Chapter 57

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"Zhang and I have indeed already verified that technique. It truly is a technology that benefits the world. Although we, the Zhongshan horse merchants, are not adept at the salt industry, there are still commonalities in business. We plan to purchase land in Qingzhou and engage in the salt trade," Su Shuang laughed, not concealing his excitement, as this could be a highly profitable venture, and a commodity that the world must have. Horses might not sell, but in the four hundred years of the Han Dynasty, there has never been a shortage of salt.

Chen Xi subtly pulled at the corners of his mouth. What does he mean by 'commonalities in business'? You are simply trying to take advantage of others. Even if other salt merchants were to sell at a loss to compete with you, you would still make a profit. This is almost like robbing people of their money. As long as you are not assassinated and the technology is not stolen, even if you crush the salt industry of the Han Dynasty, forming a monopoly would not be a problem.

"I think you also know how profitable this industry is, so don't think about getting everything. You wouldn't want to end up like during the Han Wu era, where all your assets are confiscated and you are reduced to slavery, with the main person being beheaded and discarded," Chen Xi said nonchalantly, mentioning something that would make any merchant shudder.

"Of course not," Zhang Shiping said timidly, wiping his sweat. "As a merchant, isn't the goal to leave something for future generations? Even if my descendants are not capable, they can still squander for a few more days. I have done my best for them."

Chen Xi raised an eyebrow and looked at Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping. These two are not fools; they have brought up the issue of their descendants, which is not typically a business matter.

"Yes, it's not easy. We do so much for the sake of future generations. Since we all have the same thoughts, let's not talk about it anymore. Let's go into the courtyard and discuss it in detail," Chen Xi put on a compassionate expression, indicating that everyone is thinking about the future of their descendants.

"Please, Mr. Chen." Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping clearly felt relieved. With such immense wealth in front of them, both were somewhat uncertain about their own mindset, inevitably revealing their thoughts.

Chen Xi smiled and turned to enter. Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang followed, one after the other. For the ancients, this was indeed immense wealth, but for Chen Xi, it was nothing. What he was now worried about was paper...

Chen Xi yawned and pulled out a piece of white cloth from under a pile of bamboo slips, casually tossing it to Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang. "Before you two came, I was bored and had already drafted the contract. If there are any issues or unsuitable parts, just point them out, and we can discuss them further."

Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping took the white cloth and began to read it. After a quick glance, they sighed with relief. The terms were not as arrogant as they had expected, nor as domineering as official business. Each clause was reasonable.

However, Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping were somewhat puzzled by the second-to-last and third-to-last clauses. One was about the division of the salt industry, specifying where they could sell the salt. The other required all downstream distributors and retailers to register. The final clause stated that the ultimate custody and interpretation rights of the original regulations belonged to the Prefect of Mount Tai, Chen Xi. Although they did not fully understand this, it seemed reasonable, as it was always the case in the past.

"Mr. Chen, we don't understand the second-to-last clause," Su Shuang said after much thought, pointing to the clause.

"Oh, this is just to let me know who you are selling the salt to. Have them sign and put a fingerprint. If something goes wrong, I can help," Chen Xi said casually.

Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping frowned. This would expose all their connections to the officials. If something went wrong, they could easily be wiped out.

"Don't worry, I don't plan to wipe you out. I just want the internal sales channels of the Han Dynasty. As for outside the borders, you can do as you please. Of course, we have the right of first refusal on what you bring back. And I don't want the final distribution channels," Chen Xi explained, seeing Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping frown.

"I just want the first three layers of the distribution channels. That is, when you sell salt to the major salt merchants in each state, they need to sign. Then, the major salt merchants in each state will distribute the salt to the counties, and the county salt merchants need to sign. After that, it's not necessary," Chen Xi said, looking at Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang. This made them feel much more at ease, as he was not demanding their own distribution channels, but those of the retailers.

"As for your concern about being wiped out, I can make the salt you sell official salt. As long as you don't break the law, no one will touch you. This is my bottom line," Chen Xi said more seriously, almost implying that if they were not cooperative, he would find someone else to talk to, and many merchants would still come for this technology.

Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. The current terms were already very favorable. If they continued to be unreasonable, they might anger Chen Xi and end up with nothing.

"Alright, let's sign it now," Chen Xi said, seeing Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang eager to proceed.

"Alright." Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang nodded, each taking a brush and signing their names on the white cloth, then biting their thumbs to leave a fingerprint.

"Done. I'll keep the original, and this is the copy. I'll sign it and leave a fingerprint, and you can keep it," Chen Xi said, pulling out another piece of white cloth from under the bamboo slips, signing his name, and leaving a fingerprint with ink. He would not bite his own finger, as that would be too painful.

"Check it to make sure there are no issues, then keep it," Chen Xi handed the copy to Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang, who compared it to ensure there were no problems, and then each kept their copy.

"Mr. Prefect, the 100,000 dan of provisions will be delivered in two batches. The first 20,000 dan will be delivered by land to Fenggao within three days. The remaining 80,000 dan will be delivered by sea to Qingzhou, then transferred via the Yellow River to Jinan, and finally by land to Mount Tai. Please remember to receive them," Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang, with red faces, tucked the contract copy into their robes and bowed to Chen Xi.

"The Zhen family, huh." Chen Xi nodded. "I think you are eager to go to Qingzhou to buy land and prepare for the salt trade. I wish you both a successful venture. I don't think you want me to hold you back, do you?"

"Thank you for your good wishes, Mr. Chen. We will not stay here any longer. The managers of the Zhang and Su families will come soon to handle other matters," Su Shuang and Zhang Shuang, clearly eager, left almost immediately after receiving Chen Xi's permission, without much further conversation.

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