Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 44 I Have a Business Deal

Even before the second issue of the newspaper was released, Zhang Yunxiu warned Yu Xiangdou not to give this group of Hui merchants a friendly welcome.

At first, Yu Xiangdou was a little surprised. Although Huizhou merchants were not the top two in the capital, they were still influential and could not be given face by ordinary officials.

How could Zhang Yunxiu be so confident?

But after the "Proposal on Changing Native Chieftains to Imperial Officials" was published, Yu Xiangdou finally understood.

Since the turmoil in the imperial court, everyone in the capital wanted to know what kind of article could have caused the officials to lose their composure.
Once something becomes a topic of discussion, it generates traffic.

In a short time, the newspaper's sales soared from 30,000 to 70,000 or 100,000.

Not only in the capital, but also in many merchants from both the northern and southern Zhili provinces, the Wanli Xinbao newspaper was purchased and resold.

A newspaper in the capital costs five copper coins, but it can fetch dozens of times that price in Southern Zhili.

This demonstrates just how influential the Wanli Xinbao was.

From then on, the previously arrogant merchants immediately began to act upon hearing the news.

They swarmed like flies toward the lucrative prize that was the Wanli Xinbao newspaper.

Anyone who goes into business can see through this.

The business opportunities hidden behind the Wanli Xinbao newspaper.

If so-called "advertisements" can be published online, it's not simply about increasing sales.

Are the wealthy merchants in the capital lacking in mere sales volume? Their tea, silk, and restaurants can generate annual profits exceeding ten thousand.

What they lack is reputation and exposure!
As you can see, Ruijin Silk Shop, with only a quarter of its page dedicated to this, has already won people's hearts through promotion in just three issues of the newspaper.

As the saying goes, "Ducks are the first to know when the river warms in spring," meaning merchants are extremely sensitive to the changing winds of the times.

These days, ordinary people aren't discussing the stories and anecdotes in the newspapers.

That is to say, if I become successful in the future, I will definitely go to Ruijin Silk Shop to buy silk and make myself a garment.

That was the best silk shop in the capital.

Ordinary people can't afford silk? That's the best thing about not being able to afford it!

For royalty and nobility, this is the kind of prestige and pomp they crave!
If no one recognizes that the silk they wear is from Ruijin Silk Company, who would know that they are extremely wealthy?
The impact of this cannot be measured by a few coins.

Reputation! Public awareness! These are the keys to long-term success!
Now, the Wanli Xinbao has gained the approval of the imperial court and has no more worries, which has further enhanced its prestige.

How could the merchants not be anxious?

Zhang Yunxiu walked into the hall, looked at Wang Shishun who had a fawning expression, and then turned to Yu Xiangdou and said.

“Master Yu, how many times have I told you to have a service-oriented mindset towards customers? Boss Wang is right. We’re all in business for money. Acting impulsively is not the way to go.”

Yu Xiangdou hesitated, his heart filled with grievance.

"Didn't you tell me to give you a hard time? Now you're blaming me."

"Come, come, gentlemen, please sit down and let's talk."

Zhang Yunxiu casually sat down in the head seat and gestured for everyone to sit down.

"No, no, I wouldn't dare." When Wang Shishun saw Zhang Yunxiu arrive, his face broke into a smile, and he became even more respectful, almost bending over to the ground.

"With your words, sir, I am relieved. I wonder if this front page will be alright?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunxiu narrowed his eyes and sized up the other party, saying, "Master Wang, have you misunderstood? I only said we were doing business, not that we had to sell 'advertising'."

Besides, the Wanli Xinbao is so popular now that everyone wants a piece of the pie.

How much silver is Mr. Wang willing to pay to buy it? The price is different now.

This sudden change in tone almost made Wang Shishun strain his back.

He had already sensed it last time that Zhang Yunxiu was no rich young master who could be fooled, so he came prepared and cupped his hands in greeting.

"My lord, please forgive my recklessness. I only beg you to have mercy on us poor merchants."

"Poor merchant? 'Master Wang, you were all about profit before, and now you're talking about relationships?' Zhang Yunxiu almost burst out laughing. 'Who do you think you are? Talking to me about relationships!'"

"A despicable person."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shishun broke out in a cold sweat, realizing that he had misjudged Zhang Yunxiu.

This guy is the kind of person who can "throw a tantrum" in the imperial court.

So he simply pulled out his trump card and quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Since ancient times, business has always been about profit, but also about relationships. Without relationships, how can there be trust? Does Your Excellency know of the former Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Wang Yuqing?"

"Wang Daokun?"

Zhang Yunxiu frowned, showing some interest.

Since his transmigration, he has gone through all the famous figures of the Ming Dynasty in his mind.

Speaking of which, he did have some impression of Wang Daokun.

He was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the 26th year of the Jiajing reign. A few years ago, he was impeached and retired, eventually becoming the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Most importantly, he seems to have a pretty good relationship with his adoptive father.

It seems that Wang Shishun has some connection with Wang Daokun?

Wang Shishun put on a smile and said, "It is indeed Vice Minister Wang. He is my cousin, and we have always been on good terms."

Speaking of which, my cousin and the Grand Secretary had a special connection. In the seventh year of the Wanli reign, the Grand Secretary's elder brother, Zhang Weishi, the third son of the Grand Secretary, studied the classics with my cousin. In a sense, my cousin was Zhang Weishi's mentor.
Even if you don't care about this old man's reputation, you should at least consider the reputation of Vice Minister Wang."

Merchants in the Ming Dynasty could hardly do without the protection of officials. Presumably, Wang Daokun was one of the major backers of Huizhou merchants in the capital.
But isn't this relationship a bit convoluted?
He's my third brother's mentor's cousin; do I need to give him face?

He stared at the other man and said, "If it were Vice Minister Wang himself, I would give him some face, but Master Wang is trying to make me submit just by using his name?"

"I wouldn't dare." Wang Shishun was extremely obsequious at this moment. "It's alright if you look down on me, but I still have to consider this friendship. I'm just asking you to give me a way to do business. We can discuss anything."

Wang Shishun had a keen eye; he had already realized that newspapers would greatly influence the commercial landscape of the capital. If he didn't get involved soon, the Huizhou merchants might find it difficult to establish themselves in the capital.

Therefore, he must take over the newspaper!
But Zhang Yunxiu was clearly not so easily fooled. He scrutinized the other party and said, "Even if the price doubles?"

Wang Shishun was startled: "Sir, there's absolutely no reason to do business like this!"

Zhang Yunxiu's asking price is already very high; if it doubles, who could afford it?

Even if Wang Shishun were willing to be ruthless, the merchants under him would not agree.

A price of up to four thousand taels is already outrageous; it's practically a losing proposition.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled, shifted his position in the armchair, and said leisurely.

"I was just joking."

"My lord, you are truly witty!" Wang Shishun wiped the sweat from his brow, nearly grinding his back teeth to powder.

Zhang Yunxiu added, "However, to tell you the truth, I have already sold all of these advertising spaces, and there are no slots for you in the short term."

"My lord, this..." Wang Shishun cried.

You're telling me all this because there's no more ad space? Are you trying to mess with me?
Seeing Wang Shishun's ashamed expression, Zhang Yunxiu said casually, "However, for the sake of Vice Minister Wang, I will give you another chance."

Wang Shishun's mood fluctuated too quickly. Even though he was a seasoned shrew in the business world, he was completely subdued at this moment and hurriedly knelt down and said.

"Please have mercy, Your Excellency."

The other dozen or so merchants also knelt down in the hall with Wang Shishun and respectfully bowed to Zhang Yunxiu.

Anyone who didn't know better would think they were harmless little rabbits who had been wronged.

Zhang Yunxiu held a teacup in his hand, gently brushed away the tea leaves with the lid, took a sip, and said leisurely.

"I have another business opportunity. If you are interested, you can contribute some money."

(End of this chapter)