The night was shrouded in darkness, and all was silent; however, a murmur of whispers could be heard from the Wang family compound in Chang'an.
"Tell me, is this something we can do?" The tea had become bland and tasteless, but Wang Gui didn't think of asking anyone to replace it. Years of cultivating his composure were no longer enough in front of his own family, and he asked somewhat impatiently.
"Master, after our calculations, we can also open a commercial street. Although the location might not be ideal and could affect business, with our family's strength, we can build it and open the shops on our own, which will make us even more money. But we must be quick! We need to open the commercial street before anyone else, since space in Chang'an City is limited." A middle-aged man explained excitedly and confidently.
"Does our Wang family have enough caravans to support such a large commercial street?" Wang Gui asked with a hint of joy on his old face.
“Our Wang family has many businesses, which can fully support it. After all, what the commercial street sells is up to us! Speaking of which, we have to thank the Qin family boy. His idea of establishing a market in the city is really good! The patriarch can consider acquiring more locations. After all, Chang'an is not small. In addition to the East and West Markets, we can also establish markets in the North and South!” Wang family strategist suggested.
Wang Gui was tempted for a moment, then shook his head slightly and waved his hand, saying, "No need. We have to leave room for others. If we build two more, not to mention the financial pressure, it will also incur public wrath."
"Master is wise! It was my oversight that led to this," the strategist hurriedly said, bowing.
"You should come up with a plan as soon as possible, just follow the example of the Buzhengfang. Do your best to do it well, and don't try to tamper with it. After all, the imperial court will definitely be watching this matter closely," Wang Gui instructed.
"Understood!" the think tank replied, and they got back to work. Everyone knew they had to race against time, and there was a lot of preliminary work to be done. The think tank was not only responsible for calculations, but also for on-site construction.
"If we can't build more on our own, we can invest in other families!" Wang Gui walked out of the room, looked up at the night sky, and muttered to himself with a smug smile.
…………
"The Wang family has put themselves in a dangerous position by taking the lead today. They will inevitably rebuild a market town, and they will certainly build it as a government-run market town. What do you think our family should do? Should we also take over a market town and build one, or should we build one separately?" asked an old man at the head of the main hall of the Pei family mansion.
"May I ask the patriarch, what is the opinion of the think tank?" asked a middle-aged man in the middle.
"The think tank has calculated that making money is certain, but how much is hard to say. Moreover, it's unclear whether acquiring the land will incur the emperor's wrath," the old man said, his eyes half-closed and his fingers lightly tapping on the table.
“In that case, I think it’s better to invest a portion of it; there’s no risk that way,” another person said, raising an eyebrow.
What do you mean?
I second that!
I second that!
"Then it's decided. Let's find out which families are involved, and our Pei family will participate in all of them!"
………………
"Chang'an is such a big piece of meat, how can we Wei family not get a share! We must take over at least one city in the north and south!" The same group of people were discussing, equally excited.
"Why don't we take them all at once! Chang'an should have both northern and southern markets!" one man said confidently.
"This is too ugly! We should bring in a few allies! After all, there are many people who want to get into these two big markets."
"Hmm, I think it's a good idea!"
"Then it's settled. Everyone, let's discuss which families would be suitable to invite!"
………………
"Father! Should we also take over a market?"
"You really want to do this?" Changsun Wuji asked calmly, looking at his son, Changsun Chong.
“Yes! After all, it’s such a big piece of meat, who wouldn’t want to take a bite? Our Changsun family has the strength, why should we let it go?” Changsun Chong nodded.
"How do you know it can make money?" Changsun Wuji asked calmly.
"It's obvious! The commercial street that the Qin and Cheng families opened together is so popular that it almost blocked the road. They're sure to make a lot of money. Chang'an is so big, we can totally team up with some people and build another one. In my opinion, two locations, one in the north and one in the south, would be perfect, especially the north, where most of the residents are the families of soldiers. They have the purchasing power," Changsun Chong said enthusiastically.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes. He took a deep breath and asked, "You only know that His Majesty allows private individuals to participate in the reconstruction of Chang'an City, but have you calculated how much money the commercial street can actually make? And how exactly should it be operated?"
"With that kind of foot traffic, how could we not make money! Just like the East and West Markets, if we build them, we could make a lot of money selling shops, right? That Qin kid is really clever, creating two more small markets in Chang'an." Changsun Chong paused for a moment before replying.
"Bang!"
Changsun Wuji slammed his hand on the table, glaring at his son and scolding, "A little bit of cleverness! The stool you're sitting on was made by someone else. It's such a simple thing, why hasn't anyone thought of it for so many years? You think that's a little bit of cleverness? And this folding fan! Simply changed the shape of the fan, and countless people love it! You call that a little bit of cleverness! In poetry and prose, how can you compare to him? The entire Six Doors is also controlled by his little bit of cleverness! You can do that!"
Changsun Wuji's sudden rebuke stunned Changsun Chong, especially regarding the folding fan. Ever since he learned of the saying "a scholar fans his chest, a warrior fans his belly," he had been ridiculed by many and had stopped using it.
"He controls the Six Doors! How is that possible! He's just a patrol officer, it must be because of his father!" Changsun Chong was scolded with suspicion, then shook his head violently.
"Hmph! How could I have given birth to such an idiot! Qin Shubao is in charge of the Six Doors, but does that mean he can cover up everything? And what about Guo Xiaoke? There are over a thousand people in the government, how can they be controlled if they can't win over the people? Do you think Qin Shubao and Guo Xiaoke, one a Grand General and the other a General, have so much free time to sit in the government office every day!" Changsun Wuji pointed at his son with trembling fingers and scolded him angrily.
"Father! I was wrong. I will work harder in the future." Changsun Chong lowered his head and admitted his mistake. He knew his father well enough that as long as he admitted his mistake, his father would not scold him anymore.
Changsun Wuji was also helpless. After all, this was his eldest son, who was quite intelligent and capable. He could scold him, but he couldn't give up on him.
Taking a deep breath to suppress his anger, he said with a gloomy expression, "The person who benefits the most from the Buzhengfang commercial street is His Majesty. And do you think our Changsun family is suitable to do these things?"
"I understand, son." Changsun Chong's eyes flickered, and after a while, he bowed and said.
"Yes, go ahead and cultivate diligently. Don't just focus on the immediate benefits," Changsun Wuji said, waving his hand.
…………
The Cui family! The Lu family! ... As news spread from the market, many prominent families were discussing the matter.
After Li Shimin returned to the palace, he summoned Fang Xuanling and others to discuss the matter. However, after they left, he discovered that he was alone in his room. He went to the quarters of two concubines, but no one was there; they were said to have left the palace.
The emperor's concubines were under the management of the empress, so Li Shimin didn't think much of it. He guessed that she had gone to the market with Changsun, so he simply went to Lizheng Hall to wait.
It wasn't until nightfall that Changsun returned to the palace with a joyful expression. When she saw Li Shimin, she playfully stuck out her tongue.
"Looks like you've had quite a haul today?" Li Shimin said with a smile.
"It's alright, it's alright. Everyone gave me, the Empress, face and placed quite a few orders," Empress Zhangsun said with a reserved smile.
Seeing the smile that never faded in her eyes, Li Shimin understood. He pulled Changsun down to sit and repeated Qin Mu's suggestion.
"Guanyinbi, what do you think? Could we open the shop outside?"
"Oh my! Qin Huaidao is really clever. I was just thinking that although the mall's reputation has spread, it's inconvenient to entertain people who aren't of high enough status, which lowers its prestige. If we open some stores outside, it will fill that gap perfectly. If we do it this way, we can split off about ten stores, and if His Majesty wants to reward others, there will be even more." Changsun said with a gleam in his eyes.
"So, Guanyinbi, you agree with this matter."
"This matter does no harm to the court, so why doesn't Your Majesty agree?"
"I am not worried about Qin Huaidao, but once this door is opened, there will be a constant stream of people wanting to obtain the right to renovate from me. Others may not be so naive," Li Shimin said with a wry smile.
"With so many wise men in the court, why doesn't Your Majesty consult their opinions?"
"I've asked! Kemin, Fuji, and the others all agree."
"Wouldn't that solve the problem? As long as a rule is set, there's no need to worry about anyone disturbing Chang'an."
“That being said, we still need to find a reason, we can’t let people get the qualification so easily,” Li Shimin said, raising an eyebrow.
How could Empress Zhangsun not understand her man? She knew that Li Shimin's greatest skill was to win amidst chaos, and this was clearly an attempt to take advantage of the situation.
On the surface, this was for the benefit of the commercial street, but that was only the most superficial aspect. After calming down, Changsun quickly figured it out.
Whether they are powerful families or ordinary people, nothing is more desirable than land, especially in Chang'an, the most expensive city in the land. Who wouldn't be envious? Whether it's a commercial street or a market, the land is not cheap, so it's worth the effort of powerful families.
With the resources and vision of powerful clans, they wouldn't simply renovate one long street like Qin Mu did. They would certainly strive to build a massive market, similar to the East and West Markets. With Qin Mu's example as a precedent, the newly built market would undoubtedly be more spacious, comfortable, and convenient, attracting more merchants and consumers.
Most importantly, establishing a market can attract many allies, while simultaneously gaining profits and goodwill.
"Qin Huaidao is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. Since he is willing to invest his own money to rebuild a market town, not for profit, why doesn't Your Majesty spread the word that you are allowing him to build another commercial street as a reward for his kindness?" Changsun Miao said with a smile, her eyes sparkling.
"Brilliant! Others who wanted to build markets will also have to build a new market for the imperial court." Li Shimin clapped his hands and exclaimed excitedly.
"With so many people building the market, the demand for materials will definitely increase significantly. Your Majesty can have people collect large quantities and make a profit from it," Changsun suggested.
"Excellent! Excellent! Not only Chang'an, but also materials from the surrounding areas, and even the entire Guanzhong region and Luoyang, can be transported here." Li Shimin said, his eyes shining. He had already come up with a plan: this time, the materials wouldn't be transported in the name of the imperial court, so no one could say anything. He was taking the lead in this regard, and by the time others realized it, it would be too late.
Thinking of all this, Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh. His gaze toward Changsun was also burning with desire, his eyes gleaming, as if he wanted to pounce on her and devour her whole.
How could Changsun not understand? She gave him a charming smile and waved for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave.
………………
Qin Mu didn't know what others thought, but that didn't matter to him; he just needed to focus on doing his own thing.
"Huai Dao! I heard you're going to build another commercial street. The shareholders have all said that it's the same as the last investment."
"The news spread so quickly?" Qin Mu asked in surprise, looking at Cheng Huaimo.
"Hey! What's so strange about that? His Majesty has issued an imperial edict saying that you personally funded the reconstruction of a market town to solve the problem of the poor living conditions of the people in Chang'an, so you're being rewarded with building another commercial street. This news has spread throughout Chang'an; who doesn't know about it?" Cheng Huaimo chuckled.
"I had no idea!" Qin Mu muttered to himself. He hadn't expected Li Shimin to pull such a stunt, using him as an excuse. This was a completely open conspiracy! But there was no other way; to build a commercial street, a market had to be converted. Buy one get one free, but that meant buying a good one and getting a bad one as a bonus.
There's no way around it; if you want to eat this big chunk of meat, you have to accept a bone with no meat on it.
Qin Mu understood that there were still quite a few people willing to take this opportunity, since it could bring prestige, which was beneficial to powerful families.
"How many slots did the imperial court release this time?" Qin Mu asked, looking up.
"There are two markets in the north and south, plus four commercial streets in the four corners, making a total of six spots," Cheng Huaimo replied.
"The market!" Qin Mu paused for a moment, realizing he had overlooked this question. He then shook his head, dismissing it. After all, establishing a market required a sufficient number of merchants and goods, things that were somewhat troublesome for him. While he could win over allies, more people meant more trouble. Moreover, operating a market was extremely complicated, making his involvement completely unnecessary.
Six targets are enough for the many powerful families in Chang'an to compete for; what follows will undoubtedly be a series of negotiations and alliances. Since he already has allies, he doesn't need to worry about so much. Before they can react, it's best to finalize the materials first. With this in mind, Qin Mu put down his brush.
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