Iron Dynasty Chapter 751:

The savory steam of stir-fried delicacies filled the Wei Family Restaurant.

Following the surge in popularity of stir-fried dishes originating from the Wei Family Restaurant, this culinary style began appearing in various eateries across Qingzhou.

While these imitations didn't quite capture the exquisite flavor of the original, they were still a significant upgrade from the fare previously available.

As the food was served, Shangguan Yong pressed his companion, "Fifth Brother Liu, what are your thoughts on this? "

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Wuliu replied, "The primary obstacle is our lack of ships. Transporting the fabrics to Gaoli is currently impossible. Furthermore, even if we could make the journey, our unfamiliarity with Gaoli necessitates finding local merchants to collaborate with. "

"Alas, this means those established merchant houses will once again monopolize the profits from Gaoli. They possess the necessary vessels and can sail directly to their destination," Shangguan Yong lamented with a sigh.

While they conversed, a tall, refined young man, presumably a student from the academy, approached their table.

With a genial smile, the young man performed a cupped-hand salute. "Might I inquire if you gentlemen are discussing trade with Gaoli? "

Zhu Wuliu and Shangguan Yong acknowledged the academy attire of the young man. Zhu Wuliu responded, "Indeed we are. May I ask for your perspective, young sir? "

"I would not presume to offer advice. My name is Lu Yichen. My father served as the county magistrate of Wannian County in Chang'an. He has since retired from official duties and now operates as a merchant in Qingzhou, with a focus on maritime transport. I happened to overhear your conversation regarding the need for vessels to convey fabrics to Gaoli, and thus I approached. " Lu Yichen explained.

"Your transport vessels are capable of reaching Gaoli? " Zhu Wuliu inquired, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Not all transport ships are designed for the rigors of sea voyages, you understand. "

Lu Yichen affirmed, "Since I have stated as much, I can naturally facilitate the transport of your fabrics to Gaoli. Should you wish to engage our services, you may inquire at Lu's Transport. "

Zhu Wuliu and Shangguan Yong exchanged a meaningful look. Qingzhou City teemed with merchants, not all of whom were trustworthy. Many of their fabric shipments had previously been dispatched with no recovery of the associated funds.

Consequently, a significant degree of caution was always exercised when dealing with merchants. Shangguan Yong deliberately adopted a more assertive tone, stating, "I shall not mince words: Zhu Wuliu's elder brother holds the rank of Colonel within the Qingzhou Army. Should you attempt any deceit, retribution will be swift and severe! "

Lu Yichen replied respectfully, "I would certainly not dare to. "

Zhu Wuliu nodded his assent. The merchant vessels belonging to the larger trading houses came with a considerable price tag. Their current business operated on razor-thin profit margins, and engaging such premium services would render any venture entirely unprofitable.

Therefore, their only viable option was to utilize the transport services of smaller, independent traders. However, he was not yet prepared to place complete trust in Lu Yichen based solely on his words; a thorough comparison of rates and service quality would be necessary to identify the most suitable option.

***

The Ding Estate.

Ding Wanquan and his son, Ding Wu, were promptly apprned of the latest developments.

With sharp discernment, Ding Wanquan declared, "This matter demands immediate action. Proceed at once to inventory our fleet of merchant ships and ascertain how many are seaworthy for a voyage to Gaoli. "

"Yes, Father," Ding Wu responded, his face illuminated by a gleam of eagerness. He, too, had recognized the substantial commercial potential inherent in this situation.

Before Ding Wu could depart, Ding Wanquan added, "Wait. Also, dispatch individuals immediately to secure quantities of fabrics, sugar, and perfume. This expedition to Gaoli promises immense wealth. The Emperor has now made this endeavor public knowledge, ensuring that other merchant houses are undoubtedly aware, particularly the Cao family; they must be overjoyed! "

"Father speaks with absolute wisdom. A considerable number of merchants are already aligning themselves with the Cao family. Rumor has it they are even establishing the Cao Family Commerce Guild, a rather significant undertaking. With this news disseminated, they will undoubtedly consolidate their efforts to capitalize on this opportunity," Ding Wu concurred.

Having navigated numerous challenges in his own career, Ding Wanquan spoke with measured composure, "That Cao Zheng Yang grows excessively presumptuous. He seems to have forgotten that the Great Yu Kingdom operates under our authority, forgotten who bestows status upon us merchants, and forgotten the fates of the King of Wei, the King of Yan, and Prince Zhao. Ding Wu, remember this principle: regardless of the Cao family's actions, we must never overstep our designated role. Merchants are, by their very nature, merchants. Engagement with commerce and wealth is our purview; power is a poison to our kind and must never be pursued. "

Ding Wu bowed his head in acknowledgement, "Your son has always heeded Father's counsel, never harboring the slightest ambition beyond our station. "

"Good, that's commendable. Age is catching up with me. After considerable deliberation regarding the Ding family, I've concluded that only you possess the necessary qualifications to inherit my position. However, I anticipate some opposition from your elder brothers. Nevertheless, remain patient. Continue to manage the Ding family's affairs diligently, and at the opportune moment, I shall make the final decision."

"Yes, Father." Ding Wu concealed his elation.

His journey from an illegitimate son to a significant figure within the Ding family had been arduous. Now, he had finally earned his father's favor.

Concurrently, a multitude of merchants converged at the Cao Estate, the opulent residence of Cao Zheng Yang.

"Shopkeeper Cao, this presents an unprecedented opportunity for us! We must set sail without delay and dispatch goods to Gaoli."

A corpulent merchant declared.

"Precisely! Have we not convened here today with the express purpose of liberating ourselves from the Qingzhou Merchant Guild's clutches and securing greater profits? We cannot afford to squander this chance!"

Another individual chimed in agreement.

"..."

Amidst the cacophony of merchants' assertions, Cao Zheng Yang calmly perused a newspaper.

After a significant pause, he enunciated, "What business venture yields the highest returns? Fabrics? Sugar? Neither. True prosperity lies in monopoly. Regardless of the commodity, establishing a monopoly allows one to amass wealth without limit."

"Shopkeeper Cao, are you suggesting we monopolize the trade with Gaoli? But is such a feat even conceivable? All merchants are already privy to this lucrative prospect." A merchant inquired.

Cao Zheng Yang responded with a smile, "Nothing is beyond the realm of possibility if we devise an effective strategy."

He then added, his tone laced with meaning, "The sea, in reality, is far from secure. Pirates run rampant. Should goods fall prey to plunder, merchants face utter ruin. We can disseminate this information, and naturally, the fainthearted traders will hesitate to entrust their valuable cargo to smaller vessels."

"That is astute! Our merchant fleets are equipped with sufficient guards!" A merchant exclaimed with delight. He continued, "Shopkeeper Cao, your strategy is truly ingenious! We can certainly capitalize on this development."

A self-satisfied nod from Cao Zheng Yang, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness. The Cao family's ascent to its current prominence was paved with numerous ethically questionable tactics.

As an integral member of the Cao family, he was intimately familiar with such methods. He understood implicitly that business expansion often necessitated unscrupulous means.

This Gaoli expedition offered him a clear vision of the Great Yu Kingdom's future commercial trajectory. While Gaoli was the immediate focus, the potential profits from incorporating Jinao later on would be considerably more substantial. He resolved to strategize proactively and secure the maximum possible gains.

While the merchants were engrossed in their self-serving schemes concerning this matter, Li Kaiyuan received a summons from Xiao Ming to the Imperial Study.

With an immense repository of accumulated knowledge, Xiao Ming possessed an unparalleled understanding of the merchant class. Consequently, from the outset, he harbored no intention of permitting merchants unfettered access to Gaoli.

After all, the unchecked proliferation of commercial trade would inevitably lead to the rise of monopolies and powerful business consortiums. Xiao Ming already had a plan in motion: all merchants intending to travel to Gaoli would be required to obtain a travel permit from the Qingzhou Merchant Guild.

P. S. : More updates.