"This is called casting a long line to catch a big fish!" Liu Qi laughed and said, "It's the same with doing business. Without investment, how can there be any harvest? If you don't spread the bait, how can you catch a big fish?"
Xi Guan still sighed with some pain: "But this investment is too big."
Liu Qi said, "Shuijing Villa and Wolong Thatched Cottage are both places where famous people from Jingzhou gather. They are all great scholars. When we sent the furniture, we also promoted the reputation of Hanxingtang. Even if other families follow suit in the future, their reputation will be far inferior to Hanxingtang."
"So that's how it is. Thank you for your advice!" Xi Guan understood it immediately.
Only then did I understand that Liu Qi sent furniture to Mr. Shuijing, Zhuge Liang and others not only to make friends with famous people but also to gain a reputation for respecting the virtuous and humble.
On the other hand, it was to use the names of these people to spread the word about Hanxingtang, so that in the future, the noble families in Jingzhou would only recognize Hanxingtang furniture.
I couldn't help but sigh in my heart that studying is indeed better than doing business. As a contemporary celebrity, the various benefits I have received from celebrities alone are countless.
But vice versa, if you are unknown and have no benefits, who the hell would send you things
The social customs in official circles and among scholars are very similar to those in the business world.
While thinking, I heard Liu Qi say: "Business is like a battlefield. If you only care about the immediate interests, you will never achieve great things."
No wonder people say that the Xi brothers are not as good as Xi Yuan. They are far inferior in courage and vision.
In the future, many things will have to rely on this brother-in-law, and Liu Qi will also have to give him some help.
Xi Guan scratched his head and laughed, "I've been in charge of accounts since I was a child, so I'm used to it!"
Liu Qi laughed and said, "Aren't you Xi Guan?"
Xi Guan clasped his fists and said, "Young Master is a man of both literary and military skills. From now on, we are a family. I hope you can give me your guidance."
Liu Qi nodded and said, "But you don't have to feel too bad. This may not be a complete loss. There are still benefits."
Xi Guan hurriedly asked: "What benefits?"
Liu Qi asked: "Those big merchants are all very wealthy, with money and grain piled up like mountains at home, even rotting and rusting, and they have no worries about food and drink. What do they lack the most?"
"Fame!" Xi Guan said without hesitation: "People seek fame and fortune. Merchants may be rich, but they are of low status and despised by others. Even a fortune cannot buy a family."
Being in the business world, Xi Guan felt this most deeply. The wealthy families used side branches to manage their businesses, and most of their children sought fame and fortune, but there was no way out for businessmen. It was almost impossible to change their origins.
Liu Qi smiled and said, "In that case, why not give them a chance to become famous? If the things used by those great scholars and celebrities are auctioned, perhaps we can make a profit."
Xi Guan asked in confusion: "What is an auction?"
"The highest bidder wins!" Liu Qi raised his eyebrows and smiled: "Think about it, brother, if it is a desk used by Song Zhong and Sima Hui, how much is it worth?"
"Hiss—brilliant, this is a great idea!" Xi Guan's eyes widened and he gave Liu Qi a thumbs up: "If these things used by great scholars can be placed at home, they can be shown off to guests to show their dignity, and can also be used as a gift to encourage future generations. Families will definitely fight for them. For such a good opportunity, I will not hesitate to spend a fortune."
This is the celebrity effect. Liu Qi, who comes from the fan circle era, feels it more deeply. For those extreme fans, even the idol’s keratin skin may be sparkling.
These merchants have always been looked down upon by scholars. If they could get something used by a great scholar, they could even pass it down as a family heirloom.
"In that case, let my second brother handle this matter. Just do this..."
Liu Qi briefly introduced how to hold an auction, which was a good example for Xi Guan, who came from a business family.
Upon hearing this, Xi Guan's eyebrows were beaming with joy and his eyes were shining. He did not even bother to say goodbye to Xi Wen and hurried forward to prepare.
Looking at the people in the yard who were still busy sorting out lists and doing accounts, Liu Qi was satisfied. Although he did not understand the way of doing business, any of the marketing methods of later generations would be amazing.
Reforming the furniture is just the beginning. He also has a little selfish desire for his own convenience. There will be more ways to make money waiting to be deployed one by one.
Just as he was thinking about it, he saw Liu Neng and Xiahou Ba and the other two approaching and reported, "Master, these three masters don't have enough money, so they want to use their swords as collateral. What do you think?"
They originally had some money, but it was mostly spent on redeeming Zhang Wei and buying the Zhang family manor. Today, they are short of money to buy the furniture.
Originally Cao Tai wanted to give up, but Xiahou Ba thought this was a godsend opportunity. If they bought a large amount of furniture, they could hide the other things in the car and transport them away as quickly as possible.
Not only will Liu Qi not be suspicious, he will also thank them for buying furniture, so he will naturally have a smooth journey.
The two of them made up their minds and immediately persuaded Xiahou Meng to mortgage the Qinggang Sword and redeem it after returning.
Xiahou Ba clasped his fists and said, "The three of us came here to see the bride off. We left in a hurry and didn't bring much money. I am really ashamed to leave my sword here temporarily."
Xiahou Mao was thinking about his black pearl, so he took off his sword and said, "This sword is called Qingguang, it can cut iron like mud, it is a rare sword in the world, please take a look, General Liu."
"Qinggang Sword?" Liu Qi narrowed his eyes slightly, took the sword and examined it carefully.
Gently press the spring, and you will hear a crisp sound. The sword blade pops out two inches. The sword body is smooth, like ripples on water, and the words "Qinggang" are engraved on it.
The Qinggang Sword was Cao Cao's sword. There were two of them, one named "Yitian" and the other "Qinggang", and they were known as the peerless twin swords.
The Yitian Sword was worn by Cao Cao, and the Qingguang Sword was protected by his personal guard Xiahou En. It was snatched away by Zhao Yun in the Battle of Changban.
This time, Cao Cao lent the Qinggang sword to Xiahou Mi for self-defense, probably with the intention of commanding everyone. It can be seen that he still valued this eldest son-in-law very much.
Seeing Liu Qi frowning slightly, Xiahou Mao was afraid that he would not agree, so he hurriedly said, "This sword was lent to me by Prime Minister Cao for self-defense when we were traveling. I will redeem it in the future, please rest assured, General."
Liu Qi sheathed his sword and handed it to Liu Neng beside him. He clasped his fists and said with a smile, "You three are guests. I have taken the liberty of inviting you to the banquet, but I have asked you to pay for it. I have failed to fulfill my duty as a host. I am really rude! If not for Prime Minister Cao, I will trust you for General Yide's sake."
"General, you are indeed a straightforward person. Thank you very much!"
Xiahou Ba was overjoyed and thanked Liu Qi. He asked Liu Neng to deliver the furniture to Zhang's mansion according to the purchase list three days later.
Liu Neng sent the three away, then walked back and frowned, saying, "Master, they must be using those gold bars to redeem the sword. What should we do?"
"They are still a little naive to try to get something for nothing here!"
Liu Qi smiled indifferently, called Liu Neng over and whispered a few words to him, and Liu Neng left happily.
At this moment, someone at the door laughed out loud, "I almost missed the general's engagement day. I'm late. Please forgive me."
Liu Qi turned his head and saw a tall old man with white hair and a youthful face, dressed in a grey shirt, walking towards him with a long sword on his back and fists clasped, walking like a dragon or a tiger, with an extraordinary aura.