If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

After returning, Zhou Wu immediately found Deng Yuanliang and asked him to arrange for people to manage the rubber trees. Then, Zhou Wu briefly explained the rubber tapping method to Deng Yuanliang.

In fact, Zhou Wu didn't know how to tap rubber trees either. He had only seen it in his previous life and gave a rough description. The specifics could only be figured out by the people doing the work themselves.

"Sir, as you said, we don't yet have workshops or technology to process rubber. What should we do with the rubber we collect?"

"Let's find a bucket to store it first."

Deng Yuanliang has always had a unique perspective, directly raising key issues. This is why Zhou Wu regards Deng Yuanliang as his right-hand man. He can think independently and, more often than not, find solutions on his own.

"Ok."

Although the construction site is full of people now, there is still a huge labor shortage. The South China Sea islands simply need far too many workers.

The most urgent task now is the construction of the docks and the city. Other ancillary facilities have not been started at all. It's not that we don't want to do them, but we simply don't have the manpower.

A month later, the progress on the South China Sea islands was far below expectations, so Deng Yuanliang quickly sought out Zhou Wu to discuss countermeasures.

"Sir, the progress is less than half of what we expected. This can't go on."

"Yuanliang, have you analyzed what caused this?"

"The main problem is still manpower and materials. Although we've been recruiting everywhere, the shortage is just too big. The same goes for materials. Although we've adopted local production for many materials to save costs, the output simply can't keep up with the construction progress, so..."

Zhou Wu knew very well that none of this was Deng Yuanliang's fault. If it were someone else, they might not have achieved this level. He could only blame himself for having overly optimistic expectations. Now, he could only try to find a way to remedy the situation.

“Got it, Yuanliang. Go and notify all the chambers of commerce or shops we’ve had dealings with, as long as they have money. Tell them I envy our cooperation with them.”

"Sir, are you planning to use someone else's resources to your advantage?"

"No, this is called a win-win situation. I plan to contract out some construction projects to them."

"Sir, although these people are usually very respectful to us, when it comes to money, they won't lay a finger on anything without seeing the blueprints."

Deng Yuanliang was reminding Zhou Wu that no one would be so foolish as to do something without any benefit.

"Don't worry, there will definitely be benefits."

Zhou Wu first kept everyone in suspense.

. . . . . . . .

The heads of various chambers of commerce and shopkeepers have been arriving in Niujia Town one after another. Zhou Wu has taken care of all their needs, providing them with good food, drinks and lodging. He figured that if he wanted them to invest, he couldn't skimp on this small amount of money.

Those who came had all dealt with Niujia Town before, and they came because of Zhou Wu and Deng Yuanliang's character and talent. Although Zhou Wu was an official, he never looked down on merchants, which was one of the reasons why merchants were willing to do business with Niujia Town.

Three days later, all the invitations sent out by Deng Yuanliang were received, and Zhou Wu directly arranged for the Qinglong ship to send all the people to the South China Sea island.

"This, this... this is..."

"This is even bigger than the Bull Demon King level!!"

"Are there really ships in the world bigger than the Bull Demon King?"

When everyone saw the Azure Dragon at the dock, they were all stunned and frozen in place.

The Azure Dragon class is at least twice the size of the Bull Demon King class, with three main masts alone. Both its cargo capacity and passenger capacity far exceed those of the Bull Demon King class.

Zhou Wu had been keeping the Azure Dragon-level weapon well hidden, hoping to use it as his territory. But now he couldn't care less. Facing these shrewd businessmen, he had to show some strength, and the Azure Dragon-level weapon was currently the one Zhou Wu could best demonstrate his power with.

"Steward Deng, was this boat built in Niujia Town?"

"Manager Deng, is this ship for sale? What is the price?"

"..."

These businessmen frequently dealt with Deng Yuanliang. In the eyes of outsiders, Deng Yuanliang was the general manager of Niujia Town and Zhou Wu's right-hand man. Over time, everyone began to call Deng Yuanliang the general manager.

"When you get to the South China Sea islands, you can ask the Grand Commander directly about these matters."

Zhou Wu's business partners naturally knew about his promotion to Grand Commander and Earl, and they even sent him congratulatory gifts. He accepted them without hesitation, as Zhou Wu's expenses would be substantial for a long time to come.

South China Sea islands.

After everyone landed, the place was still desolate, but the scenery was quite nice.

The meeting was held in a makeshift pavilion located within a city construction site.

"Welcome to the first South China Sea Business Conference, despite your busy schedules."

Everything has a legitimate reason, and Zhou Wu also gave his conference, which was supposed to attract sponsorship and investment, a catchy name.

"South China Sea Business Conference?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, but it sounds so high-end and professional."

"When did businessmen become able to attend such formal meetings?"

Although they didn't quite understand, upon hearing the impressive name of the conference, everyone couldn't help but straighten their backs, feeling as if they weren't inferior to anyone else.

"I believe everyone knows a bit about me, Zhou Wu. I've never liked beating around the bush, so let's get straight to the point."

Upon hearing that Zhou Wu was about to get down to business, everyone stopped discussing. This meeting was so high-level that something important must be about to be announced.

"As you can see, the place we are in now is the future first major city of South Island, the largest city in the southern part of the Great Dragon Empire, and will also be a world maritime transportation hub."

When talking about the largest city in the south, Zhou Wu's real goal was to become a megacity that surpassed the capital. However, since this was a bit taboo, Zhou Wu was more tactful.

“Originally, the first city in the South China Sea was to be built by the imperial court, but I had a different opinion, so I remonstrated with His Majesty, hoping that His Majesty could use this city as a model pilot project, supervised by the imperial court, and bring together the strengths of many to participate in the construction of the city.”

"Sir, what is the meaning of combining the strengths of many to participate in the construction of the city?"

Someone stepped forward and raised their own questions.

"It's under the supervision of the imperial court. The specific construction will be put out to public tender throughout the Great Dragon Kingdom. Those who are interested can bid, and the winner can participate in the construction."

"Sir, I understand what you mean, but what are the benefits for the successful bidder?"

"Okay, that's a good question. I believe it's something everyone here wants to ask. People say that businessmen are profit-driven, but I think it's normal to expect a return on your efforts. So, we won't let everyone work for nothing."

Now for the main event, everyone perked up their ears, after all, Zhou Wu's commotion this time must mean something big was going on.