Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Liu Zhongshun was deeply moved.

Although he was told to keep a low profile, wasn't this still letting him do as he pleased?

With someone above him watching over him and money in his hands, such a great event falling on his head was no less than a chance for a complete transformation.

Originally, even with money, he was just a wealthy man, but now he had the ability to stir up storms in the market.

Even influencing the imperial court in the future, this was simply an opportunity that countless merchants dreamed of.

Thinking of himself, originally a small city gate guard, then reduced to a beggar, and now already a famous and wealthy merchant, with even further progress to be made in the future.

Liu Zhongshun's heart was both uneasy and filled with ecstasy as he slowly bowed to Fang Zheng: "Master, I will certainly live up to your expectations and complete the establishment of the exchange as soon as possible!"

Fang Zheng lightly raised his right hand and said, "Get up. Things should be done slowly; haste makes waste. Right now, you still have other problems to solve."

Liu Zhongshun stood up: "What problems?"

"The houses are selling so well, attracting so many officials from the court to invest. As a native of Taoyuan County, people in the court are wary of my identity and won't have any thoughts about you, but the public opinion can easily ruin your reputation, so alarming the court would be troublesome."

"Having great wealth and acting high-profile always attracts envy. So, you should create momentum for yourself as soon as possible and do more good deeds."

Liu Zhongshun licked his dry lips and said, "Master, I also have some ideas about this. I plan to sponsor some charitable halls after a while."

Fang Zheng gently shook his head: "Charitable halls? That's too old-fashioned; your thinking is wrong."

"Then what should I do?" Liu Zhongshun hurriedly asked.

"Currently, the most popular topic in the capital, and the focus of both the public and the court, is none other than the East Suburb University. You should donate to the East Suburb University and set up a scholarship in your name to reward those students who study hard."

"In this way, the people will see that you are enthusiastic about education and actively subsidize poor students, which is called not forgetting your roots. The court will also see that you act with propriety, knowing education despite your wealth; a Confucian merchant image is always pleasing."

Liu Zhongshun's eyes darted around, and he happily said, "Good! This method is good! Master's methods are indeed brilliant!"

Fang Zheng said: "This is not enough. You should also go out and give lectures as a business mentor. In fact, you have many advantages. Originally a beggar, you have now become a wealthy man selling houses; this is simply a legend."

"Presumably, people who come to listen to the lectures will be numerous. When lecturing, you must always remember the court's support. Without our Great Jing, there would be no Liu Zhongshun today. Therefore, after having money, don't forget to pay taxes heavily to thank the court for its grace of rebirth, and finally add some bland business experience; that's all."

Fang Zheng paused and continued: "In this way, your reputation will stand firmly on high ground. Look at the auspicious name you have, both loyal and obedient; the court will be delighted to see it."

"With this set of actions, and the newspaper pushing it along, even shameless people will have to call you 'Dad' in the future!"

Liu Zhongshun chuckled foolishly, touching his cheeks: "Wouldn't that be too much?"

Fang Zheng scoffed: "Why not? Some people only have a position, not a brain. When you lose power, they will step on you and scold you as a black-hearted merchant. When you gain power, they will rush to call you their dear father."

"But when doing things, you have to pay attention to image management, create a persona. In the future, when appearing outside, it's best to wear ordinary cloth clothes, plus black cloth shoes. Don't dress too luxuriously; always keep a low profile. When we eat meat, we must never smack our lips! If the poor see it, how can that be allowed?!"

"It's not enough for you to do it yourself; you have wives and children now, right? They also have to be honest. If anyone shows off outside, you slap them in the face!"

Liu Zhongshun deeply agreed: "Master, rest assured, I will never have problems in this regard. I used to pretend to be a beg..."

"Hm~?"

"When I was reduced to a beggar, although I begged for some money, I never dared to be arrogant. As the saying goes, make a fortune in silence; revealing wealth won't earn you big money."

Fang Zheng nodded in satisfaction.

"Good, it's enough if you do all these things well. But I suggest that in addition to these methods, you should also engage in some other legitimate industries, such as... opening a school."

Liu Zhongshun asked: "Is it opening a school similar to the East Suburb University?"

"Yes... and no!" Fang Zheng pondered, "Part of the East Suburb University focuses on theoretical research. The school you open can be called a vocational college."

"What is vocational?"

"Higher vocational schools, designed specifically for vocational training, graduating for immediate employment, without the need to delve into theory, which will be good for adapting to the market in the future. Now that railways are being built, there is an urgent need for a large number of talents to enter the field. This is a good business, which can both achieve a good reputation and adapt to market development."

"If you make it happen, I will help you arrange to connect with railway work."

Liu Zhongshun was puzzled: "Master, the difference between this and the East Suburb University doesn't seem to be that great. Why can't it be called a university? In this way, it will also be convenient to recruit students. Now, changing to a new name will take time and effort to explain to the people."

Fang Zheng stroked his chin, smiling without saying a word.

University? Now the East Suburb University is famous and extremely popular.

The students of the East Suburb University walk on the street, all eager to puff out their chests to the sky.

All are proud to be students of the East Suburb University.

Even when students go outside to find jobs, they are unwilling to go unless they become a small leader.

That air is no different from a scholar wearing a long gown.

How long has it been? A group of poor children have set their sights so high.

If so many universities are established, and these people put on long gowns, what will happen if they can't take them off in the future?

Maybe they will even shout that university was wasted.

If this trend spreads, that is simply moral corruption!

I, Fang Zheng, can't stand people not being down-to-earth!

"You don't need to ask more about this matter; just do it well if you want to," Fang Zheng said with emotion: "We have caught up with a good time. Sometimes when I open the newspaper, it's full of business opportunities, with the two words 'get rich' written all over it!"

"I don't know how many people will take this opportunity to emerge, but all the people will benefit from it. However, if you want to proceed quickly, it's not enough to rely on the court alone; you also have to rely on the power of the market."

"Work hard; the days will get better and better."

At this moment, the sky began to darken, and the queue had begun to disperse.

At this time, it was no longer appropriate to show people the house, because there was not enough sunlight during the day to reflect the excellent interior decoration.

Fang Zheng quietly stared at the sales office, and vaguely saw three old men walking out of the sales office with red faces.

He raised his hand and asked loudly: "Lord Li? Is that you? Are the members of the Grand Secretariat here too?"

Hearing the familiar voice, the three stood frozen in place, all looking at Fang Zheng.

Why is this fellow here too? If he knows that we have come all the way to buy houses in Taoyuan County, I don't know how proud he will be!

"Hurry! Hurry! He didn't see clearly," Li Yansong said anxiously.

In the next moment, the three shrank their necks at the same time, pulled up their collars to cover half of their faces, and quickly fled the scene.