From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

"A price increase?"

Two days later, Dongqing anxiously reported to Chen Shi.

The pharmaceutical company suddenly raised prices.

He handed this month's purchase order to Chen Shi. At this new price, let alone kickbacks, the money allocated by the government was simply not enough!

"Why is the price suddenly so much higher?"

Chen Shi tossed the list onto the table and asked in a deep voice.

Previously, there were still 30% to 40% rebates, which means that the government's allocation of funds was actually quite sufficient.

Even if drug prices fluctuate in the market, they shouldn't suddenly increase so much, and it's not just one particular herb, but all of them that have seen a significant price increase.

There must be some other reason behind this.

"The market price of medicines hasn't changed; what has changed is the price we're paid."

Holly looked troubled and said in a low voice.

really.

Chen Shi sighed; this was deliberately targeting him.

Even if you only raise their prices, these pharmaceutical merchants wouldn't dare target the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, even if they had a hundred times the courage. So the only possible target would be Chen Shi, the newly appointed purchasing manager!

The pharmaceutical companies dare not, and have no need to, target him; there must be someone manipulating things behind the scenes.

As for who it was, Chen Shi had probably already guessed.

"But it's Gu Chenglie."

"I inquired with several pharmaceutical dealers I knew before."

Holly looked around to make sure no one was watching before nodding.

"It was indeed Third Master Lie who gave the order to do this."

"It's haunting me!"

Chen Shi snorted coldly, his face darkening.

Gu Chenglie, a noble young master, doesn't think about making achievements and instead argues with this servant every day. He's not only narrow-minded, but also really neglecting his duties.

Even worse than Gu Chengze.

Frustrated, Chen Shi sighed helplessly, knowing he had to resolve this matter first.

The money allocated by the government was not enough, and Chen Shi couldn't possibly make up the difference himself.

After much thought, there are only two solutions.

One option is to get the pharmaceutical merchants to lower their prices, even if they can't return to the previous prices, at least they can match the amount allocated by the government.

Secondly, they requested more money from the government.

But neither of these methods seems to be very easy.

"Come with me to meet those pharmaceutical merchants!"

Regardless, he had to give it a try, so Chen Shi stood up and walked out.

Dongqing dared not delay and quickly followed.

Yongqiu City has a population of several hundred thousand, and there are more than a hundred pharmacies of all sizes. However, most of them are small shops that only sell some inferior and cheap common medicinal materials, and they are not able to supply the Marquis's Mansion at all.

As for large pharmacies, they are basically all part of the four major pharmaceutical companies.

These four major pharmaceutical merchants monopolized 70-80% of the high-quality medicinal materials on the market, as well as almost all the rare medicinal materials. They were also the suppliers of medicines to the Marquis's residence.

Chen Shi was going to meet these four major pharmaceutical merchants.

Even if we can't solve everything, as long as we can solve one or two of them, we can at least get rid of the immediate crisis.

Today is February 18th, and this batch of medicinal herbs needs to be completed before the end of the month, which is only about ten days away.

"I'm sorry, but my husband is not feeling well today and is unable to receive guests."

The Zhao family mansion on Tongbao Street was one of the four major pharmaceutical merchants.

In the past, let alone the steward, even if Dongqing came, the steward would have to rush in respectfully. But today, a steward simply blocked the door and made up an excuse to prevent Chen Shi from entering.

"You bastard! Do you know who this is? Has Zhao Dacheng lost his mind, daring to..."

"never mind."

Chen Shi stopped Dong Qing, who was cursing loudly, and turned to leave.

Since the other party is unwilling to even meet him, even if they manage to meet, there's probably nothing to talk about.

Since that's the case, there's no need to waste time.

Following that, led by Dongqing, Chen Shi went to see three other families.

But the result was always the same: either he would give an excuse, or the door would simply be locked, and he would never be seen!

"A bunch of blind fools! They'll get what's coming to them sooner or later!"

Holly followed beside him, cursing incessantly the whole way.

Chen Shi frowned slightly; this didn't seem right.

Although Gu Chenglie was supporting him behind the scenes, these pharmaceutical merchants should know that Chen Shi was Xiao Fengxiao's man. Even if they didn't intend to lower the price, they should at least make some show of it.

In business, the most important thing is to be able to get along with everyone. To not even meet Chen Shi, and to do something so ruthless, is it not a consideration for the future?

There's probably more to this than just Gu Chenglie saying a few words.

Thinking of this, a cold smile appeared on Chen Shi's lips.

If Gu Chenglie wants to play, then let's play along.

"You go back first, I have something to take care of."

It was getting late. Chen Shi said something to Dong Qing and then left alone.

They arrived at the Flying Eagle Gang shortly afterward.

"Big brother! What brings you here!"

Just then, Du Yueming was in the gang. When he saw Chen Shi come in, he quickly went to greet him.

He let Chen Shi sit in the main seat, and then sat down next to him.

"Go and look into something for me."

Chen Shi didn't waste any time and directly told Du Yueming what had happened.

"The four major pharmaceutical merchants, ha, we've had our share of dealings with them. Who do they think they are, daring to make things difficult for you, brother!"

Du Yueming sneered, his face showing disdain.

The four major pharmaceutical merchants owned numerous shops, so they inevitably had to deal with Du Yueming and his group. As the saying goes, harmony brings wealth, and the four merchants were usually extremely respectful to gangs. When they saw Du Yueming and his men, they would address them as "Master."

"Don't worry, brother, I'll send someone right away—no, I'll go there myself. I want to see just how tough those old guys are!"

Du Yueming snorted coldly, then smiled and said.

"Brother, don't worry. It's a rare opportunity for you to come all this way. Tonight, I'll treat you to a drink with the third and fourth brothers."

"We'll talk about drinking later."

Chen Shi waved his hand and then reminded him.

"This matter is probably not as simple as you think. You don't need to resort to violence; just help me find out the reason behind it."

"Don't worry, brother, leave this to me!"

Du Yueming patted his chest, unconvinced.

Since that was the case, Chen Shi said no more, drank a cup of tea, and got up to leave.

Du Yueming saw Chen Shi to the door, then led twenty or thirty men straight to the Zhao residence.

Two more days passed, and Du Yueming came to see Chen Shi with a face full of shame.

"Brother, I am utterly incompetent!"

They smashed their shops and even threatened to kidnap the relatives and families of the four major pharmaceutical merchants. Du Yueming used all sorts of threats and intimidation, but the other party just wouldn't budge.

"I already told you that."

Chen Shi chuckled lightly; it was exactly what he had expected.

"I told you to find out the reason, and you did."

"I checked."

Du Yueming nodded quickly and continued.

"It turns out that Gu Chenglie contacted the Jiangnan Pharmaceutical Commissioner, who was Gu Chenglie's maternal uncle and was in charge of the distribution of medicinal herb trading permits in Jiangnan. Without these permits, the four major pharmaceutical merchants could not even buy a single herb or sell a single leaf."

"So that's how it is."

Chen Shi nodded, now he understood everything.

The Great Qian Dynasty had been established for decades, and its systems in various aspects were already quite comprehensive. In addition to state-run commodities such as salt and iron, many privately-run commodities were also subject to control.

The same applies to medicinal herbs and tea; without an official permit issued by the government, one has no right to buy or sell them.

No wonder Du Yueming almost drove the four major pharmaceutical companies to ruin, yet they still refused to submit; it turns out their very lives were being held in someone else's hands!

"In that case..."

Chen Shi pondered for a moment. In that case, there was no point in seeking out the four major pharmaceutical merchants again.

We need to approach it from other angles.