The warm winter sun is the perfect time for a winter nap.
Gu Jiu came to the residence of the Shaofu Jialing with gifts.
The housekeeper opened the door to welcome Gu Jiu into the flower hall and served him tea.
A moment later, the Shaofu household order appeared.
"Ha ha……"
The Shaofu's household official laughed out loud, full of energy.
"Greetings to the ancestors." Gu Jiu stood up and performed the etiquette of a younger generation.
The Shaofu Housekeeper waved his hand, "Xiaojiu, please don't be polite. Sit down, let's sit down and talk."
Gu Jiu sat down with a smile.
The Shaofu Housekeeper asked with concern, "How is the palace doing lately?"
"Thanks to our ancestors, everything is going well in the palace."
"That's good. Your Majesty suddenly decided to send all the princes out of the capital. To be honest, I was also surprised."
Gu Jiu followed suit, "From the perspective of our ancestors, what is the meaning of your Majesty's action?"
The Shaofu Housekeeper stroked his beard, his expression serious, "It's hard to say."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Then let's talk about the good things."
"Ha ha……"
The Shaofu Household Manager burst into laughter at first, then he restrained his expression and deliberately lowered his voice before saying, "Do you know what people fear most when they get old?"
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow, understanding the situation. She said bluntly, "I'm most afraid of death!"
The Shaofu Household Manager nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I'm afraid of death. Like me, I'm a few years younger than Your Majesty, and I'm always afraid. The slightest sign of trouble makes me feel uneasy. Do you understand the old man's thoughts?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "I understand! But aren't you afraid of what might happen?"
What if something happened to the emperor during this period? As the saying goes, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day. What would happen then? Would they start a chaotic war?
The Shaofu Household Manager shook his head slightly. "Compared to the future, the present is the most important. You need to let the old man think it through slowly. When spring comes and the flowers bloom, and the rain stops and the sky clears, the scene will naturally be completely different."
Gu Jiu couldn't help but sigh.
This incident probably scared the emperor to death.
The more afraid he was, the more manic he became and the more extreme his actions became.
This was the case with killing people, and this was also the case with sending all the adult princes out of the capital.
Ultimately, it's because I'm afraid of death. Deep down, I don't trust anyone.
Even Chen Dachang, who was able to serve the emperor, had to go through 81 hardships.
She picked up the teacup and took a sip.
At this moment, a sentence popped up in her mind: the longer the emperor serves, the more brutal he becomes, without exception from ancient times to the present.
Those who become emperors are all perverts. Only those who are not perverts can hold that position firmly.
The Son of Heaven had been the emperor for more than thirty years, and he exuded a perverted aura from the inside out.
Expecting the emperor to consider issues with the logical thinking of a normal person is just dreaming.
We should be thankful that we didn't go to extremes.
The Minister of the Imperial Household sighed, "On the surface, it seems the matter is over. But everyone knows that His Majesty is simmering with anger, and it will sooner or later be vented. Meanwhile, the court is plagued by constant disputes, and disaster reports are pouring in from all corners of the country."
I went through the court several times, but there was not a single piece of good news. Xiao Jiu, do you know why I asked you to come here?
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "I'd like to hear the details."
The Shaofu Housekeeper stroked his beard and said, "In the imperial court, to be more precise, His Majesty needs a happy event, a great happy event. This important task belongs to you, Xiaojiu."
Gu Jiu shook his head repeatedly, "Grandfather, you think too highly of me. I am not worthy of such talent. How could I possibly have such ability?"
Don't flatter her, she really won't buy it.
Instead of flattering others, it is better to give them something practical.
The Shaofu Housekeeper hurriedly said, "You are too modest. I never look down on anyone, but I have underestimated you. I was wrong about your house in Yuhua Lane."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "It's just luck. Everything is just luck."
The Shaofu Household Commander laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I'm not asking you for money. I just want to ask if it's time to start raising the money you promised His Majesty to use to renovate the three main halls. If you can hand over the money now, His Majesty will surely be delighted, and everyone in the court will be grateful to you."
Just listen to this and don't take it seriously.
Gu Jiucai didn't believe that anyone in the court would be grateful to her.
It's so embarrassing that a little woman can do things that grown men can't do.
It was like she was taking a slipper and slapping them in the face.
If she couldn't do it, the people in the court would be truly delighted.
You see, you know women can't do things. The emperor is old and confused, so he would entrust such an important task to a woman.
So-called gratitude is nothing but taken for granted.
If she succeeded in collecting the money, there would be countless people inside and outside the court who would grit their teeth and curse her in secret.
The words of the Shaofu Household Officer may be able to appease others, but it is a complete waste of effort to appease her.
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "The ancestor is asking for money on behalf of His Majesty!"
The Shaofu Household Commander laughed heartily. "I am just trying to relieve your majesty's worries. Tell me the truth, can this be accomplished before the New Year?"
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled.
Of course it can be done.
But she didn't want to agree so readily.
Hibernating!
The weather is so cold that I don’t want to move. I just want to stay in the house and feel comfortable all day long.
It's so boring for her to have to take the trouble to manage the money, and only a little of it goes into her pocket.
Now is the time to set conditions.
"My ancestors were loyal to the emperor and the country, and I admire them. However, I have some difficulties."
"you say."
Gu Jiu spoke carefully, "What do you think of the large number of haphazardly built houses outside the South City Gate?"
The Shaofu's heart skipped a beat and he asked, "You want to repair the house again?"
Gu Jiu shook his head. "No, I just want to ask if that piece of land has an owner? Who is the owner?"
"Of course it has an owner. That piece of land is under the jurisdiction of the Shaofu."
Gu Jiu laughed and looked at the Shaofu Household Order without saying a word.
The Shaofu Household Manager frowned. He understood what Gu Jiu meant.
He shook his head. "That won't work. There are tens of thousands of people living there. If I give you the land, where will you let them live? Tens of thousands of people, if there's a rebellion, it will be a disaster."
Gu Jiu laughed. "Right next to the city gate, there's a large area of messy low houses and tens of thousands of poor people. Aren't you afraid of losing face?"
"It's embarrassing, but there's nothing you can do about it. Once the Shaofu transfers the land to you, where will you let those people live?"
"This lady will build a house for them to live in."
The Shaofu family official frowned, "You are not kidding."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Old Master, do you think I'm joking?"
The Shaofu Housekeeper couldn't understand why he was so attracted to that place. "Why did you choose that place? East City Gate, West City Gate, there are so many places, why didn't you consider it?"
"I can't afford to sell it. The landlord doesn't have any surplus grain."
Gu Jiu started to complain about being poor. If he didn't complain now, when would he?
The Shaofu family official's eyebrows twitched, and he was speechless. "Xiao Jiu, what you said is too dishonest. If you don't have money, who does?"
"I really don't have any money." Gu Jiu spread his hands. "Old Ancestor should know that the royal palace has been running out of money year after year. All the expenses of my young master outside are covered by me alone. He is a grandson of the emperor, and he has only learned how to spend money in his life, not how to make money. Even if the younger generation earns a mountain of gold and silver, he will squander it all."
"I heard what you said. How come Gongzi Zhao has become a prodigal son?"
Gu Jiu nodded heavily. "The only one who knows me is my ancestor. My son is a true prodigal. With such a prodigal son, how can I still have money?"
The Shaofu household official couldn't help laughing and shook his head repeatedly.
Human heart!
Face!
Gu Jiu, Gu Jiu, is it really appropriate for you to slander Liu Zhao like this just because you are complaining about being poor?
Gu Jiu smiled: It’s very suitable.
Since Liu Zhao couldn't make any money, it was good to use his face to gain sympathy. At least he had made some contribution.
The Shaofu Housekeeper asked, "There's something I don't understand. Can you make money by building a house on that piece of land at the South City Gate?"
Gu Jiu laughed, it was such a great profit.
Alas, people's thinking is not broad these days. It would be lonely for her to be the only one making money from real estate!
Invincible loneliness.
This is just showing off.
Gu Jiu said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Old Ancestor. The land at the South City Gate is indeed not very profitable, but I think it should not be a problem to break even."
The Shaofu family leader stared at Gu Jiu suspiciously.
Would she do a business that could only break even?
No!
The Shaofu Household Manager denied his idea the next moment.
How could Gu Jiu do a business that could only break even?
But he really couldn't figure out how to make money by building houses on the land at the South City Gate.
Oops, not enough brains.
Today's young people are so smart that the elderly can't keep up.
The Shaofu Household Manager said, "I won't ask how you make money. You want all that land, tens of thousands of acres?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Yes, I want them all. Please sell them to me at a lower price, I don't have much money."
"I'll think about this matter again and give you an answer tomorrow."
"Thank you, ancestor. I have a humble request."
"you say."
Gu Jiu said after careful consideration: "I am short of money, so I want to pay for the land in installments."
"What? In installments?"
"Exactly!"
Installment payment is easy to understand, it means exactly what it says.
The Minister of the Imperial Household was very interested and asked, "How do you want to pay in installments?"
Gu Jiu said, "In the early stages, I'll give you 20% of the payment. When the project is halfway done, I'll give you the remaining 30%. When the house is finished and people move in, I'll give you the final 50%."
The corners of the Shaofu household official's mouth twitched.
He pointed at Gu Jiu and said, "You are a profiteer, a complete profiteer. You are clearly running a business with no capital investment, using the land and silver of the Shaofu to make a profit for yourself."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled, "How could the old ancestor say that? I plan to borrow 20% from your Shaofu Bank for a down payment and will pay the interest."
puff!
"I really underestimated you. You are planning to spend nothing and let the Shaofu pay for you and make money for you."
"It's mutually beneficial. You have so much money sitting in your treasury, it's a waste. Why not lend it to me and I'll pay the interest? Anyway, for you, it's a win-win situation, and you can even collect interest."
The Shaofu Household Manager was defeated by Gu Jiu's shameless tactics.
He casually asked, "How much do you want to borrow?"
Gu Jiu also said casually: "Lend me one million taels first."
puff!
The Shaofu Household Manager couldn't believe it and asked, "One million taels?"
Gu Jiu nodded heavily.
"Do you know that even if the monthly interest rate of the Shaofu is low, one million taels will cost nearly two hundred thousand taels in interest over a year? Can you earn two hundred thousand taels from that piece of land outside the South City Gate?"
Gu Jiu said, "Thank you for your concern, Old Ancestor. Just lend the money, don't worry about me not being able to pay it back. I promise to return the money to the Shaofu on time, including the principal and interest."
The Shaofu Housekeeper frowned, "You young people, you, hey... I need to think about this matter."
He would have to ask Liu Zhao.
One million taels, this is one million taels.
I guess there isn't even one million taels of silver in the Ministry of Revenue's warehouse.
Gu Jiu asked to borrow one million taels, what should I do?
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "I hope the ancestor can give me an answer as soon as possible."
The Shaofu Housekeeper rubbed his brows and said, "You should hurry up and raise money for His Majesty."
Gu Jiu said, "Once our ancestors agree to sell all the land outside the South City Gate to me, I'll start working on it. I'll try to collect 1.7 million taels of silver before the New Year."
The Shaofu household steward was very upset.
Young people nowadays don’t know how to respect the elderly and love the young.
When getting something done, you have to bargain.
He really wanted to point at Gu Jiu's forehead and call him a profiteer.
Gu Jiu is more cunning than any businessman he knows.
What's even more terrifying is that Gu Jiu is an upright profiteer, exposing all her schemes and plots to the light of day. It's hard to refute them, but you don't know where to begin.
The Shaofu's housekeeper looked tired. "Forget it, forget it. Send someone to the Shaofu in a few days to handle the paperwork. This time, I will take charge and sell the land to you."
Gu Jiu was overjoyed, "Thank you, ancestor."
In this way, the land outside the South City Gate, together with the land she had purchased earlier, became a large area in the city, which could be divided into many areas.
Residential area, commercial area, industrial area.
The South City Gate is close to the Wei River and not far from the Inner City River. It is a very convenient place.
The most important thing is that the land outside the South City Gate is cheap.
The Shaofu Household Manager said, "I agree to your terms. When will you raise the money for His Majesty?"
Gu Jiu laughed and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa, there will be news within ten days."
"Okay! I'll be waiting for your good news."
Gu Jiu left the Shaofu Jialing Mansion with satisfaction.
She asked Ma Xiaoliu to inform Bai Zhong and ask him to return to the palace.
In the past few months, Bai Zhong had been busy outside every day. Because the palace had a curfew, many things were inconvenient. In the end, he simply lived in Yuhua Lane, busy with the finishing work of Yuhua Lane and the matter of the Hero's Post.
Gu Jiu widely sent out invitations to heroes, and in the past two or three months, many wealthy merchants gathered in the capital.
It was just bad luck. First there was the Ma Zheng case, and then there was the kidnapping case.
The capital was in such a state of panic that Gu Jiu's plan to raise funds was postponed.
The wealthy merchants were also trembling with fear, fearing that they would be implicated.
Some timid businessmen left the capital city early, without waiting for Gu Jiu to convene a heroes' conference.
However, most of the merchants stayed.
As the saying goes, fortune and honor are achieved through risk.
The owner of Yuhua Lane has called a heroes' meeting. How can we miss such a grand event?
The previous business model of Yuhua Lane had already been copied by some shrewd businessmen. They returned to their hometowns and did the same thing, and they actually made a lot of money.
This time, I will not leave until I see the result no matter what.
Besides, there is still something to do in the capital.
The capital city is so huge, with a population of two to three million. Such a large market is a rare opportunity, whether for doing business, conducting research, or making connections.
In addition, Yuhua Lane comes up with new things every few days, so my life in Beijing is quite fulfilling.
After receiving the notice, Bai Zhong hurried back to the palace.
"Greetings to the Madam."
"Sit down and talk. You've worked hard during this period."
"It's not hard for the little one."
He sat down respectfully, only half sitting on his butt.
Gu Jiu asked, "Have all the wealthy merchants arrived?"
Bai Zhong pulled out a list from his sleeve. "This is the list of attendees. There are a total of 200 wealthy merchants, both large and small. Among them, there are 58 wealthy merchants involved in the materials needed for house construction. The other 100 or so are from all walks of life."
Gu Jiu asked, "How many wealthy merchants are there in the capital?"
"There are about thirty of them, all of whom have strong backers. However, due to the incident with the Li family, several of them have been kicked out."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Is the venue ready?"
Bai Zhong nodded, "The villa lent by Princess Huyang has been newly decorated and is ready for use."
Gu Jiu put down the list and said, "Go down and prepare. We will hold the bidding meeting in five days."
Bai Zhong couldn't hide his excitement. After preparing for such a long time, he finally waited for this day.
"As you command. I have something else to report to my wife."
"you say!"
"Before, the Li family imitated Yuhua Lane and built a street. They also sold some houses. But because of the Li family's misfortune, the construction of the houses was stopped halfway. Now the project is left unfinished and no one dares to take it over. I want to ask Madam, should we seize the opportunity to take it over?"
Gu Jiu asked, "Can I make money?"
Bai Zhong nodded affirmatively, "It will definitely make money. The Li family is in turmoil, with only a group of women and children left. If someone is willing to take over at this time, they will be very grateful."
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and said, "After the bidding conference is over, you will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Li family's assets."
"I understand."
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－－
Sorry for the late update today.
The child has a cold and a fever and needs someone to stay with him. The child's father had appendectomy surgery and needed someone to stay with him for the first two days.
Yuanbao had managed to save some manuscripts before, but they are gone now, so I can only write now.
Yuanbao is working at full speed to make up for today's update as soon as possible. If nothing unexpected happens, there may be more updates.
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