Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 325 New Year is approaching? Xishan's Grand Year-End Sale!

The 24th day of the 12th month of the 9th year of the Wanli reign.

The customs of welcoming the New Year in the Ming Dynasty were almost identical to those of later generations.

The entire Xishan area was filled with a joyful atmosphere. From today onwards, the various meals at the Xishan canteen will be different from usual.

Zhang Yunxiu naturally wouldn't be stingy with the laborers and people of Xishan who had worked hard all year.

Whether it's the three sacrificial animals (pork, fish, and chicken), pastries (peach cake and rice cake), or various wines and preserved meats, the canteen has almost everything you could want.

The people of Xishan still eat with meal tickets, but compared to usual, the portions are increased without increasing the price.

During the Lunar New Year, if people want to go home and cook, Xishan will not stop them. They can exchange their receipts for an equivalent amount of "New Year's gift package" at the canteen, which contains all kinds of ingredients.

Of course, the "New Year's goods" provided by Xishan are certainly not enough to meet all the needs of the people.

That's not difficult at all. The capital of the Ming Dynasty is right next door. Xishan has already announced that it will open a market outside Xishan and summon merchants from all over the capital to come.

In no time, news of the distribution of "New Year's goods" and the opening of the market in Xishan spread throughout the entire capital.

Unlike the disdain for Xishan Village more than half a year ago, almost all Beijing residents now yearn for Xishan.

Even many respectable women in the capital considered it an honor to marry a man from the Western Hills.

After all, making a living in the capital is not easy. If you don't have an official position or family background, there is no way you can make a living by doing business.

But Xishan is quite different. It is backed by the royal family and has the "most evil man in the world," Zhang Zhangwei, in charge.

Zhang Zhangwei is known for being "harsh" to outsiders, but he is famously kind to his own people.

The wages in the Xishan workshops far exceeded those in other parts of the capital, and there were also various guarantees on a daily basis. For ordinary people who could not pass the imperial examinations, becoming a "Xishan person" was naturally the best outcome.

Merchants from the capital knew that Xishan was wealthy, so they naturally rushed to the Xishan market, bringing all kinds of New Year's goods.

As the year draws to a close, distributing salaries and bonuses is naturally a matter of course.

While the security provided by Xishan allows an ordinary worker to live comfortably without needing money, the tens of thousands of people in Xishan always have different needs, making it necessary to distribute money at this time.

Early that morning, Yu Xiangdou, along with his accountant, distributed the money to the people of Xishan according to the register and ledger.

Looking at box after box of gleaming silver, even Yu Xiangdou couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

According to Zhang Yunxiu, the year-end bonuses are not only a reward for workers, but also a way to stimulate consumption and create a virtuous cycle in the economy.

Yu Xiangdou only had a vague understanding of it, but he still thought it was pretty awesome.

Most importantly, Zhang Yunxiu was able to persuade that miserly emperor to allocate a portion of the Xishan's accounts to these ordinary people.

"Zhang Hanzi!"

"Chen Ergou!"

One name after another was called out, and the people of Xishan beamed with joy, their faces filled with a festive spirit amidst the snow-covered landscape.

Some people even held the silver in their hands, trembling slightly, and wept with joy.

My elder brother, Zhang Jingxiu, has been studying mathematics diligently in Xishan these days, and he's taking advantage of the year-end to get some fresh air.

Yu Xiangdou was in charge of distributing the silver, and following Zhang Yunxiu's instructions, he acted as the supervisor.

When Zhang Jingxiu saw the different expressions of the people of Xishan, yet all of them looking happy, he couldn't help but feel a little dazed for a moment.

"Is this the way to bring peace and stability to the people?"

He muttered to himself, and in that instant, he became certain of his decision.

Xishan Weapon Workshop.

When Yu Xiangdou found Zhang Yunxiu, he was coming out of the workshop, still covered in the smell of cooking firewood.

Yu Xiangdou smiled and bowed, saying, "Sir, have you successfully developed that giant firework?"

Zhang Yunxiu patted the medicine residue off his body and said, "It's just a mere firework. In the future, Xishan will be building cannons. If we can't even make fireworks, then this weapons workshop can close down."

"These next few days, you and Zhao Shizhen should work harder and try to finish developing these fireworks before New Year's Eve."

"What you're referring to, sir, is 'New Year's Eve,' right?" Yu Xiangdou corrected.

The term "New Year's Eve" was relatively uncommon in the Ming Dynasty. Most of the time, people in the Ming Dynasty were used to calling it "New Year's Eve," "New Year's Day," or "New Year's Day."

That's exactly what I mean.

Zhang Yunxiu used to be somewhat particular, but now he has completely let himself go and uses terms from later generations directly. In the eyes of most people, he has become a model of unconventionality.

Yu Xiangdou was very quick-witted and immediately came up with an idea.

"The adults are involving the children, presumably with the intention of starting a fireworks business in the future?"

Zhang Yunxiu smiled slightly: "The saying goes that every household sets off firecrackers and hangs lanterns until midnight. As the lives of the people in the capital improve, entertainment activities must keep up. In the future, there will be Lantern Festivals every year, how can there be no fireworks and firecrackers?"

Yu Xiangdou's eyes lit up: "Your Excellency is wise!"

“However,” Zhang Yunxiu was clearly not in such a hurry to make money, “the fireworks and firecrackers can be planned for the long term. After all, there is still some time before the Lantern Festival, but New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Not only the people of Xishan, but also the people of the capital, whether rich or poor, will have to prepare something for the end of the year.”

Yu Xiangdou grew increasingly fat, and his face became puffy when he smiled.

"Please rest assured, sir, the silver will be distributed in full, and there will be absolutely no shortfall."

Zhang Yunxiu's pay for working in Xishan was exceptionally generous. If you really wanted to make money, there were plenty of ways to do so, and no one would dare to provoke Zhang Yunxiu.

"I am at ease about this matter."

Zhang Yunxiu squinted his eyes and smiled as he spoke.

"I have summoned you here today because there is something more important. Speaking of which, have the accounts for this year been released for our Xishan coal mine, textile mill, glass workshop, and other factories?"

Yu Xiangdou quickly replied, "Of course it has increased dramatically! The profits we Xishan earns are unparalleled in the world."

This can be seen from the state of the imperial court's finances. The emergence of Xishan had greatly alleviated the financial pressure on the Ming Dynasty, and it could even be said that it was truly as wealthy as a country.

Zhang Yunxiu asked, "Have there been any changes to the prices of our various commodities?"

Yu Xiangdou replied, "Don't worry, sir. We're all operating within the established range, and we're all about making small profits but quick turnover."

But Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said, "I don't think it will work. We need to make some changes at the end of the year."

"Ok?"

Yu Xiangdou was stunned for a moment. He was a little confused, but he quickly realized what was going on and said with excitement.

"Sir! You've finally agreed to raise prices!"

He looked extremely excited, his eyebrows dancing with joy.

"As I've said, the prices of all kinds of goods in Xishan are really too low. Alas, low prices are not a good thing; it means we'll lose a lot of money. It's not that I'm greedy, but according to economics, prices should conform to objective laws. All the shops in the capital have raised their prices, but we haven't. Many people in the capital are directly using our goods to resell."

Seeing Yu Xiangdou's long-suffering expression at the "low price," Zhang Yunxiu was immediately furious.

He kicked Yu Xiangdou and said, "Raise your legs my foot! This time, not only will we not raise prices, but we'll also offer discounts and have a big year-end sale!"

"What?!!"

Yu Xiangdou was so frightened that his face turned ashen.

It was the end of the year, but Li Zhi had no intention of returning home. He stayed in Xishan and refused to leave. Zhang Yunxiu did not try to drive him away and even let him teach part-time at the academy.

"Sir! The canteen also gave us a New Year's gift, so we don't have to worry about the New Year."

Yuan Wenwei was all bark and no bite; he complained a lot about his mentor, but he still chose to stay and accompany Li Zhi.

He was carrying chicken, duck, fish, and meat, and his body was covered with all kinds of New Year's goods. His face was beaming with joy.

But Li Zhi frowned, holding a newspaper in his hand, lost in thought.

Yuan Wenwei sighed and said, "Sir, you should stop being so insistent. There is a reason why Zhang Shiyuan did not accept your apprenticeship ceremony. You are of a certain age, and you have many disciples and former subordinates in the world. If Zhang Shiyuan really accepted you, wouldn't things be in chaos?"

Li Zhi retorted irritably, “Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me. I will choose the good ones and follow them. How can learning be judged by age? Zhang Shiyuan is a master of science. Now that I have become a disciple of science, why shouldn’t Zhang Shiyuan accept me?”

Am I inferior to others? Why is it that Yang Jishi of the Imperial Medical Academy can be bowed to, and Gu Xiancheng and Wang Heng, who are still relatively inexperienced, can be bowed to, but I cannot?

“It’s different, it’s different,” Yuan Wenwei said helplessly. “Look at the legendary physician Li Shizhen, he didn’t become an apprentice either, so why are you so insistent?”

Yuan Wenwei had already guessed that Zhang Yunxiu refused to accept a disciple because his master was always causing trouble.

Xishan was a vital treasure of the Ming Dynasty, and it is likely that Zhang Yunxiu was thinking of Li Zhi's interests.

Li Zhi, however, ignored the advice and said through gritted teeth.

"If I don't study science, I won't be able to grasp its true essence. What kind of knowledge do I want to study? Zhang Shiyuan looks down on me, so I'll show him what I'm capable of!"

Yuan Wenwei sighed, "Sir, why are you doing this to yourself?"

He knew that Li Zhi was stubborn and would never compromise on what he had decided, so he simply stopped trying to dissuade him.

Yuan Wenwei thought for a moment, then took out a poster from his bag and handed it to Li Zhi.

"Sir, you would surely be interested in this."

Li Zhi was somewhat puzzled. He took the poster and examined it closely, and it was clearly the work of Xishan.

The so-called "poster" was a form of advertising used by shops in the Ming Dynasty. It was usually posted outside the shop or on public bulletin boards such as notice boards or white walls.

However, this "poster" was not posted, but distributed everywhere. Only Zhang Yunxiu, who was rich and powerful, treated paper as if it were nothing.

The poster in Xishan has a red background and some small illustrations of lanterns and Spring Festival couplets, which makes it look quite festive.

The large characters on the top were all printed, and this printing technique was clearly only something that Zhang Yunxiu's Xinming Study could achieve.

Upon reading the text, Li Zhi felt a little dizzy.

"Xishan Year-End Grand Sale!" "50% Off Everything!" "Limited Quantities, First Come, First Served!"

Li Zhi couldn't help but chuckle. Even someone as well-traveled as him found this thing quite novel.

What is a year-end grand sale? I've never heard of that before!

Li Zhi turned his head and asked, "What is Xishan up to?"

Yuan Wenwei looked both amused and exasperated: "The news that came out these past two days is that Xishan is going to hold a promotional event on New Year's Eve. The location will be an open space outside the Xishan Grand Theater, where products from various Xishan workshops will be displayed, with prices ranging from 50% to 90% off."

The news has spread throughout the capital in recent days, with many commoners eager to try their luck, while the gentry and merchants are seething with envy.

Li Zhi blurted out instinctively, "Has Zhang Shiyuan gone mad?"

The fact that even the "madman" Li Zhi uttered the word "mad" speaks volumes about the profound impact this event had on the people of the Ming Dynasty.

I've always heard of people hoarding goods and driving up prices, but I've never heard of anyone deliberately offering discounts. This is almost unimaginable in the resource-scarce Ming Dynasty.

Even to ordinary people, he seems a little dim-witted.

“That’s what everyone outside is saying,” Yuan Wenwei said, shaking his head repeatedly. “They say Zhang Shiyuan has fallen ill. Half of Xishan is royal property, and His Majesty will not let him off the hook for wasting it like this.”

Li Zhi frowned and waved his hand, saying...

"Don't jump to conclusions; there must be a deeper meaning behind this!"

As an avid science enthusiast, he had done some research on Zhang Yunxiu's deeds.

This kid always manages to do outrageous things, but then he turns out to be a sensation.

Li Zhi said with piercing eyes, "I have already grasped the essence of science, and this time I will definitely study it thoroughly to convince Zhang Shiyuan."

As he spoke, he gripped the poster even tighter.

Yuan Wenwei suddenly felt a pang of regret. He shook his head helplessly and let out a sigh.

It seems that his master is completely beyond saving.

Wenyuan Pavilion.

The clerks hurried along, most of them carrying thick stacks of documents.

Grand Secretaries Zhang Juzheng and Shen Shixing, along with the Ministers of Revenue and Rites, were still in the Wenyuan Pavilion carrying out year-end cleanup work and making arrangements for the Lantern Festival.

However, it was indeed not time for Ming Dynasty officials to take a holiday. According to the Ming Dynasty Statutes, "On the first day of the first month of each year, civil and military officials shall have a five-day holiday."

So it's not time for a holiday yet.

At this moment, Shen Shixing was in a hurry, busy in the Wenyuan Pavilion, when he suddenly received a message from Xishan, and he was almost stunned.

Shen Shixing held the poster with a strange expression. He quickly found Zhang Juzheng's case, handed the poster over, and said...

"Please take a look at the contents."

Zhang Juzheng stopped writing and glanced at the poster. Upon seeing the exaggerated title, he immediately felt uneasy.

"What kind of trouble is this kid up to now?"

"It must be because it's the end of the year," Shen Shixing guessed. "Is Commander Zhang thinking of giving the people of the capital some benefits so they can have a good New Year?"

Zhang Juzheng raised his eyes and said, "The goods in Xishan are already cheap and affordable. Now that the northern and southern Zhili are experiencing setbacks and the economy is just beginning to stabilize, I'm afraid his move will not only fail to bring peace to the people, but will also make many small merchants unable to make ends meet."

His thinking was clearly more profound. According to Zhang Yunxiu's economic theory, the current priority is to get to the root of the problem and restore price stability in various regions.

The Ministry of Revenue is already working on the relevant matters, and Zhang Yunxiu is just adding to the chaos with this big promotion.
After some deliberation, Zhang Juzheng summoned Zhang Xueyan, the Minister of Revenue.

"Ziyu, you are well-versed in economics. Are you aware of Xishan's year-end grand sale?"

After glancing at the poster and hearing Zhang Juzheng's description, Zhang Xueyan's face lit up with surprise, and he slapped his thigh and exclaimed.

"Your Excellency! In my humble opinion, this move will not only not damage the market, but will also greatly boost consumption and the economy!"

(End of this chapter)