Chapter Twelve Entrepreneurship

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  He gave Yanhong a promise, and Zhuyinglong felt like he had put down a heavy boulder in his heart. In the past, he would never make promises to anyone, not even his best friends. Although Yanhong's feelings for him couldn't be measured by friendship, Zhuyinglong had always been a man of his word, no matter how foolish or stupid it seemed. He had changed a lot since coming to this time and space, and had thought a lot about the past 25 years. He realized that he had lost a lot because of his persistence, but also understood that his persistence wasn't wrong. However, he also hurt many people indirectly because of his persistence. So, he decided not to let those who supported him and were loyal to him get hurt again. This was why he gave Yanhong a promise with a name. He was destined not to have a woman by his side, even if he wasn't an emperor. He accepted reality and tried to change it, giving himself a foothold. Perhaps he could move the earth, or maybe the planet he was standing on wasn't called Earth?

  Either don't do it, or if you're going to do it, do it big. A clear plan for a comprehensive food and entertainment industry was slowly taking shape in Zhu Yinglong's mind. To complete this commercial aircraft carrier, relying solely on Zhu Yinglong himself was absolutely impossible. He spent the whole night drafting his plan, burning through several candles, and finally finished writing down his rough outline at dawn. With some advanced technology he had mastered, it was true that he could make rapid progress, but with just a little knowledge in his belly, he could only lead for a few years at most. He was just an ordinary person, and what he knew wasn't necessarily more than Xu Guangqi or Song Yingxing; he just had some advanced ideas. In fact, everything was fake. One person's power was always limited, and he was just a guide, not an executor. If he were to sprinkle salt on the economy of the Ming dynasty again, he estimated that before he could even sit firmly in his dragon chair, someone would come and chase him down. Although he could use some advanced technology to break through the existing economic pattern, the consequences of doing so would be to push the Ming dynasty into an even deeper abyss, surrounded by external enemies. If there were no external threats to the security of the Ming dynasty at present, or if the external threats did not pose a threat for the time being, Zhu Yinglong would have started with technological revolution and overthrown the existing small-scale agricultural economy that dominated the world. Therefore, he could only slowly and quietly guide a gradual reform, at least so that those pedantic scholars who ran restaurants and taverns wouldn't come to bother him too much.

  Actually, Zhu Yinglong still inclined to the reform of big knife and broad axe in his heart, but he didn't have this confidence. If it was done badly, nothing would happen to himself, but the people would suffer. At present, the northwest is dry year after year, the border is fought year after year, and there are people staring at him everywhere, so he can only take a stable road.

  Nothing major happened, Zhu Yinglong would gather a few core members within his organization to hold a roundtable meeting. This time, Zhu Yinglong made such a big move and even had the heavily injured Shi Kefa brought over.

  Zhu Yinglong had Zhou Yining copy his plan several times and distribute it, after all, his own calligraphy was really not suitable for a grand meeting. Except for the first time attendees, Tian Hongyu and Tian Shulan, everyone else who came to this meeting had already gotten used to Zhu Yinglong's way of doing things. Two people per group, they bowed their heads and carefully looked at the plan in their hands.

  Tian Shulan and her sister Tian Shuying read the plan book together, their voices filled with surprise and admiration. As members of a merchant family, they knew the excellence of this plan, and if it were to be implemented, the wealth that would follow would surpass even that of Shen Wanshan, a legendary figure known for his immense riches. How could the two sisters not be astonished? Especially Tian Shulan, who had initially been introduced to Zhu Yinglong by her sister, but after several days of interaction, she found herself smitten with the young and talented prince. Her eyes shone with even more tender affection towards Zhu Yinglong, making him feel uneasy as he sat alone in his seat.

  "With a 'pa' sound, followed by a scream, everyone was shocked. It turned out that Shi Kefa, who was lying on the rattan chair and being carried over, saw the wonderful place and couldn't help but excitedly slap his thigh. He didn't know that the wound on his body would hurt, and he naturally cried out in pain. However, he still endured the pain and said: 'Your Highness is truly a genius, Kefa has never seen anyone do business like this before, with so many wonderful ideas, I admire you to death!'"

  The merchant-born father-in-law Tian Hongyu and Shen Xi also felt deeply sympathetic after reading Zhu Yinglong's plan book, but they had seen the world and were not as young and impulsive as Shi Kefa. However, the impact on their hearts was far from inferior to that of Shi Kefa. The benefits brought by this plan book were immeasurable, and in their hearts, they all wanted to get a share of it. The two old foxes reached an alliance of interests with just one glance.

  "Your Highness, such a grand plan, I'm afraid we can't come up with so much silver all at once?" Shen Xi said, followed by his father-in-law Tian Hongyu, "Yes, son-in-law, you're currently building the Yinglong Villa, which requires a large sum of silver, how about..."

  Zhu Yinglong naturally didn't know the thoughts of the two old foxes, and previously those confidential relationships couldn't let people know that he was the one who made those crystal-clear glass art pieces. Moreover, he didn't want to use this to make money in the long term, because glass would become a very ordinary material in the future. If they were allowed to invest, they would definitely ask for an extension of the time to announce the technology and seek more benefits, because as long as the technology wasn't announced, this thing could always be highly profitable. Marx once said that a profit of 300% could make people take risks, and now the profit was not just three times that. Later on, it would be difficult for him to handle things if he only cared about the benefits, although it might not necessarily happen like that. However, being cautious beforehand was also good.

  Zhu Yinglong smiled slightly and interrupted the old man's words, saying: "Father-in-law wants to participate in this plan, naturally can, but I don't want Father-in-law to directly participate. If you agree, this plan will be counted as your share."

  Unexpectedly, the old man was not angry at all, but rather very happy and agreed in one mouth: "No problem, I completely agree, but I have a request, hoping that the son-in-law will promise."

  Zhu Yinglong said, "As long as you don't interfere, just take the money and benefits. Without hesitation, he said: 'What are your requirements, Father-in-law, please speak!'"

  "I want Shulan to join in, how about it?" Tian Hongyu said with a smile.

  Zhu Yinglong thought for a moment, anyway, with his sister watching, nothing would happen, nodded and said: "Of course." However, he soon learned from his wife that this little aunt of his was already the helmsman of the Tian family's business, no wonder he had written to ask his elder brother to come over and help. The old fox didn't hesitate for a moment and sent someone over, it turned out to be this reason. However, Zhu Yinglong wasn't a good person either, since he knew about his little aunt's ability, why not make good use of her? So he threw all the plans at Tian Shulan, so Tian Shulan had no time to take care of the family business. The three children were firmly grasped in Zhu Yinglong's hands, and his comfortable days didn't last for a few years before he had to start working on the family business again. Tian Hongyu didn't know how many times he scolded Zhu Yinglong in private, this little fox was really something, letting the goose peck out his eyes, regretting it now!

  Next to him, Shen Xi saw that Zhu Yinglong had already agreed to his father-in-law's plan and hastily put on a smiling face, saying: "Your Highness, don't you think it would be a waste to leave the silver at home? It's dead money if we keep it there. Can I join in on this plan too?"

  Zhu Yinglong knew that Shen Xi would bring it up, and this catering-entertainment plan was not like glass that could be seen at a glance where the huge profits were. However, with thousands of streams flowing into the sea, the benefits it brought might be even greater than those from glass, and in the long run. As Shen Xi was a descendant of Shen Wanshan and the helmsman of the Shen family, how could he not see the enormous benefits within? With someone helping him share the risks, he couldn't ask for more. Now that the Shen family would thoroughly follow his lead, he smiled and nodded: "No problem, the conditions are the same as those with my father-in-law, how is it?"

  "Thank you, Your Highness!" Shen Creek exclaimed, his eyes moistening with emotion. Since following the King of Trust, the Shen family finally had another chance to rise again, how could he not be excited?

  Xiong Tingbi was only interested in the management system written in the plan, and some things had common sense with military command and management, so he continued to study the reason, sometimes frowning, and didn't hear what others were saying.

  Sun Chengzong had some different opinions on the classification of books when building the library last time. Although Zhu Yinglong didn't say anything and didn't blame him, Sun Chengzong still thought there was a slight discord between them. So today, after reading Zhu Yinglong's plan book, he remained silent without saying a word, unless Zhu Yinglong specifically asked him, it is estimated that he would have remained silent all day.

  "Director Lao, what do you think of this plan?" Zhu Yinglong saw that Sun Chengzong had finished reading his own plan book and said nothing, knowing that the last time they had a disagreement, he himself had never blamed him, but was afraid that he would think that he had been slow to him because of this, and his heart would be even more unhappy, so he asked a question on purpose to ease the relationship.

  Sun Chengzong saw Xin Wang's words and asked, his tone also somewhat serious. He put down the thread of worry in his heart and said: "Your Highness' plan seems to have a broad prospect, but I want to remind you that if you rush, you will not reach your goal!"

  Zhu Yinglong's heart skipped a beat, and he hastily stood up to make a deep bow to Sun Chengzong, saying: "I, Zhu Ying, have received your teachings, thank you, Dean, for reminding me!"

  It's indeed the old ginger who has been in the officialdom for many years, looking at the problem is a needle to see blood, awesome! Zhu Yinglong was secretly pleased, Sun Chengzong, although he was a bit pedantic, could remind himself at the most critical moment and make up for his lack of experience, which was worthy of being a bright mirror.

  Xu Guangqi had no opinion on it, he couldn't understand these things, but was very interested in some small inventions in the plan book, and asked Zhu Yinglong to hand them over to him for study. Zhu Yinglong agreed readily.

  Unlike others, Song Yingxing had a difficult face. From the moment he saw this plan book, he knew that he would have to make something called "flavor enhancer" himself. Although it was said on the surface that this thing was also made from grain, he had no idea how to do it and had never even heard of it before. His face looked like a bitter melon as he sat there, thinking about bringing it up several times but not daring to speak up.

  "Your Majesty, what is this 'flavor enhancer'? How can it be made?" Song Yingxing finally couldn't help but ask.

  "Yes, Prince Wang, what is this flavor enhancer?" The women beside Zhu Yinglong also cast questioning glances at him. On the other hand, Sun Chengzong and others had an attitude of "it's okay either way". This plan was even better with this new thing called "flavor enhancer", but without it, it wouldn't make a big difference. Whether or not they had this flavor enhancer would not affect the excellent parts of the plan. Therefore, they naturally didn't dare to show interest. However, Shen Xi and Tian Hongwu sniffed out the huge business opportunity in it. Little girl Tian Shulan's eyes were fixed on Zhu Yinglong's mouth like shining stars, her face filled with admiration and a hint of longing.

  "This thing is a seasoning, just like the salt we all eat, it can make our dishes very delicious, just a little bit is enough. It's made from grains, just like wine, and it's very cheap, so ordinary people can afford to buy it." Zhu Yinglong introduced simply.

  Everyone finally understood that Zhu Yinglong would list it in the plan book. It turned out that there was such a thing, which could make ordinary dishes more delicious. How could such a good thing not be used? The dishes are fresh and delicious, and the more customers there are, the better. This is a winning treasure! Everyone's confidence in the success of this plan increased again.

  "What about this flavor enhancer, where did you learn it from?" Sun Chengzong asked, wondering how he himself had never read about it despite being well-read and having studied extensively. Had he spent his whole life reading books and pursuing knowledge only to be surpassed by a young man who had just started his career? Although Sun Chengzong was old, his competitive spirit remained!

  Zhu Yinglong was taken aback, his mind racing as he forced out a awkward smile: "It's not surprising that the old director doesn't know, this is something I saw in a book in the palace by chance, it's been so long, I've already forgotten the name of the book."

  "Is that so?" If Sun Chengzong believed this, he wouldn't be Sun Chengzong. However, the other person didn't want to say it, and as a subordinate, one couldn't force their superior to speak out, could they? Having an excuse was enough, and he also found himself asking somewhat recklessly. In front of so many people, he naturally wouldn't say anything.

  Actually, the most important point that Zhu Yinglong did not write in the plan book was to use women as servants. He didn't write it down because he was afraid that people would deny the entire plan after reading it, so he brought it up separately. As soon as Zhu Yinglong made this proposal, it was like a heavy bombshell thrown into the fire pit, and it exploded instantly, with an intensity far more fierce than when Wang Fei and Xiong Hu were allowed to attend the round table meeting.

  Sun Laozhang left with a huff, Xiong Tingyi remained silent, Father didn't say a word, and neither did Xiong Hu and Xiong Zhuoqian. Tian Hongyu secretly agreed with his son-in-law's proposal, but as a businessman, he was cautious by habit and couldn't bring himself to say certain things out loud. Shen Xi sat awkwardly on the side, her smile somewhat unnatural.

  "I agree!" Shi Kefa's sudden loud shout stunned everyone, even Zhu Yinglong was incredulous and stared at him with his mouth agape. Zhu Yinglong knew that the proposal he made had a very slim chance of passing, and had already mentally prepared to shelve it temporarily. But he hadn't expected someone to openly support him, and this person was Shi Kefa - how could he not be surprised?

  "I agree too!" Tian Shulan said seriously as she followed behind.

  The three queens naturally cast their eyes on Zhu Yinglong, this was what their husbands had put forward, and they couldn't very well contradict their own husbands in front of everyone. Ye Lianwei said: "I also agree with the prince's proposal!", Zhou and Tian two women could only follow suit and slowly nodded to show their agreement.

  Both daughters agreed, and as a father, he could only acquiesce. Shen Xi knew that everything he had now was given by Zhu Yinglong, so not speaking up was equivalent to acquiescence.

  More than half of the proposals have been exceeded, and the proposal can be passed, but Zhu Yinglong still wants to know the opinions of Xiong Tingbi, Xu Guangqi, and Song Yingxing, and has not made a final decision, waiting for the three to speak.

  Sun Chengzong left, Xu Guangqi was the oldest in age. Everyone cast their eyes on Xu Guangqi. Xu Guangqi couldn't bear everyone's gaze and slowly said: "In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, there were already women as attendants. The king doing so is not setting a precedent. However, I advise the king to think thrice before acting. I neither oppose nor support!"

  Xu Guangqi nodded in agreement, and Zhu Yinglong was thrilled. Taking this step has great significance. Gender equality is not a big deal in his time, but to achieve it, women must first be able to leave their homes and contribute to the family income, just like men. Only then will society give them the corresponding status, and they will also gain a deeper understanding of the world and unite to fight for their own interests and survival. At that point, gender equality will naturally follow.

  Although the proposal was passed, Sun Chengzong could not help but comfort him a bit. After all, he still had to rely on his prestige in the military, and after ascending to the throne, controlling the army would still depend on him.