Chapter 119: First Volume, Chapter 119: Today, Only Three Things

First Volume, Chapter 119: Today, Only Three Things

The once noisy scene grew noticeably quieter after Jiang Chenghan left.

Many believed this was Qin Feng making an example of one to warn the rest.

Indeed, Qin Feng stood on the viewing platform, bowed to those seated, and smiled warmly: "All of you are wealthy or noble; your time is precious, so I won't waste it."

"Today, I invite you here for three matters."

"The first matter concerns the future planning of Beijing Sugar Industry. As the saying goes, without rules, there can be no order. Beijing Sugar Industry has always been chaotic—merchants, peddlers, and wealthy elites all dabble in it, and pricing is utterly disordered. Now that the sugarcane source regions have been damaged, many are hoarding stock to inflate prices. To stabilize sugar prices in Beijing and ensure common people can afford sugar, I, Qin, humbly invite you all to reorganize the sugar industry."

Except for Jiang Chenghan, every prominent Beijing sugar merchant was present.

Hearing Qin Feng's words, they secretly cursed him as shameless—his claim that Beijing Sugar Industry was chaotic was merely his own fabricated excuse.

A Liu family sugar merchant rose immediately to rebut: "Beijing Sugar Industry has always been this way—chaotic yet orderly. Not only have Beijing merchants adapted, but even common people are used to it. As the saying goes, change is worse than stillness. Besides, business is inherently about buying low and selling high—what's wrong with hoarding?"

All the sugar merchants echoed his words.

"Exactly! Qin Feng, you're clearly trying to monopolize Beijing Sugar Industry and crush us!"

"Listen well, Jiang Family is the head of Beijing Sugar Industry. All the sugarcane meant for Jiang Family has been intercepted by Qin Feng—utterly shameless, with not a shred of contractual spirit. This shameless, untrustworthy man dares to speak of reorganizing the industry? How laughable."

Those present already disliked Qin Feng; seeing a few sugar merchants loudly complain, they joined in condemning him.

Qin Feng's smile never faded—if a few insults could make him feel ashamed, he shouldn't be in business.

When the merchants finished cursing, Qin Feng spoke lightly: "A fine notion—chaotic yet orderly. That might pass elsewhere, but do you forget this is Beijing, the Son of Heaven's doorstep? Everything must have rules. Do you want Beijing to descend into chaos?"

Even in business, he invoked the sages. The sugar merchants cursed Qin Feng for overreaching and brazenly shameless, yet dared not refute him.

Seeing the crowd fall silent, Qin Feng smiled sweetly: "Have any of you shopkeepers and owners ever visited the sugarcane plantations? Heh, no need to answer—you're all big bosses; why would you endure the hardship of going there? Now that the Northwest front is advancing, I plan to travel there myself."

"There, I'll sign contracts directly with local sugarcane farmers—exclusive supply, no intermediaries to disrupt the industry."

All the sugar merchants understood Qin Feng's intent—he meant to monopolize Beijing's sugarcane supply. Once he controlled the source, no one could resist him.

Knowing they lacked the power to challenge him, the merchants lowered their heads.

Seeing the temperament control was right, Qin Feng delivered his conclusion outright: "Tomorrow morning, all sugar merchants may visit the Qin Residence to negotiate distribution rights with my Second Sister. All you need to pay is an annual contract fee—the highest bidder wins! Rest assured, I will deposit every penny of this contract fee into the National Treasury—none for myself."

The sugar merchants gritted their teeth. His words sounded noble, but how much could the contract fee possibly be? The real profit lay in sales margins.

By holding both the source and distribution rights, Qin Feng controlled pricing power.

Then, how much he paid for goods and how much he sold them for would be entirely his decision—every Beijing sugar merchant would become his employee!

Yet despite knowing this, no one could resist.

The situation was crystal clear: anyone who refused to cooperate would be kicked out of the industry by Qin Feng.

Watching the sugar merchants seethe but remain silent, Qin Feng sighed inwardly: "What a vile capitalism!"

But Qin Feng's goal wasn't just Beijing—it was the entire Shedynasty's sugar industry. Then, with fixed prices, common people could afford sugar, and Qin Feng would make a fortune—win-win!

Seeing resistance was futile, the Liu family merchant—who had shouted loudest—surrendered fastest, asking quickly: "Young Master Qin, sugarcane and sugar frost are one thing, but what about White Sugar?"

At the mention of "White Sugar," every sugar merchant present leaned forward.

Even those unconnected to the sugar trade took keen interest—White Sugar had become the top-tier luxury in Beijing's food market.

Qin Feng wanted these merchants to help him earn money, so he gave them a taste of sweetness: "White Sugar will be exclusively handled by the Qin Family—for now. But you're not without opportunity: the annual Sales Champion will receive the exclusive one-year distribution rights for White Sugar, with a one-point profit margin."

The sugar merchants, who had just sneered at Qin Feng, instantly erupted.

White Sugar's profits were obvious—securing its distribution rights meant daily gold.

The Liu family merchant immediately declared: "Then we accept Young Master Qin's terms. My Liu Family Business is ready to cooperate and share prosperity."

Seeing the Liu merchant betray his principles so swiftly, the remaining merchants, unwilling to be outdone, quickly voiced their support.

In the corner, quietly observing, the Qin Family Three Sisters were stunned—and then proud—that Qin Feng had seized control of the entire Beijing sugar industry.

Liu Hongyan bit her lips lightly, her flushed face fixed on Qin Feng: "This brat is a natural-born merchant."

Shen Qingci, though startled by Qin Feng's business acumen, sniffed dismissively: "Just Odd Skills and Tricks. Better spend this time reading books—Qin Family descendants must eventually enter officialdom."

Jing Qianying, holding shares in White Sugar, naturally benefited as Qin Feng's profits rose—she broke her silence for the first time: "Compared to before, he's made some progress. If Third Sister returned, she'd be pleased."

Hearing Jing Qianying mention "Third Sister," Liu Hongyan and Shen Qingci exchanged glances and fell silent together.

The qin player seated nearby frowned darkly: "Useless fools—letting Qin Feng seize the entire sugar industry! That position belonged to Jiang Family!"

At that moment, a voice rose from the crowd: "Qin Feng, you said three things. What are the other two? Are they both private matters? If so, why summon us here?"

Qin Feng immediately shifted tone, smiling: "Apologies for keeping you waiting. The second matter concerns Wuhu Da Wine House."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhangfu, who had watched coldly until now, perked up instantly.

Qin Feng bowed directly: "Though Wuhu Da Wine House isn't fully decorated yet, it's ready to open. The remaining details can be added later. Today's a trial run—tomorrow, the official opening. I hope you'll grace us with your presence!"

Zhao Zhangfu's eyes widened in shock: "What?! Wuhu Da Wine House has already started trial operations?!"