Miscalculated, miscalculated.
Li He clenched his fists and howled to the sky.
Mr. Jiang, you are so shameless in your pursuit of wealth. Isn't this forcing merchants to fight each other?
Each peony cost one tael of silver, so ten peony flowers equaled ten taels. Ten peony flowers equaled one more sponsorship ticket. It didn't sound like much, but if all the merchants took advantage of it, wouldn't they be losing a fortune?
It is so sad to hear it and makes people cry when they see it.
Li He and Zhang San's hearts were bleeding, but Chen Jiaojiao in the stands was completely unaware that she had fallen deeply into the Jiang family's voting system. She was still asking foolishly, "How do I vote?"
Bai Shinian smiled faintly and said, "It's very simple. As long as Miss Chen pays ten taels of silver to buy ten peonies, Xiangji Bakery will receive an extra sponsorship ticket. Miss Chen's name and sponsorship details will also appear on the Xiangji Bakery's display. As long as you can afford it, Xiangji might even give you a discount."
Ten taels of silver can send Xiangji Pastry Shop to the finals. Is there such a good thing?
What's more, you can get a discount for yourself. Isn't this a free deal?
Wait a minute, Chen Jiaojiao had a question. "Are the peonies given away for free?"
Bai Shinian shook his head. He took out the gardenias he had prepared long ago and said, "Those who vote for sponsorship will receive a gardenia. The peonies are for the stadium and must be recycled."
As soon as the gardenias came out, Chen Jiaojiao's eyes were attracted by the pure white gardenias. She even thought about what clothes to match them with.
Ten taels of silver is definitely worth it. The handmade materials of gardenias are no worse than those of peonies. And she can be said to be the first sponsor at present. That is unique.
Chen Jiaojiao took off her purse without hesitation and said loudly: "Give me two votes for Xiangji. I want to send it to the finals."
"Okay." Bai Shinian took the purse with a smile, opened it and counted the amount. It was indeed twenty taels. The money came in so quickly.
The bailiff took out a red box and handed it to Chen Jiaojiao. When she opened it, she saw that it contained her gardenias.
Taking the things, Chen Jiaojiao retreated contentedly.
Bai Shinian was still laughing foolishly, but was stung by Xu Jing's cold words. "Why don't you go give Xiangji a vote, and get the banner for Miss Chen too?"
"Okay." Bai Shinian put the money in front of the table and went there happily.
Luo Ying whispered: "You make money really easily."
"That's right." County Magistrate Lin's admiration for Jiang Xuqing is like a surging river, endless.
It seems that only Lord Jiang can pull off this skill of getting something for nothing. He needs to learn more from others.
Xu Jing smiled and said, "What's the point? I'll collect the money from you guys later, but the real fun is still to come."
If there is one, there will be two. Xiangji got one more vote, and the other shops followed suit. In order to advance to the finals, each of them was eager to make it and used all their strength.
There were five hundred spectators at the scene, some of whom were mercenaries of Zhang San and others.
Seeing Xiangji Bakery taking over from behind, Zhang San was filled with hatred. He secretly took out a hundred taels of silver and gave it to his servant. "Go and vote for the sponsorship and give the money to Lord Jiang."
"Huh?" The servant was confused. "Master, we should not spend this money, right? Our results are good enough to make it to the finals."
"What do you know?" Zhang San, feeling unsatisfied, slapped the servant on the back twice and said angrily, "Master, I always strive for first place, not anything else. Quick, vote for me and send Zhang San Bathhouse to the finals."
What else could the servant say? He could only take the silver note to Master Bai to cast his sponsorship vote.
Zhang San inexplicably received ten more votes. Li He saw that his clothing store was about to be squeezed out of the top 25, so he made up his mind and voted two hundred taels.
The servant came back with a sad face and said, "Master Bai said that you can only vote ten times, no more."
What?
Is it possible to spend more money but not be able to spend it?
Li He's eyes turned red with anxiety, and he shouted angrily: "Give me ten votes for the Guest House!"
I'm so angry! How could he lose to that worthless guy from Zhang San's bathhouse? I have to kick him out of the preliminaries.
You vote, I vote, and we are willing to help the store debut.
Xu Jing didn’t know where the store was going to be launched.
He only knew that the table was full of money, and the two people who came to help count the money were almost cramping in their hands.
Xu Jing grinned from ear to ear. "Alright, that's all for today's competition. The twenty-five selected will compete in the finals in three days."
"Your Excellency is truly brilliant." County Magistrate Lin gave him a thumbs-up, expressing his admiration for his ability to make money.
Jin Zhubu's face was filled with worry. "Sir, is this considered blatant bribery?"
"How can this be considered blatant bribery?" Xu Jing said righteously, "They surrendered willingly. I didn't try to deceive them. I paid them the compensation they deserved."
Just hanging a banner and giving a worthless silk flower, how can this be considered a reward?
One tael of silver can buy more than one hundred pieces of silk.
Everyone was embarrassed, only Luo Ying asked seriously, "Who did you ask to order the silk flowers?"
Xu Jing smiled and said, "Don't I own a clothing shop? Making a few free silk flowers wouldn't be a big deal, would it?"
Wait, how can it be free...
Bai Shinian explained: "The materials were provided by the wife of County Magistrate Song of Baiji County. They are free."
Everyone was stunned.
So cruel! Jiang’s scam is indeed as good as its reputation.
The preliminary competition concluded successfully, and after deducting the cost, it brought a total of 1,000 taels of silver to the government. Adding the 1,000 taels of sponsorship and an additional 500 taels of sponsorship, the total amount was 2,500 taels.
Bai Shinian was so happy even in his sleep. The days of counting silver were really happy.
In contrast, Luo Ying is not happy.
Ever since returning to the yamen, Luo Ying has felt uncomfortable everywhere.
When Xu Jing asked, he found out that he was angry about the woman Chen Jiaojiao who suddenly appeared.
"Don't be too busy getting angry at insignificant people. We're about to get into big trouble."
Xu Jing pulled Luo Ying to sit down and, seeing him ramble on about Chen Jiaojiao's faults, poured him half a cup of tea. "The court has sent someone to examine me. I'm sure I'll be promoted soon."
"Really?" Luo Ying hugged him. "What promotion are you getting this time? Prefect, or an official in Beijing?"
"I don't know." Xu Jing shook his head, found a seat close to him, and said, "No matter what, the time we spend together is getting shorter and shorter."
"Why?" Luo Ying asked with red eyes.
"Because the imperial court will never allow the civil and military to be combined. You have to guard the border, and I have to clean up the mess the imperial court has made."
Xu Jing clapped his hands and spoke slowly. "Don't worry. One day I'll be in a high position. Then the chance for us to meet will not be far away."
"You talk as if you're happy to meet me." Luo Ying glared at him, reached out and hugged him in his arms, putting him on his lap.
"You agreed to stay with me, but instead you're so absorbed in your career. Tell me, do you want to leave me and run off to a higher place?"
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