NOVPUBCommercial taxes had already completely crushed the previous tax system seven days ago, indeed, the battle at Wancheng in the heartland of the Central Plains completely destroyed the original commerce center centered around Wancheng, with Nanyang as its extending reach, unintentionally giving a bargain to Fenggao.
Speaking of which, as a commercial hub, Fenggao wasn’t exactly a prime location given its somewhat remote position. However, the current situation was that despite Fenggao lacking geographical advantages, it firmly seized the opportunity of timing and favorable human conditions.
When the commercial center of Wancheng was engulfed by war, and merchants across the land faced stagnation in sales, the two major commerce chambers, centered around the Zhen Family of the North and the Mi Family of Xuzhou, settled in Fenggao. At the same time, significant changes happened to the tax rates in Mount Tai and Qingzhou, drawing the attention of the majority of merchants nationwide.
Chen Xi observed this scene indifferently. The change in tax rates could already be seen as a set pattern, the crushing disparity was not something that could be reversed with a couple of words. As for what would happen when the world fell into greater chaos and merchants became scarce, Chen Xi would only chuckle. Times of chaos were the best opportunity for merchants to make a fortune. He had never heard that merchants became scarce in chaotic times. It’s said that only in times of peace can merchants be controlled. In turbulent times, merchants are even more active, after all, the tax loopholes in times of chaos are incredibly numerous!
"There’s still one thing lacking," Chen Xi said as he picked up his cup of wine, giving Guo Jia a faint smile, then drained it in one gulp and set the cup down, looking at Guo Jia.
"The Library Pavilion, is it?" Guo Jia casually picked up some snacks from the table.
"Yes, considering the household registrations of Wen Ru should also be almost handled by now, this era’s scholars could serve as an image aspired to by the people everywhere," Chen Xi nodded and said, "The qualifications they possess are naturally what the people need, an alternative form of top-down influence. Fenggao isn’t the best place, being too remote. If it were in the Central Plains, the current tax revenue could increase by another twenty percent."
Chen Xi’s indifferent expression made Guo Jia slightly embarrassed, after all, including him, everyone had initially tried to stop Chen Xi’s commercial policies, only to be astonished by the exceptional changes in Fenggao City within just over twenty days.
"Zichuan, what happened before was indeed our fault, please forgive us," Guo Jia said with rare solemnity.
"No need for such formalities, we each had our own considerations," Chen Xi waved it off, "Neither of us was wrong, the mistake lies with Lord Xuande." A sly smile crept onto Chen Xi’s face.
"Staying at home all the time isn’t a solution either!" Facing Chen Xi’s argument, Guo Jia could only respond with a bitter smile. Chen Xi was indeed the only one who could be so unprincipled.
"More than ten days ago, the entrance was cold and deserted; now, it’s as busy as a marketplace. Imagine how many merchants would be waiting for me if I went out," Chen Xi said, holding his wine cup with a smile, "I have the final say in commercial law, and by now, just revealing a slight benefit is enough to make many people fatten up. What do you think my housekeeper has been up to lately?"
"That’s not a reason for you to skip the Political Office," Guo Jia said helplessly.
"I just don’t want to go," Chen Xi said nonchalantly, "Before I finish handling this matter, none of you should seek me out unless there’s a real emergency. Just tell Zijing and Ziyang to take care of their own affairs, I can’t be bothered with past issues."
Seeing Chen Xi bring up the matter, Guo Jia had no choice but to pick up his wine cup and drain it in one gulp. Who could have thought that Chen Xi would succeed so quickly? He hadn’t wanted to be a peacemaker, but among the folks from Mount Tai, Guo Jia was the one who got along best with Chen Xi—they were both not the type to fuss over etiquette and personal gain too much.
"Drink your wine. I can’t join you at the brothel these next few days. Speaking of which, I heard the newly opened Fragrance Pavilion is quite good. Have you been there?" Chen Xi changed the subject to one both he and Guo Jia enjoyed.
"I went, and it was really great. It’s free, man, seriously amazing. They even gave me this so I can spend without paying in the future. Want it?" Guo Jia said with a sly grin, pulling a genuine gold card from his sleeve, which meant he didn’t need to spend a penny at the Fragrance Pavilion.
"I’ve got one too," Chen Xi said, taking out a card and flashing it in front of Guo Jia. "But I won’t be as outrageous as you. That being said, that place is right on the main street, South First Street, and the land there was such a steal."
Guo Jia felt an immense sense of regret at Chen Xi’s words. Who knew that the price of the land would skyrocket like this? Initially, merchants thought they were just cashing in on a quick deal, but once they realized Chen Xi meant serious business, the wealthy ones planned to set up shop there. Hence, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets were simply not enough. Any parcel of land available was quickly snapped up. It had to be acknowledged that merchants backed by aristocratic families were indeed wealthy at this time. 𝑛𝘰𝘷𝑝𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝘮
Selling the land netted them millions of strings of coins, but afterward, Lub Su felt like he had lost out, his regret as tangible as the wind. Land prices on Second Street were jumping so high they made Lub Su’s eyelids twitch. As for First Street, which is the main north-south thoroughfare, only three businesses had opened there so far: the Mi Family’s tavern, the Zhen Family’s fur store, and the Fragrance Pavilion— all establishments that had been there even before Chen Xi changed the commercial laws.
Merchants were not fools; they all knew that South First and North First Street would be prime locations. But Chen Xi only demarcated four streets, and now they were all sold out. What else did they want? Challenge the rule that merchants could only trade in the designated Northern District? That was a death wish. One could buy land in the residential area of North Sixth Street and renovate it, but as for the other two on North First Street and the one on South First Street—Fragrance Pavilion—let them drool. It was clear that those three had issues.
Ignoring the Zhen and Mi families, the Fragrance Pavilion, which stood out so conspicuously, would have been relocated long ago if it didn’t have any backing. Moreover, it was on First Street, and the only one at that. While the Zhen and Mi families occupied the North Street, a brothel sat in the middle of South Street—what were they up to?
Failing to find who was backing them, and given their obvious visibility, it was clear they had support. So those eyeing that last piece of land on South First Street withdrew their ambitions. Perhaps due to this, the business at the brothel was booming. Rich merchants didn’t mind engaging with the owner of the Fragrance Pavilion to foster connections. Too bad the Fragrance Pavilion didn’t have the proprietor they were searching for.
"Ha! That old madam must not be having an easy time," Guo Jia laughed heartily. He often frequented the Fragrance Pavilion recently and had witnessed their predicament. However, with a cup of flower tea priced at a hundred coins and seeing the daily profits, they would persevere no matter how difficult it got.
"No troublemakers, right?" Chen Xi asked with a smile. It was indeed ostentatious for the Fragrance Pavilion to stand where it did—an accident, but a significant one that would pain anyone aware of how much First Street real estate was worth, like Lub Su. But he had no face to say anything about taking it back.
"Do you think anyone would dare?" Guo Jia’s expression turned scornful. "Only ignorant nobodies would make trouble there. But now, all the big businessmen are inside. They could crush those troublemakers with a mere flick of their fingers. No one would dare stir up trouble."
"Still, it is rather conspicuous," Chen Xi said helplessly, as operating such an establishment on the main street was overly eye-catching. "Never mind. Later on, I’ll order someone to find that old madam and instruct her to make the Fragrance Pavilion more elegant—host some music, dance, and theatre instead. If this continues, Zijing might come talk to me, which would be troublesome." (To be continued. If you liked this work, please go to qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)
