Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

At the same time, in the study of the backyard of the Cui residence.

After seeing the Prince of Qi off, Cui Yuan and Cui Ming went straight into the study without stopping for a moment.

Cui Yuan sat down in the grand master's chair.

The two remained silent for a moment.

Cui Ming was the first to lose his composure, "Brother, how much of what Prince Qi revealed at the dinner table do you believe?"

Cui Yuan did not answer. He picked up his teacup, skimmed off the foam, and slowly took a sip.

"Although Xiao Jue was drunk, he was still clear-headed. He was clearly rambling on and on, not wanting to reveal anything."

"But we can get at least two pieces of information."

"The emperor doesn't have much cash on hand to invest in the commodity city project."

"And Pujitang obviously doesn't have much cash, so the Shen family and other fallen nobles who have long been trampled under our feet are running out like mad dogs, trying to cling to the imperial court and attempt to turn their lives around."

Cui Ming slapped his thigh hard. "That's right!"

He sat down opposite the desk, his eyes shining.

"Our informants in the Ministry of Revenue have indeed investigated, and the national treasury is currently in dire straits! The young emperor is hoarding cash and secretly purchasing grain in various regions."

Cui Yuan slowly raised his eyes. "No matter how Xiao Jue tries to cover it up, the fact that the court is short of money cannot be faked."

"We made arrangements early on, and nearly 20 million taels of silver have already been invested in grain purchases in granaries across the country."

"Even if we lose the commodity city project, it won't affect our family's foundation."

"With a little adjustment, we can still mobilize 80 million in cash!"

Cui Ming was immediately overjoyed.

"Brother, do you mean we should go all out? First, throw money at the commodity city, then turn around and monopolize grain prices?"

Cui Yuan leaned back in his chair, placing his hands folded in front of his abdomen.

"Once we get our hands on the Commodity City, the number one commercial hub in Lingzhou will be completely under the control of the Cui family, and no one will be able to touch it."

"If we were to completely monopolize grain prices, then the very foundation of the people's livelihood in the Great Yong Dynasty would be in our hands!"

"On that day, no matter what schemes this young emperor is plotting or what new policies he wants to implement, he'll have to humbly consult with our Cui family first! Without the Cui family's approval, his imperial edicts won't even dare to leave the palace!"

Cui Ming rubbed his hands together excitedly, his face showing undisguised arrogance and pride.

"I knew it! No matter how decisive this young emperor is, he can never escape the grasp of our century-old aristocratic family!"

"All his fussing and turning has only benefited the Cui family in the end. He'll have to beg us to give him a bite to eat!"

Cui Yuan gazed at the night outside the window.

After thinking for a moment, I finally made a decision.

"Let's go check out the authenticity at the bidding conference in three days."

"If the imperial court truly intends to undertake this project, then no matter how much silver is poured in, my Cui family will definitely secure the commodity city!"

Cui Ming was eager and impatient.

"Brother is right! We must have this! The lifeblood of Dayong must belong to the Cui family!"

……

Three days later, at the Chong'an Guild Hall in the east of Lingzhou City.

This three-courtyard compound, which is usually used for official banquets, was guarded by soldiers from the Jiangnan Governor's Office early this morning.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), prominent merchants and minor nobles from Lingzhou City began to arrive one after another.

Cui Yuan and Cui Ming arrived right on time.

Upon entering the front yard, Cui Yuan casually glanced around.

There are quite a few people.

Several familiar faces were sitting in the front row.

Several impoverished noble families from Lingzhou, members of the Qingping Earl's family, descendants of a collateral branch of the Ningyuan Marquis, and owners of three or four medium-sized silk and tea businesses in the south.

These people usually didn't dare to utter a sound when they saw the Cui family.

Today, however, they are all dressed neatly and sitting upright, looking quite like they are waiting for a chance to get a share of the pie.

Cui Ming glanced at it and sneered.

All these people combined can't compare to the Cui family's wealth, yet they have the nerve to join in this fun?

Cui Yuan didn't pay any attention to these minor characters.

His gaze passed over the front row and landed on a table in the left corner.

Two groups of people were sitting at that table.

A young shopkeeper, wearing a brand-new navy blue robe, was sitting with his legs crossed, cracking sunflower seeds.

Several employees sat nearby, guarding several large money boxes, the lids of which were sealed with the words "Pujitang".

On the right, against the wall, sat two men in short, gray cloth robes.

His face was calm and his posture was upright.

Cui Yuan glanced at them a few times.

This must be the江湖客 (jianghu knight/folk) that the scouts reported back to a few days ago.

Both groups were extremely arrogant.

Since the Cui family entered the house, they haven't glanced in their direction once.

As soon as the Cui family members took their seats, the surrounding nobles, both minor and middle-ranking, swarmed over and bowed respectfully.

"Oh dear, the Duke has arrived too!"

"Second Master Cui, it's been a long time."

Shen Yanqing was the last to arrive.

He brought three attendants and quietly sat down in the empty seats in the last row.

Cui Ming turned around and glanced at Shen Yanqing.

Hehe, the Shen family.

I heard that the Shen family has joined some kind of "Cuju Association" of Pujitang.

A down-on-his-luck family on the verge of ruin, hoping to turn their life around by joining a group of weak noble associations?

It was exactly 9:00 AM.

The door to the back hall opened, and Prince Qi, Xiao Jue, dressed in a black python robe, walked out, escorted by two Dragon Scale Guards.

Xiao Jue today is a completely different person from the one at the Cui family's banquet that night.

He exuded an imposing aura, stood ramrod straight, and had a steady gaze.

He completely dropped his carefree princely demeanor.

The entire audience rose and bowed.

"Please be seated, everyone."

Xiao Jue took his seat at the head of the table, and the attendants behind him unfurled a huge painted map.

The map shows the planning of Lingzhou Commodity City.

The site is located in a riverside area south of Lingzhou City, covering an area of ​​300 mu.

The shops, warehouses, docks, inns, and teahouses inside were all planned out.

There was also a finely crafted sand table model standing next to it.

The warehouses, shops, and transportation routes were all meticulously maintained.

Most of the people present were seeing this for the first time, and they all craned their necks to examine it closely.

Xiao Jue raised his hand, and the scene fell silent.

"The rules are simple today."

"The imperial court provides the permanent use rights to 300 mu of land south of Lingzhou City, the franchise right for the canal transport of goods to the commodity city, a royal merchant license, and a complete set of blueprints and business operation procedures for the construction of the commodity city."

"The successful bidder is responsible for funding the construction, operation, and management. They will pay 30% of the net profit to the imperial court annually."

"The bidding method is open bidding, and the highest bidder wins."

"Fifty percent of the final price must be paid in silver as a deposit on the spot, and the remainder must be paid within three months."

"Starting bid: ten million taels of silver."

The crowd inside sat up straight with excitement.

Cui Yuan and Cui Ming exchanged a glance, genuinely surprised.

Unexpectedly, the imperial court has granted the wholesale commodity city such favorable treatment! Not only does it have the operating rights to operate a large-scale commodity market, but it also has the rights to operate the canal transport of goods. This is truly a treasure trove project!

No wonder when the King of Qi revealed the project's bottom line to the Ministry of Revenue, he said it was worth 30 million.

These minor nobles present probably received the news and thus mustered their wealth to try and snag a bargain.

As soon as he finished speaking, the steward of the Qingping Marquis's residence called out.

"Eleven million!"

"Ten million five hundred thousand."

……

Shen Yanqing listened quietly without participating.

The boss of the Gu family sent someone to tell him that his task was to make a move when the amount reached 20 million.

So all he needs to do is wait.