You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

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On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the atmosphere of the year-end was completely ignited and disrupted by a sudden piece of news that was more biting than the cold wind.

Rumors about profiting from glass, with an initial investment of one tael of capital, and making a profit of nearly twenty taels in ten days, spread like the most powerful firecrackers in December, throughout the streets and alleys and deep courtyards of Yingtian Prefecture, leaving everyone dizzy and excited.

South of the city, Shuyu Pavilion.

This is a quiet teahouse reserved for wealthy merchants to conduct business. Today, in the largest private room, the charcoal fire is burning very brightly, but it cannot dispel the regret and anxiety on the faces of the seven or eight richly dressed merchants gathered here.

The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of top-quality Longjing tea, but no one had the heart to savor it.

"Nineteen taels and eight mace...nineteen taels and eight mace!"

A plump merchant dressed in a brocade robe with floral patterns, Manager Liu, who ran a money exchange, slapped his thigh, his fat face trembling, his voice trembling with tears:

"When that notice was first posted, I laughed at the Ministry of Works, saying they were desperate for money and trying to scam money with just a few sheets of paper!"

"My wife kept saying she wanted to try it, but I gave her a good scolding, saying that women are short-sighted!"

"Now look... this isn't just a scam, this is practically handing over a mountain of gold to those poor peasants!"

Zhao, the silk merchant next door, stroked his goatee, his face ashen: "Who would have thought that glass would be so incredibly profitable?"

"What's even more unexpected is that the Ministry of Works actually distributes dividends based on that share capital, and the profits are so substantial!"

"I sent people to inquire, and those who invested earliest have already recouped their investment!"

"Now we can sit at home and wait for money to fall from the sky!"

"Gross profits, truly outrageous profits!" A lean grain merchant shook his head and sighed, "If I had known this would happen, I would have paid a hundred taels, let alone ten!"

"Now look what's happened, all the benefits go to those itinerant bathhouse attendants and massage parlor workers!"

Some people were worried: "Ever since the Ministry of Works issued those two thousand shares, there has been no further activity."

"Could it be... that they'll stop here and not accept new shares anymore?"

"Then we won't even get a sip of soup?"

These words only deepened the gloom and despair among the crowd.

If that's the case, then these self-proclaimed shrewd businessmen become the biggest joke and spectators outside of this grand feast of wealth.

At this moment, the door to the warm pavilion was gently pushed open, and a man dressed in an ochre brocade robe, about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with a face that carried a hint of pampered reserve and hidden anxiety, walked in.

This man, surnamed Zhou, was the illegitimate nephew of a deceased marquis. Although he held no real power, he was well-connected in wealthy business circles due to his status as a descendant of a noble family.

Upon seeing him enter, everyone quickly rose to greet him, saying, "Young Master Zhou."

"Master Zhou has arrived, please take a seat."

Young Master Zhou waved his hand, his face devoid of a smile, and sat down in the main seat, accepting the hot tea offered by the servant: "I just received confirmation that the Ministry of Works will resume issuing new shares after the New Year."

"Really?" Everyone's eyes lit up, like drowning people grabbing at a straw.

"Absolutely true."

Young Master Zhou said, "However, the rules have changed."

"It's changed? How has it changed?" everyone asked eagerly.

"In future IPOs, we will proceed based on 'household registration'."

"Each household is only allowed to subscribe to one share."

"One must present their household registration certificate to the Ministry of Works for registration and signature, pay ten taels of silver as qualification, plus at least one tael of share capital, to prevent impersonation and over-appropriation."

"One share per household?!"

"Only one share allowed?!"

"What...what kind of logic is this?!"

The warm pavilion immediately erupted in chaos.

Which of these wealthy businessmen doesn't have a fortune of enormous wealth?

Ten taels of silver were about the same as copper coins in their eyes.

Their plan was to spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to acquire a large number of shares and monopolize the profits of the glass business.

Now tell them that each company can only buy one share?

What good is one share?

Even if each share could bring in a hundred taels of silver a year, it would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean for them!

"What does the Ministry of Works mean by this?"

"We have plenty of money, why can't we buy more?"

"that is!"

"This glass business is so profitable; it's only right that those of us with the power invest more to help it grow!"

"One share per household...isn't this deliberately restricting us?"

Young Master Zhou watched their arguing with cold eyes, and only after the noise subsided did he slowly say, "Restrictions?"

"Perhaps the Ministry of Public Works did not intend for you to 'contribute more funds' in the first place."

Mr. Chen, a businessman who had been mostly silent and dealt in overseas spices, suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed, "I understand!" with a glint in his eyes.

"The imperial court's move was not at all about raising money!"

"At least, that's not the main purpose!"

All eyes turned to him.

"Think about it, everyone."

Mr. Chen analyzed, "The profits from glass are now as obvious as a bald man's lice."

"If the imperial court is truly that short of money, it could simply establish a state monopoly, with all profits going to the national treasury, or, like with salt, iron, and tea, issue monopoly rights, with the highest bidder winning. How much money could that generate?"

"Why go through all this trouble, with the 'ten taels of silver for qualification, one tael of capital' system, and having the common people supervise and teach them the craft?"

He paused, and seeing that everyone seemed thoughtful, continued, "This is a policy of the imperial court to benefit the people!"

"His Majesty has long recognized that the glass industry is highly profitable. Although the court's finances are somewhat strained, the Northern Expedition is supported by the imperial treasury, and the glass industry itself is also generating revenue. We are far from being in dire straits and needing to sell stocks to save the day."

"By using this method, they are cutting up this immense wealth and distributing it among the vast majority of ordinary people!"

"One share per household, no more and no less, allows ordinary families to share in the benefits of this new industry and improve their livelihoods, while preventing a few extremely wealthy individuals from taking the opportunity to monopolize the market and seize the vast majority of the profits."

"And the free glass-cutting skills training provides a long-term guarantee of livelihood for those who have invested!"

"This is... a brilliant strategy to enrich the people and win their hearts!"

His words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, making everyone realize the truth, but also leaving them with a deeper sense of powerlessness and regret.

It turns out that the glittering game of wealth in their eyes was never designed for these "super-rich" people from the very beginning.

The imperial court wanted to benefit those "peasants".

"But...but this is such a pity!"

Manager Liu pounded his chest in frustration: "Such a good deal, and it's all going to the common folk!"

"What do they know about business?"

"What do you know about buying and selling?"

"Exactly! What a waste!"

Someone rolled their eyes and whispered, "What Boss Chen said makes sense."

"But rules are rigid, people are flexible."

"The Ministry of Works stipulates one share per household, can't we think of a way to address this?"

"Which family doesn't have a few distant relatives, servants, or tenants?"

"Why not just use their names to invest?"

"If we find more registered residents, we can get more shares, right?"

This statement garnered support from some people who thought it was feasible.

But some people immediately objected: "This method may work in the early stages, but it is by no means a long-term solution, and it will not make a lot of money."

"Think about it, everyone. Since the Ministry of Industry has set a rule of one share per household, there must be a maximum limit on the total number of shares to be offered in the future."

"If tens of thousands of ordinary people were to become shareholders, how much dividend would they actually receive per share?"

"Even if we go to great lengths to acquire dozens or hundreds of household registrations, and each share receives an annual dividend of ten taels, the total would only amount to a thousand taels. Is it worth such a huge effort and risk for us?"

"Moreover, if the Ministry of Works finds out, it might be a case of more harm than good."

These words poured cold water on everyone's enthusiasm.

Yes, the cake is only so big, but if there are too many people sharing it, each portion will naturally become smaller.

Even if they manage to prepare several portions, they won't get to eat meat; at most, they'll only get some soup, and they'll still be taking a risk.

The previously silent Young Master Zhou put down his teacup, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips, and lowered his voice: "The upper limit... well said."

"Since the Ministry of Industry wants to raise new shares, what is the 'upper limit,' when is the deadline, and who will register and approve them...?"

"There's a lot more to this than meets the eye."

Everyone perked up and looked at him.

Young Master Zhou looked around and said slowly, "Those who work in the Ministry of Works are also human."

"Every human being has a price."

"We don't need to deal with those lowly household registrations."

"As long as we bribe the official in charge of registration and approval at the Ministry of Industry, we can get him to 'allocate' most of the 'quota' for the IPO to the people we designate..."

"The remaining scraps will be thrown to the common people to rob."

"In the end, won't most of the profits still flow into our pockets?"

"If the court wants to benefit the people, we'll help them with a portion of that benefit, and we'll gladly accept the rest."

"As long as your hands and feet are clean, who would know?"

There was a moment of silence in the warm pavilion, followed by a suppressed but knowing chorus of agreement.

"Young Master Zhou's insight is brilliant!"

"This plan is brilliant!"

"Yes, we'll pay for it and let the officials from the Ministry of Works handle it!"

"That's settled! Let's go to the event right after the New Year!"

Greed and calculation resurfaced on several faces, as if they could already see large sums of silver bypassing the court's rules and flowing into their own treasuries.

......

Meanwhile, at the West City Vegetable Market.

Half of last night's snow has melted, mixing with the soil and making the ground muddy.

As the year draws to a close, there are many more shoppers than usual, and the air is filled with the aromas of poultry, cooked food, and various spices, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Several people were gathered around a pork stall.

The stall owner was a burly man with a thick beard, skillfully picking at the bones.

A middle-aged man with a kind face, wearing a slightly worn cotton-padded jacket, stood in front of the stall with a bright-eyed boy of about seven or eight years old, pointing at the cutting board: "Butcher Wang, give me this piece of lean hind leg meat... three catties!"

"No, five jin!"

"And that pig offal, I want it too!"

"Chop off two more big bones!"

The stall owner, known as Butcher Wang, looked up in surprise and sized him up: "Oh, Fang Laoshi?"

"Did the sun rise in the west today? Are we not going to celebrate?"

"Cut off so much meat? Even the large offal bones?"

This man is known in the neighborhood for his frugality. He buys meat by the ounce and even picks and chooses the lean and fatty cuts.

"Hehe, this year... I'm a bit more financially comfortable!"

"His wife has worked hard all year, and the kid is craving meat. It's Chinese New Year, so let's have a good meal!"

While deftly cutting and weighing the meat, Butcher Wang remarked, "Looks like you're making some extra money? Getting extra pay for carrying heavy loads at the docks?"

No, no.

Fang Laoshi waved his hands repeatedly: "It's...it's the profit sharing from that glass."

"A few days ago, I chipped in with some money from my neighbors and invested in the stock, not expecting much..."

"Hey, guess what? I went to the Ministry of Works yesterday and got this much!"

He held up five fingers and then gestured "one".

"Five taels and one ounce?" Butcher Wang paused, nearly cutting his finger, his eyes widening in disbelief. "How much?"

"How much capital did you invest?"

"Just...just a few coins." Fang Laoshi chuckled, took the heavy meat and bones wrapped in lotus leaves, and carefully put them into the basket.

"How much... five taels and one centimeter?" Butcher Wang's voice suddenly rose, almost changing tone, attracting the attention of several vendors and vegetable buyers nearby.

"My goodness!"

"From a few coins to five taels, and it's only been a few days?"

"Fang Laoshi, are you serious? That glass dividend is really that good?"

"Did the Ministry of Works really give the money? Or is it a lie?"

People immediately gathered around, asking questions all at once, their faces filled with shock and envy.

Surrounded by others, Fang Laoshi felt a little lost, but mostly satisfied by the envy he received. He nodded repeatedly, "Really! Really!"

"Pure, unadulterated silver! The Minister of Works weighed it on the spot and gave it to me!"

"Old Zhao, who went with me, contributed one tael and received over ten taels in return!"

"Heavens above..."

A woman selling vegetables murmured, "This must be like turning lead into gold!"

The old fishmonger smacked his lips: "I'd heard the glass business was profitable, but I never imagined it was this lucrative!"

"When that notice was first posted, I thought the government was just trying to extort money from me... Sigh!"

"Brother Fang, is it still possible to invest now?" a young man asked eagerly.

"I heard that the Ministry of Works will be recruiting again next spring, but it seems there are new rules, and it will be based on household registration..." Fang Laoshi said, sharing what little information he knew.

"Forget all the rules! I'll sell everything I own next year to get a share!"

Butcher Wang slammed his cleaver down on the chopping board: "Turning a few coins into five taels? Only a fool wouldn't do that!"

"Fang Laoshi, next time the Ministry of Works has any news, you'd better let them know!"

"Yes! Make a sound!"

"Take us with you!"

A short while later, Fang Laoshi, carrying a basket full of New Year's goods and holding his son's hand, walked out of the market in a daze amidst the envious gazes and earnest advice of the crowd.

The cold wind stung his face, yet he felt warm all over. He had the remaining silver in his pocket, and his basket was filled with a bountiful amount of New Year's goods that he could never have dreamed of in previous years. He could hear the envious words of his neighbors.

He looked down at his son's little face, red from the cold but excited, and the thought in his mind became clearer and firmer than ever before:

Following the imperial court, life truly has a future!

"Fresh and crisp winter greens!"

At this moment, a few shouts, tinged with local accents yet full of energy, ignited the already bustling market entrance like drops of water thrown into a pot of boiling oil.

The crowd turned to look at the sound and saw three or four large carts, piled high and carefully covered with thick straw mats, creaking and groaning as they were driven in by several ruddy-faced men wearing thick new cotton-padded coats.

The lead vehicle had a simple wooden sign with the four characters "Qingxi Greenhouse" written in ink.

As soon as the car came to a stop, several men from Qingxi Village quickly lifted the straw mat.

Suddenly, a vast expanse of emerald green, seemingly unreal in the winter, came into everyone's view!

Fresh and tender bok choy, tender spinach, and vibrant green mustard greens... The short-legged blue...

With the freshness of the soil and the slight warmth unique to greenhouses, it is dazzlingly green and breathtakingly fresh under the bleak winter sun.

"This is truly a dish from Qingxi Village!"

"Quick! Leave me two!"