Chapter 563: He who knows the current affairs is a hero
Chapter 563: He who knows the current affairs is a hero
It was the second day after Lu Yunyi and Zhu Jinyu agreed to cooperate in opening a workshop.
The news that Wanshou Sugar Factory was taken over by Lu Yunyi spread quietly.
Many sugar shop owners' faces suddenly changed when they heard the news.
I was keenly aware of the tense atmosphere that was about to bring a storm.
Today, several sugar shop owners in the city gathered at the home of Shi Yashan, the owner of Shiqing Sugar Shop, to discuss.
The Shifu is elegantly decorated and has a unique view.
There are no buildings in the back hall, only a vast garden with a small lake in the middle.
In the center of the lake, a pavilion stood quietly, and everyone gathered here.
It was morning, the sun was shining brightly.
The weather was not too hot and there was a gentle breeze.
However, the atmosphere in the pavilion was extremely solemn.
Six people sat around a round table.
Faced with the exquisite snacks and tea on the table, he had no interest at all.
Shi Yashan, who was sitting at the main seat, was a middle-aged man in his forties.
He has a slender and thin figure, with a long beard hanging below his chin. He wears a green robe and looks like an immortal.
At this moment, he slowly opened his eyes, his eyes full of solemnity and gloom.
Seeing him move, Fang, the shopkeeper of Baimei Sugar Shop, hurriedly asked:
"Brother Shi, you called us here today, do you have any plan?"
"Yes, yes, there are rumors everywhere in the capital now.
It is said that Lu Yunyi took over the sugar-making workshop through Xiping Hou.
"They are planning to get involved in the business of the palace and the army. This will take away our jobs!"
Another shopkeeper also said anxiously.
Shopkeeper Fang looked worried and sighed heavily:
"In the past, Wanshou Sugar Factory was in the hands of the Imperial Palace Supervisor, and all the business was done within the palace.
They don't care how much they earn, and we don't take it seriously either.
Now that it has become Lu Yunyi's shop, he will definitely come to compete with us for it.
Brother Shi, please think of a solution quickly.
Business is already difficult this year, and if he interferes, we will be in big trouble."
"Yeah yeah."
Everyone started talking at once, and the silence in the pavilion was broken.
It was not until everyone gradually quieted down that Shi Yashan chuckled and also sighed:
"Why are you so optimistic, brothers?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone's faces suddenly changed, and they looked at each other in bewilderment:
Isn't this serious enough?
Shi Yashan said softly:
"Don't forget, Yingtian Commercial Bank has already started recruiting investors.
The beds inside are very popular and everyone is fighting for them.
Lu Yunyi not only took over the sugar mill, but also controlled the business.
What will happen next? Do I need to say more?"
"yes."
A shopkeeper gasped and couldn't help showing horror on his face.
Shopkeeper Fang was relatively calm. After thinking for a moment, he said:
"Could it be that Lu Yunyi would abuse his power for personal gain?
Although there are many rumors about him in the capital,
But most of them were about sex, but I have never heard of him being corrupt."
Shi Yashan's eyes flashed with sarcasm, he looked at Shopkeeper Fang and said with a smile:
"Brother Fang, you have been in the capital for many years. Have you ever seen a few officials who do not abuse their power for personal gain?"
Shopkeeper Fang was suddenly speechless and didn't know how to answer.
The same thing happened to others, whose faces turned ugly.
The sugar mills they controlled had to give out a portion of their profits every year.
Give it to the nobles and powerful sons who are involved in it in exchange for protection.
No matter who claims that Yingtian has fair and honest governance, they will not believe it.
Shi Yashan sneered, and then his expression became serious:
"Brothers, don't harbor any illusions.
Lu Yunyi took over the workshop in order to steal our business.
As for whether it is abuse of public power for personal gain.
Even the palace workshops have fallen into his hands, what else can this be but abuse of power for personal gain?"
After he said this, everyone gave up the last bit of hope in their hearts, and the atmosphere became more depressing.
Even several shopkeepers have shown pessimism.
"Lu Yunyi has made many achievements in the army.
He is also an official in the Ministry of Works who is in charge of supervising the manufacture of military equipment. If he wants to sell candy to the army, who can stop him?
Will there still be a share for us by then?"
A shopkeeper in his thirties looked worried and spoke in a deep voice,
He is the shopkeeper Chen of Yi Fu Sugar Factory.
Shi Yashan shook his head:
“It is for this reason that I have gathered everyone here today to discuss countermeasures.
Sugar production is a big business, Lu Yunyi can participate, but not too much."
"Brother Shi, how can you be so cowardly before the battle?"
Shopkeeper Fang's face changed drastically and he couldn't help but remind him.
Shi Yashan shook his head:
"It's easier said than done. How about Manager Fang go and fight him head-on?"
Shopkeeper Fang's expression changed again, his lips opened and closed slightly, and finally he revealed a hint of a wry smile:
"I don't have that ability."
Shi Yashan's face was calm, and he said calmly:
"Then don't brag, just let him participate and we can all make money together, this is the best way.
Although I earn less, at least I still earn something.
If we make him angry, he will have plenty of ways to cause trouble for us.
Nowadays, most of the gentlemen have left the capital, but Marquis Xiping is still behind him.
Moreover, I have already found out,
It was the sugar factory that Marquis Xiping went to the palace and personally asked Your Majesty for.
How can we fight him?"
"Your Majesty also knows about this?"
"Someone exclaimed, and then a wave of sadness surged in their hearts.
The sugar mill is a big business for them.
But compared with the salt, tea and other industries in the palace, it was just a drop in the bucket.
Lu Yunyi actually alarmed His Majesty just for a workshop in the capital. It's really frustrating to compare yourself with others!
If they did not rely on the powerful behind them, they would not even be able to see the officials of Jingzhao Prefecture.
Shi Yashan sighed and drank the tea in the cup:
"That's basically what happened. If you think we should win over Lu Yunyi, please express your opinion.
At that time, each company will give some shares to see if they can satisfy his appetite."
"If you don't agree, you can leave now.
If you get into trouble in the future, don't involve us."
After the words fell, the faces of the six people present were extremely ugly.
But in the end they all nodded helplessly, indicating that this was the only way.
Shi Yashan waved his hand and the waiter brought paper and pen.
He took the lead in expressing his opinion, and said as he wrote:
"Shiqing Sugar Factory is willing to give up 30% of its share in the Beijing Army."
"What? This is too much." Manager Chen of Yi Fu Sugar Factory's face changed drastically.
Shiqing Sugar Factory mainly deals with military business and is much larger than theirs.
If you give up 30% of your income to others all at once, you will lose tens of thousands of taels of silver in a year.
"My sugar factory only makes that much money a year.
If you take too much, how can you sustain it in the future?"
"Yes, yes, our family is small and our business is small, we can't afford such trouble."
Finally, everyone looked at Shi Yashan and asked angrily:
"Manager Shi, could you please go and discuss with Lord Lu first to find out how much he wants.
We'll split the cost then.
If we divide it hastily like this, and if we give too much, we will suffer a huge loss."
Shi Yashan chuckled and shook his head slowly:
“Giving proactively can leave a good impression, but asking proactively can make a big difference.
What we need to do now is to offer a price that is attractive enough to make Lu Yunyi interested.
Just agree to it directly to avoid unnecessary complications.
If you feel it is not appropriate, you can leave.
I want to warn you that if you sign, you may still be able to survive, but if you don’t sign, you don’t know what will happen in the future.”
The pavilion became quiet.
After a while, Fang, the shopkeeper of Baimei Sugar Shop, gritted his teeth and said:
Comforting myself while writing:
"I'll sign it. Maybe I can get to know Mr. Lu through this opportunity.
If there is good business in the future, let’s do it together!”
After he said this, several people present showed hesitation.
After thinking it over again and again, three more people wrote down the shares they wanted to give up.
Finally, there were two people left, one of whom looked helpless:
"Manager Shi, forgive me for being blunt, but we are a little paranoid.
There has been no movement from Wanshou Sugar Factory yet, if we continue to act in this way, it will only encourage others to do the same."
"Yeah, we have to fight first. We can't surrender so easily." Another person echoed.
Shi Yashan sighed:
"Brother Wen, Brother Zhou, Shi didn't explain things clearly before.
Wanshou Sugar Factory started recruiting clerks and managers yesterday afternoon, and also purchased a lot of equipment.
Tell me, what do they mean by this?" "It's obvious that they want to expand production." Shopkeeper Chen made the final decision.
After hearing this, the two of them looked extremely unhappy.
After a long time, the shopkeeper named Wen picked up a pen and paper.
He quickly wrote down his name and the share he controlled, then threw the paper and pen on the table in annoyance.
The other person saw that the others had signed.
He smiled helplessly and signed reluctantly.
After doing all this, the originally solemn atmosphere eased a little.
The big stone in everyone's heart fell to the ground, but they became uneasy again.
They were also not sure whether these shares could satisfy Lu Yunyi's appetite.
Shi Yashan took the document, checked it carefully, and nodded with satisfaction:
"It's settled. I'll deliver the paperwork myself.
Whether you are satisfied or not depends on the decision of Lord Lu.
All shopkeepers, please be ready."
As he spoke, a hint of sharpness and cruelty flashed in Shi Yashan's eyes:
"If Lord Lu is ignorant and wants more,
We can't just let it go like this, we have to let him see how powerful we are."
Although everyone nodded on the surface, they were all a little pessimistic in their hearts.
Who is Lu Yunyi?
A new noble in the court, he controlled many of the court's new industries, and it was extremely difficult for others to see him.
They are just a few sugar factory owners, how could they be taken seriously by others?
Everyone left with little interest.
After they left, Shi Yashan changed his previous indifference.
He hurried to the main hall of the Shi Mansion and bowed to the person sitting at the head of the table:
"Manager Feng, the matter has been settled."
The person sitting at the top was none other than the seal holder of the Marquis of Ji’an’s mansion.
At this moment, he was wearing casual clothes, sitting there quietly, showing the calmness and indifference of a long-time official.
There was none of the humility he had shown in the Marquis of Ji'an's Mansion.
Feng Tiemu took the document and glanced at it carefully:
"Well done, you deserve credit for convincing them."
Shi Yashan showed a look of joy and bowed quickly:
“It’s all thanks to the good teaching of the Marquis’ Mansion and Steward Feng.
Merchants are always profit-driven, and they were reluctant to sign at first.
But when they heard that they might lose all business if they didn’t sign, they immediately backed down. They are all spineless.”
"Well, take the documents to the Lu Mansion now.
Be sure to find out his intentions and possible actions."
"Yes."
"Also, prepare your men.
If we can’t come to an agreement, we’ll definitely cause him some trouble no matter what.”
The sound of the seal is neither fast nor slow, but it gives people an unquestionable feeling.
Shi Yashan felt a little uneasy.
He was originally a businessman and had always been afraid of the powerful.
But since the order has been given, we have no choice but to go ahead and do it.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:
“Don’t worry, Manager Feng, some of Lu Yunyi’s actions have been criticized by many people.
When I sent people to look for those people, they were very willing to cooperate.
They are even bolder than I expected.
I actually want to kill those officials who went to the countryside to cause trouble."
Feng Temu sat at the head, with a look of contempt on his face:
"Why didn't they dare before? Now that someone is taking the lead, are they so bold?"
Shi Yashan also laughed contemptuously:
"These country gentlemen are usually alone and powerless.
They dared not to confront the imperial court at all, and the imperial court could do whatever it wanted to them.
Now it is just the attitude of a mean person."
"Make thorough preparations and do not involve the Marquis' Mansion."
"The villain understands."
“Okay, go to the Lu Mansion, bring some gifts, and be humble.
Remember, you are going to gather intelligence, not to charge anyone with crimes."
Shi Yashan bowed his hands in agreement, but secretly complained in his heart,
I'm just a businessman, how could I be so brave?
In less than a quarter of an hour, Shi Yashan arrived at the Lu Mansion in San Tiao Lane, Xi'anmen by carriage.
Before the carriage came near,
The four soldiers at the door quickly raised their crossbows and aimed at the carriage.
This sudden scene frightened Shi Yashan so much that his face turned pale.
He scoffed at Lu Yunyi's reputation of being "kind to others".
I thought this person was clearly extremely domineering.
He quickly got out of the car and explained his purpose.
He especially emphasized his identity as the owner of Shiqing Sugar Shop.
He knew in his heart that if he did not reveal his identity, he would not be able to enter the mansion at all.
Sure enough, after only a cup of tea,
The soldier who went to report came out and said in a deep voice:
"follow me."
Shi Yashan followed the soldiers into the mansion.
Soon he was stunned by the grandeur of the mansion.
He had seen many houses with five courtyards, and also in other places.
But this was the first time he had set foot in such a luxurious five-story house so close to the imperial city.
At this moment, a strong sense of jealousy surged in his heart.
I don't envy the house itself.
Instead, I envy the power represented by the house.
Soon, he crossed the courtyard and came to the back hall.
In the reception room, I met Lu Yunyi, a tall man dressed in casual clothes.
Shi Yashan rushed forward quickly and bowed respectfully:
“I am Shi Yashan, the owner of Shiqing Sugar Shop, and I am here to meet you, Lord Lu.
I hope you will forgive me for my rash visit."
Lu Yunyi sat at the top, with obvious dark circles under his eyes.
He waved his hand and said, "Get up. I have heard of Manager Shi's name a long time ago.
Most of the white sugar in the army comes from Shiqing Sugar Factory.
On this point, I have to thank Manager Shi."
Shi Yashan was stunned. He didn't expect Lu Yunyi to be so kind.
"I don't deserve it. The army needs a huge amount of sugar.
My small workshop can only supply a small part, and I feel deeply guilty about this."
"It's okay, just do your best."
Lu Yunyi looked kind and asked:
"I wonder why Shopkeeper Shi came here today?"
Shi Yashan pursed his lips and took a step forward.
He took out the document from his pocket and held it in front of him:
"I heard that Lord Lu was interested in running a sugar mill, so I discussed it with a few friends.
I have collected all these 'gifts' and come to present them to you. I hope Lord Lu will not despise them."
Lu Yunyi was a little confused and smiled:
"Manager Shi, please take back the gift.
I have a little money at home, so I won't bother Manager Shi."
Shi Yashan was stunned, and realized that Lu Yunyi had misunderstood, and quickly explained:
"Master Lu, you misunderstood.
This is not money, but part of the share of the sugar factory owned by me and a few of my friends."
"Share?" Lu Yunyi looked at him puzzledly.
"exactly.
Wanshou Sugar Factory is now in the hands of Lord Lu.
But what you don’t know is that these palace workshops have always been just getting by. It’s easy to break even, but they lack the motivation to make money.
Although Wanshou Sugar Factory is the largest sugar factory in Beijing,
However, they only took on some of the palace expenses and had a very small share in the army.
On the contrary, our sugar factory makes less money.
Now that the sugar factory belongs to you, you must expand production and make profits.
After a brief discussion, we decided to give up some of our shares so that Wanshou Sugar Factory could have a surplus. "
After hearing this, Lu Yunyi looked even more puzzled. He looked up and down at Shi Yashan, thinking:
"Are all merchants in the capital so sensible?"
He looked at Feng Yunfang beside him and ordered:
"Bring it here."
"Yes."
Feng Yunfang took a step forward.
He took the document and checked it carefully, and only handed it to Lu Yunyi after confirming that it was correct.
Lu Yunyi took the document, and the first sentence that caught his eye made him raise his eyebrows.
Thirty percent share?
He continued to look down, his expression becoming increasingly strange.
Finally, Lu Yunyi looked at Shi Yashan and asked:
“Although I am an official of the imperial court, I also know that merchants pursue profits.
What does Manager Shi want by doing this? "
(End of this chapter)