Sixty percent of last year's income!
Although this figure still allowed for profit, relative to their immense risks, it was a number they found hard to accept.
However, if it were only for a year or two, with their deep reserves, they could grit their teeth and endure.
"Since I hold this position, I must be accountable to the imperial court above, the common people below, and all of you in between. What I've said so far represents the worst-case scenario. If the nation's very survival is at stake, would you still cling to these coins and refuse to let go?"
By the time these words were spoken, the unspoken threat was palpable, and everyone's hearts sank.
If they refused the offered wine, a more forceful drink would follow.
"If our country is truly in peril, we will naturally contribute both money and effort!"
After exchanging a glance, Huang Linghe and Cai Sitong rose simultaneously and spoke to Han Mo.
"What do you think?"
Han Mo smiled and then looked at the remaining individuals.
"My lord has stated his position so clearly, if we still have objections, wouldn't that be ungrateful?"
With a wry smile, the rest of them could only rise and speak to Han Mo.
"Very good. I was right about you all. Since we've discussed the bottom line, it's time to talk about future plans!"
Seeing that they had all relented, Han Mo spoke again.
"Future plans?"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, even Qian Lang's pupils contracted.
They were merely merchants, their sole concerns being how much money they could earn and how prosperous their families could become.
As for future plans, they truly hadn't considered them.
"A person without foresight will surely face sorrow. One who does not plan for ten thousand generations cannot plan for a single era. Since I am in this position, I naturally wish for all of you to earn more money! Therefore, I have decided to give you an opportunity to develop the northern sea routes."
"Does Your Lordship mean Joseon and Wa?"
As the eldest grandson of the Huang family, Huang Linghe was the most perceptive of this. Hearing Han Mo mention the northern sea routes, he immediately thought of Wa and Joseon.
"That is part of it!"
As Han Mo spoke, he reached out and poured himself another cup of wine.
"Does Your Lordship mean we can also participate in the trade with Wa?"
"Of course. Not only the Huang family, but also the Zhou and Yu families, and the remaining families can participate. However, what Wa does is not trade!"
While Wa's gold and silver were indeed important to Han Mo, the population of that small island nation was extremely limited.
Furthermore, to be precise, their mining technology at this time was far inferior to that of the Great Song.
Across such a vast distance, establishing one's own influence there would require not only immense manpower and material resources but also extensive connections.
Although Han Mo could indeed integrate a large number of resources, if he were to swallow all the profits himself, it would not only easily arouse envy in others but also likely take at least three to five years to see tangible results.
However, if these people were to join, the situation would be entirely different.
If they could truly cooperate, not only would the progress greatly accelerate, but they would also be firmly bound to Han Mo's chariot.
Despite having done business together for so many years, the ease with which they were being dismantled revealed that their relationships were not harmonious.
With Han Mo present, they could happily cooperate. But without him, only internal strife would remain between them.
"My Lord, you say it's not trade, but what is your intention...?"
"My intention is very simple. Wa does not respect the Celestial Dynasty and remains obstinate, yet this small island is rich in gold and silver mines!"
Han Mo stopped speaking, but the greed in the eyes of the assembled merchants was already ignited.
What was the situation there? Judging by the goods that the Wa merchants brought when they came, they always carried vast amounts of gold dust, silver artifacts, and other miscellaneous items.
Even with their backward productivity, they could produce so much gold and silver. What if it were them?
"Your Lordship means to send troops to attack? But will the court agree?"
When it came to genuine profit, Qian Lang no longer cared about their previous discord.
"The attackers of Wa are pirates, and we are merely those who go to mine. The affairs of pirates have nothing to do with the court, nor with us. Do you all understand?"
"Hoo—"
After hearing his words, the remaining merchants were all stunned into silence.
Having been in business for so many years, even though many said they were too overbearing, compared to Han Mo, they were like bookworms in a school!
"But, My Lord, where will these pirates come from?"
Huang Linghe cautiously asked Han Mo.
In response, Han Mo didn't say much. Instead, he stood up and opened the window of the private room.
Following the direction of the window, they could see faint sail shadows on the distant sea.
The corners of everyone's mouths began to twitch uncontrollably. Wasn't that the direction of the Mingzhou naval camp?
"May I ask how Your Lordship intends for us to invest?"
After taking a few deep breaths, Qian Lang directly asked.
"This is the list of supplies I have prepared. Everything is accounted for. Eat as much as you can stomach!"
As Han Mo spoke, he took out another list from his sleeve. This was the result of his efforts over the past few days, encompassing everything from military supplies, ships, grain, and medicine to the necessary personnel, connections, and materials.
Han Mo, commanding the Mingzhou and Quanzhou naval forces, with the Zhe family providing support behind him, naturally took charge of the military operations.
However, warfare alone wouldn't generate wealth. Therefore, Han Mo offered a seventy percent stake.
Even though it was only a thirty percent share, it was based on the vast gold and silver mine resources within Wa!
The reason Wa was able to rise rapidly during the Ming Dynasty in later generations was precisely this factor!