Cao Guangming scoffed upon hearing this: "So what if the people see it? Do you think Her Majesty the Empress would change her mind because of what the people think?"
Cheng Ying smiled: "Although Master will not change the original plan because of Master Cao's good intentions, I can suggest that Master add another road construction plan from east to west. What does Master Cao think?"
Cao Guangming's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
Although the journey across the two streets would cost a lot of money, he could easily come up with the funds.
“Miss Cheng’s idea is good. We’ll have someone start preparing to build the road as soon as possible.”
Cheng Ying was also satisfied: "It is a blessing for the people of the capital to have such a good deed, but there is one thing that Master Cao still needs to pay attention to."
"Please speak, Miss Cheng." At this point, Cao Guangming's tone had gradually become obsequious.
"If Master Cao wants to build a road, it would be best to use more farmers and to follow the master's standards. If it cannot be done according to the standards, it should not be too far off, after all, Master Cao's reputation will depend on these people in the future."
Upon hearing this, Cao Guangming understood: "Thank you for your guidance, Miss Cheng."
Cheng Ying has said everything he needed to say. Cao Guangming's performance was not unexpected. Master is truly wise!
"You're too kind, Master Cao."
The meal was eaten quite quickly after that, and of course, it was also quite enjoyable.
Cao Guangming has found a solution. Spending some money is no problem; as a businessman, he doesn't lack money.
Chengying was happy to have completed her main tasks for the day.
“Master, as you have said, and as I have said, Cao Guangming intends to do as you have said.”
Youqing nodded: "That's right, I'll have to put in your effort from now on."
"It's all what this servant should do."
Immediately afterwards, Chengying got busy again.
Once there's one, there's bound to be two. Cao Guangming is just the first; there will be a second, a third...
Soon, the people of Beijing discovered that not only were the main roads being paved with cement, but other streets were also being constructed one after another.
During this process, Youqing had people spread the word about the merchants who "voluntarily" repaired the roads, and they naturally earned the title of conscientious merchants.
Youqing then asked Kangxi for another favor, praising the merchants a few times. It wasn't much, but it was enough to excite them, and they all felt that the money hadn't been wasted.
Those who received praise were the major contributors, but many small business owners who hadn't planned to contribute now regretted it. So, several small businesses that lived nearby pooled their money to repair the road.
In short, all the roads, big and small, in the capital city began to be repaired. In order to avoid affecting normal order, Youqing specially ordered that the roads be repaired in stages, with sections fenced off and repaired one by one, so as not to delay the normal life of the people.
In February, due to the simultaneous commencement of work by multiple construction teams, most of the roads, large and small, had already been repaired.
Just then, something happened.
During the renovation of a street market, there were instances of monthly wages being withheld.
It was supposed to be fifty coins a day, but in the end, they only received about twenty coins a day, a difference of more than double. Naturally, the workers were unhappy, so they went to the person in charge to ask for more money. But the money had already been swallowed up, so there was no way they could give it back.
A conflict broke out between the two sides and escalated. No one died, but many were injured. The person in charge was seriously injured, as were several of the laborers.
This matter escalated and eventually reached Youqing's ears.
"Master, what should we do about this?"
Is there a contract?
Cheng Ying shook his head: "No, they are all ordinary people. None of them are literate and can work. Who would think of making a contract!"
Without a contract, it's just talk; you can't reason with someone.
"Let's investigate first to see if the employer didn't pay the full amount or if someone embezzled the money."
If the host doesn't pay the full amount but still demands a high price, it's considered deceiving ordinary people. While there's no legal punishment for this, the host will likely suffer a loss of reputation in the future.
If the money was embezzled by the steward, the matter would be easier to handle. He could simply return the money he had taken and be punished accordingly. After all, the master should weigh whether the master-servant relationship is more important than his own reputation.
"Yes, Master."
The investigation was quick. Those who could afford to repair the road were certainly not short of money. They had already bought the bulk of the cement and gravel. Although the labor costs were a bit higher than usual, it was only for short-term work, and the employer would not shortchange them.
So in the end, the investigation revealed that the middle manager had embezzled the shortfall.
"With this matter causing such a big fuss, didn't the family investigate?"
"Not checked."
You Qing frowned. Strictly speaking, the blame could also be placed on the family that built the road, since their management was indeed lax.
"Since they don't want to deal with it, why don't you go and help them? Help them pay for their medical treatment, and also spread the word about it."
She wanted to see if the person in charge would be punished.
This incident can also serve as a warning to others, a case of killing one to scare the rest.
This made it clear to those with ulterior motives what they should and shouldn't do.
Cheng Ying instantly understood You Qing's intention and respectfully replied, "Yes, Master."
After Chengying left, Kangxi entered.
"Why did Chengying rush out like that? What happened?"
Youqing told Kangxi about the matter, and after hearing how Youqing handled it, he also gave his approval.
"You've done well. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Youqing shook her head: "Not for now."
Kangxi smiled and said, "Alright, just say so if you need anything."
"Um"
"Now the cement roads in the capital are being built one by one. To be honest, I didn't expect it to be so fast, and with so little money."
One million taels of silver sounds like a lot, but the capital city is not small, and it can only build a few major main roads. It is powerless to build any extra roads. But now, so many roads in the capital city have been built, and the quality is not a problem.
Even if Emperor Kangxi were to handle this matter, he might not be able to do it as well as Youqing.
He will become emperor, but the road construction involves many merchants. Merchants may not have a high social status, but their role is truly irreplaceable by ordinary people.
Youqing was better able to balance the relationships, a quality that Kangxi lacked.
Youqing dared not accept Kangxi's "praise." It wasn't that Youqing was particularly clever; even people who have never done business in modern times understand the intricacies of the matter.
To make a successful business, you need to choose the right shop. What makes a good shop? It's a place with high foot traffic.
The kind of place with a large flow of people is naturally a clean and bustling place.
Nowadays, cement roads are like a symbol of "cleanliness and prosperity," and ordinary people are more willing to go to places accessible by cement roads.
If businesses want good business, they can't do anything if the environment elsewhere is good. They either have to make the environment elsewhere worse or adapt to the times themselves.
They can't possibly sabotage other roads, so they can only adapt to the times themselves.
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