In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 159 Dividing the Profits
Zhang Like, who was standing nearby, also vaguely sensed it.

He didn't have Lu Zhao's powerful mental strength to judge the vitality of the people present, but he did have the ability to discern.

These two citizens gave him a very strong sense of oppression, even stronger than Lu Zhao.

Their life development must be very high, most likely even higher than Lu Zhao's, but they still have to bow down.

It's definitely better to be an official.

It's better to be an official than to be rich, and it's also better to be an official than to develop life. Once you become an official, you have both money and the resources needed for life development.

Otherwise, once you go into society or outside the federal government, no matter how powerful you are, you're still just a dog.

You either earn money on your knees or you get beaten to death.

Lu Zhao calmed himself down and nodded to the two of them.

He then cast a probing glance at Zhao De.

Zhao De said, "The main reason I called you here today is to discuss matters between Bangqu and Sanjiang. Previously, Sanjiang was engaged in beef cattle breeding, while Bangqu was responsible for processing and transportation."

“This path is no longer viable, so we’ve come up with a new one.”

Lu Zhao said, "I don't do illegal or criminal things. If you want to do them, then find another way."

"At most, it's a violation of the rules; the fact that you're sitting here right now is a violation."

Zhao De had anticipated this and explained, "The districts and the people are both indispensable parts of the Federation. You are not only concerned with the Chinese and neglecting the people. Do you really think that the farmers in the Ant Ridge district can support themselves and become wealthy simply by farming?"

"Don't forget, the main smugglers are the farmers in your jurisdiction."

Zhao De had no choice but to engage in smuggling, partly because he needed to pay tribute to Cangwu, and partly because many people in Fangshi made a living through this route.

The primary responsibility of the head of any jurisdiction or unit is to ensure that people have enough to eat. This applies to everyone from the chief of the Federal Martial Virtue Hall to a local district head like Lu Zhao.

In detail, it means providing employment and driving economic development.

Fang City has a very poor economic foundation and no industrial base, so it can only rely on smuggling contraband from abroad.

However, to take this path, one must obtain Lu Zhao's consent; otherwise, it will be impossible.

Zhao De had to admit that in just half a year, this originally nameless patrolman had become the de facto second-in-command of the city's defense forces.

Furthermore, with Liu Wuhou standing behind Lu Zhao, it's almost impossible for him to kick Lu Zhao down by any means.

When fortune smiles upon you and heaven and earth lend their strength, nothing surpasses this moment of soaring to the heavens.

Zhao De believed that Lu Zhao would definitely agree.

It can be seen from the fact that he forced himself to take action against the Wei family in advance that, in addition to being a politically perfect person without any blemishes, Lu Zhao was also a shrewd official.

The difference between officials and clerks lies in the formulation and implementation of policies.

Lu Zhao frowned slightly. He did not refuse immediately, but instead looked thoughtful.

There was no answer for a long time.

Because this isn't a question of whether it's illegal or not.

"Where you stand depends on where you stand." When Lu Zhao was in charge of decision-making, he wasn't thinking about how to enforce federal laws and regulations.

The federal government appointed him as the top local official not simply to obey the law, but to govern the region.

Today, the military and civilians in the Ant Ridge area are getting along better than ever before, thanks to their friendship in fighting the floods together and the excellent work done in post-disaster reconstruction.

But these feelings will eventually fade, and the reconstruction efforts won't last long.

Returning to reality, the primary issue is how to make the farmers in the area prosperous.

If nothing is done, smuggling will continue. If we try to stop it by force, we will only get bogged down in an endless war with the people in the border region.

Farmers have limited legal income and a very poor economic foundation.

He asked himself honestly, was he only in office to satisfy his own sense of morality? Did he think that his innocence was more important than the farmers going hungry?
Lu Zhao said, "We can talk, but there are two things I won't talk about: things that are clearly illegal or criminal, and things that harm the interests of the federal government and the people."

Zhao De nodded in satisfaction and said, "Don't worry, as I said, whether this matter is in violation of regulations or laws, the Federation has not abolished the laws and regulations governing trading ports."

The reason why we didn't establish trading ports before was mainly because the business we did was illegal. Having trading ports would mean being subject to supervision, and with supervision comes greater risk.

And most importantly, you have to pay taxes.

Throughout history, the only things that have been unavoidable are taxes and death, and the most intense conflicts between local and central authorities have always been over taxation.

Lu Zhao asked, "So what exactly do we want to trade?"

Zhao Dedao said, "I have inside information that beef regulations will be lifted next year. We have already solicited opinions from the public and received support from all sectors of society."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhao did not object; he simply didn't want to eat it himself, but it didn't matter if others ate it.

Selling beef is the same principle; it's not like selling drugs. He's more concerned with other issues than that.

He asked, "Then how can Ant Ridge make a profit?"

Representative Nguyen Minh Thanh of the San Giang region replied, "Selling beef gives you half a percent of the profits each year, which is about 30 million NT dollars. If the market is good, it will be more."

"How many?"

Zhang Like couldn't help but exclaim, "Thirty million in cash?!"

The annual income of farmers in Ant Ridge is no more than 30,000 yuan, but they can earn 30 million yuan a year by staying in this area.

Ruan Mingcheng nodded and said, "If you need gold, that's fine too."

Lu Zhao remained expressionless, observing Zhang Like's attitude to see if he could maintain his composure.

It's normal to have so much money. There's a saying: "A clean prefect for three years can amass 100,000 taels of silver."

It's too easy for officials to get rich; a bunch of people are eager to give them money.

Zhang Like stared blankly for a few seconds, then closed his mouth and remained silent.

Visualization is not mind reading, but when a person's emotions are intense enough, Lu Zhao can see the vague emotions.

Old Zhang was shocked, but he didn't show the same madness and obsession that Mo Kun had shown with the 100,000 yuan.

It's a simple principle: 100,000 yuan feels somewhat real, but 30 million is far too much. Zhang Like doesn't think he can get that price; it's only because Lu Zhao can offer it.

Moreover, if a border defense official can earn this much, if he can climb the ranks step by step in the future, how many tens of millions he earns will no longer matter.

Lu Zhao was pleased that Lao Zhang could remain calm. It's normal to be tempted; the key is whether he can control himself.

He said, "I'm talking about how to make the farmers in Ant Ridge profitable. How many jobs can you provide for us?"

"what?"

Ruan Mingcheng was a little confused, as was Atipeng. The two seemed not to understand what Lu Zhao was saying.
Do you think it's too little?

Ruan Mingcheng said with a bitter face, "Station Chief Lu, this half-percent profit is quite a lot. The lion's share still goes to Cangwu. We only get 30% for the feed and labor we provide. We also need to eat."

Half a percent profit is already a lot. In the past, Lü Jinshan could only receive a fixed dividend, and if sales declined in a year, the dividend would be deducted.

For example, Lu Zhao is one of them now.

Perhaps after Lu Zhao leaves, he will still have to pay tribute to his superiors, and it will be the norm to make offerings at every level.

Zhao De helped explain, "Station Chief Lu has always been straightforward and doesn't beat around the bush. What he really wants is a job."

Upon hearing this, Ruan and A exchanged a glance, still completely bewildered.

This is the first time I've seen such a request, but what can I do when the person in charge is the boss?

"Please give us some time; we need to discuss this."

They got up and left the room.

Taking advantage of the break, Zhao De took out a pack of green-label special-supply cigarettes and handed one to each of Lu and Zhang.

He asked, "Once the application for the treaty port is approved, the main operation and maintenance will be handed over to you. Just make sure you can guarantee the supply of Cangwu beef."

"And the 100,000 mu of farmland that we promised you can only be given to you after you are promoted in rank."

Zhao De didn't care how much money he was paid, as long as he completed the tasks assigned by his superiors.

As for the farmland, it was taken from the Wei family anyway. Keeping it in hand would provide more resources, but without Lu Zhao's support to provide evidence, it would be difficult to completely destroy Wei Jiahong.

With Lu Zhao involved, it was as if a signal was being sent to the outside world that Liu Wuhou's men had also taken action.

With the two factions united, no one would be foolish enough to ignore them. Lu Zhao took a deep drag of his cigarette and asked, "If the treaty ports are opened, will smugglers disappear?"

"hehe."

Zhao De chuckled twice and asked in return, "What do you think?"

Lu Zhao understood; he knew things weren't that simple.

One thing at a time: if the trading ports were open and beef didn't need to be smuggled, then other prohibited items would still need to be smuggled.

The border garrison troops still need to engage in firefights with smugglers.

Even Lu Jinshan, while disregarding beef, still cracked down on drugs as usual.

Because drugs are a crime, and beef is illegal.

Zhang Like frowned and said, "Wouldn't we be aiding the enemy?"

Zhao De did not deny it, saying, "Cooperate where cooperation is needed, and fight where struggle is needed. Captain Zhang will become a regimental commander after the New Year, so you had better realize that."

Zhang Like looked at Lu Zhao, whose good brother, who had always adhered to the rules, remained silent, seemingly acquiescing.

He used to teach Lu Zhao workplace tips, but now Lu Zhao has reached a position equal to Zhao De.

Ten minutes later, Ruan and A returned.

They agreed to Lu Zhao's request, but the specific job positions that could be offered would depend on the border garrison's own arrangements.

Apart from the breeding process, everything else that goes through Ant Ridge can be handed over to Lu Zhao.

Because of the giant beast, apart from the farms scattered in various places, the towns gathered outside Ant Ridge were all destroyed.

They also need to rebuild the industrial chain and recruit new staff, which can be done by drawing manpower directly from the state.

Lu Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "If possible, could the slaughtering, transportation, and storage all be handled by Ant Ridge?"

Ruan Mingcheng nodded and said, "Of course, but you'll have to pay us for the cattle when they're ready for market, and you'll bear the losses incurred during this process."

"can."

Lu Zhao nodded in agreement.

Earning dividends is a quick way to make money, and there's no risk involved.

But that would only enrich themselves and would not improve the living conditions of the farmers in Ant Ridge.

Meanwhile, assuming beef is indeed removed from the list of prohibited items, the market demand for beef will certainly be huge.

Looking further ahead, we can maximize the benefits of Ant Ridge joining the industrial chain.

Federal farmland is subject to extremely strict regulations, making it impossible to immediately switch to growing feed. It's highly likely that the costs and risks will be shifted overseas, with foreign entities handling the federal livestock farming.

After the Great Cataclysm, there were vast lands outside that no one owned.

For the federal government, it was not worth destroying the existing defenses for a small gain, and sending military and civilians to reclaim land would result in heavy casualties and incur liability.

After the cooperation agreement was finalized, the dishes were served.

A poised waitress stood behind each person, helping to distribute dishes, change plates, and pour drinks.

Lu Zhao took a few more bites of the cucumber salad, and when the consul saw this, he went out and had someone bring in another plate, which he placed in front of him.

Zhao Dedao said, "The county-level outstanding youth award will be selected next month, and we have two slots."

Lu Zhao said without any hesitation, "Then I'll take one."

Zhao De laughed and said, "As long as you make one phone call to Miss Lin, no one can beat you."

Lu Zhao retorted, "If I can take it myself, why should I ask her for help?"

Zhao De paused slightly, picked up a piece of meat and put it in his mouth, saying, "That's right. You can win the county-level Outstanding Youth Award yourself, so there's no need to rely too much on connections."

Lu Zhao asked, "How is the matter with the Wei family?"

"Wei Jiahong has been detained. The news should be released tomorrow or the day after. Then it will be a matter of going through the procedures to send him to prison."

"The Wei family's grain business has been seized, and the vacated properties will be auctioned off at a low price. Are you interested?"

Seeing that Lu Zhao seemed quite willing to leave behind property for his hometown, Zhao De offered to do him a favor.

He could also take over the Wei family's business, but taking too much of this kind of thing could be a hot potato.

It's disgraceful for a city executive to also run businesses.

Lu Zhao asked, "What exactly is it?"

Zhao De replied, "Grain processing plant."

Lu Zhao thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Forget it, it's easy for the Corps to violate regulations by operating industries, but I can buy the equipment."

Buying grain processing equipment at a low price is different from taking over a grain enterprise.

Although in practice, it could be said that the Border Garrison Corps only held shares and did not participate in actual operations, involvement in business easily breeds corruption.

Lu Zhao did not want the garrison to become another Wei family grain depot the moment he left.

Zhao De was slightly disappointed, but nodded and said, "Okay."

If Lu Zhao agrees, this flaw, which he cannot exploit, could be a breakthrough point.

There are only zero or countless blemishes.

The two chatted idly, and no one else could speak; they could only keep each other company.

Watching them divide up the Wei family's assets and determine the future distribution of profits in just a few words.

Zhao De wanted to complete the tasks assigned by his superiors, while Lu Zhao wanted to secure industries for Ant Ridge. Neither of them liked to do anything illegal or irregular, so they rarely clashed.

Pay the federal fees, and the rest is all yours.

Lu Zhao calculated in his mind that the slaughterhouse alone could generate tens of millions in revenue a year, and if managed properly, it could also drive local development.

Just like building roads, we can't only consider the economic benefits.

After a few rounds of drinks, the banquet was about to end.

Ruan and A each took out a thick stack of envelopes and handed them to Lu Zhao.

"This is just a small token of our appreciation; we hope Station Master Lu will accept it."

"no need."

Lu Zhao left with Zhang Like without even glancing at the envelope.

Only an idiot would accept this kind of money. Not to mention Lu Zhao, even a slightly smart federal official wouldn't take the money.
-

September 4th.

Fangchenggang City issued a public consultation letter regarding the opening of the Mayiling trade port.

Zhao De secured a policy window for the "lifting of the ban on contraband in 3242," and with the assistance of his connections in Cangwu City, the work proceeded extremely quickly.

September 5th.

Lu Zhao received relevant documents from his superiors, inquiring about the possibility of building a treaty port.

September 6th.

With the approval of the Border Garrison Corps, the document regarding the construction of a treaty port was delivered to Ant Ridge that afternoon.

Lu Zhao also handed over the preparations for the slaughterhouse to Lin Yongkang, who continued to implement his "bidding strategy".

We recruit companies in related industries to open branch factories in Ant Ridge.

September 7th.

The arrival of the expert team from the Divine Power Academy, led by a fourth-level transcendent being, immediately alarmed Zhao De.

Because this person was his mentor during his university years.

Dean of the South China Sea Divine Power Academy, Federal Commander-in-Chief, recipient of the Federal Supreme Divine Power Academic Research Award in 3241.

Grand Secretary Han Dongcai.

(End of this chapter)