freenovelworld Chapter 151 Qin State's Attitude Towards the Economic Zone
Chapter 151 Qin State's Attitude Towards the Economic Zone
The First Restaurant of Qin Dynasty was bustling with activity. Inside this magnificent building, the spacious and bright hall on the first floor was already packed with people, some sitting around tables in small groups, others occupying their own little corners, all enjoying the pleasure brought by the delicious food and wine.
The distinguished young masters and ladies, dressed in magnificent attire, behaved with elegance; while the wealthy merchants, rolling in money, displayed their extravagance. They casually ordered a few exquisite and delicious dishes, paired with a pot of fragrant white wine, enjoying the delicacies while chatting and laughing, thoroughly enjoying themselves!
Especially in this freezing weather, a glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor) feels like it ignites the blood in your body, instantly warming you up – a truly wonderful feeling. That's why, even in the cold winter, the First Restaurant of Qin remains bustling and lively.
Suddenly, someone in the crowd spotted Zhang Fugui and called out, "Hey, isn't this Boss Zhang? Long time no see! Where have you been making your fortune lately?"
Upon hearing the voice, Zhang Fugui looked over and immediately broke into a warm smile. He quickly walked up to the man and replied, "Haha, it's Brother Li! I went to the State of Chu a while ago and just got back."
The man became interested upon hearing this and continued, "Mr. Zhang, quite a few big things have happened in our Qin Kingdom recently! I heard that the war has ended, and we've also signed some kind of economic zone development cooperation agreement with Chu, Qi, and Wei. Are you aware of this?"
Zhang Fugui nodded repeatedly and said, "I heard the news at the city gate. This is truly wonderful news! From now on, we won't have to travel all the way to Chu. We can easily buy Chu goods right here at the border. It's so convenient!"
The man sighed deeply, his face full of emotion, and said, "That's right! With this economic zone, our business will definitely become more and more prosperous, and everyone will be able to make a fortune!" After saying that, he waved his hand excitedly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fugui, who was standing to the side, also smiled broadly and chimed in, "To be honest, Princess Jiayang is truly a great benefactor to us merchants!"
The man nodded repeatedly in agreement, and then said with great enthusiasm, "That's right! I heard that this economic zone was proposed by Princess Jiayang, and even the plan was written by Princess Jiayang herself. Think about how low the status of us merchants used to be; we were looked down upon wherever we went. Now, thanks to Princess Jiayang, we can actually sit and eat and drink with those princes and nobles."
Zhang Fugui's eyes gleamed with excitement as he smiled and said, "That's right! This economic zone is about to be completed. We must seize this golden opportunity!"
The man nodded with a smile and replied, "That's what I think too. When the time is right, we'll go to the border together, make a name for ourselves, and try to achieve something great."
Zhang Fugui readily agreed, "Okay! It's settled then!" After saying that, the two smiled at each other, picked up their wine bowls, and clinked them together forcefully, making a crisp sound. Then they tilted their heads back and drank it all in one gulp, their hearts filled with boundless anticipation and hope for the future.
In stark contrast to the smiling, cheerful merchants, some of the young masters present showed expressions of confusion and dissatisfaction, finding it difficult to understand Qin's sudden announcement of a ceasefire.
Li Xu frowned and turned to Zhang Wenyuan beside him, saying, "Brother Wenyuan, tell me, why should our Qin state stop the war? With the world about to be unified by our Great Qin, how can we stop at this critical juncture?"
Looking at Li Xu's puzzled expression, Zhang Wenyuan asked, "Have you asked your father? He might know the reason."
Upon hearing this, Li Xu's face instantly turned ashen, and he said in a low voice, "Don't even mention it. My father rushed off to Qi as soon as he learned of this, and only just returned. I haven't even found a suitable opportunity to ask him yet."
Zhang Wenyuan nodded in understanding and continued, "Indeed, the Minister of Justice is usually very busy with state affairs and has no time to attend to such trivial matters. Besides, since this matter was decided by His Majesty himself, there must be a deeper meaning behind it, and His Majesty must have given it his due consideration."
However, Li Xu was still indignant, muttering complaints under his breath: "Hmph! What kind of consideration is this? Such a great situation has been wasted like this. It's all because of that Princess Jiayang who messed things up!"
Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Wenyuan quickly reached out and grabbed Li Xu, lowering his voice to warn, "Shh...you're drunk, aren't you? Don't say anything out of line! If this gets out, it could cause you a lot of trouble!"
Li Xu suddenly came to his senses and realized that he had said the wrong thing in a moment of impulse. He quickly corrected himself, saying, "Yes, yes, I was drunk and just talking nonsense. Actually, I just couldn't figure it out, so I couldn't help but complain a bit."
Zhang Wenyuan said slowly, "In my opinion, it's a real pity to stop the fighting now. We should have pressed our advantage and pursued the enemy while we were ahead."
Upon hearing this, Li Xu quickly nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right! The matter of establishing an economic zone can be handled after our Great Qin has unified the six kingdoms. I really don't know what Your Majesty was thinking, choosing to make this decision at this critical juncture. I am truly baffled."
Zhang Wenyuan sighed softly and then said, "Since Your Majesty has made up your mind, and the relevant contracts have been signed between the countries, there is probably no room for maneuver in this matter."
Li Xu shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Alas, I just feel quite regretful. I don't know if I will have the chance to witness the Qin Dynasty completely unify the world and sweep away the six kingdoms in my lifetime."
Zhang Wenyuan narrowed his eyes slightly and said thoughtfully, "That's hard to say. Perhaps in a few years, Your Majesty will change your mind and once again lead your troops to attack the other countries; or perhaps, Your Majesty's move is merely a temporary measure, intended to recuperate and accumulate strength for a future battle."
Upon hearing this, Li Xu's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise: "Brother Wenyuan, your insight is truly remarkable! You are indeed insightful and perceptive. Rest assured, with your knowledge, I will definitely ask my father to find you a good job when I return."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wenyuan was overjoyed, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Then I am deeply grateful for your kindness, my worthy brother. I thank you in advance."
Li Xu laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Wenyuan, why be so polite? Come, come, let's not talk about these troublesome things anymore, let's just drink to our hearts' content."
As he spoke, he raised his glass to Zhang Wenyuan. Zhang Wenyuan also laughed heartily, raised his glass in response, and said, "Good, bottoms up!" The two then smiled at each other, tilted their heads back, and drank it all in one gulp.