Chapter 50: Zhang's Business Firm (4)

  After hearing Zhang Lei's words, Tong Zhi couldn't help but turn his head and take a look at Su Lun. It was clear to everyone who the mastermind behind this matter was. By speaking out like this, Zhang Lei had undoubtedly pushed both sides directly into confrontation.

  But in front of so many people, Zhang Lei's request was also reasonable. As an official of the imperial court, he had to uphold justice - at least under public scrutiny.

  After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and said: "Alright, I'll do as you say. If it's true that you're only discussing business, then this official will let bygones be bygones. But if there are other matters involved, those with severe consequences will be considered for immediate execution! For the safety of the people of Songjiang Prefecture, this official will take full responsibility for the consequences."

  "Magistrate, you have a lot of guts! Alright, I'll do as you say. However, it seems like you've forgotten about one person - the rumormonger. I wonder how you plan to deal with him?" Zhang Lei said with a fake smile, staring at Su Lun. If he wanted to establish himself in Songjiang Prefecture, Su Lun had to get rid of this kind of vengeful person. Since they had already offended each other, there was no possibility of reconciliation.

  "This...” The county magistrate stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "According to the imperial law, for false accusations, the punishment is forty heavy blows. However, in these turbulent times, everyone should be careful and guard against rebellion. If there are mistakes in the accusations, that can also be excused."

  He is obviously letting Su Lun off the hook, but since he is an official of the imperial court, everyone dares not to speak out in anger. Only Zhang Lei spoke out boldly: "Your Excellency's words are something that this humble commoner dare not agree with. As the saying goes, 'When a prince commits a crime, it should be punished like that of a commoner', only then can the dignity of the law be upheld and the imperial favor not be in vain. If Your Excellency were to remit the punishment, would you not be disregarding the law and the imperial authority?"

  Zhang Lei's words immediately pushed Tong Zhi into a dilemma two years ago. If Su Lun was punished, the relationship with the Su family would inevitably become very awkward, and it might even cut off this financial path. However, if Su Lun wasn't punished, it would give people a handle to despise imperial power, and things might get out of hand, leading to loss of life.

  Neither left nor right, this made him stand still on the spot. After a while, he finally came to his senses and shouted loudly: "Humph, I haven't even checked yet, you're saying these things too early, aren't you trying to confuse me? I think there must be something fishy going on here. Once I investigate and clear this up, I'll have you punished for obstructing official business."

  "Alright, alright, you're a group of unruly people. We'll get the evidence and deal with you later." As soon as Su Lun heard that he would be beaten with 40 boards, his face turned white with fear. But when this official spoke up, he quickly came to his senses and hastened to agree.

  The furious Magistrate waved his hand, and the group of fierce-looking bailiffs rushed in like madmen, conducting a thorough search. Unfortunately, nothing was found. This result made Zhang Lei and others burst out laughing.

  "Don't be complacent, it's not over yet. You two stay behind and guard the gate. Let them go in to discuss. If there's any movement, kill without hesitation. The official will take responsibility for the crime!"

  "Yes."

  Tongzhi glared at Su Lun and then left.

  Su Leng's cold eyes swept across the crowd, finally fixing on Zhang Lei's body, letting out a cold snort before turning around and leaving with his entourage.

  "Alright, alright, it's nothing. Everyone can disperse now." Zhang Lei waved his hand to disperse the onlookers, while Xue Feng worriedly said: "Will this not offend Magistrate Tong? Won't our future days be even more difficult?"

  Zhang Lei, however, seemed not to worry at all. He smiled and said, "Don't worry, if we don't do this, do you think it won't be considered a crime? If you want to avoid offending Magistrate Su, you must give him a satisfactory result. Do you think he can make a case against you? Since you didn't commit treason, he can't collect evidence, and his trip will be in vain, making a mockery of him. Anyway, we've already offended him, so it's better to drag the Sus down first."

  "How can you say that? Pull down Mr. Su?" Xu Feng was somewhat bewildered.

  "You think, why would Lord Tongzhi come here? Isn't it because of that Su family? If Lord Tongzhi comes over and gets humiliated, wouldn't he resent the Su family even more? Later on, if we get a chance, we'll add fuel to the fire and drive a wedge between their relationship. What can the Su family do then?" Zhang Lei said.

  Of course, things are far from being as simple as he said. Even if Su Lun is not a threat, offending Tong Zhi would be even more unprofitable. However, Zhang Lei wouldn't think about these things because he still has an ace in the hole - Xu Guangqi, a high-ranking official of the imperial court. With him around, what can a lowly fifth-rank official like Tong Zhi do? As long as Zhang Lei handles it well and doesn't give Tong Zhi any leverage, he won't be afraid of anything. For Xu Guangqi, Zhang Lei is someone who can help him fulfill his lifelong wish, so he definitely wouldn't abandon him.

  "Alright, alright, nothing's wrong, let's go back and continue the meeting." Everyone digested this matter in their hearts, Zhang Lei's performance made them all believe that this young man must have a relationship with the government, otherwise how could he dare to confront the imperial court officials head-on?

  And this is also an effect that Zhang Lei wants to achieve, making his identity even more mysterious and unpredictable.

  Everyone sat down in the order they had just discussed, and Zhang Lei asked: "Right, where did we get to earlier?"

  "It's about getting to know each other and eliminating misunderstandings," Xu Feng reminded.

  Zhang Lei suddenly remembered, and continued: "Oh, right, we need to strengthen mutual trust and work hard for our common goal. Alright, everyone here is a figure with a head and face, I believe you all know each other too. So I won't say more nonsense, let's proceed to the second item on today's agenda."

  "The second item on today's agenda is for me to elaborate on the purpose and role of Zhangshi Chamber of Commerce, as well as why I want to hold 51% of the shares and the concept of technical investment."

  The purpose of establishing the Zhang's Business Association is to concentrate everyone's strength, so that big things can be done well. Some people may feel uncomfortable in their hearts, my store is good, why do I need to add a name called Zhang's Business Association? The purpose of doing this is to popularize the concept that products from Zhang's Business Association must be high-quality goods. Selling products is secondary, selling grades and concepts can make big money. If people feel that using our products is prestigious, then we have succeeded.

  "And what if your family has 100,000 taels of silver and this family has 50,000 taels? But what if a big business opportunity comes along that requires 200,000 or 300,000 taels? One family can't swallow it alone, right? That's when the Chamber of Commerce comes into play. You can apply to me, the president, to take on this business, and then we'll hold a meeting to discuss the pros and cons. If it's worth it, we'll work together to make it happen. This way, we can also avoid decision-making mistakes, right?"

  "What I want to talk about next is technical equity investment. Technical equity investment, as opposed to financial equity investment, refers to the practice of converting one's expertise and abilities into capital and then occupying a certain percentage of shares. This technology must be profitable and provide technical support for the development of the company."

  "Alright, the explanation ends here. Next, let's show you what technology is all about. So-called technology aims to liberate labor by using machines to replace human work. All of your textile machinery and other production equipment fall into this category."

  After the explanation, Zhang Lei signaled to Er Gou and others to move away the three large boxes in the corner of the hall. Three strange machines appeared before everyone's eyes. For Xu Feng, these three things were not unfamiliar, but for others, it was their first time seeing them.

  Zhang Lei pointed at the slightly smaller machine and said: "This is a drilling machine, it's specifically used for making holes on wood. Er Gou, bring some wood over."

  Two dogs brought a piece of wood, Zhang Lei marked a mark on it, and then put it up, shook the handle, and the sharp drill bit went down all the way, instantly drilling a complete hole in the one-inch thick wood. When showing it to everyone, another burst of applause was triggered.

  "All the inventions, all the technologies, have only one goal: to liberate us from our heavy labor, increase efficiency. I'm sure everyone knows that increasing efficiency reduces working hours, which in turn reduces costs. To put it simply, for the same product, a craftsman from Su's family takes half a month to make, while we can finish it in three days. That means by the time he finishes one piece, we've already made five. You tell me, even if he controls the wood material and our imported wood is more expensive, who benefits more when selling the product?"

  Xu Feng said: "That's naturally us, even if we don't sell it for more than him, the products we make are more, and the labor time saved is enough to offset the cost of raw materials."

  Zhang Lei snapped his fingers and said, "That's right, that's it. This is the power of technology. Alright, now take a look at this second thing. Second Dog, go shake the handle with all your might."

  He placed a log on the cutting machine, and when the iron saw reached a certain speed, he pushed it forward, just two breaths of time, and the three-foot long wood was cut into two segments. This scene again amazed everyone.

  Zhang Lei introduced: "This thing, I call it a cutting machine, its function is to quickly cut various types of wood, at least 50 times faster than manual labor."

  Everyone thought his words were reasonable, and this was what everyone had witnessed with their own eyes. Not finished yet, Zhang Lei continued to walk in front of another machine tool and said: "Wood that has been cut by a cutting machine must also undergo polishing treatment before it can be processed and manufactured. So this machine is used to replace the plane for this work."

  He gestured to the two dogs to start the machine, and he placed the wood on the work surface. With a dull humming sound, in just a short while, the cut surface was exceptionally smooth and flat.

  "Alright, this is the power of technology. Do you still have any objections or doubts about using technology to invest in me?" Zhang Lei asked.