The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 401

Shaoxing, inside the Dong residence.

"Lord Zhou, if I offer 100,000 taels, can I secure half a share?"

One of the princes stepped forward first.

Zhou Chu shook his head upon hearing this.

"How much do you want? Just name your price."

When the young prince saw Zhou Chu shaking his head, he immediately became anxious.

They knew better than anyone how profitable the coal mining business was. Another reason why these princes looked down on the Prince of Jin was that the Prince of Jin's residence was located in Taiyuan, possessing Shanxi's coal resources. Even if he did nothing, he would never lack money.

They are different. Most of the princes still have to accept the government's share to barely make ends meet, but now there are too many princes and too many sons of the princes. The government's share is constantly being reduced, and many members of the imperial family are even unwilling to stay in the local areas. Once they reach the age, they will take the initiative to go to the ancestral graves in Fengyang to observe mourning.

But these princes did not want to cut spending. If they could increase their income, who would want to live a frugal life?

"There are nearly fifty people here. If I give you half a share, there won't be enough for the others. So, each person will have a maximum share of 120 taels of silver, which is 50,000 taels of silver."

Zhou Chu said.

Upon hearing this, the people in front of them suddenly realized that if someone could get half a share, then everyone else would want to get more, and in the end, it would never be enough.

A share of 120% is acceptable to most people.

"My Prince Mu's Mansion wants 120% of the shares."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunping was the first to step forward and speak.

As a princess of the Mu family, and with the Mu family mansion located in Lijiang, Yunnan, far from the Central Plains, Mu Yunping didn't know much about Zhou Chu's past. However, representing the Mu family, she understood very well what a coal mine that could be mined for a century represented.

This means that once these shares are secured, it will become a continuous source of income for the Mu family in the future.

Not only Mu Yunping, but most of the princes and princesses in front of them were not fools. Those who were sent by the vassal kings from various regions were all shrewd people. Some of the princes were rather muddle-headed, so the vassal kings would send the princesses over.

Upon hearing Mu Yunping's words, the others all took out the silver notes from the Royal Bank that they carried with them, wanting to take the 120% share, just like Mu Yunping.

In the end, Zhou Chu sold the coal mine shares in Xuzhou Prefecture for more than two million taels of silver.

"Now that everyone has received their share, we need to discuss the mining arrangements. I plan to establish a coal mining company, and you will all be the owners of this company. I will find someone to handle the mining, and you will just focus on dividing the profits."

Zhou Chu looked at everyone and said.

“If you are not at ease, you can send someone to check the accounts at any time. However, it can only be done once a year at most. Otherwise, if it is checked every time, then nothing will be done.”

Zhou Chu wanted to lay everything out in advance to avoid future disputes over these matters.

"What are you saying, Lord Zhou? With you here and His Majesty acting as a go-between, how could we not feel at ease?"

Mu Yunping smiled.

The nobles who came this time were mostly princes, except for the Prince Mu, who was not considered a prince.

The coal mining business is limited, and Zhou Chu doesn't plan to share it with so many people. When he starts doing maritime business in the future, Zhou Chu plans to call over the other nobles and make a fortune together.

"In that case, let's agree on this for now. I will have someone finalize some details with you all later. Shaoxing is quite nice; if you are interested, you can take a tour."

After saying this, Zhou Chu turned and left with his men.

Zhu Siying finally managed to meet Zhou Chu, but from the moment they met until now, all they talked about was business, which left her somewhat disappointed.

"I see you all seem to have great respect for this Lord Zhou. What has he done?"

Mu Yunping sat next to Zhu Siying and asked curiously when she saw Zhu Siying's expression.