Just as everyone was getting excited, the fat rich man snorted coldly.
“You people are really short-sighted, only seeing immediate benefits. In the past, we relied on land rent. Although we were not rich, we made a steady and reliable income. That was the right way.”
What will happen to our descendants if we lose our land? It's not something money can buy back.
Do whatever you want, I'm not going to sell the land for money.
Upon hearing this, the previously noisy scene instantly fell silent.
The group looked at each other, their faces showing hesitation.
Fan Hun could no longer hold back and retorted loudly.
"You people really don't know what's good for you. Miss Chen, no, no, Her Highness the Princess has offered such good conditions, what are you still hesitating for? You're like people who want the best of both worlds. Whether you agree or not, I'm willing."
"Shut up!" Fan Tong stomped his feet in anger and pointed at Fan Hun. "You good-for-nothing! I brought you here to broaden your horizons, not to sabotage me. Get out of here and go home. Don't embarrass me here."
Fan Hun, also getting into a rage, said, "Father, do you have any conscience? If it weren't for Miss Chen's miraculous healing, you would be buried long ago. How could you still be standing here talking? Now Miss Chen is the Princess of Anyang, bestowed by the Emperor. That's enough. Don't be so shameless and ungrateful. If you really push me too far, I won't let you get a single penny." He was saying the last two sentences to the wealthy men present.
Fan Tong was so shocked by the rebuke that he trembled and couldn't say a word.
The fat, wealthy man didn't like what he heard and gave a disdainful snort.
"Young Master Fan, stop putting on airs. If you want to be a good person, go ahead, but don't drag everyone down with you. We'll say it again: this land is our life, and I will never sell it."
With that, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhou Jingyuan, saying, "If Lord Zhou has nothing else, I will take my leave now." He then turned to leave.
Chen Qingqing snorted inwardly. He wouldn't listen to reason and insisted on forcing her to use her power.
She frowned, her face full of anger. "How dare you! Did I give you permission to leave? Do you even respect me, the princess?"
The fat landlord paused, not daring to move another step. Although he was unwilling, he dared not resist. However, it was even more impossible for him to hand over the land to the imperial court.
He forced himself to speak, "Your Highness, I don't want to sell the land. You can't force me!"
"Rest assured, this princess never forces anyone to do anything against their will." Chen Qingqing drawled out the last word, then continued coldly, "I'll say it again: anyone who agrees to sell the land will not only receive twenty taels of silver per mu as compensation, but will also be able to join the Ruyi Tower franchise for free."
Furthermore, we can establish a permanent partnership with our company, but this is only valid for today.
If you're reluctant to give up your land, I won't force you. However, this year's land tax will be adjusted to 70%, and not a single pound less will be acceptable on tax day.
I've said everything I needed to say. Now you can make your decision. Those who don't want to sell the land, please leave!
Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in another uproar.
"Raise the land tax to 70%? Wouldn't that mean all that work for the year was for nothing?!"
"Yes, we work hard all year round, and after deducting labor costs, there's not much left. If we were to collect 70% of the land tax, how would we survive!"
"There's nothing to agonize over now. You can't fight city hall. If all else fails, just sell the land!"
"Yes, that's the wise move. Not only will we make money, but we'll also have business to do in the future. It's a win-win situation."
“Your Highness, we are willing to sell the land, but you must keep your word and ensure we have a livelihood in the future. You must buy our mountain products.”
"Yes, our family's leather goods business depends entirely on you."
The short, stout rich man who had previously been the unanimous opponent, seeing everyone else voice their opinions, was furious and cursed inwardly.
Unexpectedly, this young girl has some tricks up her sleeve, even using both soft and hard tactics.
Is a 70% land tax simply driving them to the brink of despair?
He was unwilling, but he understood that since Chen Qingqing dared to say that, she was definitely capable of doing it.
But he was reluctant to part with it; those lands represented the hard-earned wealth of his ancestors, accumulated bit by bit, and he was truly unwilling to give them up.
If he disagreed, the 70% land tax would not only cost him his life, but also offend Chen Qingqing and Zhou Jingyuan, making his future life in Anyang uncertain.
After weighing the pros and cons, he gritted his teeth, looking pained, and said, "Sell, I'll sell too."
Fan Tong couldn't sit still any longer. These people could join Ruyilou for free, but there were already two stores in Qingshui Town. What benefits could he possibly gain?
He hurriedly stood up. "Miss Chen, no, no, Your Highness, as you know, there are already two Ruyi Towers in Qingshui Town, so I can't open another shop. Do you think you could find me some work?"
Chen Qingqing smiled with satisfaction, "Don't worry, Mr. Fan, I plan to open a school in Anyang. If you are interested, you can invest."
Fan Tongyi was taken aback. "Academy? What's that for?"
"The academy offers courses in medicine, cooking, and accounting," Chen Qingqing said, and seeing that Fan Tong still looked confused, she continued to explain with a smile, "Medicine is a place that teaches people how to treat illnesses. It is much larger than a regular clinic and can also recruit apprentices, who will be taught how to practice medicine."
Cooking involves learning to stir-fry and stew dishes, as well as various desserts. After mastering the skills, one can become a master chef in major restaurants or open one's own restaurant or pastry shop.
Accounting is about learning bookkeeping and abacus skills; eventually, you can become a manager in any industry...
Before Chen Qingqing could finish her introduction, Fan Hun interrupted, "Dad, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! What are you hesitating for? Just agree!"
Fan Tong frowned. "Hun'er, don't interrupt. What kind of good thing is this? I think you can earn more by running a restaurant than by treating patients."
"Father, stop it!" Fan Hun stamped his feet in frustration. "You're getting more and more senile as you get older. Haven't you heard the saying? Three highway robbers are not as good as one medicine seller. This is a very profitable business. You can earn more in a year than you can in ten years of farming."
“Yes, yes, you’re right, Hun’er,” Fan Tong nodded repeatedly. “Back in our Qingshui Town, there was that guy surnamed Miao. When his grandfather fled to our town during famine, he was so poor that he only had one pair of pants for winter and summer. But he knew how to treat illnesses, and in less than two years, he bought a house, land, got married, and had children. I was so envious…”
"Alright, Father, stop with this nonsense. My benefactor is waiting for your reply!" Fan Hun quickly reminded him.
Fan Tong scratched his head and grinned, "Princess, then it's settled. Don't go back on your word."
Chen Qingqing's lips curled up slightly, "Don't worry, I will definitely keep my promise to you."
"That's good, that's good." Fan Tong couldn't stop smiling...
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