This city is second only to Fengcheng in terms of prosperity.
But where Yaocheng is located, it has more geographical advantages than Fengcheng.
The place here can be said to be located in the center of the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an, with connections in all directions.
All trade to and from Huai'an must pass through here.
The merchant association of the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an has also been located here over the years.
Now, another year has passed.
——
Zhuang Ming took a carriage and arrived here this morning.
Accompanying him were Shuang Ling, Qian Yang and Yin Ming.
He looked at the scene outside, put his hand into his sleeves, and gently stroked the young dragon that had grown to about a foot long.
Everyone in the world thinks that Qian Yang and Yin Ming, as martial arts masters, are his greatest protection, keeping him safe and worry-free.
But after the young dragon reached the upper level of this realm, it became his most powerful combat power, even above Qian Yang and Yin Ming.
In the past, some people tried to lure the tiger away from the mountain, lure Qian Yang and Yin Ming away, and ambush him.
If someone thinks of trying to lure the tiger away from the mountain again in the future, he can give them a surprise.
It's a pity that now, Qian Yang and Yin Ming have great reputations, and Zhuang Ming's huge power has stabilized their foundation. People who wanted to ambush him in the past no longer dare to act rashly.
But that King Chen might come to kill him.
But that was not in the recent days, but after King Chen cleaned up his tail.
"I wonder how far Bai Lao, Lu He, Yue Yang and the others have progressed?"
Zhuang Ming slowly exhaled. He knew in his heart that his actions must be faster than King Chen's.
He emphasized to Lu He and others more than once that he must take a preemptive strike before King Chen takes action against him, so that he can take care of himself. If King Chen finished the job first, the consequences would be disastrous.
Zhuang Ming thought so and looked solemn.
But at this moment, another person came outside.
He is clearly a middle-aged man.
The steward of Zhuang's firm in Zhongding Prefecture is named Xue Qing.
Back then, the old man of the Song family in Xuancheng came to Zhongding Mansion to lobby various companies in an attempt to isolate Zhuang's trading company, but Zhuang Ming had already had a countermeasure and sent Liu He here.
Considering that Liu He, as a warrior, might not be able to defeat this experienced old fox in terms of sharp words, he sent Xue Qing to assist him and face the old man of the Song family directly.
The old man Song also started from scratch, with ruthless skills, thoughtful thinking, and sharp words. Although he is old now, he is not someone who can face the sharp edge... And this Xue Qing, in front of the old man Song, talked loudly and overpowered everyone. Sheng Sheng suppressed all the thoughts of the wavering leaders of various families in Zhongding Mansion.
In terms of qualifications, Xue Qing is slightly behind Bai Lao.
But in terms of ability, Xue Qing is no less than Bai Lao.
"Sir, I have received news that half of the 200,000 taels prepared for the victims in the northern region have been prepared."
Xue Qing gave a gift and said hesitantly: "The government has begun to ask for donations of silver taels from various companies, including our Zhuang's Trading Company... Do you want to offer these 100,000 taels first?"
Zhuang Ming said calmly: "Tell the people coming from the government that when all the silver is collected, they will be given. It won't be long."
His face was expressionless, showing no emotion or anger.
This amount of money was huge and had been prepared for several days. Especially since Zhuang's Trading Company was now expanding its business and was spending money, it was not easy to come up with this amount of money.
But King Chen didn't have any shame, just to trick him.
Zhuang Ming could still bear the two hundred thousand taels, so he admitted defeat for once.
Although, even though I admit it this time, I may not be able to give out the money.
But in the end, it made him feel quite unhappy.
"Yes, sir."
Xue Qing's expression was also complicated. He had heard about this matter.
The young master, who had always made perfect plans, was tricked out of two hundred thousand taels by the shameless King Chen in public.
——
"The meeting of the business alliance will start soon, right?"
Zhuang Ming asked calmly: "In previous years, it was at noon. Is there any change this year?"
Xue Qing responded: "It hasn't changed, it's still noon."
Zhuang Ming nodded and said, "Please tidy up and come with me."
Xue Qing saluted and said, "Yes."
Zhuang Ming waved his hand and motioned for him to go down, then turned his head to look at Shuang Ling and said: "The business alliance meeting is not suitable for many people, so you can stay in the store."
Shuang Ling nodded obediently and said yes.
Zhuang Ming looked at the paper on the desk and pondered slightly.
Here's what he wants to do next.
As for Manager Xue, he is very familiar with Zhongding Mansion and needs him to come with him.
"The chaos in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an has not been settled yet."
"The storm caused by the Song family in Xuancheng has not yet settled down, but there is another King Chen."
"Now all the major merchants know that our Zhuang Company has a bad relationship with King Chen, who is in charge of the Sixteenth House of Huai'an. Although the seal was lifted last time, the grievances have not been resolved."
"Zhuang's Trading Company has been unblocked, but it has also been isolated."
"Song Tianyuan racked his brains and worked hard to make precise plans before, just to isolate Zhuang's Trading Company first, and all his plans were blocked by me, but I was no match for King Chen in Gaoyue Tower
A few words."
"Prince Chen is not as smart as Song Tianyuan, but he can rely on his power and a few words to easily achieve the goal that Song Tianyuan failed to achieve despite all his efforts. This has put Zhuang's Trading Company in this situation."
"Intelligence, power, financial resources... and mana!"
Zhuang Ming smiled and shook his head, taking the paper on the table.
Major merchants were afraid of offending King Chen, so they isolated Zhuang's firm.
This move caused considerable damage to Zhuang's Trading Company.
But similarly, various companies that could gain greater benefits from cooperating with Zhuang's Trading Company have now stopped trading with Zhuang's Trading Company, and have also lost a lot of profits... There are even certain businesses that only Zhuang's Trading Company can have access to.
They just gritted their teeth and endured the losses and looked for other ways.
But the previous time, after the Gaoyue Tower in Fengcheng, King Chen still used the name of disaster relief to collect disaster relief silver from all the merchant families, local gentry, etc. in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an.
The first thing the new official did when he took office was that King Chen faced him, which made every family spend a lot of money, but it was also a bit crippling.
Some trading houses and business families have vague traces of insufficient foundation.
In many businesses, if there is not enough spare cash, business transactions may be interrupted or even collapse.
This is Zhuang Ming's opportunity.
If we use this matter to coerce and induce, and state our interests clearly, we may be able to persuade each family to cooperate again for mutual benefit.
For Zhuang Ming, this is not an easy task, but it is not difficult either.
——
Early afternoon.
Zhuang Ming has arrived at the business alliance.
Qian Yang was still leading the way, Yin Ming was pushing the wheelchair behind, and Xue Qing, the steward, was beside him, following him respectfully.
Zhuang Ming's arrival also attracted the attention of many people.
In an instant, the atmosphere seemed to freeze for a moment.
Recently, there has been endless turmoil in the Sixteenth Mansion in Huai'an.
First, the Song family in Xuancheng stirred up troubles and lobbied all the families and clans in the sixteen prefectures.
Later, King Chen seized the Zhuang Trading Company in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an.
Many of the recent rumors and commotions originated from Zhuang's Trading Company.
——
"Mr. Li."
"how?"
"Mr. Thirteen from Zhuang's Trading Company is here."
"Zhuang Ming..."
The old man looked complicated and exhaled slowly.