Chapter 38: Sanctions

On the road from An Yang to the capital, Wuyang, a massive convoy advanced steadily, consisting of over three hundred large freight wagons and more than five hundred valiant guards. Among the convoy, one could also see the banners of the Li, Yuan, Shangguan, and Zhang families.

Needless to say, this was Li Xian’s convoy. In the face of such a large procession, no thieves dared to collect “tolls.” Even the local officials along the way carefully restrained their subordinates— for now, it was best not to provoke these four families.

Within the convoy, Li Xian was instilling new ideas in Xu Ren.

“Sir, please allow me to explain. First, let’s talk from a technical perspective; the leakage of technology isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, actively leaking technology can be the greatest conspiracy.

By leaking technology, we allow others to imitate us; and imitation will lead to a loss of creativity and research capabilities, preventing them from ever surpassing us! If they can’t surpass us, they will always be subject to us and will continue to imitate us! Ultimately, they will fall into a self-destructive cycle—that’s the superiority and guidance of technology.”

“Hmm? That makes sense, but the world is vast, and there are countless talents. How can you be sure others will imitate us? They might research other technologies instead.”

“This brings me to my second point,” Li Xian smiled confidently. “This is called capital. We need to let others see the benefits of technology; with benefits comes pursuit; and with benefits, we can use them to guide and develop the market.

I admit, there are many technologies that might be better; but not all technologies are profitable!

Only technologies that meet market needs—that is, profitable ones—are good technologies. As long as we guide the market, we can generate countless technologies. We use technology to guide and expand the market, and then use the market to counter technology.

Meanwhile, we can secretly acquire or learn from failed technologies, experiences, etc., and even recruit those researching them. Or we can control and support some promising enterprises through investment.

In this way, we can expand rapidly.

The development model of businesses is too narrow; a group-based development approach is the best way for industrial expansion. As long as research technology, industry, capital, and market cooperate well, a group can stabilize and expand tenfold overnight!”

Xu Ren didn’t ask any questions this time; his face was pale. On one hand, he was shocked by this brand-new perspective on business warfare, and on the other, he was struggling to think and absorb these ideas. Following Li Xian, Xu Ren felt immense pressure.

It wasn’t until half a day later that Xu Ren asked a few minor questions, which Li Xian patiently explained. By evening, Xu Ren began to ask more substantial questions.

“Third, if we want to rise and not be marginalized, we need to unite those on the same side. Therefore, for our own survival, we must appropriately release some technology for the world to share.

Sharing leads to respect; sharing leads to support!

Fourth, I believe the capital has started to become chaotic by now. My three good brothers must have already dismantled the looms; how can we allow them to take all the credit? I want everyone to know that it was our Brilliant Star Commercial Firm that invented the engine and personally drove the industrial revolution.

Fifth, third-rate businesses produce goods, second-rate businesses build brands, first-rate businesses develop markets, and top-tier businesses set standards. We want to be a top-tier business; we want to be the kings of industry.

If we are to be kings, we must share some things to unite a group of people.”

Xu Ren respectfully opened his notebook to record the relevant matters. The ideas Li Xian was presenting filled Xu Ren with a strong sense of crisis—he clearly felt that he was beginning to lag behind Li Xian! To avoid being eliminated, he could only humbly learn.

Of course, Xu Ren also had confidence; after all, strategies related to business and technology are not fundamentally different from ordinary tactics. Once the surface is broken, Xu Ren remains a strategist capable of influencing the political landscape.

The next day, the convoy continued forward, and Li Xian and Xu Ren engaged in new discussions. “Sir, I am preparing to hold a trade fair. A trade fair showcases all items but aims to promote. I’m currently hesitant about whether to host it myself or collaborate with others.

As for the trade fair, it would be something like this…”

As he spoke, Li Xian roughly introduced the format of the trade fair. Xu Ren was still amazed by Li Xian’s ingenuity and then began to comprehensively analyze the pros and cons. This trade fair would not only be a commercial event but also inevitably involve political aspects—considering Li Xian’s identity and the engine, he could not avoid political turmoil, which would require Xu Ren’s help in planning.

———

As Li Xian and his party rushed toward the capital, hundreds of officials gathered in the palace to discuss the issues surrounding the Colorful Fabric Shop.

Many officials who came to report had grievances; they were in the capital for routine matters and did not expect to discuss the Colorful Fabric Shop’s problems. The issue, however, was not the shop itself, but the four powerful ministers behind it!

The Yuan family had Yuan Yong, a first-rank Grand Commandant; the Shangguan family had Shangguan Guang, a first-rank General; the Li family had Li Yulong, a second-rank Imperial Censor; and the Zhang family had Zhang Yuan, a second-rank Minister of Revenue. These four powerful ministers all held significant positions and real authority, collectively controlling military, political, and financial power!

On the other side, the Wang family need not be mentioned; the first-rank Prime Minister Ouyang Wubi surprisingly stood with the Wang family this time, demanding an investigation and punishment for the Colorful Fabric Shop.

In short, neither the plaintiff nor the defendant was simple, and it was no wonder the reporting officials felt discontent—after all, they could not afford to provoke anyone.

The Emperor sat high on the throne, saying, “Prime Minister, your choice this time has surprised me greatly. Tell me, what are your thoughts?”

Countless gazes turned toward the Prime Minister, everyone curious. Usually known for his integrity, the Prime Minister couldn’t tolerate any wrongdoing; yet this time, he supported the Wang family in suing the Colorful Fabric Shop, leaving many people dumbfounded.

Prime Minister Ouyang Wubi stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I do not oppose the Colorful Fabric Shop; in fact, I hope to see it sell fabric at low prices. To be honest, I even sent my servants to buy two pieces. The quality of the fabric from the Colorful Fabric Shop is uniform and excellent.

In my humble opinion, considering the quality and other factors, the prices at the Colorful Fabric Shop are actually only eighty percent of the market price, truly a great value for the money.”

The Emperor’s curiosity deepened. “Oh, if it’s that good, why oppose it?”

“Your Majesty, as the saying goes, ‘Low prices hurt farmers.’ If the fabric is too cheap, it will severely impact the lives of the common people. Such inexpensive fabric raises my suspicions about its source. This matter must be investigated.

Moreover, the hunger marketing strategy implemented by the Colorful Fabric Shop is severely disrupting the market. Almost all fabric shops in Wuyang City are experiencing problems, further affecting the livelihoods of countless people behind those shops.

Therefore, after much consideration, I must petition Your Majesty to temporarily close the Colorful Fabric Shop and investigate the source of their fabric.”

The Emperor turned to Li Yulong. “Li Aiqing, this Colorful Fabric Shop was created by Li Xian, right? Can you explain why?”

Li Yulong also stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I swear there is absolutely no problem with the source of the fabric.”

Wang Chuan sneered, “Lord Li, the Emperor is asking you for a reason, not for your oath.”

Li Yulong frowned slightly. “Your Majesty, this involves a bit of commercial secrecy. May I ask for two days’ time? My son will return to the capital in two days.”

“Very well, I will grant you two days. However, let the Colorful Fabric Shop be temporarily closed.”

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