Fu Xiaoguan's words broke the inherent concept of hierarchy in the minds of Li Wenhui and the other three.
In this world, businessmen like them would not dare to act presumptuously even in front of a county magistrate, let alone a prefect.
But Fu Xiaoguan's words came from the heart, making them suddenly feel that this young man was completely different from what they had imagined.
Lord Ding'an!
In such a great Yu Dynasty, there is only one Earl now!
He has another, even more terrifying identity, which they dare not even mention.
Even on their way to the west gate, they thought about being rejected by the earl, or that it might be impossible for him to even say a word to them.
But everything was beyond their expectations, this lord was not like that!
He really looks like the 17 or 18-year-old boy next door.
It’s just that this young man has good manners, speaks and laughs in a polite manner, and his words and actions are extremely mature and measured.
As a result, the atmosphere at the table became relaxed. Although Li Wenhui and the other three were still a little reserved, they relaxed a lot as they drank and chatted.
"Lord Ding'an, I once visited Jinling in the third year of the Xuanli reign. Jinling's prosperity is incomparable to Wofeng City! Forget about anything else, just talking about food, Jinling City has almost every kind of cuisine from all over the world. Speaking of grandeur, Sifanglou is the best!"
I still remember the famous dish in Sifanglou, called West Lake Vinegar Fish. The taste...tsk tsk tsk, I still can't forget it!"
Wang Xiaozhong from Jinxiufang praised it, and Fu Xiaoguan laughed, "The owner of Sifanglou will probably open a branch in Wofeng City. Then you can all taste the authentic Jiangnan flavor."
"really?"
"To be honest, Sifanglou is known as my family's back kitchen. I'm a frequent visitor there, and Magistrate Ning can attest to that!"
He paused, then continued, "But the dishes at Shuiyunlou are quite good, with a unique flavor. Especially the smoked shad with Maofeng sauce and the pheasant stewed with stone ear mushrooms. They are cooked to perfection and are very skillfully prepared."
Li Wenhui was immediately overjoyed. Considering the status of this Earl of Ding'an, his taste must be very high. He had been worried that the dish would not suit his appetite, but he did not expect to receive such praise from him.
"The owner of Shuiyunlou is my brother-in-law. If Earl Ding'an likes a certain dish in the future, just send someone to tell him about it. I promise to deliver it hot to Earl Ding'an's house!"
Fu Xiaoguan grinned, "That's fine, but we have to be clear upfront. The amount of silver is what it is. I'd like to take advantage of this banquet to say a few words from the bottom of my heart..."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone put down their chopsticks and wine glasses, sat up straight, and pricked up their ears, afraid of missing a word!
What Ding'an Bo is going to say at this moment is definitely related to the future development and direction of Wofeng Road.
For these businessmen, this is the information they have been waiting for!
"I think you have great foresight in staying at Wofeng Road."
"Now that you are all citizens of the Yu Dynasty, I will leave aside the details of how the Yi Kingdom once governed this place. I do not wish to comment further."
"The current national policy of the Yu Dynasty is to vigorously promote the policy of advancing commerce and agriculture. Among the fourteen prefectures of the Yu Dynasty, Wofeng Road holds a particularly special position!
This is the first reform demonstration zone that I personally proposed to Your Majesty, and which was approved by Your Majesty and Prime Minister Yan. It is called the Wofengdao Special Economic Zone! "
“Since it’s a reform demonstration zone, everything here will be different from the other thirteen regions of the Yu Dynasty.
Let me first discuss the officials here. I believe your sources already know that Wofeng Road has been re-divided into three prefectures and 220 counties. Aside from the three prefectures, all other officials were personally selected by me through this special examination."
"Don't underestimate them because they are fresh graduates. What I want is their passion for exploration and progress."
"In the entire Wofeng Road, I will not allow any businessmen and officials to have any vested interests. I must make this clear. If an official accepts bribes, he will definitely go to jail! And if a businessman bribes..."
Fu Xiaoguan's expression was extremely serious at this moment. He glanced at Li Wenhui and the other three, causing them to shiver uncontrollably.
"Businessmen who bribe will be sentenced to prison for the same crime!"
The four of them were shocked. In the past, giving gifts to the officials of Wofeng Road was a must. Not to mention festivals, even on ordinary days, they had to give some money for tea. In the words of past officials, this was the rule.
This rule has been around for a long time, and they have even become accustomed to it. But now, after hearing what Fu Xiaoguan said so seriously... if something like this happens again, they will be thrown into jail!
"I'm not exaggerating, you'll see what's next."
Fu Xiaoguan paused, then continued, "Last year, to promote this national policy, I established the Ministry of Commerce. It's been operating ever since, and has implemented many commercial laws!"
He glanced at the four of them again and spoke again in great earnest, "These commercial laws are different from the Yu Criminal Code. They are more detailed and cover every aspect of business. I have warned the merchants of the Yu Dynasty before, and now I warn you all the same: please be sure to read those laws in detail..."
He sat up straight, his hands on the table. "Those laws are also brand new, but they have already been implemented and are in effect. If anyone violates the terms of those laws, the Wofengdao Commercial Bureau or the Wofengdao Criminal Department will show no mercy to anyone!"
Li Wenhui and the other three gasped. He asked timidly, "May I ask, sir, are those laws... for sale in Wofeng City?"
"I've brought the master copies with me. They'll be printed tomorrow and ready for sale soon..."
As he finished speaking, the serious expression on his face gradually dissipated, revealing a hint of a smile. His voice became soft and soothing, "I say this in the hope of drawing your attention! In short, Wofeng Road will become extremely simple. Officials' position will become to serve you and the people. Remember, they are serving you! As for you, as long as you conduct business legally and pay taxes according to regulations, no matter how big your business is, no one will dare to ask you for anything."
When Mr. Qiao Liu heard this, he blurted out in disbelief: "Really?!"
"It's more real than real gold and silver! For example, tonight's banquet will no longer be allowed. I came to the banquet to reassure you and to tell you these things.
As a major merchant in Wofeng City, I hope you will pass these words on to all the merchants who remain. To protect your rights, you can even form a trade alliance. I suspect the merchants from the Yu Dynasty will also form one. Don't worry about anything, compete fairly, and don't do anything crooked!
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