Chapter 2436 Asking for Advice
For example, the royal palace had a chief secretary, who was an official appointed by the court to manage their fiefdoms. But of course, there was no one like Zhou Man. She had to discuss the fiefdom with the magistrate of Liyang County herself.
People like Bai Shan and Bai Erlang, when they received their fiefs, they directly sent someone to convey the message to the local county magistrate, asking him to follow the imperial decrees in everything. They only had to check the account books and collect taxes when the time came.
Of course, they could manage it if they wanted, but they had to go through the local county magistrate. For example, the King of Yizhou had to first inform the chief of the prefecture and county before he could increase taxes on his fiefdom.
Of course, he couldn't just increase the tax whenever he wanted. If the county magistrate felt that his request was unreasonable, he could submit a memorial to the emperor to complain, and then the emperor or the royal family's chief minister would reprimand the other party and refuse his tax increase.
Anyway, it has its own set of operating rules. This is Manbao's first time as a village chief and he doesn't have much experience, so he doesn't understand these rules very well. He occasionally communicates with the newly promoted county boys and county men.
Bai Shan and Bai Erlang simply said, "Our fiefdom is far away, in Longzhou. Everything should remain the same. We can't do anything about it."
Manbao went to Mingda and Changyu and said, "Your fiefs are much larger than mine. How are you going to manage them when the time comes?"
Chang Yu said, "There is a chief historian."
Oh, yes, the princess’s mansion also has a chief historian.
Mingda said, "Work hard to develop agriculture, Manbao. Didn't you say before that you made a lot of money in your small farm in Qili Village? Didn't you get the money to study and travel?"
Manbao nodded.
Mingda said, "I have more manors and fiefs, and I have more land and people to use. I don't like doing business. Competing with the people for profit will always hurt them. Agriculture is the foundation of the country, and it can also support my expenses."
Chang Yu: "But my nanny said that farmers are poor, and businessmen are rich. You can't earn as much in a year from farming one hectare of land as you can from just one business trip."
Manbao said, "Hearing you say that, it seems like traveling merchants can never lose."
She said, "In this world, where there are great benefits, there are also great risks. Business is not as good as we see it."
Manbao had seen quite a bit on her trip to the Western Regions. She said, "Some people make a profit on a round trip, but others not only lose the lives of their friends but also their entire fortune. Life is unpredictable. How can you be sure that every business venture you undertake will be successful?"
Princess Changyu said, "Your fourth brother..."
"That's because he transports goods of little value, and most of the money he earns is hard-earned." Manbao made the trip and realized that people like her fourth brother don't easily lose money, but at the same time, they don't earn as much as others.
The most profitable businesses are still cloth, tea, porcelain, etc., especially cloth. It seems that no matter how much you ship out, you can sell it.
But at the same time, it is also the easiest to grab.
After all, outside, cloth can sometimes be used instead of money.
However, the market has the most stringent requirements for it. If there is even a little flaw, its value will be greatly reduced. If it is rained, damp, or stained...
And it is also the easiest to be robbed.
Zhou Silang bought the most medicinal herbs, which could basically only be sold to pharmacies, and the unit price was not high. As long as they brought enough people, basically no one would risk robbing them.
Chang Yu asked, "Why don't you do a business that makes more money?"
Manbao said, "Medicinal herbs, grains, and tea can all be proven to be grown by our family and relatives. Even if the quantity is large, we can still be considered farmers. If we run too many other businesses, my fourth brother might be forced to set up a business."
As Manbao became more and more powerful, they became more cautious.
Especially on the way back from the Western Regions, Manbao and Baishan had discussed it and consulted Mr. Zhuang. She is now in a higher and higher position, and one of them is a very noble editor, so she must cherish her reputation even more.
So you can do business, but it's best to have something to do with agricultural and sideline products, such as grain, medicinal materials, cattle, sheep, and the like. Things like cloth, silk, and porcelain should be sold as little as possible to avoid being caught.
Manbao encouraged Changyu, "Agricultural and sideline products are also very profitable. If you don't believe me, wait until you come to my house and I will show you the income I have earned from my farm in the past two years."
Chang Yu immediately asked, "When will your family hold the banquet? The emperor has already promised us, so you should send us an invitation. Can we go out and play on the street that day?"
While making money is important, having fun is more important.
Mingda also thought so. The fiefdom was still a little far away from her, and the present was more important.
Manbao said, "I have six days off, starting from tomorrow. Bai Shan and the others will be free tomorrow, so we will have a banquet the day after tomorrow."
Manbao said schemingly, "I've calculated it all. Everyone has to go to the government office the day after tomorrow. They can only come for a drink at noon and then go back to work in the afternoon. By then, only a few close female relatives will be left at home. You don't have to worry about being seen. I'll take you to visit the garden, and then we'll go to the Huguo Temple to enjoy the lake view."
Changyu and Mingda's eyes lit up, "We can even go boating?"
"Of course, the scenery of the lake at Huguo Temple is quite beautiful. There are many delicious foods by the lake. Don't eat too much at the banquet. Save some space for us to go out and eat something delicious."
The palace maids and aunts standing by said: ...This is the first time I see the host at a banquet advising the guests to eat less.
Mingda and Changyu were both very excited. Their hearts fluttered as they whispered, "This isn't good. Does this count as fun?"
Manbao then said, "We can also go to the Huguo Temple to burn incense for the Queen Mother and pray for her happiness in the Western Paradise."
By the way, let's check on Master Zhiren. They haven't met Master Zhiren since returning from the Western Regions. They wonder if Jiechen's injuries have healed. His kung fu is so powerful, who knows how many years he's practiced, and they wonder if he can teach them some...
Mingda and Changyu thought it was a good idea. This way, they wouldn't be having fun anymore.
When Manbao finally returned home, the sun was about to set. Bai Shan, who was writing invitations, was very curious. "When we came out of the Ministry of Personnel, we passed by the Ministry of Rites. They clearly said that you were leaving the palace and going home. How did you walk so long and only come home now?"
Manbao: "I was halfway there when I realized I didn't know how to manage my fief, so I went back to ask Mingda and Changyu for advice."
Bai Shan: "Do they have any suggestions?"
Manbao shook his head. "Although they are princesses, they don't have any fiefdoms yet, so they don't know. They plan to leave everything to the chief secretary."
Manbao took out the long list and showed it to Bai Shan. "Here, my fief of 500 households."
Bai Shan took a look and felt a little envious. "It's great that your fiefdom is close by."
See you at 6pm
(End of this chapter)
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