The next morning.
According to Ji Lie's instructions, Zhao Meiniang, Wang Yan, Li Rong and others came to the palace.
"I've met the prince!"
"No need to be polite, please take a seat."
Ji Lie waved his hand.
After everyone was seated, he explained his intention.
"Now the palace has purchased a lot of new land and handed it over to the people to cultivate."
"Therefore, the palace is in urgent need of manpower, and I would like to select some of your children to serve me."
Ji Lie paused, smiled intentionally or unintentionally, and said,
"If you do well, you might be able to earn a living from a Shangguan family in the future."
As soon as these words came out, everyone present began to breathe quickly.
They are not fools, so they can naturally hear the underlying meaning of Ji Lie's words.
Ji Lie hinted to them that in the future, after Gongsun He was removed and they took control of the fiefdom, they would arrange for their family members to enter the government.
You know, Gongsunhe, as the Prime Minister, has the power to appoint and promote officials.
All members of the Gongsun, Yu, and Yang families were placed in important positions by him.
The rest of the nobles could only serve as low-level officials, or they could not even get an official position.
Ji Lie made such a promise, which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for small nobles like them!
"Since the prince has spoken, we will naturally not refuse!"
"Yes, yes, I will ask Quanzi to report to the palace later!"
Everyone was talking a lot.
Ji Lie just raised his hand slightly, and everyone immediately became quiet again.
"Separate two people from each of your families, but remember that the people who come must be talented, capable, and of good conduct."
"If not, at least send the person back, or at worst remove the family he belongs to from our business alliance."
After Ji Lie and Zhao Meiniang reached cooperation with the eighteen noble families and merchants, he also took advantage of the situation and established the Youzhou Merchant Alliance.
Prepare in advance to make your business bigger and stronger and create greater glory in the future.
Hearing Ji Lie's warning, everyone's hearts trembled and they said in unison,
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"
After everyone chatted for a while, they each stood up and left.
Ji Lie left Zhao Meiniang behind and asked about the situation of Jade Dew Water.
After such a long time, Yulu Shui's business is now on the right track.
Zhao Meiniang followed Ji Lie's wishes and reduced the production of jade dew water to an extremely low level.
As a result, the jade dew water on the market has been in short supply.
The situation in Youzhou City is pretty good. In other counties, and even other states, jade dew water is said to be hard to find, which is not an exaggeration at all!
"Your Majesty is really a genius, he is actually able to research such a treasure."
Zhao Meiniang couldn't help but praise.
Although the business of Jade Dew Water is not as large as that of Zuixianjiang, it is better because of its high price and huge profits.
After a rough calculation, Zhao's Trading Company's profit from it was no worse than Zuixian Brewing!
This is also Zhao Meiniang, who admires Ji Lie even more!
Ji Lie chuckled,
"This is nothing more than a small trick. As long as Mei Niang works faithfully for Gu, Gu will have other businesses for you to take care of in the future."
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Meiniang smiled sweetly and looked at Ji Lie with watery and charming eyes.
At this moment, Laifu came in from outside and saluted Ji Lie.
"Prince Qi, what you asked me to do has been completed!"
"I have something to do, Mei Niang, I'm sorry to excuse you."
"My lord, please help yourself!"
Looking at Ji Lie's retreating figure, Zhao Meiniang felt a sense of loss inexplicably in her heart.
How great would it have been if Liu Youxin had not been recruited as his son-in-law?
She sighed and left immediately.
Ji Lie followed Laifu to a side courtyard of the palace.
There were twenty or thirty figures standing in the yard. They all had young faces and tattered clothes.
"Your Majesty has arrived, why don't you salute quickly!"
Laifu said in a deep voice.
"Meet...meet the prince!"
These young men were a little nervous and quickly and awkwardly saluted Ji Lie.
This time the palace was short of manpower, so Ji Lie not only asked the nobles to provide family members, but also asked Laifu to select some smart young people from ordinary people.
the reason is simple.
As a time traveler, he naturally understood what would happen if he blindly reused the nobles.
It is necessary to promote the children of poor families and compete with the children of noble families in order to ensure stability.
"Are you all literate?"
Ji Lie looked them up and down and smiled gently.
"Reply to the prince, we are all literate, but not many."
There was a brave young man who spoke cautiously.
Many of them had great achievements in their ancestors, but eventually fell into decline.
But fortunately, I still have some wealth and a collection of books at home, so I am still literate.
"That's good!"
Ji Lie nodded with satisfaction and said loudly,
"Do you know why Gu Renren brought you here?"
A group of young people looked at me and I looked at you, and they all shook their heads in confusion.
"Now that the palace is short of manpower, I want to reuse you. I wonder what you mean?"
Hearing this, these young people were shocked!
Their family background is ordinary, not even as good as those of the small noble families.
On weekdays, I can only make a living by farming for others, and sometimes I can't even guarantee food and clothing.
They never dreamed that one day they would be able to work in the palace!
"Why, don't you want to?"
Ji Lie said with a smile.
"If you don't want to, the prince will replace you."
Laifu on the side said helpfully.
"I...we...are willing!"
The young people came back to their senses and said ecstatically!
For children from poor families like them, only the smoke from their ancestral graves can give them such a good opportunity to make a comeback. How could they miss it?
"That's good! But you have to remember, if you dare to cheat and be ungrateful, you won't be blamed!"
Ji Lie shouted in a low voice.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"
"If we really do that, even if the prince kills us, we will have nothing to say!"
These young people hurriedly patted their chests and made promises.
"Give each of them one tael of silver."
Laifu, who was beside Ji Lie, ordered.
"We haven't started work yet, how can we get the prince's money in advance?"
The young man from before quickly waved his hand.
"Since you are working for the palace, you are Gu's people. Gu naturally wants to ensure that you have no worries."
"After you take the money, first settle your affairs at home, and then buy some decent clothes."
Ji Lie smiled lightly.
Seeing that as a prince, he is so approachable and considerate.
The eyes of the young people from poor families couldn't help but become moist!
This courageous young man is named Deng Wei.
He is also the most attractive among these poor people.
So Ji Lie appointed him as a chief official, responsible for managing other young people from poor families.
After receiving the money, Deng Wei and others thanked Ji Lie profusely and left the palace.
At this moment, a servant came over in a hurry.
"Your Majesty, the head of the Li family and the head of the Wang family are outside the door asking to see you."
