Chapter 132
The instigator, Ming Yu, calmly watched the scene unfold, a knowing smile on his face, completely unconcerned with the flustered officials.
Master Zhu was furious. These shortsighted fools didn’t care about future profits. They were blinded by the small gain in front of them and were missing the bigger picture. If they couldn’t get Duan Wang’s approval this time, there would be no chance of turning things around in the future. Everything would be at Duan Wang’s discretion.
In fact, Master Zhu secretly envied those who were ahead in line for the cups. Ten crystal glass cups—such treasures were hard to come by. Duan Wang’s generosity was unmatched. How many people could resist the allure of such a rare gift?
But he had already offended Duan Wang. Now, these precious items had nothing to do with him. Furthermore, he was confused by Duan Wang’s earlier remark about excluding the Zhu family’s share. Was Duan Wang really planning to reject their investment?
Since the situation had already been set in motion, and he was sure that fighting alone would lead to failure, did he still have any chance of turning things around?
He glanced at Ming Yu, who was talking cheerfully with Prime Minister Wen, feeling uncertain. This opportunity, as Ming Yu had said, was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Even the Wang family, who had always supported the Zhu family, had already abandoned them and rushed ahead to sign the contract. In situations like this, everyone was looking out for themselves; who had time to care about him? If the Zhu family missed this chance, whether they would still have a foothold among the four major families in the future was probably in question.
Master Zhu felt conflicted, unsure how he could approach Duan Wang. If Duan Wang held a grudge and chose to ignore them, what would the Zhu family do?
Ming Yu didn’t even spare a glance at Master Zhu. He simply returned to his seat and nonchalantly popped a dried fruit into his mouth, chewing happily.
Prime Minister Wen had snapped out of his daze and was now looking at Ming Yu with an incredibly complex expression. He truly didn’t know whether to praise Ming Yu for being generous or criticize him for being wasteful.
What had just happened had been completely unexpected, from the Zhu family’s embarrassment to Ming Yu easily resolving it, and now everyone was scrambling for a spot. No matter how he looked at it, this situation felt unreliable.
Upon careful reflection, one had to admit that Ming Yu’s approach was truly the best strategy. It effortlessly dismantled the opposing camp without a hint of effort, though the price paid was admittedly quite steep.
Ming Yu was aware of the value of these things. The previous quote from the Crown Prince’s residence was for a sum that couldn’t even be covered by a government official’s annual salary. Yet here, Ming Yu casually waved his hand, not even furrowing his brow as he gave them away. And not just one, but ten of them! He felt sorry for Ming Yu myself.
“Wang Ye! Are you really giving these away?” Wen Qing asked, clenching his fist and clearing his throat.
Ming Yu swallowed the dried fruit and replied, “Ah, yes, I really am. Why else would I have brought them out?”
Wen Qing winced in pain. “I heard His Majesty only received a set of crystal glass cups.”
“Yes, those were a gift for Father Emperor…” As he spoke, Ming Yu seemed to remember something, slapping his head and laughing. “Oh! By the way, I still have a set. If Prime Minister Wen likes them, I’ll have someone deliver them to your residence tomorrow.”
Wen Qing sighed, rubbing his forehead. He wasn’t interested in the crystal glass cups; it was just a shame that such valuable items were being given to those with a copper-scented demeanor. What a waste.
“No, Wang Ye, it’s not that. I’m just a bit regretful. Why is Wang Ye so generous? Such precious things can’t just be given to these merchants,” Wen Qing said, looking at the group of people not far off—rushing forward, crude and rude, completely unworthy of these gifts.
It wasn’t surprising that scholars and gentlemen looked down on merchants. Just their demeanor made them hard to respect.
Ming Yu understood that the Great Yan’s social structure was deeply divided—scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans all had their distinct roles. And to him, every group was necessary. He would have to rely on these people to help develop Liangzhou’s economy.
“Fishing, of course, requires bait. What’s the harm in giving away these things? They’re hardly worth anything,” Ming Yu replied with a carefree smile.
The glass products weren’t particularly delicate, and Ming Yu didn’t really value them. Ever since the craftsmen started making glass items, he had set up a workshop outside Liangzhou City, hiring villagers from the area. The production process wasn’t overly complicated.
Ming Yu had set up a streamlined production line that greatly increased glass production. He was even thinking of expanding the market for these products. Once the Western Qi Corridor was opened, they could be distributed everywhere, making more silver, rather than hoarding them. Moreover, these things were cheap to produce, so to him, they were hardly a big deal.
Since Ming Yu didn’t care about it, Wen Qing couldn’t say much more. He could only shake his head. “Fine, fine, these are your things, Wang Ye. How you dispose of them is entirely up to you.”
Over there, Master Zhu was deep in thought, his eyes reddened from the frustration of being provoked. He had sacrificed much for everyone’s benefit, yet these people didn’t appreciate it, only caring for their own gain. Never mind. He had to swallow his pride and try asking Duan Wang for mercy. It was better than leaving empty-handed.
He walked forward and bowed deeply in front of Ming Yu. “Wang Ye, I misspoke earlier. Please, forgive me. Our Zhu family is also willing to commit to the top-tier line.”
Ming Yu gave him a half-smile, making Master Zhu feel uncomfortable. He broke into a cold sweat before speaking, “Zhu family head, you already withdrew your offer earlier. There’s no need for you to force yourself. You can use the silver for other businesses, and I’m sure you’ll earn more than you would here.”
The sarcastic words left Master Zhu’s face flushed with embarrassment. His earlier statements had been publicly slapped down. Having been in charge for decades, he had lost all face.
Master Zhu’s face twisted awkwardly, forcing a smile as he said, “I was mistaken earlier, just a moment of confusion. Please, Wang Ye, don’t hold it against me. Rest assured, from now on, if you need anything, I will comply without question.”
He swore this oath, hoping to earn Ming Yu’s forgiveness. The Zhu family could not afford to miss this opportunity.
“Is this your final word?” Ming Yu asked, tilting his head.
Seeing that Ming Yu seemed to be softening, Master Zhu’s heart lifted. He nodded eagerly. “Yes, absolutely, I mean it.”
Ming Yu shook his head. “Tsk tsk. It’s just a pity. You were unwilling earlier, and now it’s a bit difficult to resolve.”
Master Zhu’s heart sank. Was Duan Wang truly unwilling to spare him? What would he say when he returned to his family? Would he be the only one to leave empty-handed?
Ming Yu watched his reaction and couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Hmph! This old fox still wants to play games with me, thinking I’m as easy to fool as the others? If I don’t make him fall hard, my name isn’t Ming Yu.
“Well, actually, I’m not without compassion. The first batch has the biggest discounts and benefits. I’m sure you understand, Zhu family head. Since the spots are already decided, there’s no room for changes. Without rules, there’s no order. I’m a man of my word. Others have tried desperately and still don’t have a chance at the first tier. Unless you’d rather wait for the next batch?” Ming Yu said slowly after sipping his tea.
Ming Yu’s words gave Master Zhu a brief glimmer of hope, only to dash it immediately. Wait for the next batch? By then, it would be too late.
He rubbed his hands together and said eagerly, “But constructing the Western Qi Corridor requires a large sum of money. Why would you, Wang Ye, turn away such an opportunity? Please, Wang Ye, tell me, what can I do to earn a chance to invest my money?”
Ming Yu glanced at him lazily, lifting his eyelids. “Do you really want to invest? No second thoughts?”
“Yes! Yes! I have no other thoughts,” Master Zhu said, full of hope.
Ming Yu nodded. “Alright then. You missed the first round, so the conditions will be a bit lower. If you want to invest, that’s fine, but it will follow the tiers. The benefits will naturally be less, and there won’t be any discounts on the Western Qi Corridor tariffs for ten years. Even if you invest in the top tier, your share of the profits will be reduced by twenty percent in three years.”
“What!” Master Zhu gasped. He hadn’t expected Ming Yu to say such a thing. His earlier attempt to take advantage of the situation had backfired, and now the twenty percent profit reduction was his consequence. Plus, the ten-year tariff exemption he had hoped for was gone. The loss was almost too much to bear.
“You can think about it, whether you want to or not, it’s entirely up to you. I’m short of money, but I’m not short of the little you have,” Ming Yu said casually, truly not concerning himself with Zhu’s family.
Master Zhu knew Ming Yu was speaking the truth. At that moment, he no longer had the confidence he’d had earlier. He felt like he’d aged several years in an instant.
What other choice did he have? If he invested, he’d still gain profits in three years, although not as much as the Ma family. But it was better than missing the opportunity entirely.
In fact, Ming Yu hadn’t been wrong. Even without the first round’s benefits, there would still be many merchants who’d invest once the conditions were laid out. Money moves people, and no one would remain indifferent to a business that was sure to profit.
However, compared to the Ma family, after three years, the Zhu family would be left behind. Originally, both families were on equal footing in business, but now the Zhu family would take a huge loss.
Master Zhui gritted his teeth and finally weakly said, “Fine, my Zhu family is willing to invest.”
One agreed, the other accepted, and Ming Yu smiled slyly, “Very well, go over there and sign the contract. I never expected to use the second-tier contract I prepared today.”
These words were like another knife to Master Zhu’s heart. After signing the contract and returning home, Master Zhu fell seriously ill. It took him months to recover. But of course, that was a story for another time.
Ming Yu was in a great mood now, watching one merchant after another eagerly offer money. How could he not feel pleased?
Wen Qing hadn’t expected such a result. It seemed that his earlier worries had been unnecessary. Ming Yu’s method, though simple, had thoroughly grasped people’s psychology. If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn’t have achieved the same effect.
He had truly underestimated Ming Yu. The way he had so easily solved the money problem was impressive. The ministers at court would likely have their faces slapped now. Thinking about it, Wen Qing couldn’t help but smile.
He was quite eager to see the ministers’ faces when they realized they had been wrong about Ming Yu. They had all thought he would accomplish nothing. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, Wen Qing probably wouldn’t have believed it either. Controlling the Western Qi Corridor for ten years? Wow, Ming Yu truly was something.
Ma Siyong brought Ma Jinyu over, both nervous and fearful. “Wang Ye, are you really giving us this crystal glass set?”
Since the arrival of Western foreign items, they had never even seen them, let alone possessed them. Now, suddenly, they were right in front of them, and they were theirs. It felt like a dream.
“Do I lie when I speak?” Ming Yu teased with a smile. “If the Ma family doesn’t want them, I can take them back.”
How could that be!? Ma Jinyu panicked and quickly responded, “Please, Wang Ye, since you’ve already given them, there’s no reason to take them back. I will send them home immediately and keep them for worship.”
Ming Yu laughed heartily. “No need to worship them. You can take them out from time to time to show them off.”
One sentence had exposed Ma Jinyu’s thoughts, causing him to feel embarrassed, and he could only awkwardly touch his nose and smile.
Ma Siyong also smiled. He could see that his son had a good relationship with Wang Ye. This was a good thing; in the future, when the Ma family relied on Wang Ye, with this connection, how could the Ma family suffer?
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