Chapter 71: Mu Changze and Wu Jinyan Were Bargained Down by the Patriarch Until Not Even Their Heels Remained |
The early morning sun rose over Clear Stream Market.
Yulou picked up two sets of donkey meat flatbreads and took Yu'an to the Great Goods Store.
As a representative of innovative business models among the factions under the Red Lantern Illumination Sect, the Great Goods Store being acquired by the sect actually surprised Yulou.
He had anticipated it being snatched away, seized by all sorts of people, but the one thing he had not expected was for the Red Lantern Illumination Sect to actually pay to acquire it.
This matter was actually quite interesting; at the very least, it revealed two things.
First, there was a drive for proactive expansion within the Red Lantern Illumination Sect.
Second, the Red Lantern Illumination Sect was relatively fair to the factions within its own system.
As for how much of an impact Mang Xiang attaining Golden Core had on this, that was hard to say. No one could calculate it.
"Why are we here so early?" Yu'an asked, his eyes bleary with sleep.
Yes, its name was the Great Goods Store, but its actual business was contract trading.
"Do you know why the Great Goods Store was acquired by the Red Lantern Illumination Sect?"
Yulou had always valued this younger brother of his.
Their relationship was already deep, and Yu'an's talent was not bad either. In the future, he could become one of his greatest aides.
If Yu'an's father, Wang Rongwen, could successfully reach Foundation Establishment, then Yulou's future status within the Wang Clan would be quite significant.
The position of the next Patriarch certainly had nothing to do with Yulou, but in the future, he would definitely hold a large portion of the speaking weight within the Wang Clan.
"Because it earns a lot of spirit stones?"
Yulou shook his head.
"Hmph, does the Red Lantern Illumination Sect lack our little bit of spirit stones?
The Great Goods Store's profits are not even considered the highest in Clear Stream Market.
And the Red Lantern Illumination Sect has over a dozen markets just like Clear Stream Market!
Not to mention the output of the commerce chambers and sect spiritual items that the Red Lantern Illumination Sect operates themselves. Compared to that, the Great Goods Store is nothing but half a hair on nine oxen.
What is half a hair?
It does not even count as a single hair!"
Now it was Yu'an's turn to be unhappy. Following Yulou to generate revenue in Clear Stream Market, he had also been worked like a beast of burden. The success of the Great Goods Store and Hundred Treasures Pavilion contained his own sweat.
Big brother, you are amazing, but saying that the Great Goods Store we built together doesn't even count as a single hair—isn't that going a bit too far?
"It can't be that bad. From its inception until now, our Great Goods Store has earned nearly twenty thousand spirit stones.
Big brother, that is not a small amount. It is enough to buy a Foundation Establishment Pill of slightly lower quality."
A while ago, three defective fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pills leaked into Clear Stream Market's ghost market. Good heavens, the rogue cultivators hiked the price of those things all the way to eighteen thousand spirit stones apiece.
Yu'an had watched with a flushed face and a pounding heart. He used to believe that he would be able to successfully reach Foundation Establishment no matter what in this lifetime.
But now, seeing the prices of Foundation Establishment resources skyrocket, how could he not panic?
However, this also solidified his resolve—he absolutely had to cling tightly to his big brother's thigh!
"Hahaha, yes, we didn't earn a small amount, but the Red Lantern Illumination Sect is not lacking spirit stones; what they lack are resources.
The most valuable part of the Great Goods Store, or rather the part the sect values the most, is its business target, or rather, its business model.
This is a completely new concept that no one in the Red Lantern Illumination Sect has ever encountered before, and it holds value in stabilizing the impact of price fluctuations on product sales profits.
Because of this, we managed to catch the sect's eye, leading to the arrival of the senior from the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's Commerce Hall of Elders today."
Yulou's explanation was relatively easy to understand. Yu'an understood, but he was even more amazed.
"Are you saying that this is the only store of its kind in the entire Red Lantern Illumination Sect?"
"Of course not. Several nearby markets already have similar ones. We earned spirit stones, so when others saw it, they learned and copied.
But we were the first, that much is certain.
Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's practice our lines. You play the senior from the Commerce Hall of Elders, and I will introduce the Great Goods Store's business model to you."
Yulou had arrived this early just to make preparations in advance, so that when the people from the Red Lantern Illumination Sect came, he could properly introduce it to them.
Yulou was a member of the Wang Clan of Anbei Kingdom. The Wang Clan was a vassal of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect, and the Commerce Hall of Elders was a core hall under the sect.
Preparing a proper report was a part of managing upwards in the workplace. It seemed like mere formalism, but the prevalence of formalism existed because it had objective value.
The Red Lantern Illumination Sect's goal in assimilating the Great Goods Store was very simple: to absorb its model of contract futures trading, thereby creating greater value for the sect.
As long as Yulou delivered this report well, if he were to develop within the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's system in the future, this would be a favorable connection that he might need to rely on someday.
As it neared noon, Bailu had already been standing guard at the entrance of the Great Goods Store for half the day.
In order to give Yulou a little time to mentally prepare for the arrival of the sect's Foundation Establishment cultivator, she had spent the entire morning staring at the road outside.
Details might not entirely dictate success or failure, but doing them well would always increase the odds of success. There was no doubt about that.
When it came to details, the Wang Clan had never been lacking, and Yulou lacked them even less.
It seemed like a small matter, but the principles hidden within small matters were the true methods needed to achieve great things.
This was called deciding to enter the game, forging ahead through hardships.
"They're here!" Bailu called out. Yulou hurriedly placed the ledger he had checked four times on the edge of the counter.
At the same time, he stepped out from behind the counter and walked over to the display board in front of it.
On the display board was a simple line chart, showing the income and profit of the Great Goods Store over the past few years.
"Fellow Daoist Liangzhuo, Yulou was sent to Clear Stream Market to learn a trade at a young age. As a youth who grew up among the markets, he naturally became more interested in the ways of business.
Because of this, he founded the Great Goods Store and achieved a few insignificant results, thereby having the fortune to be noticed by the sect," Wang Xianmao said modestly.
Zhou Liangzhuo thought to himself, 'This isn't about being noticed by the sect. This is your Behemoth Lineage being too greedy!'
'The sect master was pushed up by you all, and now he is recklessly issuing sect master orders, funneling resources to your Wang Clan... Forget it, it has nothing to do with me.'
'Anyway, I sent disciples a couple of days ago to sweep up order contracts, and they already bought a large batch. It will definitely earn a lot in the future.'
'This is enough. The Wang Clan eats the meat, and I, Zhou Liangzhuo, drink some soup. Neither of us has the right to criticize the other.'
One could only say that the Patriarch thoroughly understood how to hide his true strength. He acted modest, and Zhou Liangzhuo actually took it as the truth, which perfectly suited Wang Xianmao's intentions.
Yulou was indeed a true qilin, but a true qilin often needed to be carefully hidden away rather than showing off too much edge.
After all, tall trees attract the wind, and the overly rigid breaks easily.
"Hm? This arrangement is quite interesting. Xianmao, Patriarch Mangxiang must be respected. Your Wang Clan is not bad. Very good."
Upon entering the doors of the Great Goods Store, the Zhou family's Zhou Liangzhuo was first startled by the Longevity Plaque dedicated to Patriarch Mangxiang inside.
He hurriedly bowed three times before opening his mouth to speak with a sarcastic tone.
"Hahaha, our Wang Clan naturally wouldn't dare forget the Patriarch's teachings. This here is Yulou.
Yulou, come over and pay your respects to Senior Zhou Liangzhuo."
The group exchanged pleasantries for a bit, and Yulou prepared to begin his explanation.
But Zhou Liangzhuo instead waved his hand, speaking under Yulou's confused gaze.
"There is no need to say so much. The Commerce Hall of Elders will naturally obey the sect master's orders. Let's just leave it at that. You may go.
As for the future operations of this store, we will naturally arrange for people to come over."
Yulou and Yu'an looked at each other in dismay. Yu'an even felt somewhat indignant in his heart, but he did not show it.
Wang Xianmao understood Zhou Liangzhuo's thoughts, so he offered an invitation.
"Very well. Then Fellow Daoist Liangzhuo, shall we head straight to a meal?
Changze told me you were coming over, so I specifically had the family send over a fresh donkey."
"It is hard to decline such great hospitality, but I truly have matters to attend to. I still have a furnace of pills refining, so I must return to the sect in time."
Seeing Zhou Liangzhuo giving so little face, Wang Xianmao naturally did not force him to stay.
Once this Foundation Establishment senior had left, Yu'an finally let out a long sigh.
He knew his big brother had prepared thoroughly, but no one had expected that all those preparations would be of no use.
"You seem a bit lost?"
Wang Xianmao, however, maintained a very peaceful mindset, even having the leisure to smile and tease his own juniors.
"Are all cultivators from the large clans within the sect like this?" Yulou asked thoughtfully.
He felt that Zhou Liangzhuo was a bit immature. This wasn't an issue of posturing, but rather excessive arrogance.
Compared to this person, Jiang Baobian and Mu Changze seemed much better.
"Ah, these people have been protected far too well. Since you prepared so much today, why don't you explain it to me, your Patriarch."
The Patriarch looked at the two little qilins of his family with a beaming smile. Yulou was a true qilin, while Yu'an could be considered half a qilin.
"Forget it. However, I do not believe the Great Goods Store will be able to outperform its peers in nearby markets under the sect's management."
Yulou understood the Patriarch's intentions. The Patriarch didn't want the children of the clan to feel disappointed, but he and Yu'an were no longer children.
Of course, in the Patriarch's eyes, most of the people in the clan were children, and he wasn't wrong about that.
"Let's not talk about that. If they want to ruin it, let them ruin it. Instead, what new business plans do you have for the future?"
The children had grown up and didn't want to be overly close with him. The old Patriarch felt slightly disappointed, but he quickly adjusted himself.
"The achievements I have made these past few years are actually the transformation of our family's long-term accumulation.
The Hundred Treasures Pavilion represents a material transformation, while the Great Goods Store represents a transformation of reputation and prestige.
At the same time, we were lucky to catch the disappearance of Hidden Dragon Market and the effects of the war, which allowed us to achieve so much success.
This transformation has actually reached its limit long ago. The only reason it could last this long is entirely due to the war between Wondrous Peak Mountain and the Valley Spirit Sect.
Therefore, I truly do not have any other new business plans.
In the future, as long as the Hundred Treasures Pavilion successfully hosts the Clear Stream Market Talisman Master Competition and raises its reputation, business will naturally remain good for a long time."
Wang Xianmao thought for a moment and asked.
"You found three Qi Refining cultivators to act as judges. The participating talisman masters might not be convinced. Why don't Fellow Daoist Changze, Fellow Daoist Jinyan, and I act as the judges together? What do you think?"
The Patriarch's words indeed made sense, but Yulou also had his own considerations.
"Patriarch, I hired Hongmei, Uncle Rongsheng, and Zhou Yingxi to be the judges, which cost six hundred spirit stones.
If I were to invite Senior Changze and Senior Jinyan, the expenses for the competition would be much higher. Including the rewards for the victors, the cost to host it would be too great."
Accounting was the core part of organizational work. As the organizer of the competition, Yulou had to budget meticulously.
"Hmph, that dog Mu Changze. Our Wang Clan has invested quite a bit in the racetrack, and the Great Goods Store is also managed well.
These shops have brought many new customers to Clear Stream Market. As the Town Guardian Cultivator, even if he doesn't take a single spirit stone, he ought to come and repay your contributions to Clear Stream Market.
As for Fellow Daoist Jinyan, he probably won't refuse my invitation. Therefore, if you switch to three Foundation Establishment judges this time, you actually won't have to spend a single spirit stone."
When it came to haggling, the Wang Clan were professionals.
To Yulou's shock, the Patriarch demonstrated the absolute ceiling of haggling.
This time, Mu Changze and Wu Jinyan were bargained down by the Patriarch until not even their heels remained.
More accurately, they wouldn't even receive half a hair's worth of compensation!
"Fellow Daoist Liangzhuo, Yulou was sent to Clear Stream Market to learn a trade at a young age. Growing up in the market, the boy naturally developed an interest in the way of business.
"That is why he founded the Great Goods Store. He has achieved some meager results and was fortunate enough to be noticed by the sect," Wang Xianmao said modestly.
Zhou Liangzhuo thought to himself, 'This isn't about being noticed by the sect; it's about your Behemoth Lineage being too greedy!
'The sect master was propped up by you people, and now he is recklessly issuing sect master decrees to funnel benefits to your Wang Clan... Never mind, it has nothing to do with me.
'Anyway, the disciples sent a few days ago to sweep up order contracts have already acquired a massive batch. I will definitely make a fortune off this.
'This is enough. The Wang Clan eats the meat, and I, Zhou Liangzhuo, get to drink some of the broth. Neither of us can criticize the other.'
One could only say that the Patriarch truly understood how to hide his true strength. He acted humble, and Zhou Liangzhuo actually believed him, which played right into Wang Xianmao's hands.
Yulou was indeed a true qilin, but a true qilin needed to remain well-hidden. One could not reveal their sharp edges too openly.
After all, the tallest trees catch the most wind, and the overly rigid breaks easily.
"Hmm? This setup is quite interesting. Xianmao, Patriarch Mangxiang must be respected. Your Wang Clan is not bad, not bad at all."
Upon stepping through the doors of the Great Goods Store, Zhou Liangzhuo was immediately startled by the Longevity Plaque of Patriarch Mangxiang on display.
He hurriedly bowed to it three times before speaking with thinly veiled sarcasm.
"Hahaha, our Wang Clan naturally wouldn't dare forget the Patriarch's teachings. This here is Yulou.
"Yulou, come over and pay your respects to Senior Zhou Liangzhuo."
After the group exchanged pleasantries, Yulou was about to begin his explanation.
However, Zhou Liangzhuo waved a hand to stop him, speaking under Yulou's confused gaze.
"There's no need to say so much. The Commerce Hall of Elders will naturally obey the sect master's orders. Let's just leave it at that. You may go.
"As for the subsequent operation of this store, we will naturally arrange for people to take over."
Yulou and Yu'an exchanged dismayed glances. Yu'an felt a surge of indignation in his heart, but he kept it from showing.
Wang Xianmao understood Zhou Liangzhuo's mindset and offered an invitation.
"That is fine. Then, Fellow Daoist Liangzhuo, shall we head straight to a meal?
"Changze told me you were coming, so I specifically had the family send over some fresh donkey meat."
"It is hard to decline such hospitality, but I truly have matters to attend to. I still have a cauldron of pills refining, so I must return to the sect promptly."
Seeing Zhou Liangzhuo refuse to give him face like this, Wang Xianmao naturally didn't insist that he stay.
After the Foundation Establishment senior left, Yu'an finally let out a long sigh.
He knew his older brother had prepared thoroughly, but no one expected that his efforts would be completely ignored.
"You two look a bit bewildered."
Wang Xianmao, however, was completely at peace. He even had the leisure to smile and tease his juniors.
"Are the cultivators from the great families within the sect all like this?" Yulou asked thoughtfully.
He felt that Zhou Liangzhuo was somewhat immature. This wasn't just a matter of posturing, but of being overly domineering.
Compared to this person, Jiang Baobian and Mu Changze seemed much more reasonable.
"These people, hah, they've been protected far too well. Since you prepared so much today, why don't you explain it to your Patriarch instead?"
The Patriarch looked at the family's two young prodigies with a smile. Yulou was a true qilin, while Yu'an could be considered half a qilin.
"Forget it. Moreover, I am not optimistic that the Great Goods Store, under the sect's management, will be able to surpass its peers in the nearby markets."
Yulou understood the Patriarch's intentions. The Patriarch didn't want the children of the clan to feel disappointed, but he and Yu'an had long ceased to be children.
Of course, in the Patriarch's eyes, most of the people in the clan were still children, and he wasn't wrong, either.
"Let's not talk about that. If they want to ruin it, let them ruin it. Rather, do you have any new business plans for what comes next?"
The children had grown up and didn't want to confide in him anymore. The old Patriarch felt a hint of disappointment, but he quickly adjusted his mood.
"The achievements Yulou has made over these years are actually the realization of the family's long-term accumulation.
"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion was a material transformation, and the Great Goods Store was a transformation in reputation and prestige.
"At the same time, we were lucky enough to catch the wave of the Hidden Dragon Market's disappearance and the war, which led to all this success.
"This kind of transformation had actually reached its limit long ago. Being able to last this long was entirely reliant on the war between Wondrous Peak Mountain and Valley Spirit Sect.
"Therefore, Yulou truly does not have any new business plans.
"In the future, as long as the Hundred Treasures Pavilion successfully hosts the Clear Stream Market Talisman Master Competition and boosts its fame, business will naturally remain strong for a long time."
Wang Xianmao thought for a moment and asked,
"You found three Qi Refining cultivators to act as judges. The participating talisman makers might not be convinced. How about I, along with Fellow Daoist Changze and Fellow Daoist Jinyan, act as the judges together? What do you think?"
The Patriarch's words indeed made sense, but Yulou had his own considerations.
"Patriarch, I hired Hongmei, Uncle Rongsheng, and Zhou Yingxi to be the judges, and it cost six hundred spirit stones.
"If I were to invite Senior Changze and Senior Jinyan, the expenses for the competition would be too high. Factoring in the rewards for the winners, the cost of hosting it would simply be too great."
Accounting was a core part of organizational work. As the host of the competition, Yulou had to calculate carefully and budget strictly.
"Hmph, that dog Mu Changze. Our Wang Clan has invested quite a bit in the racetrack, and the Great Goods Store was run pretty well too.
"These businesses brought many new customers to Clear Stream Market. As the Town Guardian Cultivator, even without taking a single spirit stone, he ought to come and repay your contributions to the market.
"As for Fellow Daoist Jinyan, he wouldn't dare refuse my invitation. Therefore, if you upgrade to having three Foundation Establishment cultivators as judges this time, you actually won't need to spend a single spirit stone."
When it came to bargaining, the Wang Clan was professional.
Amidst Yulou's shock, the Patriarch demonstrated to him what the absolute peak of bargaining looked like.
This time, Mu Changze and Wu Jinyan were bargained down by the Patriarch until they were fleeced to the bone.
To be precise, they wouldn't even receive a single spirit stone in compensation!
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