They didn't know much about other emperors, but they knew a little about them. After all, they had experienced them, such as Wanli.
According to their original thinking, the emperor is high above everyone else, the whole world belongs to him, so no matter how much he donates, they would think it is natural, right?
But Zhu Youxiao's actions gave them a completely new impression, that is, there is give and take, and it is not a one-sided demand.
For the funding provided by Li and Yan, which enabled the opening of Shanghai and the expansion of the port to proceed smoothly, the emperor rewarded them with the honor of being a civilian noble and the care of carrying out letters and raising flags.
This time, the purchase of grain for Liao gave the Li and Yan families the exclusive right to sell mirrors from Japan. At the same time, they were given another share and allowed to sell them to Southeast Asia.
Li Dan and Yan Siqi had both consulted a strategist and concluded that, as a unique product, mirrors would undoubtedly yield substantial profits. The court set a price for the mirrors, and their ability to sell them for a certain price depended entirely on their eloquence and skill.
In other words, if the retail guide price of a mirror is three thousand taels, you can sell it for five thousand or even ten thousand taels, and you don't have to pay extra money to the court.
Of course, the emperor needs money urgently and won't wait for you to slowly sell at a high price. If you can't pay the full amount of your share within six months, it will be reclaimed and auctioned off to another party.
But this doesn't have much impact. Considering Li and Yan's wealth, it's no big deal for them to spend their own money to stock up a batch of goods!
An emperor who knows how to repay his kindness is truly rare. For Li and Yan, this is the greatest reason why it is worthwhile to serve and what gives them peace of mind.
Therefore, Li and Yan organized fleets and went to Annan, Champa, Siam and other countries, both to purchase grain and send it to Liao and to test sell the precious mirrors.
Of course, there are also popular goods such as porcelain, silk, tea, and sugar on the ship, which can make a profit after selling them.
Not to mention Xu Xinsu, Yang Tiansheng, Li Guozhu and others leading ships to Southeast Asia for trade. In Shanghai, the two presidents and vice presidents of the Maritime Merchants Association staged another verbal dispute, completely different from the harmonious appearance seen by outsiders.
When Yan Siqi broke into the house where Li Dan lived, Li Dan was sitting leisurely at a small square table under the shade of a tree, preparing to attack the big red crab.
Not far away, the cook was cooking on the iron stove. The aroma of meat filled the air and came with the wind, making people salivate.
"Oh, Xiaoyan is here." Li Dan laughed, as if he didn't notice Yan Siqi's angry expression at all. He offered her a seat. "What a coincidence! Come and sit down. Let's enjoy this delicious meal together."
Yan Siqi didn't sit down. He stared at Li Dan and said loudly, "I heard that you have collected the payment for the precious mirror and are preparing to ship it to the capital?"
Li Dan blinked and said, "Well, that seems to be the case. You know my temper a little bit. I don't like to owe anyone anything, let alone the royal family!"
"How did you know?" Li Dan took a small hammer, slowly grabbed a crab, and hit various parts of the crab.
"I--" Yan Siqi rolled his eyes, sat down opposite Li Dan, reached out to grab the crab, broke off the crab legs, and chewed it directly with his teeth.
Li Dan shook his head slightly, picked up the round-headed scissors on the table to cut off the crab legs and claws, and then took the skewer and ate it very elegantly and reservedly.
Yan Siqi took a look and saw that there were quite a few tools in front of Li Dan, including a waist-round hammer, a long-handled axe, a long-handled fork, round-headed scissors, tweezers, a chisel, and a small spoon, all of which were very exquisite in shape.
He didn't know that, together with the small square table, these crab-eating tools are collectively known as the "Eight Crab Pieces" and are specially designed and made for eating crabs.
"Stop interrupting me." Yan Siqi spat out two mouthfuls of crab shell residue and asked with a frown, "What do you mean? Leaving me aside is really mean."
Li Dan shrugged his shoulders and said, "I know you just bought a lot of raw silk and tea, and I'm afraid you don't have enough cash."
Yan Siqi was speechless for a moment, then glared at Li Dan again, "How did you know?"
Li Dan chuckled and said, "If you're short on money, just let me know! You've recently invested in the renovation of the ancestral hall, made a large purchase, and are even building a manor in Dongfan. You're spending money quite recklessly!"
In terms of wealth, Yan Siqi was no match for Li Dan. In order to restore the ancestral hall, he was even more generous and not stingy.
Unexpectedly, he knew Li Dan's situation, and Li Dan also knew his background clearly.
"Or, give up your share of the treasure mirror and I will give you cash." Li Dan smiled like an old fox, looking at the embarrassed Yan Siqi.
"You - are daydreaming." Yan Siqi stood up suddenly. He could make a lot of money from the magic mirror, especially since it had just come out. It was a rare commodity and was in great demand. He didn't expect Li Dan to have such an idea.
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