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For most merchants in Panyu City, this month has been thrilling and long.
If the Ghost Scholar's previous mobilization of a fleet to attack the Red Flag Gang could be seen as a territorial dispute between the two gangs, then the imperial army's dispatch of troops to Luoling Island became a serious rebellion.
However, despite making such a big fuss, they ended up in a crushing defeat. Now no one wanted to join the Changjing Gang anymore, and there was no objection to the ownership of the South China Sea.
But the more this happened, the more uneasy people became, not for any other reason, but simply because the leader of the Red Flag Gang was the daughter of General Qiu.
This was not good news for all the businesses sailing on the sea. After all, General Qiu not only captured pirates, but also countless sea merchants who made a living by smuggling.
The pirates hated Qiu Sheng, but did the merchants not hate him too? Furthermore, the Red Flag Gang had been eyeing them covetously, wanting to wipe out the bandits, which reminded them of General Qiu's tactics. Now that even the imperial army was useless, if the Red Flag Gang were to act ruthlessly, wouldn't that mean they would be dead?
Everyone watched the new overlord with trepidation, trying their best to find out who Miss Qiu was. Unexpectedly, the Red Flag Gang's handling of post-war events wasn't as harsh as they'd imagined.
Instead of slaughtering captives indiscriminately, they forced them to pay ransoms; nor did they massacre all the small boat gangs that attacked them, but instead demanded huge compensation. Even the subsequent "flag fees" differed from what many imagined. After all, in the past, pirates who monopolized a region often plundered and killed without restraint. Even if they restrained themselves, they would still occupy private ports, inspect ships passing through, collect high tariffs, and even monopolize certain priceless goods, such as the Long Whale Gang, which monopolized the pepper market.
Just charging a fee for hanging a flag and promising unimpeded passage in the South China Sea and even the East China Sea—if their words were truly kept, it wouldn't be worth much. But if you think about it, the money they're getting isn't necessarily less than robbery. How many ships enter and leave Panyu each year? They're not just collecting money for hanging a flag; they're even checking the number of ships for each company. They're truly scheming.
All of this happened precisely after the Red Flag Gang had triumphed over the stronger forces and completely shattered the imperial army. Everyone knew that the coastal garrisons were in turmoil, with countless deserters every day. This seemingly mild measure only made people more terrified and panicked.
No one knew what the Red Flag Gang ultimately intended, nor could anyone fathom the motives of the woman who commanded such a vast shipping gang and avenged her father. Small vendors were a minor concern, but several of the truly wealthy and powerful sea merchants who dominated the Panyu market were eager for the Red Flag Gang to arrive. After all, true domination of the South China Sea would require dealings with them.
Of course, if that little girl is really like Qiu Sheng, ignoring them and turning a blind eye. Even if the court is unwilling to start another war, they have to find some way to prevent the Red Flag Gang from really cutting off their livelihood.
However, no one expected that the first person to come to the door would be the son of the Lu family. The previous incident of the Jiangdong Lu family's fratricide in Panyu City was well known to everyone. Many people also knew that this second son of the Lu family had a bad relationship with Master Lu and had long since defected from the family. However, his rise to the position of the leader of the Red Flag Gang still surprised many.
After he met with a few people, the news spread naturally.
"Have you heard? The Red Flag Gang is planning to open a bank in Panyu."
"Bank? Could it be a money house?"
"Of course not. That bank is set up for lending, and you can even get interest if you deposit money there."
"Is this true? Giving you interest on your deposits? That's way too generous! Are you trying to scam me out of my money?"
"There was one in Dongning before, and it was connected to the Red Flag Gang's workshop. I have a friend who runs a tea business, and I heard that some merchants in Dongning have invested money in the Red Flag Gang's business."
"Does the bank in Panyu also do this? How much interest do they pay?"
"The lowest is five cents, the highest is one cent, and both are valid for one year."
"That's not much, who would save it?"
"They're not just paying interest, they seem to be planning to open a trading floor alongside the bank. The Zhu, Jin, and Lei families have all met Second Young Master Lu."
"Wait, is that Zhu?"
"Who else could it be? There's a lot to say here..."
There were many different opinions outside, but Zhu Ming, the head of the Zhu family in Panyu, had invited Lu Jian to his home for the second time.
"I've already considered what you said last time. Investing money isn't a bad idea, but I just want to know who actually controls this exchange."
Facing the sharp-eyed and experienced owner of the business, Lu Jian smiled and said, "Of course it belongs to the Red Flag Gang. Those 55 shares won't change, and no one can buy them."
"Fifty-five shares, plus your fifteen shares, so the remaining shares are only thirty?" Zhu Ming frowned. "You must have visited more than three companies in the past two days, right?"
Lu Jian was not surprised at all that the largest grain merchant in Panyu City could find out his whereabouts. He just smiled faintly and said, "Each company can only buy ten shares at most, but it's not just three companies that can buy shares."
This was clearly an attempt to further split the company, but Zhu Ming didn't find it strange. If he owned the bank, he probably wouldn't want others to own too many shares. The fewer shares distributed, the more people would own the shares, making it easier to control the company.
As if he could see through the old man's thoughts, Lu Jian said slowly, "Actually, anyone else could easily set up this bank, perhaps with even more capital and a wider network of contacts. But who has the final say on the seas these days? If they want to dominate maritime trade, I'm afraid the Red Flag Gang will have to be in charge."
This was also the reason Zhu Ming invited this young man back. If it were just a bank, wouldn't it matter who opened it? But with the "trading ground" added to the mix, things were completely different. Only those with deposits in the bank could enter the trading ground to buy and sell goods. Goods could be traded months in advance, with only a small deposit required. How could he, a major grain merchant, not know the enormous profits this entailed?
The world is no longer what it used to be. Even Panyu, a premier port, is facing a decline in cargo and a weakening of merchants. In troubled times, making money depends not only on wealth but also on weapons. The Red Flag Gang is a true warrior, and they're willing to share their profits. While they might be too benevolent for a gang, as a merchant group, they're well worth befriending.
Of course, the other party probably has a lot of plans, such as taking advantage of their power to take control of Panyu, but no matter how they calculate, the huge profits are right in front of them.
It didn't take long for Mr. Zhu to nod his head and say, "In that case, leave ten shares to me."
Lu Jian smiled and said, "Mr. Zhu is really straightforward. I will have someone fetch the contract and have it carefully reviewed before signing."
This is the proper business attitude. Zhu Ming looked at the handsome young man before him and couldn't help but sigh, "Now I finally understand why Young Master Lu is so famous. I never thought someone like you would be willing to speak for the Red Flag Gang."
This was apparently a compliment, but in reality it contained a hint of sarcasm. Lu Jian's expression remained unchanged, as he remained gentle and courteous. "Before, I was just a small-time shrew, and the reputation I made wasn't enough to reach Lord Zhu. Now I've finally made it into the upper echelons. I think Lord Zhu's decision this time will change the landscape of the Zhu family."
These words were well-reasoned and contained a hidden meaning. They were all relying on the Red Flag Gang, so who wouldn't be looking forward to further advancement? Zhu Ming was startled, then burst into laughter: "Then I'll take your kind words."
With a rumble of thunder, they both paused and looked out the window. Dark clouds gathered, and the wind howled. It was clear a torrential downpour was imminent. There had been rumors of a hurricane for the past two days, and they were probably right.
This scene was all too common in Panyu, and originally wasn't a big deal. However, it reminded Zhu Ming of something, and he asked curiously, "There's a rumor that the leader of the Red Flag Gang once guided a fleet to avoid a hurricane. Is that true?"
Lu Jian didn't expect him to ask this, but the scene of that day emerged in his mind. The man had blood on his face and cloth wrapped around his hands. Behind him were tattered ships, but his expression was neither panicked nor ecstatic. He was as calm as ever, and just looking at him could make people feel at ease.
Lu Jian smiled: "That's true. I've seen it with my own eyes. I guess it's because of the protection of the gods."
Zhu Mingke didn't expect to hear such an answer. However, the leader of the Red Flag Gang was Miss Qiu, the only daughter of General Zhenhai. Maybe she really was blessed by the ancestors?
…
"The wind and rain are too strong."
At the same time, Dongning was already experiencing a howling wind and torrential rain. It was the first time that Taoist Le had ever witnessed a hurricane, and the noise was far more terrifying than the rumors had said. Even sitting inside, he felt a chill down his spine, trembling with fear that if he wasn't careful, the house would be swept away.
Suddenly, a huge tree outside the window snapped in two with a "crack." Taoist Le shuddered with fear. "Wait, is the house really going to be blown away? This house has brick walls, so it won't collapse that easily, right?"
Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Taoist Le couldn't help but say to the people around him: "Yi Chi, it's already late, you should hurry up and pack up your things. If the tiles are blown away, the house will be ruined..."
A long string of words, but in return for nothing, Yichi turned a deaf ear to them and continued to write and draw on paper. It didn't seem like he was doing it for the telescope, but rather that he was truly captivated by what the gang leader said.
"Alas..." This is truly hopeless. Even if he passes away, the monks might not leave. Anyway, I heard that although hurricanes occur every year, the damage only lasts two or three months. I just have to get through it...
After enduring for two or three days, the wind finally stopped and gradually became weaker. Taoist Le asked everyone around him before he dared to go out and went straight to the construction site.
When General Qiu's temple was under construction, many people came to help. However, a hurricane hit before it was completed. This was not good news, so he, as the temple keeper, had to go and take a look early.
As a result, before we even reached the place, we heard shouting from afar.
“It’s working! It really is working!”
What happened? Taoist Le quickly quickened his pace and passed through the crowd in a moment. Seeing the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but gasp.
The construction site was a mess, with countless items swept away, but the newly tiled roof was intact, with not a single tile missing. What kind of bizarre news is this?
After a moment of hesitation, Taoist Le suddenly remembered what Gang Leader Cheng had said before. This temple seemed to have used the latest architectural style and was extremely expensive. Could it be for windproofing?
When they saw Taoist Le, many people called out.
"Old Immortal, you're here! Look at this house!"
"Yes, Taoist priest, is this a manifestation of the spirit?"
Facing the shouts of the crowd, Taoist Le elegantly smoothed his long beard and laughed heartily: "With the protection of General Qiu, the leader is not afraid of even the hurricanes at sea, let alone those on land? Why don't you hurry up and start working? Don't delay the important work."
Hearing the newly invited old immortal's answer, everyone roared in agreement. Watching the group of people busying themselves again, Taoist Le secretly wondered whether he should find time to meet the gang leader. This temple was built really well. The most important thing was that it could be windproof. The house he lived in should also have the same structure!
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