After a few days of exploration, the division of forces in Suzhou City has basically been drawn up.
It can be roughly divided into three major parts.
Government officials, large businessmen, and wealthy gentry.
As far as branches are concerned, there are quite a lot of large merchants in the city. Most of the store title deeds are almost all in the hands of large merchants. They have their own caravans, goods, and a complete set of mature operating models.
The focus of the distribution of the gentry and landlords was outside the city.
They control most of the unofficial land in Suzhou Prefecture and, to some extent, a considerable portion of their private guards.
Maybe the money they control is not much, but in terms of food storage, it is very enough.
Even if you encounter one or two disaster years, you can easily survive it, and you can also gather some individual households' properties to expand your scale.
When the weather is good and the harvest is good next year, it will be a big profit.
Even if the situation in the coming year is not very good, it won't be a big problem if we continue to carry on for another year or two.
The Jiangnan area has always been a land of plenty, and major disasters rarely occur for two or three consecutive years.
Compared with merchants, gentry had greater power.
Even though the taxes in Jiangnan area are serious, as long as you can spare the food, you can still get the opportunity to serve as an official through recommendation.
As for a businessman, no matter how much money he has, his household registration is also a business registration, and even his descendants are not qualified to serve as officials.
The largest restaurant in Suzhou is Wanhua Tower.
There are no white men in our dealings, but there are great scholars in our conversation and laughter.
This is the best portrayal of Wanhua Tower.
Although it is called Wanhua Tower, it is actually a combination of several courtyard high-rise buildings.
There is no level here. As long as you are willing to spend money, you can go to a more elegant place.
The lobby in front of the roof is naturally dominated by storytellers.
Listening to music on Goulan in the past has gradually become niche and private. What the public loves most is listening to storytelling about Di Bao.
At the very back, in Yajing’s courtyard.
More than a dozen men dressed simply but with big bellies walked over slowly.
They are the representatives of the wealthiest businessmen in Suzhou City.
"Master Li, please come this way."
"Master Zhang, I haven't seen you for a long time."
"Hey, what kind of wind is blowing today? Even Mr. Liu is here."
"Mr. Chen, the young one is here. This way, I'm here to invite you."
A middle-aged man nodded and bowed to entertain these guests in front of the door.
There were no outsiders here, and these merchants, who were usually a bit annoyed, were very happy to hear the calls of master.
Some of them were happy and took out some pieces of silver as a reward.
This made the man's smiling face become even more cheerful.
It was already nighttime the next day. The backyard faced the river, and the river was densely covered with boats. There were constant sounds of falling sounds, and there were lights on, creating a bustling and lively scene.
After the eight businessmen sat down, they cupped their hands with each other.
Everyone is acquaintances, and there are many ways to cooperate with each other, so nothing is too polite.
However, some internal comparisons are still necessary.
For example, a certain Mr. Chen seemingly casually opened up the linen clothes he was wearing, revealing the fine silk and satin underneath.
Mr. Liu rolled up his sleeves, and a string of bodhi seeds was revealed.
Mr. Zhang unbuttoned his clothes, and the palm-sized Jade Bodhisattva was particularly eye-catching.
Among them, only Mr. Li, leaning on the cane, looked like an old farmer, without any unnecessary movements.
Boom boom!
Mr. Li was the oldest, with deep wrinkles on his face and a full head of white hair. He picked up the crutch and tapped it twice, and everyone stopped their private movements.
"I called you all here today to discuss the idea of the Qunying Chamber of Commerce to establish a Suzhou shipyard."
"I'm selling four shares now. What I want is for us all to have a good discussion and lower the price for him."
"Everyone has been working for many years. There is no need to explain the twists and turns here. You can see clearly at a glance. The 40% of the shares sold will probably build the entire shipyard, and there will be more leftovers.
Get some."
After listening to Mr. Li's words, everyone started whispering among themselves.
Whisper a few words on the left, and whisper a few on the right.
Generally speaking, if you sit next to me, it’s a place where you can cooperate and have more friendships.
Mr. Li did not do this, he just waited quietly.
After a while, Mr. Zhang stood up, cupped his hands in all directions, and then said: "Mr. Li, I would like to say a few more words here."
"That's true, but the Qunying Chamber of Commerce is not a vegetarian."
"The factories in the capital also sold shares before. How did they work? They set a base price for this share, and then cast a secret vote. Whoever writes the higher number gets it."
"Everyone here also understands that money is one thing, but more importantly, they want to get on board His Highness Taisun's big ship."
"I've heard that even in places like the Capital, those who have invested in stocks have to be a little more arrogant when they go out and speak. Even if they are Jin Yiwei, people from the Public Security Department have to greet them."
When I heard this, everyone who was doing it looked a little excited, even with a bit of longing.
Even though he may be rich, outsiders, even the smallest government servant, doesn’t have much to show off to him.
In the business world, people are all trying to find ways, building connections, and begging grandpa to sue grandma, but even if they have money, they may not be able to use it.
In front of those wealthy gentry, he was born to be inferior.
This is still the Jiangnan area, and behind them are the backers of big families, or representatives of their own clans in the business world.
According to the current household registration system of the Ming Dynasty, the heirs of merchants are also registered as merchants and belong to the category of low-level registration. They do not even have the opportunity to change themselves.
This is why it is said that every time Zhu Ying does something to raise funds, he gets a lot of money.
The main reason is that for all businessmen, His Highness Taisun's big ship is their only hope to change their own destiny.
Even if there are no obvious benefits now, even if it is just a little side, no matter how much money is spent, it is still worth it.
Among them, the only one who is not very happy is Mr. Li.
He is a true master and has the reputation of being a scholar.
Although they are criticized for handling their own chamber of commerce on a daily basis, for these businessmen, their status is completely different.
This can be seen from the style of the clothes.
Therefore, Mr. Li hopes more to unite and not raise the price even higher.
The reason for this idea is that the number of shares held determines the status in everyone's eyes.
If it accounts for 15%, I might still have the opportunity to meet His Highness the Grand Sun.
"It's a good idea, but don't you think about it carefully. If we didn't join forces, would we be able to win these shares?"
"There are some things that I am not afraid of you knowing. According to the news from Old Man, the shipyard's management this time is not only about money, but also about craftsmen and ship materials."
"Do you really think that you can grab this share just by waving your precious money?"
"When the time comes, the bamboo basket will be empty, but don't blame the old man for not predicting."
Master Li said in a cold voice with a sullen face.
All of a sudden, it was like a basin of cold water was poured on the head, and the other business leaders suddenly became silent.
After a long time, Mr. Chen stood up, cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Of course we have to follow Mr. Li's arrangement."
"Everyone is gathered here just hoping that Mr. Li can show us a clear path."
When Mr. Chen spoke, the audience suddenly burst into agreement.
Everyone was smiling.
Seeing this scene, Mr. Li gave up and snorted coldly: "It's good to know. Don't think that I can still deceive you."
"Okay, now let's talk in detail about how to start this matter."
What comes next is basically Mr. Li’s special performance.
The person next to him was serving tea and water, and everyone clapped and applauded. They all agreed with Master Li's words.
Unexpectedly, in the corner of this room, a thin line connects to the small courtyard next to it.
Things like wired earpieces have long been standard equipment for Jinyiwei.
Especially when it comes to gathering information, it can be said that there is almost no disadvantage.
It doesn't mean that if there are a few servants standing at the door, you can avoid it.
...
The next day, Zhu Ying looked through the booklet and saw the discussion among these businessmen last night.
"It's interesting. This Li Shuming has some ideas. He wants to lower my price to 50,000 guan per share."
"With the total price of 200,000 treasure notes, you want to take 40% of my shares. You really have some ideas."
After reading it, Zhu Ying had to sigh with emotion about Li Shuming. Sure enough, ginger is still very spicy, and his control of some market prices is very accurate.
According to current calculations, the estimated cost of building the entire shipyard is roughly 150,000 guan of treasure money.
Obviously, Li Shuming has calculated the current cost within a rough range.
Including some overflow, 200,000 yuan and 40% of the shares are considered a relatively reasonable amount.
But Li Shuming forgot one thing.
This transaction was not based on fairness from the beginning.
As early as in the capital, whether it was the Spring Festival or the sale of shares.
Zhu Ying had completely figured out the thoughts of the businessmen.
Judging from last time, Zhu Ying felt that she was at a loss. If she had known this situation, she would have taken more precautions.
The confidence and desire of these big investors were greater than he imagined.
"Lantian."
"I'm here."
"Find an excuse to tie up Li Shuming and throw him into a cell for a few days. But be careful not to get him sick."
"I sincerely obey the order of Your Majesty Taisun."
Zhu Ying would never say what kind of business tactics he would play with them.
As a grandson, to put it bluntly, this Ming Dynasty belongs to me. There are no rules. The rules are set by me.
What twists and turns do you want to play?
Hey, whoever wants to play this with you, teach him what it means to defeat all methods with one force.
No matter how much you jump around or catch someone, it means nothing.
Li Mansion in the city.
Li Shuming is over sixty years old this year and got up early.
After some small activities, we had breakfast and then started reading the newspaper.
Li Shuming cared very much about Di Bao, because he could analyze too many things from these aspects.
Whether it is external or internal wars, or some policy changes, as a businessman for half a year, Li Shuming can see too many business opportunities.
If you find one right, that is the way to make a fortune.
As long as the newspapers arrive in Suzhou, you must buy a copy, and you will read these newspapers over and over again to chew on some of the ideas in them.
While Li Shuming was drinking tea and reading the newspaper in his residence, there was a sudden noise outside in the courtyard.
Li Shuming's thoughts on reading the Di newspaper were immediately interrupted and he frowned.
He wanted to see which servant was so ignorant and needed to be taught a lesson.
While thinking about it, an old servant ran over quickly: "Master, it's a disaster, it's a disaster."
"People from the Department of Public Security are here, saying that I have violated the law and they want to bring me to trial."
Hearing this, Li Shuming stood up immediately.
"What nonsense? I have the reputation of being a scholar, and he, the Public Security Department, has no reason to target me."
After saying that, I was ready to go to the meeting in person for a while.
But at this time, the officers from the Public Security Department had already barged in.
"Master Li is here. It just so happens that it saves my brothers from having to look for him. Come on, the Public Security Department has invited you."
The leading yamen officer saw Li Shuming and said with a smile.
Li Shuming's face straightened, and he bowed towards the east with both hands, saying: "Thanks to your majesty, I am a member of the Hongwu family for four years, and have the reputation of being a scholar."
"The law of the Ming Dynasty prohibits the shackles of a scholar. When you come to arrest me, you have to explain clearly what the crime is."
"But there is a document from the Department of Public Security's opening, and which case it is, and it has something to do with me."
"If the explanation is not clear, I will leave it here today and will never leave with you."
The two government officials were immediately frightened by Li Shuming's momentum.
Although he joined the Public Security Department, he was just a big-shot soldier who dared to fight and kill, so he found a way out.
In ancient and modern dynasties, during the Taiping Period, literati naturally had a sense of oppression towards warriors.
This was also the reason why the two government officials did not dare to take action.
However, before I came here, the Commander-in-Chief personally informed me.
"Well, Li Shuming, please listen carefully. I'm calling you to the Yamen this time. This is an order personally issued by Mr. Lantian."
"You have to go today, whether you want to go or not. If you are honest, you will suffer a little less. If you are not honest, don't blame us two brothers for being rough and insignificant."
The leader of the government office said in a deep voice, with a serious tone, leaving no room for change.
Hearing this, Li Shuming immediately frowned.
After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, he told the old servant next to him: "After I leave later, you should go to the magistrate immediately and report the situation here to the magistrate Song."
Li Shuming was able to achieve this feat not only because of his own fame, but also because of his former classmates and friends.
Originally from a good family, he had many friends with some of his classmates during his studies.
The Suzhou government office also knew Song Xin, who was his close friend.
I had to bear most of the expenses while studying.
Now that he is able to do so prosperously, the help of his classmates is indispensable.
After the explanation, Li Shuming snorted coldly.
He walked out with his head held high, his crutches on hand, and under the supervision of two government officials.