After a few days of exploration, the division of forces in Suzhou city has basically been figured out.
It can be roughly divided into three major parts.
Government, big businessmen, gentry.
As far as branches are concerned, there are relatively many large merchants in the city. Most of the store land deeds are almost in the hands of large merchants. They have their own caravans, goods, and a complete set of mature operating models.
The focus of the distribution of gentry and landlords is outside the city.
They control most of the unofficial land in Suzhou Prefecture and, to some extent, a considerable portion of their personal guards.
Maybe the money they control is not much, but in terms of storing food, it is very enough.
Even if we encounter one or two disaster years, we can easily survive it, and we can also gather the properties of some individual households to expand our scale.
When the weather is good and the harvest is good next year, it will be a big profit.
Even if the situation in the coming year is not very good, it won't be a big problem if we continue to carry on for another year or two.
The Jiangnan area has always been a land of plenty, and major disasters rarely occur for two or three consecutive years.
Compared with businessmen, gentry had greater power.
Even if the taxes in Jiangnan area are serious, as long as you can spare the food, you can still get the opportunity to serve as an official through recommendation.
As for a businessman, no matter how much money he has, his household registration is also a business registration, and even his descendants are not qualified to serve as officials.
The largest restaurant in Suzhou is Wanhua Tower.
There are no white men in the dealings, but there are great scholars in the conversation and laughter.
This is the best portrayal of Wanhua Tower.
Although it is called Wanhua Building, it is actually a combination of several courtyard high-rise buildings.
There is no level here. As long as you are willing to spend money, you can go to a more elegant place.
The lobby in front of the roof is naturally dominated by storytellers.
Listening to music on Goulan in the past has gradually become niche and private. What the public still loves is listening to storytelling about Di Bao.
At the very back, in Yajing’s courtyard.
More than a dozen men dressed simply but with big bellies walked over slowly.
They are the representatives of the wealthiest businessmen in Suzhou City.
"Master Li, please come this way."
"Master Zhang, I haven't seen you for a long time."
"Hey, what kind of wind is blowing today? Even Mr. Liu is here."
"Mr. Chen, the young one is here, this way, I'm here to invite you."
A middle-aged man nodded and bowed, entertaining these guests in front of the door.
There are no outsiders here, and these merchants, who are usually a bit annoyed, are very happy to hear the calls of master.
Some of them were happy and took out some pieces of silver as a reward.
This made the man's smiling face become even more cheerful.
It was already night the next day. The backyard faced the river, and the river was densely covered with boats. There were constant sounds of falling, and there were lights on, making it a bustling and lively scene.
After the eight businessmen sat down, they cupped their hands with each other.
Everyone is acquaintances, and there are many ways to cooperate with each other, so nothing is too polite.
However, some internal comparisons are still necessary.
For example, a certain Mr. Chen seemingly casually opened up the linen clothes he was wearing, revealing the fine silk and satin underneath.
Mr. Liu rolled up his sleeves, and a string of bodhi seeds was revealed.
Mr. Zhang unbuttoned his clothes, and the palm-sized Jade Bodhisattva was particularly eye-catching.
Among them, only Mr. Li, leaning on the crutch, looked like an old farmer, without any unnecessary movements.
Boom boom!
Mr. Li was the oldest, with deep wrinkles on his face and a head full of white hair. He picked up the crutch and tapped it twice, and everyone stopped their private movements.
"I called you all here today to discuss the proposal of the Qunying Chamber of Commerce to establish a Suzhou shipyard."
"I'm selling four shares now. What I want is for us all to have a good discussion and lower the price for him."
"Everyone has been working for many years. There is no need to explain the twists and turns here. You can see clearly at a glance. The 40% of the shares sold will probably build the entire shipyard, and there will be more leftovers. Get some."
After listening to Mr. Li's words, everyone started whispering among themselves.
Whisper a few words on the left and a few on the right.
Generally speaking, those sitting next to me are grateful for the cooperation, and they have more friendships on weekdays.
Mr. Li did not do this, he just waited quietly.
After a while, Mr. Zhang stood up, cupped his hands in all directions, and then said: "Mr. Li, I would like to say a few more words here."
"That's true, but the Qunying Chamber of Commerce is not a vegetarian."
"The factories in the capital also sold shares before. How did they play? They set a base price for this share, and then cast a secret vote. Whoever writes the higher number gets it."
"Everyone here also understands that money is one thing, but more importantly, they want to board the big ship of His Highness Taisun."
"I've heard that even in places like the Capital, those who have invested in stocks have to be a little more heroic when they go out and speak. Even if they are Jin Yiwei, people from the Public Security Department have to greet them."
After hearing this, everyone who was doing it looked a little excited, even with a bit of longing.
Even though he is rich, outside, even the smallest yamen servant doesn't have a good look to show him.
In the business world, people are all trying to find ways, building relationships, and begging grandpa to sue grandma. Even if they have money, they may not be able to use it.
In front of those wealthy gentry, they are inherently inferior.
This is still the Jiangnan area. Behind them, there are also the support of big families, or they are representatives of their own clans in the business world.
According to the current household registration system of the Ming Dynasty, the heirs of merchants are also merchants and belong to the low-class category, and they do not even have the opportunity to change themselves.
This is why it is said that every time Zhu Ying does something to raise funds, he always gets a lot of money.
The main reason is that for all businessmen, His Highness Taisun's big ship is their only hope to change their destiny.
Even if there are no obvious benefits now, even if it is just a side, no matter how much money is spent, it is still worth it.
Among them, the only one who is not very happy is Mr. Li.
He is a true master and has the reputation of being a scholar.
Although they are criticized for handling their own chamber of commerce on a daily basis, for these businessmen, their status is completely different.
This can be seen from the style of the clothes.
Therefore, Mr. Li hopes more to unite and not raise the price even higher.
The reason for this idea is that the number of shares held determines the status in everyone's eyes.
If it accounts for 10% and a half, there may be a chance to meet His Highness Taisun.
"It's a good idea, but you don't think carefully about it. If we don't join forces, will we definitely be able to win these shares?"
"There are some things that I'm not afraid of you guys knowing. According to the news from Lao Chen, the shipyard's management this time is not only about money, but also about craftsmen and ship materials."
"Do you really think that you can grab this share just by waving your treasure money?"
"When the time comes, all the efforts will be in vain. Don't blame me for not predicting what I've said."
Mr. Li said coldly with a sullen face.
At this moment, it was like a basin of cold water poured on the head, causing other business leaders to suddenly become silent.
After a long time, Mr. Chen stood up, cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Of course we have to follow Mr. Li's arrangement."
"Everyone is gathered here, hoping that Mr. Li can show us a clear path."
When Mr. Chen spoke, there was a sudden echo in the audience.
Everyone was smiling.
Seeing this scene, Mr. Li gave up and snorted coldly: "It's good to know. Don't think that I can still deceive you."
"Okay, now let's talk in detail about how to start this matter."
What comes next is basically Mr. Li’s special performance.
The person next to him was serving tea and water, and everyone clapped and applauded. They all agreed with Master Li's words.
Unexpectedly, in the corner of this room, a thin line connects to the small courtyard next to it.
Things like connected earpieces have long been standard equipment for Jinyiwei.
Especially when it comes to gathering information, it can be said that there is almost no disadvantage.
It doesn't mean that if there are a few servants standing at the door, you can avoid it.
The next day, Zhu Ying looked through the booklet and saw the discussion among these businessmen last night.
"It's interesting. This Li Shuming has some ideas. He wants to lower my price to 50,000 guan per share."
"With the total price of 200,000 treasure notes, you want to get 40% of my shares. You really have some ideas."
After reading it, Zhu Ying couldn't help but sigh at Li Shuming. Sure enough, ginger is still spicy, and his control of some market prices is very precise.
According to current calculations, the estimated cost of completing the entire shipyard is approximately 150,000 guan of treasure money.
Obviously, Li Shuming has calculated the current cost within a rough range.
Including some overflow, 200,000 yuan and 40% of the shares are considered a relatively reasonable amount.
But Li Shuming forgot one thing.
This transaction was not based on fairness from the beginning.
As early as in the capital, whether it was the Spring Festival or the sale of shares.
The thoughts of the businessmen have been completely understood by Zhu Ying.
Judging from the last time, Zhu Ying still felt a little bit at a loss. If he had known this situation, he would have taken more precautions.
The confidence and desire of these big players were greater than he imagined.
"Lantian."
"I'm here."
"Find an excuse to tie up Li Shuming and throw him into a cell for a few days. But be careful not to make him sick."
"I sincerely comply with the order of Your Majesty Taisun."
Zhu Ying would never say what kind of business tactics he would play with them.
As a grandson, to put it bluntly, this Ming Dynasty belongs to me. There are no rules. The rules are set by me.
What twists and turns do you want to play?
Hey, whoever wants to play this with you, teach him what it means to defeat all methods with one force.
No matter how much you jump around or catch someone, it means nothing.
Li Mansion in the city.
Li Shuming is in his sixties this year and got up early.
After some small activities, we had breakfast and then started reading the newspaper.
Li Shuming cared very much about Di Bao, because he could analyze too many things from these aspects.
Whether it is external or internal war, or some policy changes, as a businessman for half a year, Li Shuming can see too many business opportunities.
If you find one right, that is the way to make a fortune.
As long as you arrive in Suzhou Prefecture, you must buy a copy of the Di newspapers, and you will read these Di newspapers again and again to chew on some of the ideas in them.
While Li Shuming was drinking tea and reading the newspaper in his residence, there was a sudden noise outside in the courtyard.
Li Shuming's thoughts on reading the Di newspaper were suddenly interrupted and he frowned.
He wanted to see which servant was so ignorant and needed to be taught a lesson.
While thinking about it, an old servant ran over quickly: "Master, it's a disaster, it's a disaster."
"People from the Department of Public Security are here, saying that I have violated the law and they want to hold me accountable."
Hearing this, Li Shuming stood up immediately.
"What nonsense? I have the reputation of being a scholar, and he, the Secretary of Public Security, has any reason to target me."
After saying that, he was ready to go to the meeting in person for a while.
But at this time, the officials from the Public Security Department had already barged in.
"Master Li is here. It's just right. It saves my brothers from having to look for him. Come on, the Public Security Department has invited you."
The leading yamen officer saw Li Shuming and said with a smile.
Li Shuming's face straightened, and he bowed his hands toward the east, saying, "Thanks to your majesty, I have been a member of Hongwu for four years, and have the reputation of being a scholar."
"The law of the Ming Dynasty prohibits the shackles of a scholar. When you come to arrest me, you have to explain clearly what the crime is."
"But there is a document from the Department of Public Security, which case it is, and it has something to do with me."
"If the explanation is not clear, I will leave it here today and will never leave with you."
The two government officials were immediately frightened by Li Shuming's momentum.
Although he joined the Public Security Department, he was just a big-shot soldier who dared to fight and kill, so he found a way out.
In ancient and modern dynasties, during the Taiping years, literati naturally had a sense of oppression towards warriors.
This was also the reason why the two government officials did not dare to take action.
However, before coming here, the commander personally explained it.
"Okay, Li Shuming, please listen carefully. I'm calling you to the Yamen this time, but it's Master Lantian who personally issued the order."
"You have to go today, whether you want to go or not. If you are honest, you will suffer a little less. If you are not honest, don't blame us brothers for being rough. They are not serious."
The leader of the Yamen said in a deep voice with a serious tone, leaving no room for change.
Hearing this, Li Shuming immediately frowned.
After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, he told the old servant next to him: "After I leave later, you should go to the magistrate immediately and report the situation here to the magistrate Song."
Li Shuming is able to achieve this, not only because of his own fame, but also because of his former classmates and friends.
Originally from a good family, he had many friends with some of his classmates during his studies.
The Suzhou government office also knew Song Xin, who was his close friend.
While studying, I had to bear most of the expenses.
Now that he is able to do so prosperously, the help of his classmates is indispensable.
After the explanation, Li Shuming snorted coldly.
He walked out with his head held high, his crutches on hand, and under the supervision of two government officials.
(End of chapter)
