No matter what Chen Xi said, it would be difficult to gain the trust of these people in front of him.

Because in the minds of these merchants, Chen Xi was the representative of the court, and the reason why he put the shelf so low was to calculate the silver in their pockets.

Chen Xi then told the people in front of him about the ideas he had proposed before, including how to call on the power of the court to protect their interests, allow them to open mines and set up factories, reform the salt and tea ingestions of the Ming Dynasty, and even introduced many advanced technologies that could make money.

The people present did not expect Chen Xi to say this, and some people were ready to move after hearing this.

These people themselves are running tea and official salt transactions, so of course they know how much benefit it is.

Chen Xi concluded: "...In order to gain your support, the court is willing to make some changes, but the most urgent thing now is to sacrifice some of the interests at hand and provide supplies to help the Northwest..."

"Maybe in your opinion, this is a disguised tax, but you should understand that if the court lies in lieu of you this time, what else can we expect to use to get taxes from you in the future?"

The Shandong merchant said, "Mr. Shen, don't blame us for being suspicious. You are from a merchant. You should understand the difficulties of merchants in this world. Life was not easy. Now you have to suddenly take out a large amount of money, but the things promised by the court are far away, and no one can see the real things in front of you!"

“Yes, yes!”

Someone in the crowd agreed.

They are very optimistic about the prospects of Chenxi's planning, but they care more about immediate interests. All merchants know that there are profits and losses in business. Perhaps when the policies are good next year, they will have no money on hand. Now they are paying donations to make wedding clothes for others.

In short, this group of people will not show off the rabbits and will not show off the eagle.

Chen Xidao: "I will not force others to do anything. I will not ask you to give you a direct reply today. After you go back, you can discuss with your business partners. This time, the court urgently needs food to the northwest. You don't have to rush to pay silver. Everything will be temporarily taken care of by Fujian, Huguang and Jiangxi Chamber of Commerce..."

Song Xiaocheng smiled and said, "My Lord has given me the order that our Fujian Chamber of Commerce is naturally unshirkable. In addition, the chambers of commerce in Guangdong and Guangxi will also pay 100,000 taels of silver for military supplies. Previously, adults made reforms in salt and tea in local areas, and many merchants tasted the sweetness. Now the supply and marketing are booming. Tea from Dafali City, Huguang, Fujian and Jiangxi are being marketed at home..."

After Song Xiaocheng said this happily, he attracted the attention of all merchants.

If Chen Xi's words before were almost empty talk, the results of the reforms he made in the local area were obvious. These people traveled around the world and naturally knew that wherever Chen Xi had served as a governor, the commerce field had undergone tremendous changes. Local industry and commerce were developed, and merchants made a fortune. However, more places had not carried out corresponding reforms, and the interests of merchants were difficult to guarantee.

No matter how well you say it, it is better to practice it.

Practice has proved that the reform strategy that Chen Xi had tried before is very effective, and many businessmen have tasted the sweetness.

The Shandong merchant said, "Since you can't use us for the time being, let me discuss with you after you go back and try to reply to you in a short time... What do you think, sir?"

Chen Xi nodded: "What about the other chamber of commerce representatives?"

The representative of the Henan Chamber of Commerce said: "Assuming the arrangements of the adults, we will convene people to discuss after we go back."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Since that's the case, the deadline will be set on Shangyuan Festival. The time may be a little rushed. You can't contact all the members of the Chamber of Commerce, but you really can't delay it."

"I hereby guarantee that if you agree with your actions, your chamber of commerce will be officially recognized by the court. Your decisions will directly affect the income of your local merchants in the next few years. Whether you agree is all within your thoughts... If you agree, if merchants in the same place disagree with you in the future, they will not be accepted by the court, and they can even be directly closed down... If you do not agree, the court may reorganize the chamber of commerce in your local area to represent the interests of the merchants, and you will not have the right to join the chamber of commerce at that time!"

Chen Xi directly issued a wanted order.

The court agreed to support the Chamber of Commerce in carrying out activities. Whoever stands with the court will be recognized by the court.

If anyone does not want to stand with the court, then let it die, which means that from now on, merchants must join the chamber of commerce to get the protection of the court.

Some people thought to themselves: "This Lord Shen was so kind before. In a blink of an eye, he took out such a majestic force to force us to join the chamber of commerce licensed by the court. It can be said that we are both kind and powerful!"

Many people originally planned to avoid the control of the Chamber of Commerce, but after hearing Chen Xi's words, their bodies trembled and quickly realized a problem. It was impossible to joke with Chen Xi's status.

Now Shen Xike is talking to them politely, but once he turns against each other, Fatty Zhou's fate will be their fate.

...

...

The chamber of commerce meeting did not last long. At noon, the Fujian Chamber of Commerce hosted the club and invited everyone to have a unique "buffet". This is a way to eat it proposed by Chen Xi. After all the food is prepared, it is placed on a charcoal stove for its own use. The white wine and sugar water are unlimitedly supplied. These merchants are full of awe of Chen Xi's endless ideas.

After the people left after drinking and eating, Chen Xi was a little tired and called Song Xiaocheng to instruct: "Sixth brother went back and told the people of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce. After all, I didn't explain it before, so I just conveyed it as I said before... On this issue, the Fujian Chamber of Commerce has no privileges."

Song Xiaocheng patted his chest and said, "Sir, please don't worry, the villain will be able to clean up the group of kids below soon. People who don't do business with us now may not be able to move around the place."

The positive attitude Song Xiaocheng showed is enough to show that commerce in Fujian, Jiangxi and Huguang are following the route planned by Chenxi, but he, the initiator, was a little worried and thought:

"Some of the measures implemented now, under the manipulation of me, as a power, have become the protection umbrella of local trade. It is difficult to survive without joining the chamber of commerce. To a certain extent, those conservative merchants cannot survive, but is this practice too intense?"

After thinking about it for a long time, Chen Xi shook his head, left the Fujian Association Hall, and came to the yard where Yunliu lived.

Yun Liu already knew about Chen Xi meeting local merchants before, and he was a little confused when meeting: "You are so arrogant that you are so arrogant... You are in negotiations with those lowly merchants, but they dare to bargain, which is really unreasonable!"

Chen Xi waved his hand: "This matter is beneficial to the country and the people. No one forces me, and I don't feel wronged... You continue to stare at these chambers of commerce representatives from various provinces. As long as these people can surrender, there will be no problems in the future Ming Dynasty's finances, and the development of industry and commerce will show a prosperous scene."

Yunliu asked for instructions: "Will that adult want to punish those merchants who refuse to submit?"

Chen Xi looked at Yunliu and shook his head for a long time: "They have the power to choose, so I will not force them... Okay, you can do your own thing first."

Chen Xi seemed very tired at this moment. Suddenly he wanted to meet Hui Niang because behind these chambers of commerce organizations, there was a hidden trade organization, which was the business system established by Hui Niang himself, and there were also many merchants under this system.

When Chen Xi dragged his tired body to appear beside Hui Niang, Hui Niang was surprised and heartbroken.

"...What's wrong with the master? During the Chinese New Year, why do you think the master looks listless?" Hui Niang asked Chen Xi to the main hall, sat down and asked with concern.

Chen Xi shook his head and smiled bitterly: "It's not just for the purpose of collecting food? I've been busy for too long and I can't remember who I am. But I finally implemented the first meeting with the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. The next step is to collect food and food supplies, which is not an easy task."

Hui Niang said, "Why do you always seek trouble for such a noble person? Individually asking for such civilized things? Isn't it okay to leave them to the people below?"

Chen Xi smiled and took Hui Niang into her arms. She did not answer the question, but said: "It's getting late. I don't want to talk to you and Jin'er about business. I want to have a good rest... I feel really tired this time."

Hui Niang quickly arranged: "Jin'er? Have you heard what the master said? Hurry up and let the master have a stable sleep."

Li Jin stood up: "Master, do you need to take a shower and change clothes?"

“No need.”

Chen Xi shook his head and said, "I'm so tired, just go to bed... Remember to clean up the bed and wait until I wake up..."

Then Chen Xi arrived at the room with Hui Niang's company and fell asleep quickly under the bed.

When he woke up, it was almost time to turn on the light.

Hui Niang stood beside the bed and asked, "Master, today is the Spring Festival, what are you doing next to you?"

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Your Majesty has a banquet in the leopard room, which is probably going to be held at this time. I don't plan to go."

"Ah?" Hui Niang was shocked and hurriedly said, "It's better for me to go there, maybe it's time... I was negligent and had not asked about the master's itinerary in detail, which delayed the official business."

Chen Xi shook his head: "I didn't plan to go at first. My injury has not healed yet. There is always a reason to swear. Moreover, I drank with His Majesty in the Leopard Room yesterday, and I have attended the banquet. Why bother joining in the fun today?"

Hui Niang frowned and thought for a while, then said, "Your Majesty doesn't want to face the civil and military ministers in the court, right?"

Chen Xi did not answer, but his face turned gloomy.

Hui Niang stood up and said, "The master doesn't want to go to the palace, but I don't know if he wants to go back to the house?"

Chen Xi smiled and shook his head.

Hui Niang gave Chen Xi a blank look: "Speaking of this, the master should stay here for a night. Today is the first day of the New Year. Let me, Jin'er and the people in the house have a New Year with the master."

Chen Xi laughed and took Hui Niang over, then Hui Niang lay on her back on the couch.

Chen Xi approached Hui Niang's hair, sniffed the elegant fragrance, and said comfortably: "Since I want to stay today, let Hui Niang and I cherish the time in front of us."

...

...

Chen Xi and his family were far away from each other and spent less time with Hui Niang.

Hui Niang cherished the opportunity to celebrate the festival with Chen Xi. When she got up from the embroidery couch, she quickly cleaned up. As for the kitchen, she had already prepared it, and even Sui An and Dongxi arrived at the main house together.

Before the start of the banquet, Hui Niang seemed to have something to say.

Chen Xi sat in the main seat, Hui Niang stood beside him, Sui An and Dong Xi stood there with some anxiety, Hui Niang said, "Why don't you kneel down and kowtow to the master?"

Dongxi was very clever and knelt down directly. As for Sui'an, she was very afraid of life. However, her comfortable life here at Huiniang made her escape from the shadow of childhood. She was stunned for a moment and knelt down like Dongxi and kowtowed to Chen Xi to ask for her.

Chen Xi smiled and said, "It's enough for the two girls to be willing to do so. Don't be so polite, get up and talk."

Hui Niang took out two red seals from her arms and walked over and said, "Master, please get up. The master is always in charge of the family. You must listen to the master's words in the future."

After the two girls stood up, Hui Niang stuffed a red seal each. Dongxi still knew how to thank Hui Niang, and Sui An was silent and did not speak.

Hui Niang turned around and walked to Chen Xi and said, "Master, I think these two girls have a pitiful life experience, so I accept them as their adopted daughters. Isn't that my master?"

Chen Xi nodded and said, "It's good that you like it. I'll send someone here, everything is up to you."

Hui Niang said with relief: "Although they are my adopted daughters, they have nothing to do with you. They look like little girls, but in fact they are not young. Children of ordinary families should be betrothed by their age."

Chen Xi smiled and understood Hui Niang's implication.

After all, people were brought back by Chen Xi. Strictly speaking, it was the women bought by Chen Xi and raised in a foreign house, which meant that Chen Xi could store them by his side at any time. Unexpectedly, Chen Xi shook his head: "Hui Niang, please cherish them, and betroth a good family in the future. I won't ask more about the things around."

Hui Niang saw that Chen Xi had some grudges towards Sui'an. In the end, Chen Xi and she killed Sui'an's mother.

"Um."

Hui Niang nodded slightly and said nothing more. Soon Li Jin came in from outside.

Li Jin said: "Master, sister, the New Year's Eve dinner is ready... Although it's not a big day today, the food is still very rich."

Hui Niang gave Li Jin annoyed look: "What's not a big shot? As long as the master is here, you can be a big shot any day. Now you can go to the table... Sui'an, Dongxi, you two girls, please leave."

Obviously Hui Niang did not regard Sui An and Dong Xi as her family members, or in other words, in Hui Niang's mind, the hierarchy concept was clear. Even if she regarded the two girls as adopted daughters, she would not be regarded as the owners of the yard.

Chen Xidao: "No need, stay here for dinner, it's rare to reunite."

Hui Niang was a little reluctant, but finally frowned slightly and said to Sui'an and Dongxi: "It's still the master who loves you. You stay here to have a meal together. You have to understand the rules, do you know?"

"Yes, madam."
To be continued...