With the influx of refined salt, imperial wine, and vegetables, the powerful and wealthy in Luoyang began to experience, for the first time, what it meant to enjoy the happy life of the rich.
Nowadays, the banquets held between these aristocratic families are based on the standard of fine salt, imperial wine, and vegetables. Those who cannot afford these things naturally feel embarrassed and are too ashamed to hold a banquet.
Banquets naturally involve dancing, and the performances by the visiting troupe made people realize the joy of "singing and dancing," which countless wealthy families eagerly imitated.
The talented and beautiful women from the Western Regions, who were purchased at high prices during the trade, became highly sought-after "commodities" and were pursued by countless young masters from noble families.
For a time, the lives of the powerful and wealthy in Luoyang were the epitome of enjoyment.
The changes in the lives of the powerful and wealthy in Luoyang quickly spread to all directions, and countless powerful figures and rich merchants from the Sili region flocked to Luoyang, becoming completely immersed in its charm.
Although the wealth of the powerful and wealthy merchants around Sili is no less than that of the nobles in Luoyang, their lifestyles are now worlds apart.
"So this is what life is like for the rich...!"
While everyone was marveling at it, the lives of the powerful and wealthy in Luoyang became a benchmark for the surrounding magnates and merchants: what you have, I want too.
As a result, the wealthy people sent their servants to several shops exclusively for the royal family to make purchases.
Every day before dawn, countless servants from various households would arrive early to queue up. Just as the shops opened, the goods were sold out in less than an hour, and for a time, there was a shortage of supply.
Cao Song and Lü Qiang made a fortune this time. In just five days, their shops earned 30 million coins. Watching cartloads of money being hauled into the treasury, the two men were all smiles.
Meanwhile, Cao Song and Lü Qiang got together again to discuss their next money-making plan.
"Grand Minister of Agriculture, as you can see, the few shops in Luoyang alone are no longer enough to meet the people's needs!"
Cao Song nodded. "That's right. I've received many visits these past two days, asking us to stop selling to outsiders!"
Lu Qiang said urgently, "How can that be? We need to make money in Luoyang, but we can't neglect making money from outsiders either!"
Cao Song pondered for a moment and said, "So I think we should open new shops in other places, which will save us from having to resort to that 'purchase restriction' method again."
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture is right. Besides, relying solely on these people in Luoyang, our profits will be limited..."
Lü Qiang strongly agreed with Cao Song's suggestion to open new shops.
"Haha~, in that case, let's go and meet His Majesty together!"
"good!!"
After saying that, the two took their income from the past few days and rushed to Deyang Palace.
In Deyang Palace, Liu Hong looked at the income report that Cao Song and Lü Qiang had brought over and nodded in satisfaction.
Although he was mentally prepared, Liu Hong was still happy to see how much he had earned in just a few days, but he couldn't help but sigh with admiration.
Indeed, "monopoly" is the most profitable thing in any era, especially for essential consumables like salt and alcohol.
Liu Hong then looked at the two men and said with a smile, "I approve of your request to open new shops!"
"Your Majesty is wise!!"
Seeing that the emperor had so readily agreed to their request, Cao Song and Lü Qiang were overjoyed.
If just three shops in Luoyang can earn so much, how much would they earn if they opened shops all over the Han Dynasty, thousands upon thousands of shops?
As they thought about it, their hearts began to race.
Seeing the two of them looking so greedy, Liu Hong couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.
At this moment, Cao Song and Lü Qiang were not concerned about money at all, but rather the thrill of making money.
In other words, it's commonly known as being addicted to making money!
Liu Hong then said, "However, we can't take too big a step when opening new shops. For now, we can just set up shop in Nanyang, Hongnong, Hedong, Henan, Shangdang, and Yingchuan!"
"Your Majesty's command is my due!"
Cao Song and Lü Qiang responded respectfully.
As for the emperor's intentions, the two couldn't guess them, nor did they dare to guess. As long as they could make more money faster, they didn't bother to think about anything else.
"Furthermore, although these shops are jointly established by the royal family and the court, they must still pay every penny of the commercial taxes due to the local government. I will personally send people to be in charge of the collection of commercial taxes, understand?"
"We understand!!"
"Hehe~ Alright, go get back to work!"
"We take our leave!"
Throughout the entire process, Cao Song and Lü Qiang did not hesitate or ask any questions regarding the emperor's instructions.
After Cao Song and Lü Qiang left, Liu Hong took out a map of the area around Luoyang that had been carefully drawn by the "Investigation Division".
The map, centered on Luoyang, includes not only the counties Liu Hong just mentioned, but also parts of the Sanfu region and surrounding prefectures.
Then Liu Hong took out a brush and connected the counties surrounding Luoyang, such as Yingchuan, Nanyang, Henan, and Shangdang, forming an encirclement around Luoyang.
Finally, Liu Hong drew several thin lines centered on Luoyang, connecting the counties together, ultimately forming a spider web-like shape.
Looking at the rudimentary form of the business network he had sketched out, Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction.
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