Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 271 Integrating the Beijing Newspaper Industry
The establishment of Beijing News Group was a change in Zhu Youjian's strategy.

After establishing Dongning Corporation and Patent Technology Corporation, he quickly realized that he should not form a corporation but a consortium. Expand your influence in the form of equity participation and holding.

The law of development of capitalism is from mercantilism and liberal capitalism to monopoly capitalism.

But in Zhu Youjian's case, he was not limited by these definitions, but used a mixture of methods from these stages. He wanted to use mercantilism and liberalism, and some of the methods of monopoly capitalism could also be used by using his status as emperor.

According to his understanding, there are four main forms of monopoly organizations in later generations: cartels, syndicates, trusts, and corporations. Among them, Concern is a form of monopoly enterprise that achieves actual dominance through the parent company's shareholding in independent enterprises. Its direct purpose is not to dominate the market, but to greatly expand the company's influence. In the East, it is usually represented as a holding company. Or chaebol.

If Zhu Youjian wants to expand his influence, this is the most suitable form. Gain influence over various companies by investing in them.

Therefore, when consolidating the Beijing newspaper industry, Zhu Youjian did not establish a head office, but established the Beijing News Group to participate in various newspapers.

But before taking shares, he did not give up the acquisition of various newspaper properties. It is planned to learn from some trust forms to enhance the strength of Beijing News Group.

According to his instructions, Wang Chengen asked the businessman at the newspaper copying agency after reading the investment documents:

"Have you seen all the terms in the investment documents?"

Don't want to spend too much money to gain control of these properties.

They knew that the intervention of the inner government supervisor in this industry would definitely bring about changes. Unable to figure out whether the changes were good or bad, they decided to sell their properties and exit the industry.

Wang Chengen was not surprised by this, even his purpose was this——

Although Wang Chengen does not understand this, he is a good executor and applies this requirement to his subsidiaries and strictly enforces the regulations.

"The second one is holding shares. You can merge the real estate agency and become a subsidiary of the Beijing News Group."

However, he had to implement the emperor's request, so he continued:
"Those controlled by the Beijing News Group can be authorized to use the 'Beijing News' brand and establish a sub-publication of the 'Beijing News'."

"How we operate in the future will change according to the situation."

Because according to Wang Chengen, as long as they are controlled by Beijing News Group, they can operate according to the previous method——

Although these people who reported housing were a little distressed that they had to contribute half of their shares, they thought about the fact that they were working in housing reporting and that their family members and relatives were also involved. From now on, this 10% of the shares will basically be theirs. So they all accept this regulation and regard these 10% shares as power shares and body shares——

This is a common practice in partnership business nowadays, and it’s not that they don’t understand it. I even feel that 10% of the shares is a bit less than the usual "silver six people and four people".

"After Beijing News Group takes control, will we still be in charge of housing registration?"

"If you don't want to, you can withdraw now."

Therefore, some news agencies chose to be controlled by the Beijing News Group and established subsidiaries in accordance with the requirements of the investment documents.

Ask the little eunuch to register these people and then buy shares to become subsidiaries. Wang Chengen said to everyone again:
"The third one is shareholding. The Beijing News Group only buys shares to pay dividends and does not participate in management."

"In terms of operations, you must obey the group's orders and cooperate with the group, but you can also put forward opinions and have a certain degree of autonomy."

10% of the shares are used for management and employee bonuses, as well as insurance and provident funds. This is Zhu Youjian's requirement for all companies under the supervision of the internal government. It is used to increase the enthusiasm of the management and make the workers desperate——

"The first direct acquisition, is there anyone willing to sell the property?"

This condition is very tempting to some people.

So, after Wang Chengen explained. They quickly understood that holding a controlling stake meant that the Beijing News Group was the controlling owner and held more than half of the shares. From now on, they can only be small proprietors and also contribute as shopkeepers.

After all, for him, mastering these manpower means mastering the source of troops.

"Beijing News Group will not acquire your shares, but will use capital injection to expand the share capital and occupy 55% of the shares."

Whether it is the handicraft era or the industrialization era, workers are a good source of soldiers. Especially after the era of hot weapons arrives, it will be easier to train workers to become soldiers.

Many people do not understand this point and do not understand the terms group and company very well. However, they still know about shares. Partnership shares are already very common in Ming Dynasty.

"All kinds of news from the Imperial Palace News and the Beijing News can also be reproduced with authorization."

After all, in his opinion, it is most convenient to acquire it directly. After taking control, it will be placed under the Beijing News Group, and he will need to see them often. It is better to simply take shares and put them outside the Beijing News Group.

Therefore, Zhu Youjian had to bribe these people no matter what, be responsible for their birth, old age, illness and death, and make them loyal to him. In this way, when they need to work hard, they will do their best. In labor-intensive industries, he will let the internal government supervisors continue to work.

Some people were moved by this. Xie Changzhen, who was known as Mr. Xie Liu, said:

There are many people who think this way, and most of them own other industries and do not make money solely by renting houses. After Wang Chengen purchased many of these properties at market prices and sent young eunuchs to receive them, these people quickly left and no longer attended the conference.

"Then the group and you will each pay half, and use 10% of the shares as dividends as bonuses for management and employees."

"If you have any specific requirements, someone will discuss them with you."

After all, the current emperor is a wise king. He even exempts merchants from purchasing, and he also spends real money on the acquisition and holding of real estate properties. As long as he is the emperor, he will not take away their property at will. You can even make a fortune by following the emperor.

"Those who are willing to be controlled by Beijing News Group can come forward."

"Beijing News Group will pay dividends based on shares. Can the matter be discussed?"

Such harsh conditions make many people frown. Many property owners are unwilling to give up control.

They care little about control and just want to maintain their current lives. In the future, it may be more stable to rely on the inner government prison——

These businessmen, you look at me, I look at you, eventually someone comes forward and expresses his willingness to sell.

However, Wang Chengen didn't like these people very much and was not polite to them, saying:

For them, this is a familiar journey. Therefore, some people who just rely on property rentals to make a living and want to obtain stable income began to agree to hold shares.

Wang Chengen chuckled and denied:
"Holding means to be controlled by the group and to listen to the group's words."

Using the name "Beijing News", the content of Di News was copied.

Most of the remaining people still want to work in newspaper copying shops, or are unable to leave this industry. Regarding them, Wang Chengen continued:

"But it has veto power over news published in newspapers."

"At the same time, when the Beijing News Group makes some big moves, you must also respond and support the Beijing News Group."

"If you are willing to agree to these conditions, then leave your name. After finishing the holding matter, I will discuss with you how many shares to participate in."

This is what Xie Changzhen wants. He wants to use the name of the inner palace supervisor, but he doesn't want to give up the control of his own house. So he immediately wanted to sign up and asked shamelessly:
"Since the Beijing News Group has taken a stake, can we use the name of the Beijing News to reprint news from the Beijing News and Dibao?"

"Without these, newspapers wouldn't be sold!"

Others also looked at Wang Chengen, wanting him to agree to this. However, these two conditions were Wang Chengen's promise to hold the property, so how could they be given to them. So he smiled and said:
"It's a beautiful idea, but it's impossible."

"The Beijing News brand is only used by the parent company and subsidiaries. Others cannot use it without permission."

"However, with Beijing News Group as a shareholder, you can register a trademark containing the word 'Beijing'. I will ask someone to call the Trademark Office to ensure that your registration can be approved."

Xie Changzhen was shocked when he heard this and hurriedly asked:
"How to register a trademark in Beijing? Can the prince please make it public?"

Wang Chengen frowned and said:
"Do you still want me to teach you this?"

"Beijing News, Beijing Current Affairs, Beijing Scholars, Beijing Literature and Art News..."

"What name cannot be registered? Do you have to stare at the two words in the Beijing News?"

These were several names the emperor mentioned when he discussed newspapers with him. Wang Chengen now uses these names to send people like Xie Changzhen away.

When Xie Changzhen heard these names, he suddenly felt like he had a new idea. He knew that the name of the newspaper could be named like this.

Although they are not as simple and direct as the word "Beijing Bao", they do contain the words "Beijing" and "Bao", which are enough to fool laymen.

So I quickly thanked Wang Chengen for his advice and asked about reprinting.

Wang Chengen listened impatiently and said:
"The matter of reprinting will be discussed in detail later."

"You just need to pay the royalties according to the regulations. There is no need to rush to ask me."

“Now we must first determine which newspaper houses are willing to take shares and become alliance companies of the Beijing News Group.”

"Remember, after joining this alliance, we must keep in step. We cannot receive preferential treatment but go against the Beijing News!"

Xie Changzhen said "How dare you" several times, and he was already determined. I know that since Wang Chengen has not vetoed it, the reprint will most likely be approved. You just have to pay the manuscript fee and give them a certain fee.

Therefore, as the leader of a newspaper copying company in Beijing, he was the first to agree to take shares. Under his leadership, other people who applied for a room also participated enthusiastically.

Only a few companies, either with controllers behind them or wanting to remain independent, have not agreed to take shares.

Wang Chengen saw that the number of registered rooms he participated in had far exceeded the 60% required by the emperor, so he did not force the remaining ones.

After the registration for equity participation was completed, he said:
"According to His Majesty's decree, all guilds in the capital must be changed into associations."

"You must register with the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and register your trademark brand with the Trademark Office, which is protected by relevant laws and regulations."

“Each association must also formulate regulations and formulate industry standards.”

"Now, let's start with newspaper copying and establish the Beijing branch of the Ming Dynasty Newspaper Association."

"The newspaper industry is a public service industry and needs to be regulated. Anyone who wants to do this must join the association."

"Every newspaper office currently in Beijing can apply for a "Publication Business License" at the Publication Office of the Department of Rites and Music of the Ministry of Rites. After obtaining the license, apply to join the association."

After this request was made, the few remaining people who applied for rooms couldn't help but look at each other and smile bitterly. I know that the emperor is determined to control the newspaper copying business and will not allow any report to be left out.

Although they did not join the Beijing News Group, they had to join the association. Otherwise, they might not be able to get the permit.

Xie Changzhen and other property owners who accepted Beijing News Group's shareholding were rejoicing at this time, knowing that joining the Beijing News Group was a correct choice for them. Otherwise, they will become the remaining few companies and be squeezed out by the Beijing News Group.

In response to Wang Chengen's words, Xie Changzhen, as the leader of the newspaper copying shop in the capital, took the lead in saying loudly:
"The Emperor has made a decree, of course we must obey it."

"I, Xie Changzhen, am the first to join the association as the leader of the newspaper copying industry in the capital!"

The other houses that reported rooms also joined in one after another.

No one is open-minded and unwilling to join the association.

Seeing this scene, Wang Chengen showed a smile on his face and said:

"Everyone is so enthusiastic, and our family will help you solve a little trouble."

"The matter of registering the association with the Civil Affairs Department will be handled by our family."

"We will help you get the license from the Publishing House."

"There are also trademarks, companies, and workshops registered with the Department of Commerce. We will all say hello."

"You can handle your reporting in peace and don't have to worry about anything else."

He also specified:

"The Beijing Newspaper Association has just been established. It does not have a charter yet, so Xie Xingshou will act as president temporarily."

"In the future, all members will hold a general meeting to elect the board of directors and official president."

"At the same time, a standards committee will be established to determine the standards of the newspaper industry."

Taking this very seriously, Wang Chengen said:
"From now on, the size of newspapers in the capital must be based on the size of the format."

"To indicate the release date, use the Yellow Emperor Era."

"Standard words must be used and no random changes can be made."

"Punctuation marks, font size, etc. must also be determined according to standards."

"In short, the newspaper industry must be fully regulated and cannot be as disorderly as before!"

These demands made everyone's scalp numb. They knew that the old newspaper copying business had become history, and the new capital newspaper industry must be built on these standards.

If most of them had not accepted Beijing News Group's shareholding, there would have been a capital injection, and they would have wanted to give up this line of work and switch to other lines of business.

As the acting president designated by Wang Chengen, Xie Changzhen, even if he was opposed to these things, could only support them at this time, express his firm implementation, and asked the question he was most concerned about:
"How to determine the fee for reprinting? Does the prince have any regulations?"

Wang Chengen finally responded and said:
"The matter of royalties will be regulated by copyright law."

"From now on, when you publish other people's memorials and articles, you will have to pay royalties based on the number of words or lines."

"For reprinting fees, you can formulate a trial regulation first, and then make changes according to the provisions of the Copyright Law."

"In short, the newspaper and periodical industry must be regulated in the future. They cannot publish other people's articles at will and must pay royalties to the authors."

(End of this chapter)