The Heavens Begin with Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 29: Strike first to gain the upper hand

Although the Baoling Marquis Mansion is not as large as the Ning and Rong Mansions, it is not small either. It is also located in a prosperous area in the capital. The surrounding neighbors are either rich or noble. There are many large houses connected together, and the magnificent houses are continuous, which is extremely spectacular.

Unlike the Ning and Rong families, the Shi family was a family of civil officials and scholars. At that time, Mr. Shi held the position of Shangshu Ling, the head of the civil officials.

But such a civil servant happened to pass down a family line of marquis, which obviously meant that he had made great contributions.

The descendants of the Shi family also worked hard. Not only did they inherit the title of Marquis Baoling, but they also made new contributions and were awarded the title of Marquis Zhongjing.

Having two marquises in one family, although not as powerful as the two dukes in the Jia family, is not inferior to the other six duke families.

Especially the Marquis Zhongjing. As soon as you look at the name, which contains both "loyalty" and "jing", it is very likely that he has made meritorious contributions during the process of the current emperor's succession to the throne and is a close confidant of the current emperor.

When the four kings and eight dukes all stood on the side of the deposed crown prince, he stood in the right position, which showed that he was definitely not a direct descendant and was most likely a marginal figure who was not close to the family.

Therefore, in the original book, the relationship between Marquis Baoling and the Jia family is relatively close, but Marquis Zhongjing and the old dignitaries such as the Four Kings and Eight Dukes are always distant and their relationship is not close at all.

Even later when the Jia mansion was robbed and Shi Xiangyun became a prostitute, Marquis Zhongjing did not lend a hand to rescue her, which shows the truth.

It’s nothing, it’s just that our stance doesn’t allow it and our feelings are distant!
Zhan Ershisi rode a fast horse and arrived at the Baolinghou Mansion first. After he reported his name, he was immediately welcomed in.

Baoling Hou himself was waiting at the door of the living room to greet him. When he saw Zhan 24 had arrived, he smiled and bowed, his tone very humble.

"Ah, I've heard for a long time that Master Zhan is a man of high bearing and extraordinary appearance. Today I see that he is indeed so."

Although Zhan Ershisi knew what Shi Nai was up to, he had already decided to give him a bargain on the honeycomb briquettes, so he also wanted to make friends with him, and immediately returned the greeting with a smile on his face:

"You are too kind, Lord Baoling. I am just an ordinary businessman. Fortunately, I have achieved success because of my in-laws. It is all because of the support of the elders. Otherwise, there would be no day for me to succeed."

The two men exchanged a few polite words, then walked into the hall hand in hand and sat down as host and guest.

Seeing that Jia Zhen and Xue Pan had not arrived, Shi Nai did not want to get into the topic. After all, this kind of taking advantage of someone's misfortune was a bit embarrassing for him, who had been studying poetry since childhood.

What he was thinking was that after Jia Zhen arrived, he would take the lead. Based on his understanding of Jia Zhen, Jia Zhen would definitely take the opportunity to cause trouble and take advantage of the situation. At that time, he would not need to take the initiative to do anything, he just needed to cooperate with Jia Zhen.

So he started chatting mode, planning to talk nonsense about all sorts of things, local customs and practices, and then talk about it after the four of them arrived.

However, Zhan Ershisi didn't want to waste time like this, so he took the initiative to speak:

"The honeycomb coal business has been booming recently. I'm afraid we can earn at least a thousand copper coins this month, and even more next month."

After hearing this, Shi Nai frowned and didn't want to talk about this topic, so he casually agreed:
"It's cold today, honeycomb briquettes are good quality and cheap, so it's normal to sell more."

Before he could change the subject, Zhan Ershisi said:

"I heard that the Shijia Coal Yard was greatly affected by this?"

"Uh..." Shi Nai's tone paused and he squinted at Zhan Ershisi, wondering what his intention was in bringing up this matter at this moment.

He was originally a civil servant with a lot of cunning thoughts. His mind was racing at the moment and he did not answer for a while.

However, Zhan Ershisi looked sincere and bowed his hands to apologize very kindly:

"I started making honeycomb coal purely to make a living in Beijing, but I had no intention of affecting the Shi family's business."

"Who would have thought that by some strange coincidence, the honeycomb briquettes business seems to be better than expected, and it seems that it will actually ruin the Shi family's business."

"This is inappropriate!"

"I am just the son-in-law of the Xue family. I started a business with the Shi family because of our marriage relationship."

"But there is a difference between officials and businessmen. I know the limits in my heart and understand what I can and cannot do."

"Since the honeycomb coal business has gone astray, I am willing to sell my shares to the Shi family. I wonder if the Bowling Marquis Mansion is willing to buy them?"

As soon as Zhan Ershi finished speaking, Shi Nai's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Mr. Zhan?"

Shi Nai couldn't believe his ears.

This is too smooth!

This boy, no, this nephew is so thoughtful!
He didn't need to spend any time on threats or inducements, as the shares were handed over to him on his own initiative.

If he had known this, why would he have asked Jia Zhen to come here?
I owe him a favor from the Ningguo Mansion for nothing, I'm really at a loss!
As for the acquisition, the price is negotiable.

The one who wanted shares in the honeycomb coal business this time was not Shi Nai, nor Shi Nai's branch, but the Shi family.

The historian wants this honeycomb coal business, but is it just the money that matters?

of course not!

On the one hand, it is to continue to maintain the monopoly on the coal business, and on the other hand, it is to increase a steady source of income for the company.

Once a family grows larger, there will naturally be more people. If there is no industry to accommodate these extra people, it will easily lead to trouble.

If a family cannot provide its members with a good life, then who would be willing to serve the family?

Once people's hearts are scattered, it will be difficult to lead the team.

Money is good, of course, but for a big family, there are always things more important than money.

Zhan Ershisi stood up and answered with a serious expression:

"Don't worry, Lord Baoling. Although Zhan has not passed the imperial examination, he has read the books of sages and knows that a gentleman's words are as good as his bond."

"If you don't believe me, we can just sign the document now."

"As for the purchase price, it's up to you, Lord Bowling."

"Aiya!" Baoling Hou hurriedly stood up and held Zhan Ershi's hand, pulling him to sit down again, smiling, "Why call me Marquis? Call me uncle!"

"What are you talking about, nephew? How could I not trust you?"

"I originally asked you to come here today because I didn't go to apologize in person on the opening day. But I didn't expect that my nephew would be so kind and willing to transfer his shares. When Master Zhen and Master Xue come over later, we will ask them to be witnesses."

"how?"

Zhan Ershisi smiled, bowed, and climbed up as he was addressed. "I will follow your instructions."

Shi Nai was also a veteran in the officialdom. He knew that Zhan Ershisi was trying to use business to exchange for favors, so he asked enthusiastically:
"Has my dear nephew been in any trouble lately?"

"Oh, it's not a big deal. I won't make honeycomb coal anymore, but I still have to keep doing other businesses like the small stove. I don't have any roots in Beijing, so I ask you to take care of them and make sure they are not taken away by others."

Shi Nai just thought that Zhan Ershi was looking for a supporter in the officialdom, so he took the responsibility and said:

"This is very easy, just leave it to me. If anyone causes trouble for you in the future, just come to me, the Shi family will support you!"

What I want is your words!

"Then I'd like to thank my uncle!" Zhan Ershisi bowed slightly and smiled at Shi Nai. The goals of both parties were achieved.

Just as the two men reached a deal, the doorman came in to report that Jia Zhen had arrived.

Unfortunately, he is already late!

In this world, many things are about being the first to strike, just like that short essay on Weibo, whoever posts first wins.

Jia Zhen is out!
(End of this chapter)