At this time, Tan Min didn't know that he was being led by a classmate named Kun who was thousands of miles away.
Or rather, he actually had some vague feeling, after all, everything happened too coincidentally.
But Lord Tan doesn't care about these things.
For him, all he wanted was to benefit all the people in the Great Zhou. In this case, there was no such thing as a complete set or routine, it was just mutual benefit.
He even got a great advantage.
On the road to reform, with the advice from Wonderland, many detours can be avoided. It is like an exam, which is not only open-book, but also has someone write the answers on the blackboard, so the difficulty is naturally greatly reduced.
Regardless of the motivation, this is already a gift from God and there is nothing to complain about.
So at this time, Lord Tan had no psychological burden and was not prepared to change his position. He was making careful preparations every day.
In addition to teaching Prince Zhang, he also had to pave the way for the future of the Zhou Kingdom.
This is the purpose of today's banquet.
Before entering, he even adjusted the cuffs of his shirt and collar, instructed his personal guards to keep watch outside, and then pushed the door open. A gentle smile appeared on his face, and his voice was especially warm: "I presume you are the young masters of the Zhong family, right?"
Hearing the noise, the Zhong brothers immediately turned around.
Zhong Yao obviously knew Tan Min, so he immediately stood up, bowed and said, "Greetings, Mr. Tan."
Zhong Zuo immediately followed suit and saluted.
If it were usual, he would have competed with this man for superiority in all matters big and small, but now it was different. The man in front of him was the most powerful minister in the Great Zhou, a man who could make things happen with a wave of his hand. His drastic methods of eradicating the Zhou family had spread throughout the entire continent and were almost known to everyone.
It would be better for me to be honest.
But Zhong Zuo secretly watched and felt that this Lord Tan Min dressed in white was not as cruel and fierce as the rumors said, but rather very gentle.
Especially that face, it's really beautiful.
No wonder when this man won the top spot in the imperial examination, he was almost drowned by the flowers and purses thrown at him when he was paraded through the streets on horseback.
He was thinking about something, so his expression was inevitably a little absent-minded.
Fortunately, it didn't attract too much attention. After sitting down, Tan Min looked around and asked, "Hasn't Colliver arrived yet?"
This time it was Zhong Zuo who spoke: "He seems to be very curious about Yilu Tower. He just said he wanted to go out for a walk. He should be back soon."
Tan Min smiled and didn't ask anyone to look for it. Instead, he said, "Actually, I asked you two to come here because I need your help with something."
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhong Zuo's eyes widened.
He had dealt with many dignitaries before, and none of them would speak without beating around the bush.
It's a bit uncomfortable to think about getting straight to the point like this.
Zhong Yao had already cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency, please feel free to speak. Although we are from the Wei Kingdom, the two countries have always been friendly. In addition, most of our industries are within the Zhou Kingdom. Naturally, we will do our best."
Zhong Zuo on the side wanted to say, it’s you who regards Zhou State as your base camp, why do you have to drag me into this?
Besides, even if we are discussing business, we should discuss it together. Why do you directly represent two people!
But because of Tan Min in front of him, Zhong Zuo could only swallow his words.
Tan Min said, "A few days ago, the Barbarian Kingdom sent envoys hoping to purchase wine from our country. Now they are a little undecided, so they wanted to ask you about the situation over there."
As soon as these words were spoken, the two members of the Zhong family exchanged glances.
They both saw a hint of vigilance in each other's eyes.
Others might not be able to hear anything, but these two are smart people. The fact that the barbarian country sent envoys alone is not something that they, as mere merchants, can listen to casually.
Now not only do we listen to them, but we also ask for their opinions?
If I say something wrong, I'm afraid I'll be accused of interfering in government affairs and dragged out to show you how blood will splatter seven feet...
Zhong Yao frowned slightly, obviously hesitant.
Zhong Zuo, on the other hand, was very brave. He looked up at Tan Min and asked, "Sir, do you really want to hear our opinions?"
Tan Min nodded: "Yes."
Zhong Zuo clenched his hands in his sleeves into fists, thinking, let’s fight!
When he was in Banque, he relied on gambling to get the Blackwater business.
Now it's just another gamble.
But at this moment, Zhong Yao turned his head, narrowed his eyes slightly, and mouthed to him:
You think clearly!
No, don’t say that!
If someone else said this, Zhong Zuo might be willing to listen.
But coming from the mouth of his old enemy, not only was he not persuaded, but he felt greatly encouraged and had to speak out.
So, Zhong Zuo calmed down and said without thinking for too long: "If you ask me, it can be sold, and it must be sold."
As soon as these words were spoken, Tan Min dropped the cup he had not yet picked up back onto the table, and his usually calm face revealed an unconcealable surprise.
In fact, the reason he asked this was not really to get any answer.
Because the cabinet had already reached a consensus during the previous small meeting, they were waiting to politely reject the request of the barbarian envoys at the court tomorrow morning.
After all, they had learned the method of making this strong liquor from the Langyun Fairyland with great difficulty. Until now, only the government has been producing it, and private brewing is not allowed among the people, because they are afraid that this thing that burns instantly in fire will be used for evil purposes.
And now, this seemingly ordinary merchant had the audacity to say he wanted to open up the wine market and sell to the barbarian nation that was once the Zhou Kingdom's enemy?!
Tan Min, who originally looked up to the Zhong brothers because of the immortals, now had no expression on his face. It was as if a sentence was clearly written on his face:
I think you've had enough of life.
But what surprised Tan Min was that Zhong Yao, who was originally reluctant to say much, actually nodded slowly after careful consideration, expressing his agreement with this audacious idea.
Now Tan Min was no longer calm.
He pushed the teacup away and stared at the two of them, his voice becoming stern: "You'd better explain why you did this."
Although this sentence did not sound very emotional, the Zhong brothers knew very well that if they could not say something coherent, they would be sent to jail to calm down as soon as they left the house.
If it were an ordinary businessman, he would probably be trembling with fear by now.
Fortunately, these two are not ordinary people.
Growing up in a long period of endless fighting and stabbing each other, both Zhong Yao and Zhong Zuo are extremely courageous.
Zhong Zuo was not affected at all at this moment, and his voice was extremely steady: "The reason I made this suggestion is because I am considering the adults and the Zhou Kingdom."
Tan Min: "Do you know how important wine is? In Zhou State, it's not even allowed to be sold privately."
Zhong Zuo: "Of course I know. I wanted to do business in this area before and almost got arrested. Well, to be honest, I was too careless that time."
Tan Min: ...
Is this considered self-destruction?
Zhong Yao heard the man rambling on, even suspecting he was turning himself in. He coughed lightly, interrupting him, and then brought the subject back to the topic: "Wine is crucial. While there are many winemakers these days, the most powerful is still the Great Zhou. If the Zhou refuses the Barbarians' request, it would be like letting a tiger go back to the mountains. It's better to agree so we can better control them."
Tan Min frowned slightly: "Hold it? Why?"
Zhong Yao said seriously, "When brewing wine, the first thing we need is the raw materials. We need a lot of grain, which is difficult to cultivate in the Barbarian Country. Moreover, we lack the necessary brewing tools and techniques. They live in a cold land, and once they have tasted strong liquor, they will probably be reluctant to give it up. In other words, this business can be done forever. As long as there is a source of goods, there will be buyers."
Tan Min was also aware of all this and didn't find it anything new, but he still patiently asked, "And then?"
Zhong Yao stopped talking and turned to look at Zhong Zuo.
The man didn't hesitate and said directly: "In our Zhong family, there is a saying that it is better to buy than to build, and it is better to rent than to buy."
Tan Min was slightly stunned.
Although he was good at studying and governing the country, he knew nothing about business.
So now he asked, "What does this mean?"
Then Zhong Zuo explained, "Take the Barbarians for example. If the Zhou Kingdom withholds their wine and doesn't sell it, and they desperately want it, then their officials will naturally do everything they can to put this matter on the agenda and solve all the problems. By then, not only will the Zhou Kingdom not be able to sell its products, but it will also face competition. Instead of that, it's better to sell it to them, let them get used to relying on it, and become deeply addicted. By then, they will probably no longer want to bear the cost of researching this matter, and the Zhou Kingdom's business will last long."
Tan Min widened his eyes in shock.
Zhong Zuo uttered the final words: "As long as they get used to being dependent, the gap will only grow wider in the future. By then, adults can do whatever they want."
As soon as these words came out, Tan Min stood up immediately.
Obviously, this is his blind spot in knowledge, and these remarks clearly overturned Mr. Tan's basic cognition.
Zhong Yao saw this reaction, but he was not surprised.
He was with He Yiyi and often saw Tan Min. Although they didn't have much contact, as a businessman, he needed to know not only the trade routes and markets at all times, but also the temperament and personality of officials.
The result of the investigation was that Tan Min was ruthless and always eradicated his political enemies completely to prevent future troubles, but his moral character was excellent and there was no room for doubt about his personal morality.
Such people are destined to rise and fall in the officialdom, but their way of thinking will tend to be orthodox.
Naturally, I don’t know the tricks that only businessmen understand.
This idea is highly feasible, and if nothing unexpected happens, Tan Min will accept it.
But I'm afraid that my silly Ah Zuo will end up in trouble.
When Zhong Yao thought of this, he raised his eyelids unconsciously, then quickly lowered them without saying a word.
Tan Min was smart, and as long as he had a beginning, he could think things through on his own.
After the initial surprise, he slowly sat back in his chair, tapping his fingertips on the table several times before slowly saying, "Yes, yes, we'll sell it this way. We'll set the price and the level of skill, so they can't stop. Even if they figure out the intricacies in the future, I'm afraid they won't be able to give it up."
Zhong Zuo smiled and said, "Yes, in fact, as long as we let the Barbarian King and the royal family get used to it, it's an open conspiracy. Anyway, as long as the king holds on to power, it will be useless even if others are smart... Ouch!"
Before he could finish his words, Zhong Yao elbowed him and interrupted him abruptly.
Zhong Zuo was a little angry, but he found that Zhong Yao was even angrier and more panicked than him.
You must know that nowadays all the land under heaven belongs to the king, and the king’s power is supreme everywhere.
When Zhong Zuo said this, it sounded like he was veiled in criticism.
Zhong Yao even felt that Tan Min might drag out his gossipy brother and chop him up at any time.
But to his surprise, Lord Tan seemed to have not heard a word and his expression was extremely calm.
After a moment of silence, Tan Min raised his eyes and asked, "How can you ensure that they won't brew it privately?"
Zhong Zuo chuckled and said softly, "It's better to brew it privately. As long as the Great Zhou keeps a tight rein on the price of liquor, then the strong liquor here will be exclusively enjoyed by the nobles of the Barbarian Kingdom. If they ever think of counterfeiting it, the neighboring countries won't export food to them, so they will have to get it from their own land, and the Barbarian Kingdom is already short of food."
At this point, Tan Min instantly understood: "If the already scarce food is confiscated, there will be some chaos even if there is no fighting."
Zhong Zuo was still smiling, and he said, "I'm just a commoner, I don't understand these things." But looking at his expression, it was clear that he understood.
At the same time, he also knew that Tan Min would definitely adopt this suggestion.
Because the relationship between the Man State and the Zhou State, in the words of the immortals, is very plastic. In addition, this matter was originally requested by the other party, and the Zhou State was only trading with them and had no intention of doing anything crooked.
Even if there is any chaos in the future, it will require the barbarian nobles to be greedy for pleasure to cooperate with it, so don't blame others.
Sure enough, a smile finally appeared on Tan Min's serious face, and his voice was as gentle as a spring breeze: "It seems that selling this wine to them is not a bad idea."
Zhong Zuo also laughed: "Yeah, as long as you control your dosage, it'll be fine. It's also cross-border trade, and there's no telling how much money you can make."
Then, he wanted to talk about the profits it would bring, and then introduce his main purpose -
Look, I'm so great, why don't you give this business to me?
Even if it’s just a retail agent?
I promise to do a great job!
But before he could speak, Tan Min had already stood up, walked forward, and personally helped Zhong Zuo up.
This really scared Zhong Zuo. He even said he didn't dare and quickly stood up.
Then I heard Tan Min say, "My dear, you are so talented. You have solved a difficult problem for me. I should give you some thank you."
Zhong Zuo's eyes lit up.
Is this a compliment to him?
Do you want to give this trade route to yourself?
Before Zhong Zuo could say anything, Tan Min said, "How about this? Tomorrow I will submit a memorial to the king, asking him to set a precedent and invite you to serve as an official in the Great Zhou Dynasty."
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhong Zuo's expression froze and his mouth opened unconsciously.
Tan Min asked with a smile, "Are you willing, my dear?"
Zhong Zuo wanted to say that he wasn't really willing...
Although there was a precedent for people from Wei serving as officials in Zhou, he was born into the Zhong family and his dream since childhood was to do business, and his favorite thing to do was to make money.
I never thought about becoming an official.
Now that the question was brought to his face, Zhong Zuo instinctively resisted and subconsciously declined: "I'm a commoner from the market, and I only know some unconventional techniques. I'm afraid they are not worthy of being accepted by the upper class."
Tan Min smiled gently, "Don't worry, Mr. Zhong. Our Great Zhou welcomes talented people regardless of their background."
Zhong Zuo gritted his teeth and replied, "I still like doing business..."
Tan Min continued to smile and said, "You can still do business, sir. I can even find a way to let you handle the wine trade with the Barbarian Kingdom. But you must have your name on the officialdom of my Great Zhou." He paused, "Actually, I'm not a stingy person. I'll give you two choices."
"What do you think, sir?"
"One, to be an official, two, to be a eunuch. It's up to you, my lord, to choose."
Zhong Zuo: …???
Is this a multiple choice question?
This is clearly a fatal question!
I've never heard of such a thing! Saying goodbye to your little brother if you don't become an official? Are all of you in the Great Zhou Dynasty so ruthless?
Zhong Yao, who had been observing the situation coldly, had clearly figured out the situation. He stepped forward and said to Zhong Zuo, "You have to understand one thing. When you first expressed your idea for the Barbarian Country wine business, you were destined to agree to it, Master Tan."
Zhong Zuo was confused: "Why?"
Zhong Yao glanced at him, knowing that he was being misled by his own position, so he simply pointed it out: "The Barbarian Kingdom's envoys are being sent here secretly, but sooner or later they will be known to outsiders, so even if we hear about them, it won't mean much. But your advice just now is secret and cannot be heard by outsiders. In this case, even if this is your idea, for the sake of safety, either you stay in the palace or you accept the official position and completely side with the Zhou Kingdom."
Tan Min added with a smile, "This is also a helpless move. What you said is really interesting. I want to use it, but I don't want to take the risk. Forcibly trapping you would be a bit ungrateful. So I thought of inviting you to the court. If the trade with the barbarian country is stable in the future, you can come and go as you please."
Zhong Yao also advised him, "You should accept it. Honestly, this world has the same social order of scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans. You've never loved studying since childhood, and now you can't even recite the Three Character Classic from the immortal world, yet you can become an official without giving up your business. What a great benefit! So many students study hard, but only a few can achieve fame. You have such a blessing, so naturally you should accept it. Besides, do you really want to enter the palace?"
Zhong Zuo said nothing, but his face was full of regret.
But what can you do if you regret it?
The idea was yours, the words were yours, but in the end, it was you who were greedy.
What's more, everything Zhong Yao said made sense, so he had no reason to be dissatisfied.
Not killing the witness to silence him was actually a sign of Tan Min's mercy.
Even though Zhong Yao had tried to stop him, he thought they were just jealous and ignored their kindness...
It seems that the braised liver in Yilulou is quite delicious, paired with Qi country's old vinegar and Zhou country's hot sauce...
Forehead.
Zhong Yao seemed to notice that he was distracted. He raised his eyelids indifferently and looked down unconsciously.
Zhong Zuo instinctively clamped his legs together.
No matter what, we have to keep the little brother alive!
So, Zhong Zuo immediately said, "I agree. Being an official of the Great Zhou is truly my lifelong wish! Thank you for your kindness!"
Tan Min seemed to have anticipated the other party's choice and nodded with a smile.
Zhong Zuo, however, was still a little unwilling and whispered, "Why did you only recruit me to join? Didn't Ah Yao know about it too?"
Zhong Yao raised the corner of his mouth, but he was too lazy to even say anything.
Tan Min continued, "Mr. Zhong has always been by the immortal's side and has vowed not to leave. Naturally, I am not worried."
Obviously, Immortal Langyun is much more credible than Zhong Zuo.
Zhong Zuo was completely dejected now. He sighed and stopped talking.
At this time, Colliver finally came back.
There was still a look of amazement on his face, and the first thing he said after entering was, "You two gentlemen are right, this Yilu Tower is indeed much more interesting than last time... Um, is this, Lord Tan?"
Tan Min turned around and raised his eyebrows the moment he saw Colliver. After sizing him up, he smiled and said, "Mr. Ke is truly a handsome man. His abilities are evident."
After hearing this, Colliver didn't know how to respond for a moment.
Should he first refute that his last name is not Ke, or should he first wonder why one’s ability can be seen from his face?
Zhong Yao obviously knew Tan Min's habit of judging people by appearance, so he stood up with a smile and introduced the two of them, without any trace of the previous nervousness in his words.
Zhong Zuo, on the other hand, was a little depressed, with an expression of "I can't laugh" written all over his face.
Colliver was quite concerned: "What happened to Mr. Zhong Zuo?"
Zhong Yao smiled and said, "Nothing, probably because Lord Tan just gave him an official position, and he was too happy."
Culliver was extremely surprised, and soon smiled and congratulated Zhong Zuo.
Zhong Zuo didn't know how to admit that he was actually being monitored, so he could only try to put on a smile and accept the congratulations.
Then, the four of them gathered together and talked about Banqui's business.
Tan Min obviously came with great sincerity. Even though he didn't know what Ban Kui had that the immortal valued, he was sure that it must be the best.
In this case, it is necessary to establish a good relationship with Bankui now.
As for Colliver, he did feel the goodwill of the Zhou Kingdom.
The fact that a second-rank official came to have a personal interview shows his attitude.
So, although it was just a private meeting, the atmosphere was harmonious and both the host and the guests had a great time.
During this time, Tan Min also asked: "Since your country has such beautiful scenery, why do you want to cover it up?"
Colliver had always brushed things off with a prayer before, but this time, he was unusually serious. He sighed and said, "In the past, our Banque nation was weak, but we happened to be born with a good appearance. As a result, the biggest loss in our country was not resources, not money, but people."
He didn't elaborate on what he said next, but everyone present was a worldly-wise person, so they could naturally sense the sadness revealed in these few light-hearted words.
But Colliver clearly wasn't trying to play the victim. Instead, he said gently, "So we've learned that before you have powerful abilities, an overly beautiful appearance can only be a disaster. If you don't work hard, you'll become a plaything."
The two Zhong brothers looked sad, while Tan Min seemed to be thinking about something.
I was afraid before, but now I’m not afraid anymore.
It seems that Banqui's national strength is stronger than he expected.
Just as the drama on stage was reaching its last scene, someone suddenly knocked on the door.
Colliver was surprised: "Are there any other guests?"
Tan Min said, "No, but I can probably guess who it is."
The guards guarding the door are all his confidants, and they will not come to disturb him unless it is an urgent matter.
Sure enough, after opening the door, the person standing outside was Princess Lingyun's personal maid.
She bowed properly and said respectfully, "My princess would like to invite Mr. Collifre to come and have a chat."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's attention was focused on the Banqui people.
At this time, he still had a piece of Dongpo pork in his mouth, his cheeks were bulging, and he almost choked when he suddenly became the focus of attention.
The blocked mouth could not speak clearly for a while, and the sound was just a mumble, which no one could hear.
Instead, Tan Min took the initiative to help him agree: "Go report to His Highness and tell him to wait and then go."
The maid bowed and walked out the door with her back bowed.
Colliver drank his tea, calmed down, and said, "I don't want to go."
As for the reason why he didn't want to go, it was simply the psychological shadow that the Banqui people had always had.
This made him instinctively resist this invitation.
As if afraid that his refusal was not strong enough, Colliver wanted to speak again.
Then, Tan Min said calmly, "Our princesses of the Great Zhou have always been well-mannered and polite. In the Great Zhou, there aren't that many taboos between men and women. We often meet at poetry gatherings and polo games, so it's nothing unusual. Besides, it's not customary for our royal family to forcibly seize women."
Just one sentence made Zhong Zuo's expression distorted.
Although he understood the logic and Colliver was good-looking enough, this word still sounded strange...
But Colliver still looked hesitant and somewhat uncertain.
Zhong Yao said lightly, "Remember, Her Royal Highness is a powerful princess with fiefdoms. There are many businesses that can be done there. Many of the materials that Mr. Collivers needed just now are produced there. It would be a pity to miss such a good business opportunity."
Colliver swallowed back the words he wanted to refuse, his eyes shining, he stood up and said goodbye, and was led to the princess.
Zhong Zuo looked at the man's back and couldn't help but say, "Fortunately, Master Tan is here, otherwise he wouldn't dare."
Tan Min raised his eyes: "What does it have to do with me?"
Zhong Zuo replied, "Didn't Master Tan say that the princess had no other thoughts?"
Tan Min smiled and said calmly: "Oh, I lied to him."
Zhong Zuo: …???
Zhong Yao had seen through everything long ago and was exceptionally calm at this moment: "It's nothing to have feelings for her. The man is not married yet and the woman is not married yet. They just met to chat. If they are compatible, then it's a marriage. If not, it doesn't matter. Princess Lingyun has always been generous and kind, she won't cheat him."
Tan Min smiled and thought to himself that he had actually been thinking about how to strengthen the connection before.
Now, isn't this an opportunity that comes right to your doorstep?
What could be better than marriage?
But he said, "The immortal once said that love is free. We should respect their choice and not force them. You should also avoid saying this to others, lest it put pressure on Mr. Ke. Think about it, at the very least, we can get some trade routes, right?"
Zhong Yao nodded and smiled gently.
On the other hand, Zhong Zuo on the side thought about it carefully for a long time.
The more I think about it, the more sour I feel.
He had just almost lost everything in his efforts to secure trade between the Great Zhou and the Barbarian Kingdom.
As a result, the opportunity came to Colliver just by showing up.
Thinking of this, Zhong Zuo muttered: "I don't want to work hard anymore..."
Zhong Yao responded mercilessly, "You don't stand a chance."
"Why?"
"Look at the face."
Zhong Zuo: ...
I wanted to refute it, but when I looked at the graceful and elegant Tan Min, then looked at the elegant and graceful Zhong Yao, and thought about the exquisite Colliver who had left...
Why!
We are all human beings, why is there such a big difference between us!
Zhong Zuo, who felt that his appearance lowered the average, was furious: "Is it so great just to be good-looking?"
Zhong Yao said calmly: "Yes, it is amazing."
Zhong Zuo: ...
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