The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

On the morning of the next day, the owners of major silk and satin shops in Suzhou City all received gold-stamped invitations.

The newly appointed Suzhou Weaving Commissioner invited them to tea without waiting for them to pay their respects. This unusual move made these veterans, who had been in the business world for many years, feel uneasy.

Just after the hour of Wei, the hosts gathered in the private room of Deyue Tower.

Several identical invitations were spread out on the eight-immortals table, but everyone present had a frown on their face.

"Have you heard?" Ruifuxiang's Zhou Dongjia lowered his voice. "Mr. Zhao, who was still in office three days ago, is said to have been promoted to the position of prefect of Fujian."

Liu Dongjia, the owner of Yongchang Cloth Shop, placed his teacup heavily on the table. "Anyone with a discerning eye can see that a fourth-rank prefect can't possibly compare to the lucrative jobs at Suzhou Weaving. This is clearly a promotion in name only, a demotion in reality!"

Everyone exchanged knowing glances.

Having been involved in business in Jiangnan for decades, who wouldn't know about the lucrative position of Suzhou Weaving? The silver that trickled through his fingers from the annual tribute purchases alone was enough for an ordinary family to live on for several lifetimes.

"Do you know who the new weaving master is?" Mr. Zhou looked around mysteriously. "I heard he's a young man in his early twenties, surnamed Song..."

"Song? There's no noble family in the capital with the last name Song!"

"Since he's not from a noble family, we don't need to be afraid of him. We've been doing business in Suzhou for decades, so why should we be afraid of a new kid?"

Everyone present turned their eyes to the Zhao family, the largest local silk merchant.

However, Zhao Dongjia felt that something was wrong. The Suzhou Weaving Factory was of great importance. The emperor would not change this position for no reason, and would not send someone with no foundation to take over.

I’m afraid today’s tea doesn’t taste good!

"Let's take a look!"

Seeing that the time was almost up, he took a sedan chair and rushed to the Suzhou Weaving Office.

Everyone was led into the flower hall and sat down. Soon, a servant came with a humble look and served tea.

The tender buds of Biluochun slowly unfold in the official kiln white porcelain cup. The tea soup is as clear as amber, but when you sniff it carefully, the fragrance is a little weaker than usual.

"Strange..." Zhou Dongjia frowned slightly, gently skimmed off the foam with the tea lid, and whispered, "Why does this tea look like last year's stale tea?"

Upon hearing this, the others each picked up their teacups and took a closer look. Sure enough, although the tea was clear in color, it lacked the freshness of new tea.

Everyone looked at each other, and tacitly put the teacups back on the table without moving.

——We won’t drink such bad tea.

However, no matter how long they waited, the owner never showed up.

It was early summer, and the heat was rising. Gradually, beads of sweat appeared on some people's foreheads. Some people were gently waving folding fans, but the wind they fanned out was also hot.

Finally, someone couldn't bear the thirst anymore and picked up the teacup, taking a sip. The tea was indeed bland and tasteless, even with a hint of stale bitterness.

But the weather was so hot that everyone had to drink it reluctantly to quench their thirst.

I sat there for half an hour, and even refilled the tea twice, but still nothing happened.

Just when everyone was growing impatient, footsteps were finally heard outside.

An Lingrong was followed by Shen Yunfei and Liu Zhu, walking calmly.

Today she was wearing a lake blue brocade dress with delicate twined flower patterns embroidered on the hem. She had only a kingfisher hairpin in her hair, which gave her a simple and elegant look with a hint of coolness.

Then he walked to the main seat and sat down directly.

Everyone was stunned. Isn't this the seat for the weaving master? Why is this woman sitting here?

An Lingrong ignored everyone's astonishment, and gently stroked the teacup with her slender jade fingers, saying lightly, "Greetings, everyone."

This sound brought everyone back to their senses.

They came to their senses then and hastily bowed in return, but their eyes involuntarily glanced towards the door.

"Don't look at it, I told Lord Song to invite you all here."

Order!

As soon as these two words were spoken, the hall suddenly became quiet.

Who is this woman who can make the weaving master obey her orders?

Zhou Dongjia narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively, "What is this lady's name?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yunfei, who was standing behind him, raised his sword-like eyebrows and said in a cold voice: "Does it have anything to do with you?"

I don’t even know my cousin’s name, how can I tell you!

Zhou Dongjia was choked and his old face turned red, but he didn't dare to get angry.

These people must be from important backgrounds.

An Lingrong's lips curled up into a gentle smile. "My name is not important. I summoned you all here today to discuss a business deal with you."

Only then did the people present show a hint of interest.

"I'm planning to open a textile factory in Suzhou. The cloth I weave will be sold at a price 30% to 40% lower than the current market price..."

Before he finished speaking, there was an uproar in the hall.

Several hosts stood up suddenly, and some even knocked over their teacups.

A 30% or 40% lower rate? Wouldn't that cut off their livelihood?

"Madam!" Liu Dongjia slammed the table and stood up, his beard trembling. "You're planning a price war and driving all of us established brands into ruin! Once we're all bankrupt, you'll monopolize the market and raise prices. This is truly dishonorable!"

An Lingrong said leisurely, "Boss Liu, you're worrying too much. The price I set won't increase in the future."

"It won't increase? Then aren't you doing business at a loss?"

"Whether I'll lose money or not is not your concern. Once my cloth is on the market, I'm afraid your workshops..."

She didn't finish her words, but the implication sent chills down everyone's spine.

Some people have gathered together and are whispering.

Seeing everyone's gloomy faces, An Lingrong suddenly smiled: "But don't worry, everyone, I will only target the cotton and linen markets. The high-quality silk business is still yours, and I will not interfere."

This sentence eased the tense atmosphere a little.

Several owners who specialized in silk were obviously relieved, while those who mainly dealt in cotton and linen had mixed expressions and exchanged glances with each other.

Zhao Dongjia, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly asked, "Since Madam has such ability, why didn't she just squeeze us out of the market? Instead, she informed us in advance?"

An Lingrong's eyes flickered with appreciation when she heard this. "Master Liu, that's a good question." She took a sip from her teacup and said, "Although I'm a businessman, I also know the principle of leaving a way out when doing things. I invited you all here today to give you the opportunity to make a choice."

She gestured for Liu Zhu to take out a stack of contracts. "Those willing to cooperate can purchase goods from my workshop. I can guarantee that your prices will be five cents lower than other merchants. If you want to change your business, I can also acquire your workshop and workers."

As soon as she said this, the hall suddenly became quiet.

Everyone's faces darkened visibly. Some frowned, some clenched their teacups, and some even sneered with anger in their eyes.

You want to buy my workshop and ask me to sell the goods for you? How can that be justified?

An Lingrong turned her eyes slightly, taking in everyone's angry or sarcastic expressions.

Indeed, this condition... is a bit excessive.