Xiao Rong didn't believe that after they made a fortune, they would be able to abandon their shops on Baibao Street. Those who didn't pay taxes would be kicked out by him.
However, this was not such an easy start. Gao Xunzhi livened up the atmosphere several times, but they did not respond. He looked at Xiao Rong helplessly. Xiao Rong pursed his lips slightly, regretting not bringing out his great sword. That was it.
Xiao Rong took a deep breath, then smiled and said to them, "Are you worried that the tax rate will increase? Don't be afraid. One tenth is the highest tax rate. It will only decrease in the future, but it will not exceed this number. If you don't believe it, you can sign a contract and write it down in black and white. We will not deny it."
The people opposite chuckled.
Isn't it rare to tear up a contract? What's more, you are all from the Zhenbei Army, which is notoriously fierce and unreasonable.
Seeing that they were still unmoved, Xiao Rong was silent for a moment and then said, "The shop is provided by our Zhenbei Army. You just need to prepare the employees and goods. If you want to open a restaurant or an inn, you don't need goods. We will only collect rent if you make money. If you don't make money, we won't ask you for a penny."
Hearing this, one of the family heads couldn't help but raise his head. In fact, he felt that Xiao Rong was right. They all had large families and businesses. Even if they asked a few people to come and work for a few months, it wouldn't delay anything. It was a good thing to make money, but if they couldn't, it would just be a waste of time.
However, just as he was about to open his mouth, the person next to him glared at him fiercely, scaring him so much that he immediately lowered his head again.
Xiao Rong: “…………” Very good.
What he hates most is people forming cliques in front of him. He can't rule the aristocratic families, but can't he rule you powerful families?
Xiao Rong's face suddenly turned cold, and then he turned around and ordered the guards: "Go and invite the king."
Gao Xun was stunned, and the heads of the wealthy families also raised their heads.
Please, please, Your Majesty? Please, Qu Yunmie? The Qu Yunmie who chopped off the head of the Jinning governor because he said something wrong? ? ?
The head of the family who led the group laughed so hard that he looked like he was about to cry: "We are here to discuss a small matter, why did Xiao Lingyin invite the king over? It is better not to disturb him."
Xiao Rong looked at him and said with a fake smile, "I have said all the good things, and Prime Minister Gao has also told you the pros and cons, but you are not grateful. I think it is because Prime Minister Gao and I are not qualified. Then I will invite the king to come and ask you to tell him in front of him why you don't want to pay the rent. Don't worry, the king is the most reasonable. As long as you convince him, the matter will be over."
The heads of the wealthy families: “…………”
Convince Qu Yunmie? Who dares?
If you want our lives, just say so!
At this time, Xiao Rong had already raised his chin, signaling the guard to hurry up. The guard obeyed, turned around and ran away. These people were still in a daze, unable to react.
When they found out that Xiao Rong was serious, they no longer dared to put on airs and quickly expressed with tears that they were willing to open a shop there and pay the rent, even one tenth, no matter how much it was, just don't invite the king over!
Gao Xunzhi: “…” Do you really need to do that?
Xiao Rong then changed his cold expression, smiled and helped them all up, patted their hands and told them not to be afraid, then turned around and asked another guard to find the one in front and tell him that he didn't need to look for the king.
However, the heads of the powerful families still looked at him with fear, fearing that he would change his attitude again.
Seeing how obedient they were, Xiao Rong had not originally planned to mention the collection of essays today, so he took this opportunity to mention it. The collection of essays required three contractors, one responsible for providing pens, ink, paper, and inkstones, one responsible for providing tea and snacks, and one responsible for setting up and furnishing the venue. All three could attract customers at the venue, as long as they didn't do it too obviously.
These family heads looked at him in confusion, not knowing what soliciting customers meant.
Xiao Rong: “…”
He had no choice but to explain to them in a low voice, such as engraving his own name on the tables, chairs or plates he provided, and also providing a small cup of wine, but not more. If they wanted it, he would tell them to buy it from his own store outside. The same goes for pens, ink, paper and inkstone. He should add more ingenuity and try to promote his own brand.
In addition, there must be waiters sent by these three companies in the collection. If you dress the waiters in uniform and ask them to be smarter and more well-behaved, then there will be no need for them to say anything, as the customers will notice their differences and will go out to find other stores that provide the same service.
The faces of these family heads were filled with astonishment, they could actually do this. Well, their usual customers were mostly common people, and there were still few scholars. If they could attract many scholars to consume at their homes, it would be a good thing to increase their reputation, not to mention that if those scholars who won prizes stayed at their inns, their inns would be packed!
This is better than collecting taxes because it is a one-time thing, and they are not short of money. They are just preparing some things, which is nothing to them. Xiao Rong watched them excitedly discussing with each other, smiling and not saying anything. Finally, someone reacted.
There are four families in total, why did Xiao Rong say only three were needed?
Xiao Rong raised his eyebrows slightly, and then told them the conditions. He was going to invite all the capable people in the city to compete for the sponsorship of this collection of essays. As for the competition standard, it would depend on who paid the highest sponsorship fee.
“…………”
After all, it still costs money!
But this is different from paying taxes, it is all voluntary, if you don't want to withdraw, then he will never force you. Also, whoever wants to pay can come to Prime Minister Gao privately, no need to come together.
After hearing this, the expressions of these family heads were more complicated than each other.
At least if they come together they can discuss it, but if they come alone, who knows what others are thinking? What if they agreed not to come, and then one of them comes and takes on all the tasks for the three parties? In that case, wouldn't they just have to watch that other party steal the show in this anthology?
And how much should I pay? If I pay too little, it will be wasted, but if I pay too much, I am afraid of being at a disadvantage.
Not to mention that the competitors are not just these four families. The governor intends to let the whole city compete. Although there are only a few families that can host an anthology of this scale, and they all know each other, their relationship... is not that friendly.
They came in with a look of trepidation on their faces and now left with sweat all over their foreheads. Xiao Rong watched them leave, then turned his head happily and smiled at Gao Xunzhi.
“I like them, they are all lovely people.”
Gao Xunzhi: “…”
They are all people who are easy to control, right?
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