Mao Shen was obviously very satisfied and happy. This was an unexpected surprise. He never expected it when it came.
In fact, both Mao Wenlong and Mao Shen could guess that this was not a house built for them in advance, but an empty business store as a last-minute gift.
Even so, it is the person's intention. It would be unkind for you to choose this or that. Even if they don't give it away and let them continue to live in the hotel, there is nothing to say.
"Husband, look at this house, it's even better than the one on Phidao!" Mao Shen was also a talker. When she saw Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing coming in, she stepped forward and praised them, "If it's summer, plant some flowers and plants."
, it’s even more beautiful.”
Fujino Hide also walked over to greet me. After saluting, he agreed with a smile: "The slave family invites Madam to stay here for a long time and see the beautiful scenery in spring and summer. Madam said that Mao Shuai agrees."
Mao Wenlong waved his hand and said with a helpless smile: "She can live wherever she wants. With you and Axiu by her side, I don't have anything to worry about."
Instead of going to Miao Island to ask Wang Tingzhi to collect his debt, Mao Wenlong would soon start to inspect Jinzhou, so naturally he couldn't bring his concubine with him. It just so happened that this villa was available, and there were familiar neighbors around it, which was very convenient.
Mao Wenlong had this idea for a long time and asked Guo Dajing to invite the Lin family over halfway. He also took the opportunity to get acquainted with each other and support Guo Dajing.
At this time, meals were being cooked in the kitchen, and Mao Wenlong was led by his concubine to walk around the house and take a brief look.
Although the house in Pi Dao is large, it is not luxuriously decorated. Although here, although it is smaller, it looks exquisite, has complete facilities, and looks more like a residence.
"Husband, how about we live in Dalian forever?" Mao Shen looked at Mao Wenlong's face and whispered: "I think this place is lively and more lively than Pidao."
Naturally, the islands cannot be compared with the land. Most of Jinzhou is already much larger than Phi Island. There are many mountains, rivers, rivers and seas, but the boring scenery of Phi Island is much better.
Mao Wenlong didn't answer immediately, which made him a little embarrassed.
First, if he were to take charge of southern Liaoning, wouldn't it reduce the importance of Liaodong? How would he deal with the imperial court's decision to move the town again?
Secondly, he has a fearful and defensive mentality towards the imperial court, and the farther away he is, the safer he is.
Taking advantage of the fact that there were few people around, Mao Shen gently held Mao Wenlong's arm and walked around the back house, making an introduction to him to see if his arrangements were satisfactory and to make up for any missing items in the future without urging him to make a decision.
After a long while, Mao Wenlong said helplessly: "I will make a decision after I complete my inspection of Jinzhou!"
Mao Shen's eyes lit up, there was hope without rejection. After inspecting Jinzhou, if Jinzhou is good, wouldn't he be able to stay there for a long time?
After walking around, Mao Wenlong and his concubine returned to the front yard, just in time to catch up with Lin Tianyou and Lin Wan'er who had been invited. After the introduction, Mao Wenlong and Mao Shen separated into two rooms, each accompanying the male and female guests.
"Shaoxing rice wine, I haven't had it for a long time." Mao Wenlong looked at the wine brought by Lin Tianyou, seeming to think of his hometown, and nodded with emotion, "Let's just drink this today, how about it?"
Lin Tianyou said: "The common people are used to drinking. I am afraid that General Guo will think this rice wine is not strong enough."
Guo Dajing laughed and said: "Guo is not a drinker, and he doesn't know how to taste wine. He just drinks whatever he can and never chooses."
Mao Wenlong invited the two of them to take a seat. Unexpectedly, he came to Dalian and became the host of the landlord. He was in a good mood and said with a smile: "Yellow wine is best drunk warm and has the richest aroma."
Lin Tianyou nodded and agreed: "Mao Shuai is an expert. Warm drinks are more suitable for winter."
"What's the point of talking about wine from my hometown?" Mao Wenlong waved his hand, sighed as if softly, and sat down.
The dishes were placed one by one. Fujino Hide borrowed the Lin family's cook and made a simpler mutton-boiled dish, which was also quite hearty.
"Mao Shuai, here are some Jiangnan dishes that the Lin family cook was invited to cook." Guo Dajing introduced with a smile, adding a bit more glory to the Lin family, "You can try it."
Mao Wenlong smiled and nodded, expressed his gratitude to Lin Tianyou, picked up the chopsticks, tasted them one by one, and praised them repeatedly.
The taste of hometown is always so kind. Mao Wenlong has been away from home and has not tasted it for a long time.
"The Lin family's strong support to Dongjiang Town, I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire town's soldiers and people." Mao Wenlong raised his wine glass and gestured to Lin Tianyou.
Lin Tianyou hurriedly raised his glass and said: "Shuai Mao, there is no need to say thank you. The Lin family has benefited greatly from Mao Shuai's care."
"Win-win cooperation and mutual help." Guo Dajing raised his glass with a smile and said, "I see, there's no need to be polite. Let's just eat, drink and talk."
Mao Wenlong laughed, said no more, raised his neck and drank it all in one gulp.
Guo Dajing and Lin Tianyou also drank their glasses and filled them up again. They stopped saying polite words and just ate food, drank, and chatted.
"The materials shipped by the Lin family this time are mainly refined iron, cotton, and cotton cloth. The grain is 30,000 shi, but it was shipped from Nanyang by a maritime merchant named Zhang."
Lin Tianyou answered Mao Wenlong's inquiry and glanced at Guo Dajing, "General Guo wants to establish contact with the grain merchants traveling to Southeast Asia, so the Lin family will play the role of matchmaker."
"Is it cheaper to transport grain from overseas than to buy grain from Jiangnan?" Mao Wenlong was a little confused.
Based on the distance, Jiangnan does look better. But in fact, if the quantity purchased from Champa, Annam, Siam and other Southeast Asian countries is large enough, the price will still be lower.
Lin Tianyou hurriedly explained, and Mao Wenlong suddenly realized and said with a smile: "It's like this, but I am ignorant and ignorant."
Guo Dajing said: "The general also listened to the Lin family's advice and learned about the way to transport grain overseas. Food is the top priority. As long as it can have a full stomach, Dongjiang Town will be stable and develop."
Mao Wenlong nodded repeatedly and said: "Food and clothing are the most important. You are thoughtful and take both things into consideration."
In fact, purchasing cotton is not a long-term solution. Just like food, Guo Dajing also needs to be self-sufficient in "clothing".
Cotton cannot be grown in the Northeast, but sheep can be raised and wool weaving is a solution.
In addition, Guo Dajing also hired silkworm farmers from Shandong and introduced tussah silkworms, and will start a large-scale experimental stocking next year.
You must know that tussah silkworms originated in Shandong and are most suitable for breeding in the north. In later generations, Liaoning Province's tussah silkworm production accounted for 80% of the country's output and 70% of the world's.
Wool and tussah are equivalent to cotton and silkworms. After large-scale breeding and production, the problem of "clothing" will be gradually solved.
Guo Dajing does not need to rush to say that showing off is not his character. Besides, it is hard to say how the industry that has just started will develop.
And Mao Wenlong didn't know how much these supplies cost, nor did he give the money. It was not easy for him to find out the inside story of Guo Dajing's transaction with the Lin family, so it was best to pretend to be confused.
Lin Tianyou is also smart. If Mao Wenlong doesn't ask, he won't tell. If Guo Dajing asks, he will answer truthfully.
"Porcelain sells very well in Jiangnan, especially -" Lin Tianyou looked at Guo Dajing, and seeing that his expression remained unchanged, he continued: "In the land of pink, those poems and oirans are all competing to sing them, and the most popular ones are
Customers. The next batch of porcelain is basically ordered in advance, and the delivery date is set for March 3rd next year.”
Guo Dajing nodded with a smile and said, "Your Lin family is really good at doing business, and you can sell porcelain for a few more months."
It was supposed to be shipped back by the end of the year, but it won't be delivered until March 3rd of next year, whetting people's appetites and still holding their deposits.
Afraid of neglecting Mao Wenlong, Guo Dajing turned to Mao Wenlong and said: "General, there are a lot of porcelain there. If the commander is interested, he can choose them and put them in the house for decoration."
Mao Wenlong shook his head and said: "Things that can be sold for money, I am a warrior, and I don't want to be arty."
After a pause, he reached out and patted Guo Dajing's arm and said, "I know your efforts and your contributions, and I remember them all!"
Guo Dajing smiled slightly and said: "Of course the commander will remember. Otherwise, the general will not be promoted from a soldier to a general in less than two years. I am afraid that there has never been such a fast promotion speed in the past."
"That was earned by your military exploits." Mao Wenlong waved his hand nonchalantly, not thinking that he was using his promotion to repay Guo Dajing's dedication.
Guo Dajing wanted to say something more, but Mao Wenlong had already raised his wine glass and said with a smile: "Come and drink."
The wine was drunk here happily, and there was laughter and laughter from the other side. Several women also drank rice wine, and added rock sugar, which was sweet and more suitable for their tastes.
Axiu only tasted a little, and didn't drink much. She didn't know how much she drank.
Fujino Hide and Lin Wan'er are on par with Mao Shen. It's not a drinking contest, it's just a glass for you and a glass for me.
Mao Shen's face turned red, she giggled and spoke even more energetically.
Speaking of which, she was also a poor person. Like many women at that time, she was treated as an object and given to one man and then another.
Historical rumors: She was first given to Mao Wenlong as a concubine by her father Shen Shikui. After Mao Wenlong's death, she was given to Huang Long, the new commander-in-chief of Dongjiang Town...
Regardless of whether the rumors are true or not, it is a fact that women's status was extremely low in ancient times.
Mao Shen, who had lived on Phi Island for a long time, was obviously not happy and had few friends. When he came to Dalian, he suddenly had a house and several female companions with whom he could chat. Needless to say, he felt happy in his heart.
After Fujino Hide sent out the invitation, Lin Waner also followed suit, and the arrangements for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow were finalized. Mao Shen became more and more happy, and her joking voice became a little louder.
"They really hit it off." Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and said with a smile: "I haven't been so happy in a remote Pi Island for a long time."
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Commander, Pidao is remote, so why not live in Jinzhou permanently?"
Mao Wenlong smiled and said nothing, with a look of hesitation on his face.
Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "If our army continues to grow and develop, it will only take two or three years to capture Gaizhou. The commander-in-chief can use this to ask for food and pay from the court, even if he only gives equipment, saltpetre and sulfur.
That’s fine.”
Mao Wenlong glanced at Guo Dajing and nodded slightly, feeling quite moved.
Guo Dajing continued: "Tianyou is not an outsider, and there is no need for Guo to keep silent. Yuan Chonghuan's big words to deceive the emperor will not end well. Needless to say, if the Liao Dynasty was defeated in five years, if he suffered a big defeat within one or two years, the court would not tolerate him.
.”
Lin Tianyou was also a clever man and said with a smile: "If the Marshal and Brother Guo say that it will be five years since the Liao Dynasty, I will believe it. Yuan Chonghuan is a scholar and it is difficult to achieve anything."
Mao Wenlong burst into laughter, his depression relieved a lot, and he said: "I don't have that ability, I can only look at Dajing."
"Who can guarantee that the Liao Dynasty will be equal in five years?" Guo Dajing shook his head and said, "Six years, I can give it a try."
Although he looked serious, he said ridiculing and joking words, which made Mao Wenlong and Lin Tianyou laugh again.
After drinking for three rounds, seeing that it was getting late, Guo Dajing and Lin Tianyou stood up to say goodbye. The meeting over there was also over, and several women said goodbye with smiles on their faces.
"This girl actually drank wine." Guo Dajing shook his head and carried Ronger into the car.
Rong'er's face was flushed, and she lay on Axiu's body, sleeping soundly.
"Can you still ride a horse?" Guo Dajing looked at Fujino Hide with concern.
Fujino Hide rolled his eyes, shook his head, and said, "Let's ride together, I'm afraid I might fall off."
Still wanting to lie, Guo Dajing knew from the look on her face that she hadn't overdosed, but he didn't want to expose her. It was only a matter of a few steps, so he hugged her and leaned against her.
The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, and the carriages and horses were clattering. The family was walking towards the store not far away.
………………
The next morning, after Guo Dajing had dinner, he came to Lin's Shop.
Before meeting the Japanese merchants and Xiyi, he had to make peace with Lin Tianyou, and he had to make peace with him.
Lin Tianyou also got up very early, prepared tea, and waited for Guo Dajing's arrival.
The two met, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then got down to business.
"The full-length mirror should be the focus of the competition for purchase." Lin Tianyou reminded Guo Dajing and said: "As far as I know, in Haojing, the full-length mirror caused a great sensation and was eventually purchased by the French at a high price."
It’s not surprising that the French love stinky beauty. Well, the royal nobles in Europe also have a lot of money stolen from them.
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "The Japanese also want to buy more full-length mirrors. Otani Chuan has been waiting here for a while and went to see Fujino Hide."
Lin Tianyou nodded and said: "As expected. The Japanese have a lot of money, and Otani Chuan and Kobayashi Koichi are the royal merchants of the shogunate. They must have bought it for some big shot."
It must have been given to the great general Tokugawa Iemitsu and his father, Tokugawa Hidetada, who abdicated his throne and became the "Grand Imperial Palace".
In addition to these two, there may be an emperor. Although he has no real power, he is the nominal head of the Japanese country.
"Are the Lin family still optimistic about the sales of full-length mirrors?" Guo Dajing asked politely: "Although the number of mirrors is limited, based on our relationship, we still have to give priority to satisfaction."
Lin Tianyou chuckled, cupped his hands, and said, "Not many. The Lin family wants to buy three more dressing mirrors. If General Guo is in trouble, one and two mirrors are fine."
Guo Dajing waved his hand and said: "There are currently six mirrors in stock. Two for the Japanese and two for the Westerners. The Lin family will also take two first. I will let the craftsmen rush to make them. I will make up one for you in less than ten days. How about it?"
"Okay, thank you General Guo." Lin Tianyou raised his hand in thanks.
Lin Tiansheng and Guo Dajing were sworn sworn friends, but he was not, so he had to be careful and polite when speaking.
In fact, there are eight full-length mirrors in total, but only six are said to be external. This is also stated in advance, and the three companies have three mirrors every year, including the first sample.
Is it because rare goods can be bought and sold hungry, or is it because quantity wins and the unit price drops. Guo Dajing is not sure, but now that the goods are selling well and everyone is looking for goods, he will naturally suppress the quantity and sell at a high price.
Guo Dajing didn't care about how much money he made. As long as it was enough to buy various supplies, he was satisfied.
If they were not in Dalian this time, these matters would naturally be handled by Hide Fujino. As for the weapons that were shipped, Masa Fujino would inspect them and pay according to the price, or use the mirror to offset the payment.
"Brother Lin went to Nanjing?" Guo Dajing just asked casually and guessed the reason. He couldn't help but smile and change the subject, saying: "The trade routes are already smooth, so there is no need for you brothers to go to sea in person."
Although there are brothels all over the country, the Qinhuai Qinhuai, Yangzhou Shouma, and Suzhou and Hangzhou famous actresses are the most famous ones. High-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and businessmen always linger here.
Whether it's porcelain or mirrors, if you open up sales in these three places, why worry about not making money? There are romantic places, gold sales caves, places where rich people show off, and there is a lot of money.
Lin Tianyou smiled helplessly and said: "People's hearts are unpredictable. Before we find people with enough trust, we can only work harder. The key is that we can't fail General Guo's mission."
"You all know my attitude towards money. You don't need to be so cautious." Guo Dajing waved his hand and said: "We have contacted the shipping merchant who sells grain. He will transport the grain. You just need to take care of the iron and cotton."
Guo Dajing made long-term preparations for the future by purchasing from multiple parties and transporting through multiple channels. Governor Yuan could avoid this risk by blocking the sea from Denglai, traveling south of the Yangtze River, and traveling overseas.
They have never purchased bulk materials from Shandong and set up a stronghold in Qingdao to develop secretly. This is to guard against this vicious trick that Mao Wenlong called "a knife in the throat" in history.
At the same time, Guo Dajing took a longer-term view and was also on guard against the imperial court. Who knows whether the imperial court will follow suit in the future and adopt a larger sea ban to block the neck of Dongjiang Town.
You are at home, I am also overseas. The pace of development and growth may falter, but it will never change the direction forward.
After chatting with Lin Tianyou for a while, he learned that the sales of soap and detergent were also good, so Guo Dajing took out the formula and asked Lin Tianyou to go to the workshop to learn it briefly.
Whale oil, caustic soda, salt, spices, there are not many raw materials for making soap, and the process is not complicated. Even if it cannot be completely saponified, it can be put in a bottle and the scented washing liquid is just as easy to use.
However, there is still a shortage of raw materials for mass manufacturing in Jinzhou. In the mainland, both manpower and raw material procurement are very convenient.
For example, soda ash could be obtained directly from many saline-alkali lakes at that time, and the most famous one may be "Koujiao", which is the group of alkaline lakes in Otok Banner, Inner Mongolia.
At that time, people scraped off the alkali frost from the alkali lake, performed some rough processing nearby, and made it into blocks, which were concentrated in Zhangjiakou and Gubeikou and then transported to all parts of the country.