Chapter 62: A Shelter Appears Outside the City
When questioned, Shi Qizhou revealed his plan, "I wasn't planning on making a big profit from this batch of goods. In a few days, I will join forces with other businesses to control prices. By then, the price will inevitably drop sharply. If you miss this opportunity, you can only make a little pocket money, and it will be impossible to earn a high price."
Xiao Yanci was filled with admiration, while Shi Qizhou waved his hands repeatedly, "I'm just a manager, and everything I do is just following the boss's orders."
Xiao Yanci was shocked.
First, Xiping donated medicine and grain, and now he is hoarding coal and controlling its price. He is not earning any money just for the sake of the people's livelihood. Such a broad mind and such righteousness are rare even among men.
Xiao Yanci originally wanted to take the opportunity to make a fortune, but he quickly changed his mind and entered the palace.
When you do good things, you naturally want to take credit for them.
He would praise a five-point contribution as ten points, not to mention that it was already a ten-point contribution, so any additional reward was what they deserved.
After hearing what he said, Emperor Defeng became curious about the other party's identity.
"Who has such a heart that cares so much about the country and the people? I will definitely reward you handsomely!"
Xiao Yanci kept it a secret, "Your Majesty will know soon. When the time comes, please don't be stingy with your reward."
After gaining some favor from Emperor Defeng, Xiao Yanci left.
Now that Haikou has been boasted, it is natural to do the real work well and there cannot be any mistakes, otherwise you will be embarrassed.
The next day, the prices of cotton clothes and charcoal soared again, and many people excitedly gathered in front of several businesses, ready to smash, loot and rob.
The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became tense and ready to explode.
Chu Yian's job is to be responsible for the guarding and access control inside and outside the city gates. Now that the city is not peaceful, he is arranged to cooperate with the Five Cities Bingmasi to patrol public security.
Seeing that the two sides were about to clash, Chu Yian immediately led his men forward to stop them.
He drew his sword and shouted, "You daring and unruly people, how dare you cause trouble in the city? Don't blame us for being merciless!"
The people were shocked, but some remained fearless.
"What's there to be afraid of? I'm going to freeze to death sooner or later anyway, so I might as well just go for it!"
"I've worked so hard all year, but in the end I can't even afford a basket of charcoal. Life is just too miserable!"
"We have only one cotton-padded jacket for our whole family, and my wife and children can only lie in bed, covered with a worn-out quilt. If this continues, sooner or later, everyone in our family will freeze to death!"
"It's fine if you don't punish those profiteers severely, but you're turning your knives on ordinary people like us. This world really doesn't allow people to survive."
The cries and shouts were everywhere, which made the people extremely angry. They rushed towards the swords without fear of death, which forced the soldiers to retreat again and again. Chu Yian looked ugly.
He certainly didn't dare to actually hurt anyone, but if he couldn't suppress the turmoil, he would probably be held accountable by his superiors.
Just when the atmosphere between the two sides was tense, a loud sound of gongs and drums suddenly came from the other side, followed by a loud shout.
"Let's warm up by the fire! Let's warm up by the fire! Taicang Trading Company, Wanli Trading Company, Runfa Trading Company... have set up warm houses outside the city. Everyone can come and warm up by the fire. There's also free ginger soup, first come, first served! Everyone, come quickly!"
Several people rode on horses, beating drums and gongs and shouting loudly. The whole street soon became lively and the stalemate here was resolved.
"Is this true?"
"Didn't you see? They were wearing official uniforms. Could anyone dare to pretend to be an official?"
"There's Taicang Trading Company. Do you remember Taicang Trading Company? They were the righteous merchants who donated food and medicinal materials during the Xiping War. This must be true!"
While talking, the crowd rushed out of the city.
Whether it is true or not, you will know after going and seeing it.
Chu Yian was also a little surprised, but without thinking much, he followed with his men.
Soon, everyone rushed out of the city and their eyes widened when they saw the situation in front of them.
The desolate wilderness that was originally covered with snow has been cleared and a series of greenhouses have been built, with no end in sight.
The greenhouse is covered with slate tiles and surrounded by thick waterproof curtains, completely isolating it from the biting cold wind.
The curtains were opened, and pots of charcoal fire were burning fiercely. The surging warmth hit people in the face, making them feel hot all over.
In front of each warm room were two huge iron pots, with steam rising from them. People in ragged clothes lined up and happily took a bowl of hot ginger soup.
Those who were already numb from the cold became excited when they saw this grand spectacle and rushed forward regardless of anything.
When they got closer, they were intimidated by the tall and burly imperial guards and could only line up obediently, not daring to overstep the line in the slightest.
Chu Yian and his men were shocked by the grand scene before them.
The construction of these greenhouses is not a one-day job. I'm afraid they had already started as early as the beginning of the sudden drop in temperature.
One can imagine how much it would cost to accommodate so many people and provide them with charcoal to keep them warm.
Chu Yian walked along the greenhouse and saw faces that were heated red by the charcoal fire, as well as pairs of burning eyes.
A surge of excitement also ignited in his heart.
It is said that merchants are often cunning. However, the magnanimity and courage of merchants who are willing to spend such huge sums of money to help the people are truly admirable, and among them is Taicang Trading Company.
If he had the chance, he would definitely express his admiration to the owner of Taicang Trading Company in person.
When he reached the end of the greenhouse, Chu Yian was once again stunned by the scene before him.
There was a small hill in front of me, and there was no way forward. On the cross section of the hill, there was a row of huge holes. Tall and strong men carried thick wooden sticks and stuffed them into the holes, and then set them on fire.
When the fire started in the wood, they quickly sealed the cave entrance.
On a freezing cold day, they were all sweating profusely, full of energy, and with hope glimmering in their eyes.
Chu Yian asked doubtfully, "What are you doing?"
A man replied in a rough voice, "They're burning charcoal! In ten days, this batch of charcoal will be ready. Then we won't have to worry about running out of charcoal."
"Manager Shi and his people are such kind people! Not only did they prepare a warm room for the elderly and children, they also arranged charcoal-making work for us and taught us the craft. We even get paid every day! They are truly our adopted parents!"
"Yes, I will never again call merchants profiteers. There are still more good people in this world."
Chu Yian felt a surge of emotion, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel ashamed.
It was those merchants whom he once looked down upon who worked together to do these things for the people and resolved the disputes and difficulties that were on the verge of breaking out.
Anyone who can come up with such a comprehensive plan must be a person of great talent.
Chu Yian caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye, and his heart was filled with joy as he hurried forward.
"Butler Shi."
Shi Qizhou paused slightly and turned to look at him.
Chu Yian's face was filled with joy, "Manager Shi, it really is you."
Chu Yian had met Shi Qizhou when he was in Xiping. Because he saved his life, he naturally had a very good impression of him.
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