After Li Jing returned to Chang 'an, batches of soldiers began to return to Chang' an in an orderly manner. However, a large number of soldiers were still stationed in Lanzhou to continue to intimidate the Tuyuhun and Dangxiang tribes. Secondly, they were there to support Meton.
However, for the next few days, Moton continued to appear and disappear mysteriously. Gao Shilian had no choice but to personally come and stop Moton.
"Now that there is a disaster in Shandong, the victims are crying for food. I wonder if Mo Jiu has a good plan to sell the cattle and sheep for money as soon as possible." Gao Shilian went straight to the point.
Meton rubbed his red eyes. He had barely slept in the past few days. He had been investigating the situation of the Tuyuhun tribes.
"Lord Gao, if the Tang dynasty wants to control the Qinghai region for a long time, we can't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs and sell all the cattle and sheep. Otherwise, the Tang dynasty will have to start another war," Meton said seriously.
Gao Shilian nodded and said, "Then let's take Mo Jiu as an example. The Tang dynasty can take as many spoils of war as possible."
Meton thought for a moment and said, "At most 30%. Also, we have to announce that this year's taxes will be exempted. Otherwise, it will definitely cause a civil rebellion in the Tuyuhun tribes."
If the Tang dynasty wanted to do a one-time deal, they could naturally collect more than 50%. However, the Tang dynasty could not give up the Qinghai region, which the Tang dynasty had obtained with great difficulty.
"But 30% of the livestock will not be enough to solve the flood in Shandong!" Gao Shilian frowned. Although he agreed with Meton's point of view, the flood in Shandong was right in front of him. His task here was to raise enough relief funds for the disaster in Shandong. If he was soft-hearted and let the people of Shandong suffer, it would be very bad.
Meton laughed and said, "Sir Gao can rest assured. In this junior's opinion, there are many valuable things in Azure Sea, not just cattle and sheep. This is just the first step. This junior guarantees that he will be able to save enough money for Shandong."
Since Meton had accepted this task, he naturally had to complete it properly. Not only did he want to complete the task of raising funds, but he also wanted the Imperial Court to take complete control of the Azure Sea.
"The Old Man naturally trusts Mo Jiu's methods." Gao Shilian said that he believed Mo Jiu, but he left worriedly.
Following Meton's order, the news that the Tang Army would only collect 30% of the livestock as their spoils of war spread from the Qinghai Lake. The Tuyuhun tribes, who had been on tenterhooks, finally breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
On the grasslands, the defeated side did not only collect 30% of the livestock as their spoils of war. Usually, the defeated side would die and the tribe would be wiped out. 30% of the livestock as their spoils of war was already a great mercy. It did not arouse the disgust of the Tuyuhun people.
Especially with the news that this year's taxes would be waived, the collection of the spoils of war this time was extremely smooth. Almost all the tribes readily handed in their livestock and sheep.
For a moment, a large number of cattle, sheep, and horses gathered on the grasslands outside Lanzhou City. It was a spectacular sight, and there was still a steady stream of livestock being delivered.
"With so many cattle and sheep, I believe that Shandong will be able to hold on for a long time." Gao Shilian looked at the livestock that covered the mountains and plains. Not far away, the cavalry was riding on warhorses, driving the cattle and sheep. A smile appeared on his wrinkled old face.
"The livestock have been delivered. What we need to do next is to sell these cattle and sheep." Meton also showed a smile on his face.
"This is Mo Jiu's strength. Old Man, let's wait for the good news." Gao Shilian said heartily.
"There's no need to worry about sales if the goods are good. The cattle, horses, and sheep of the Qinghai region are all top quality livestock. I believe that there will naturally be people who recognize the goods." Meton laughed and pointed at the many merchants who had heard the news.
Merchants pursued profit. The western expedition was such a big matter that it involved too much profit. It attracted the attention of almost all the famous merchants in the world. When the news that Mo Jiazi had the fate of the Qinghai region in his hands spread out.
One had to know that all the merchants who followed Mo Jiazi's family had become rich. With the legend of Mo Jiazi's wealth as an example, all the merchants gathered in Lanzhou City like cats that had smelled blood.
In front of the Lanzhou Governor's Office, after Li Jing left, it became Gao Shilian's residence. Now, it was requisitioned by Meton. The entire office was filled with a sea of merchants.
"Marquis Merton!"
"Mo Jiu!"
… … …
When Meton entered the office, one by one, the famous merchants came forward and greeted him warmly. Some claimed to be friends with him, while others handed over their family's name cards.
Meton did not refuse any of them and greeted them one by one.
When Meton walked to the main seat, all the merchants were silent. Only a burning gaze was fixed on Meton.
"Thank you for your support. The purpose of this batch of cattle and sheep should be clear to everyone. It is to raise disaster relief funds for the villagers in Shandong." Meton said in a low voice.
All the merchants could not help but frown. They had come for profit, but Meton was telling them about disaster. This was not in line with their plan!
Seeing the merchants' reaction, Meton had already expected it. He changed the topic. "So the imperial court's purpose is to sell this batch of cattle and sheep as quickly as possible to raise money. Small profits but quick turnover. Naturally, the price can't be too high."
Meton gave a price for each of the cattle, horses, and sheep. The merchants' faces immediately lit up with joy. According to this price, they were indeed making a lot of money.
"So this time, the main goal is to sell in quantity. At least a hundred cattle in each batch." Meton raised a condition.
"A hundred!" The merchants could not help but frown. This was not a small number. If they did not sell it in time, it would be very easy for them to lose it. But then again, if they could sell it all, they would naturally make more money.
Everyone was clear about the pros and cons. Many of the larger merchants were immediately moved. Many of the smaller merchants also began to secretly join forces to buy the next batch of cattle and sheep.
After an entire morning, the first batch of sales was finally calculated.
"Five hundred horses, ten thousand cattle, and eight thousand sheep." Gao Shilian looked at the statistics in front of him. He was both happy and worried.
He was happy because so many livestock were sold at once. This large sum of money could greatly relieve the financial pressure of the imperial court. He was worried because this time, most of the cattle were sold. The highest number of sheep was only eight thousand, and the highest price of horses was only five hundred.
Meton nodded without surprise. "The demand for cattle in the Tang dynasty is endless. Most of the cattle in the Qinghai region are strong. Naturally, they are popular."
Cattle could be used to farm. One cattle was equivalent to three adult laborers. It was a symbol of a wealthy family. Moreover, the price of beef was high in the Tang dynasty. As long as the cattle were driven back to the Central Plains, it would be a profitable business.
Gao Shilian frowned and said, "But what if the cattle are sold out and only the horses and sheep are left in the imperial court's hands?"
Meton smiled and looked in the direction of Chang 'an. He showed a trace of confidence and said, "Since we have encountered a problem here, we need the imperial court's cooperation."
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