People in Hongwu, from heavenly master to emperor master

Chapter 231 The Birth of the Auction House
The end of the year is approaching!

Walking at the intersection of the street, Zhang Yi could fully feel the arrival of Daming's first Spring Festival.

The faces of the people are full of joy, regardless of whether they are poor or rich, they are all busy with the New Year.

Even in the Ming Dynasty when there was very little population movement, Zhang Yi could feel that Yingtian's merchants left a lot.

But instead, it is ordinary people who don't have much time to appear on the streets, buying new year's goods for a year.

Runyutang is still the same as before, as if the hustle and bustle of the street has never disturbed the tranquility inside.

Chen Man found him and put down the pen in his hand.

"Xiao Zhang, are you here?
The shopkeeper is inside..."

Chen Man showed Zhang Yi the way, and Zhang Yi walked inside.

As the year approached, Chen Ke was also settling accounts, and when he saw Zhang Yi coming over, he showed a warm smile.

"Xiao Zhang, do you have any good news for me this time?"

The manuscript fee for the book had already been settled, and Zhang Yi shouldn't have appeared here. Chen Ke didn't need to work hard to guess why he came?
"Shopkeeper Chen doesn't need to go back?"

"My hometown is in Shangyuan County, there is no rush, I want to go back for a day and a half..."

Chen Ke put down the bills under his command, and Chen Man served the tea.

"Speaking of which, I have some interesting news recently. I wonder if I can sell some money to Shopkeeper Chen..."

Zhang Yi cuts to the chase, but fully expresses a character who is greedy for money and likes to take advantage of things.

Chen Ke knew it well, and waited for Zhang Yi to speak.

Zhang Yi thought for a while, and told about the Xu family and the Lan family.

Although he was not in the court, he knew some news through Kong Na or others.

"The Xu Mansion and the Chang Mansion don't agree?"

The rivalry between the Lan family and the Xu family's daughter-in-law was an undisclosed conflict before the palace incident, and even the officials in the capital may not know the details.

It wasn't until after the palace incident that the affairs of the two sides gradually became public.

However, the so-called publicity was only circulated in a certain class. It was only a few days before Zhang Yi knew about the palace.

For Chen Ke, this news can be regarded as a bit of news that can be used.

If his previous family still has contact with him, this should be good information.

Chen Ke is very satisfied, Zhang Yi's channel is really worth developing.

And what he paid was just a small amount of money.

Although he is a book boy, he is Kong Na's confidant.

The place where Guozi studied can also get a lot of news.

This news channel is safe, and I can indeed get a lot of information to use.

Chen Ke was very generous and asked someone to send five taels of silver.

Although not more than last time, five taels of silver is definitely a huge sum of money for a "servant".

"Thank you, shopkeeper Chen, the little one can have a good year..."

Zhang Yi put the money away in a hurry and looked around.

In the room where Chen Ke settles accounts, there are many Wen Wan.

It wasn't the first time he came here, but it was the first time he was interested in these babies.

Chen Ke was also very patient, and explained the origin and value of these treasures to Zhang Yi.

"Shopkeeper Chen really hasn't opened for three years, but has been open for three years!"

Holding a jade article worth several hundred taels in his hand, Zhang Yi was speechless.

Chen Ke said:
"In this business, we focus on integrity management!
The antique jade industry is all about trust. Sellers must trust buyers, and buyers must also have enough trust in us!

The same thing can sell for 500 taels in your hands, but it can sell for 3000 taels in mine.
It's not my brother who cheated me, it's my reputation gained over the years, it's worth the price! "

Zhang Yi rolled his eyes, if it wasn't for the first time that he was almost tricked by this profiteer, he would have really believed in his evil.

But after hearing Chen Ke bragging about himself, he remembered one thing:

"By the way, shopkeeper, if there is a peerless treasure, how do you find a buyer?"

Chen Ke thought for a while and said:

"The old man naturally has high-quality customers in his hands, so contact them to come and see the goods when the time comes!

There are quite a lot of wealthy households in the south of the Yangtze River, but they usually keep a low profile and are afraid of the superiors..."

He pointed to the sky and laughed:

"So, the value of connections can be reflected from here..."

Zhang Yi asked:
"Then why don't you auction it off?"

auction?

Chen Ke was taken aback for a moment, what is this?
"When I talked to the servants of the sons of heroes, they told me many interesting things, and some of them said that their family was in charge of shipping...

So their family members can understand what those vassals are saying?
They say that there is a kind of auction house business in those people's countries.

That is, all the guests call over, and then put the objects on it, let the guests bid, and the one with the highest price wins!

And the shopkeeper doesn't have to only sell his own goods, even if others want to sell the goods, he can also consign the goods to the auction house, and the auction house charges a handling fee...

This kind of business has a high threshold, and it often requires people with certain connections and a certain degree of professionalism to do it!
I think shopkeeper Chen is quite suitable..."

Chen Ke was taken aback. The business Zhang Yi mentioned seemed familiar to him.

Auctions are a form of transaction that has existed since ancient times.

The so-called high price wins, there is no transaction method that business people have never seen.

But in ancient times, there was indeed no auction house that formed the modern model of later generations.

The rush-to-buy system in the Song and Yuan dynasties can be regarded as the embryonic form of auctions, but China's historical changes did not continue to click on this technology tree.

"It sounds a bit like those Jiangnan merchants trying to get rich on a boat?"

"Yes, it is to use their mentality of fighting for wealth, and then...

Master Chen, think about it, those people can spend a lot of money for some girls, if the atmosphere is in place!
Can't the price of this commodity be sold at a high premium?

When the time comes, stir up the atmosphere, and arrange a few entrustments..."

Zhang Yi roughly explained to him the rules of modern auction houses in later generations.

What the auction house sells is channels and professional credit!

Ordinary people may not be able to start this business, but Chen Ke has a foundation, and Zhang Yi also expects him to make this business.

The more Chen Ke listened, the more dignified his expression became.

At first, he thought that Zhang Yi was just talking nonsense, but after some analysis, he also felt that this business was a good one.

In this day and age, information is blocked.

The auction house can also be a place to collect information and meet noble people!

"Chen Man!"

Chen Ke called Chen Man in and said:

"Bring me 20 taels of silver..."

Chen Man nodded and went out to get a 20 tael note.

"Shopkeeper Chen, you are..."

Chen Ke pushed the bank note to Zhang Yi and said:

"Regardless of whether this business is successful or not, the suggestion my little brother gave me today is very important to me 1
These 20 taels of silver are tea money for you!Tell me again, what else did those people say? "

Zhang Yi was motivated by money, so he naturally spoke in more detail.

After listening to it, Chen Ke took notes.

"I've done this business..."

The business of the auction house is a natural match with antique jade, and it is not a difficult business.

The ancients couldn't think of it because the business environment of Ming Dynasty was not as developed as that of the West.

It is natural for a trade-based system to conceive an auction house.

And the continuation of China's civilization for thousands of years is mostly based on farming, and the commodity economy has been suppressed. Naturally, no one will pay much attention here.

But after being awakened by Zhang Yidian, the businessmen of Daming did not lack the ability to practice.

"This thing must be done beautifully!
The old man still has some treasures in his hand, so he must take them out and bleed!
but……

It seems to be almost meaning..."

Chen Ke seriously thought about the business.

Although he has never been an auction house, he has been in business for decades. Hearing what Zhang Yi said, he probably understands the routine of this business.

He has channels, he has treasures, and he also has those businessmen who spend a lot of money.
And after doing business for so many years, he also has credit.

But if you want an instant hit, start the business.

Needing an eye-catching baby, Chen Ke thought about it, and he seemed to lack something that would attract the topic.

The voice of him talking to himself fell into Zhang Yi's ears, and Zhang Yi smiled.

He tricked Chen Ke into setting up an auction house, didn't he just want to sell glass mirrors?
"If shopkeeper Chen lacks something from the factory, I can show you the way..."

Chen Ke heard the words and looked at Zhang Yi.

The Kong family, this little book boy and little devil, seems to know everything?

Zhang Yi said:
"You also know the [Questioning Mood] that has become popular in Yingtian recently, right?

This mirror actually came from Longhu Mountain, and it was the product of Taoists on Longhu Mountain who failed in alchemy!

Because the quantity is scarce and the materials are precious, so...

Of course it's not cheap either!

A while ago, Mrs. Xu got a mirror from a Taoist because of something, and it became popular all over the city!
Even the wife of the Chang Mansion was rejected when she came to ask for a mirror!
Does Shopkeeper Chen know the reason? "

Zhang Yi's vivid voice aroused Chen Ke's curiosity. He shook his head, expressing that he didn't know.

Zhang Yi said:
"Because they can't afford it!"

His reason was so simple and true that Chen Ke was speechless.

"The mirror's material, production difficulty and rarity, can be described as priceless!
To tell the truth, Mrs. Chang, the Chang family may have a high status, but they really don't have much money!
If she wants to sell by force, isn't it difficult for the Taoist to refuse?

So I simply say no, but in fact, there are still a few sides to the state of mind!

So the priests of Longhu Mountain also want to make a move! "

Chen Ke's heart beat wildly when he heard the words "Ask your state of mind".

No matter how close she is to news, he still knows more or less about the recent rumors.

That mirror, I don't know how many people dream of it, this mirror is very highly discussed.

If there is really a mirror circulating on the market, let alone others!

Even Chen Ke himself wants to buy one!
For nothing else, this mirror is simply a stepping stone to the door of any high-ranking official!

"Do you have a way?"

Chen Ke's eyes widened, and he hurriedly asked Zhang Yi, who shook his head:

"The shopkeeper Chen thinks highly of the boy, I don't have the way of that little real person in Longhushan, he is arrogant and doesn't pay attention to others!

Even idlers can't answer his words, but my young master has a close relationship with him!
I know some things about him through my young master! "

"It turned out to be Master Kong, so let me ask you, he is really willing to sell this mirror, please tell Master Kong for me, no matter how much you pay, I, Chen Ke, will take one!"

Zhang Yi pouted, and Chen Ke realized that he had said the wrong thing.

Zhang Yi replied:

"Shopkeeper Chen, don't say I don't like you, if someone really wants to sell it, it's not your turn!
Where is Longhushan? Do you know less wealthy households in the south of the Yangtze River than you?

It's just that Taoists act and pay attention to one fate!
That little real person rejected Mrs. Chang's family, and then betrayed you?
As long as he really betrayed you, do you dare to accept it?
Or are you going to give the mirror to Mrs. Chang and ask for a way out?
If so, it makes sense!

What I mean is, if your auction house opens, I will tell the young master to ask that little real person to give up a mirror!
In the name of my young master, put it in the auction house for sale!
Anyway, whoever has the highest price wins this thing, through this matter, first set the value of this mirror!
When those high-ranking officials and nobles go to ask for a mirror, they must always know what to expect!
If not, everyone would bring three to five hundred taels of silver to ask for the mirror, thinking that they have given so many gifts!

The real person from Longhushan can't get off the stage either!

Originally, the little real person didn't plan to sell it, but you also know that Taoists pay attention to wealth and law, and wealth is the first accumulation of cultivation!

Without money, the alchemy stove of the Taoist priest can't light a fire!
That's why I remind you, if your auction house can start, I can give the young master a suggestion!
In this way, you get a reputation!
The Daoist also got benefits!
Isn't this killing two birds with one stone? "

Only now did Chen Ke understand what Zhang Yi meant?
It's not that the little real person in Longhushan doesn't want to sell the mirror, but the price in his heart. He thinks those meritorious officials can't afford it.

If I reject those big shots because of the price, firstly, I will lose face, and secondly, I am afraid that they will hate me.

So the little real person in Longhushan was afraid of trouble, so he simply said no!

But Taoist priests are also short of money, so the little real person has the willingness to sell the mirror.

The mirror can't get out of his hand yet, it has to go around the Confucian mansion before it can be shot.

After thinking about it, Chen Ke roughly understood.

He asked Zhang Yi:

"Can you facilitate this?"

"Boy, I'm just talking about it, I just heard the little real person complaining to the young master!
If Mr. Chen really made the auction house, the little one can ask the young master to tell the little real person...

This kind of win-win thing, I believe he will still agree! "

Chen Ke was thoughtful:
"Little brother, if you accomplish this, I will reward you a lot!
I originally planned to pack up the stall and go home for the New Year in a few days, it seems that the old man will spend more time in Yingtian Mansion, to find a place to open the auction house you mentioned!

Next spring, this auction house will open, if it can continue to operate smoothly!

The benefits I give to my little brother will not be less than... 100 taels..."

Zhang Yi has made a lot of money from Chen Ke these days, so he is naturally overjoyed when he hears this.

After saying what he should say and do, he said goodbye and left.

Chen Ke personally sent Zhang Yi out, waiting for him to disappear at the intersection.

He turned back to Chen Man and said:
"You always say that I spend money, is it worth the money?"

"It's a pity that this kid is Kong Na's servant..."

Chen Man obviously heard the content of the conversation between the two parties, and was not surprised by Chen Ke's question.

"A person's origin often determines his fate!

No matter how clever he is, he can only be Kong Na's servant!

Even, if he didn't know how to measure, might he die miserably because he was too smart? "

Chen Man's words seemed to hit Chen Ke's sore spot,
His answer was a bit cold, Chen Man chuckled, and wisely didn't answer Chen Ke's words.

"You prepare a gift for me, go to the Pure Heart Contemplation!"

(End of this chapter)