Chapter 383: The Best of Both Worlds
It rained briefly in the evening. After the rain stopped, Lu He and Lu Mingke walked into the Moon Watching Tower.
After all, he was the governor of a county, and now he was granted the title of Marquis. In addition, President Su came forward, and the seven grain merchants did not dare to neglect them, so they all came.
The wine and food were served, and Lu He raised his glass to show his respect.
"Marquis, please don't embarrass us." The grain merchants were terrified and hurriedly stood up and raised their glasses to return the toast.
After drinking the wine in the glass, Lu He asked the grain merchants to sit down.
The grain merchants sat down with trepidation.
When President Su invited them, he only talked about the court's grain collection, and Lu He held a banquet to discuss the grain collection.
As for how to raise the grain specifically, the grain merchants didn't know. But Lu He's actions just now made them feel a little uneasy.
I'm afraid that today's banquet will not be delicious.
Knowing that it was not stated clearly, everyone couldn't eat the dishes, so Lu He went straight to the point and said: "I invited you all here today to discuss something."
"Please speak, Lord." Everyone said respectfully.
Lu He glanced at everyone, and said in a solemn voice: "The war broke out in the southwest, and King Jing came to Pingyang to raise grain. But you all know that Dazhao has been in trouble this year, and the treasury is tight..."
Lu He roughly repeated what Yu Zheng had said to him, and finally sighed: "The country is in trouble, as the people of Dazhao, we are all obliged to do our part. I believe that you are all people with great righteousness in your hearts, and you will do your best. For."
The grain merchants shuddered in their hearts when they heard this. They were in a state of panic and asked with saliva: "How can we do our best?"
Lu He glanced at Chairman Su and comforted him: "Don't panic, everyone. The court will not take your grain for free. Just sell it at the original price."
Grain merchants: "..."
Everyone looked at each other, and finally looked at Chairman Su.
Chairman Su was also a grain merchant, and the largest grain merchant in He'an City.
Chairman Su faced everyone's eyes and said with pressure: "When the country is in trouble, we should do our best, but how and how much to do, there must be a limit and a reason."
He and the Lu family are relatives by marriage, and they have been friends for many years, so he is willing to give his relics to help. But at the same time, he is also the president of the Chamber of Commerce. If he only cares about helping the Lu family and ignores the benefits of the grain merchants, he will lose the support of the people and cause them to rebuke.
After all, no one is a fool, and they all know why the Lu family was conferred the title of marquis. It is impossible for them to pay the cost and let the Lu family get all the benefits. How can this convince the people?
"Yes, yes, President Su is right." The grain merchants nodded in response and turned to look at Lu He.
Lu He looked at Chairman Su and said solemnly: "In order to set an example, the Lu family will donate all private grain, and as for the rest, you can just pay equally."
After a pause, Lu He said: "Of course, there are tens of millions of people in Dazhao, and there is no reason to let you work in vain. I promise you in the name of the county governor that the commercial tax will be reduced by 20% in the next three years."
"As everyone knows, Princess Jing is the young master of Jiang Ji. Jiang Ji is the leading grain merchant in Shangjing, and the annual supply required is huge. In order to thank you for your generosity, my son persuaded Princess Jing to cooperate with you and let Jiang Ji buy grain from you."
When these words came out, Lu Mingke was the first to be shocked.
In the afternoon, when the father and son were discussing countermeasures, he told Lu He that Jiang Shu would also meet with grain merchants to discuss the purchase of grain. But he only mentioned it briefly, and the two did not discuss it much. After all, it was not something they needed to worry about.
Therefore, Lu Mingke had no idea about what Lu He had just said. Seeing Lu He's serious face, Lu Mingke was unsure whether his father had a sudden idea or had planned it in advance.
"Are you serious?" President Su and the grain merchants' eyes lit up.
Pingyang is rich in grain. Although grain is expensive this year, in normal years, grain will be stagnant. If we can establish a long-term cooperation with Jiang Ji, the benefits will be far-reaching.
Besides, they would pay 20% less commercial tax in three years. When combined, they would not lose much money. On the contrary, they could earn more by cooperating with Jiang Ji in the long term.
"Of course I am serious. As long as you are willing, I will ask Princess Jing to meet with you tomorrow to discuss." Lu He promised solemnly.
Chairman Su and others were delighted when they heard it.
"Okay, as long as Jiang Ji cooperates with me, I am willing to sell the grain to the court at the original price." Chairman Su immediately expressed his position.
The other grain merchants agreed after they discussed it.
Lu Mingke felt a little guilty when he saw Chairman Su and others who looked so happy, as if they had gotten a great bargain.
But he was relieved when the grain collection was settled.
"I toast to you all." Lu He raised his glass and smiled.
Chairman Su and others also raised their glasses with smiles on their faces and drank the wine willingly.
Lu Mingke looked at the scene of the happy conversation and admired his father from the bottom of his heart.
Sure enough, he still had a lot to learn.
It rained the next day and the temperature dropped a little.
After breakfast, Lu Mingke went to the guest house to meet Jiang Shu and Yu Zheng, and briefly told them about the banquet last night. He told Jiang Shu that he would meet with the grain merchants at Wangyue Building at noon today to discuss cooperation.
"Lord Lu has a good plan." Jiang Shu was very impressed after hearing it.
Even Yu Zheng had to admit it.
"I know that Lord Lu is very capable and can easily solve this problem. Of course, Master Lu also contributed a lot."
Lu Mingke coughed lightly and said, "Thank you for your praise, Lord."
Turning her head to look at the light rain outside, Lu Mingke said, "At the end of the hour of Si, I will pick up the princess to go to the Moon Viewing Tower."
"Thank you, Master Lu." Jiang Shu was very grateful.
Lu He used a clever trick to not only help the court solve the problem of raising grain, but also to gain convenience for Jiang Ji. It was really great to have the best of both worlds.
After Lu Mingke left, Jiang Shu went back to the house, opened the box, and searched for men's clothes to prepare for going out.
When discussing business with men, it is more convenient and appropriate to wear men's clothes.
Yu Zheng looked at her, pursed his lips and said, "I'll go with you."
Jiang Shu frowned slightly, "But if you're here, they might be nervous."
Yu Zheng raised his eyebrows and said, "Since they know your identity, they'll be nervous even if I don't go."
Jiang Shu thought about it and agreed.
Lu He and Lu Mingke were in charge of raising food. Yu Zheng had nothing to do. It was really boring to stay in Lu's house. Why not go with her and visit the people?
The morning passed in a flash. At the end of the hour of Si, Lu Mingke arrived at the guest house on time.
Lu Mingke was not surprised to learn that Yu Zheng was going with her.
If it were him, he would not feel comfortable with Jiang Shu facing a group of men alone, especially in a place where they were unfamiliar with.
Wangyuelou is the most famous restaurant in He'an City. It is packed with people at dinner time.
Jiang Shu followed Yu Zheng in men's clothing and did not attract anyone's attention.
When the three entered the private room, President Su and others had already arrived.
"Mr. Lu..." The grain merchants looked at the two people who came in with Lu Mingke, a little at a loss.
They agreed to meet Princess Jing, so why are there two men?
Lu Mingke said, "This is Prince Jing, and this is Princess Jing."
President Su and others suddenly realized what was going on, and hurriedly saluted with surprise and curiosity, and invited the two to sit down.
As businessmen, they were really curious and admired Jiang Shu, the legendary young female boss. But since Yu Zheng was there, they didn't dare to look at him too much or ask too many questions, and the atmosphere was a little restrained.
Fortunately, with Lu Mingke there, President Su and the others felt a little relieved.
Before the food and drinks were served, Jiang Shu discussed business with them first.
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