In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 644 A Price That Outshines All Others, the Noblewoman of Da Ning

Soon, everyone took their seats.
Standing at the head of the table, Lu Yunyi looked at the officers and colleagues of the Commandery Command and said with a smile:

"Gentlemen, please take a seat to the side. Today's main guests are the many shopkeepers in the city. We must not steal their thunder."

The officials smiled and agreed, then walked to a chair and sat down.

This bizarre scene caused many people to look strange and straighten their backs a bit.

It's quite rare in Daning City for a military commander to yield his position to a merchant.
This pleased them greatly.

She felt a bit more favorably disposed towards Lord Lu in front of her.

After everyone was seated,
Lu Yunyi stood at the head of the table, pointed to Dai Qiufeng standing to the side, and introduced her:

"I'm sure you managers already have some understanding of this."
He was Dai Qiufeng, the manager of the Daning branch of Wanshou Sugar Workshop.

"From now on, I hope you gentlemen will continue to look after me in the city."

Dai Qiufeng was wearing a brocade robe at this moment.
He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the group of nearly thirty people.

Some of the merchants present also laughed.

He looked him over repeatedly, and finally nodded slightly.

After Dai Qiufeng took her seat, Lu Yunyi's voice became more solemn:
"Gentlemen, you are surely already familiar with the auction rules."
But before that.
I have a few more things to say, and I ask all the managers to keep them in mind.

The meeting room fell silent, and everyone listened intently.

"This auction is unprecedented for the Beiping Military Command."

Many shopkeepers may not have experienced such a scene.
It doesn't matter.
If the Commandery has any suitable business dealings in the future,
Perhaps they will all compete in this way.
This is done to avoid unnecessary conflicts and infighting.

After all, we are all from Daning.

There's no need to fight and kill over money.

Only through our collective efforts and hard work can the entire Beiping Military Command be restored to its former glory.

Only then will ordinary people be able to live a good life.

Only then can you earn enough silver.

"it is good!"

Mi Chen was the first to praise, and then he clapped vigorously.

Others followed suit and started clapping along.

Many merchants were somewhat agitated, their faces flushed.

At least these kinds of polite words make them feel very comfortable.

Lu Yunyi stood in front, gestured with his hand, and said with a smile:
Regarding this auction of the sale rights for Wanshou Sugar Workshop,

I would like to explain a few things to you gentlemen to avoid any misunderstandings.

"The white sugar sold is supplied by Wanshou Sugar Workshop, with a stable quantity, guaranteed quality, and low price."
As distributors, you also bear many responsibilities for the well-being of the company.

"For example, in Beiping Dusi, white sugar sells for at most 50% more than brown sugar."

This measure serves two purposes: to benefit the people and to prevent price gouging.

Upon hearing this, the many shopkeepers present exchanged bewildered glances.

Although some clues had already been noticed from the previous notices,
But the absoluteness of the statement still struck them as somewhat unbelievable.

In fact, as long as the sugar mills keep their tacit agreement,

By secretly producing and selling as usual, they can make an unknown amount of money.

But the commander-in-chief widely publicized it.
This led many people to believe what Lu Yunyi said.

This move is solely for the benefit of the people; after all, other reasons don't quite make sense.

Lu Yunyi continued speaking:
"In addition, the Commandery will issue new regulations tomorrow."
All white sugar produced by Wanshou Sugar Workshop is prohibited from being sold within the Great Wall.
There are many reasons for this that I cannot explain, and I ask for your understanding, esteemed managers.

wow——

The scene suddenly became noisy, with whispers and then expressions of regret.

If they cannot be sold to the interior of the pass...

The ways to make money with white sugar are greatly reduced!
It seems they can only be sold to the grasslands.

Mi Chen already knew this news.
He chuckled softly, sitting there with an air of self-satisfaction, appearing completely confident.

He was almost certain that the adults had announced this decree so early.

It was all to drive down the price, so that he could more easily win the right to sell!

Otherwise, it might fetch an astronomical price at auction.
This matter is not going to end well!
Hu Chongyi, standing beside him, frowned deeply, somewhat caught off guard by the news.
If we can't sell them inside the pass...
Then, the so-called right to sell is greatly diminished.

In his view, there are three ways to sell white sugar.
First, they were sold to areas within the Great Wall; second, they were sold within the capital region; and third, they were sold to the grasslands.

He needs to think carefully before blocking two at once.
Is it worth spending such a high price for the possibility of smuggling goods to the grasslands?

After the initial commotion, the conference hall...
It quickly became quiet.

Many merchants looked thoughtful, their eyes darting around as they weighed the pros and cons.

Lu Yunyi took in everyone's expressions.
His expression remained unchanged, and he waved his hand.
Wu Su'an, the Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped forward with the documents in his hand and spoke in a deep voice:
"The auction for the first phase of the Wanshou Sugar Mill's sales rights is now beginning!"

"The starting price is 10,000 taels of silver, and each bid must be at least 1,000 taels. Raising your paddle is considered a bid increase."

Inside the conference hall, the candlelight flickered.
The crowd's thoughts were also somewhat unsettled.

They were not as worldly-wise as the merchants of Yingtian.

For this type of auction
Feeling utterly intrigued, they all picked up the signs and examined them closely.

Mi Chen broke the silence first.

He held the wooden plaque high in his hand, his voice filled with confidence:

"Fifteen thousand taels!"

After saying that, he glanced at Hu Chongyi sideways and a smile appeared on his lips.

Hu Chongyi noticed the gaze and his face instantly darkened.
He clenched his fist tightly, as if he had made a decision:

"Seventeen thousand taels!"

At this moment, Wang Ze, the manager of the Wang family's business on Daliang Street, who was seated in the third row, raised his sign:

"Thirty thousand taels!"

He was a 30-year-old middle-aged man with a refined and scholarly air about him, but his behavior was extremely eccentric!
wow——

Another uproar erupted in the hall.
Many people's pupils suddenly contracted.
Fast, too fast!
In just a few words, the price jumped from 10,000 taels to 30,000 taels!

Wang Ze slowly picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and...
His gaze swept across the entire room, his eyes indifferent, as if he didn't care about the 30,000 taels.

Mi Chen's expression changed slightly, but he did not raise his sign.
Instead, they waited quietly, as did Hu Chongyi.

At this moment, Wu Su'an, the head of the table, spoke up and repeated:
"Manager Wang has offered 30,000 taels. 30,000 taels. Is there any other manager willing to raise the price?"

"Thirty thousand taels at a time!"

Wu Su'an held a wooden mallet and gently tapped it on the small table beside her.

A crisp "thump" sound rang in everyone's hearts.

As stated in the previous rules,
If no one raises the price after three hammer strikes, the transaction is considered complete.

The room was filled with shopkeepers who had never seen anything like it before.

When the hammer struck, many people held their breath, their palms sweating.

Not only them, but the officials sitting nearby also became nervous.
The sound of the hammer seemed to possess a terrifying magic, drawing them in!

"Thirty thousand taels twice!"

"Boom!"

Wang Ze felt his lips were dry, his fists clenched, and his eyes were fixed on the hammer at the head of the table.
In my mind, I was shouting, "Knock on, knock on it now!"

Just then, Mi Chen raised the sign again:
"Thirty-five thousand taels!"

As the voice faded, a long sigh of relief rang out from everyone present, as if they had suddenly been able to breathe again.

Many people's tense bodies suddenly relaxed.

Hu Chongyi gripped the sign in his hand and held it high:
"Thirty-seven thousand taels!"

"Forty thousand." Mi Chen didn't back down!
"Forty thousand taels at a time!"

"Forty thousand taels twice!"

As the two hammer blows rang out, a sense of urgency washed over everyone once more.

Hu Chongyi's chest heaved violently, veins bulging on his forehead, as he held up a sign:

"Forty-three thousand taels!"

"Forty-five thousand taels."

Mi Chen spoke calmly, a faint smile always on his face.

The two of them talked back and forth.
Bidding was in full swing, and the price quickly soared to 60,000 taels.

At this moment, this number has already deterred many people.
It's not that we don't have the money, it's just that it's not worth it.

At the same time, after the price exceeded their psychological expectations...

They also regained consciousness and looked around.

Finally, the gaze lingered on the young Lord Lu, who was quietly sipping his tea.

There was a hint of fear in his eyes.

This auction is really something else, it can really get people excited!

At the very front, Mi Chen looked at Hu Chongyi, whose face was flushed and who was panting heavily.
A hint of smugness flashed in his eyes as he slowly raised the sign:
"Sixty-five thousand taels!"

His tone was filled with an undeniable certainty.
It's as if they've already secured the sale rights, and they're determined to get it!

Hu Chongyi gritted his teeth,
Sixty thousand taels was the amount of cash he had scraped together with many other people.

Now, even if he wants to raise the price, he is somewhat powerless to do so.

Taking a deep breath, Hu Chongyi looked at Wu Su'an in front of him and said in a deep voice:
"Could I pay a portion of the money upfront, with the remainder to be paid within ten days?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ze straightened up.

Many people also looked over at Lu Yunyi, who was sitting to the side.

If we could pay later,
They're about to participate in the competition again. Wu Su'an also turned her gaze over, her expression inquiring.

His hands, which were holding the mallet, were now drenched in sweat.
This kind of work is really exciting!
Lu Yunyi put down his teacup and said with a smile:
"Manager Hu, rules are rules, and it's clearly stated in the regulations."
The silver shall be delivered within twelve hours after the auction is completed.

Ten days is too long.

Hu Chongyi sighed with some regret.

Then, revealing a determined expression, he muttered a few words to the person beside him.
Wu Su'an continued shouting:

"Sixty-five thousand taels at a time!"

"Sixty-five thousand taels twice!"

"Seventy thousand!"

Hu Chongyi stopped whispering, his face turning ruthless. He raised the wooden sign in his hand and spoke menacingly.

"Seventy thousand taels for a three-year resale right is not worth it."

"Yes, yes, but we need to stay calm."

Many people spoke up.
But judging from their appearance, they were clearly there to watch the drama unfold.

Mi Chen's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice:

"Seventy-one thousand taels!"

Upon hearing this number, a glint of light flashed in Hu Chongyi's eyes.

"He's out of money!"

So he decisively blurted out: "Seventy-two thousand taels!"

The price increase trend has slowed down, and each increase is only one thousand taels.

After nearly fifteen minutes of chasing and hesitation,
Mi Chen took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes:
"Eighty thousand taels!"

After speaking, Mi Chen tossed the wooden plaque in his hand aside.
It seems this is his final limit.

But that didn't stop the scene from boiling over again!

On stage, Wu Su'an was so excited that her face turned red, and she kept opening her mouth to speak:
"Eighty thousand taels!!"

"The rice merchant on Yiren Street is offering 80,000 taels. Is there any other merchant who can match that price?"

"Eighty thousand taels at a time!"

Everyone looked at Hu Chongyi.

Even Wu Su'an slowed down her bidding pace considerably.
Hu Chongyi noticed the many gazes upon him and sighed deeply.

He also threw away the wooden plaque in his hand!
give up!

Mi Chen breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling a sense of joy at surviving a disaster!

"Eighty thousand taels twice!"

Just when everyone thought the situation was settled,
Ya Rong, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the private room, finally made a move.

She gently put down the fan in her hand, her figure graceful, her eyes smiling.

The wooden plaque in his hand rang out clearly and melodiously.
"Eighty-one thousand taels!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Mi Chen nearly dropped the teacup in his hand.

He turned his head sharply, looking up at Ya Rong in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock.
Hu Chongyi was also stunned.
He opened his mouth but couldn't speak, his face filled with astonishment.

How did she get involved?
Mi Chen quickly regained his senses, gritted his teeth, and continued holding up the sign:

"Eighty-two thousand taels!"

Manager Ya Rong, in business, you must be extremely cautious about this kind of transaction!

Upon hearing this, Ya Rong's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
She slowly and deliberately straightened her sleeves, her voice cool and clear:

"Manager Mi, let's talk business, let's talk money."

"Eighty-five thousand taels!"

Mi Chen frowned.

He glanced at Liu Heiying, who sat calmly to the side, and a thought flashed across his face.

Why go through all that trouble?

A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resentment.
He raised the sign again and shouted almost like a roar:

"Eighty-six thousand taels!"

"Manager Mi, have you gone mad?" Hu Chongyi, standing to the side, looked utterly astonished.

Mi Chen gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot, his heart filled with resentment!

Having offended so many people and paid such a high price, things have already come to this point.

How can we back down?

If we retreat now, wouldn't we have offended those people in the city for nothing?
Ya Rong glanced at Mi Chen with some surprise, her eyes full of meaning, and her red lips parted slightly:
"Ninety thousand taels."

The entire venue fell into a deathly silence.

Only the crackling of the burning candle and heavy breathing echoed in the empty hall.

Mi Chen sat frozen in his chair, as if struck by lightning.
The sign in his hand fell limply to the ground.
It felt like someone had poured a bucket of cold water over me and woke me up.

"Ninety thousand taels at a time!"

"Ninety thousand taels twice!"

Seeing that no one had yet made a bid, Wu Su'an looked at Lu Yunyi standing to the side.
Seeing him nod almost imperceptibly, Wu Su'an raised her hand in acknowledgment, her voice steady and powerful:

"Ninety thousand taels, the third time!"

"clatter!"

The gavel fell,

"make a deal!"

"The first phase of the Wanshou Sugar Mill's sales rights belong to Manager Ya Rong of Kangle Trading Company!"

After the words were spoken, the hall remained silent.

Everyone was still in shock and couldn't come to their senses for a long time.

As the event ended, many people got up and left.

Mi Chen seemed to realize something amiss, recalling his actions over the past two days.
I recalled my meeting with the commander three days ago.
But the more he thought about it, the more confused he became.

He was quite certain that the meeting three days ago was to tell him this.
Let him raise the money in advance.

Ya Rong was merely an extra.

But today, how come I've become an extra?
This was something Mi Chen found hard to accept for a moment.

He staggered to his feet and drifted out of the meeting hall.
I spotted Ya Rong standing at the very front, looking serene.

Ahead of everyone, one after another, workers carried huge boxes into the headquarters.

Mi Chen only found out after making some inquiries.
It turned out that was cash that Ya Rong had brought.
At this moment, Hu Chongyi approached and, seeing his appearance, let out two cold laughs:

"Manager Mi, who spends all his time hunting geese, has had his eye pecked by one."
Ninety thousand taels of silver. This Ya Rong is no ordinary person.

Mi Chen was taken aback upon hearing this, and abruptly turned his head to look, lowering his voice to a whisper:
"What do you mean? Isn't this the Commander's arrangement?"

"Arrangements?" Hu Chongyi smiled and shook his head:

"Manager Mi's last bid was eighty thousand taels."
This is real cash, Commander, are you really willing to part with it?

Upon hearing this, Mi Chen realized what was happening.
"Yes, it's only fair that we don't pass up these tens of thousands of taels of silver."
There's no need to send a woman to play tricks on us.
"So, that 90,000 taels was really given?"

Mi Chen found it unbelievable; how could this be?

Hu Chongyi sighed:
I don't know if they'll give it to me or not, but I do know...
The commander wouldn't possibly abandon 80,000 taels of silver to play some kind of money laundering game.

A glint flashed in Mi Chen's eyes, and a bolt of lightning seemed to strike his heart.
He suddenly raised his head, his eyes deep-set:
"You mean Lord Lu wants to monopolize this business?"

"You specially took out 90,000 taels of silver to shut us up?"

Hu Chongyi was taken aback for a moment after hearing this, then burst into laughter:

"Manager Mi, I think you should go back and rest."

If the Commander hadn't told us, would we have known about this matter concerning white sugar?
He could have easily made a fortune in secret; why make such a scene?

"That's right." Mi Chen suddenly realized, his doubts deepening.
"What exactly does Lord Lu want to do?"

Hu Chongyi shook his head helplessly:

"What he does is none of our business, but Manager Mi, don't forget to pay back the money in a month!"

In the military headquarters' office, Lu Yunyi was the first to enter, sat down behind the desk, picked up a teacup, and took a sip.
Liu Heiying burst in excitedly, his face flushed with excitement:

"Brother Yun'er, this auction is amazing!"
"If I'd known it could fetch so much money, I would have just sold it already. That's 80,000 taels!"

As he spoke, a deep sense of regret appeared on Liu Heiying's face.

Lu Yunyi glanced at him indifferently:
"Don't lose sight of the bigger picture. A few tens of thousands of taels of silver is nothing compared to the safety of the commander."

Liu Heiying sat down dejectedly, a hint of lingering resentment on his face:

"Brother Yun'er, what a pity! So much money, enough to last for a while!"

it's good now
We got nothing, and went through all that trouble.

Lu Yunyi laughed:
"Well, you can't say that. Redundant design always has to be done."

Although we don't need it now, it will be enough for us to get away if anything happens in the future.

Even if you just sell white sugar at a stable, low price,
Earning tens of thousands of taels of silver would only take a few years.
But for the people of Dusi, it was an unprecedented spectacle.

At that time, our official reputations will rise steadily, and the city of Daning will flourish.
It's only 80,000 taels of silver, nothing to mention.

Liu Heiying hesitated for a moment, then finally convinced himself and nodded.

"Alright, tell Ya Rong to hurry up and get the shop ready, and also finalize the purchase restriction policy."

If the merchants in the city don't know to buy sugar and sell it to the grasslands, then...
We still need to guide them a bit; there's a lot more to come.

"Okay, I'll arrange it right away."

(End of this chapter)