Lord Gu attended the morning court and was personally called by the emperor. His face flushed with excitement.
The emperor asked about state affairs, and Lord Gu stood in the center of the hall and talked freely.
The emperor was very interested at first and listened attentively, but the more he listened, the uglier his face became and the more disappointed he became.
Could it be that Lord Gu is not good at governing?
So the emperor asked the Ministry of Revenue how to increase revenue and reduce expenditure.
Lord Gu rarely has the opportunity to show himself in front of the emperor, and he wants to pour out all the ink in his stomach.
However, his views were all repetitive, and the emperor had already heard them so many times that his ears were numb.
The emperor was very disappointed.
Gu Jiu is obviously so smart and has so many ideas for making money. Why is Lord Gu so stupid?
Chen Dachang waited on the side, lowering his head and raising the corner of his mouth slightly. He knew that the emperor would be disappointed.
The emperor waved his hand, "Gu Aiqing, please step back!"
Just one sentence brought the high-spirited Lord Gu back to his original form.
Lord Gu was a little confused. He was just talking about Gao Chao, so why was he asked to leave?
The emperor ordered him to withdraw, so he had no choice but to withdraw and return to the team.
Master Gu is worried about the outcome. Did he speak poorly? Did he behave poorly?
The methods he mentioned are those often mentioned by the Ministry of Revenue.
Seeing that the emperor had lost interest in him and had no intention of promoting him, Lord Gu was heartbroken and depressed.
In the main hall, only the Shaofu Household Manager and the Shaofu Prison Warden knew the truth.
They expressed sympathy for Lord Gu. It was a pity that Gu Jiu had fought for this opportunity for Lord Gu!
It seems that Gu Jiu's intelligence and talent were inherited from his mother, not his father, Lord Gu.
I heard that Gu Jiu's mother's family was surnamed Su, and they were also scholars for generations, but they are now in poverty.
When I get back, I'll ask about the Su family's latest situation.
…
On the banks of the Wei River, merchants traveling from south to north saw something new as soon as they got off the boat: posters!
The following content was written on the exquisite poster in exaggerated words:
Want to get rich quick? Want to reach the pinnacle of life? Want money to flow like water? Come to Yuhua Alley, where your dreams can come true.
The exaggerated words, coupled with the pictures of exquisite houses, ports, and mountains of goods, caught the attention of many merchants at first sight.
Quite novel!
Exaggeration doesn't matter, exquisiteness is not the main thing, the most important thing is novelty.
Novelty can arouse people's curiosity.
Meanwhile, a clerk was calling out on the banks of the Wei River, "Goods shipped directly to the capital. We'll pay the city gate tax on your behalf and unload at the Yuhua Lane dock. The price is fair. We make ten round trips a day. Be quick and you'll get what you pay for. Hurry!"
Merchants traveling from north to south were instantly attracted by the offer of paying the city gate tax on their behalf.
They rushed over and surrounded the waiter, "Are you really paying the city gate tax for us? How are you going to collect the money?"
"Where is Yuhuaxiang Pier?"
"How long does it take for a shipload of goods to arrive in Beijing?"
"Is it reliable?"
Everyone was talking at once and throwing all kinds of questions at the waiter.
The clerk simply stood on the counter, looking down at the merchants who gathered around him. "First, I'm a clerk for the Sihai Trading Company. We run a variety of businesses, including shipping cargo from the Wei River to the Neicheng River. Remember, this section of shipping is exclusively handled by our Sihai Trading Company in Beijing. Anyone who doesn't have the Sihai Trading Company logo and claims they can help you ship goods into the capital and pay taxes on your behalf is a scammer."
Secondly, the reason we can help you pay taxes is because our Sihai Trading Company has a strong background and we have the support of the Shaofu. The Shaofu is the emperor's private treasury. Who in the world is more powerful than the Shaofu?
We at Sihai Trading Company have the imperial edict from the Minister of Finance, so the city gate officials will not make things difficult for you. As long as your goods are not prohibited, they will definitely be able to pass through customs smoothly with us.
Unload your cargo on the Wei River that same day, and it'll arrive in Beijing at the Yuhuaxiang Wharf the same day. Compared to the past, which took three or four days to get your cargo to the capital, and required hiring truck drivers, hiring porters, and managing relationships, our Sihai Trading Company charges absolutely fair fees. Not only can we save you time, but we can also save you a lot of money on social media.
Anyone who needs help, please register with me and I'll arrange for shipping right away. If you're worried, you can go on your own and see if our Sihai Trading Company can help you clear customs in one day. We guarantee your goods will arrive in Beijing before dark."
After the guy finished shouting, some people hesitated, some watched, some laughed at the joke, and of course some were eager to try.
"I would like to order five ships, all of which are made of silk cloth. Can they be cleared today?" A young man holding a folding fan asked loudly, looking more like a young man from an aristocratic family than a businessman.
The guy was overjoyed, thinking that the boat would be sold out, but unexpectedly someone actually booked it.
"This boss has good vision. Please register here. Five ships, right? We'll send someone aboard to inspect the cargo and ensure there's nothing contraband."
"No problem, go ahead and inspect the goods."
The young man was very decisive. He followed the manager beside him and went forward to handle the matter with the clerk of Sihai Trading Company.
"Why do you need to book a ship, sir? We have a long-term cooperative with a carriage and horse company. Just send someone to notify them, and they will send someone and a carriage to help us transport the goods to the capital."
Zhou Jin waved his folding fan and said with interest, "Don't you think it's interesting? This newly emerged Sihai Trading Company, although I don't know the specific background of it, and I don't know whether what the clerk said about it being backed by the Shaofu is true, but since they dare to promise to clear customs and enter the capital on the same day, I think I should give it a try.
If Sihai Trading Company truly possesses such capabilities, do you know what this means? It signifies the birth of a new business model. "What if we go back south tomorrow and replicate this model directly at the ocean terminal? What would the effect be?"
The steward's expression changed. "If it can be copied, then it means that the young master controls the entire dock. All goods entering and leaving the dock will not escape the young master's scrutiny."
Zhou Jin laughed. "You are a teachable young man. You go and follow the boat and memorize every step of their operation. I will take a carriage and go to the Yuhua Lane mentioned in the poster. I believe this Yuhua Lane Pier is near Yuhua Lane. We will meet there."
"How can you go to the capital alone? You are a precious person, you cannot put yourself in danger."
"It's okay. With Lao Zheng and the others here, nothing will happen."
Zhou Jin got on the carriage and slowly headed towards the city gate.
In the past, merchants traveling from south to north would transport their goods to the banks of the Wei River outside the capital, and then hire porters or cartmen to use donkey carts, mule carts, or ox carts. It would take two or three days at the shortest, or ten days or half a month at the longest, to deliver the goods to the capital.
When passing through the city gate, you need to make arrangements in advance and pay a city gate tax to ensure that the goods are not prohibited before they can be sold in Beijing.
What is tested during this period is the merchant's personal connections and ability to manage things.
Merchants who are visiting Beijing for the first time usually seek guidance from fellow townspeople, mainly to deal with all kinds of little devils.
As the saying goes, it is easy to see the King of Hell, but difficult to deal with little devils.
The little devil at the dock is the first level, the little devil at the city gate is the second level, and when you arrive in the capital, there are the third, fourth, and countless other levels waiting for you.
In short, it is not easy to do business in Beijing.
The sudden appearance of Sihai Trading Company directly saved merchants from the first and second hurdles, which was a great convenience for them.
It saves time, effort, money, and worry-free. Merchants are actually happy to see this good thing happen.
At present, everyone is still waiting and watching, simply because they are not sure whether all this is true.
When the first person to try it out gave positive feedback, there was no doubt that the Sihai Trading Company's office on the banks of the Wei River would be visited by merchants coming and going from all over the country.
After paying the city entry tax, Zhou Jin successfully entered the thousand-year-old ancient city, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
There is no doubt that the capital is prosperous.
Zhou Jin simply got off the carriage and walked around to look around.
It was his first time in the capital and he was very curious about everything there.
He was drinking tea in a teahouse and casually asked the waiter, "How do I get to Yuhua Alley?"
The waiter immediately asked excitedly, "Sir, are you also looking to buy a house in Yuhua Lane? Hurry up and line up to get a number plate. I heard it will be launched in a few days."
Zhou Jin was completely bewildered. He prided himself on being well-traveled, having been to sea, grasslands, and deserts. He understood the "number plate" the waiter was talking about, but what on earth was the opening price?
He tried to ask, "Is Yuhua Alley famous?"
The waiter laughed. "Young Master, you just came from out of town, right? No wonder you don't know Yuhua Lane. Do you know Princess Huyang and the Li family? The Li family of Concubine Li De."
Last month, Princess Huyang launched a violent attack on the Li family, smashing their shop and leaving Li Dalang half-crippled. She even brought the case before the emperor. Do you know why? It was all about Yuhua Lane.
Everyone in Beijing knows about Yuhua Alley now. When they heard that Yuhua Alley was going to open, even my shopkeeper, who had very little money in his pocket, rushed over to join in the fun and got a number plate.
Zhou Jin was filled with doubt and astonishment. "A princess would fight against her in-laws just for Yuhua Lane?"
"That's right! Princess Huyang is as brave as any man. If I were to say, the Li family deserves to be punished."
"Wang Xiaoer, what nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up and get to work." The shopkeeper came out and scolded the waiter.
The waiter looked guilty and ran away quickly.
The shopkeeper came to Zhou Jin and apologized, "Sir, please don't listen to the waiter's nonsense. The Li family and the princess are both nobles. It's not for us ordinary people to discuss them, right?"
Zhou Jin raised his eyebrows and smiled, "I just heard from the waiter that the shopkeeper got a number plate. What's the number?"
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Just joining in the fun."
Zhou Jin smiled and said, "If I understand correctly, opening the market means selling houses?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's called a pre-sale. Yes, that's what it's called. You pay upfront, and they hand over the property a few months later. I've heard from people who've seen the model apartment that it's really nice. It's right by the pier, so it's bustling with people. Business there is bound to be good."
"Shopkeeper, can you give me the license plate? I'll pay for it."
"This? But it's registered in my name."
"There's no rule against changing your name."
"That's not the case."
"How about I offer twenty taels for the number plate in the shopkeeper's hand?"
The shopkeeper's breath caught. Even though he was the shopkeeper, he was just an employee, earning only one ounce and five cents a month.
Twenty years is equivalent to his annual income.
The shopkeeper gave up the license plate without saying a word and exchanged it for twenty taels.
Holding the plate with the number 20 engraved on it, Zhou Jin left the teahouse and went directly to Yuhua Lane.
Yuhua Lane was cordoned off, and judging by the noise, emergency construction was underway inside.
The inner city river behind Yuhua Alley had been cleared of silt, and trees were planted on both sides. A small dock was also built, large enough to accommodate about twenty small cargo ships at a time.
The dock was deserted and no cargo was being shipped.
But all the necessary equipment is there.
Obviously, the reason why Sihai Trading Company dared to come out to solicit business was not only because it had a backer, but also because they had made all kinds of preparations and were just waiting to open for business.
Bai Zhong brought his men out of the construction site.
Zhou Jin went up to him and asked, "Excuse me, where can I see the model house?"
Bai Zhong looked Zhou Jin up and down.
Zhou Jin had a smile on his face, looking harmless.
Bai Zhong said, "Yuhua Lane will be officially on sale in ten days, and the model homes will be open then. It's time to go there early, young master."
"Excuse me, how many number plates have you issued?"
"Commercial confidential, no comment."
Bai Zhong bowed and left with his men.
He is very busy.
Whether Yuhuaxiang can make money depends entirely on the sales results ten days later.
Therefore, these ten days are crucial and we need to attract as many merchants as possible to participate in this event.
Zhou Jin watched Bai Zhong leave with a smile.
Although Bai Zhong deliberately lowered his voice, Zhou Jin still heard something unusual.
Interestingly, Yuhua Lane is actually managed by a Taijiao supervisor.
It seems that the rumors in the market are not groundless.
Rumor has it that Yuhua Lane is the property of Princess Huyang. Another theory is that Yuhua Lane is the property of Prince Ning's Mansion.
If you are not in a high position, it is impossible to know that the real owner of Yuhua Lane is the wife of Prince Ning.
All along, Gu Jiu has been hiding behind the scenes and rarely shows up.
Although Zhou Jin came to the capital for the first time, he was not unfamiliar with the upper class people in the capital.
Based on his impression of Princess Huyang, Yuhua Lane's various groundbreaking business models were definitely not something that Princess Huyang, a princess who lived a life of idleness and waiting to die, could have come up with.
Therefore, Princess Huyang is definitely not the real owner of Yuhua Lane.
As for Prince Ning, according to his understanding, Prince Ning has the ability but not the energy.
It's just a street, there's no need for King Ning to worry too much about it.
Therefore, the real owner of Yuhua Lane must be the person hiding behind Princess Huyang and Prince Ning.
This person is most likely from Prince Ning's Mansion.
Which one it is remains to be verified.
Zhou Jin developed a strong curiosity about the person hiding behind the scenes.
He looks forward to the day when he can meet her.
…
Near dusk, the five cargo ships arrived safely at Yuhua Lane Wharf.
Sihai Trading Company does what it says and does not fool people.
The steward met Zhou Jin in the teahouse.
"Sir, this Sihai Trading Company is quite capable. During the customs clearance process, I didn't show up at all. It was all handled by the trading company. It was completed in half an hour, without spending a penny extra."
Zhou Jin admired the night view of the capital through the window and said, "It seems that Sihai Trading Company is going to be rich."
The next day, on the banks of the Wei River.
Merchants coming and going from all over the country surrounded the office of Sihai Trading Company, making the small office completely packed.
Sihai Trading Company became an instant success.
But there are too many orders and I am a bit overwhelmed.
The merchants didn't care at all. "It doesn't matter if it's a few days late. As long as you can help us get through customs, it's worth spending a little more money."
"Yeah, I'm willing to spend a little more money. It's better than serving those grandsons."
Rather than having to deal directly with those troublesome little devils, merchants would rather delay for two more days and spend more money.
The clerk stepped forward and said, "We at Sihai Trading Company operate with integrity and will never charge you a penny more. Don't worry, I will report your opinions to the higher-ups. Perhaps in six months the boss will be willing to pay for the expansion of the dock, and your goods will be shipped to the capital within a day."
Also, the houses in Yuhua Lane are about to go on sale. Just imagine, if you buy property there, your goods will be just a few steps away from the dock and right in. How convenient! That place is a prime location for feng shui. Buying a house in Yuhua Lane will guarantee a booming business. Remember, the place is protected by powerful figures, so no one dares to cause trouble there.
"Is it Princess Huyang and Prince Ning who are protecting Yuhua Lane?"
"Haha...if you want to buy a house, hurry up. You'll miss it."
"Hey, are you guys from Sihai Trading Company and the owner of Yuhua Lane the same person?"
"Haha, everyone can buy a house with confidence."
…
Thousands of miles away, the capital of Beirong.
Liu Zhao looked at the fair and tender Thirteenth Prince in front of him, who was only fifteen or sixteen years old and had remained silent despite several contacts, and smiled!
She smiled like a thousand-year-old fox demon.
Because he finally saw the hatred deep in the Thirteenth Prince's eyes.
"Your Highness, I mourn your loss. I'm deeply sorry for what happened to your mother and sister. I never imagined the King would be so cruel as to order the death of your mother and marry your sister, Princess Ruyu, to General Huala, who ultimately humiliated her to death. Yet, the King didn't even ask a single question about Princess Ruyu's death. It's truly heartbreaking."
The Thirteenth Prince lowered his head and said nothing.
Liu Zhao continued, "Your Majesty is old and confused. You actually did such a beastly thing for a woman. I'm afraid that soon, your life will be in danger."
The Thirteenth Prince clenched his fists.
Liu Zhao lowered his voice and asked casually, "Your Highness, do you want revenge? Do you want to kill those who put you in this situation?"
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