Kuai Liang and Zhang Zhao have different ideas, but he also hopes that Lu Xuan will develop more steadily and better.
Lu Xuan proposed that the government should run shops and sell grain, but he did not agree. He advised: "My lord's starting point is to stabilize the people and let them live and work in peace and contentment. This is excellent."
"It's just that it's inappropriate for the government to take the lead in selling at a lower price."
"On the one hand, it consumes countless manpower and material resources and is very likely to lose money. On the other hand, such an operation also competes with the people for profit and will rob other people of opportunities to make money."
Kuai Liang said solemnly: "My lord, please think twice."
Zhang Zhao glanced at Kuai Liang in surprise, a little surprised, but also thoughtful.
Lu Xuan said seriously: "You have not understood the key here. You think you will lose money and compete with the people for profit. In fact, you are not. Moreover, the government-run grain stores will play a role in protecting the bottom line."
"Leave it alone will only allow the big families to make profits. In order to make money, they will drive up prices and hoard food. It is impossible to expect the big families in the local area to be kind."
"People's livelihood depends on the government's control."
Lu Xuan's voice was decisive.
This is true in any era, without exception.
Zhang Zhao asked: "Lord, why don't you lose money after mobilizing a lot of manpower and material resources?"
Lu Xuanxin said: "My future plan is that the shops controlled by the government will not only sell grain, but also basic necessities such as oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, meat and vegetables. You say, eight cents per pound
If we sell grain at a higher price, will we lose money?"
Zhang Zhao shook his head and said: "In terms of grain sales alone, we will not lose money and can still make money. During the autumn harvest, the price of grain purchased in large quantities is about three cents per catty."
Lu Xuan nodded and continued: "Yes, shops selling food, especially when there is a shortage of food in winter, are actually very profitable. The shops will invest a lot in the early stage, but they can make back the money by making a steady stream of money."
"The most critical point is that the entire system of government-run grain sales involves all aspects of the people."
"First, the purchase of food supplies."
"If the government does not step in, there will be a lot of grain during the autumn harvest, and the big families will sell the grain that the people have eaten, and the price will be lowered by the big families. The low price of grain will hurt farmers. When there is a lot of grain, the government will collect grain at a higher price to ensure that the people will not suffer.
Influence."
"Second, the sale of food supplies."
"For example, in the cold winter this year, there are no government shops selling food, and food prices have risen, making people's lives very difficult. Once the government sells food at a fair price, regulates food prices, and prevents food prices from being driven up, people's lives can be guaranteed."
"Whether it is purchasing or selling, we are regulating food prices. Food is taken from the people and ultimately used for the people. Everything is to stabilize the people."
Lu Xuan talked eloquently and said: "What's more, the whole set of links involves all aspects. It seems simple, but this set of systems is crucial to the stability of people's livelihood. I say this, do you understand?"
Zhang Zhao suddenly realized.
He was an extremely smart person, but Lu Xuan gave him some advice and he understood it completely.
Zhang Zhao looked filled with emotion and said: "My lord is far-sighted and humble in his position. I admire him. Running a grain store in a government-run manner will not only make money for the government, but also regulate people's livelihood and suppress wealthy families. This is the key to stabilizing the place."
Kuai Liang said: "I understand that I will not lose money due to my lord's arrangement. But what about competing with the people for profit?"
Lu Xuan laughed and said: "Competing with the people for profit is even more nonsense and a false proposition. If the government doesn't do it, can the most ordinary people do business? It's impossible. The people don't have this strength. Small businessmen and hawkers have no influence.
Not big. In the end, only big families can take over. If they seize this piece of land, they will definitely exploit the people."
Kuai Liang suddenly smiled awkwardly.
He thought of the Kuai family.
The Kuai family is a big family, and they control many shops. If the government doesn't do it, the big family will control it and make money.
Kuai Liang said: "My lord's intention, I understand. However, if this matter is to be pushed forward, I am afraid it will cause resistance from the big family."
Zhang Zhao nodded and said: "I also agree with this."
Lu Xuan said calmly: "The big family's resistance is useless, they can only hold their noses and admit it."
"First, the existence of government-run shops is just for low-priced sales, not a big price cut that kills the enemy by 1,000 and hurts yourself by 800. Therefore, the sales prices are within a controllable range. The government can make money, and big families can also make money.
Just make less money.”
"Second, I want to launch government-run shops. This is not a direct arrangement by the overlord. I want to make arrangements with the rise of food prices. As a Yangzhou shepherd, I ask the heads of the four major families to lower the prices to appease them.
People’s hearts.”
"If I don't force them, will they lower the price? In the face of interests, they won't agree."
"I fought back angrily and then launched the store."
"In the end, it affected them. Who is to blame? I can only blame the four major families for being greedy and unwilling to cooperate with me. They forced me."
A flash of light flashed across Lu Xuan's eyes and he said: "They are the ones to blame for all this."
"My lord is wise!"
Zhang Zhao was filled with admiration in his heart.
This plan is great.
Kuai Liang's eyes shone brightly and he said: "My lord's method is indeed brilliant. Just now my lord said that it involves meat, vegetables, etc., do you also have to run it?"
"Must operate."
Lu Xuan sat up straight, put his hands on the desk, and said: "I am going to build a super large market, which will contain oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, as well as whole grains, meat, vegetables, as well as cloth, silk, etc.
In every aspect.”
"Such a large market is no longer just a small shop. I call it a supermarket, a super market."
"When government supermarkets are operational, local food prices can be controlled and people's livelihoods can be ensured."
Lu Xuan's eyes fell on Zhang Zhao and Kuai Liang, and he said solemnly: "Mr. Zibu, Mr. Zirou, are you two willing to work together to arrange this supermarket initiative that will benefit the country and the people?"
"I am willing to do my humble job."
Zhang Zhao and Kuai Liang answered in unison.
The two looked at each other, their eyes shining with light. This was an unprecedented initiative.
Zhang Zhao stood up and said: "My lord, I will go all out to arrange the layout in Lujiang County first, and then continue to expand. Wherever we expand in the future, there will be supermarkets."
Kuai Liang took the initiative to stand up, cupped his hands and said: "My lord, I am humble enough to be willing to assist Zhang Gongcao."
Lu Xuandao: "In that case, let Zhang Zhao take the lead and Kuai Liang assist, and you will work together to make arrangements. The first step is to make arrangements in Shu County. Within today and tomorrow, the arrangements for supermarket food will be completed. I will not move for the time being. Tomorrow morning,
I will summon people from the four major families again and negotiate with them."
"I humble my duty and obey my orders."
Zhang Zhao and Kuai Liang answered again.
Both of them were very excited. It was exciting to be able to accomplish something that they had never done before, and it was also related to people's livelihood.
Lu Xuan nodded and said: "As for my appointment as Yangzhou Shepherd and the adjustment of official positions of my subordinates, we will make unified arrangements after the food crisis is over. Now, let's solve the food problem first."
"Here!"
Everyone answered in unison.
Lu Xuan also asked Zhang Zhao to arrange the accommodation for Huang Zhong, Gan Ning, Xu Shu, Pang Tong and others, and arrange for everyone who came to Lujiang County to be properly accommodated.
After everything was arranged, Zhang Zhao and others left.
Lu Xuan got up and went to the backyard.
When Lu Xuan went to see Lu Kang first, he learned that Lu Kang had gone out to find Da Ru, so he turned around and headed towards Da Qiao's yard.