Chapter 126: First Volume_Chapter 126: Grand Opening Promotion

First Volume_Chapter 126: Grand Opening Promotion

The Liang Emperor prided himself on appointing officials based on merit. Though the Ministry of Revenue Officials often clashed with him on policy, they were undeniably capable ministers. Yet compared with Qin Feng, the difference was clear at a glance.

The fiscal shortfall that had plagued the Liang Emperor for months had finally seen the light, thanks to Qin Feng's intervention.

Had the Liang Emperor not long ago realized that Qin Feng had no interest in an official career, he would have placed him in the Ministry of Revenue to gain experience and polish his credentials, paving the way for him to become Finance Minister in the future.

Such a rare talent, yet his only ambition was to be a rich man—one hardly knew whether to call him easily contented or lacking in ambition.

The Liang Emperor gave a wry smile and casually pushed the Qin Residence account books aside: "Return them to their owner, and make sure the Qin Family Members察觉 nothing, to avoid mutual suspicion. Oh, and…"

Remembering something, the Liang Emperor picked up a sheet of paper resembling an Invitation Card from one side of the Shushu, handed it to Li Zhan, and said with an expectant look: "Send this to the Ministry of Rites, have them print ten thousand copies according to this version. Distribute them first to the businesses in Jingdu, then work downward level by level to all regions. They must all be distributed within one month, covering the entire territory of Shedynasty. Any delay will be treated as a military delay."

Since it was a printed document, it was naturally no secret. Li Zhan immediately examined it and discovered it was actually a contract.

Though the contents were hardly earth-shattering or unprecedented, the fact that His Majesty himself was borrowing from the Folk still secretly astonished Li Zhan—at least there was no such precedent in the current dynasty.

"This old servant dares to ask His Majesty one question—could the fundraising plan proposed by the Qin father and son be borrowing from the Folk? I have heard that emperors of previous dynasties, to cope with national crises, did borrow money from businesses, but the current dynasty has never had such a precedent. If it causes public unrest, what should be done?"

The Liang Emperor seemed to have anticipated Li Zhan's question and replied casually: "This is not borrowing—it is… National Debt."

Li Zhan was stunned for a moment: "May I ask His Majesty, what is the difference between the two?"

A hint of brightness flickered across the Liang Emperor's brow. He seemed quite pleased with the term "National Debt": "So-called National Debt is, naturally, borrowing from merchants in the name of Shedynasty, with repayment of principal and interest spread over several years. As for the interest, it is a bit higher than money shops and a bit lower than Folk borrowing."

Li Zhan finally caught on and could not help a surge of excitement: "It's equivalent to having businesses across the land fund the war. Once the fighting ends, the National Treasury will gradually repay them, spreading the fiscal pressure of one year over several years or even more than a decade. And the credit of Shedynasty is naturally beyond comparison with any money shop. Those businesses that favor steady investment will naturally be extremely interested in National Debt."

"This Qin Feng—what on earth is his brain made of? He really does come up with the most ingenious ideas."

The Liang Emperor and Li Zhan exchanged a smile. In their hearts, they both knew this "National Debt" must have been Qin Feng's creation. Qin Tianhu had always been rigid and by-the-book—where would he get such a lively idea?

Qin Feng did not sleep a wink all night. He personally selected a few trusted servants, had Qin Xiaofu lead them in transporting the freshly pressed Sugarcane Juice into the warehouse prepared in advance, then supervised personally, working until dawn before all the Sugarcane Juice was boiled down into cane Sugar.

This way there was no need to worry about spoilage. Whether scraping Sugar Frost or boiling White Sugar later on, it could be done at leisure.

By the time he left the warehouse, it was already broad daylight.

Qin Feng was utterly exhausted in body and mind, but the moment he thought of the Wine House opening today, he was instantly invigorated. Without bothering to go back and rest, he changed course and headed straight for the Wine House.

Thanks to Lu Ming's all-night efforts, the Yajian upstairs had also been fully decorated. Taking advantage of the lull before customers arrived, Qin Feng dozed off for a while in a Yajian on the Second Floor.

But no sooner had he closed his eyes than he was woken by a burst of noise. Opening his eyes properly, he saw it was nearly noon. Looking out through the Window, he found the Street nearly packed solid with people.

At that moment, Qin Xiaofu burst in, all fire and fury: "Young Master, hurry down! The customers who've come for the fame of the place have clogged the Street so badly that no Horse carts or carriages can pass. If we delay any longer, the Jingzhao Yin will surely send people to clear it, and there'll inevitably be another quarrel. It's true our Qin Family has no need to fear that old villain Qi Cheng, but today is the big happy day of the Wine House's opening—the fewer troubles the better."

Qin Feng reckoned that made sense, so he stopped hesitating and went downstairs with Qin Xiaofu, one right behind the other.

At this time, Lin Quqi was bustling about at the entrance, pressing his hands down to signal the crowd not to push, while announcing loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply honored by your support. Lin某人, on behalf of the Qin Family, sincerely thanks you. But the Wine House has limited space. If everyone rushes in at once, there will surely be a stampede. Please wait a little longer."

Most of those packed in front were scholars who had come for the fame, and they were easy to deal with.

But some of the customers in the back who had come just to join the excitement paid no such heed, shoving forward while loudly protesting.

"That's a new one! A Wine House prides itself on welcoming guests. Now that the guests have come, you're blocking them from entering—what's the meaning of this?"

"Isn't that the truth? Could it be that Wuhu Da Jiu Lou has hired famous chefs from Jiangnan? Or are the bowls and dishes made of gold? Otherwise, where does such boldness come from!"

"This old master has come all the way here, and you won't even let him in—outrageous! If this keeps up, this old master will turn around and head to Zui Xian Lou instead!"

Watching the increasingly chaotic scene, Lin Quqi's forehead had already begun to bead with sweat.

Let alone the customers not understanding—even Lin Quqi himself didn't understand. He only knew that Qin Feng wouldn't let customers walk in freely, saying something about "hunger marketing" or whatnot.

Just then, a familiar voice sounded behind Lin Quqi.

"That's about enough. Begin."

Lin Quqi exhaled in relief. How dare he delay? He hurriedly followed Qin Feng's prior instructions, took out the prepared door cards, and shouted to the customers present: "Ladies and gentlemen, maintain order and hear Lin某人 out! See these door cards? Only customers who have obtained a door card may enter the establishment to dine."

At these words, the scene erupted. Even the reserved scholars could hold back no longer and could not help but question him.

"In all my years, I have never heard of needing a door card to eat at a Wine House. Young Master Lin, surely you are not deliberately making things difficult?"

Lin Quqi pretended not to hear and went on with his loud introduction: "These door cards are divided into three grades. Third-grade cards only allow dining in the main hall. Second-grade cards grant access to the Yajian on the Second Floor. Only first-grade cards permit entry into the Guibin Shi on the third floor. In honor of today's Grand Opening Promotion, three first-grade cards will be given away free of charge. In the future, if you wish to obtain a first-grade card, there are only two ways: either become one of the top Talented Scholars and Beauties in Jingzhong, or purchase one at a heavy price."

Quite a few customers on the scene had grown impatient and were about to leave, but upon discovering that Wuhu Da Jiu Lou had come up with so many tricks, they suddenly found it novel. Even just for the spectacle, they were in no hurry to go.

The scholar surnamed Liu, standing at the very front, asked: "What is the difference between the Guibin Shi and the Yajian? If it's just better decoration, then there's nothing to it."

Lin Quqi had been waiting precisely for this question. He immediately smiled slightly and, taking the cue, began his introduction…