The major grain merchants in the capital have recently been shrouded in gloom and despair.
In early spring, everyone was eager to try, rushing to the field and signing numerous seedling contracts.
Originally, it was thought that last year's harvest was poor, and this year there might not be any surplus grain in grain depots across the country, so grain prices would probably rise even further.
Unexpectedly, the imperial court has taken several major measures this year.
Incentivize land reclamation, develop water conservancy projects, and improve agricultural tools...
Even the King of Qi, who was the least business-savvy, managed to develop several improved farming tools and received commendation from the imperial court.
Another reason is the influx of foreign grain.
Last year, grain prices were high in the Central Plains, prompting grain merchants in surrounding areas to take action.
Within just a few months, grain from Sichuan, Fujian, and Yue all poured into the Central Plains.
Suddenly, the increased supply drove grain prices to rock bottom.
The grain merchants in the capital were worried and regretful.
Looking at those seedling contracts every day gives me a headache.
The price in the contract has already fallen by more than 50%.
If things continue like this, by the time the harvest season arrives and we pay the contract price, we'll probably lose everything, down to nothing.
To minimize losses, it's best to transfer the contract as early as possible.
But given the current market conditions, it's impossible to find a buyer for this contract.
well!
The Cheng family.
After listening to He Youyou finish speaking, Cheng Tingrui raised his eyes and looked at her.
"Youyou, how do you want to collect it?"
He Youyou looked back at him and said, "Minzhi, first of all, we can't alert them."
"Oh? You mean..."
“Don’t go to them proactively; we need to find a way to make them come to us.” He Youyou explained, “If we’re too proactive, they’ll become suspicious, and we probably won’t get a good price.”
Cheng Tingrui nodded: "I understand. I'll find a way to get them to come to us for alms."
“That’s right.” He Youyou smiled.
A few days later, a rumor began to circulate in the business circles of Beijing.
There was a mysterious merchant who made a fortune selling linen.
For businessmen, nothing is more enviable than having a large sum of spare cash.
In other words, there is sufficient cash on hand.
And this businessman, it is said, has some connections with the head of the Cheng family.
Where capital is, there is hope.
This is their hope for salvation.
Grain merchants in the capital were getting restless.
Within a single day, Cheng Tingrui encountered two or three groups of people.
I met one in the alley as soon as I stepped out of my house.
"Hey, isn't this Boss Cheng? What a coincidence!"
Cheng Tingrui couldn't help but turn around and look at his own front door.
"Hmm, what a coincidence. What brings you here, Brother Wang?"
The grain merchant surnamed Wang put his hands behind his back, looked at the sky, and said, "The weather is nice today, so I'm coming out to bask in the sun."
Cheng Tingrui suppressed a smile: "It's the height of summer, Brother Wang, please be careful not to get heatstroke."
"It's alright, it's alright. My old leg is so cold, this will help get rid of the cold."
"In that case, I won't disturb Brother Wang's enjoyment any longer. You can bask in the sun here. I'll take my leave!"
Cheng Tingrui turned to leave.
The grain merchant surnamed Wang quickly caught up with him.
"Master Cheng, let's walk a few steps together."
Cheng Tingrui smiled and pointed forward: "Brother Wang, please."
The two walked slowly side by side.
One step turned into three, and they still hadn't gotten out of the alley after a long time.
Cheng Tingrui glanced at his legs casually: "Brother Wang, your legs are indeed quite cold. It's so difficult for you to even take a step. I'm really sorry to see you like this."
The grain merchant surnamed Wang is indeed a seasoned businessman; his shamelessness is astonishing.
He nodded without changing his expression: "Yes, Master Cheng has a good eye."
After the two walked a few steps at a snail's pace, the grain merchant surnamed Wang finally asked, "Boss Cheng has many friends, does anyone have some extra cash on hand lately?"
Cheng Tingrui thought for a moment: "It seems there is one."
The grain merchant surnamed Wang was overjoyed: "Is he interested in the grain business?"
"Grain business?" Cheng Tingrui asked doubtfully. "Hasn't grain price been falling recently? Is now a bad time to buy?"
"It's a good time, a good time! It couldn't be better!" the grain merchant surnamed Wang said confidently. "We have several seedling contracts on hand, all at fair prices. Prices have dropped quite a bit recently, haven't they? If your friend wants them, we'll give them to him at half price."
Cheng Tingrui looked troubled.
The grain merchant surnamed Wang felt a pang of anxiety.
"Master Cheng, if you still find it difficult to accept a 50% discount, there's still room for negotiation, there's still room for negotiation!"
Cheng Tingrui nodded and said, "Brother Wang is an honest man. I will convey your message to that friend. However..."
"But what?"
"I've heard that many people have been looking for her recently. I wonder if she'll still be available. Brother Wang, just wait for news at home. If you don't receive any news, then you don't need to wait any longer; just find another buyer."
As he spoke, Cheng Tingrui quickened his pace and walked forward.
"Master Cheng, you absolutely must help me..."
The old man with rheumatism caught up very quickly.
Half a month later, He Youyou looked at the seedling transfer contracts in front of her and felt happy.
Cheng Tingrui also holds shares in these contracts.
There was one more thing that had been on He Youyou's mind.
When she first came to the Han family, she sold 1,000 acres of their fertile land.
That year, land prices were high, so I sold it at a high price.
Now that grain and land prices have come down, it's a good time to buy.
"Minzhi, I also want to buy some farmland."
"Where would you like to buy farmland?"
He Youyou had already considered this issue.
Jizhou has barren land and low yields.
The land in the south is fertile and produces abundant grains; in some places, two harvests can be achieved in a year.
"I want to buy property in Jiangnan. Jiangnan has beautiful scenery and a thriving commercial sector. Whether it's buying land or retiring there, it's the best choice."
"Does Youyou plan to retire in Jiangnan?"
"Even if you don't plan to retire there, you can still go and stay there occasionally. I've heard Yangzhou is wealthy? Has Minzhi ever been there?"
When Cheng Tingrui heard the words "Yangzhou," his heart skipped a beat.
He lowered his eyes, concealing the emotion within them: "If Youyou wants to buy property near Yangzhou, you don't need to go there yourself. There are branches of the business there; I'll have the local manager handle it for you."
He Youyou nodded: "Okay. While it's cheap now, help me find out where I can buy 5,000 acres of fertile land?"
"good."
Upon returning to the Cheng family home, Cheng Tingrui immediately sought out Renbo.
"Renbo, have all the old acquaintances in Yangzhou been dismissed?"
Renbo respectfully said, "Some of the servants who followed you back then have returned to the Cheng family, while others have long been sold off."
Cheng Tingrui understood: "Good, that's excellent."
Renbo suddenly thought of something: "Master, could the seal of the master's private property be in Miss Luoluo's hands? She and the master had a very close relationship back then, so perhaps the master entrusted something important to her. Should we ask Young Master Ali about it?"
Cheng Tingrui raised his hand to stop him: "No need. Let's leave the matter of private property here. My current wealth is far greater than it was before. I don't need those private assets anymore. Remember, you must never reveal the relationship between him and me to Ali."
"yes."
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