Prime Minister of Great Qin

Cheng Zheng looked at Feng Dong, shook his head, and said in a deep voice: "Brother Feng, you are boring now. We have known each other for so long and have experienced the last storm together. Why do you use these words to test us?" ?”

"If you have any ideas, just ask."

Wan Kong also nodded and said: "If we don't trust us, why would we come here? Our family suffered losses back then, but they haven't recovered yet. This time the court has given up such a huge benefit. If we say that we It's absolutely impossible not to be moved, but with what happened last time in front of you, if you don't think about it clearly, you will always have lingering fears."

Other merchants also spoke one after another.

"Mr. Feng, if you have any ideas, just tell me."

"We know everything."

"."

See this.

Feng Dong grinned, revealing his gums that had fallen off a lot. He said with a smile: "I, Feng Dong, am a little too worried. Since you don't mind, I, Feng Dong, will just throw some light on it."

"I, Feng, will definitely be involved in this matter."

"As you all know, we salt merchants and iron merchants suffered a big loss last time. Although the court made some efforts to make up for it, the losses were still heavy. Now the court has liberalized the right to mint coins and even announced the standards for minting coins. To a certain extent, they support and are willing to see coins minted locally.”

"As for the reason, it may be announced by the imperial court that they were dissatisfied when they saw the currencies of the six countries being used extensively in Kanto and wanted to speed up the construction of a unified currency. Or it may be that His Highness Fusu was forced to make concessions as rumored by the outside world. Or other things, these are not something we can consider or get involved in.”

"That's all we care about."

"Just one thing."

"Can it be done? How far can it be done?!"

"When to stop, or to what extent can we avoid being targeted by the court."

"This is something we need to consider clearly."

"It must also be considered carefully."

"Our family cannot withstand any more storms."

"The outside world may have misunderstood His Highness, but we don't. Your Highness is not as weak as the outside world says, and there are probably experts behind these suggestions. It's just that the court's plans are not something that we businessmen can see through. , but with His Highness’s emphasis on money and his caution against merchants, this minting power will definitely be taken back in the future.”

"That's what we're going to do."

"Before His Highness takes it back, try to make as much profit as possible for yourself."

"But how much is a tricky question."

Cheng Zheng and others were silent.

They also take this seriously.

If it were in the past, they would not even think about it. They would only think that the great wealth is coming, and they would not even think that the court would take back the copper mines. They would only want to maximize their profits. But after experiencing the last iron salt incident, , they already had a strong fear of the imperial court and did not dare to have the slightest contempt.

Don't even dare to show any contempt.

They know deeply that these copper mines cannot be defended.

They don't have the ability to hold on.

Cheng Zhengdao: "If the imperial court really takes back the copper mines in the future, it will definitely cause a wave of turmoil. However, in the Guanzhong area, these turmoils have no influence and will be easily suppressed, because our purpose has been from beginning to end. The goal is not to hold on to the copper mines, but to mint as much money as possible within the few years allowed by the court."

"but"

Cheng Zheng hesitated for a moment and said with a wry smile: "If we accumulate too much money in our hands, I'm afraid it will also cause His Highness to be dissatisfied, and this is the trouble. If it hadn't been for what happened before, we would have minted coins without any worries. , but with what happened before, I have to think about everything again and again."

The others all sighed.

They are also deeply distressed, but it is impossible not to consider it.

If they were targeted by the imperial court again, they really didn't want to experience the frightening situation again.

It's really scary.

Wan Kong looked at Feng Dong and asked, "Master Feng, since you invited us here, you must have your own ideas in mind, please tell me."

Feng Dong said without comment: "I do have some ideas."

“But it’s not necessarily appropriate.”

"It mainly depends on your wishes."

"In your hearts, what kind of existence do we, merchants, have?"

Hear the words.

Cheng Zheng and others frowned and asked in confusion: "Mr. Feng, what do you mean by this? How can we, the merchants, be any different?"

"Yes." Feng Dong said firmly.

Everyone looked at each other with surprise and doubt in their eyes.

Cheng Zheng said: "Mr. Feng, could you please elaborate?"

Feng Dong sat upright and said in a deep voice: "There are actually many rich and powerful people in Guanzhong, and there are even more people who have private dealings with the government. However, these rich and powerful people are actually not as good as us. Although these people have wealth, Now they are far above us, but we are the ones who can really talk to the government.”

"In a sense."

"We can actually be called 'Imperial Merchants'!"

"Now our business has long been in the eyes of the court and is always under the government's attention. There are only two things we can do. One is to break away from the shackles of the court, go back to the past, and expand our own ideas. business and earn more profits.”

"The second option is to completely rely on the imperial court."

"We do business for the government, and we only take the share that we should take. As for the rest, we will hand it over to the court. Although this will cause a loss of a lot of profits, it will be a long-term success, and we will not bear too many risks, and we will get more benefits from the government. Certain protection.”

"The situation is murky now."

"No one can tell what the policy will be tomorrow. I am always so worried and it is really torture. I see such a big piece of fat, but I don't dare to eat it. I am really unwilling to do it, but I am also worried about the imperial court settling accounts in the future. Therefore, I, Feng Dong, see Come on, maybe the best choice is to completely surrender to the imperial court."

"At least."

"In this huge coin situation, we will definitely be able to escape unscathed."

"We won't repeat the mistakes of the past."

"It's just that in this case, the benefits I am waiting for will undoubtedly be greatly reduced. The choice between them will be decided by you. I, Feng, have been established for a long time, and I really can't see clearly the turbulent situation in the world. I don’t dare to gamble with my family’s wealth and life, for fear that I will become completely dependent on the imperial court.”

"In exchange for a steady flow of water."

Hear the words.

Everyone's expressions froze slightly.

Feng Dong's move was undoubtedly to completely sell himself to the government in exchange for mercy from the government.

But is it really feasible to do business while wearing shackles? Can it really be done?

There was doubt in their minds.

But Feng Dong's concerns are necessary.

The imperial court will not really decentralize the minting power, and will definitely take it back in the future. They are certain about this.

But completely falling to the imperial court was not what they wanted.

They don't want to be so restricted.

Wan Kong said: "Brother Feng, I want to know the reason."

Feng Dong nodded and said: "I have been restless recently. I have a bold prediction. Those who have obtained copper mines and used them to make a lot of money will definitely be bloodbathed by the court in the future, just like salt and iron in the past. In the incident, the Cao Bing family and other families were uprooted, and now the entire county of Dang County has also been wiped out."

"His Highness's methods are too sharp and ruthless."

"I have lingering fears."

"You have actually seen it a long time ago."

"His Highness is very concerned about money. If we don't reciprocate the favor, even if we only use copper mines to make money for a few years, the wealth accumulated will be huge. With such a huge amount of wealth, do you think His Highness is really good at pretending? Turn a blind eye? I’m afraid that the situation with salt and iron will happen again.”

"I, Mrs. Feng, have no confidence that I will survive again."

"And even if you escape death, you will definitely be skinned."

"unless."

"The world will be in chaos from now on."

"However, we are in Guanzhong. Even if the world is really in chaos, it will be easy for His Highness to clean up us."

"Completely support the imperial court and distribute a large part of the minted coins to the imperial court. We only take a small part of it, but it can help us escape from this whirlpool. The most important thing is that we can take the money safely. , there won’t be any risk.” ˆ ˆ ˆ “It can also win the appreciation of His Highness.”

"Instead of being nervous and worrying about your money being robbed, it is better to donate it proactively to preserve the family property and make it a steady stream for the family in the future."

"Laughing first doesn't count as laughing."

"The one who laughs last is the real winner."

Hear the words.

Everyone was thoughtful.

Feng Dong's move was also a gamble.

He was betting that Qin Ting would take back the right to mint coins in the end, he was also betting that the court would definitely liquidate those who minted coins in the future, and he was even betting that Qin Ting could calm down possible turmoil.

Finally achieve complete centralization.

If the bet wins.

Feng's career will skyrocket.

Seize the title of 'Great Qin Emperor' and make profits in the world.

If you lose the bet, you will lose everything. Not only will you lose money, but your entire family may also lose their lives.

It's a big gamble.

Bet on whether the fate of the Qin Dynasty will be suddenly interrupted, or whether it will break through the danger and rise upwards.

Feng Dong didn't speak again.

His body was already very weak. If Xianyang hadn't built a medical center before and authorized imperial doctors to go out to see doctors, his body might not be able to survive now. Therefore, he was still grateful to Da Qin.

And

He didn't think Fusu's actions were pointless.

There must be a comprehensive plan.

That Mr. Zhong can be said to have left no stone unturned, so how could he really cause such a big problem? It's just that as a businessman, he knows too little information, and he can't see the mountain with a single leaf.

He was also willing to take a gamble.

a long time.

Cheng Zhengning said: "According to Mr. Feng's parents, how much should I give to the court?"

Feng Dong slowly opened his eyes, his eyes were a little blurry, but also a little firm. He said slowly: "Of course it is based on commercial tax. Today's commercial tax is no longer half, but half."

“It’s most compliant to give half.”

"Half?" Cheng Zheng and others frowned.

Half is too much.

Because these are their expenses.

Calculating this way, the profits will undoubtedly be much less, and they are actually a little reluctant to give up.

But they also know.

If you don't let yourself feel pain, you won't gain the court's trust.

Cheng Zheng, Wan Kong and others looked at each other and couldn't help but reveal a wry smile.

This old guy Feng Dong is too cruel.

Not only be cruel to yourself, but also to others.

Once he gives his half of the 'business tax', how can others not follow suit?

And this half of the income happens to be the share of commercial taxes. It is just right for this money to be dedicated to the government. It does not appear to be abrupt, but also reasonable and understands the law.

Old fox.

Several people cursed secretly in their hearts.

Cheng Zheng and others hesitated for a moment, then gritted their teeth and agreed.

"Half and half."

"It is worth spending half of your wealth to protect your family and life. If it turns out to be what we think, half of the business tax will not be lost at all."

"Done!"

"."

Others also cursed.

Although my heart was full of pain, I still had the courage to agree to half of the 'commercial tax'.

Hear the words.

A satisfied smile appeared on Feng Dong's lips.

He said slowly: "You don't need to feel so distressed. After all, we know the imperial court better than others. Others may not even think of this. If something happens in the future, it may really be a shame. It’s called the earth that doesn’t work.”

"Now we are at least out of the vortex."

"Even if you mint money like crazy, there won't be any risk."

"Why not do this?"

"I think it's worth spending money to eliminate disasters and buy peace."

"However, please don't publicize what happened today, otherwise some trouble may arise. If too many people know about it, it may make our situation passive and embarrassing."

Cheng Zheng and others nodded.

They won't tell anyone about it.

If others follow suit, wouldn't it ruin their own business?

They would never have such kind intentions.

A few people chatted briefly, discussed some details, and then left.

At this time.

Feng Zhen entered the room and stretched out his hand to support Feng Dong.

Feng Dong looked at his aging body and sighed softly, saying: "The bones in my body are getting worse day by day. I'm afraid I won't live much longer."

"But this time, if the plan succeeds."

"I, Mr. Feng, will be able to sit back and relax for the next few decades."

"Ugh."

"This is the only thing I can do for the Feng family. From now on, everything in the family, big and small, will all depend on you."

Feng Zhen said with a sad look on his face: "Father, please don't say such depressing words. Now that there are imperial doctors in the city every day, my father's health will definitely be restored."

Feng Dong shook his head.

He said solemnly: "I know my own body well."

"I won't live much longer."

"It was a great luck to be treated by the imperial doctor last time, but how could this happen all the time? Besides, everyone is bound to die, so what is there to be afraid of?"

"The only thing I am confident about is my Feng family business."

"Now that the imperial court has devolved the right to mint coins, it also gives me, Feng, an opportunity to further fall to the imperial court. You must seize this opportunity. If the money is gone, you can make more money, but the family must be there, otherwise no matter how much money you make, you will not be able to make money." It’s just a lie.”

"You're not that smart."

"You can't control this wave of treacherous changes in Orange Cloud. Therefore, the best choice for me, Feng, in the future is to stand firmly on the side of the court and never change my position no matter what."

"Remember?"

Feng Dong couldn't help but ask again.

Feng Zhen nodded quickly.

Seeing this, Feng Dong nodded happily, with a relaxed smile on his lips, and then slowly closed his eyes.

His life is over. (End of chapter)