Ke De, a big businessman in the Carroll area, his family has been in business for generations. When he was young, he used to go out alone. He is quite famous in the northern part of the southern border. A standard businessman who abides by the spirit of the contract. His family business covers fur, spices and pharmaceuticals. Because of his wide range of friends, he has channels in the Holy Spirit Plain and the Eastern Territory.
Pal is the eldest son of Corder. If there is no accident, this young man with business talent will inherit his father's business.
Gawain looked at the big businessman Carroll in front of him, and matched it with the information in his mind. This was the first time he had seen Cod in person, but he still knew the businessman's information quite well. , and the other party has two things that impress him:
The first thing was the reorganization of the Carroll Business Association. After the end of the Southern Unification War, the Government Affairs Department took over the Carroll area. The original loose alliance of local merchants was reorganized and put under the management of the Government Affairs Department. The businessman was this Mr. Codd, and he also actively promoted the rectification of the commercial order in the entire region afterwards, thus entering the sight of the local consul and gaining a place in the government affairs hall.
The second one was earlier. After the rise of Cecil's alchemy potion, cheap industrial potions quickly covered the entire southern border. Almost all merchants involved in the potion business were impacted, and Kodd's family was no exception. When fleeing or changing careers or seeking refuge with Earl Horsman, this Mr. Codd made an amazing move: he abandoned all the family's finished medicine business without hesitation, and then started a wholesale business of herbal medicine raw materials and alchemy medicine. Trading, became one of Cecil's earliest raw material suppliers and alchemy potion wholesalers...
A good businessman.
"Sit down, there is no need to be formal." Gao Wen chose to meet the businessman and his son in the study, and naturally he would not show a superior attitude. "Betty is preparing refreshments and bringing them to the study."
There were tables and chairs for guests in the study room. Cod and Paar calmed down their nervousness, and sat down in a decent posture as possible. Being able to sit face to face with nobles of such a level, this kind of thing is very difficult for businessmen of common origin like them. It was almost an unimaginable adventure. Even with Ke De's mind, it was difficult to be calm, but this big businessman still did not lose his basic judgment. He noticed that this was a study room, which was undoubtedly a good sign.
The living room is the most common place to receive guests, but the study room is more secretive. What can be discussed in the study room is often not available in the living room.
There is a big deal today.
Gao Wen observed the reactions of Corder and Pal, and smiled slightly: "Don't be nervous, what we're going to talk about today is your professional field. Padraic recommended you to me. Mr. Corder, as far as I know, your The trade routes are extensive.”
"It's all about making a living," Cord carefully considered every word, "it's nothing in front of you."
"There is no need to be modest. The value of merchants is very important to the Principality, Mr. Cod. I heard that you even have business in the East?"
Cord's heart skipped a beat, and he didn't know how to answer for a moment, and the back of his neck was slowly sweating.
The eastern border and the kingdom's army are at war... Although the southern border was not involved in this civil war, the merchants with extensive trade routes were more or less affected.
In addition to his business in the southern border, Codd also has a large market in the Holy Spirit Plain. At the same time, he also has some contacts with merchants in the eastern border.
Due to the change in the situation in the Rock Fortress, the current business route to the Holy Spirit Plain is slightly blocked. In order to avoid losses, many businessmen who do business with the Holy Spirit Plain are thinking of other ways out. Kord has also strengthened his connection with the East Territory through The land corridor in the Gelen area is used as a transit, and he has recently sent several large shipments there, most of which are medicines...
He did not violate Cecil's laws, all taxes were paid, and all goods were registered, but the Duke suddenly asked this at this moment... Should the answer be yes, or no
Gawain Cecil was the founding Duke of Ansu, so who did he support in this civil war? From the perspective of legitimacy, he may support the Royal Army... But to be honest, who is 100% orthodox on both sides of the current civil war...
Countless thoughts flashed through Kord's mind, and massive interests were weighed one after another, but he had to answer, so after hesitating for just two seconds, he still spoke: "... there are indeed some channels, but because Affected by the civil war, the channel is not very smooth... "
"For me, the East Territory and the Kingdom Army are the same," Gao Wen said unhurriedly, "It's just a fight between the juniors."
Ke De's face straightened: "But the channel has been much smoother recently."
"That's good," Gao Wen nodded in satisfaction, "The Principality needs your business."
Cord controlled the changes in his expression well, but he still couldn't help breathing.
big! born! meaning! !
Bigger business than he imagined! !
The big businessman's face was almost glowing: "It is the highest honor of our whole family to serve you!!"
Gao Wen nodded in satisfaction again, and then said: "Then, you should know about this business..."
Cord listened carefully, not daring to leave a word.
Just as he expected, the Duke wanted to do business with the East Territory and sell the medicine to the East Territory.
It's a bigger deal than it's publicized, but it can't be done with too much fanfare, so it needs an agent.
Cord and his family will be the agents, to carry out the Duke's will, to manage the flowing gold coins.
The conditions offered by the duke are quite generous. Although from now on, the family will no longer enjoy all the profits from the potion business in the east, but need to hand over half of the profits to the duke. However, this part of the "loss" is compared with the upcoming profits. It's hardly worth mentioning.
With the Duke's support, how many times will the family's pharmaceutical business in the Eastland be expanded? ten times? twenty times
Only more than that!
Codd knew what kind of business it was to be an agent of the nobility. As a commoner, he knew that many people like himself would fight for such an opportunity even if they lost most of their wealth: this is a way to get into the upper class and gain The road of bloodline honor.
Good surrogates can secure a real title for posterity, and they are willing to pay dearly for the possibility.
Although the nobles in the southern border do not have much real power now, only honorary titles and limited hereditary treatment are left, but on the other hand, the Duke does not need him to pay a huge price, and he can even earn a lot of money that is not comparable in the world. This is even better.
After explaining most of the things clearly, Gawain looked into Cord's eyes: "So, did you understand?"
"Yes, my lord duke, I completely understand," Cod nodded quickly, then he pulled his bow tie and asked cautiously while calming down, "but I don't understand...why did you choose me specifically?" ?”
"You are capable and smart," Gawain leaned back in his chair, "Besides, I didn't specifically select you. Padraic recommended twelve candidates. I just drew from the twelve alternatives. you."
Cod blinked, with a hint of understanding on his face, then he stood up and bowed his head deeply: "I understand Cod Baldwin, I swear in the name of the family that I will be loyal and never betray your pledge."
"You will," Gawain nodded with a smile, and took out a stack of documents, "Then let's sign the agreement. After that, Padraic will contact you to make all preparations for your next business. As for how to carry out Business in the Eastern Territory... probably don't need others to help you."
Cord took the stack of documents solemnly, and carefully read it twice from top to bottom. The agreement drawn up by the Duke was more rigorous and formal than he imagined, and even more formal than the contracts signed between many businessmen. He is more professional, and he can't see anything that can be questioned.
So he signed his name on it. With the last stroke, he let out a long breath.
The young man named Pal just watched quietly from the sidelines. He kept his father's teachings in mind, and never said a word or missed a word on such occasions.
After the contract was established, Cord's heart was completely relieved, and then he looked at Gao Wen cautiously, with a trace of hesitation on his face.
At this time, Gao Wen was ready to return to his previous job, but he noticed the big businessman's reaction, so he asked, "Mr. Cod, what's the problem?"
"My lord duke, I have a very presumptuous question... or several questions, I hope you will not find it offensive," Codby carefully considered his words just now, and he continued after obtaining Gawain's permission, "We When I came here, I saw a new type of vehicle on display in the square... That incredible magic car is impressive, I would like to ask... Is it for sale to ordinary people? If you want to buy it, what are the requirements?"
Seeing the expectant face of this big businessman, Gao Wen couldn't help laughing: "Of course it's for sale. Just like mining machines, magic vehicles can also be bought and sold. Of course, it will be very expensive in the early days, just like the earliest mines. The machine is the same, but for a wealthy businessman like you who needs it, that is an affordable price. In addition, because this is a brand new thing, the factory production line is still being adjusted, and some follow-up management systems have not yet been made public. You probably You need to wait for a while before you can buy it. As for the conditions... First, you must go through training and master its control methods, and second, you must abide by the matching traffic laws, because it is a faster and more powerful vehicle than cattle and horses. As a means of transportation, we must ensure its safety during use."
"Oh, I completely understand this." Cod nodded repeatedly, "I have seen mining machines before, and I can imagine how powerful a vehicle powered by a magic energy engine would be. If this kind of thing runs on the road, you can't be careful. "
Gao Wen was very happy to see that someone realized the function of a new thing so soon after it was born, and actively wanted to touch and use it. He saw that Codd still had something to say, so he encouraged him: "What else do you want to say?" Say, let's just say I'm not a strict person, and you don't have to be nervous."
"Thank you for your understanding, I still have a question," Kord said while organizing the language, "About the Magic Web radio... There is no broadcasting device installed in the Carroll area yet, but there are more southern ones in Rock City in the north." The Kant area has…”
Gawain sighed slightly after listening to Codd's words.
What the businessman said was true. Compared with newspapers, the current coverage of the magic network broadcasting device is indeed quite limited. This is because the production capacity of magic network terminals is limiting its laying. Install them where necessary. Rock City is a front-line fortress, and Kant City is a new industrial city. These two places are naturally included, and the development of the Carroll area... can only be postponed.
"The magic net terminal is limited, so it can't cover the Carroll area in time, but you can rest assured that Cecil will not abandon any piece of land and the people there. Install terminals in secondary towns within."
Hearing Gao Wen's explanation, Cord first expressed his gratitude, and then said: "Then if the Carroll Chamber of Commerce is willing to provide funds... We will pay for the purchase of machines, laying relay towers, and maintenance, and we can give priority to installing them for us." Huh? I just have one small request..."
Gao Wen was slightly taken aback, and then showed a look of scrutiny: "What request?"
Cod cleared his throat, and began to describe his thoughts: "Well, on the way here, I inquired about a lot of things related to the magic network radio, and I thought of a... thing, which is somewhat similar to the 'program' on the magic network, but The content is different, I want to use it to introduce the special products of the Carroll area, and introduce the business items of our business association... "
The expression on Gao Wen's face didn't change, but he was already startled in his heart. He listened to Kord's words, but his eyes couldn't help falling on the unfinished plan.
Codd has already entered the state, his tension finally subsided, and his speech became more fluent: "People say that Carroll has no specialties, but we actually have a good cheese over there, which is paired with local ocher yellow Wine is simply delicious, but not many foreigners know about it, and it is difficult to sell. This time I heard that I will come to Cecil City, and several of my friends pulled me to discuss it for a long time. A small space was rented in the 'newspaper' to introduce this special product, but no one knew how to do it. We studied all the laws published by the Government Affairs Office and found no provisions prohibiting this, so I decided to come here Hit your luck, but after seeing the magic web broadcast, I think it's better than the newspapers... "
Gao Wen couldn't help interrupting the other party: "You still want to advertise in the newspaper?!"
"Advertising?" Cod was stunned for a moment. This was a word he had never heard before, but Gao Wen used the root word-making method, which was a combination of the two roots of "widely disseminated" and "informed", so he slightly After a short reaction, I understood the meaning, "Ah, so you have already imagined this thing?"
"... No, you created this," Gao Wen frowned and waved his hands, "Go on, Mr. Codd, go on, speak out all your thoughts, all your thoughts."
"Yes. I think the magic web broadcast is a better thing. You see, it is more impressive. The pictures of the event can also directly display the products, and it can spread faster than newspapers. But if it can also be published in newspapers 'Advertisements' would be even better, as the newspapers are distributed more widely...”
Cord seemed more courageous after receiving Gawain's encouragement, he said with excitement, so that Pal beside him was dumbfounded: This young man has not seen his father so excited for many years.
"Actually, we have also considered whether to spend our own money to buy a printing machine and print things for publicity, but the government affairs department told us that this is illegal...
"There are many businessmen in Carroll who are buying machines and want to build textile factories and brick and tile factories. The government affairs department approved our request, but it is difficult for us to recruit people, and the things we make are not easy to sell. ... We produce in strict accordance with the requirements of the Government Affairs Department, but it is too difficult to publicize things...
Gao Wen listened to the big businessman's narration one by one, and when the other party finally finished speaking, he exhaled softly.
"Your Excellency," Cord seemed to realize that he was a little too bold just now, with an uneasy expression on his face, "I'm just thinking boldly, you can..."
"These ideas are very interesting," Gawain interrupted, "and very valuable."
Kord showed an overjoyed look: "Then... do you agree?"
"I think it's feasible, of course. This requires strict planning and supporting institutional constraints," Gao Wen nodded. "Can you imagine what will happen if businessmen are allowed to publish their own advertisements on newspapers and radio?"
Ke De frowned and thought about it, and said while thinking: "Things will be easier to sell, and many people will know about specialties from far away..."
As he spoke, he hesitated for a moment, but continued: "...someone may also fabricate an overly exaggerated description, or even completely false information...if the situation gets out of control, people will no longer even believe the news in newspapers and radio programs. thing… "
Gao Wen nodded secretly. This is indeed a smart man and a qualified businessman.
Before advertising was actually born, he had thought of false advertising even though he didn't seem to intend to use it.
"As you said, Mr. Codd, this new thing needs to be treated with caution," Gao Wen said, "Before letting it go, we must formulate stricter rules to prevent people from cheating and defrauding the audience. , we need to set up a review system and a punishment system, and on the other hand, we also need to set up a management system for the people in charge of review in the Government Affairs Department to prevent them from using their power for personal gain and using the review qualification as a tool for profit... "
The strict system restrains Kodd unconsciously thinking of the soldiers in front of the outpost who didn't accept a single penny.
Although he didn't know what methods the Duke used to restrain the soldiers, presumably the strict system and discipline played an important role in it.
The big businessman bowed his head in front of Gao Wen, convinced: "Governing a piece of land is more complicated than I imagined, and I take everything for granted."
"Governing a piece of land is really complicated, but I'm even more fortunate that there are hard-working and thinking people like you on this piece of land. Every question you raise is making this piece of land more progressive," Gao Wen stood up , He left the desk, came to Cod, and offered to extend his hand, "Mr. Cod, thank you for your contribution to Cecil. I will remember your needs, please go back and wait for the good news. "
The big businessman left with his son in fear, while Gao Wen stood quietly in the study for a while, then turned back and sat down at the desk.
He looked at the plan he had drafted, looked at the semi-finished clauses on it, and after thinking for a while, he raised his hand and brushed across the paper.
An unfinished page was instantly reduced to ashes.
Then Gao Wen stretched out his hand to the blank manuscript paper next to him, ready to rewrite the plan, but before that, Amber's voice came from the empty window sill: "Oh, write in vain."
Gao Wen threw a ball of paper over without looking back. Hearing the exclamation of "Oh my god" coming from outside the window, he picked up the pen again, took out a special notebook from under the desk, opened it, and wrote a few words in Chinese characters on it. sentence:
Anzu 736, 8th Brumaire, a new lesson.
The people don't need you to teach them.
Don't make this mistake again.
(Recommend a book, "Dungeon Players", a dungeon production and construction story full of sand sculpture (crossed out) fun, there is a shortage of books to read.)