is an old friend of mine.
This time I brought him here to see the world.
I didn’t expect to hear General Lu’s lecture. It is such an honor.
I brought him here today to express my gratitude.”
Basong is a young man under 20 years old, not very tall.
But he was full of energy, his skin was a little dark, his hair was curly,
A pair of big eyes looked at Lu Yunyi, full of admiration.
He took a step forward and bowed:
"Basong has met General Lu. I will never forget the kindness he has given me."
Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"Get up, get up. You are a guest from afar, so there is no need to be polite."
Upon hearing this, Basong stood up and returned to behind Ajumiao.
Ajumiao waved his hand, and a waiter came forward and respectfully handed over a document.
Feng Yunfang stepped forward and stood in front of the man.
"This is?"
There was a hint of doubt in Lu Yunyi's eyes as he looked at Ajumiao.
Ajumiao smiled and said:
"General Lu, these are some gifts.
It is a token of Siam’s goodwill and a testimony of our friendship. Please accept it.”
Lu Yunyi suddenly laughed:
"General Ajumiao, what exactly are you doing here today? Just tell me."
Ajumiao pursed her lips, her eyes flickered, and finally a hint of determination flashed across them.
He waved his hand gently, and everyone behind him retreated, leaving only Basong.
Ajumiao did not sit down anymore, but stood up, walked to the center of the side hall, and bowed slightly:
"Aju Miao came here today to ask for something. I hope General Lu will agree."
"But it doesn't matter."
"Basong is the descendant of an old friend, but his father died in a dispute with Luchuan.
The power in the family was also purged.
I traveled to many places before I found him.
As you know, Siam is located in a remote area and the situation is often unstable.
I can protect him for a while, but I can't protect him forever.
This time I came here, I have an unwelcome request,
I hope General Lu can say a few good words in front of the court.
Keep Basong in Ming Dynasty so that he can have a way to make a living."
For some reason, Ajumiao looked much older at this moment, and his body was slightly hunched:
"If this can be accomplished, Aju Miao will definitely reward you handsomely. I hope General Lu will help you."
"Stay in Ming?"
A hint of surprise flashed across Lu Yunyi's eyes.
He looked at Basong for a while, then looked at Ajumiao.
"This shouldn't be a difficult task."
In the present-day Ming Dynasty, whether it is Yingtian, Fujian or Guangzhou, there are a large number of foreigners stranded.
Even if they were starving every day, they insisted on staying in Ming Dynasty.
The court was no longer surprised by this.
A Ju Miao bowed and said:
"Lord Lu, Basong has a deep blood feud.
I hope to join the Ming army, learn some skills, and have a chance to kill my enemies in the future."
Lu Yunyi suddenly realized:
"This is not difficult to do. The Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites both have officials in charge of this matter."
A Ju Miao smiled awkwardly:
"After listening to your lectures, Basong wanted to learn from you and serve under you.
To be honest, I have visited the Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites.
But they can't make the decision, let me ask General Lu,
That’s why I took the liberty of visiting you.”
Lu Yunyi suddenly laughed, and after careful thought,
He looked at Basong, then at Ajumiao:
"Does he have a household registration card?"
A Ju Miao's face lit up: "
Reporting to General Lu, some of them were resettled by the Honglu Temple, and their homes are in Jiangning County outside Yingtian City."
"Oh, so this is the last step left."
Lu Yunyi chuckled and nodded slightly.
"Since you are already a citizen of the Ming Dynasty, then join the army.
How much you can learn depends entirely on your own ability.
I am busy with my duties every day and will not take the initiative to teach him."
"Enough, enough, enough!! Thank you General Lu!"
Ajumiao's face was full of excitement, and then he looked at Basong,
"What are you still standing there for? Go and meet the general!"
Basong fell to his knees with a plop and kowtowed vigorously:
"Basong has met the general."
After some greetings, Basong stood at the door.
Ajumiao seemed to have put down a huge stone in his heart and felt much more relaxed.
He looked at Lu Yunyi and said tentatively:
"To be honest with you, my Lord, I came here today on someone's behalf."
Lu Yunyi pursed his lips slightly:
"Go ahead."
(End of this chapter)