Tang Jian stood on the stage, coughed lightly, and said, "Thank you all here for your appreciation and participation in the National Business Conference held for the first time since the founding of China."

All the wealthy businessmen in the audience were uneasy and looked at Tang Jian with their glasses. Everyone knew that Tang Jian held the National Business Conference this time was not just about inviting everyone to drink and go to the banquet. The purpose was self-evident, and everyone present knew it.

After coming to Wuhan, wealthy businessmen from all over the country secretly discussed and decided to select a representative among the crowd. If Tang Jian had any excessive demands, the representative would have to negotiate with Tang Jian to protect his own interests. He would never give up the wealth he had worked hard to accumulate for generations so easily.

Since the Qiao family of Shanxi merchants has always been a leader among the Shanxi merchants in recent years, and the wealth of Shanxi merchants among the rich merchants in the country is one of the best, everyone recommended Mr. Qiao of the Qiao family as the representative of the negotiation.

Mr. Qiao felt that his own interests were closely related to every wealthy businessman present at this time. In addition, he was the oldest and respected among the crowd. Therefore, after everyone recommended him, Mr. Qiao happily agreed to serve as the negotiator for this time.

Tang Jian continued: "I wonder if you feel satisfied with the dishes for this hospitality? Since you come from all over the country, the taste of the dishes is also hastily prepared. I would like to forgive me if you have any shortcomings!"

The wealthy businessmen raised their glasses to express their politeness. However, the more Tang Jian did not explain the real reason for letting everyone come this time, the more uneasy they felt.

The second son of the Qiao family couldn't help but rolled up his sleeves and asked loudly: "We are all ordinary businessmen, and they are slight and slight. I don't know what important things should be discussed by Your Excellency the President asked us to come and discuss with you!"

The second young master was just halfway through his words, and Mr. Qiao stopped what the second young master wanted to continue to say next. When the second young master was glaring at him like this, he immediately realized his abruptness and lowered his head and fell silent.

Tang Jian didn't care and smiled slightly, "The one I just talked about is the second young master of the Qiao family in Shanxi! The second young master is indeed straightforward and speaks without any hesitation. Tang admires him. Since the second young master asked so directly, I might as well speak bluntly."

Hearing this, everyone held their breath and stared at Tang Jian, guessing what Tang Jian was going to say next.

Tang Jian put down his wine glass, stood slowly to the front of the stage, and said, "As we all know, China was first built, and there were countless places in various places that needed money urgently. China's finances were tight, and some new measures could not be implemented at all. Therefore, I decided to convene wealthy businessmen from all over the country to Wuhan to discuss the next economic measures. Another important point is... borrow the money in your hands!"

As soon as Tang Jian said something, more than a thousand wealthy businessmen in the audience suddenly felt like they were in a panic, and they whispered. Some people were indignant and said that they would not hand over the wealth they had accumulated in their hands for no reason even if they died. Another small number of people sighed with grief. Since ancient times, the people have not fought with officials. It seems that Tang Jian was determined to steal their property this time, and no matter how they resisted, it would be futile. They have an army of hundreds of thousands!

Yan Fu smiled at Tang Jian, then stood up. Yan Fu looked at the wealthy businessman who wanted to explode a bee nest below and shouted: "Don't make unreasonable guesses, don't be anxious. Our president hasn't finished his words yet!"

Just as everyone was talking, Mr. Qiao was pushed to the forefront by some. They all hoped that Mr. Qiao could negotiate with the people of the new government on their behalf. If they forced their property for no reason, everyone would be dissatisfied.

Mr. Qiao, leaning on a crutch, came to the front of the crowd and questioned: "Our businessmen's property is obtained through their own hard work, and we have our blood and sweat on every tael of silver. It would be too arrogant to take it away if you say you can take it away! Although the president holds heavy troops, he wants us to give in to the property we have accumulated through hard work. Humph, I'm afraid it's not that simple!"

Tang Jian smiled and said nothing, Yan Fu explained: "Everyone misunderstood. The president is just borrowing it. He does not want to seize everyone's property by force, otherwise he would not have been so busy asking you to come to Wuhan. Are you right?"

After hearing what Yan Fu said, some people began to nod their heads slightly. Indeed, if Tang Jian really wanted their property, it would never be so troublesome!

Yan Fu said: "The reason why our Chinese government's finances are so tense is probably everyone has heard of them! That's because the government decided not long ago to vigorously develop education, introduce Western education, hire foreign teachers, establish teaching houses for colleges, middle schools and primary schools across the country, and open free education. From the age of six to the age of fifteen before graduating from middle school, all children and adolescents of age can be admitted for free. Because the construction of education is huge, the government's finances are tight and require idle funds from the public. Of course, this support is definitely not free, but has certain benefits."

After hearing Yan Fu's words, more than a thousand wealthy businessmen present nodded affirmatively. Most of them had studied in private schools and had come into contact with Western learning earlier and understood the superiority of Western education. Take Mr. Qiao as the old man, who had studied in Japan and had come into contact with new education. He agreed with the new education law promulgated by the government a few days ago.

This vigorous new education can not only improve the quality of the people and enlighten the people's wisdom, but also provide many new talents to the country. It is a great measure to benefit the country and the people.

Mr. Qiao's tone became slightly better. He asked: "Prime Minister, what you said just now is not free of charge, there are certain returns. What are the specific returns?"

Yan Fu smiled: "Mr. Qiao asked well! The reason why the government wants everyone's financial support is because, next, the government decided to build railways and factories across the country. Everyone can use the idle funds in their hands to invest and build them by the government. After the construction is successful, the railway factory will start to make a profit, and everyone can get profits in proportion."

Yan Fu waved his hand, and several guards took out a huge map to expand it. There were several conspicuous long red lines on the map. Yan Fu pointed to a line from Shanxi to Tianjin port and said, "Let me give an example, take Shanxi Jin merchants for example. Shanxi's coal is famous all over the country, but due to inconvenience of roads, it took a long time to transport coal from Shanxi to Tianjin, but the cost was also quite high, which indirectly led to a decline in profits. Even if exported to foreign countries, the income was extremely low. However, it was different with railways. It was not only fast, but also low freight. You don't have to spend more time asking for escorts, and you don't have to worry about bandits. You can get the greatest profit in a short time. This kills more than one kill, why not do it?

As soon as Yan Fu finished speaking, the wealthy businessmen below began to actively discuss again.

"Investing in the construction of railways is beneficial to the country and self-interest. Once the investment is completed, relying on the profits of shares, generations of descendants can have no worries about food and clothing!" said a rich businessman with a big belly.

"Yes, I agree. Once the railway is completed, some of the goods we save can be transported out easily without having to hire a stoogee. The cost is low and the profit margin is several times larger. It can be described as a huge profit!" said an old man with white beard.

Yan Fu signaled everyone to calm down and continued: "For those who do not have enough funds, you can also invest in land. In short, promoting education and building railways are two major national policies that the Chinese government must implement. I hope everyone can support it."

Among more than a thousand wealthy businessmen, most of them agreed to use funds to invest in the construction of railways and factories, but a small part of them were still unwilling to use the land under their own name to exchange for shares, and shook their heads to express dissatisfaction.

No matter the Chinese in that era, there were many loess plots. They would rather buy land than invest in industry. However, Tang Jian had already had a plan for this.

At this time, Tang Jian stood up and said, "Haha, since there is no point in everyone, after the dinner is over, everyone will go back and discuss. The next morning, everyone can go to the government building to discuss the shareholding matters. There will be a contract that has been prepared long ago. I hope everyone can support it. I will give you a drink here." After Tang Jian said that, he raised his head and finished his mouth.

Everyone's doubts were resolved, and they all let go, swept away the previous haze, began to raise their glasses frequently, drink happily, and discuss the next investment matters loudly.

After Tang Jianjing finished drinking, he greeted everyone and left the venue with Yan Fu.

The street lights in Wuhan were on the first time, Tang Jian and Yan Fu were walking in Wuhan for excuses, followed by several guards who were accompanying them to protect themselves.

Yan Fu bowed and praised: "The president is a good plan! I thought these wealthy businessmen would not agree without hesitation. I didn't expect that under the president's plan, these wealthy businessmen would be submissive!"

Tang Jian smiled and said, "As long as they draw a huge blueprint in front of them, they can naturally see the powerful relationship and become rich giants. Naturally, they are not a good fortune. With a brief reminder, they will understand what huge profits will be generated after building railways and factories. As for merchants, profit is the priority, and money-making transactions will naturally be done!"

Yan Fu sighed sincerely: "President is so smart. In this way, idle funds from the people will pour into the Ministry of Finance. With the support of funds, the next work will be easier."

Tang Jian asked, "Mr. Yan, do you know the old man Qiao who just stood out for the wealthy businessmen?"

"I know a little bit about one or two! It's the Qiao family in Shanxi." Yan Fu replied, "Although the Qiao family is not ranked first among Shanxi merchants, they can also be ranked first five, especially his large pass number, which is spread all over the country and controls a large amount of silver."

Tang Jian nodded and said, "You will visit Mr. Qiao tomorrow and ask him to stay in Wuhan for a few more days. I have important things to discuss with him. In addition, I will notify some Ba Feite and ask him to prepare for issuing Chinese banknotes."

"Okay, President, I'll go now!" Yan Fu agreed readily.

ps: The first chapter of today.
Chapter completed!