The crowd entered the mansion in an orderly fashion, and the neatly arranged chairs in the courtyard attracted the curious glances of many.
"Please, everyone, have a seat!" Zhang Erhe smiled as he looked at the somewhat reserved wealthy family members.
These people, who usually live in extreme luxury, now look like country bumpkins.
The wealthy families carefully took their seats, shifting their bodies slightly as if feeling a sense of comfort, and a pleasant smile involuntarily appeared on their faces.
"This is great! I'll definitely find a carpenter to make some when I get back!"
In just a moment, they were captivated by the portable comfort the chair offered.
"quiet!"
"The Grand Commandant has arrived!"
Zhang Erhe's gaze was like that of a hawk, fixed on the corridor. The moment the wicked man's strong and straight figure flashed into view, he hurriedly raised his voice, which was as loud as a bell, to remind everyone that the wicked man had arrived.
The crowd immediately tensed up like startled birds, springing to their feet and bowing slightly as they shouted in unison, "We pay our respects to the Grand Commandant!"
The wicked man was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, paired with black trousers and pointed black suede boots. He resembled a towering mountain peak, both capable and imposing. He strode in with a powerful, dragon-like gait, each step seeming to resonate on the hearts of those around him.
This outfit was designed by him personally and meticulously sewn by the chief weaver in the palace. It fit the wicked man's figure perfectly and, although it was very different from the clothing style of the time, it did not look out of place at all.
"Please, everyone, no need for formalities, please take a seat!" The wicked man went straight to the large chair in the courtyard and sat down, waving his hand and showing a warm smile, appearing approachable.
Upon hearing this, everyone took their seats, but they still held the powerful Grand Commandant in awe.
The wicked man had a powerful aura. Even though he tried to act kind and amiable, his imposing presence made everyone present dare not relax in the slightest.
However, they were also deeply moved. They knew that wealthy merchants had no status whatsoever, and were even less powerful than ordinary people. Even if the wicked man's current approachability was an act, it still moved them greatly.
"I have invited you all here today because there is an important matter I wish to discuss with you all." The wicked man's voice was steady and powerful. He looked around to make sure everyone's attention was on him.
"As you all know, our Qin state recently conquered Kucha and plans to build a trade market in the Western Regions to boost domestic commerce."
"However, building the market requires a great deal of money and manpower, and the country is currently in the midst of a major disaster. Therefore, I, the Grand Commandant, request Your Majesty to allow private capital to enter the market. I hope you will all give your strong support."
The wicked husband's words made the wealthy families present uneasy. They knew that this so-called "support" often meant donating large amounts of gold and silver.
"We are all duty-bound to serve our country. What are your orders, Grand Commandant?" An elderly wealthy merchant spoke on behalf of the group, his tone tinged with caution.
The wicked man nodded, and seeing their concerns, he immediately smiled and explained, "Of course, the imperial court will not ask you to spend money for nothing."
The wealthy families present were somewhat reluctant, but they dared not refuse to pay. In this turbulent era, maintaining a good relationship with the imperial court was crucial to their business and status.
Unexpectedly, the wicked man said that the imperial court would not take their money for nothing, and he immediately perked up.
"May I ask, Grand Commandant, what do you mean by that?" The portly middle-aged man stood up and asked, his beady eyes gleaming with shrewdness.
Everyone looked on expectantly, eager to hear the wicked husband's explanation.
"Gentlemen, the imperial court offers you two ways to cooperate!" The wicked man slowly extended two fingers.
"First, invest!"
"Second, if you operate independently, you need to pay taxes and purchase a business license!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the fat man asked again, "May I ask, Grand Commandant, what is the purpose of this investment? And what is the purpose of this business license?"
"Investing means that you can become one of the shareholders of the market and share the profits generated by the market according to your investment ratio."
The wicked man patiently explained, his voice revealing an undeniable air of authority, "As for the business license, it's a system established by the imperial court to regulate market order and ensure fair competition. If you choose to operate independently, you must purchase the corresponding business license from the imperial court and pay taxes as required."
After hearing this, some of the wealthy families present looked thoughtful, while others began to whisper among themselves, clearly weighing the pros and cons.
Seeing this, the wicked man continued, "The imperial court will provide you with the necessary support and protection to ensure that your legitimate rights and interests are not infringed upon. At the same time, the establishment of the market will bring you unprecedented business opportunities, which is a rare opportunity for development."
"Of course, in order to standardize operations and facilitate management, only ten business licenses will be issued, following the strategy of the highest bidder wins."
"Your Excellency, if we choose to invest, how will the court guarantee the safety of our investment?" a shrewd businessman asked the crucial question.
The wicked man smiled slightly and confidently replied, "The imperial court will establish a special regulatory body to manage the market. All shareholders' investments will be meticulously recorded, and the financial status will be published regularly to ensure transparency and fairness. In addition, the imperial court will also make necessary investments in the market to demonstrate its confidence and support for the project."
"but!"
At this point, the wicked man abruptly changed his tone, "Investment involves risk. There is no such thing as guaranteed profits in this world. If losses occur, shareholders must bear the consequences themselves."
The atmosphere immediately became somewhat tense upon hearing this.
"Whoosh!"
"Clang!"
A piercing sound rang out, drawing the attention of the wealthy men who were deep in thought.
The guards' swords had inexplicably fallen to the ground, but instead of bending down to pick them up, the guards stared at them with cold eyes.
"Is this...is this some kind of threat?"
The wealthy men hesitated for a moment, unable to resist turning their heads to see the wicked husband's expression, only to find him not lifting his eyelids at all, sipping his wine.
Now they finally understood.
Isn't this clearly telling yourself that you only have two choices today?
Or, become a shareholder!
Alternatively, buy a license!
Choosing neither is a dead end.
Forced to submit to Qin Jian's authority, they could not resist and could only carefully consider the two choices given to them by their wicked husband.
Seeing that they were on the right track, the wicked man smiled with satisfaction and then winked at Zhang Erhe.
Zhang Erhe immediately stepped forward and began to explain the evil husband's plan to the 'shareholders' sitting there.
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