Chapter 114 The Land of Plenty Beyond the Great Wall
There were many people watching the spectacle outside Zhen Jiangnan, and many people also entered the restaurant.
Achig, the city lord of Sahar, sat in the best private room, watching people come and go from Zhen Jiangnan.
Many of them didn't look like they were from Sahara; many were probably from other border cities.
When Mr. Du first suggested starting such a restaurant, he didn't think it was necessary.
Instead of wasting energy, it's better to think about how to recruit more people and strengthen your own capabilities.
Having troops is the foundation for fighting and the means to gain a foothold on the frontier.
Otherwise, he, a bald prince, wouldn't even be comparable to the generals of other border cities.
Looking back now, I realize that I was short-sighted.
The first large restaurant in Sahara, a must-visit place for traveling merchants.
As long as people come and go, the news will spread.
Thinking back on all the things Mr. Du had helped me plan over the past two months...
Which one isn't twice as effective with half the effort?
Indeed, the two elderly people and children in the family are living better and better in the capital, and those powerful and wealthy people will no longer deliberately make things difficult for them.
Also, it seems that my sworn brother is not so wary of me anymore.
He turned a blind eye to his own behavior of buying horses everywhere.
After sending out large sums of gold and silver, his life indeed improved significantly.
But with all that drinking and eating every day, I do seem to have gained a bit more weight.
"Mr. Du, what are you thinking about?" Achig looked at his first aide, who was lost in thought.
Shen Huaichen was originally calculating how to maximize the value of such a restaurant.
How can we use this restaurant to make even more money?
To develop Sahara City even better.
Or, to put it another way, how to get our hands on the peach that is Sahara.
Achig's question immediately brought him back to his senses.
"Your Highness, I'm wondering if we should establish a dedicated line connecting to the capital."
Use the guise of a merchant to travel between the capital and Sahara.
"That way, maybe one day we can bring the elderly and children over," Shen Huaichen said calmly.
Achig was taken aback, then his expression turned excited.
"Is what you say true, sir?"
"We need to plan carefully; everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner."
"That's certainly possible." Shen Huaichen remained calm.
Achig couldn't hide his excitement and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.
It's been almost half a year since I arrived in Sahara.
Although he had many beautiful women to serve, he still missed his parents and his wives and children in the capital...
If he could really bring everyone back from the capital, then he would truly have no more worries.
"gentlemen......"
“Your Highness, do you know why I named this restaurant Zhen Jiangnan?” Shen Huaichen suddenly interrupted Aqige.
Achig was taken aback.
Why is it called the "True Jiangnan"?
Isn't it because you're from the Central Plains?
Or are you mourning your wife who died in the floods in Jiangnan?
“I am a rough man and do not understand these things. I hope you can enlighten me, sir,” Achig said with a smile.
Shen Huaichen smiled and picked up the wine glass beside him.
The gilded wine glasses contained wine imported from the capital.
If this were a glass cup, it would be a luminous cup filled with fine wine.
"Your Highness, for many years, every tribe has coveted the dazzling world of the Central Plains."
But what's the point of going?
I can't get it.
Instead of envying the magnificent landscape of the Central Plains, we should focus on managing our own small plot of land well.
The Central Plains are shrouded in mist and rain, just like the Jiangnan region.
Could we also turn Sahara into a Jiangnan-like place in the north?
"Your Highness, isn't Saharan good now?" Shen Huaichen asked in return.
Achig thought for a moment.
What's wrong with it?
Saha City is now in excellent condition; it is no exaggeration to say that it is the capital of the thirteen border cities of the Northern Hu.
Not only do many merchants come from other border cities and capitals, but also many merchants from the Da Yu region secretly travel here.
With more traveling merchants, there is more silver.
With more money, you can do more things.
Mr. Du is right. Having more money is not a bad thing. He has been living comfortably these past few months, and isn't that all thanks to the money that has paved the way?
“Sir, you are truly a man of great talent. With your assistance, I am truly blessed!” Achig said sincerely.
Shen Huaichen waved his hand gently.
"Your Highness, I also have a request."
Your Highness is a man of great ambition and destined by Heaven; I, Du, would like to reiterate my previous statement.
"When Your Highness's sword points towards the Central Plains, you must take me, Du, with you."
Achig laughed heartily and finished another glass of wine.
"Definitely! I'm sure that day will come, sir. Thanks to your kind words."
Shen Huaichen smiled, raised his glass to Aqige, and then drank it all in one gulp.
Indeed, the wine from the capital tastes wonderful.
As for what Achig said about one day in the future when he would point his sword at the Central Plains?
hehe!
Shen Huaichen felt that the pie he had painted for Aqige was big enough and round enough.
However, Achig will also drift further and further away from this dream.
If one lives a life of extravagance and debauchery for too long, no matter how great one's ambitions may be, they will eventually be worn away completely.
Life is too short; how many people can resist a life of extravagance and debauchery?
Thinking of this, Shen Huaichen's lips curled into a cold smile.
"What are you laughing at, sir?" Achig immediately asked from the side.
"Du is thinking that the emperor originally intended to trap the prince in Sahara City so that he would die of starvation!"
Who would have thought that this was a dragon entering the sea and a tiger returning to the mountain!
Your Highness, we have completed our first step. Sahar City is now completely under your control.
Your next goal is to take control of all twelve border cities.
"Only in this way will you be safer," Shen Huaichen said with a smile.
Achig nodded.
That's right, we've already established a foothold in Sahara City. The next step is to take control of the remaining twelve border cities.
However, the other twelve cities are all garrisoned, so they won't be easy to take!
"Does the gentleman have an idea?" Achig asked with a smile.
Shen Huaichen nodded.
He pointed outside the restaurant.
Nobody likes to live a hard life.
Saharan has become wealthy, and the other border cities will be envious.
So, the next step is to make money together with the garrison commanders of the other border cities!
People will only trust you if you lead them to make money.
Achig seemed thoughtful.
That makes a lot of sense.
You can only reap greater rewards by helping others make money.
Didn't I used to look down on people who resorted to underhanded tactics?
But what about now?
Isn't it the allure of money and jewels that allows his family to live comfortably in the capital?
"What you say is true. Right now, I still need to establish a firm foothold in the thirteen border cities."
"As for other things, we'll talk about them later." As Achig said this, he also raised his glass to Chen Huaichen.
Shen Huaichen nodded, his face expressionless.
Haha, after making so many promises, this guy probably've already forgotten about them!
Two months ago, this guy didn't think that way.
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