Qing Yao

Chapter 344 Lord Zhao's words were very useful
Throughout history, how many officials have dared to publicly say that they would all get rich together?

He was a high-ranking official of the second rank.

It's halfway to the border.

Zhao An's opening remarks were not just unique, but stood out from the crowd, making him an anomaly in officialdom.

The merchants and workshop owners present were all stunned. Many of them who thought it was a "trap" relaxed their expressions. Regardless of whether what the young governor said was true or false, at least what he said was pleasing to the ear, right?
"There's nothing wrong with getting rich. If you all get rich, the government can collect more taxes; if the government collects more taxes, the court and the emperor can have more money to spend, and the people can have less of a burden. So, I wish that all of you here would get very rich!"

Zhao An said this with a smile, speaking very frankly, yet the reasoning was so simple that some merchants couldn't help but nod in agreement, their impression of this provincial governor, known for his upright and honest character, changed drastically.

In the past, I always thought that all upright officials valued agriculture and suppressed commerce, and looked down on merchants. For example, when Hai Qingtian, the upright official of the Ming Dynasty, judged cases, as long as it was a poor person suing a rich person, regardless of whether the poor person was right or wrong, the judgment would always be biased towards the poor person.

It seems that in the eyes of the upright and just officials, the rich are born with original sin.

Therefore, many merchants and workshop owners respected and feared Zhao An, who had cultivated an image of an upright official. Unexpectedly, Zhao An's performance was completely different from what they had imagined, which truly broadened their horizons.

"I have invited you all to this industrial and commercial symposium today for two reasons. First, I would like to hear about the practical difficulties you face in your business operations, and specifically, what aspects of the yamen are not doing well enough to prevent you from making money."
Secondly, I'd like to brainstorm with everyone about the future development path of Anqing's industry and commerce, or rather, Anhui's industry and commerce. To put it simply, how can we help everyone's businesses grow bigger and stronger, and how can we earn more money than before?

As they were talking, Zhao An had already sat down.

This is quite a rare occurrence. It's not unusual for officials to value businessmen, but what's truly remarkable is that officials would actually seek to develop together with businessmen, and it seems they even intend to reform the government offices. This is like the sun rising in the west.

Or perhaps this Lord Zhao has some deeper scheme?

The hall was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked at each other, none daring to speak first.

Zhao An saw everyone's doubts but was not in a hurry. He sat down, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then smiled and said slowly, "You may all think that what I said is a bit too sensational. I may be saying nice things, but in reality, I have some ulterior motives to scheme against you."

No, no!

I have summoned you all here today to have an open and frank exchange. You must understand that commerce is also a matter of state! When merchants prosper, the markets prosper; when the markets prosper, the people prosper; when the people prosper, the world is at peace!

I have firmly believed in this principle since the day I took office, and the Emperor and the court also encourage trade and industry! The duty of an official is to bring benefits to the people in his jurisdiction, and this benefit cannot be achieved without the strong support of everyone present!

These words, affirming the status of businessmen and expressing a cooperative attitude, eased the tension among the crowd like a spring breeze, but no one dared to respond easily.

Seeing this, Zhao An knew that empty talk was useless, so he changed the subject and said loudly: "Look at Anqing, which has the advantage of the Yangtze River, abundant resources, and outstanding people. However, compared with Suzhou and Hangzhou in the south, or even Hankou and Jingdezhen, the gap in industry and commerce is more than just a little bit. Do you all know why?"

He asked and answered himself, holding up three fingers: "In my opinion, firstly, we are stuck in our ways, clinging to old techniques and methods, and dare not change; secondly, we are scattered and lack strength, each minding their own business and unable to form a cohesive force; and thirdly, we lack guidance, as the government has not provided enough support to you all in the past!"

These words resonated with everyone. Indeed, who in business doesn't want to grow bigger?

But these days, merchants are like pieces of fat meat. The government wants a piece, and so do various local forces. Some workshop owners don't want to expand their businesses, but it's too difficult for them to make it on their own. They're lucky if they can barely maintain their current scale.

Zhao An's three precise points immediately resonated with everyone.

Then, Zhao An, drawing on what he had seen during his inspection the previous day, listed problems such as product homogeneity, outdated technology, vicious competition, and difficulty in scaling up operations. His points were all reasonable, which made many businessmen nod in agreement.

"therefore!"

Zhao An's voice suddenly rose, becoming infectious, "Today I have a few ideas to discuss with you all. Of course, these are not orders from the Provincial Governor, just some thoughts for you to consider. If I'm right, then we can work together to get things done. If I'm wrong, just take it as a joke and have a laugh!"

A lacquer workshop owner mustered his courage and said, "Please speak, sir!"

Zhao An glanced at the workshop owner, nodded slightly, and said, "The first thing is to vigorously develop local specialty industries!"

What are distinctive industries?

"Our Anqing's brocade, stationery, lacquerware, tea, and bamboo weaving are all top-notch products, but why are they not well-known outsiders, or why are they not as famous as those from Suzhou and Hangzhou? The main reason is that our fine products are like young maidens, hidden away and unknown to the world. Therefore, I have decided to take the lead in organizing the selection of well-known trademarks in our province!"

A well-known trademark?!
Everyone was completely confused.

Old Song, the director of the provincial treasurer's office, was well aware of the situation, because it was precisely through this measure that Lord Zhao rose to prominence.

Without Zhao An having to worry, Old Song stepped forward to explain the selection rules in detail to everyone, including recommendations from chambers of commerce, government verification, and expert evaluation. The selected well-known trademarks would be personally inscribed with plaques by the provincial governor, and would be given priority in government procurement and business dealings.

To ensure the fairness, impartiality, and transparency of the selection process, participants are required to pay a token review fee, not much, about 500 taels per family.

Five hundred taels is not much. In fact, Zhao An could have chosen not to charge this selection fee, but organizing the selection process itself is an expense, and this selection committee needs to be established for a long time, which is equivalent to creating an extra organization out of thin air. It would have at least a hundred staff members.

The staff's food, drink, and other necessities all cost money.

This selection of Anhui Famous Trademarks is not simply about making money like it was done in Yangzhou. Rather, it is Zhao An's trump card to create a batch of famous and high-quality products and promote them to markets outside the province, thereby using famous trademarks and high-quality products to drive the formation of an industrial cluster effect throughout the province.

If it goes through, the merchant's profits will multiply. Is 500 taels too expensive for you?
Lord Zhao, do you even know how many drinks you've skipped to contribute to Anhui's economic development and help you all get rich?
The concept of a well-known trademark is easy to understand, and the eyes of everyone in the room lit up immediately. Government recognition, endorsement, and promotion are invaluable assets that money can't buy!
Isn't this much better than simply donating?

As for the five hundred taels for the review fee, it's just a drop in the ocean. Even if this method doesn't work out in the end, donating five hundred taels is still cheap.

Immediately, some people were intrigued, and the hall buzzed with discussion as everyone whispered among themselves about the selection process.

There is no first place in literature, but there is a second place in martial arts; the same applies to doing business.

Who wouldn't want to be recognized as a top-notch product and a prestigious brand by the province!

The atmosphere immediately became lively.

Zhao An observed this and deliberately gave everyone two or three minutes to discuss it before clearing his throat and throwing out an even bigger bait.

"Secondly, we need to attract investment!" Zhao An not only wants to encourage local business people to expand their businesses, but also wants to attract businessmen from other places to invest in Anqing, so as to provide an engine for Anqing's economic development and drive the rapid development of the entire Anhui economy.

Besides having plenty of money, out-of-town merchants also have advanced technology and extensive networks of contacts and sales channels. Bringing them to Anqing can not only boost local development but also create healthy competition. Perhaps in three to five years, Anqing, a city located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, can become an international metropolis similar to Yangzhou, a major city for grain transport.

From the perspective of future development, Anqing is at best a third-tier city at present. Therefore, if it can be upgraded to a second-tier or even a first-tier city, the value generated will be immeasurable.

It's just that the old man didn't like to open his eyes to the world, otherwise Zhao An would have definitely brought over the foreign dignitaries as well.

Let alone opening up treaty ports, even opening the entire Yangtze River to them would be a trivial matter.

At that time, foreign merchants were mainly in Guangzhou. The compradors of the Thirteen Factories made a fortune. I remember one of them was the world's richest man, second only to Heshen. I think his surname was Wu something.

"For those who come to Anqing to invest in workshops, open banks, build warehouses and shops, regardless of whether they are from this province or another, I hereby promise that the government will provide them with the greatest and best convenience in terms of land use, taxation, personnel, and loans!"

Zhao An is going to build an "industrial park".

Of course, it wasn't the kind of industrial park with chimneys flying everywhere and machines roaring, but rather a traditional commercial park based on the current productivity of the Qing Dynasty.

Old Song further explained: "The lord has decided to designate a large area along the river in the east of the city as the province's industrial and commercial park. The park will offer preferential commercial taxes and land price reductions, and the provincial treasurer's office will provide security protection. If you encounter any trouble, just go directly to the provincial treasurer's office!"

The supporting policy was that the six offices of the Provincial Secretariat would be reorganized into institutions similar to the Commerce Committee and the Quality Committee, providing comprehensive services to industry and commerce.

Of course, it was still called the Six Offices. Zhao An dared not change it arbitrarily. He could create new institutions out of thin air, but he dared not touch the regular institutions of the Qing Dynasty system.

Investment attraction, industrial and commercial parks, tax breaks, land price reductions, and official loans with extremely low or even no interest?

These unheard-of terms and benefits were like sweet bombs, leaving the merchants and workshop owners in the hall dizzy and excited, the quick-witted ones almost unable to sit still.

If the government not only refrains from exploitation but also proactively offers concessions and provides support, wouldn't Anqing become a paradise for merchants?

"third!"

Zhao An pressed his advantage, declaring, "We must expand and strengthen our business!"

To elaborate on "growing bigger and stronger," Lao Song meant encouraging business partners in Anqing to set aside past grievances, unite in the unified procurement of raw materials, jointly develop markets, share resources, and work together to compete with merchants from other provinces. This would avoid vicious internal competition and allow them to concentrate their efforts on vying for market share with businesspeople from other provinces.

Zhao An added, "You all need to make our Anqing and Anhui products famous. In the future, when people mention brocade, they will know that not only Suzhou and Hangzhou exist, but also Anqing! When people mention lacquerware, they will know that not only Fuzhou exists, but also Anqing! When people mention fine tea and fine ink, Anqing will have a place!"

In his excitement, Zhao An almost forgot what year and month it was, waving his arms and saying excitedly, "In short, I am willing to be your strong backing for making money and to protect you! I hope you can go all out, dispel your worries and do it boldly! Get the money moving, get the machines running, train the workers, and get the business going!"

Let our Anqing become a shining pearl in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River! May all of you here be wealthy and prosperous, and may the people of Anqing have more jobs, higher salaries, and a better life!

This is your greatest support for me, your greatest contribution to the court, and truly sharing the Emperor's burdens and serving the country!

His speech included a grand blueprint, specific paths, policy benefits, and emotional appeal. None of the businessmen present had ever heard of pyramid schemes before.

First came shock, then doubt, and finally, complete ignition. All worries and suspicions were swept away by the immense sense of opportunity!

Many people immediately stood up, their faces flushed with excitement: "Your words, sir, are truly enlightening! I am willing to be the first to apply for the well-known trademark award!"

"I will write a letter tomorrow to invite my cousin in Hankou to come to Anqing to see the industrial park you mentioned!"

"."

The atmosphere in the second hall was extremely lively, a stark contrast to the previous atmosphere.

However, at this moment, an old man with a white braid stood up, and everyone immediately fell silent, because this old man was Mr. Chen, the biggest cloth merchant in Anqing.

A respected elder in the business world, his words carry great weight.

"grown ups,"

Old Master Chen first bowed to Zhao An, then said respectfully but with doubt, "What you said and your ideas were indeed inspiring, but there is something I don't understand. Please enlighten me."

"Please ask, sir."

Zhao An looked at the old man with a smile.

Old Master Chen nodded and said softly, "What I'm worried about is whether the court will send another governor, and whether the governor's plan today can be preserved. It's not that I'm being paranoid, but my life is at stake, so I have to ask!"

These words were like cold water poured into a hot oil pan, instantly cooling down the lively scene.

The crowd looked at each other and nodded in agreement: Yes, personnel changes in officialdom are frequent, each official has their own affairs, and changing orders from morning to evening is as common as eating a meal.

Today, you, Lord Zhao, have spoken eloquently, but you are, after all, the acting governor, not the actual governor. What if tomorrow the higher authorities send a governor, such as Jiang or Wang, who do not value industry and commerce? Wouldn't all your promises be worthless then? Wouldn't all the money and effort invested go down the drain?
All eyes turned to Zhao An, eager to see how he would respond to this thorny issue.

Just as Zhao An was about to speak, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall, and a guard rushed into the hall, holding a yellow silk ribbon high: "Imperial edict has arrived! Zhao Youlu, the Provincial Governor of Anhui, receive the edict!"

The entire hall was shocked, and everyone knelt down.

Zhao An quickly straightened his clothes and knelt to listen to the imperial edict.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhao Youlu, the Provincial Governor of Anhui, has diligently served the country and achieved outstanding political results, which greatly pleases the Emperor. Therefore, the Emperor hereby bestows upon him a double-eyed peacock feather as a sign of imperial favor. So be it!"

The arrival of this peacock feather was so timely and dramatic.

(End of this chapter)