Zhu Qizhen is a little confused. Didn’t you just sell all the stocks?
Now that you have made money and you are still not leaving, what are you waiting for?
When Zhu Mianpei saw that the person didn't answer, he coughed quietly and began to feel nervous.
"I have an immature idea, and I don't know whether to talk about it or not..."
Zhu Qizhen nodded: "Tell me and listen."
Zhu Mianpei mustered up his courage and suddenly said: "After I saw the railway and the train, I was greatly shocked. I couldn't help but have an idea. I wonder if I can build a private railway?"
As soon as he said this, Zhu Qizhen suddenly understood.
This guy suddenly sold off his stocks, it turned out he had a bigger appetite!
However, having said that, there is a wise saying, if you want to get rich, build the road first.
For the imperial court, the railway was equivalent to the main artery in a person's body, and its position was of vital importance. However, it was still far from being able to connect the entire territory solely by relying on the imperial court's railway bureau.
The current territory of the Ming Dynasty is far greater than before. It reaches the Onan River in the north and Hami in the west, not to mention the south. If you keep going south, when it plops into the sea, it means it is over.
Even if the railway bureau is exhausted, it still won’t be able to repair it!
It would be different if private capital participated.
What's more, railways not only benefit the country and the people, but are also a sure-profit business, which is also a good thing for merchants.
So Zhu Qizhen became interested and asked: "Uncle Huang also wants to build a railway?"
Zhu Dianpei hurriedly said: "Of course it is not possible with my own efforts, but if I use part of my principal to raise shares, purchase a steam locomotive from the railway bureau, recruit craftsmen, and build it, I would like to find a like-minded person like me.
They are not a minority either. Even if their abilities are limited, if they are contracted to build a certain section of railway, they may not be unable to repair it."
Zhu Qizhen nodded secretly. The current railways are implemented in sections, and each section is constructed separately. If Ning Wang really registers a railway company by himself and takes over one section and two sections, it would be feasible.
The key is that in this way, the new railway company can absorb funds from the private sector, which is equivalent to using the money of merchants to build railways for the imperial court.
Not bad, it’s a good start!
Zhu Qizhen's face suddenly glowed red and he asked: "Does the Qing family think that building the railway will be profitable?"
Zhu Dianpei said quickly: "I have calculated at home. With the current transportation capacity and the huge cost, if an ordinary route can maintain a balance of revenue and expenditure every year, it will be considered good. I am the vassal king, and it will benefit the country and the people."
Even if I emptied my fortune, I would still have no complaints. However, other businessmen may not necessarily think so."
"Therefore, of course, such a huge investment cannot be based on the present. What I am looking at is ten or twenty years from now. Before, I did not have such awareness, but slowly, I realized that the railway
It is a century-old plan. Although it is not immediately effective when it is built now, the benefits brought by the railway are far from simple. Will the value of the land along the way increase? How will the steam locomotives be transformed in ten years? In short, this is
Those businessmen see a long-term business more clearly than Chen, and they will definitely understand it!"
Merchants are all good people, especially those who are still active in the market after the New Deal, they are the best among people.
If those who are slow-minded or have rigid thinking cannot keep up with the times, they will naturally be eliminated.
They can definitely see the huge benefits brought by the railway, and if they are allowed to participate, there will definitely be many supporters.
After all, what some businessmen invest is the future. The emergence of trains has given them a huge shock. So what changes will happen after today?
The imperial court must vigorously improve steam trains. It is not an exaggeration to say that the future of railways will be a cash cow.
Zhu Qizhen thought for a while and then said cheerfully: "I have approved this matter. The Qing family can register the railway company by themselves, but the court must decide where to build it."
Zhu Mianpei was overjoyed and said quickly: "Thank you, Your Majesty... for that..."
He hesitated for a moment and then asked: "What... company did the emperor talk about just now?"
"The company..."
Zhu Qizhen thought for a while and said: "It is a kind of business group. For example, if the emperor's uncle wants to start his own railway company, the court will have to make preparations at that time. How much is the start-up capital of this company and what is its business scope?
There must be clear regulations, otherwise, you will not be able to enter the stock exchange."
"I...understand!"
Zhu Mianpei seemed to understand at this time, so he agreed first.
"I still have a question. The railway construction will not be completed until it reaches Nanjing, right?"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "Of course not. Building to Nanjing is just the beginning. One day, I will make the railway run through the entire Ming Dynasty!"
"I dare to ask again, has the next line planning been completed?"
"There is a plan, but for the time being, there is only a very simple sketch. I wonder which route the emperor is interested in?"
Zhu Mianpei looked delighted and said, "I would like to know if there is a planned route to Chengdu Prefecture?"
"Chengdu Mansion...let me take a look..."
Zhu Qizhen picked up the sketch, took a look at it, and then said: "First from Nanjing to Yichang, which belongs to the second phase. Then from Yichang to Chengdu, which belongs to the third phase. If the construction of this line starts, it is estimated that it will take ten years.
”
The road to Shu is difficult, and it is difficult to reach the blue sky.
The Chengdu Plain is surrounded by mountains, so it is very difficult to build railways, so it was put at the back of the plan.
Moreover, logically speaking, it is the King of Shu who should be concerned. What do you, Prince Ning, want to do by asking about the route to Chengdu?
Zhu Mianpei seemed to be very interested and said: "As a railway company, I don't want to do anything else. I just hope that the emperor will advance the line from Yichang to Chengdu. I am willing to spend all my money to build the railway to Chengdu."
Come and try it soon.]
Only then did Zhu Qizhen suddenly react.
Absolutely awesome!
King Ning is about to move to Wusuzang. If the railway is built to Chengdu, then troops, weapons and equipment, and supplies can all be transported continuously by train.
In the past, it would have taken at least half a year to prepare for the departure of tens of thousands of troops.
It's okay now. I gave the order today and got on the bus tomorrow. We'll be there in three to five days.
Even if something is lacking on the front line, it can be replenished in the shortest possible time.
No wonder King Ning first asked to postpone his departure from the vassal state until the railway was completed. If he went there again, it would be almost the same as going shopping.
Thinking of this, Zhu Qizhen couldn't help but secretly admire his uncle.
First, seize the opportunity, act decisively, and make a lot of money.
Then sell it at a high price, and then go on to realize greater ambitions and personally participate in the railway construction project.
And all of this is for the ultimate goal, Fanwuzang!