Ever since the news that the Imperial Censors of the Tang dynasty were about to go to various countries and sign letters of credence with them to ensure the safety of the Silk Road spread, many nobles were tempted.
It was well known that the Silk Road was extremely profitable. However, most of them were barbarian merchants who took the risk. Few people of the Tang dynasty dared to take the Silk Road. Only Mo Jiazi claimed to be an ancestor of the Mo family who had traveled around the Far West. The other one was Monk Xuanzang, who took the risk of going to the West a few years ago.
One was an ancestor of the Mo family, and the other was an eminent monk of Buddhism. Both of them were not afraid of death for their ideals. Ordinary people did not want to become a skeleton under the endless yellow sand.
However, the situation had changed. Once the Imperial Censors of the Tang dynasty were stationed in various countries, the safety of the merchants of the Tang dynasty would be greatly guaranteed. In particular, some of the nobles in Chang 'an were familiar with the officials of the Ministry of Rites. These Imperial Censors would definitely take care of their interests first.
The pursuit of interests, the existence of the Imperial Censors of the Tang dynasty, and the confidence brought by the strong national strength of the Tang dynasty, gave rise to the idea of a group of nobles taking the Silk Road. However, the nobles naturally did not dare to take the risk easily. They could only unite and form a large caravan. In this way, they could help each other and share the risks.
"Who's the leader?" Master Wei asked.
Wei Sian said seriously, "Chai Lingwu of the Chai family!"
"I didn't expect the Chai family to push him to the front!" Master Wei muttered.
Wei Sian thought for a moment and said, "After the military parade, the Chai family's reputation soared. His eldest brother, Chai Zhewei, is among the ambassadors to various countries in the Western Regions. It's reasonable for the Chai family to take the lead. It's said that many Guanlong families have responded."
Governing the Yellow River would greatly reduce the interests of the Guanlong family. In order to find a way out, the Guanlong family would not let go of such a rich opportunity like the Silk Road.
"Go and contact them first. If this matter is successful, the Wei family will naturally not fall under others." Master Wei could not wait. Now that the Wei family had been repeatedly attacked by the Mo family, their money and food had been greatly reduced. How could they miss such a profitable business like the Western Regions Chamber of Commerce?
"Yes!"
Wei Sian nodded helplessly. Now that his official career in the Wei family had been cut off, he was naturally the most suitable person to handle these business matters. Didn't you see that most of these aristocratic families sent their second sons?
It was unknown whether it was the bad habit of the playboys, but this time, the location of the establishment of the Western Regions Chamber of Commerce was also in the Educational Sector. When Wei Sian arrived at the Teaching Square, he happened to see an unexpected figure.
"Mo Jiazi!" Wei Sian frowned. He did not expect that Chai Lingwu would actually invite Mo Jiazi to the Western Region Chamber of Commerce. However, after thinking about it, it was reasonable. In terms of wealth, Mo Jiazi was second to none among the younger generation. With Mo Jiazi joining, the success rate of the Western Region Chamber of Commerce would be doubled.
"Brother Mo, please give me some face this time. If it doesn't work, then we'll leave." Fang Yi 'ai pestered Modun. The reason Modun had come this time was because Fang Er had personally come to drag him along.
"You're the second son of the Fang family. Why are you involved in these matters?" Meton said helplessly.
Fang Er immediately said sarcastically, "Your Brother Mo spends money like gold. Who in Chang 'an doesn't want to envy you? However, the well-fed don't know the hardships of the poor. With the monthly allowance of the Fang family, I'm afraid I won't even have the face to go out."
Qin Huaiyu and the other two had shares of the Mo family's gourmet city. Their annual share was enough to make people jealous. Only Fang Er was the most down. Although the Fang family did not lack his money, it was impossible for them to be extravagant.
Meton looked at Fang Yi 'ai in surprise and said, "Aren't you afraid that Minister Fang will blame you?"
"Do you think this is done by one family? This has already been tacitly approved by the influential families in Chang 'an. The civil officials paved the way, and the military officials provided the manpower. Together, we're funding. Besides, we're not earning the people's money. What reason does father have to object? "Fang Yi' ai was full of confidence.
Meton finally understood. This time, the imperial court's table manners were too ugly. They directly swallowed all the profits from the silk. Only then did they tacitly allow the influential families to establish the Western Region Chamber of Commerce. This could also be considered a kind of compensation.
"Brother Mo, we're honored by your presence. This younger brother didn't come out to greet you. Sorry for the disrespect!" Chai Lingwu, who had already received the news, came forward and greeted him warmly.
"Brother Chai invited me with great hospitality. How could I not give you face!" Meton was already familiar with the hypocrisy of the officialdom, so he politely replied.
Chai Lingwu was even more enthusiastic when he heard this. After exchanging greetings, he said, "Brother Mo, Brother Fang, please come in! The brothers inside have already been waiting for a long time. "
Entering the Educational Division, he saw that Chai Lingwu had directly booked a courtyard. On the high stage in the courtyard, several charming dancers were dancing beautifully. The sound of musical instruments was endless. The square tables around were filled with good wine and delicacies. Many seats were already filled. Meton looked around and saw that other than Wei Sian, most of the people sitting there were young masters in brocade clothes that he didn't know.
Fang Er explained in a low voice, "Most of the people here are the second sons of each family. The real decision-makers will only appear when the real decision is made."
Meton suddenly understood. It seemed that he was the only one in the Village Mo who could make decisions, so he had to come today.
Meton was not familiar with these people, but they were very friendly to Meton. When they saw Meton coming in, they all nodded and greeted him. After a while, Meton met a large number of playboys in Chang 'an.
Soon, all the people who should come had arrived. Chai Lingwu waved his hand and all the dancers immediately left. Only a group of influential young masters were left here.
"I believe that you all know the purpose of me calling you here. The Silk Road has always been controlled by Hu merchants. Our Tang dynasty has gained little. Now that the Imperial Censor of the Tang dynasty has entered the motherland, the time is ripe for us to enter the Silk Road!" Chai Lingwu looked around and said.
Many of the influential young masters nodded. They were willing to come today because they were obviously interested in the Silk Road.
"Of course, we can have this opportunity today because of Brother Mo's vision of the Tang dynasty's silk system." After Chai Lingwu finished speaking, everyone immediately focused on Meton.
"At the same time, Brother Mo is also the famous God of Wealth of the Tang dynasty. The way you turn stone into gold is admirable. I would like to ask Brother Mo if this business can be done!" Chai Lingwu solemnly bowed to Meton. Suddenly, the other influential young masters held their breaths.
Feeling the burning eyes of the crowd, Meton finally understood why Chai Lingwu had asked him to come. It was probably to endorse the Western Region Chamber of Commerce.
Meton said helplessly, "As long as you can guarantee the safety of the journey and return safely, of course, you will not lose anything!"
After Meton finished speaking, the group of influential young masters immediately cheered.
Chai Lingwu immediately showed a satisfied smile. As long as they could make money, the Western Region Chamber of Commerce would definitely succeed.
"Don't worry, Brother Mo. We will enter the countries that have signed the letter of credence with the Tang dynasty and will not easily take risks. However, I am not talented enough. If Brother Mo can personally guide the Western Region Chamber of Commerce, we are willing to give you 10% of our shares in return. "Chai Lingwu looked at Meton and said seriously.
Suddenly, everyone held their breaths. The Western Region Chamber of Commerce had gathered so many people's connections and wealth. Its financial resources must be extremely strong, and its future income must be immeasurable. Chai Lingwu directly offered 10% of his shares, which was an amazing wealth.
However, no one refuted, because the wealth of the Mo Family's village was legendary. The Western Region Chamber of Commerce with Meton and without Meton were two completely different concepts.
Meton looked at Chai Lingwu in surprise and shook his head firmly. "I am an official of the imperial court. Naturally, it is inconvenient for me to join the Western Region Chamber of Commerce, and the Mo Family's village will not participate in it."
"Why? Brother Mo, didn't you just say that the Silk Road is a sure-win business?" A rich man asked.
Meton nodded and said, "Although the Silk Road is profitable, the cycle is too long, and the Mo Family's village is extremely short of manpower. I am afraid that they can't spare any manpower to go there in a short time. Moreover, the focus of the Mo Family's village is the Tang dynasty, which will never change. "
As for the excuse that the Mo Family's village was extremely short of manpower, no one would believe it. However, Meton clearly refused 10% of the shares, which made them more friendly to him. After all, if Meton occupied more shares, it would directly squeeze the shares of other aristocratic families in a disguised form. When interests were involved, no one would be soft-hearted.
"Brother Mo, you are so righteous. I admire you!" Chai Lingwu said with admiration. Chai Lingwu didn't know whether he was regretful or relieved. This matter was made by the Chai Family. If it was made a wedding dress for Meton, their efforts would be in vain.
Everyone nodded and threw compliments at Meton as if they were free.
"However, we still want to ask Brother Mo to give up one of your treasures. With this treasure, the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region will be able to go there unimpeded." Chai Lingwu changed the topic.
Meton frowned and couldn't help but look at Fang Yiai who was next to him. He saw Fang Yiai couldn't help drinking tea to hide his guilty conscience. Obviously, the two of them had premeditated.
"Brother Chai, what do you want?" Meton said calmly.
"It is the treasure that Merton used to travel across the desert when he was on the Western Expedition." Chai Lingwu said seriously.
"The compass!"
Meton suddenly understood. At that time, Meton used the compass in front of thousands of soldiers. Naturally, this matter couldn't be hidden from some people who were interested. On the Silk Road, yellow sand was everywhere. If one got lost, it would be fatal. With the compass, the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region would have the confidence to travel in the desert.
"Brother Mo, please help me this time. This treasure is the key to our success or failure." Fang Yiai pleaded. Before this, he had guaranteed that he would be able to get the compass. This was the most important reason why he had asked Meton to come.
"Brother Mo, please state your price. I won't bargain!" Chai Lingwu said without hesitation.
Meton couldn't help but ponder for a while. The use of the compass could be said to be big, but it could also be said to be small. Sometimes, it wasn't even necessary. It could only be used at specific times. Moreover, with Si Nan's help, there was no need to keep it a secret.
Meton nodded and said, "There is no need to state the price. If the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region returns with a full load in the future, just donate some money to the Red Cross Society. It will be a good thing for the country and the people."
Chai Lingwu immediately said without hesitation, "Of course."
"Well, ten days later, the compass will be sent to Chai Mansion. I will take my leave!" Meton saw that there was no need for him to stay here, so he immediately got up and left.
After declining Chai Lingwu's escort, Meton strode out of the Teaching Master Square. He couldn't help but sigh. Because of his butterfly effect, he had set off a great storm in the Tang dynasty. He didn't expect that the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region, which was similar to the East India Company of the future, would appear in the Tang dynasty.
The money on the Silk Road was not clean. This was also the reason why Meton didn't want to have too much to do with the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region. However, he knew that this kind of gray business existed in any era. He was looking forward to the development of the Chamber of Commerce of the Western Region.
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