The problem of grain merchants went through many twists and turns, but it was still solved. In the Ming Dynasty, the price of grain in various places dropped from 300 Wen per catty to forty-five Wen per catty.
Moreover, there was no food shortage. When the ministers in the DPRK and China saw this result, they were dumbfounded. Why didn't these grain merchants join forces to counterattack?
"Damn it! These grain merchants are all trash. They actually choose to back down at this time. Don't they know which one makes more money, a grain merchant of 300 cents per catty or a grain merchant of 45 cents per catty?"
"Alas! The prince's methods are really too high. I dare say this. If we were grain merchants, we would probably be like them and compromise with the prince!"
"They have compromised on this matter, but our position seems very embarrassing. During this period, no customers have come to visit us!"
"Yes! How much is our annual salary as an official?
Without the benefits of these aristocratic families, we would probably be unable to open the pot!"
…
In the capital, most officials were sighing. At this time, the grain merchants had no time to figure this out. They were all preparing for an open election.
This time, they and Lin Fan were both severely damaged. If they could not win these ten orders from the imperial court, the family would be reduced by a notch!
"There has been news from the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War that there will be an open election tomorrow. Moreover, the method of election will not be an open election, but a closed election."
"What's the meaning?"
"That is to say, we write our respective prices on a piece of paper and submit it. Each other does not know our respective prices. Whoever is selected in the end will be discussed by the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War."
"Therefore, this price is very important. Not only must we make money, but also the officials must make money, so that we can get this order."
The nobles of the aristocratic family are already discussing how to get the order.
"Haha! Although His Highness the Crown Prince talks about fairness, justice, and openness, the person who handles this matter is using the back door!"
"Since the prices are unknown to each other, as long as we have a good relationship with the officials, we can still successfully win such a large order!"
"Okay! Let's go discuss it with the adults from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War now!"
"No! At this time, all the officials participating in the election are in their respective residences. No one will come to the door, and they will not accept gifts. This is the intention of His Highness the Crown Prince!"
"We just need to do a good job on the paper. After all, those adults are not fools. They will know what we mean when they see our paper!"
…
After discussion, the nobles of the aristocratic family had already formulated a plan to run for food supplier. Early the next morning, the household department was full of people.
This time, no less than two thousand people came from grain merchants and noble families from all over the country, which could be said to have brought together all the elites of the Ming Dynasty.
Officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household Affairs were sitting on both sides. The officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs all had smiles on their faces. After all, if this matter was handled well, they could save a lot of trouble.
The officials of the Ministry of War had a look of indifference. If today's matter is done, their Ministry of War will not be short of food for the next two years. If it is not done well, the soldiers will be hungry one day.
"Haha! Everyone, some of you live in the capital, and some of you come from other places. No matter where you are, I, the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War, are grateful to you!"
"Today, we have ten orders here. The demand for food for each order is very huge. You should look at it carefully. If it cannot be fulfilled, it is best not to run for this order."
The Ministry of Revenue official said with a smile.
Then, they had people send out the orders and showed them to everyone who came to bid. After reading them, all of these people's eyes were filled with shock.
The quantity is so huge!
This is amazing!
You know, many of them have done business with the imperial court. The business they spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to buy, the monthly supply is less than one-tenth of this list!
In this way, the ten orders combined into one are not one percent!
Large quantity means more money!
At this moment, everyone present became excited. As long as we get this order, our family may rise as a result!
However, some grain merchants looked embarrassed after seeing it. After all, they were not strong enough. If they were to compete for such an order, they would probably not be able to complete it.
And according to what is written on the order, if the order cannot be completed in the end, it will be punished, which no one can afford.
The official from the Ministry of Revenue glanced at the people present and said, "You should have seen the various terms written on this order. I also know that some of you cannot complete such an order alone!"
"His Royal Highness also thought about splitting the order, but that would be too troublesome. Therefore, this order can contain the names of ten people!"
"In other words, if there are three or two of you who can take an order, you can run together as a team, or ten of you can do it!"
"If even ten people can't take the job, then there's no need to run for office!"
After the officials from the Ministry of Revenue said, the people who looked embarrassed just now showed excitement. If ten people work together, they can all take such an order.
Some people who were acquainted with each other began to discuss the alliance privately, and officials from the Ministry of Revenue also gave them time to talk to each other.
Another half an hour passed, and the official from the Ministry of Household Affairs said again: "You must have all discussed the results, so please start bidding! At the same time, you must also clearly write down your place of origin, years in business, and your strength!
"
"We will make a comprehensive evaluation based on your quotations and strengths. At the same time, in order to give you more opportunities, this election is not a campaign for ten at a time, but a campaign one by one!"
"In other words, what you are running for now is the first order! Let's get started!"
After the official from the Ministry of Revenue said this, he stood aside and watched. A police officer walked over and gave everyone a piece of paper, a pen and a bottle of ink.
These people can find a place by themselves, negotiate, or write the price alone.
"Haha! It's just as I guessed. These people are really greedy. Isn't it just to pick more capable people who can give them more money?"
"I am sure to win this order. Who knows, I can still win ten orders at once!"
"Haha! How is this campaign model different from what we did before?
It’s just a way of giving money that has become more sophisticated!”
Most people acted very relaxed and believed that they were determined to win this election!