In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 815 Treasures and Silver

The profit-sharing meeting, held in the fifth-floor meeting room, came to an abrupt end.

The group was in high spirits and didn't dwell on what had happened in the room. Instead, they happily went to the fourth floor of the shop to collect their money.

The governors and ministers naturally took the lead without hesitation.
Lu Yunyi was still lagging behind.
But people often turned around and exchanged glances with him.
Lu Yunyi just chuckled and nodded slightly.

With Lu Yunyi as the dividing line, behind him were the merchants in the capital who had cooperated with Yingtian Trading Company.

They huddled together, wanting to say something to their friends.
But he never dared to, and could only tiptoe to look ahead.

Just then, Zhou Song, the manager of Xinchen Trading Company, was pushed to the front by several managers with gray beards.
He was gesturing wildly, as if he were talking to himself.
Zhou Song shook his head repeatedly, his face showing resistance.
The group looked excited, their mouths opening and closing repeatedly, but no sound came out.

However, judging from their expressions, they seemed to be offering "kind advice."

The moment Lu Yunyi turned around,

Their actions came to an abrupt halt, and they turned to look embarrassed, giving awkward smiles.

Zhou Song was in the same boat. He could only force a smile, step forward, bow deeply, and whisper:
"grown ups."

"What do they want?" Lu Yunyi asked with a smile, pointing to the crowd present.

Zhou Song's face stiffened, and his laughter stopped abruptly.

After a while, he said in a low voice, somewhat embarrassed:
"My lord, some shopkeepers in the capital want to ask..."
When will Yingtian Trading Company expand to other regions or open branches?

If we need money later, they have it!

Zhou Song pointed to the shopkeepers behind him.
They all had gray beards and exuded an imposing aura, but at this moment they revealed a hint of obsequiousness.

Lu Yunyi looked enlightened and nodded to them with a smile.

These wealthy merchants are no longer satisfied with cooperating with Yingtian Trading Company.
It's also possible that they've been blinded by the huge dividends and want to participate.

However, Lu Yunyi was quite happy for these merchants to participate.

However, the many adults already in the business would certainly not agree.

Although the status of merchants has greatly improved, they are still very far removed from the imperial court.

Lu Yunyi looked at Zhou Song and said:

Yingtian Trading Company has no plans to open any branches for the time being.
For a merchant firm like this, one in Southern Zhili is enough.

Too many such cases would create vicious competition, making it difficult for the imperial court to control.

As for you, don't rely on your connections to open something like the Yingtian Trading Company.
If you think the officials in the court are fools, then go ahead and try.

Zhou Song jolted awake, becoming more alert, his entire being filled with a deep-seated, unspoken apprehension.

He quickly replied, "Please rest assured, sir, I naturally have no intention of getting involved in the business."
Some wealthy old men were interested in it.

I will go back and tell them to give up on this idea.

Lu Yunyi nodded and said:

"Yingtian Trading Company is still expanding and has already passed its most difficult period."
You want to interfere at this time,
The adults in front will not agree, much less allow it.

Lu Yunyi pointed to the many adults blocking the doorway, sighing repeatedly, and then said:

You don't need to ask for too much.
Establishing a strong partnership with Yingtian Trading Company is more important than anything else. How much money is too much? You might as well not live to enjoy it.

As he spoke, an aura of authority subtly permeated the air.
Zhou Song felt that the kind adults of the past were gone, replaced by a chilling atmosphere and a pervasive sense of bloodshed.

"Yes, yes, adults and children will tell them."

"Um"

Lu Yunyi pointed to Han Yike, who was at the very front, and said:
"The Market and Commerce Bureau has just been established, and it oversees more than just the Yingtian Trading Company."
There are also construction companies and cement workshops; we need to broaden our horizons.
Don't just focus on the tiny amount of money from Yingtian Trading Company.

Zhou Song was taken aback, blinking his eyes in a daze.

Yingtian Trading Company? A tiny speck?
He was somewhat puzzled; how could Yingtian Trading Company earn 690,000 taels of silver a year?
How did it become such a tiny amount of money?
However, Lu Yunyi didn't say anything more.
Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back and walked forward.

In the instant Zhou Song fell behind,
Several elderly men quickly surrounded him, asking questions in hushed tones:

"how is it going?"

"What did Lord Lu say?"

Zhou Song was still in a daze when he came to his senses and said:

"Lord Lu has told you to give up on that idea. The trading company currently has no plans to open any branches."
If you're trying to take a roundabout route to achieve your goals, be careful, you might lose your heads.

The crowd was completely silent.

Many of the wealthy men present felt disappointed, bewildered, or took it all for granted.

Yes, how could such a lucrative business be involved with merchants like them? Even the powerful figures behind them don't have the ability to do so.

Zhou Song changed the subject and said:

"Lord Lu also said that you shouldn't just focus on the tiny amount of money from the Yingtian Trading Company."

The trading companies controlled by the Market and Commerce Bureau also include construction companies and cement workshops.
I didn't understand what that meant; you'll have to figure it out yourselves!

Having said that, Zhou Song also made a move to leave.

But the group still held him tightly, asking in low voices:
"Don't go, don't go, what does that mean?"

"Does Lord Lu mean we should go to the Market and Exchange Bureau? Or to the construction companies?"

Zhou Song was annoyed by the constant whispering and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Gentlemen, I am just a broker."
Why are you always pushing me around?
I have no intention of doing this kind of business. You can go ask Lord Lu yourselves!

"Since you and Lord Lu are the only ones who can talk to each other, if you don't go, who will?"

An elderly man with a white beard was furious and disappointed.

"Lord Lu is a kind and approachable person. If you have any questions, you can simply visit him in person."

How could I possibly know what Lord Lu was thinking?
"I'm not a mind reader!"

Despite saying that, Zhou Song was still swallowed up by the crowd.

Lu Yunyi ignored him and slowly entered the fourth-floor vault.
Upon entering, a unique scent of silver and money wafts through the air.

In the open space ahead, at least thirty large boxes were neatly arranged.
More than a dozen have already been opened, revealing the gleaming silver inside.

Beside them, there were a dozen or so smaller boxes, also open.

Inside were neatly arranged banknotes.

You can still smell the faint scent of undried ink.

The adults looked at the piles of silver in the room.
Their eyes shone brightly with excitement.
He was also whispering to his friend beside him, discussing the quality of the silver.

Liu Sili stood beside the silver coins and smiled as he spoke:
"These silver coins were all taken directly from the treasury by the merchant houses and then transported here."

Gentlemen, please rest assured, not a single penny will be missing.
Moreover, all the silver shops have been thoroughly cleaned; they are spotless.

Upon hearing this, many adults turned to look at Zhao Mian of the Ministry of Revenue.

If I remember correctly, even when the Ministry of Revenue issues salaries and bonuses, they wouldn't be this considerate.

Zhao Mian felt uncomfortable under their gaze, coughed lightly, and said in a deep voice:
"I can testify to this matter and guarantee that the silver before me is genuine."
If you gentlemen wish to deposit or withdraw the silver you have received...

You can go to the money shops under the Ministry of Revenue, or you can go to the Ministry of Revenue's office.

Zhao Mian looked at Liu Sili and said:

"Lord Liu, we may begin."

Liu Sili smiled and nodded, then waved his hand vigorously.

Several accountants carrying large abacuses came out from behind him.

He sat down at the empty table in the room, took out his account book, and began to calculate.

"Gentlemen, please step back a little to make room for the silver later."

Liu Sili said with a smile, and the crowd made way for him.

A clerk dressed in red, holding an account book, spoke with a melodious voice:
"Lord Lu, Commander of the Northern Pacification Commandery"

Lu Yunyi, who was hiding in the back and acting as a nobody, was taken aback.
Just by standing on tiptoe, I saw the accountant holding a ledger, looking around.
Is Lord Lu here?

"exist"

Lu Yunyi reached out and squeezed past the group of adults, asking with some surprise:
"Why are you starting with me?"

The accountant chuckled and handed over the roster, saying:
"My lord, the profit distribution of the trading company is based on the order in which the officials and government departments invested."
As the founder, even though your contribution is small, you should still be listed first.
This way, the adults can see the outstanding contributions made by those who established the business.

Lu Yunyi looked enlightened and nodded: "I need the money now. How should it be arranged?"

"Sir, would you like silver or paper money? If you prefer silver, you can have your servants come in and take it away on the spot."

If you want silver notes, just take a small box; one box contains ten thousand taels of silver.

"hold head high"

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded, praising:

"Excellent, very considerate. In the future, this thoughtfulness should be extended to customers and upstream and downstream partners. With this approach, the business will surely prosper."

"That's what the adults taught you."

"Hmm, give me the precious paper."

"Sir, the silver is quite heavy. Please call the guards in. I also have some more."

At this point, the red-clad accountant's voice abruptly stopped. She raised her head blankly, her eyes filled with disbelief, and stammered:
"Sir, do you...do you want precious paper money?"

"Of course, the court issues salaries in paper money, so what else should I take if not paper money?"
"Hurry up, hurry up, don't delay the adults behind us."

The accountant in red, still somewhat shaken, walked to the side and brought over a box of banknotes.
Even after the box was placed on the table, he was still in a daze.

Although the imperial court paid salaries in paper money,
But everyone knows which is more valuable, silver or paper money.

The dividends prepared by the merchant firm were substantial.
The money was simply placed there as a sign to avoid trouble from others.

He hadn't expected that someone would actually want the precious paper money, especially Lord Lu right in front of him.

He handed the box over cautiously.

He then guided Lord Lu to sign and affix his seal to the documents, thus concluding this year's dividend distribution.

Lu Yunyi carried the suitcase to the side.
The group all turned their gazes toward it, their eyes thoughtful and their thoughts wandering.

If it were anyone else, they would surely think the person in front of them was a fool, choosing worthless paper money over valuable silver.

But if it's Lu Yunyi, they'll have to think twice.
Could there be some secret they are unaware of?
The second to receive the money was the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office.

As the newly appointed superior, Zhu Shou naturally had no opportunity to step forward.
It was Marquis Geng Bingwen of Changxing who went to collect the silver, and he also took a share from the Geng family.

Unexpectedly, he also asked for a portion of the paper money, 20,000 taels of silver.

When he returned to the ranks, Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding asked in surprise:
"Is something wrong?"

Geng Bingwen shook his head:
"I don't know, but it's always better to be safe than sorry."

Guo Ying chuckled, speechless for a moment at her longtime friend.

It seems that because they were used to defense in battle,

He always thinks three steps ahead before taking a step, and seems to be growing old in every way.

Guo Ying ignored him and turned to the corner where Lu Yunyi was, asking directly:
"Young man, why do you want precious paper money? What's the deeper meaning behind it?"

"Huh?" Lu Yunyi looked a little confused, then smiled and explained:

"Lord Wuding, the currency issued by the imperial court is called 'Baochao' (precious paper money)."

Silver is explicitly prohibited from circulating in the market.
"I've taken the money and intend to spend it immediately. What else can I take besides paper money?"

Guo Ying's expression was somewhat strange. She felt that Lu Yunyi wouldn't do anything without a reason, so she lowered her voice and asked:

"Tell me the truth, have you heard something?"

“My lord, you stand at the entrance of the Wuying Hall all day long. How could my information be better than yours?”
This humble servant merely feels that, as a court official,
If we don't even trust paper money, what good will it do in the hands of the people?

"only this?"

Lu Yunyi nodded repeatedly: "Really."

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding looked at Lu Yunyi with a complicated expression.
I saw something different about him, a kind of freedom that wasn't bound by anything.

He shook his head and sighed:
"You know, there's no incurable disease in this world. You should think more about your family."

You have a wife and relatives; you can't always be all alone.

These paper notes are not as good as silver.
Silver can be kept at home for decades, but paper money will get moldy after a few years. Why bother?

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"My lord, I really intend to spend this money."

"I partnered with someone to open a trading company, but we're currently short of funds. Luckily, we're receiving dividends, which I can use to spend."

"Is it that shop in the large workshop?" Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding asked with a strange expression.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"It was opened together with the wooden shopkeeper of Miaoyinfang, and they plan to sell some nice items."

Upon hearing the name Miaoyinfang, Guo Ying's expression shifted several times, and she hesitated several times before speaking.

Finally, he sighed and patted him on the shoulder:

"The Miaoyinfang place is a bit complicated. By the way, Song Na's granddaughter is a good woman and a lady from a good family. Go visit her more often when you have time."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback, then laughed:

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

After Guo Ying left, Lu Yunyi chuckled softly, his eyes deep-set.

It's impossible for founding nobles with such deep roots to be unaware of the true nature of Miaoyinfang.

Guo Ying's words were practically a direct indication that Mu Jinghe was no ordinary person.

But that's alright, that's what makes it special.

Inside the Hall of Martial Valor, Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting on the dragon throne.
He was focused on reviewing the memorials; the only sound in the hall was the soft scratching of his pen across the paper.

At this moment, a eunuch hurried in, his steps light yet steady.

He bowed respectfully, his voice steady and unhurried:
"Your Majesty, Yingtian Trading Company held its shareholders' meeting today, and the matter of profit distribution has been settled."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused, slowly raised his head, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, and placed the memorial aside:
"how's it going?"

The eunuch hurriedly and respectfully presented the document in his hand.

Zhu Yuanzhang took the document handed to him by the eunuch, quickly glanced at it, and smiled slightly:
"This trading company is indeed a good business; it can earn so much silver in a year."

Having said that, he handed the document to Zhu Biao, who had come closer to him:
"Here, here, here! Your eyeballs are practically popping out of your head."

Zhu Biao simply smiled, making no attempt to be polite, and immediately opened the package to check. He quickly spoke:

"Father, this kind of business is extremely profitable."

It can not only make money, but also boost the development of villages in the surrounding area, and even help with road construction.
The last time I went out for a stroll,
There was a noticeable increase in the number of villagers entering the city, presumably because they finally had some money.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction:
"Nowadays, all the government departments are secretly complaining that I am not allowing them to open workshops and businesses, and not allowing them to make money."

But if their workshops can also provide jobs for the people, what does it matter if they earn a few dollars?
Businesses are inherently profit-driven, but they can also act for the public good.

It's a pity that many court officials don't understand this principle; they're not even as good as a young man.

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed, and he said:

"Father, Lu Yunyi is from the North."
He truly hoped for a strong nation; otherwise, the north would once again fall to the Manchus.

"Hmm, this time when the dividends were distributed, he voluntarily chose to take the precious paper, which means he knows how important it is."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said:
"Father, there is currently a lot of resistance to paper money among the people."

Some court officials, lacking understanding of the situation, joined in the commotion.

Regardless of the reasoning, Lu Yunyi's actions have clearly demonstrated his stance, which is excellent!

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on his face:

“Paper money is the foundation of the Ming Dynasty’s wealth. If the court loses paper money and turns to silver instead, will the court still have the final say in the world?”
"Those powerful nobles, landlords, and gentry, which one of them doesn't have silver stored in their underground vaults? How can the imperial court's meager reserves compare to theirs?"

"Father Emperor is wise. The problem was that the Yuan Dynasty lost its financial power, which led to numerous wars."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand:
"Never mind that, hasn't Fifth Brother returned yet?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's expression turned solemn, and he let out a heavy sigh:
“Father, my fifth brother has always been stubborn and unruly.”

"Send the fourth brother to tie him up and bring him back!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked troubled, his lips moved slightly, and finally he let out a heavy sigh:
"Yes."

(End of this chapter)