Chapter 181 The Dilemma of Qiupu Street

The next day, after having breakfast at home, Chen Heng waited for Liu Xianglian for a while. Seeing that he had not appeared for a long time, he took Xinda out first. He was going to see Manager Zhao today. It was an appointment three days ago. Xue Ke also helped him to ask for leave from the academy.

Who knew that the two brothers were caught by Liu Xianglian who had been waiting for a long time as soon as they left the house.

"You two can sleep too much."

Chen Heng was a little surprised to meet him at the door of his house. At this time, there were few people on the street, and only a few breakfast shops were open. Liu Xianglian, dressed in a brocade robe, was holding the family heirloom sword as usual, sitting on a bench and relaxing. It was unknown how long he had been waiting for them.

The two parties, one waiting inside the house and the other waiting outside the street, created a misunderstanding invisibly. Chen Heng didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He took Xinda to the shop and said politely, "Thank you for waiting for me, Brother Liu. Have you had breakfast?"

Xinda frowned when he heard this. Why didn't his brother tell us about our long wait at home? Not only did this Liu wait outside, but he also complained about them.

"I've eaten, I've eaten." Liu Xianglian threw the sword to his right hand, made a sword flower and stood up, eager to try, "Hurry up, hurry up, if you have anything important to do today, I'll accompany you."

Seeing that he was so impatient, Chen Heng smiled and shook his head, and led him out again. The two walked side by side on the street, and Xinda followed his brother's left hand side slowly.

The road from the east to the west of the city was really long. Chen Heng didn't have the spare money to call a carriage, so he had to go early on purpose. This is how the poor save money.

The three of them walked slowly on the road. When Chen Heng finished telling Liu Xianglian about Qiupu Street, the latter's interest had been reduced by half. He came to Yangzhou this time with the idea of ​​showing off his skills.

Yesterday, when he heard Chen Heng mention Qiupu Street and Manager Zhao, he thought he was involved in some earth-shattering event. He was just thinking of relying on his martial arts to help the younger brother of the Chen family kill people happily and do some great things to eliminate violence and protect the good.

But when he heard that it was just a trivial matter, Liu Xianglian himself was speechless and worried. Wouldn't he just follow the young man of the Chen family and wander around in a muddle when he came to Yangzhou this time?

This was also what Chen Heng couldn't understand. He didn't understand what Uncle Lin meant by finding a helper for him. He was just wandering around in the city now. No matter how strong Liu Xianglian's martial arts were, even if he had the ability of Li Yuanfang, there was no place for him to display them? To put it bluntly, following him was really a waste of talent.

The two of them had their own questions in their hearts, and they didn't mention them for the time being. After finally rushing to the archway of Qiupu Street. Liu Xianglian was still okay, but Chen Heng's forehead was already sweating. How could he meet people with such a sweaty look?

The group stopped for a short break at the breakfast shop at the street corner. Liu Xianglian had followed them here, so he decided to spend a day with Chen Heng. He sat down on the bench and scanned the people on the street.

Now was the time when female embroiderers and silkworm breeders from each household entered the street, and from time to time people hurriedly ran under the archway. Liu Xianglian looked at the novelty and got a better understanding of the bustle of Yangzhou. It was easy to be an official in the capital, which was very different from the business scene in Yangzhou.

In the interval, he asked Chen Heng about the origin of Qiupu Street. When he learned that this street was set up by the government office to accommodate refugees, his blood boiled and he immediately praised: "Uncle Lin is such a good official who serves the people. I really admire him."

When he was excited, he would easily speak in a theatrical tone, which was also fun to listen to. However, Liu Xianglian's casual words made Chen Heng understand him better. This man's temperament is a bit quick to repay favors and straightforward. Chen Heng kept this little discovery in his heart and didn't mention it much.

After resting his feet, the sweat stains on his clothes disappeared slightly. Chen Heng got up and walked into the street with the two of them. Manager Zhao's office is located in the middle of the street, in a two-story residential building, not far from the watchtower, and is very easy to find.

Chen Heng and the other two were led into the hall by the officers sent by the government office. After a short wait, they heard the sound of people coming down the stairs. Manager Zhao, wearing a blue robe of a scholar, hurried over. When he saw Chen Heng, he smiled before speaking, raised his hand and congratulated him: "I haven't seen you for a long time. Today, I want to ask for a favor and call Brother Chen the first brother."

It was not the first time for the two parties to meet, but it was the first time that Manager Zhao was so kind, and Chen Heng was a little surprised.

But Chen Heng did not know that Manager Zhao actually had the title of a scholar, so he stood up and returned the greeting, saying, "Today I learned that Brother Zhao was a senior in the imperial examination. I am so disrespectful. I hope you will not blame me for my usual impoliteness."

Seeing Chen Heng's tone, he was also very polite and approachable. Manager Zhao, who was in his fifties, immediately relaxed his brows. This was the effect he wanted.

Lord Lin had sent someone to inform him before, so Manager Zhao knew that Chen Heng came here this time with the shadow of the prefect behind him. He was also worried that the other party was asking him about his poor management on behalf of the superiors, so he tried to build a relationship in various ways.

To be honest, the position of manager of Qiupu Street is a lucrative job. Most of the merchants who come and go on weekdays are wealthy merchants, and there is no lack of entertainment and gifts. Although Manager Zhao is not greedy, he can't avoid taking advantage of it occasionally. Such a good position, he naturally doesn't want to lose.

Taking advantage of the fact that they both have the title of a scholar, and the friendship of resettling refugees before. Manager Zhao enthusiastically pulled Chen Heng to chat, and soon, they had changed to a more intimate name.

These things may sound vulgar, but to accomplish a task, one must have human relations and worldly wisdom. The county magistrate is not as good as the current manager, and Chen Heng also accepted Manager Zhao's kindness with a smile. With this so-called background of being one of his own, when Chen Heng asked about the situation of Qiupu Street again, Manager Zhao, who was a little relieved, was even more open to tell him everything he knew.

Generally speaking, Qiupu Street currently faces three difficulties. First, the situation is spreading, there is a lack of skilled technicians on hand, and the progress of finished products that can be put on the store is slow. Second, many business travelers from various places who came here to catch up with the fun stopped coming due to flooding and heavy rain. Third, the embroidery workers in Suzhou and Hangzhou have been famous for a long time. Although Yangzhou embroidery has made great achievements in its ancestors, picking it up now is like starting from scratch again.

With the good intentions of laymen, Manager Zhao has always asked his craftsmen to strive for excellence, just to surpass Su and Hangzhou in terms of quality, so as to open up the trade route in Yangzhou. After several attempts, the business on Qiupu Street became worse and worse.

Manager Zhao himself is also confused. His intentions and actions are obviously good, so why is there no improvement?

Chen Heng listened silently, knowing in his heart that Manager Zhao was telling the truth. Opening Qiupu Street is indeed a good move, but it will take at least half a year to train a group of skilled workers.

This is a pain that every manufacturing industry has to go through. If there are enough masters on hand to teach and guide people, it can still reduce some time. But the current situation on Qiupu Street is that an old embroiderer leads hundreds of refugees to work. With the addition of both inside and outside, it is naturally a bit difficult to improve the embroidery skills by leaps and bounds.

And this kind of cloth is put on the shelves while teaching. It is inevitable that the things that come out will be mixed, and they are inherently inferior to Suzhou and Hangzhou. Silk cloth also requires fine workmanship. If your goods are defective, the merchants who purchase the goods will naturally be dissatisfied. They will be even less willing to buy more after losing money once or twice.

"So Brother Zhao is interested in making goldware?"

Hearing Chen Heng's question, Manager Zhao nodded awkwardly. He was kind-hearted. Seeing that there was no way to go, he wanted to make a living for the workshop in hand. This thing is faster than raising silkworms and weaving cloth. Yangzhou people are rich and extravagant. There are many ready-made gold craftsmen in the city, and they can teach people quickly.

But this move, which was taken for granted, attracted secret resistance from the jewelers in the city, which was something that Manager Zhao did not expect. He once complained to Lin Ruhai and wanted the government to come forward and punish these businessmen.

It was rejected by Zhang Shangxian, the magistrate who was in charge at the time, and it was not for the purpose of seeking wealth or murder. There is no law against commercial competition in Dayong, so how can the government intervene. Don't forget that Qiupu Street is still half-government and half-people. If the jewelery dealers make a big fuss and stir up trouble, it will be very bad for the government.

After guessing what happened, Chen Heng immediately stood up and expressed that he wanted to go to the horse training workshop. Manager Zhao had a good conversation with Chen Heng and did not object. He personally took Chen Heng and walked from the trail to the square.

Although the stone monument of Pi Lian Fang stands at the intersection of the street, its real location is actually behind the shops along the street, and all the way to the mulberry forest can be attributed to the name of Pi Lian Fang. This place can be roughly divided into three areas, mainly focusing on silk weaving, dyeing, and embroidery. There are mostly small rooms separated here and there, and most of the hired workers are here.

When passing by the three major workshops, Chen Heng was taken around by Manager Zhao to look around. But he didn't know that his appearance was discovered by his family. Zhou, Gu and others all worked in the first and second workshops, and Feng was also here with his maids Lushui and Yinglian.

Gu family and Feng family are neighbors, and they work not far away. When Manager Zhao led Chen Heng from a distance, Chen Xian immediately noticed the figure of her younger brother. She pulled Gu at her side in disbelief, "Auntie, look, that person doesn't look like Heng." younger brother?"

Mrs. Gu was chatting happily with Mrs. Feng, but when she heard Erya's words, she turned her head in confusion. Although there were many obstacles between her and Chen Heng. But even if her son only shows his back, she, as a mother, can tell it at a glance.

"No, the clothes he is wearing are ones I bought this year." Mrs. Gu was also secretly surprised. They also knew Manager Zhao. Although he doesn't show up much on weekdays, he also knows that this person is the undisputed leader of the Pi Lian Workshop. Seeing him now, following his children, looking like he was leading the way with enthusiasm, made the family members even more confused.

"Auntie, do you want to say hello to my brother?" Chen Xian said excitedly, probably because she thought the opportunity was too coincidental. Her lively temperament is more similar to that of her second uncle Chen Huaijin.

"Forget it, look at him like that, he's just busy." Gu waved her hands, not wanting to cause trouble to her child, "When I get home for dinner tonight, I'll find out what's going on if I ask."

Chen Heng didn't know that he had been recognized by his family, and he didn't expect that Gu and others would be present in the weaving room where Manager Zhao brought him. He just followed Manager Zhao attentively and took a clear look at every corner of the Piping Training Workshop.

Later, the two of them went to the dyeing room, silkworm room and other places. When he finally walked through the goldware room, Chen Heng, who had a rough idea of ​​what was going on, declined Manager Zhao's invitation to stay for dinner, and returned home with Xinda and Liu Xianglian.

The latter two followed him in a daze for a day. Fortunately, Xinda had always trusted his brother and said nothing on the way back. Only Liu Xianglian was a little confused. When they were eating together on the roadside, she kept asking Chen Heng a few questions.

Chen Heng asked himself that he was not a genius. Although he had scattered ideas in his mind, if he really wanted to put them into one place, he could not put them into words or write a book. He blocked Liu Xianglian's question by saying, "We still need to consider it in the long term."

After eating with them, Chen Heng immediately turned back to the academy and went straight to the library in the courtyard. There are not many books in the courtyard, but there are still a lot of history books from the past dynasties. Chen Heng deliberately found the history books of the pre-Ming Dynasty, using the weaving bureau of the Jiajing Dynasty as a fulcrum, and carefully looked at the history of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

The reason why we choose the historical materials of the former Ming Dynasty as the main one is that the time is close and the market data is more valuable for reference. The second reason is that the Yongcheng Ming system, the officialdom between the two has many similarities.

On the way, Xue Ke and others also came to help. With the efforts of several people, the screening and summary of information became extremely fast. When Chen Heng returned home at night, he already had a thick stack of information in his hand.

In the evening, Gu and Chen Xian asked about the daytime events one after another, but Chen Heng did not answer. He just said that he came to help someone and took Xinda back to his room to do things.

There are precedents and traces for everything in the world. It depends on whether the reader discovers it carefully. Today, Qiupu Street is facing the problem of "few business orders, slow production, and quality gaps". Although Chen Heng has the business logic of later generations, the solution he can think of must be combined with the current reality.

If you really think that you can be successful in everything with the knowledge of later generations, that would be a big mistake, and it is the mistake of Zhao Kuo.

The significance of studying historical materials is also here. First, understand the situation in various places. Only by combining their past and present lives can we find the best solution. There is no outdated method, just see if it can be used against each other.

If you can't go to Suzhou and Hangzhou for field investigation, you can also get a glimpse of the leopard with the help of a few words and two strokes of historical materials. The people on this land are keen on writing history books, which may be a lesson for future generations.

Chen Heng read it at home for several days in a row, and he really found some clues. Silk and satin have had the attributes of currency since ancient times, and are often used to exchange goods for goods. Since Jiajing, the national treasury has been in deficit. In order to make up for the deficit, under the proposal of the Yan Party, the national policy of "changing rice to mulberry" was implemented in Jiangnan and other places.

At that time, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces had a weaving bureau belonging to the inner court, and often did business with foreigners. In the Ming Dynasty, the handicraft industry in Jiangnan developed rapidly and the buds of XXism were produced in high school history classes. This is roughly the stage.

However, potatoes and other crops had not been planted on a large scale in the former Ming Dynasty, and the Qingliu and Yan Party had their own thoughts and struggled endlessly. There were also natural disasters during the Little Ice Age. Several factors combined to make the Ming Dynasty fall into decline.

The man-made disasters were complicated, including the deliberate imperial mentality of Jiajing and the entanglement of multiple interest groups. Chen Heng's eyes penetrated these layers of fog and found a place that could bring Qiupu Street back to life.

The silk in Suzhou and Hangzhou, in more popular terms, was special supply and foreign trade. The cloth they produced was either sold to foreigners to increase the treasury income or tributed to the palace for the nobles. The things that could be circulated sporadically on the market were also high in price and were monopolized by the rich families.

Families like the Jia family were almost like this. The clothes in their homes were either awarded by the palace or bought by themselves. The best cloth was used to tailor clothes for the master. For the remaining cloth, they would buy some inferior goods from outside and put them together for the servants to wear.

From this point, it can be seen that the cloth industry in Suzhou and Hangzhou is taking the high-end route. The high price and small quantity of goods are definitely not unaffordable for ordinary people in Jiangnan and other places. And those who want to buy may not be able to buy it.

The model of a society is always a pyramid structure. Compared with the wealthy and powerful families and the lower-class people with the largest number of people, the needs of the people in the middle are obviously not taken seriously.

There are naturally clothes suitable for them to wear. No one is a fool and will not make good money. It’s just that the people here lack large-scale production capacity, which makes the market in short supply.

Chen Heng keenly perceived this business opportunity, and the emotions that had been pent up for a long time in his heart were also greatly boosted. He continued to dig deeper along this road and found that the reason for this situation was still related to the positioning of the weaving bureaus in Suzhou and Hangzhou.

The cloth craftsmanship of the weaving bureaus is complicated, and the demand is exaggerated and frightening. As for qualified silk materials, there is a saying in history books that only one piece is produced out of three pieces. In addition to its complicated craftsmanship, the loss during the production process is naturally inevitable.

But can this step be omitted? If anyone dares to say so, the officials of the Weaving Bureau will probably hit this person's head.

The essence of the Weaving Bureau is to serve the royal family and nobles first, make money for your Majesty's inner court by the way, and finally increase the income of the national treasury. The nobles in the palace and the foreigners who spend money are particular about the quality of things. Compared with these precious people, the officials of the Weaving Bureau will not consider outsiders by nature.

In the eyes of the officials of Dayong, except for the superiors and themselves, the rest of the people in the world are ordinary people. The so-called gentry may have exchanges in governing the people of one side. But it is obviously impossible for officials to consider their needs.

Serving a noble well, or handling hundreds of gentry or tens of thousands of people. Which one is more conducive to their own promotion, the officials have a score in their hearts and they know it very well. This has nothing to do with intelligence. It is a problem of the butt determining the head, which is also a common problem in the ancient officialdom.

After understanding this level, Chen Heng found the point of breaking the deadlock. His thinking logic is several versions ahead of the current people. He also knows how much energy these so-called small wealthy families can burst out.

Lin Ruhai may not be able to see Chen Heng's inner talent, but he also understands the practical talent of his younger generation. Just the idea of ​​using the hands of refugees to promote consumption in the city made Lin Ruhai very surprised and admired.

Yangzhou's financial situation has been strong since last year's drought. In addition to Wei Yinghong's many years of governance and the generous donations of salt merchants and others, Chen Heng's wonderful writing is also indispensable. Otherwise, during the months of the disaster, Yangzhou's tax accounts would not be so dazzling.

This night was long, and Chen Heng, who was free from his thoughts, took the small family home as a breakthrough point and revised his plan over and over again. For some things, it is not enough to see the cause, and the solution should also start from here.

The rise of a local industry will naturally affect the interests of other places. How to balance the relationship between various places and avoid the disaster of Zhao Guanshi's goldware is a difficult problem that tests Chen Heng's thoughtfulness.

Continuing along this line of thought, finding the fastest way to revive Qiupu Street is the real good strategy to save the world and the country.

A few days later, Chen Heng, who had accomplished his mission, came to the government office to visit Uncle Lin with a full book of documents.

Brothers, keep up the monthly ticket. When it reaches one thousand, there will be more updates. I wanted to write more, but I had a lot of work today and was delayed when I came back.