The old shopkeeper of the Zhang family sighed deeply and walked towards the door with a wry smile.
These days of war and chaos had taught them too many lessons.
Perhaps in times of peace, they might have still harbored ambitions, but having witnessed the sight of countless corpses piled up outside the city walls, their desire for dominance had vanished.
He was the chief shopkeeper of the Zhang family, and also an elder. Before coming here, the family's stewards had already made preparations to seek refuge with Han Mo and attach themselves to the Qian family.
If Qian Lang could continue to control the situation and unite the seven great families, they would naturally be Qian family's best allies.
But since Qian Lang lacked the capability now, they could only turn to Han Mo.
Suffering a little loss was better than losing their livelihood completely…
"Go, go, everyone just go…"
Seeing that the seven great families had dwindled to just two in the blink of an eye, Qian Lang couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.
Whether he was willing to admit it or not, the Qian family had lost this time, and lost completely.
"Your student pays his respects to Your Excellency!"
A quarter of an hour later, a dejected Qian Lang finally arrived before Han Mo's carriage.
However, even though he had lowered his head and bowed, there was still no response from inside the carriage.
"Brother Qionglin is too polite. I've been extremely busy these past few days, which led me to take a short nap in the carriage. These servants are too undisciplined. Why didn't you wake me?"
It wasn't until Qian Lang's patience was almost exhausted that Han Mo's voice finally came from within the carriage.
"Your Excellency is joking. Your Excellency has been working day and night for the people of the city. What is a little wait for us?"
As soon as Han Mo finished speaking, Cai Sitong immediately walked over with a smile and helped Han Mo down from the carriage.
"That's not how it should be put. You are all distinguished figures of this region, and I will have many matters that require your assistance in the future!"
Looking at Qian Lang, who resembled a dejected rooster, Han Mo was extremely satisfied.
His gamble had indeed been the right one. While the Qian family had hidden powers, the Cai family was not to be trifled with either.
"Your Excellency is too kind. The wind is strong here. Perhaps we should take our seats first?"
Looking at Han Mo's excessively young face, Huang Linghe immediately stepped forward with a smile.
"Brother Huang, please!"
"Your Excellency, please!"
After both parties were seated again, the atmosphere in the private room immediately became a little awkward.
Qian Lang, the former honored guest, now could only occupy the last seat, while Cai Sitong and Huang Linghe directly took the two positions on Han Mo's left and right.
Even the seats for the Zhang and Wang families were now positioned above.
"Everyone, I have invited you here today to discuss the previous matter. The rules have already been established. What are your thoughts?"
Seeing everyone waiting for him to speak, Han Mo had no intention of exchanging pleasantries and directly began.
"Your Excellency, my Huang family fully agrees with Your Excellency's opinion, but we who live by the sea also have our difficulties. Your Excellency, what about the pricing issue…"
Although the Huang family now agreed in principle to the rules set by Han Mo, they were still very concerned about the specific prices.
"You don't need to worry about the pricing. I have no intention of cutting off your livelihood. From today onwards, apart from the quota set by the government, the price for all remaining excess goods will be calculated at 80% of the price during the same period last year. Do you have any objections?"
Han Mo poured himself a cup of wine as he spoke.
The 20% discount did indeed make everyone hesitate. It wasn't because the price lacked profit, as maritime trade was originally a highly profitable venture.
An item that cost one Qian in the Great Song Dynasty could fetch seven to eight times that price in Java.
If it reached the Parthian Empire, the price would be at least ten times higher, and if it reached the even more western Arab Empire, it would be at least fifty to sixty times.
As for distant Europe, the prices there would start from at least a hundredfold.
Moreover, the items provided by the natives were all rare goods such as spices, gems, ivory, and rhinoceros horns.
In the face of such enormous profits, the 20% reduction in profit was insignificant.
Their concern was that Han Mo's floating price, which was 20% today, might become 30%, 40%, or even 50% after some time!
"Your Excellency, may I ask how long this price you speak of will last?"
After hesitating, Cai Sitong also directly inquired.
"Regarding that, you are aware of the court's situation. The court currently has two armies campaigning in all directions and is in great need of funds. At this time, if you ask me, I cannot give you an accurate number!"
After drinking some wine, Han Mo said with a smile.
"Your Excellency, with you saying this, we…"
Hearing Han Mo's words, everyone's lips twitched. Wasn't this a trap?
Although maritime trade was profitable, the problem was that war was a bottomless pit!
No matter how much money they had, it couldn't fill this pit!
"Don't be nervous, let me finish speaking!"
Han Mo said, clapping his hands.
Soon, Jiang Yan walked in, holding a brocade box.
"This contains the revenue estimations for you all over the past three years. You can take a look!"
Han Mo gestured for Jiang Yan to place the items in the center of the table.
"This…"
Hearing him say this, everyone suddenly became a little flustered.
After all, if their entire financial situation was laid bare, how would they be able to cry poverty in the future?
"Get started!"
Seeing that none of them seemed inclined to move, Han Mo tapped the table lightly with his finger again.
"Yes!"
This time, everyone was pushed into a corner. Whether they liked it or not, at this moment, they could only reach out and pick up the account books with their names written on them from the box.
They had held onto some hope, but after reading the numbers marked on the account books, everyone's expressions turned grim.
There was still some discrepancy with their actual revenue, but the gap was less than tens of thousands of guan!
"Your Excellency, you mean…"
After wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Zhou Qian hurriedly asked in a low voice.
"From this perspective, even though Jiangnan is now in flames everywhere, your surrounding revenue has not been greatly affected!"
"My meaning is very simple. As long as you don't play any tricks on me, I guarantee that you will at least receive 80% of what is on these account books! Of course, if the state's financial situation deteriorates further, this number might drop again, but I guarantee that 60% will be the absolute limit!"