This son-in-law is wicked in a good way!

"The Prime Minister is right. Shares are related to future profits, which naturally depends on the initial investment."

Zhang Ping'an made no attempt to hide his intentions, stating frankly, "This humble servant plans to divide the management rights of this road into ten million shares, with each share tentatively valued at one tael of silver."

"On the day the shares go on sale, I will release a certain number of shares for anyone to purchase. After purchasing, you can also sell the shares to others, as long as you register with me."

"The proceeds from the sale of shares will be used to build roads."

"However, I must finally remind Your Majesty and all of you that the stock market is risky, and investment requires caution."

The Empress frowned slightly: "Isn't one tael of silver per share too low?"

After all, ten million taels of silver would definitely not be enough to build this road.

"Your Majesty, the first batch of shares is just the issue price; the price will definitely rise in the future," Zhang Ping'an explained.

"In other words, the first batch of shares offered for sale will also be the cheapest."

Zhang Ping'an nodded: "If Your Majesty understands it that way, then you are not wrong."

"May I purchase it?" The Empress was somewhat tempted.

"Of course." Zhang Ping'an was overjoyed. So the Empress was such a good straight man!

The Minister of Works stepped forward, smiling at Zhang Ping'an: "May I ask, Zhang Tiewei, when do you plan to sell the first batch of shares?"

Zhang Ping'an, seizing the opportunity, declared: "Tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you allocate a well-located shop specifically for the purpose of stock trading, so that all stock transactions can be conducted there in the future."

The Empress nodded: "Granted."

"This matter will be handled by the Ministry of Revenue. I will see the results this afternoon."

The Minister of Revenue stepped forward: "Yes!"

After saying that, he turned to Zhang Xuanling and said, "Lord Zhang, go and find a shop for Zhang Tiewei right now."

"I don't think I need to introduce Zhang Tiewei, do I? I'm sure Lord Zhang is very familiar with him."

The Minister of Revenue revealed a wicked smile.

Zhang Xuanling cursed inwardly: Damn it, this guy must have done it on purpose.

"I will take care of it immediately."

Zhang Xuanling's face was grim. The dignified Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue had now been reduced to running errands for Zhang Ping'an.

He recalled that when he handed the letter severing ties with Zhang Ping'an, Zhang Ping'an had said he hoped he wouldn't regret it.

Zhang Xuanling scoffed at this, but now he's been thoroughly humiliated.

After giving Zhang Ping'an a deep look, Zhang Xuanling quickly composed himself, turned around, and left.

Zhang Ping'an completely ignored him and bowed to the Empress, saying, "This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!"

The Empress glanced at Zhang Ping'an, her eyes, which held both majesty and wisdom, carrying a hint of expectation.

"Zhang Ping'an, when the stock goes on sale tomorrow, I will send someone to buy it."

"Your humble servant awaits your arrival!" Zhang Ping'an bowed.

Nodding, the Empress led her people away, and now it was up to Zhang Ping'an to decide what to do.

The Minister of Works walked up to Zhang Ping'an and patted him on the shoulder: "Zhang Tiewei, you'd better prepare a lot of shares! Our Ministry of Works is determined to secure the management rights of this stone-paved road connecting the two capitals!"

Zhang Ping'an smiled and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your support, sir!"

The Left Prime Minister gave him a deep look, frowning and deep in thought. He always felt that Zhang Ping'an had ill intentions, but he couldn't figure out where Zhang Ping'an was up to.

In the end, they had no choice but to give up for the time being and return to the capital with the Empress.

Zhang Ping'an escorted the Empress and her ministers to the Vermilion Bird Gate, bowing respectfully from afar.

After everyone left, he straightened up, a slight smile curving his lips.

"Ha, you bunch of ancient people, now you'll experience what it means to be an angry leek (a metaphor for easily exploited people)!"

That afternoon, Zhang Xuanling found a shop for Zhang Ping'an.

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Zhang!"

In front of the shop, Zhang Ping'an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to Zhang Xuanling.

Zhang Xuanling returned the greeting with a stern face: "I am merely acting under orders, Zhang Tiewei, there is no need for such formalities."

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony." Zhang Ping'an actually straightened up, ignored Zhang Xuanling, and went into the shop to direct the shop assistants to work.

"..." Zhang Xuanling froze for a moment, the dough trembled, and he turned and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Zhang Ping'an directed his men to work until dark, finally getting everything arranged.

night.

The Left Prime Minister's Residence.

The Minister of Personnel and the Left Chancellor sat facing each other, drinking tea.

Kong Wenxuan put down his teacup and looked up at the silent Lu Chongyang.

"Prime Minister Lu, can you figure out what Zhang Ping'an is really planning to do?"

Lu Chongyang shook his head: "I can't tell."

"But, no one gets up early without a reason, and I don't believe he would be so kind as to give up the management rights of that road."

Kong Wenxuan thought for a moment: "Perhaps he has no choice but to relinquish the management rights? After all, the cost of building such a road is astronomical."

"Besides relinquishing management control, what else can he use to raise money?"

Lu Chongyang sneered: "Lord Kong, you were just fooled by the Wenhua Garden mansion, have you already forgotten?"

"..." Kong Wenxuan's lips twitched; he had also bought his house at a high price.

"Let's see what he's up to first."

Wenhua Garden, Zhang Ping'an's home.

Li De Kui, dressed in a red robe, was smiling as Zhang Ping An pressed him into the main seat, his fair and beardless face displaying a gentle expression.

This kid is good; he knows how to handle things!

"Chief Steward Li, what are His Majesty's orders?" Zhang Ping'an bowed.

Li De Kui was a favorite of the Empress, and he and that Miss Mo were basically the Empress's spokespeople.

"Young Master Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. His Majesty wanted me to come and ask you: are you truly prepared to delegate management authority?"

Zhang Ping'an smiled mysteriously: "Steward Li, this is a long story. You just need to tell His Majesty to wait patiently."

"Everything is under my control!"

Li Dehui smiled and nodded.

"Oh, right, one more question."

"His Majesty said that the Wenhua Garden residence has just swindled quite a few people, so they will definitely be very wary of you. Will your stock market methods still work?"

"Haha, Your Majesty, please rest assured on this point. This time, we are making an investment, not engaging in any underhanded tactics," Zhang Ping'an laughed.

Li Dehui rolled his eyes, pointed at Zhang Ping'an with his delicate fingers, and said, "You're trying to outsmart us. Alright, we'll see what you do tomorrow."

"We're going home now, Young Master Zhang, please wait!"

If your boss tells you to stay, and you actually refuse to see him off, then you're a fool.

Zhang Ping'an hurriedly ran to open the door: "This subordinate sees you off, Steward!"

"Hmm!" Li Dehui uttered a satisfied nasal sound.

The next morning.

A shop called "Dawu Stock Exchange" opened on Suzaku Street, the street with the highest foot traffic.

Red carpets were laid out on the road, and red silk hung on the plaque above the gate.

The sight attracted many onlookers, all with curious expressions.

Zhang Ping'an stood at the door, ripped off the red silk from the plaque, revealing the words "Dawu Stock Exchange".

"A stock exchange? What kind of government agency is that?"

"Never heard of it. Could it be a newly established government office?"

The public was unfamiliar with this department, but driven by curiosity, more and more people gathered around to watch.

"Everyone, if you're interested, you're welcome to come in and take a look. I'll explain to you what stocks are."

Zhang Ping'an clasped his hands in a fist and smiled at the crowd, looking just like a salesperson promoting a premium chicken.