Chapter 215 Two Foxes
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“That’s good. I’ve always wanted to find an opportunity to have a drink and chat with Fourth Brother-in-law. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a suitable chance. It just so happened that Fourth Brother-in-law came today. I hope you’ll stay for a meal.” Yuwen Chu smiled warmly and sat down in the main seat next to Fu Mingzheng, casually glancing at the paper on the table with words like “oil” and “borax” written on it, then looked away as if he hadn’t seen anything.
Fu Mingzheng observed his actions but pretended not to notice anything. He said earnestly, “Your return, Your Highness, is timely. I wanted to hear your opinion on this matter.”
Yuwen Chu asked, “What matter? I only heard you say something about not being soft-hearted to achieve something, but I didn’t hear what else you were discussing.”
Fu Mingzheng didn’t believe him at all but didn’t show it. He pushed the piece of paper over to Yuwen Chu and said, “My silly sister has been racking her brains here, wanting to contribute her dowry to the cause and get everything done before informing you. Originally, I suggested to her that if Your Highness intervened, it would probably be easy to get that prescription, but she wouldn’t agree. She almost scolded me.”
Yuwen Chu knew how jealous Mingzhu could be, so hearing this couldn’t help but curl his lips, even making Fu Mingzheng seem much more pleasing to the eye. Glancing at Mingzhu, he said lightly, “Apart from being jealous, she’s not bad at all. She’s only been here for a few days and has already helped me with several important matters, taught by her parents. I’m very satisfied.”
Mingzhu felt delighted in her heart and smiled at Yuwen Chu, as if acknowledging his conscience. Yuwen Chu smiled back at her, then gently patted the seat next to him, indicating her to come over.
Mingzhu felt a little embarrassed as she sat down, then sneakily glanced at Fu Mingzheng’s expression, afraid he might mock her for listening to Yuwen Chu. But Fu Mingzheng gave her a approving look and said, “Tell His Highness what’s on your mind. His Highness will surely come up with a suitable solution.”
Since she couldn’t solve it herself, she decided to seek advice. Mingzhu said straightforwardly, “I instructed several major merchants in the capital to buy large quantities of glass products and soaps from her store, indicating that they were to be sold elsewhere. Then, they would press for a lower price, place orders, and specify in the contract that if she couldn’t deliver on time, she would have to pay double compensation. Let her taste some sweetness first and expand production confidently. We are also preparing. If she wants to do business, she will have to buy raw materials at a high price, otherwise she can’t do it.
If she refuses to continue this business, then so be it. We won’t lose anything. We’ll just make her pay for breach of contract, and we can take advantage of the situation to trouble her. But in my opinion, given her temperament, she will only continue and work hard to expand. It’s like earning money for us because she not only wants money but also reputation. Then, I’ll have people transport the items purchased earlier to various places for sale. Rarity commands a high price, even if it’s sold at a higher price. Merchants from other places will come to the capital because of its reputation. The more she sells, the more benefits we gain. What we’re worried about now is the issue of oil. If we’re not careful, it could be exploited against us, which wouldn’t be good for my father, my brothers, or His Highness.”
After Mingzhu finished speaking, she glanced at Yuwen Chu with some embarrassment and whispered, “I just thought about it randomly, I’m not sure if it’s right.”
Yuwen Chu looked at her with shining eyes and praised, “Even if it’s just a random thought, it’s already very good. Moreover, you’re not only thinking about making money but also considering the impact on people’s livelihoods, which is even more commendable. For the sake of long-term benefits, being able to help her expand her business shows broad-mindedness and vision. Let me teach you what to do about the oil issue. Every industry has its guild, and anyone who wants to enter the industry must obtain the guild’s permission. Without it, they cannot proceed. As long as we find the guild leader and unify the oil mills in the capital, whether it’s about oil extraction or sales, everything must be done according to the rules. Only those who are qualified can operate. The qualification, naturally, is decided by us. This is the first step.
The second step is to establish rules for oil sales. Ordinary people buying one or two pounds of oil will pay the usual price, but for large quantities, the price will increase. The more they buy, the higher the price. To prevent any objections, the additional money collected will be given to the Ministry of Revenue to bolster the capital’s garrison defense. I believe no one will dare to question this. This matter can be done openly and above board, and both the Empress Dowagers and His Majesty will not refuse. As for the rest, leave it to Fourth Brother-in-law to handle. I’m sure Fourth Brother-in-law will do an excellent job.”
After Yuwen Chu finished speaking, he smiled and asked Fu Mingzheng, “Fourth Brother-in-law, what do you think?”
No wonder the old man said this person shouldn’t be underestimated. Fu Mingzheng sighed and said, “Your Highness is right. Let’s go and establish the regulations. My Father has been saying that the national treasury is empty and there’s no money to use. This time, we finally have a solution.”
Mingzhu couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. Even if Jiang Shanshan could expand her business significantly and sell things like soap all over the country, would the money collected from selling oil be enough to bolster the capital’s garrison defense and fill the national treasury? She doubted it, after all, only a small number of people could afford these items.
Seeing her expression, Fu Mingzheng knew what she was thinking and smiled, “Sometimes, things may sound good or look good on the surface, but in reality, they are not. Your main goal is not to make money but to restrain her, right? So, what does it matter how much you earn?”
So, all those grandiose words they just said were actually for the benefit of outsiders. The real purpose was to trouble Jiang Shanshan. After they controlled the guild, they would set the rules themselves, specifically targeting Jiang Shanshan. So what if she earned money? They would decide how much to give to the national treasury. Even if Jiang Shanshan set up an oil mill privately with the backing of the Changxing Marquis’s mansion, if the guild couldn’t control it, they could easily find an excuse to shut it down, just like Yuwen Chu dealt with that mysterious restaurant.
Even if Jiang Shanshan knew that these rules were designed to take a share of her money, she could only swallow her anger. Otherwise, she could simply stop doing business! This was the benefit of power. Mingzhu understood this clearly and laughed, “Let me prepare a table of delicious food. Fourth Brother, stay and have a few drinks with His Highness.”
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