Chapter 185 - 184 Stunning Maids

"Wait a minute..."

Chen Mo found Fu Bi’s words increasingly strange as he listened and immediately interjected, "The people of Nanyang can’t even afford to eat, their money is almost entirely plundered by rebels, and you’re raising the price of rice, who can afford it?"

"Please, listen to me, sir." Fu Bi smiled and continued, "If this notice is issued, it’ll attract rice merchants from surrounding counties to flock to Nanyang. Once a lot of rice merchants come here, you can have people guide them, and wouldn’t the rice price drop?"

"What if the rice merchants refuse to sell?" Chen Mo asked.

"Easy to come, not so easy to leave."

"You mean rob them?" Chen Mo shook his head and said, "I don’t do things that violate the law."

Fu Bi shook his head and replied, "No, not at all. If these rice merchants are truly drawn in by the notice, they will naturally bring a batch of grain. At that time, you can escort them. But if they refuse and want to leave, you may choose not to escort them. With Nanyang in such chaos, without your escort, they’ll have to sell on-site..."

Chen Mo understood Fu Bi’s intention.

It’s about playing dirty.

But still within legal boundaries.

"Then where do the people get the money to buy grain?" Chen Mo asked again.

"If the Imperial Court doesn’t want a second rebellion, they’ll naturally distribute relief funds or perhaps send grain directly. At that time, you can order major renovations of the city, offering employment opportunities to the displaced to earn money..."

Later, Fu Bi mentioned many more methods.

Such as encouraging private wealthy individuals to aid in famine relief through tax exemption, donation for official titles, or honor incentives.

Rich people using their private wealth for disaster relief could receive a certificate, which exempts them from taxes.

They could even donate a certain amount of grain to have their name engraved on a monument or receive plaques personally inscribed by Chen Mo and others.

Chen Mo scrutinized Fu Bi and then remarked, "With your knowledge, you shouldn’t just be a scholar!"

Judging by Fu Bi’s age, he should be nearing forty.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Fu Bi scratched his head and said, "... I don’t know, but... just never passed the exam."

"Alright then." Chen Mo patted Fu Bi’s shoulder and said, "Let’s first implement your plan in the counties surrounding Celestial River City. If it works, I’ll report to the General."

"Thank... thank you, sir." Fu Bi had recommended himself precisely for such an opportunity.

...

"A bit harder..."

Chen Mo was lying in bed with his head resting on Luo Zhen’s lap, enjoying her massage while casually discussing the establishment of a chamber of commerce.

Now Chen Mo had both money and men and was an administrator of military and governmental affairs in the counties surrounding Celestial River City. Creating a chamber of commerce was not a difficult task.

Last night, Luo Zhen also successfully advanced to Ninth Grade Martial Artist, and Chen Mo had given her the Vermilion Fruit to strengthen her foundation.

For merchants connected with officials, things get done swiftly, and Luo Family’s business footprint was large enough to have influence in Nanyang County.

Although Nanyang County is now in such ruins, the Luo Family’s commercial network remained strong.

Reestablishing it wouldn’t be a problem.

But the key is, what to sell?

Ice?

The people of Nanyang can barely afford meals; worrying about heat is the least of their concerns.

The usual glassware, perfumes, etc., typical of a transmigrator.

Might sell in Jiangnan.

But in a time of chaos, what use are those things for famine victims?

At a loss, Chen Mo asked Luo Zhen.

She’s a businesswoman, naturally more knowledgeable than Chen Mo.

Luo Zhen massaged Chen Mo’s forehead, pondered for a moment, and said, "We can open a bank and pawnshop to earn money."

"They don’t have money, what’s the use of opening a bank?"

"Lending," Luo Zhen replied.

"How so?"

"We lend them money and charge interest. We can let them mortgage their land deeds. Gold and silver treasure might be stolen by rebels, but land is static. Plus, right now, land isn’t worth much; once we lend it out, they can’t reclaim it. Once things get better, we’ll profit handsomely from these lands."

Luo Zhen explained, sensing that these abandoned lands were like gold thrown on the ground, and they could be acquired for cheap right now.

Furthermore, in these disaster years, Luo Zhen wasn’t worried about their willingness to sell.

After all, survival comes first.

"Isn’t this taking advantage of people’s difficulties?" Hearing this, Chen Mo widened his eyes slightly. For farmers, land is their lifeline, acquiring it cheaply feels like exploiting a disaster.

It was Luo Zhen’s turn to be briefly stunned.

In her view, Chen Mo was not someone of high moral character.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have become his woman.

Besides, as a qualified businesswoman, Luo Zhen considered herself proficient in judging people. She had an understanding of Chen Mo’s character over the past few days.

Unwilling to be subordinated by others.

Luo Zhen smiled lightly, "Sir, you know owning land equates to owning what?"

Chen Mo was taken aback, then understood, touched his nose, and said, "Am I such a person?"

Luo Zhen smiled silently.

"Oh, dare to laugh at me." Chen Mo stroked Luo Zhen’s thigh, then flipped over, planning to engage in certain daytime activities.

It was too boring, with nothing to do except making children.

Especially in this hot weather, Chen Mo was indeed reluctant to move.

At this moment, a voice rang out from outside the house, "Sir, I’ve come to report, I’m Gao Zheng."

"I’ll step back first." Knowing Gao Zheng’s visit to Chen Mo was likely for important matters, Luo Zhen felt it inappropriate to remain.

Chen Mo nodded.

Once Luo Li stepped out, he replied, "Come in."

Gao Zheng entered briskly, "Sir, I’ve found the maids you asked for. Should I have them come in for you to see?"

Since they would be serving Luo Zhen and himself, Chen Mo nodded.

Understanding, Gao Zheng smiled and then turned to shout outside, "Come in!"

Following Gao Zheng’s shout, Chen Mo’s gaze turned outside the house.

Three women walked in.

One woman stood out markedly.

She wore a dress, stepped lightly, appeared extremely uneasy when entering, with her hands clutching her collar, teeth biting her lower lip, as if she had entered a lion’s den.

Her eyes seemed to have cried, appearing somewhat swollen.

Yet, by all means, her natural charm couldn’t be concealed.

Especially a certain majestic aura, enough to enchant frivolous men into a tizzy.

As he noticed Chen Mo staring intently, Gao Zheng, aware of his expressions, knew the matter would be settled.

However, he immediately heard Chen Mo’s sharp rebuke, "Gao Zheng, you have a lot of nerve; who told you to force someone?"