In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 643 A Grand Event in Da Ning: The Highest Bidder Wins
A carriage swayed and rattled past the entrance to the government office.
Hu Chongyi, who had just come from a brothel, lay inside, completely satisfied.
Thinking back to the delicious food those girls ate yesterday.

Okay, okay.

At that moment, a commotion and some noise came from outside the carriage.

Hu Chongyi pursed his lips and reluctantly got up.
Looking out the carriage window, he muttered to himself:
"What's all this noise so early in the morning? Can't a person get any sleep?"

"Ok?"

Soon, he saw the huge notice standing at the entrance of the government office.
And the officials and clerks gathered in front of them, a hint of doubt flashing in their eyes.
"When was the notice moved to the entrance of the government office?"

"Stop the car, let's go take a look!"

Before long, Hu Chongyi, wrapped in a cloak, arrived in front of the notice.
He was very tall, and he could see what was written on the notice without having to stand on tiptoe.

He was stunned at first glance, then quickly read through it.
Hu Chongyi's eyes widened suddenly, and his breathing became rapid!

Her body, which had been somewhat limp, tensed up at that moment.
There was only one voice in my mind.
"Get it! Get it!"

As a former grassland bandit, he knew better than anyone else...

How much money can you make selling white sugar on the grasslands?

He decided he couldn't delay; he had to be ahead of everyone else!

Hu Chongyi glanced at the government office next door, then with a flick of his sleeve, he went inside.

He also had some powerful connections and friends in the government office, and he planned to inquire about them.

But less than fifteen minutes later he rushed out in a great hurry.
He mounted his horse and charged towards the military headquarters.

He had just learned that the "Wanshou Sugar Mill" was being managed entirely by the Commander.
Regarding the auction of these distributors,

It will also be carried out under the arrangement of the military commander, and the prefectural government cannot participate in it.

This put Hu Chongyi at ease.
He also knew people in the military command and was on good terms with them!
Before long, Hu Chongyi arrived at the military headquarters.
After requesting an audience, they arrived at the office where Duan Zhengze was located!

"Brother Hu, why are you in such a hurry to see me?"

When Duan Zhengze saw him arrive, he stood up with a smile to greet him.

Hu Chongyi instructed that no one should approach.

Then he slammed the door of the yamen shut, and looked at Duan Zhengze with a sinister gaze.
"Lord Duan, that's rather unfair of you."

Duan Zhengze's smile froze:
"What is it you're talking about, Brother Hu? Where have I been unkind?"

Hu Chongyi approached, his eyes filled with an unreadable expression:

"Lord Duan, last year, the funds for the military training of the Commandery were barely scraped together by me, Hu, from all sides."
This helped Lord Duan overcome his difficulties.
But unexpectedly, in less than a year,
Lord Duan no longer considers me, Hu, his friend.

"What are you talking about?" Duan Zhengze frowned.

What's the deal with the notice outside the door?

Why didn't Lord Duan tell me about this lucrative business beforehand?

Luckily, I went to a brothel for some fun yesterday.
Otherwise, by the time the sun is high in the sky, the daylilies will be too cold!

Hu Chongyi's tone was somewhat unfriendly, even somewhat annoyed.

Duan Zhengze then looked enlightened, followed by a deep, bitter smile:
"Brother Hu, are you complaining that I didn't tell you about this sugar?"

Hu Chongyi quickly waved his hand:
"I wouldn't dare! But do you still remember what Lord Duan said last year?"
"If there's a lucrative business opportunity, they'll let us know, but what about now?"

Duan Zhengze shook his head with a wry smile, ignoring Hu Chongyi's anger.

Instead, he sat down and took a sip of tea.

Seeing him like this, Hu Chongyi became even more furious:

"Lord Duan, are you planning to abandon me after I've served my purpose?"

"Brother Hu, you have wronged me in this matter."

I only learned about this from the notice; how could I tell you?

Hu Chongyi frowned, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes:
"You're only finding out now?"

"Yes, I learned it from the notice."

After saying that, Duan Zhengze sighed:

"Brother Hu, you know perfectly well..."

Now, within the military headquarters, I'm finding it incredibly difficult to move around.
He managed to keep his official position for the time being, but he lost much of his power.

This matter was handled jointly by Lord Lu and General Liu.
Even Tan Wei knows very little about it, so why would he tell an outsider like me?

Hu Chongyi was aware of some of his circumstances.
Now that I hear him say that,
I also felt there was some truth to it, and my anger subsided somewhat.

"Tell me what exactly happened."

Duan Zhengze pressed his hand down:
"Brother Hu, please sit down. There are many intricacies involved. Let me explain them to you in detail."

Hu Chongyi then sat down, took a cup of tea, and eagerly awaited his arrival.

Duan Zhengze cleared his throat and said in a deep voice:

"I just inquired about this matter; the technique originated from Yingtian."

When Lord Lu came, he brought some craftsmen with him, who should be the artisans who run the sugar mill.

The newly opened Wanshou Sugar Workshop in the west of the city is a workshop that produces white sugar.

"Long live the Emperor? How dare you!" Hu Chongyi's pupils contracted slightly.

"Hey~ it's not as complicated as you think."

Wanshou Sugar Workshop was originally a workshop within the palace.
Later, it was bestowed upon Lord Lu, and the branch that Da Ning has opened now is a branch of it.

"I knew it! How could anyone have such audacity?"

Duan Zhengze smiled and said in a deep voice:

"The sugar mill is now open for business."

The first shipment should arrive after January, which is also the end of the year.

It seems to me they mean that the sugar mill only produces sugar and doesn't sell it.
What's being auctioned now is this very business of selling goods and services.

Upon receiving confirmation, Hu Chongyi's breathing suddenly became rapid:

"We must take him down, Lord Duan."

You have no idea how profitable this business is!

"Hey, don't be too happy yet."

"You and I both know this is a lucrative business, would Lord Lu really let it go to someone else?"

Duan Zhengze smiled mysteriously.

"What do you mean?" Hu Chongyi thought about it and realized that it made sense.

Duan Zhengze said:
"The day before yesterday, Manager Mi from Yiren Street and Manager Ya Rong from the north of the city came to the Commandery."

Also accompanying them was Dai Qiufeng, the owner of Wanshou Sugar Shop. What do you think they were talking about?
It's probably just a case of transferring wealth within the family, keeping the profits within the household.

Hu Chongyi's expression changed repeatedly.
Keenly aware of the date "the day before yesterday",
If I remember correctly, that day Mi Chen came to him to borrow money.

He was very excited about this, and made a fortune.
Now think about it
Hu Chongyi gritted his teeth, forcing out the sound through his clenched teeth:

"That old bastard Mi Chen!! He's cunning and treacherous!!"

"What's wrong?" Duan Zhengze asked.

It took Hu Chongyi a long time to calm his thoughts.

She recounted in detail how Mi Chen had come to borrow money.

Duan Zhengze's expression changed repeatedly upon hearing this.
Finally, he gave a sneer and shook his head helplessly:
"That Mi Chen, he's old and cunning, a slippery old horse."

Originally, they were at odds with Lord Lu,

But they turned around and hooked up together. That's quite a skill.

Brother Hu, I advise you not to get involved in this kind of thing.

"Absurd!" Hu Chongyi became increasingly angry as he spoke.

"How can we just give away such a profitable business?"

Duan Zhengze let out a soft "hmm," looked Hu Chongyi up and down, and gave him a thumbs up:

"Brother Hu, you have quite the nerve, daring to interfere in a business personally managed by Lord Lu."

Hu Chongyi was suddenly speechless, his expression changing rapidly.

To be honest, he certainly wouldn't dare to go against the Commander.
Especially this new adult.

But he was really reluctant to give up such a lucrative opportunity.

Taking a deep breath, Hu Chongyi looked at Duan Zhengze and said in a deep voice:
"Lord Duan, why don't you go and speak to Lord Lu?"
If we really have to start auctioning off those sale rights, I don't expect the military governor to show favoritism, but at least we should remain neutral.
Let's rely on our own abilities, shall we?

Duan Zhengze glanced at him and scoffed:
"Manager Hu, the auction starts this afternoon. Do you still have any money?"

Hu Chongyi remained silent, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.
He's rich, of course he's rich!

But it's either land and houses, or the money has already been lent out.

He probably has less than ten thousand taels of silver left in his possession.
How could you possibly win the so-called right to sell something for ten thousand taels of silver?

Hu Chongyi frowned and spoke in a hoarse voice:
"We can't miss out on profitable business opportunities; I'll take care of the money."
A person can't let themselves die from holding their pee.
As for Commander Lu, we'll ask Lord Duan to speak to him on that behalf.

As long as the Commander remains neutral, regardless of whether the deal succeeds or not, I, Hu, will reward him handsomely!

Seeing his strong and resolute manner,
A hint of helplessness flashed in Duan Zhengze's eyes.
After thinking it over for a long time, he decided to help.

Because he is now finding it difficult to move forward in the military command and is showing signs of being marginalized.
And if they lose contact with these powerful figures in the city...
That's when you're truly helpless, unable to get anything done.

"Manager Hu, you wait here."

I'll go and discuss this with Lord Lu; let's discuss it beforehand.
Although Lord Lu appears amiable, he always keeps his word.

If Lord Lu doesn't agree, don't blame me.

Hu Chongyi immediately stood up and bowed deeply:
"Thank you, Lord Duan. I will wait here."

"Okay, I'm going."

Duan Zhengze took the clothes, opened the door, and headed towards the left wing.

Hu Chongyi paced back and forth inside the room.

He was racking his brains trying to figure out how to raise the money, his expression filled with anxiety.
Time passed, a quarter of an hour went by, then another quarter of an hour.
Finally, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.
Hu Chongyi looked over and saw Duan Zhengze walk in quickly, a happy look on his face.

"Brother Hu, you really have to thank me properly this time."

"Done?"

Hu Chongyi's eyes lit up with joy, and he couldn't wait to ask a question.

Duan Zhengze flicked his arm, and a document was handed out:

"Take a look, these are the rules for this afternoon's auction."

The highest bidder wins; the company does not participate in the bidding process.

"Highest bidder wins?"

Hu Chongyi trembled with excitement.

If that's the case, there's a high chance he'll intercept Mi Chen!
He quickly reviewed the rules; they were very comprehensive, with virtually no loopholes.
As a merchant, the only thing he had to pay was the one thousand taels of silver entrance fee, which was non-refundable.

Hu Chongyi breathed a slight sigh of relief.
This amount of money may not seem like much, but it's enough to keep 99% of the merchants in the city out.

Only a few families could openly and legitimately enter it.

This makes it possible to operate with fewer people.

He put the documents away and said in a deep voice:

"Thank you very much, Lord Duan."
Mr. Hu needs to raise the money quickly, so he won't stay here any longer.

"Yes, Brother Hu, please go ahead."

Hu Chongyi left in a hurry.

But when he reached the door, he suddenly stopped.
He turned around and looked over, speaking meaningfully:
"Lord Duan, I would like to confirm one last time whether this method is genuine or not?"

Duan Zhengze was taken aback upon hearing this, and slowly shook his head:

"The Commander wouldn't try to deceive you with something so vague and unsubstantiated; what good would that do?"

"Thank you, Lord Duan. Farewell!"

"Um"

After he left, Duan Zhengze sat behind his desk, lost in thought.

Tap your fingers lightly on the table
It makes a "da da da" sound.

He always felt that things weren't as simple as they seemed.
The news was released so brazenly.

It's clearly a blatant message to everyone.

Smuggling is profitable!
Time quickly passed to the afternoon, around 1 p.m.

A row of luxurious yet understated carriages swayed and came to a stop in front of the military headquarters.

Most of the people who emerged from there were either wealthy or influential within the city.

Many officials glanced at them several times, their faces showing shock.

The Mi family of Yiren Street, the Hu family of Fu'an Lane, the Zhao family of Jinhua Street, and the Wang family of Daliang Street
Why are you all here?
Officials had already been stationed at the entrance of the military headquarters.
Record the merchants who come, and collect the money they contribute!
One by one, names were written down, and small boxes filled with silver were placed aside, quickly piling up.

Upon witnessing this scene, Mi Chen was filled with even greater admiration.

"This Lord Lu is truly adept at making money."

In a short time, tens of thousands of taels of silver came in.

This is far more sophisticated than the clumsy methods used by other officials.

Shaking his head, Mi Chen strode towards the Commandery's meeting hall.
Just then, a slightly sarcastic and somewhat angry voice came from behind.
"Hey, isn't this Manager Mi? You've rescued your brother?"

Mi Chen stopped in his tracks and turned around to look.
Upon seeing that it was Hu Chongyi, he laughed:
"Thanks to Manager Hu, my younger brother has been rescued."

Hu Chongyi snorted coldly, his smile vanishing instantly.

"Manager Mi, remember to pay back the money, with a 3% interest rate!"

Mi Chen remained unfazed by the veiled barbs and simply nodded.

"Don't worry, Manager Hu, it's just a few tens of thousands of taels of silver."
Even if I have to sell everything I own, I, the Mi family, will repay the debt.

"Hmph!" Hu Chongyi snorted coldly.
Most of the people around him were shopkeepers to whom Mi Chen had lent money.
At this moment, there was also a hint of bewilderment in their eyes.

Hu Chongyi quickened his pace and spoke in a deep voice:
"Let's go. We must settle this dispute today."

Mi Chen slowed his pace little by little.

Watching them flood into the conference hall, their expressions were equally bewildered.

At this moment, a shopkeeper leaned closer and whispered:
"Brother Mi, I think they've joined forces. Could something go wrong?"

Mi Chen was also a little apprehensive, even though he had lent a considerable amount of money to those people.

However, if they can work together, they should not be underestimated.

However, Mi Chen quickly recalled the meeting two days prior, and felt somewhat at ease.
"Rest assured, gentlemen, with Lord Lu here, everything will go smoothly."
We're determined to succeed in this lucrative business!

Reassured by Mi Chen, the people around him nodded repeatedly, a surge of confidence rising within them.
Some have even begun to imagine that a steady stream of wealth will come from the grasslands.

The layout of the spacious conference hall has been completely changed.

What was originally a confrontation has now become a full-scale forward movement.

The chairs were arranged close together, with a square table between each pair of chairs, where tea and number plates were placed.

On the back, there are also the names of the various shop owners, clearly displayed.
At a cursory glance, Mi Chen realized there were more people than he had expected.

There should be around thirty people, and some have already taken their seats.

He spotted his seat immediately, undoubtedly in the first row.
And the one in the same row as me
They were all powerful and influential merchants and nobles in the city!
Mi Chen walked straight to the front, sat down in his assigned seat, and casually picked up the document containing the auction rules to read through.
Hu Chongyi sat down to the side.
He glanced at Mi Chen indifferently, said nothing, and also picked up the rules to look through them.

Soon, a delicate fragrance wafted over, and many people looked in the direction of the sound.
Upon seeing the newcomer, surprise appeared in their eyes.

"Why is she, a restaurant owner, here?"

"Hey, don't forget she's also very powerful. Don't you even know who her man is?"

Many people murmured among themselves.

After Ya Rong took her seat in the first row
This caused quite a stir, with many people discussing it and feeling indignant.

Especially the many shopkeepers in the back row, their thoughts were very simple.
He worked incredibly hard and engaged in collusion between officials and businessmen for so long to achieve his current position.
What right does she, a woman, have to ride roughshod over them?

But they only thought about it in their hearts.

If there were any criticisms, they certainly wouldn't dare to.

Soon, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the conference hall.
Everyone present stood up when they saw who it was!

The leader was Lu Yunyi, the Assistant Commander of the Capital Garrison.
Behind him were four assistant commissioners and several officials from the military governor's office, making for an impressive display of power.

Lu Yunyi surveyed the room, memorizing the faces of everyone present, and then gestured for them to leave.

"Please sit down, please sit down. All of you managers are pillars of Da Ning City. There's no need to be so polite."

(End of this chapter)