The quarrel between the two women attracted the attention of the housekeeper Lin Fu. When he learned the reason for the quarrel between the two women, Lin Fu was worried that the two would fight, so he tried to drag Liu Qingqing away.
It was almost noon when Lin Fan returned to the Lin Mansion and learned about Nalan Yanran and Liu Qingqing. Lin Fan suddenly felt dizzy and just wanted to escape from here as soon as possible.
At this time, Liu Qingqing was aware that Nalan Yanran had blocked Lin Fan's way, and he must inquire about everything that happened in the court.
On the other side, four major salt merchant families gathered together.
The Zhao family, the Wang family, the Zhang family, and the Tian family were the four major salt merchant families in the Ming Dynasty. Before refined salt came out, they controlled most of the salt resources in the Ming Dynasty.
Of course, some of the salt was obtained from the government, and more was mined privately. Although this matter was kept top-secret, it was still very risky.
In the past, risks and returns were directly proportional, but now, they are obviously not directly proportional. Refined salt has a higher purity than clear salt, and is sold at the price of coarse salt.
The coarse salt and clear salt dug out by these people cannot be sold at all, at least one hundred cents per catty. The profits are compressed to the extreme. If they are caught, it will be a serious crime to confiscate the family and exterminate the family!
"Alas! It's all our fault that we were blinded by lard and actually wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to control the salt business of the Ming Dynasty. His Majesty was so angry that we had no business at all!"
The head of the Zhao family said in a deep voice.
He was in the middle of his life and originally thought that he could double the Zhao family's wealth before his death. Now it seems that it is possible to go back tenfold.
The head of the Wang family said solemnly: "This matter is indeed our fault, but the court cannot beat us to death with a stick! Doesn't it give us any way to survive?"
"That's right! After all, we have made contributions to the Ming Dynasty. Just like this, we have lost our biggest support. Your Majesty has gone too far!"
The head of the Zhang family said angrily.
"This matter was caused by Marquis Diwu. Who would have thought that he could produce something like refined salt? Mineral salt and sea salt can both be used to extract refined salt!"
"At this time, the places where salt can be produced in our coastal cities in the Ming Dynasty are all occupied by the government. Even if we have the method to make refined salt, we can't find the raw materials!"
The head of the Tian family said in a deep voice.
The industries of these four major salt merchant families are almost all related to salt. If they lose this business, their industries will shrink by more than ten times.
They all frowned at this time, and the head of the Zhao family said: "We were also deceived by Yuwen Tuo from Hami before. Why don't we go to Mr. Wuhou to admit our mistake?"
"As long as he agrees, we still have a great chance of getting back the salt business. Even if we can't get it all back, it's okay to continue to sell refined salt!"
"That's right! The price of refined salt is low. It sells for 150 fen, and the court makes a lot of money. We can use 100 fen to buy it, and at least we can keep some business."
The head of the Wang family also said.
"Then! What does General Yuwen say?
He promised us a lot of benefits."
The head of the Zhang family said.
"Bah! He also promised us benefits?
Why don't you tell us how much benefit he has taken from us?
Besides, do you think we can still get this benefit?"
The head of the Tian family said.
After some discussion, the four of them decided that going to Lin Fan to beg for mercy was the best option.
At this time, Yuwen Tuo, who was far away in Hami, heard about the refined salt and was extremely shocked. He was originally ready to attack Suzhou Guard, but now it seems that there is no chance at all!
Not only that, he also has to be prepared for Lin Fan's attack, because King Heshuote intends to please the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Hami is caught between the Ming Dynasty and Heshuote. When the time comes, they will be attacked from both sides, and he will not be sure
is an opponent.
In the Lin Mansion in the capital, Lin Fan had been tortured very uncomfortably by Nalan Yanran and Liu Qingqing these past few days.
However, these two little ladies ended up arguing and became good sisters, and Lin Fan was no longer a human being.
"Oh! Boy, don't guess about a woman's thoughts. You won't understand even if you keep guessing! This is so true!"
Lin Fan sighed and prepared to go out.
As soon as we arrived at the gate, we were blocked by someone, none other than the four major salt merchants.
When they saw Lin Fan, they all had flattering smiles on their faces and said, "The villain Zhao Feng has met Lord Wuhou!"
"The villain, Queen of the Imperial Court, has met Lord Wuhou!"
"The villain Zhang Yiling has met Lord Wuhou!"
"The villain Tian Mengmeng has met Lord Wuhou!"
The four said in unison.
Lin Fan was stunned. These four people must be crazy. When they saw him, they started to introduce themselves. Do I know you?
"You are?"
Lin Fan asked.
"Master Wu Hou doesn't know that we are normal. We are just small characters. Our family used to sell salt."
Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Lin Fan was stunned for a moment and said: "You are not one of the four major salt merchants, are you?"
"Uh! Lord Wu Hou actually knows about us. We are really lucky!"
Zhao Feng said hurriedly.
"This is our honor, Lord Wuhou. These are the small gifts we have prepared for you. Please accept them!"
Tian Mengmeng said with a smile.
The four major salt merchants actually came to find me!
This somewhat surprised Lin Fan, but since he was a guest from afar, Lin Fan asked the four major salt merchants to follow him back home. In the living room, Lin Fu brought tea.
Lin Fan asked: "Why did you come to me?"
"Hehe! Mr. Wuhou, we come to you this time to admit our mistakes!"
"Yes, we took advantage of the lack of salt in the Ming Dynasty and raised the price of salt. This was our fault. Please don't be the same as us, Mr. Wuhou!"
"Master Wuhou, we, the four major salt merchants, are very prestigious, but once we lose the salt business, we will be thrown into the crowd, and no one will recognize us!"
"Lord Wuhou, please give us a chance to continue selling salt!"
The four of them laughed and said.
Lin Fan couldn't help but sneer in his heart, these four people actually had this idea, but the salt business could never be given to them again.
In this era, there is no such thing as packaging or food safety labels. If you continue to sell salt to them, they will find ways to refine the salt, and they will start to do small things in private.
"Actually, if you continue to sell salt, you won't make much money. Moreover, salt is also the main financial revenue of the Ming Dynasty, and it is impossible to give it away!"
"However, if you truly repent, I, Lord Wu, can show you a clear path."
Lin Fan said in a deep voice.
"Minglu?
Lord Wuhou, you might as well come and listen."
The head of the Zhao family said in a deep voice.
At this time, the four major salt merchants all understood that it would be impossible for them to get involved in the salt business. However, if they could get a new source of income from Lord Wuhou, that would be a good choice.