pappabearbooks Chapter 5451 Firm Stance
Chapter 5451 Firm Stance
Chapter 5451 Firm Stance
Surrounded by their servants and soldiers, Linghu Defen and Dou Dexuan were escorted by officials from the merchant guild to meet Wu Meiniang. Just then, a large ship slowly arrived and docked, and another group of officials immediately went to escort them.
Dou Dexuan asked the officials, "Whose boat is this?"
The official stood on tiptoe to look around and said, "It's the boat of the Pei family from Wenxi."
Dou Dexuan turned to Linghu Defen and said, "Let's go see Lady Wu first. We'll just say what we need to say and express our stance. We won't participate in the so-called meeting."
Wu Zetian, now in charge of the businesses, issued a wide-ranging "call to arms," ostensibly summoning all shareholders to Huating Town for a meeting to discuss supporting the development of Liaodong. In reality, it was a distribution of profits, determining how much each family contributed and how much they would gain, and whether any of their children had passed the imperial examinations and were currently or had already been selected as officials, wishing to serve in Liaodong...
For the nation, this is a tremendous and momentous wave that can lay the foundation for lasting achievements.
From a personal perspective, this is also a huge feast of power and interests, from which countless people can get a share.
Now, Wu Zetian, who is in charge of the business, has become the one who cuts the meat with a knife.
Even prominent figures of the time, such as Dou Dexuan and Linghu Defen, as heads of powerful families, had to travel long distances to come.
But this doesn't mean their dignity is worthless.
They could fawn and flatter a mere concubine, but they would never show such a face to someone of equal status.
……
The mansion on the hillside by the river is now the main store of a business. There is no port on the river, but there is a small dock. Large ships cannot dock here, so they can only stop at the port first and then use small boats to bring guests here.
Linghu Defen and Dou Dexuan crossed the river in a small boat and landed at the small dock in front of the mansion. The river embankment was built with stone blocks, which was sturdy and beautiful. Ancient trees towered on the hillside, and houses with flying eaves and brackets could be faintly seen in the distant mountains and forests.
Although they were distinguished guests, this meeting was different from a formal one, so the reception was held in a flower hall on one side of the main hall, where the plants and trees outside were lush, the flowers were abundant, and the birds sang.
Inside the hall, Wu Zetian, dressed in a magnificent gown adorned with intricate patterns, silver and gold embroidery, her hair piled high and adorned with jewels, possessed a stunningly beautiful face that could topple kingdoms. Her entire being exuded elegance and splendor as she sat gracefully on a grand chair, brightening the entire flower hall.
Sitting in front of her, Linghu Defen and Dou Dexuan felt no contempt whatsoever.
The smile on her stunningly beautiful face was merely a facade; the light emanating from her phoenix eyes was breathtaking.
This seemingly delicate and beautiful woman wields the greatest wealth and power in the world.
Generally speaking, Wu Zetian would sit behind a curtain to conceal her face when receiving outsiders, but Linghu Defen and Dou Dexuan were both renowned scholars of their time and were well over sixty years old, so there was no need for them to hide their faces.
Wu Meiniang smiled sweetly, raised her delicate hand to invite the two men to drink tea, and said in a gentle voice, "You two patriarchs have come from afar, and I am sorry that I was unable to greet you properly."
Linghu Defen took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, stroked his beard, and laughed: "Although we are decades apart in age and generation, we are old friends. I have been living in seclusion for a long time. Why should I be so polite when I come out of the mountains to visit an old friend? We should treat each other with the courtesy due to old friends and just do as we please."
Upon hearing this, Wu Meiniang and Dou Dexuan were slightly taken aback.
Wu Meiniang thought that this person had been living in seclusion for many years, and his former fierceness had completely dissipated. His every move and word was natural and unpretentious, and his realm had greatly improved.
Dou Dexuan cursed the old scoundrel inwardly, "What kind of 'old friend' are you?"
Is this the "old friend" who was so humiliated and embarrassed in the main hall back then?
As the head of the Linghu family, a great Confucian scholar of the time, and the Minister of Rites, he was humiliated by a young woman. In shame and indignation, he resigned from his post and went into seclusion, not daring to see anyone. This is also an "old friend".
Now, he actually has the audacity to call himself an "old friend" in front of such a beautiful young person, without any regard for his reputation or dignity?
Pooh!
Shameless and thick-skinned!
Seeing Wu Meiniang's clear and bright eyes looking over, Dou Dexuan quickly forced a smile: "Your father, Lord Xin, and I were old friends. We used to sleep in the same bed and even touch feet together. It's just a pity that the heavens were jealous of his talent and Lord Xin died young... In terms of age, we are friends from generation to generation and close family ties, so there's no need to stand on ceremony."
Linghu Defen glanced sideways.
You old codger with thick eyebrows and big eyes, usually so stern and upright, are now trying to smooth things over by bringing up Fang Jun's father, who has been dead for years, in order to erase the sordid incident between you and Princess Jinyang. You're even trying to curry favor with him indirectly. Have you no shame?
……
Wu Meiniang smiled gently, kind yet reserved, and said softly, "You two are renowned scholars and ministers of the world. With you two in person, I am trembling with fear of being impolite. However, I feel a heavy responsibility as I am now in charge of the business, so I can only humbly invite you to Huating Town to discuss important matters. I am deeply honored by your presence."
Linghu Defen and Dou Dexuan exchanged a glance and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This long journey of traversing mountains and rivers, covering thousands of miles, had finally come to fruition.
As the head of the family, a renowned minister, and a great scholar, the reason for this trip is for Wu Zetian's words: "Let go of all grudges and hatreds, and from now on, let us unite as one and work together!"
The maid at the door bowed and stepped forward to replace the teapot, then Wu Meiniang raised her hand and dismissed her, leaving only the three of them sitting opposite each other in the hall.
Linghu Defen coughed lightly, took a sip of tea, and then said quietly, "This time, my brother and I left Guanzhong and arrived in Jiangnan. However, we were feeling unwell from staying at home for so long, so we went out to travel and appreciate the magnificent scenery and the everyday life of the people. Our visit to you, Madam, is merely to reminisce about old times. As for the so-called business, we have no other intentions. The business was founded by the Grand Commandant and is now managed by Madam Wu. We are very satisfied with all aspects of the business, so all matters are decided by Madam Wu. I will not interfere at all."
Dou Dexuan nodded in agreement: "The business has been thriving in recent years. We have been making money almost at home, and we are extremely satisfied. The entire Dou family of Daibei is grateful for the kindness of the Grand Commandant in allowing us to invest. Therefore, no matter what decision the business makes, we will wholeheartedly support it."
Given their status, they only needed to personally come here to meet Wu Meiniang to make their attitude clear. If they were to haggle over every little detail about how to distribute the benefits, they would be doing a disservice.
Moreover, as long as the two of them arrive in person to express their support and endorsement, the symbolic significance will be extraordinary. How could Wu Zetian let Linghu and Dou suffer a loss?
As expected, Wu Meiniang's smile brightened upon hearing this. She nodded slightly, her hair ornaments swaying and shimmering: "Both of you are renowned scholars and heroes of our time. My husband and I have long admired you. Now, you are deeply righteous in supporting the development of Liaodong. You are truly role models and pillars of the nation, inspiring our deepest respect. Even so, I will not trouble you two with mundane matters. These minor issues can be communicated to your respective stewards."
Linghu Defen clapped his hands and laughed: "That's exactly right! Lady Wu is beautiful and intelligent, a heroine. These mundane matters can be decided with just a word. Not to mention that the Linghu family will not suffer any loss, even if they do suffer a little loss, what does it matter? Being able to support Lady Wu's decision is also beneficial to the country, and I am happy to do so!"
In short, we have no objection to any policies or methods used in developing Liaodong; you can do whatever you want with it!
This is Linghu's attitude.
He, as the head of the Linghu clan, personally went to Huating Town to express this in front of Wu Meiniang.
The underlying meaning is quite clear: all the grudges and animosity between them will be wiped clean from now on, and Linghu will completely stand on Fang Jun's side.
Therefore, they sided with the Crown Prince.
Dou Dexuan also said, "I have long since stopped concerning myself with worldly affairs, and none of my children have become successful. I have gradually become estranged from both wealth and economy and national governance. I wish to contribute to the country, but I am willing but unable to do so. My family can make a living by relying on the business. If the business can also benefit the country, it would be the best of both worlds. Madam Wu, you may do as you please."
The Dou family and the Linghu family shared the same stance: to support the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince by supporting the merchant guild.
Moreover, the business is firmly in Fang Jun's hands. Even if they really have some ulterior motives, how could they bypass Fang Jun?
Fang Jun disagreed, saying that all his plans were in vain.
It would be better to simply lie down and let Fang Jun handle things without objection.
Fang Jun is less of a blockhead and more of a stubborn donkey, a typical example of someone who "won't move when led and goes backward when beaten." The more you scheme, plot, and try to outsmart him, the more he will confront you and make things difficult for you. Conversely, if you give him your full trust and don't seek credit or personal gain, he won't let you suffer any losses.
As expected, Wu Meiniang smiled and said softly, "The business operates on a cooperative basis. With such harmony and humility among the shareholders, the business will naturally be smooth sailing and have a bright future. On behalf of my husband, I would like to thank you both for your understanding."
Developing Liaodong is a massive project, involving unprecedented human, financial, and material resources. No one can swallow all the enormous profits involved, but it is essential to keep control over who gets those profits, how much they are given, and how little they are given.
The saying "Only names and tools should not be lent to others" illustrates this point.
Don't assume that because you own shares in the business, you are entitled to profits. You must also understand that although the business is nominally a trading organization, it is also a huge political weapon. When this weapon is needed to demonstrate a stance, whoever follows closely will benefit.
On the contrary, you will not be welcomed by the business. Not to mention you will not get any profits, what can they do even if they kick you out?
Today, no one can check or balance the business.
This is a gigantic beast parasitizing the body of the empire, capable of turning on you at any moment...