Chapter 747
Lure out Gongsun Yuan, the Crown Prince of Liao!
Gongsun Rong stood to the side, observing Xiao He's expression, and spoke:
"Grand Marshal, today's income is quite considerable. If we can maintain this level every day, we will be able to recoup all the costs invested in the Da Liao Fang within a month."
Hearing Gongsun Rong's words, Xiao He's shock subsided slightly, and he then became curious, asking with a smile:
"Gongsun Rong, I'm curious, how much money did you invest in opening this Da Liao Fang? It requires such a high turnover to break even in just one month."
Xiao He's question instantly piqued the curiosity of everyone present.
Everyone looked at Gongsun Rong.
The interior of Da Liao Fang is luxurious and its scale is enormous, so it is conceivable that the investment must have been huge. However, no one expected that it would take so long to break even, and they wanted to know the exact amount of investment.
Gongsun Rong remained calm and answered composedly:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, when the Da Liao Fang was first established, a total of about one hundred million coins were invested."
She had handled all the affairs of the Da Liao Warehouse, so she was naturally very familiar with this investment and could speak of it without hesitation.
"One hundred million?"
Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, gasped, and their faces were filled with disbelief.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with shock.
It should be understood that one hundred million coins is enough to build a well-equipped and highly capable elite army, enough to support a small-scale war.
Someone is actually willing to spend so much money just to open a tavern.
After a long while, everyone gradually came to their senses. Chen Li was the first to shake his head and say:
"No wonder Da Liao Fang is so luxurious. It turns out they've invested so much money. In contrast, my Yanshan Winery has only invested ten million coins. Compared to Da Liao Fang, it's a world of difference."
As he spoke, he finally understood why the prices at Da Liao Fang had been so exorbitantly high.
With such a huge investment, if the price is too low, it will probably take forever to break even.
He never expected that Gongsun Yuan would be so generous, spending 100 million coins to secretly open a tavern, only to have it taken over by the Han army in the end.
After hearing Gongsun Rong's answer, Xiao He's shock gradually faded, and a smile appeared on his lips.
Chen Li, who was standing to the side, looked at the accounts, did some calculations, and then spoke up:
"Grand Marshal, based on today's revenue, if we can maintain this level every day, we can earn at least ten million coins in net profit every month. In less than a year, we will be rolling in money."
Hearing this, Xiao He's smile deepened, and he nodded repeatedly:
"Okay, very good!"
"The current business model of Fangcheng is undoubtedly very successful, and the popularity of Daliaofang is the best proof of that."
"I hope that in the future there will be more places like Fangcheng, and more shops like Daliaofang, to boost the local economy and help people get rich."
"At that time, you two must pass on your experience in managing the Da Liao Ward and the Fangcheng to other cities, so that more people can live a prosperous life with plenty of food and clothing."
The people are prosperous and the world is at peace—this is Xiao He's most sincere and simple thought.
He knew that the world was in chaos and that the people were forced to rise up because they could no longer endure the oppression of the harsh and tyrannical government.
What they sought was never wealth and glory, but simply to have enough to eat and wear and live a peaceful life.
If more places like Fangcheng emerge in the future, leading people to prosperity, meeting their basic needs, and freeing them from worries about making a living, then the people will be grateful, work and do business with peace of mind, and will no longer harbor thoughts of rebellion.
In this way, the Han Dynasty can enjoy long-term peace and prosperity, and will never suffer from war again.
Having made up his mind, Xiao He turned to Chen Li and asked:
"By the way, now that your Yanshan Winery's business is stable, have you considered expanding your business to other cities?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Li spoke frankly:
"Grand Marshal, you are wise. Although Yanshan Winery is profitable, it is far from meeting my expectations. As a businessman, one naturally hopes that the business will grow bigger and bigger and the wealth will accumulate more and more before one can achieve great things."
In fact, Chen Li had long harbored ambitions to expand outwards. Born into a merchant family, he was not content to be just a manager of a local winery, but harbored the ambition to achieve great things and leave a lasting legacy.
Opening branch wineries in other cities was the first step in realizing his ambitions.
However, this idea, though good, was limited by practical obstacles—all the surrounding cities were under the jurisdiction of the Liao Kingdom, and it was extremely difficult for Fangcheng merchants to enter the Liao-controlled territory to do business.
In addition, the relationship between the Han and Liao dynasties had always been strained, and the Liao dynasty was wary of and suppressed the merchants in Fangcheng. Even ordinary business dealings were difficult, let alone large-scale industrial expansion.
Xiao He noticed the troubled look in Chen Li's eyes and asked:
"Since you have this idea, how much do you know about the business environment in other cities?"
Chen Li looked ashamed, his tone becoming more somber, and bowed as he replied:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, I know very little. It is only because the Liao Kingdom is putting pressure on us everywhere and making things difficult for the merchants of Fangcheng. Even if we wanted to find out about the situation in other cities, we would not know where to start."
Xiao He already understood that Chen Li was by no means someone who was content with the status quo; he had both the ambition to expand his business and a pragmatic and steady nature.
He is cautious in his daily actions, knows how to weigh the pros and cons, and avoids unnecessary risks. With proper support, he is sure to achieve great things in the future.
Xiao He had already intended to support Fangcheng's commerce, and now that he saw Chen Li's ambition in this regard, he was even more determined to use Chen Li to gradually expand Fangcheng's commercial influence to other cities within the Han Kingdom, breaking through the current limitations.
Suppressing his inner thoughts, Xiao He turned to look at Gongsun Rong, who was standing quietly to the side:
"By the way, Gongsun Rong, while you were busy in the neighborhood today, did you spot any suspicious people?"
He always kept in mind the person in charge behind the Great Liao Warehouse.
That Da Liao Fang acted in a secretive manner, daring to secretly set up a scheme within the Fangcheng territory and invest a huge sum of money, which was definitely not the work of an ordinary merchant.
However, they were currently clueless. Gongsun Rong had contributed to matters related to the Da Liao Fang, so Xiao He wanted to find a clue from her and follow the trail to find the person behind it all.
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Rong looked apologetic:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, I was so busy managing the business in the workshop today that I was distracted and did not notice any suspicious people around me. Please forgive me, Grand Marshal."
"It's alright."
Xiao He waved his hand, his expression indifferent:
"They've invested a full 100 million in this scheme. With such a large investment, they won't give up easily. They'll definitely make more moves in the future, and clues will emerge sooner or later."
After saying that, he changed the subject and asked another question:
"Can you still contact the person in charge of the Da Liao Ward who was in charge of affairs before?"
Xiao He knew that the person in charge was directly in charge of the affairs of the Liaofang and must know the identity of the mastermind behind it. If he could find him, he could dispel the fog and find out the truth.
Gongsun Rong looked helpless and shook her head, saying:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, we can no longer contact him. Ever since the incident at Da Liao Fang and our investigation, that person has vanished without a trace, as if he had disappeared into thin air."
In truth, she also hoped to find the person in charge, firstly to contribute to the investigation, and secondly, if she could capture or find the person in charge, it would be a meritorious deed, living up to the Grand Marshal's trust.
Xiao He nodded, and solemnly instructed:
"It's alright. Just keep an eye out in the future. If anyone contacts you, no matter what their reason is, come and let us know immediately. Do not act rashly."
He had his own calculations. As long as Gongsun Rong remained loyal and faithful, following this lead would eventually uncover the true mastermind behind the Great Liao Warehouse. Gongsun Rong quickly bowed and agreed, her tone firm:
"Please rest assured, Grand Marshal, I have remembered your instructions and will follow them carefully without the slightest negligence."
Xiao He glanced out the window; the night was already deep. He guessed the two of them had been busy all day, and said gently:
"It's late at night. You two have been busy all day and must be tired. Go back and rest for now. We can discuss the rest tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Chen Li and Gongsun Rong immediately bowed and accepted the order:
"Thank you for your consideration, Grand Marshal."
After saying this, the two quietly withdrew, not daring to disturb the discussion among the people inside.
After the two figures completely disappeared outside the door, Xiao He turned around, his gaze falling on Deng Ai and the others remaining in the room, and asked:
"You both understood what Chen Li and Gongsun Rong said just now. Now, tell me, what's your opinion on this matter? Who is the mastermind behind the Da Liao Warehouse?"
Upon hearing this, everyone composed themselves and fell into deep thought, and the room fell silent for a moment.
After a moment, Deng Ai spoke first:
"In my humble opinion, could it be the work of a minister of the Liao Kingdom? After all, to be able to set up a scheme with 100 million coins and operate secretly within the Liao Kingdom is something that ordinary people or merchants could not accomplish."
"It's possible, but not entirely."
Xiao He slowly opened his mouth:
"Think about it, the name 'Da Liao Fang' is straightforward and ostentatious, and their actions are even more undisguised. Such an arrogant style is not like that of a minister of the Liao Kingdom."
"Ministers are very cautious in their actions. Even if they are making plans in secret, they would never be so ostentatious, lest they bring trouble upon themselves."
Zhang Liao, standing to the side, nodded repeatedly in agreement:
"The Grand Marshal is absolutely right. Such ostentatious behavior, as if he wants everyone to know of his existence, if it were done by a minister of the Liao Kingdom, wouldn't he be asking for trouble? He would surely be caught by his rivals in the court, and it would be a loss for him. It is really not reasonable."
As soon as Zhang Liao finished speaking, Fei Yi added:
"If he's not a minister, could he be a member of the royal family of Liao?"
"You should know that the royal relatives of Liao hold great power and are not short of one hundred million coins. Moreover, they are used to being pampered and have a wild and unruly personality. They act without considering the consequences, so it is possible that they would do such a thing."
Upon hearing Fei Yi's words, everyone in the room's eyes lit up, and they all nodded in agreement.
With both financial backing and powerful protection, the royal relatives and nobles acted arrogantly and fearlessly, making them more likely than Liao ministers to be the masterminds behind the Great Liao Ward.
"But the Liao Kingdom has many royal relatives and nobles, so who could it be?"
Fei Yi frowned, pondering and muttering to himself as he silently filtered through the possible candidates in his mind.
Just then, Ma Su suddenly spoke:
"Gentlemen, do you think it could have been done by the Crown Prince of Liao?"
These words were like a thunderclap out of nowhere, startling everyone in the room who were deep in thought, and they all looked up at Ma Su.
After careful consideration, everyone felt that Ma Su's words made more and more sense, and the Liao prince was indeed the most suspicious.
It should be noted that only a powerful and unruly prince could have the confidence and audacity to so easily allocate 100 million coins for such a scheme and to openly use such an ostentatious name as "Da Liao Fang."
Now that you mention it, it does seem like that's a possibility.
"This Liao prince is quite generous, throwing a hundred million coins into Fangcheng in one go. It seems he's determined to win."
"Gentlemen, if this matter is indeed the work of the Crown Prince of Liao, then we cannot be careless. We must make thorough preparations in advance to prevent him from doing anything else in secret."
Xiao He's expression turned serious, and his tone became somber.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room turned their gaze to Xiao He.
Deng Ai was straightforward and disliked beating around the bush, so he immediately cupped his hands and asked:
"Grand Marshal, in your opinion, what should we do now?"
Xiao He's gaze swept over everyone, and he slowly began to deploy his plans:
"First thing tomorrow morning, immediately order the guards at all city gates to thoroughly check all people entering and leaving the city, especially unfamiliar faces and suspicious individuals. Do not let your guard down in the slightest."
He paused, then continued:
“The person in charge of Da Liao Fang has already fled. The pawns of the mastermind behind it in Fangcheng have become ineffective. He has invested such a huge amount of money and will definitely not give up so easily. He will surely arrange for new pawns to infiltrate Fangcheng as soon as possible to gather information and reorganize the plan.”
"Then we'll follow the clues and lure out this Liao prince along with the new chess piece!"
"Remember not to alert the enemy. Make sure you understand all their plans before you take action."
The group accepted the order.
With the plan settled, the group briefly discussed the details before bowing and taking their leave.
...
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, the city gates of Fangcheng were already reinforced with guards as instructed by Xiao He, and everyone entering and leaving was checked one by one.
Sure enough, not long after, two unfamiliar figures appeared one after the other at the city gate of Fangcheng.
These two individuals came from different backgrounds and were unrelated.
One was a spy sent by Li Xu to secretly investigate the situation in Fangcheng, and the other was an intermediary specially arranged by Gongsun Kang to come to Fangcheng to contact relevant personnel.
The two, each with their own agendas and strangers to each other, entered Fangcheng on the same day.
Little did they know that from the moment they stepped through the city gates, they had been closely watched.
The spies sent by Li Xu did not rush to act after entering the city. Instead, they pretended to be ordinary merchants and wandered around the streets and alleys of the city.
After some investigation, the spy was filled with confusion and astonishment.
He originally thought that after the Han army occupied Fangcheng, they would plunder the city's resources and oppress the local merchants and people, and the people in the city would definitely complain about the Han army.
But the reality is quite the opposite. Fangcheng is now in good order. The Han army has not only refrained from looting supplies or disrupting people's livelihoods, but has also allowed local merchants to manage the city's commerce on their own, and even secretly supported them, making Fangcheng's business more prosperous than ever before.
The people and merchants in the city mostly held the Han army in high esteem, and when they talked about the Han army, they all praised it highly.
Filled with doubt, the spy did not stop, but continued to wander around the city to find out the true purpose of the Han army's actions.
Unlike him, the middleman sent by Gongsun Kang did not linger after entering the city and headed straight for the direction of Da Liao Ward.
The Han soldiers paid close attention and immediately added this person to their list of prime suspects. At the same time, they rushed to report the situation to Xiao He and the others.
Meanwhile, Gongsun Rong had already made thorough preparations as instructed by Xiao He.
She summoned the servants in the ward in advance and gave them instructions:
"If any strangers come looking for me today, there's no need to ask any questions or announce my arrival. Just take them to the backyard to wait." (End of Chapter)