Although the Daqian Dynasty was an imperial system, which meant that power was concentrated in the hands of the emperor. But when he became the emperor, he realized that many things were not his to have the final say. In the Daqian Dynasty, other than him In addition to this seemingly aloof emperor, there were also nobles, nobles, dignitaries, generals and the most threatening vassals.
These people are all powerful. On the surface, they all surrender to their emperor, but once something involves their interests, they will all jump up and down like rabbits whose tails have been stepped on. It can bite people.
In his fifteen years as emperor, his main focus has been on coordinating these relationships. It can be said that he has always been cautious and walking on thin ice. Even he, the supreme emperor, is so worried. Shen Ao is just a prince. It's still hereditary, so it's normal to be a little worried.
However, this seemingly normal method was not so simple in the eyes of Emperor Qianwen. This was the reason why he called the eldest princess overnight. He wanted to hear what he had to say. After all, Tiantian and Shen Ao When we stay together, we should observe the most meticulously.
When the emperor asked if it was just like that, the eldest princess had to sigh in her heart. Although she and Shen Ao had cooperated very well these days, even her current position was saved by Shen Ao, so that all the courtiers Seeing her importance, some officials have expressed that they will take refuge at her feet. But Shen Ao is a minister after all, and everything the eldest princess has is given by the emperor. She does not dare to tell lies in front of Emperor Qianwen. Can't tell lies.
"Your Majesty, according to your sister, Duke Zhongguo is gathering strength and preparing to protect himself."
Suddenly, when the eldest princess said that Shen Ao was accumulating strength, Emperor Qianwen's expression changed. But when he heard that he was preparing to protect himself, he was stunned: "Self-protection? Is there anyone who wants to harm him?" "
As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Emperor Qianwen showed embarrassment. The prince couldn't stand Shen Ao. Seriously speaking, Prince Xiang's staff were also dealt with by Shen Ao, so there was also hatred. This Generally speaking, it is normal for Shen Ao to strive to protect himself.
After somewhat understanding Shen Ao's approach, Emperor Qianwen asked the eldest princess to continue. He wanted to see what kind of thoughts Shen Ao had in his mind. "Self-protection? What is he going to do?"
"Uniting with the Su family is one way. If the imperial sister guessed correctly, one Su family is not enough. Duke Zhongguo will also recruit more people to join his interest group. Only in this way can he ensure that his family My life is safe." When she said this, the eldest princess couldn't help but laugh and said: "Although this Lord Zhongguo is not old, his eyes are very sharp when it comes to seeing problems, and he has a big picture view, and he is really a great talent. "
Emperor Qianwen basically understood what Shen Ao meant, and he couldn't help but feel relieved. As long as Shen Ao's actions would not threaten him as the emperor, his power and status, he would be willing to take some self-protection measures. He would not interfere too much, at most he would just observe in secret. After he relaxed, Emperor Qianwen joked, "Since Qinglan said he is a great talent, why not transfer him to Become an official in the court and serve the dynasty."
"Ah! No." The eldest princess shouted instinctively.
But then he saw the puzzled look on Emperor Qianwen's face and quickly explained, "Zhongguo Gong's talents can be better displayed in Guochanglong. Now Guochanglong can have such benefits, all thanks to his ability. Now If we really take him away, I'm afraid the country will be restored to its original state."
Of course, the eldest princess does not want Shen Ao to leave. In that case, she cannot run Guochanglong with her own abilities. Especially after seeing Shen Ao's various methods, this feeling will only become more profound. Even once Shen Ao leaves, I am afraid that those who People who apply for membership cards will start making trouble, and big trouble will happen.
Emperor Qianwen naturally thought of this, and it was just a joke. In fact, he never thought about letting Shen Ao become an official and have any real power. This is true regardless of whether he has the ability or not. He only hopes that this will happen. I wish you could live your life in peace.
These thoughts in his heart would not be told to the eldest princess. Emperor Qianwen waved his hands indifferently, "It was just a joke between the emperor brother and Qinglan. Duke Zhongguo is still too young. He needs to show his talents in the prosperity of the country." His ability is still good, but having to go to court at this age is not a good thing."
"Brother Huang is Shengming." The eldest princess also hurriedly beat the snake and followed the stick. Although she didn't think that Brother Huang would transfer Shen Ao away, who would make money for him? But this was just her idea. Now that I have the exact result, I can feel completely relieved.
...
The next morning, there was a long queue as usual in front of the Guochanglong main store on Taihe Street.
None of them came to buy anything. Those who really bought items went to Guochanglong's other branches in Daliangcheng. These people came here for only one purpose, which was to apply for membership cards.
The taste of iodized salt has been thoroughly fermented yesterday, but everyone who has tasted it says it is good. In addition, due to the exaggerated nutritional and health ingredients, those who did not apply for a card yesterday, or who received the news late, are all applying for a card today.
When we met in the queue, many people were greeting each other, and their voices were a little louder than usual. It seemed that besides, look, I also have a membership card, and I also have a membership card. A face-saving rich man.
More and more people are applying for cards, and more and more people know the benefits of iodized salt. The direct result is that the price of iodized salt continues to rise, and the supply exceeds demand.
Guochanglong naturally wants to keep its credibility. The price of the iodized salt they sell to members is still 100 grams and 20 taels. However, when these iodized salts fall into the hands of the member merchants, when they sell them, the price immediately rises a lot. .In particular, the higher the membership level, the more iodized salt you have, and the greater the amount you can control externally. In addition, Guochanglong’s iodized salt is not sold privately. You are not a member, even if you hold thirty taels of silver. It is impossible to buy a pack of it, so non-members who want to eat iodized salt can only buy it from those member merchants, which makes the price rise a lot. For example, the Su family takes advantage of this The business sells iodized salt every day, and money comes into the account every day.
After the emergence of iodized salt at the end of July, Guochanglong launched some new products in August and September, such as toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Toothbrush? Simple, just a wooden handle with some pig bristles and horse hair or something like that.
Toothpaste? This thing is a little troublesome. The modern formulas and techniques of later generations cannot be used at present, but this is not a problem for Shen Ao. He still knows the earliest toothpaste formula - 1 ounce of rock salt and dried iris flowers, 2 ounces Grind mint and 20 peppercorns (1 ounce is about 31 grams) into powder, add hydrated lime, and animal fat and mix evenly. If you add some cool herbs such as acupuncture, licorice, etc., the effect will definitely be no worse than the toothpaste of later generations.
After the thing came out, it looked like a strange-looking little brush, but it was many times better than the smooth wooden handle with several neat rows of holes and some pig bristles on it.
Newly released items are all priced at different prices and can only be purchased by members. Shen Ao wants everyone to form a consumption habit and consolidate the stable status of members.
In the past two months, Guochanglong has gained more than 500 members. Although there are no major patrons like Su Xun, there are still golden members, such as Rong Guogong, Yi Guogong and others. They are famous but wealthy people. They applied for gold membership and each got a very satisfactory portrait.
In this way, the total number of members reached 700 in two months, and the total income was more than 70 million silver. Shen Ao himself earned nearly 30 million taels.
With money, Shen Ao was able to do things even more confidently. At the end of September, his uncle Zhongcheng Hou Shen Yunyi, who had been away on errands, also returned to Daliang City. After meeting with the emperor, he came Arrive at the Chunguo Duke's Mansion.
Knowing that his uncle would come, Shen Ao had prepared everything and set up a banquet. When Marquis Zhongcheng appeared in the house in a dusty state, Shen Ao knelt down and called out, "My nephew, please give my regards to your uncle."
I have long known from the mouths of the housekeepers Shen Xing and Shi Lei and from my own memories that this uncle has taken good care of me since I was a child. Many times when he got into trouble, it was his uncle who went to beg his grandfather to sue his grandma and make him look bad. Apologize.
No matter what wrong things Shen Ao did, Marquis Zhongcheng was never willing to say a harsh word to him. It can be said that he truly treated Shen Ao as his own son.
Shen Ao was so kind to him, of course he would reciprocate the kindness. The kneeling just now was for the deceased Shen Ao, and he was also kneeling for himself willingly. He believed that in the future of his life, Zhongcheng Hou would also do the same. Take care of and love yourself.
Based on this, kneeling down means nothing.
"Okay, get up quickly, the ground is cold." Marquis Zhongcheng helped Shen Ao up with excitement. He fought in all directions throughout his life, first following his eldest brother Shen Yuntian, and after his eldest brother died, he led his own army. They are all running around. Although they are married and have three wives, they only have two daughters and no children. They have always regarded the eldest brother Shen Ao as their own son. Wipe your ass from behind.
This time I went to the east to investigate military affairs. After I never thought of coming back, the nephew who was called the bastard suddenly grew up and became a lot more successful as if he was a new person. When he heard the news on the first day of the year, he did not go After thinking about why Shen Ao had such a change, I thought it was his late eldest brother who opened his eyes and his nephew finally became enlightened and sensible.
...
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