It rained briefly in the evening. After the rain stopped, Lu He and Lu Mingke walked into Wangyue Tower.
After all, he is the governor of a county, and now he has to be granted the title of marquis. In addition, President Su came forward, and the seven major grain merchants in He'an did not dare to take it lightly, and they all came.
When the food and wine were served, Lu He raised his glass in toast.
"Master Marquis, don't try to offend us." All the grain merchants were frightened and hurriedly stood up and picked up their wine glasses in return.
After finishing the glass of wine, Lu He asked the grain merchants to take their seats.
All the grain merchants sat down anxiously.
When Chairman Su invited them, he only said that the imperial court was raising food and Lu He was hosting a banquet to discuss raising food.
As for how to raise the funds, the grain dealers don’t know. But Lu He's actions just now made them slightly uneasy.
I'm afraid today's banquet won't taste good.
Knowing that his words were unspoken and everyone couldn't eat, Lu He got straight to the point and said, "I invite you all to come today to discuss something."
"Master Marquis, please speak." Everyone said respectfully.
Lu He glanced at everyone, and Shen Rong said solemnly: "The war in the southwest started, and King Jing came to Pingyang to raise food. But you also know that Dazhao will be in trouble this year, and the national treasury is tight..."
Lu He roughly said what Yu Zheng said to him, and finally sighed: "The country is in trouble, and as the people of Jozhao, it is our duty to do so. I believe that you are all people with great righteousness and will do your best. ”
When the grain merchants heard this, their hearts began to tremble, and their hearts were in a state of confusion. They swallowed their saliva and asked, "How should we try our best?"
Lu He glanced at President Su and said comfortingly: "Don't panic, the court will not take your food in vain. It only needs to sell it at the original price."
Grain merchants: "..."
Everyone looked at each other, and finally looked at President Su.
Chairman Su is also a grain merchant, and is the largest grain merchant in He'an City.
President Su stood up to the crowd's attention and said, "When the country is in trouble, it is natural to use our strength. However, there must be limits and explanations for how and how much this force should be used."
He was related to the Lu family by marriage and had been friends for many years, so he was willing to help with the relic. But at the same time, he is also the president of the Chamber of Commerce. If he only cares about helping the Lu family and does not take into account the interests of the grain merchants, he will definitely lose the hearts of the people and arouse their opposition.
After all, no one is a fool, and everyone knows why the Lu family was granted the title of Marquis. We can't help but let the Lu family get all the benefits. How can we convince everyone?
"Yes, yes, President Su is right." The grain merchants nodded in agreement and turned to look at Lu He.
Lu He looked at President Su and said with a serious face: "To set an example, the Lu family will donate all their private food. As for the rest, you can just pay it forward."
After a pause, Lu He said again: "Of course, there are tens of millions of people in Jokhang, so there is no reason to let a few people work in vain. In the name of the county governor, I promise you that the business tax will be reduced by 20%25 in the next three years."
"As we all know, Princess Jing belongs to Jiang Ji's young boss. Jiang Ji is the leading grain merchant in Beijing and needs a large supply of goods every year. In order to thank you for your generosity, Quanzi persuaded Princess Jing to cooperate with you and let Jiang Ji purchase from you. grain."
As soon as these words came out, Lu Mingke was the first to be shocked.
When the father and son were discussing countermeasures in the afternoon, he told Lu He that Jiang Shu would also meet with grain merchants to discuss grain purchases. But they only mentioned it, and the two didn't discuss it much. After all, they didn't need to worry about this matter.
Therefore, Lu Mingke had no idea what Lu He had just said. Seeing Lu He's serious face, Lu Mingke was not sure whether his father had made a sudden move or had planned it.
"Is this true?" Chairman Su and the grain merchants' eyes lit up.
Pingyang is rich in grain. Although grain is expensive this year, in normal years, grain will be stagnant. If we can reach a long-term cooperation with Jiang Ji, it will be of great benefit.
Furthermore, they would not lose much money if they paid 20%25 less business tax for three years. Taken together, they would not lose much money. On the contrary, if you cooperate with Jiang Ji in the long term, you can earn more.
"I take it seriously. As long as you are willing, you can invite Princess Jing to meet with you tomorrow for discussion." Lu He solemnly promised.
President Su and others looked happy when they heard this.
"Okay, as long as Jiang Ji cooperates with me, I am willing to sell the grain to the imperial court at the original price." President Su immediately expressed his position.
The other grain merchants also agreed one after another.
Lu Mingke felt a little guilty looking at President Su and others who looked happy, as if they had gotten a big deal.
But the matter of raising food was settled, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"I respect you all." Lu He raised his glass and greeted each other with a smile.
President Su and others also picked up their wine glasses with smiles on their faces and drank the wine willingly.
Lu Mingke looked at the scene of such a happy conversation and admired his father from the bottom of his heart.
Sure enough, he still had a lot to learn.
It rained the next day and the temperature dropped a bit.
After breakfast, Lu Mingke went to the guest house to meet Jiang Shu and Yu Zheng, briefly talked to them about last night's banquet, and informed Jiang Shu that he would meet with grain merchants at Wangyue Tower at noon today to discuss cooperation matters.
"Master Lu is a good strategist." Jiang Shu was greatly impressed after hearing this.
Even Yu Zheng had to accept it.
"I know that Mr. Lu is very capable and can easily solve this matter. Of course, Mr. Lu also contributes a lot."
Lu Mingke coughed lightly and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."
Turning his head to look at the weakening rain outside the house, Lu Mingke said: "At the end of the day, I will pick up the princess and go to Wangyue Tower."
"Thank you, Mr. Lu." Jiang Shu was very grateful.
Lu He's clever strategy not only helped the court solve the major problem of raising food, but also made it easier for Jiang Ji. It was really great to get the best of both worlds.
After Lu Mingke left, Jiang Shu went back to the house, opened the suitcase, and rummaged through men's clothes to prepare for going out.
When dealing with men and discussing business, it is more convenient and appropriate to wear men's clothing.
Yu Zheng looked at her, pursed his lips and said, "I'll go with you."
Jiang Shu frowned slightly: "But if you were here, they might be cautious."
Yu Zheng raised his eyebrows and said, "Since they know your identity, I will be cautious even if I don't go."
Jiang Shu thought so too.
The food preparation was handled by Lu He and Lu Mingke. Yu Zheng had nothing to do. It was really boring to stay in the Lu Mansion. He might as well go with her and just visit the people.
The morning passed by in a flash, and at the end of the day, Lu Mingke arrived at the guest house on time.
Lu Mingke was not surprised to learn that Yu Zheng was also going with him.
If it were him, he wouldn't worry about Jiang Shu facing a group of men alone, especially in an unfamiliar place.
Wangyue Tower is the most famous restaurant in He'an City. It is overcrowded during meal time.
Jiang Shu, dressed in men's clothing, followed Yu Zheng without attracting anyone's attention.
When the three of them entered the private room, President Su and others had already arrived.
"Master Lu..." The grain merchants looked at the two people who came in with Lu Mingke and were a little at a loss.
We agreed to meet Princess Jing, but why did two men show up?
Lu Mingke said: "This is King Jing, and this is Princess Jing."
President Su and others were suddenly enlightened upon hearing this, and hurriedly saluted with surprise and curiosity, and asked the two of them to sit down.
As businessmen, they were really curious and admired Jiang Shu, the legendary young female owner. But since Yu Zheng was here, they didn't dare to look too closely or ask too much, and the atmosphere was a bit restrained.
Fortunately, Lu Mingke is here, President Su and others feel at ease.
Before the food and wine were served, Jiang Shu discussed business matters with them.
