Moma Liangshan

Chapter 52 Selling Wine in Qiantang, Arriving in Mingzhou

Fang La asked, "Did you see the three warhorses with your own eyes?" Lü Shinang replied, "I saw them with my own eyes. One of them, which I rode for several miles, is a truly fine horse from beyond the Great Wall." Fang La looked at Wang Yin and asked, "In your opinion, should we buy these three warhorses?" Wang Yin did not hesitate at all and said, "Opportunity knocks but once, Your Majesty, do not hesitate!" Fang La then looked at Deng Yuanjue and Shi Bao and asked, "Do you also agree to buy these three warhorses?" The two nodded at the same time. Fang La said, "Since everyone agrees, Protector Lü can take 10,000 taels of silver from the main altar today and reach a deal with Wang Hao as soon as possible." Lü Shinang said, "I will do it immediately!" At this moment, Wang Yin said, "Protector Lü, wait a moment!" Fang La asked, "Does Protector Wang have anything else to say?" Lü Shinang said, "Wang Hao's Eight Immortals Wine is selling like hotcakes in Tokyo, but there is absolutely no supply in the Jiangzhe region. According to reports from our brothers in Tokyo, a jar of Eight Immortals Wine sells for six taels of silver in Fanlou. We can offer eight taels of silver per jar, and given Wang Hao's style, he shouldn't refuse." Fang La frowned slightly and said, "Eight Immortals Wine is comparable to..." "Changmei wine costs more than ten times as much. Wouldn't introducing such a luxury to Jiangnan give others cause for criticism?" Wang Yin said. "Since the Southern Tang Dynasty, Jiangnan's wealth has surpassed that of the Central Plains. After the tyrannical emperor ascended the throne, he established the 'Suzhou-Hangzhou Supply Bureau' to massively increase the tribute of rare stones and flowers, leading to widespread poverty. However, people love wine; regardless of wealth, status, age, or gender, it's difficult for anyone to go three days without it. If Eight Immortals Wine enters Qiantang, a jar costing ten taels will easily find a buyer. Why wouldn't Your Majesty be happy to exchange the profits from Eight Immortals Wine for fine horses from beyond the Great Wall?" Fang La pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "Eight Immortals Wine comes from Wang Hao, and fine horses from beyond the Great Wall come from Wang Hao. Has Protector Wang ever considered that, in the long run, all the wealth of Jiangnan will fall into Wang Hao's hands?"

Wang Yin said, "Possessing mountains of gold and seas of silver, yet lacking elite armor and sharp weapons, they are like lambs to the slaughter, not worth worrying about!" Fang La looked at the other three and asked, "What do you think?" Lü Shinang said, "Eight Immortals Wine is expensive, beyond the reach of ordinary people. Introducing it to Qiantang will not harm the people. Using the wealth in the pockets of corrupt officials and merchants to strengthen the troops under the Holy Duke's command, it's feasible!" Deng Yuanjue said, "Between two evils, choose the lesser; between two benefits, choose the greater. This humble monk believes it's feasible!" Shi Bao said, "A fair trade requires mutual consent. If it goes against the will of the people, Eight Immortals Wine will be difficult to sell. If it conforms to the will of the people, Eight Immortals Wine will be in short supply." "I agree to introduce Eight Immortals Wine. As for the outcome, the people's footsteps will tell us." Fang La pondered for a moment and said, "If people are willing to buy it, they will come; if they are not willing to buy it, they will take a detour. We only need to put the Eight Immortals Wine on the shelves, and we will be responsible for the profits and losses. It has nothing to do with the people!" Shi Bao said, "That's right!" Fang La looked at Lü Shinang and said, "When you are trading warhorses, you will discuss the matter of Eight Immortals Wine with Wang Hao. If this matter is successful, you will still be fully responsible for it in the future!" Lü Shinang said, "I obey your orders and will certainly not fail the Holy Lord's trust!" After saying that, he left Bangyuan Cave.

The next day, 37,000 taels of silver arrived at the Hangzhou post station. Looking at the chests and chests of silver, Wang Hao said, "Gold and silver are more than ten times lighter than copper coins. However, traveling from the Central Plains to Jiangnan involves countless mountains and rivers, and there are still many inconveniences." Liu Gu smiled broadly and said, "How many people in the world are as young and wealthy as Young Master Wang? Even ordinary people with a certain amount of loose silver are already well-off." Liu Gu didn't understand his meaning, and since the two had only a brief acquaintance, Wang Hao didn't say much, only, "During my trip to Hangzhou, I received much help from Boss Liu. If I ever find a way to make money in the future, I will certainly not forget Boss Liu!" Liu Gu secretly glanced at Lü Shinang, who nodded slightly. After a moment's hesitation, Liu Gu spoke, "I've heard that Young Master Wang's Eight Immortals Wine is renowned throughout Tokyo. Why is it that in the prosperous Jiangnan region, there isn't a single restaurant selling it?" Wang Hao casually replied, "There are two reasons! First, the production of Eight Immortals Wine is limited, barely enough to supply Tokyo; second, Jiangnan is far away, and without partners, it's difficult to establish a foothold." Suddenly, Lü Shinang asked, "If someone were willing to cooperate and act as an agent for selling Eight Immortals Wine, would Young Master Wang agree?" Lü Shinang's background was extraordinary, as Wang Hao had already discerned in the horse-buying matter. He said, "It depends on this person's strength; can they control the Qiantang region?" Lü Shinang replied: "With ample wealth and manpower, neither the government nor the bandits will tarnish his reputation!" Wang Hao smiled slightly and said, "Such a hero deserves our acquaintance. Mr. Lü, could you introduce us?" Lü Shinang replied, "My brother is preoccupied with important matters and cannot meet me. I can make the decision for him!" Wang Hao nodded and asked, "How can you prove it?" Lü Shinang's expression softened after a moment of displeasure, and he countered, "How does Young Master Wang want me to prove it?" Wang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "How much does a jar of wine cost?" Lü Shinang said, "A jar of Eight Immortals Wine from Fanlou costs six taels of silver, and my brother is willing to buy it for eight taels of silver." Wang Hao was surprised, thinking to himself, "Now, a jar of wine sold at Fanlou costs only one tael of silver. From the Central Plains to Jiangnan, though the journey via the Grand Canal is thousands of miles, the price is eight times higher, meaning a profit of at least four taels of silver per jar. Once the sea route opens, the profit could reach six taels of silver per jar." He said, "The price is reasonable; we can cooperate." Lu Shinang, unable to hide his excitement, asked, "When can the first transaction take place?" Wang Hao replied, "My trip south to Mingzhou is by imperial decree. It will take about three months to return to Tokyo." Lu Shinang said with slight regret, "The Eight Immortals Wine is so famous; it's a pity good things often come with difficulties!" Wang Hao exclaimed loudly... Smiling, Wang Hao said, "If Mr. Lü wants to drink it himself, I can write a letter to the winery and send a hundred jars as a token of my appreciation." Lü Shinang was surprised and said, "How can I trouble Young Master Wang with such expense?" Wang Hao replied, "We have a long-term partnership; a mere hundred jars of fine wine is nothing to worry about." After a slight pause, he continued, "However, we lack manpower at home, so I'm afraid Mr. Lü will have to trouble himself to transport them!" Lü Shinang said, "That's only right!" Wang Hao said, "I will personally deliver the letter to Mr. Lü tomorrow." Lü Shinang said, "Thank you very much, Young Master. I'll take my leave now!" Wang Hao said, "No need to see me off!"

After Lü Shinang and the others left, Yang Zhi said, "This man is incredibly generous, raising 37,000 taels of silver in a single day!" Wang Hao knew that Song Jiang and Fang La had risen in rebellion around the same time, and that Lü Shinang was one of Fang La's eight Heavenly Kings. He said, "The waters of Jiangnan are no less treacherous than those of Dongjing (Kaifeng). Remember to be careful!" Yang Zhi replied, "I will remember!" He then asked, "Should we visit the Hangzhou government office?" Wang Hao shook his head, saying, "The antiques and paintings have already been sold; there's no need for now. We'll depart tomorrow and head directly to Mingzhou." Yang Zhi accepted the order, saying, "I will go and prepare immediately." He then turned and left. Wang Hao sat alone in his room, thinking, "In the late Qing Dynasty, Shanxi merchants' banks circulated throughout the country, making millions in profits. The Song Dynasty's policies were lenient, and commerce was booming, yet no bank or bank could freely exchange money within the country's borders. Such a business opportunity cannot be missed; I must secretly plan for it!" Thinking of this, he felt quite pleased. Wang Hao took out a pot of fine wine, poured himself a cup, and drank alone!

Two days later, Wang Hao and his group arrived in Mingzhou. Looking at the inner city alone, Mingzhou, compared to other prefectures and counties, was unremarkable except for its wide streets and slightly taller buildings. However, exiting from the east gate and traveling three to five li to the seaside, one saw thousands of sails gathered, and commerce flourished. North of the port, there were dozens of shipyards, tens of thousands of craftsmen, and massive timber piles stretching for miles. Southwest of the port, warehouses and storage areas stretched endlessly, covering tens of thousands of acres. Between the port and the inner city, taverns and inns abounded, and the official roads were paved with bluestone, impervious to rain, snow, and frost. The Mingzhou post station was located outside the west gate, where Wang Hao and his group settled in. Seeing Wang Hao's official seal and imposing presence, the postmaster asked, "Young master, are you from Dongjing?" Wang Hao replied, "How did you know?" The postmaster smiled and said, "Your accent tells me you're not from Jiangnan. And your bearing and the stamp you left during registration further confirm this!" Wang Hao took out a flask of fine wine and handed it to the postmaster, asking, "Are you a connoisseur of wine?" The postmaster took the flask, sniffed the rim, and said with a look of enjoyment and surprise, "A little wine is pleasant, but excessive drinking is harmful. There are few in the world who don't appreciate wine!" Wang Hao nodded and said, "This wine is a fine brew from the North, a gift for you, postmaster." The postmaster said, "I cannot accept gifts without merit; how could you trouble yourself?" Wang Hao said, "I am new to this land and unfamiliar with its customs and traditions. I hope you can enlighten me!" The postmaster said, "It is my duty to tell you, young master." Wang Hao looked at the table and chairs beside him and said, "Please sit!" The two sat down, and the postmaster asked, "Young master, could you please tell me the purpose of your visit to Mingzhou?"

Wang Hao said, "I have come to Mingzhou by order of the Emperor to recruit manpower to rebuild Jiaozhou Port." The postmaster said, "Jiaozhou once had a Maritime Trade Office, but it was later abolished. Now, is the rebuilding of the port intended to revive Jiaozhou's maritime trade?" Wang Hao's expression was serious, and he said, "This concerns court secrets, and I cannot disclose them!" The postmaster realized his slip of the tongue and quickly said, "I was being presumptuous; please forgive me, sir!" Wang Hao remained expressionless and said, "It's alright! Please explain the situation in Mingzhou." The postmaster paused for a moment and said, "Mingzhou has a local population of 300,000 and 100,000 foreign merchants. Of these 100,000 merchants, 70,000 are Song people and 30,000 are foreigners. Many of the foreigners are from the Arab world." Wang Hao then asked, "What do the foreigners bring to our court?" The postmaster replied, "Pearls, ivory, spices, medicinal herbs, pepper, and other items." Wang Hao Frowning, Wang Hao asked again, "What goods does our dynasty trade?" The postmaster replied, "Porcelain, silk, and tea." Wang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "Do any overseas merchants bring gold or silver to trade?" The postmaster said, "Japanese merchants mostly bring silver." Wang Hao remembered, "During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Japanese silver was prevalent. Before the discovery of the Americas, Japan was one of the most important silver-producing countries." Mentioning Japan, one must ask about Korea. Wang Hao asked, "What do Korean merchants bring?" The postmaster replied, "Korea is rich in ginseng." Wang Hao then asked, "Is it suitable to trade gold and silver utensils, pearls, and precious artifacts with overseas merchants?" The postmaster said, "No." Wang Hao frowned and asked, "Why?" The postmaster replied, "These are goods imported from overseas to our dynasty; no one wants to take them back overseas."