Inside the living room, everyone became indignant upon hearing that someone had actually reached in and snatched the cake.
They had come eagerly for the huge profits from coal, and initially everything went as they had expected. Every day, countless Wuhuan people came with large quantities of coal to trade with them.
Watching truckloads of coal being transported back to western Liaoning, everyone imagined the wonderful scene of coal turning into money.
Although many people were resentful that the Yuan family later took the lion's share of the procurement, no one said much because the Yuan family had the engineering college as their backer and could ask for more.
Although they acquired fewer units than the Yuan family, their daily purchases were still considerable, enough to make them very wealthy. After all, this was a project that could generate long-term profits, and if they persisted, their family would be able to rise to the next level in just a few years.
Just as everyone was dreaming of a bright tomorrow, someone suddenly reached in and tried to snatch a piece of the cake that had been allocated.
"Zhang Changshi, who are those people you're referring to...?"
Yuan Yi, the representative of the Yuan family, was also filled with resentment. He had just received a message from the head of the family, asking him to do his best to purchase more coal, but then this incident suddenly happened.
If he were to be branded as incompetent because of this, everything he had would be over. Thinking of this, Yuan Yi was truly tempted to kill someone.
The others weren't much better off than Yuan Yi, because it was almost December, and the cold winter would soon be over. If they couldn't make a fortune now, they would have to wait until next year.
It would be unbearable for anyone to watch a huge fortune slip through their fingers.
Cutting off someone's money is like killing their parents; how could they possibly tolerate that?
Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Zhang Rang couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
"Besides those who have witnessed the profits in the coal industry, who else could it be...?"
Zhang Rang did not directly point it out, but instead sneered and looked at everyone, asking in return.
The group exchanged glances, naturally having some idea of the people Zhang Rang was referring to.
Everyone frowned. Although there were only representatives from these ten families in the living room, each of them was backed by more than a dozen other families. In total, there were nearly two hundred powerful and influential families of all sizes.
This force is terrifying no matter where it is placed. They know this, and others should know it even better, yet some people still dare to provoke them.
"Hmph~, these local bullies, it's one thing to act arrogantly and domineeringly here, but they actually dare to extend their reach into our area, they really don't know what's good for them....!"
Xiahou Dun's father, Xiahou Cai, couldn't help but snort coldly, his words full of contempt for these bumpkins from Liaoxi.
"Patriarch Xiahou is right! All of us here have paid such a high price to obtain the qualification to purchase coal. These people want to interfere for no reason. They are simply delusional!"
Zhao Ning also stood up and echoed, saying that he had invested all his savings this time, and if he couldn't recover his losses, he would truly be left with nothing.
With Xiahou Cai and Zhao Ning instigating the unrest, the discontent in the hearts of everyone present was thoroughly stirred up.
“What you all say is correct! Moreover, before you came here, you signed agreements with the imperial court and local governments in Youzhou, and the coal you purchased will be sold to the local governments at half price first.”
Now that they've caused such a commotion, if you all fail to deliver the coal on time, your purchasing qualifications will be revoked by the imperial court...!
Seeing that the emotions of everyone present had been stirred up, Zhang Rang dropped a bombshell at the opportune moment.
Upon hearing Zhang Rang's words, everyone remembered the most important point, and in an instant, everyone realized the seriousness of the matter.
If the imperial court cancels the procurement qualification because of this, wouldn't all the manpower and resources that my family has invested be wasted?
If that were to happen, not only would their family rise to prominence, but many would likely also fall into decline as a result.
"This...! Are they trying to kill us...? How could they be so vicious...!"
Zhao Ning's eyes were wide open, and he looked like he was gritting his teeth.
The others were no less convinced than Zhao Ning. In their view, this must be a case of powerful local families in western Liaoning trying to take advantage of the situation to get the court to revoke their purchasing rights and then monopolize the huge coal pie.
Therefore, the representatives of these major families have gone from being dissatisfied to being irreconcilable enemies.
"Gentlemen, I won't say much more! I'm only in charge of supervising the coal procurement. As for what to do next, that's entirely up to you!"
Zhang Rang then took out the list that Jia Xu had given him and waved it in front of everyone.
"Here is the list of people we've investigated. Take a look. If you recognize anyone, you can try to persuade them. After all, it's always good to leave some room for maneuver..."
As he spoke, Zhang Rang handed the list to a servant beside him, and then had everyone present read it through.
"Ha~ No wonder they have the confidence to oppose us; they've actually united so many people!"
After looking at the densely packed names on the list, Xiahou Cai couldn't help but sneer. Although there seemed to be a lot of people, he didn't care at all because he didn't recognize any of them.
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