Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 749 Insufficient Resources and Strategies
Qin Zhao went down the mountain and found an inn to stay in in the nearest town.

Just after dinner, Li Wuwei arrived with more than a dozen Huizhou merchants, their faces full of flattery, treating Qin Zhao as the head of the Huizhou merchants.

Qin Zhao sized up the newcomers, his expression displeased: "How did you hear the news and arrive so quickly? Did someone tell you the details?"

"Merchants are driven by profit. When they learn that the mines here will allow merchants to participate in the mining, they naturally flock to it," Li Wuwei said with a smile. "Merchants from Huizhou in the capital have always had a very keen sense of smell."

Qin Zhao pouted: "Are you born in the Year of the Dog?"

No one present expected Qin Zhao to speak so harshly.

Li Wuwei said with a wry smile, "Master Qin, you can't say that... The imperial court intends to share the benefits with the people, so what's wrong with us coming here to take a look? Is it fair and just if the Shanxi merchants take all the benefits while we don't even get a sip of soup?"

"Humph!"

Qin Zhao snorted coldly, his face as frosty as ice.

To outsiders, Qin Zhao seemed to be a selfish person who wanted to monopolize the benefits and not share in the policy dividends of the court, hence their sarcasm.

In fact, Qin Zhao took Zhang Yanling's words to heart and understood the hidden policy risks behind mining.

Making money is one thing, but even a newly wealthy family like the Zhang family understands the need to spread the risks outwards. So she needs to think carefully about what Huizhou merchants would rely on to avoid the possible suppression if the situation Zhang Yanling described really happened.
With the emperor's backing, the Zhang family could naturally disregard the criticisms from court officials. Furthermore, since the risks had already been transferred, the Zhang family had no intention of keeping all the mine profits under their own control. As a result, the merchants who actually handled the transactions became the targets of arbitrary exploitation and plunder by others.

Just as the Huizhou merchants were helpless when faced with the oppression of the powerful and wealthy in the capital, they blamed Qin Zhao for his frequent dealings with the Zhang family, which led to his "undeserved disaster".

Qin Zhao had already been tricked by her peers before, so this time she hoped that everyone could understand the hidden risks and work together to overcome them.

Qin Zhao asked, "Has everyone visited the area that the Second Young Master scouted? What did you think of it?"

A merchant surnamed Song came out: "I just arrived in Xishan not long ago and haven't been to see it yet. I heard that there are quite a few coal mines in Xishan, most of which are private kilns opened here by powerful and wealthy people from the capital. Many of them already have a high output... Does this mean that this time, their mines will also be confiscated by the court and then released again?"

"Haha, you're overthinking it!"

Qin Zhao scoffed, "Where in the world are there so many good things? If I just give you an established, profitable mine, how much benefit can you bring to the court?"

"This one……"

The merchant surnamed Song didn't know how to answer.

Someone in the crowd asked, "Does that mean we have to mine the ore ourselves? And the imperial court will still charge us silver? Who will we sell the mined ore to? Won't the imperial court be responsible for buying it back?"

Qin Zhao's expression was extremely unpleasant.

Standing behind Qin Zhao, Xu Gong sneered, "Why are you all thinking such good things? The imperial court has already bestowed upon you the privilege of legally mining its mineral resources. You want them for nothing? You've opened the mines, and instead of figuring out how to sell them for cash, you expect the imperial court to bail you out? Why doesn't the imperial court organize the mining itself and instead give you such a good deal?"

Someone immediately countered, "It's because the imperial court lacks resources... Besides, mining requires a huge initial investment of silver; does the imperial court have that kind of money?"

Qin Zhao's expression was cold: "According to you, the imperial court only has the right to entrust the mines to you because of a shortage of manpower and resources, and has no right to share the benefits at all? If that's the case, why did the imperial court even bother to survey the mines? Wouldn't it be better to do nothing at all?"

"You can't say that."

Li Wuwei said, "Master Qin, think about it, how shrewd is the second son of the Zhang family? He used to monopolize the entire industry. Now, whether it's weaving or dyeing, he's got it all under his control. Take his soda ash business, for example, who would have thought it would bring in such huge profits?"

Qin Zhao glanced at him sideways.

After all, she was also a partner in the soda ash business, and she was an extremely important shareholder, or even the specific operator, in industries such as glass and printing and dyeing.

Hearing Li Wuwei's words, she naturally felt that the people around her were jealous of her.

Qin Zhao said, "Master Li, what do you mean by that? Are you saying you want to bypass the second young master of the Zhang family and go it alone? Do you even have the authority to mine?"

"No, I had no such intention."

Li Wuwei hurriedly argued, "We hope to open mines through the Zhang family. Incidentally, if the imperial court can purchase the produced coal, we can sell it directly to the court. The price is negotiable. Isn't that the imperial court's original intention? Can't you just tell us the truth?"

Qin Zhao said in a clear voice: "In fact, this business can be opened to everyone, but each mine needs to pay a certain fee based on the quality and reserves of the coal to obtain a franchise right, that is, a contract right. After obtaining the contract right, merchants must mine coal within the prescribed scope, and the output depends on your management skills."

People around them were talking about it.

The merchant surnamed Song had asked earlier, "Then... Manager Qin, how much silver would it cost to contract a mine?"

"It'll cost at least ten thousand taels of silver," Qin Zhao said.

"what?"

Everyone present found it unbelievable.

How dare any random mine charge 10,000 taels of silver? And they just tell you where the mine is, without providing any human or material support, just telling you where you can make money?

"In addition, for every kilogram of coal produced from the mine that is transported out, an extra tax must be paid."

Qin Zhao said, "The percentage will be determined according to the market price, usually 10% of the market price. After it's transported down the mountain, you can sell it however you want."

Li Wuwei looked completely bewildered and asked, "Does the imperial court intend to make a huge profit?"

Qin Zhao said coldly, "Does this mountain not belong to the imperial court? What do you mean by that?"

"No...nothing..."

Li Wuwei's expression was somewhat evasive. "May I ask, after the merchants take over, will the imperial court no longer be responsible for these mines?"

Qin Zhao said, "The Second Young Master said that a public price will be set for the coal produced in this mine in the future. The public price will change every ten days, with ups and downs, depending on the market. The mining tax and transportation costs will also be included in the price."

Someone asked, "Don't we transport it ourselves? How can you call that transportation cost?"

Qin Zhao sighed, “The imperial court will build a road that connects the top and bottom of the mountain, and even leads directly to the capital. I didn’t quite understand the specifics, but in general, it will allow all the produced ores to be loaded directly onto carts and transported to the capital without the need for horses, making it convenient and fast.”

"What... is there to this?"

Everyone thought that Zhang's second son must have gone mad.

Do you think everyone else is an idiot?

They've gone too far with their boasting; don't they know we're shrewd businessmen?

Qin Zhao said, "I will organize the detailed implementation rules when I get back and distribute them to everyone. The Second Young Master said that if we Huizhou merchants cannot secure this deal, we will let other merchants participate in the bidding at an opportune time. At that time..."

"Is this a threat?"

One by one, the merchants expressed their dissatisfaction.

Qin Zhao said with a straight face, "There are some things that I should have explained to everyone in person after more colleagues from Huizhou arrived. But since you are all here today and seem quite interested in this, I might as well mention them to you first."

Everyone stared at each other, feeling uneasy as if they were being led by the nose.

Qin Zhao continued, "This business will be conducted through a bidding process. A bidding process means the highest bidder wins. The imperial court will take a series of measures to ensure that your mining operations here are undisturbed. They will even send the Imperial Guards and the Beijing Garrison to be stationed here long-term to maintain order." "Master Qin, you must be joking."

Li Wuwei said, "If this continues, it will exhaust people to death... Who would come to this remote and impoverished place?"

Qin Zhao said, “If you don’t believe it, someone else will. Before the formal bidding, someone will guide you up the mountain for an on-site inspection, telling you the advantages and disadvantages of each mineral deposit. Finally, everyone will submit their bids, and the highest bidder will win. There will be no designation or allocation. Alright, I’m going back to the city now, so I won’t disturb your enjoyment any longer. Farewell.”

Qin Zhao originally intended to stay overnight in the town, but seeing how impatient these people were, he knew he couldn't stay any longer.

Therefore, she chose to return directly to the capital. Even if she traveled overnight, it wouldn't be a problem. After all, the security around the capital was quite good during the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, and she had many attendants with her when she went out, which was enough to ensure her safety.

“Boss, I think those people just want to get something for nothing, and they’re coming up with all sorts of high-sounding reasons… If we want to do this business, we have to screen out a group of people who are truly interested.”

Xu Gong reminded him on the way out of the hotel.

Qin Zhao said, "People's hearts are not what they used to be! It seems that the Huizhou Merchants Association must make changes. With this mining opportunity, I want to use my own abilities to reintegrate the Huizhou merchants and do this business well."

"You mean...reopen the Chamber of Commerce?"

Xu Gong was quite surprised.

Are you planning to take the lead yourself, set up a separate chamber of commerce, and go against the old chamber of commerce?
Qin Zhao said, "It is true that merchants pursue profits, but the premise must be reasonable and legal, and they must know how to repay kindness. Otherwise, what is the point of having a chamber of commerce? If everyone does their own thing, haggles over every penny, or even changes their allegiance from morning till night, wouldn't that ruin the reputation of our Huizhou merchants?"

"Too."

Xu Gong echoed, unsure of what else to say.

Qin Zhao continued, "Merchants from Huizhou in the capital are too influenced by the business philosophy of merchants from other places. Especially after years of fighting wits with Shanxi merchants, they have become only good at currying favor with the higher-ups and making a living by squeezing food between the fingers of the powerful and wealthy. They have no idea what independence and self-reliance means."

Xu Gong said, "You mean...?"

Xu Gong thought to himself, "Don't say they don't know, I don't know what you mean either."

"The second young master of the Zhang family has foresight and wisdom in business. His vision is more far-reaching than anyone else in the court. This time, he gave up the profits he had already obtained, which shows his broad-mindedness. He is not doing this for the benefit of his own family, nor is he just trying to make money for the court. What he wants is... stable and sustainable development. No one in the court can match this level of vision."

"Under such circumstances, I have no choice but to reorganize the Huizhou Chamber of Commerce. Whoever shares our ideals can join us, and we can advance and retreat together. As for those who only care about their immediate petty gains, they are not worth discussing with."

……

……

Qin Zhao is preparing to reorganize the Huizhou Chamber of Commerce.

On her carriage back to Beijing, she sent a message to Zhang Yanling.

After completing his exploration of the coal mines in Xishan, Zhang Yanling was on his way back to Beijing when he received the news and expressed his support.

Zhang Yanling's return to the capital was mainly due to Zhang Luan's repeated urging.

Perhaps Zhang Luan realized that it would be too difficult for him to make a name for himself in the capital, and the pressure from Li Zisheng made him feel that he needed his son's help to devise a plan. Otherwise, he couldn't even handle Li Zisheng, let alone the many capable ministers in the court.

Fortunately, it wasn't far from the Western Hills to the capital. Zhang Yanling returned to the city before nightfall the next day and first went to visit Zhang Luan at his residence where he was recuperating.

“My son, I have kept your instructions in mind these days, and I have not done anything reckless even when I went out for banquets. Your medicine is really effective. I am much better now, but I get very breathless after walking a few steps and my strength has decreased a lot... I have many evil thoughts in my mind, but I have to restrain myself when I think of the happy life in the future. Look, your father has lost so much weight.”

Upon seeing his son, Zhang Luan immediately began to complain, explaining that he was an obedient and good patient.

Zhang Yanling casually took his father's pulse and found that although Zhang Luan's pulse was somewhat weak, it was at least not disordered, indicating that his condition was gradually improving.

Withdrawing his hand, Zhang Yanling leisurely opened the medicine box beside him.

Zhang Luan quickly peeked out to look.

When she saw her son take out a small cloth bag, she thought it contained some kind of magic medicine, but when her son opened it, she found that it was just some needles and thread.

Zhang Luan asked curiously, "Is this for my father to receive acupuncture?"

"Um... I'm not very good at acupuncture."

Zhang Yanling said regretfully, "Generally speaking, experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctors are more skilled in this area, but I haven't studied it much."

"..."

Zhang Luan was speechless, as if asking, "Are you kidding me?"

Zhang Yanling said, "Father, illness comes like a landslide and goes like a slow, gradual process. You've had such a serious illness, it will take a long time before you can be like a normal person again."

What does 'likeness' mean?

Zhang Luan asked in confusion, "Does this mean that I, as your father, can no longer act as freely as before?"

Zhang Yanling said helplessly, "Father, when people get old, they have to accept it. Your health is deteriorating day by day. Don't you know why? By the way, I heard someone in Xishan say that my brother-in-law wants to bestow a title upon you? And he wants to bestow a title upon me too? Is that true?"

"What...what kind of time is this to still care about the title of Duke? My life...cough cough cough..."

Zhang Luan was somewhat angry.

I regard you, son, as a miracle doctor, and I'm just waiting for you to use all your methods to fully recover me so that I can continue to ride the horse and become a master of love in the future.

So, my son only cares about titles?
Zhang Yanling said, "Besides recuperation, is there any other way to treat your illness? Cultivating your mind and body is the only way to ensure your longevity. Do you really think that your lung disease is not serious and that you can be back to normal in a short time? Let me put it this way, even if you recover in the future, the damage to your lungs will stay with you for the rest of your life."

"Huh? Is it that... serious?"

Zhang Luan clearly didn't believe it.

Zhang Yanling held a needle and thread in her hand, as if she was about to sew something.

Zhang Luan finally couldn't help but ask, "What is this for?"

Zhang Yanling did not answer, but said, "I have almost finished dealing with the mining matter. I will be going to the palace tomorrow to see my sister and brother-in-law. Is there anything you would like me to convey?"

"you……"

Zhang Luan said, "You've been gone for so long, aren't you going to give your father a new prescription? I've been using the old prescription, and lately I haven't felt any significant improvement in my condition. Of course, it could also be because I was too tired today. Not only did I attend court, but I also met with Li Zisheng... Of course, I didn't drink alcohol or have any casual encounters with women... Hmm, so what should I do next to recover as soon as possible?"

"Besides resting and recuperating, what else can I do?"

Zhang Yanling casually said, "If I don't have anything to say, I'll just say you're recuperating at home."

"..."

Zhang Luan suddenly realized that he and his son were not on the same wavelength at all. His old face turned red, but he was helpless.

(End of this chapter)