Chapter 0041 Establishing a Family

Chapter 0041 Establishing a Family

The atmosphere felt a bit off.

Xiao Rong’s face was flushed, whether from anger or embarrassment. He quickly walked to his seat and sat down without a word.

Fortunately, there was Gao Xunzhi, the social veteran, who smiled and gestured for everyone to sit down. While instructing the guards to serve tea, he naturally dismissed all the irrelevant people, including the women who dared not even lift their heads.

Xiao Rong stared at them coldly. These aristocratic families were truly considerate, each sending two or three women, one young and one older. The young ones were around fourteen or fifteen years old, while the older ones did not exceed twenty.

The younger ones were presumably meant for Xiao Rong, while the older ones were intended for Gao Xunzhi.

Gao Xunzhi engaged in small talk with these people, occasionally glancing at Xiao Rong. His initial shock stemmed from the rumor that Xiao Rong had a fondness for women, not because of the aristocrats offering their daughters. After all, such things happened every day at high levels of power.

Regardless of the time, marriage alliances were the quickest way to strengthen relationships. However, offering clan daughters rather than family daughters could not be considered an alliance; it was merely a gesture of goodwill.

These clan leaders likely realized they had misunderstood, cursing the former Chenliu governor in their hearts before continuing to smile politely at Gao Xunzhi.

Initially, they talked about mundane matters, asking about the journey and the harvest at home. Gradually, they moved on to more important topics. Gao Xunzhi mentioned that the Northern Pacification King planned to build a bustling street along the Huai River, tentatively named Treasure Street, implying that any treasure in the world could be found there.

As for why it wasn’t named Heavenly Treasure... the character "heaven" couldn’t be used casually and would likely be changed by sensitive individuals later, so it was better to use a less offensive term from the start.

At present, the banks of the Huai River had little besides docks and villages. Although the river flowed through the city, the busiest areas were not adjacent to major rivers but smaller streams, as bridges were easier to build and people could easily climb out if they fell in. People needed water sources for fetching water or washing clothes, but shipping and connecting more places were not within the commoners' concerns.

Recalling how desolate the area along the Huai River was, the clan leaders exchanged glances, unsure.

Seeing their lack of questions, Gao Xunzhi knew they were not particularly interested and continued explaining.

This should have been Xiao Rong's role, but he was unnerved by the unmarried women and could only sit there with a stern expression. Before entering, he and Gao Xunzhi had agreed to play good cop and bad cop, but now the roles were reversed. The more authoritative Gao Xunzhi played the good cop, while the younger and less respected Xiao Rong played the bad cop.

While listening to Gao Xunzhi, Xiao Rong observed their reactions.

The first step in urban planning was not to allow unrestricted settlement but to establish zones, concentrating similar functions to reduce transportation costs. The first commercial residential zoning system was the market-town system, but Xiao Rong did not intend to replicate it, as it was too strict and actually stifled commerce. Instead, he wanted to create a dedicated commercial street, encouraging or ordering most merchants to relocate there. Those who refused would face no immediate consequences.

Once the commercial street was established, people would naturally flock there, and those reluctant to move would reconsider. Some would eventually relocate, while others might stay, but a few holdouts wouldn't significantly impact the overall plan.

The key was to get the commercial street built.

First, merchant relocation, then attracting customers, followed by establishing docks, fleets, and caravans, ultimately forming a commercial district with a rapidly expanding reach.

The Huai River sounded unfamiliar, but it was also known as Wolf Soup Canal, connecting the Yellow River to the east and the Huo River to the west, reaching Juye Lake to the south and the Ruzhou and Yingzhou Rivers to the north, which connected to the Huai River.

If Chenliu was a crucial transportation hub in Central China, the Huai River was the central point of this extensive water network. Not developing it commercially would keep Xiao Rong awake at night.

Gao Xunzhi enthusiastically promoted the future Treasure Street, explaining that the Northern Pacification Army would construct the houses, with dedicated patrols to protect merchants and citizens. As the first commercial street in Chenliu, it would be exempt from curfew rules, allowing business even late into the night.

He also mentioned literary gatherings, which would be held on Treasure Street, with a large square built for various events like performances, lotteries, and competitions, both free and paid. Regardless, it meant many people would come to spend money, benefiting every merchant.

Surprisingly, the clans were intrigued. They were wealthy but lacked political influence compared to the noble families, whose members held official positions. Since the birth of the clans, the emperor had consistently suppressed them, first banning intermarriage with nobles and later preventing their children from entering government service, leaving them feeling insecure and eager to bribe new officials for protection.

If the Northern Pacification Army offered protection, it would be beneficial.

Moreover, Gao Xunzhi seemed honest but had many tricks up his sleeve. Lotteries and competitions were novel concepts, suggesting he was skilled in commerce and might indeed make Treasure Street successful.

The clans, being wealthy, agreed to open shops. However, Gao Xunzhi then cheerfully informed them that the Northern Pacification Army would collect rent.

Not fixed rent, but a percentage of their income—ten percent of every transaction.

The clan leaders were speechless.

Don't think changing the name fools us.

Isn't this just business tax?!

The previously enthusiastic group fell silent.

It was natural; everyone smiles when asked for gifts but frowns when asked for money. Moreover, business taxes had been abolished for nearly thirty years.

When the Yong Dynasty was founded, Emperor He Kui imposed heavy business taxes, driving merchants back to farming, inadvertently fattening the imperial treasury with hefty taxes and agricultural contributions. After He Kui’s death, his successors increased taxes, introducing various levies, making life unbearable. Eventually, the empire descended into chaos, forcing the cancellation of many taxes, reducing business taxes to one-twentieth.

Commerce revived, but the empire struggled, with emperors changing frequently. During the reign of Great Tranquility, rebellious princes emerged, leading cities to fend for themselves, effectively rendering the empire powerless. A new concept arose: customs duties.

Customs duties meant paying taxes when crossing city borders, potentially depleting goods entirely before reaching their destination. This was detrimental to caravans but beneficial to local merchants, who didn't need to pay such taxes. Over time, customs duties replaced business taxes, eradicating the latter.

Ten years ago, the Yong Dynasty relocated south, abolishing both business and customs duties. For these local clans, operating primarily in Chenliu, the only required payment was protection fees to officials, which varied based on the official's nature. Such payments were tolerable, but taxes were highly resisted.

They believed refusing would force the Northern Pacification Army to abandon the idea, but that was impossible. Business taxes were inevitable, not just on Treasure Street but throughout Central China.

However, Xiao Rong couldn't announce this openly, as it would cause unrest. Instead, he planned to ease them into it, letting them taste success before setting an example. He didn't believe they would abandon their profitable shops once established, and those who refused to pay taxes would be expelled.

Unfortunately, this wasn't easy. Despite Gao Xunzhi's efforts to liven the mood, the clans remained unresponsive. He looked helplessly at Xiao Rong, who slightly pursed his lips, regretting not bringing his sword. Well.

Xiao Rong took a deep breath and smiled, saying, "Are you worried about the tax rate increasing? Rest assured, ten percent is the highest rate, and it will only decrease. If you don’t believe us, we can sign a contract, ensuring our commitment."

The clan leaders chuckled.

Contract breaches were common, especially from the notorious Northern Pacification Army.

Seeing their skepticism, Xiao Rong paused and added, "We provide the shops; you just need to prepare staff and goods. If you want to open restaurants or inns, you won’t need much capital. We only collect rent after you make profits. If you don’t earn, we won’t ask for anything."

One of the clan leaders raised his head, realizing Xiao Rong made sense. They were wealthy enough to try for a few months without significant loss. Earning was good, and failing would only waste some time.

However, just as he was about to open his mouth, the person next to him gave him a fierce glare, scaring him into immediately lowering his head again.

Xiao Rong: "…………" Very well.

He hated it the most when people banded together in front of him. If he couldn't deal with the noble families, couldn't he at least handle these powerful clans?

Xiao Rong's face instantly turned cold, and then he turned to instruct the guards, "Go bring The King here."

Gao Xunzhi was stunned, and the heads of those powerful clans also raised their heads.

Bring The King? Bring Qu Yunmie? That Qu Yunmie who chopped off someone's head for merely saying the wrong thing in Jinning?

The leading clan head laughed as if he was about to cry, "We are discussing trivial matters here. Why does Lord Xiao need to bring The King over? It's best not to disturb His Majesty."

Xiao Rong glanced at him and smiled insincerely, "I've said everything nicely, and Chancellor Gao has already explained the pros and cons to all of you. Yet, you refuse to be reasonable. I guess both Chancellor Gao and I aren't good enough. So, I'll bring The King here and have you explain your reasons for refusing to pay rent directly to him. Don't worry, The King is very fair. If you can convince him, this matter will be settled."

The clan heads: "…………"

Convince Qu Yunmie? Who dares to do that!

If you want our lives, just say so!

At this moment, Xiao Rong lifted his chin, signaling the guard to hurry up. The guard complied and ran off, leaving the clan heads still in a daze.

Realizing Xiao Rong was serious, they no longer dared to put on airs and quickly pleaded tearfully that they were willing to open shops there and pay the rent. A tenth was fine; they would pay any amount, just don't bring The King here!

Gao Xunzhi: "……" Do you really need to go this far?

Only then did Xiao Rong change his icy expression, smiling as he helped them up, patted their hands to reassure them, and then turned to another guard to tell the first one not to bring The King anymore.

However, the clan heads still looked at him nervously, afraid he might change his mind again.

Seeing how obedient they were, Xiao Rong, who hadn't planned to mention the literary gathering today, decided to take advantage of the opportunity. He explained that the literary gathering required three sponsors: one to provide writing materials, one to provide refreshments, and one to set up the venue. These sponsors could attract customers within the venue, as long as it wasn't too obvious.

The clan heads looked at him blankly, not understanding what attracting customers meant.

Xiao Rong: "……"

He had to explain quietly, suggesting they engrave their names on the tables, chairs, or plates they provided, offer a small cup of wine, and direct anyone wanting more to their shops outside. Similarly, for writing materials, they should add some creativity to promote their brands.

Also, the literary gathering would include their staff. They should wear uniformed clothing and be smart and courteous. Guests would notice the difference and seek out similar services afterward.

The clan heads were amazed. This was indeed a good way to increase their reputation among scholars. If they could attract many scholars to their establishments, it would be a great boost. Moreover, hosting the event was a one-time expense, which they could easily afford.

Xiao Rong watched them excitedly discuss among themselves, smiling without saying a word. Finally, someone realized something.

There were four of them, but why did Xiao Rong only mention three sponsors?

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow slightly and then told them the conditions. For this literary gathering, he planned to let everyone in the city compete for the sponsorship roles. The criteria would be based on who paid the highest sponsorship fee.

"…………"

In the end, it still came down to money!

But this was different from taxes; it was voluntary. Those who didn't want to participate could simply opt out. Anyone interested could approach Chancellor Gao privately, rather than coming in groups.

Hearing this, the expressions of the clan heads became increasingly complex.

Coming together at least allowed them to discuss things, but coming individually left them unsure of others' intentions. What if they all agreed not to come, but one person did and took on all three roles? Then they would miss out on the spotlight during the literary gathering.

Moreover, how much should they pay? Paying too little would be pointless, while paying too much could lead to losses.

Not to mention, the competitors weren't limited to just the four of them. The prefect intended to open the competition to the entire city. While only a few families could host such events, their relationships were far from friendly.

They entered with trepidation and left sweating profusely. Xiao Rong watched them leave and then turned happily to Gao Xunzhi with a smile.

"I like them; they're all lovely people."

Gao Xunzhi: "……"

They are all "easy to manipulate," right?

He smiled helplessly, about to say something, when a familiar, gloomy voice came from the door.

"Who do you like?"

Xiao Rong and Gao Xunzhi looked over together. Xiao Rong was puzzled and asked, "Why is The King here?"

Didn't he already send a guard to inform him not to come?

Hearing this, Qu Yunmie suddenly paused and then inexplicably laughed, "What, can't I come?"

Xiao Rong: "……"

Gao Xunzhi: "……"

They looked at each other, completely baffled by Qu Yunmie's reaction.

Seeing them only looking at each other and not at him, Qu Yunmie became even angrier, "Where are those powerful clans?!"

Xiao Rong, confused, answered honestly, "They left."

Qu Yunmie paused for a second and then asked, "Then what about the women they brought?"

Xiao Rong: "I don't know; they probably took them back..."

Gao Xunzhi interjected, "They didn't take them back. Once sent, they wouldn't be taken back. I had the guards arrange for them to stay with the dancers. We'll ask about their backgrounds later. Those with high status will be given to the scholars or generals as concubines, while those with lower status will remain here as servants."

Gao Xunzhi then remembered, "Ah Rong, aren't you going to get some maids for Old Lady Xiao?"

Xiao Rong nodded. "I do have this plan. Ah Shu is a man, and there are many things he doesn't understand."

Gao Xunzhi smiled. "That's convenient. Why don't you go pick some out later, Ah Rong?"

Xiao Rong opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Qu Yunmie suddenly said from the other side, "No!"

The two of them turned to look at him. Qu Yunmie met their puzzled gazes calmly for a few seconds before saying, "We still don't know if these noble families are friends or foes. We need to observe the women they've sent for a while. For the safety of Old Lady Xiao, it would be better to buy a few maids from outside. At least those bought won't be spies planted by others."

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow, surprised that Qu Yunmie made a reasonable point.

Then, he turned to Gao Xunzhi and said, "The King is right. Besides, these women come from distinguished backgrounds. I can't simply treat them as maids. Thank you for your kindness, Chancellor, but I truly don't want untrustworthy people in my residence."

Gao Xunzhi waved his hand, showing understanding. He then stood up to arrange the fate of those women. Being sent here by their family heads to serve as bed warmers, their original fates weren't much better. At least here, no one would mistreat them.

Gao Xunzhi left, but Qu Yunmie stayed, looking at Xiao Rong with a strange expression.

Through this incident, he suddenly noticed something he had never paid attention to before—Xiao Rong didn't have any concubines.

But Xiao Rong was like a jade tree in a fairy tale, so beautiful that he seemed to have stepped out of a painting. How could he not have any women around him?

Qu Yunmie couldn't understand it, so he asked directly.

Xiao Rong: "..."

He replied expressionlessly, "For the past eight years, I've been traveling and studying, so my family couldn't arrange a marriage for me. After finishing my travels, I came to serve the King, and I couldn't get married on the road. My principle is to only marry a wife, not take concubines, so I've been alone until now."

Qu Yunmie responded with an "oh": "I thought it was because you were too weak to marry."

Xiao Rong: "............"

It's true that I'm not in great health, but all my functions are intact!

Annoyed, he countered Qu Yunmie, "Why does the King ask me this? I'm only nineteen, yet the King is already twenty-four. Compared to me, it's more unusual that the King has no one by his side."

Qu Yunmie was momentarily speechless.

He wasn't the type of general who vowed not to marry until he defeated the Xianbei. Since he went to Southern Yong, many people tried to arrange marriages for him, but he always refused.

Firstly, he didn't know how long he would live; he might lose his head tomorrow and become someone else's victim. Secondly, he found women's chatter annoying. Whether it was Jian Qiao or Gongsun Yuan, their personalities changed after marriage. Jian Qiao started coming home more often and drinking less because his wife disliked it, while Gongsun Yuan... suddenly developed a fondness for taking concubines.

But he thought that someday he would also get married, after all, he was a man, and men should settle down.

However, he couldn't imagine what his future wife would look like, even when he tried very hard. The image remained blank, without even a vague shape. In the end, he gave up and vaguely told Xiao Rong, "This King's destiny hasn't arrived yet."

Xiao Rong looked at him speechlessly, thinking, you're quite romantic, talking about destiny. Who would be so unlucky to have a destiny with you? They must have blown up a kindergarten in their previous life to end up bound to you in this one.

As this thought crossed his mind, Xiao Rong froze.

Because he suddenly remembered that, in a sense, he was also bound to Qu Yunmie. ... No, they weren't bound for life; once he helped Qu Yunmie ascend to the throne, he would be free.

With this thought, Xiao Rong's cold sweat vanished instantly. He smiled as if he had survived a disaster and then asked Qu Yunmie, "Would the King like to join me for lunch?"

Qu Yunmie: "..."

Why do you eat so many meals every day?