Chapter 2537: Rich
Although the new city of Yongzhou occupies part of Liyang County, it is still a bit far from Manbao's fiefdom.
At least not in reach.
But the magistrate of Liyang County was very happy because after the new city was built, the area under his jurisdiction was still under his jurisdiction and did not go to Yongzhou City County.
That's a street of shops, and it belongs to the princess. In addition, there are some houses located within the jurisdiction of Liyang County.
As long as there are more people, they will collect more commercial taxes in the future, which will increase their income. The magistrate of Liyang County will naturally be happy.
After Mingda Sanchao returned home, he discussed with Bai Erlang, "The princess's mansion is very big. Why don't we move our father, mother, eldest brother and his wife into the princess's mansion?"
Bai Erlang shook his head and refused, "No need, just leave two courtyards here for them to use as guest courtyards."
He said, "Dad, Mom, and Big Brother are used to living at Zhou Man's place, and they each have their own place to live outside, so it's fine for them to live anywhere."
In fact, Mr. Bai didn't want to be too restricted. After all, the princess's mansion was his daughter-in-law's residence, and the servants in it were all from the palace. Mingda thought he had been indulged enough after leaving the palace, but in Mr. Bai's opinion, the rules were still very strict.
It’s not as comfortable as living in Zhou’s house, but it’s not as free as living in Changqing Lane.
He has a house outside. Basically, if he wants to live in Changqing Lane, he can live in Changqing Lane, and if he wants to live in Zhou's house, he can live in Zhou's house. But living here in the Princess's Mansion, there are many more rules for entering and leaving.
Bai Erlang himself didn't feel much, because the palace servants around the princess were all very tolerant, and he didn't like servants serving him closely, so he could do whatever he wanted in the room.
I just feel that the princess's mansion is much quieter than Zhou's house.
Because it was quiet on weekdays, he longed for more excitement on his day off, so he went to Mingda to discuss, "How about we go to the new city on our day off?"
Mingda's eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded repeatedly, "Okay, let's invite my sister and Manbao and the others."
Bai Erlang went to make an appointment with Bai Shanzhou Man, while Mingda talked to Chang Yu next door.
So on the day off, everyone set out together for the new city.
The manager of the imperial farm and the local headman came to greet them in person.
The new city had just been built, and the ground was paved with blue bricks like the interior of the capital, with lanes and sidewalks planned.
Because it is a new city, the ground is very clean and the houses are clean. It was expanded from the west side of Yongzhou City and is also square in shape. Only the westernmost part occupies the location of the imperial farm.
This area was basically built into shops by order of the emperor, and now these shops are all under the name of Mingda.
Because it was newly built, there are no merchants moving in yet, but many vendors have come to occupy spots on the roadside.
The village headman who led them saw the princesses looking at the vendors curiously, so he bowed and said, "The new city has just been built, and there are still many laborers here. These vendors are all nearby villagers and tenants. They come here to sell things in their spare time to supplement their family income."
Mingda nodded slightly, "Not bad."
Seeing her amiable attitude and not displeased with the vendors, the village head smiled back and introduced them more enthusiastically, "Princess, look! The shops along this stretch are all two-story, with front and back yards. The back yard can be used for living or storing goods, while the center is the Tianchi courtyard. The front yards are both large shops. They're spacious enough for any business and are easy to rent."
Manbao looked around and asked, "Is there a well in the yard?"
Upon hearing this, the village head glanced at Zhou Man and then smiled, "Sir, please allow me to report that we have a limited amount of water in Yongzhou, making it difficult to have a well in each courtyard. However, the officials from the Ministry of Works have dug a well in front, behind, and in the middle of the two streets. It seems that the water coming out now should be enough."
Manbao asked, "What if these shops want to open restaurants or something like that?"
The village head was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "That's a bit costly, but they can dig a well themselves, or pay to have water transported from the mountain. There are also several wells in the imperial farm, and they can buy water or have it transported."
Manbao nodded slightly and said to Mingda, "This way, we can do all kinds of business on this shop."
The shops in the back half are more spacious, with three floors. Not only is the yard at the back bigger, but even the shops in the front have three doors.
It looks very impressive at first glance.
Manbao couldn't help but be amazed. The dowry was very generous. No wonder the ministers in the court had been so dismissive towards the emperor at the recent grand court meetings.
It is said that the emperor not only spent all the money in the inner treasury to build this shop, but also asked the Ministry of Works to withdraw some from the national treasury.
Manbao whispered to Mingda, "Your Majesty, it's not unfair that you were scolded this time."
Mingda agreed, so she whispered, "Once the shop is rented out, I'll make up for the portion of the money the Ministry of Industry has withdrawn from the national treasury."
Manbao nodded, saying that this was a good idea, as it would result in fewer objections from the court officials.
Mingda took a look and generously asked Changyu and Manbao, "If there is a shop you like, tell me and I will choose one for you first."
Chang Yu immediately pointed to the first three-story shop in the middle and said, "I want that one."
Mingda looked at Manbao.
Manbao thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll take the two-story shop next door."
The two of them said together: "You have to give us a lower rent."
Mingda smiled and nodded.
She asked Manbao curiously, "I know Sister Changyu is going to open a treasure pavilion. What are you going to open?"
Manbao said: "Leave it to my second niece. She will specialize in selling ointments and other things."
"I know your business in the East Market is very good. I was there the other day, and the cheapest item there was two hundred coins a bottle."
Man Bao said, "My family's workshop is on my fiefdom, not far from the imperial farm. I thought, since we already have a shop in the capital, we might as well open one in Yongzhou City as well, so that people here don't have to go to the capital to buy things."
Old Zhou's family thought that it was better to buy a shop than to rent one. After all, it would be easier to use if they owned the shop themselves, and they could sell it if they didn't need it in the future. In any case, they wouldn't lose money.
But the princess obviously would not sell this shop, and Manbao thought that renting it was actually a good idea, as it was much more cost-effective than buying it.
Especially when it is clear that the boss will not kick you out.
Changyu was very happy and urged Mingda to keep a shop for himself for fun.
"It's not a big loss. The shop is yours, and you have your own servants to manage it. I think it's quite fun. If you like something, you can sell it in the shop. It's so fun."
Mingda thought the same thing, so he chose the shop next to Manbao.
Chang Yu was unhappy, "Why didn't you choose the one next to me?"
"It's too big," Mingda said. "I'm just playing around, so why would I choose such a big shop? Two floors would be enough, and the backyard can be used for servants to live in."
Chang Yu raised his chin and said, "No, I want someone to clean up the third floor. When I have free time in the future, I will come over to rest on the third floor. Well, you can also rest on my third floor. I will reserve two rooms for you when the time comes."
Mingda: Sorry, I suddenly became the richest one.
See you at 6pm
(End of this chapter)
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