Zhang Mao went out to greet the king in person, his attitude was extremely respectful, and he was completely different from before.
It turned out that after he learned about the 'holy will', he neither wanted nor dared to offend the acting king again.
"It is truly an honor for His Majesty the Prince to come to our residence." Zhang Mao said shamelessly.
Compared with one's own wealth, life and career, what does face mean?
Zhu Gui turned around and sat down and said: "County Zhang, I want to renovate the official roads from Datong Mansion to Yuan, Ying, Shuo, and Wei. What do you think?"
Building roads? Zhang Mao didn't realize for a moment what Dai Wang wanted to do, and said: "Building roads is an act that benefits the people. Dai Wang can be considerate of the people's sentiments, so it is his duty to serve as an official."
Zhu Gui waved his hand and said: "Okay, okay, don't say any more polite words. I'm here to discuss a specific road construction plan with you."
Discuss? Zhang Mao reacted this time.
This road construction was originally the responsibility of the state and county yamen, but now intervening on behalf of the king is considered interference in political affairs.
In fact, this is nothing. The key is that building roads requires money.
Previously, the Dai Wangfu renovated four main streets in the city without asking for a penny from him. Now that they want to build a road connecting the four states, do they want him to pay for it?
"The matter of road construction is of great importance. We should report it to the imperial court first and get the appropriate funding before proceeding with the matter. What does the King think?"
Zhang Mao said with a business-like attitude.
Report to the court? Not to mention that during this period, it may still need to be reviewed at the court, plus the money is required, I am afraid that even if it can be passed, it will take three to five years.
By that time, it is not certain whether Zhang Mao will still be an official here or not.
Zhu Gui pointed at Zhang Mao and shook his head: "You old fox, do you think that this king is easy to fool?"
"I don't dare to lower my rank. This is really the most formal procedure." Zhang Mao knelt down with a plop.
"Okay, I know what you are thinking, so there is no need to go to so much trouble. There is no need to report this matter to the court, and there is no need for the state government to pay a penny. As long as you fully cooperate with me, you will also take credit for this."
Zhu Gui said.
No need to pay? Zhang Mao looked up at the young prince in front of him and wondered where he had the confidence.
He has only been in Datong Mansion for two months. Even if he holds a recipe for making refined salt, he won't make so much money, right?
But no matter what, he didn't have to pay for it, he had political achievements, and he could embrace the lap of the previous prince's palace, so he naturally agreed happily.
"By the way, there is one more thing. Prince Dai's Mansion is going to set up a bank. Please complete the procedures and send it back to Prince Dai's Mansion."
After Zhu Gui finished speaking, he left.
"Qianzhuang? What on earth is this king going to do?"
He shook his head. He really couldn't see what the young prince was thinking, so he could only act according to his orders.
…
The location of Datong Bank was chosen on the right side of Prince Dai's Mansion.
Thanks to Zhang Mao's full cooperation, it was established within three days.
As the owner, Dai Wangfu used five hundred thousand taels of silver as capital.
The five major salt merchants of the Datong Chamber of Commerce and many merchants also saved some money.
As for the first batch of loans, there are also strict restrictions.
First, all the farmers who participated in the road construction can get a small loan without mortgage or interest.
This move of King Dai immediately won the welcome of the people in the city, and more people began to consider participating in road construction.
Then there are all the merchants of the Datong Chamber of Commerce.
Unlike ordinary people, they need collateral to obtain loans, and they also need strict review.
But even so, these merchants are very happy.
The loan interest rate of Datong Bank is only one-third of that of other local banks, while the deposit interest rate is also twice as high.
If it weren't for the Prince Dai's Mansion behind it, I'm afraid other banks wouldn't let it go.
But even so, on the second day after Datong Bank was established.
Many powerful families in Datong Mansion held a secret meeting.
There were more than twenty people attending the meeting, and their faces were full of sadness and anger.
The leader, a rich old man wearing a square scarf and a round-necked blue gown, coughed and said, "Okay, are you all here? Fang called everyone here today just to discuss the current situation in Datong Mansion."
"Mr. Fang, if you are honest and don't tell secrets, since that generation of kings came, the status of our family in the city has gradually declined. Now even the emperor doesn't care about it. What else can we do?"
"Your Majesty doesn't care because Dai Wang is also a prince, but Dai Wang's actions did violate the laws of the Ming Dynasty. We should prepare a blood letter petitioning the people and go to Nanjing to cause trouble."
"We are also petitioning for the people. Now the people of Datong Mansion are on the side of Prince Dai. Yesterday, as soon as Datong Bank opened its doors, many people went to borrow money. If you ask me, we should not go against Prince Dai's Mansion.
Our banks are all closed."
Most of the powerful families present have their own banks.
This is also the most profitable business besides selling salt, and the opening of Datong Bank is taking away all the meat from their mouths.
In the past, Zhu Gui's selling of salt and building roads was considered a good thing for these aristocratic families. After all, they also benefited a lot.
But things are different now. If they don't resist, no one knows whether this king will tear another piece of flesh from them next time.
Everyone complained a lot, but there was no good solution.
The Salt Gang was destroyed first, and the opponent was the local vassal king, so the methods they could use were very limited.
Fang Shiru looked at the quarrels among the people in front of him, and finally said again: "Okay, since you all have no ideas, I have a solution here, but I have something to say first. Those who want to quit can leave now. If you listen to it, you can leave now."
If you want to quit, don't blame me for being rude."
As the most powerful family in Datong Mansion, the Fang family's words naturally carry weight.
Everyone present looked at each other for a long time, and only two small families who could not withstand the pressure left.
Fang Shiru nodded, asked someone to lock the door, and then said: "Datong Mansion is one of the important towns on the nine borders of the Ming Dynasty. It is often attacked by the remnants of the Mongolian forces. The vassal king has the responsibility of guarding the territory and security of the borders, so if something goes wrong
Whatever the accident is, it is normal."
When everyone present heard this, their expressions changed dramatically.
They were indeed dissatisfied with some of Dai Wang's policies, but that was just a matter of interest. But if it was true as Fang Shiru said, they would have committed the capital crime of collaborating with the enemy and betraying the country.
Immediately, several people stood up and said, "Mr. Fang, this is very inappropriate."
Others also started talking.
At this time, a burst of footsteps came from all around, and they turned out to be the guards of the Fang family.
"Everyone, we have been operating in Datong Mansion for a long time, how can we easily give up the meal on the plate to the king? Now that everyone has heard my plan, it is impossible to refuse."