in2ebook Chapter 137 Refusing to Become a Tribute to the Imperial Palace
Chapter 137 Refusing to Become a Tribute to the Imperial Palace
Soon, the factory started large-scale recruitment and introduced the assembly line operation model.
In just a few days, a series of processes including felling, polishing, and shaping can be completed, and the efficiency is amazing.
Yan Wanwan took out many exquisite and rare drawings and invited experienced craftsmen to carry out mass production.
After only a few months, these finished products were launched in the city. Once they were on the market, they were snapped up by local and surrounding people. They were very popular and brought great wealth to Nanping Prefecture.
However, at this time, the prefect's office was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.
When Yan Wanwan stepped into the lobby, she heard sighs coming one after another.
I saw the prefect and Yan Xiaorui sitting opposite each other. Both of them were silent and just drank cup of tea.
Yan Wanwan was full of doubts and asked, "What happened?"
Yan Xiaorui looked up at her, then lowered her head again, her tone full of complaints: "It's still about the furniture."
Yan Wanwan was even more puzzled: "Aren't they all sold?"
The prefect took over and explained, "The first batch has indeed been sold, but the second and third batches are about to be completed, and they still haven't found a market."
Today, the output of several factories is increasing. If they continue to maintain this level of production, there is a great risk of unsold products.
At present, the people of Nanping Prefecture live a stable life and no trouble occurs. Instead, the prefect has become free and has almost become Yan Wanwan's full-time housekeeper, responsible for the internal and external affairs of Nanping Prefecture together with Yan Xiaorui.
Yan Wanwan immediately understood that the surrounding market was already saturated.
Wooden furniture is inherently durable, and a set can be used for more than ten years. Consumers do not replace it too often, so sales are becoming increasingly difficult.
After some thought, Yan Wanwan said, "The bottom line is, our reputation isn't strong enough, and we have too few customers. We can't just focus on the surrounding areas. We can consider expanding our business to places like Jingzhao and Yangzhou in the south. If conditions permit, we can even ship this furniture overseas. After all, we can't put all our eggs in one basket. Expanding sales channels is the fundamental solution to the problem."
The prefect nodded slightly and said respectfully, "What the county lady said is absolutely correct. However, each prefecture has its own protection mechanism. It is extremely difficult for our caravan to take the goods out."
Yan Wanwan's eyes were firm, and she responded without hesitation: "Difficult doesn't mean impossible. If one caravan isn't enough, then we can form several more."
Then, she methodically deployed her plans: "Starting immediately, establish ten additional trading teams. As long as they can successfully sell these furniture, each team will receive 10% of the profits. If they can bring back new items, they will receive an additional 100 taels of silver. If they bring back new grains and vegetable seeds never before seen in Nanping Prefecture, the reward will be even greater, 300 taels... Oh! No, 500 taels."
These powerful words made the prefect and Yan Xiaorui open their eyes wide instantly, and their faces were full of shock.
The two looked at each other, then looked at Yan Wanwan and asked hesitantly, "Isn't this...isn't this too generous?"
Yan Wanwan looked relaxed, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile, and said firmly: "It's not much. As long as it can help Nanping Prefecture's economy improve, these investments are just a small matter."
Suddenly, as if she had caught a flash of thought, her eyes lit up, and she immediately ordered, "Draft an official document for the County Lord's Mansion. Anyone who can attract investment to open shops or factories in Nanping Prefecture will receive a gold or silver reward. In addition, all investors, whether local or from outside the prefecture, will be exempt from taxes for one year, and will be given priority in doing business in Nanping Prefecture."
When the prefect heard this, he was shocked.
He never expected that Yan Wanwan had such grand ambitions, such far-reaching plans for the construction of Nanping Prefecture, and the courage to implement reform measures with great vigor and determination.
He felt ashamed that as a prefect in charge of governing a region, his thoughts and ideas were not as thorough as those of a woman.
Even some ideas... are really not worth mentioning. They are just old ideas that stick to the old rules and are self-contained.
Under the implementation of a series of policies by Yan Wanwan, the people of Nanping Prefecture were enthusiastic and devoted themselves to the production and promotion of goods. The younger generation was determined to survive and die with Nanping Prefecture.
The various items produced in Nanping Prefecture are novel and unique in style. As soon as they come out, they attract the attention of people from all over the world.
People came in droves to purchase and customize. With such a hot market response, astute businessmen instantly captured the huge business opportunities contained therein and rushed to Nanping Prefecture to inspect and invest.
The furniture industry in Nanping Prefecture became famous due to this favorable situation, and many wealthy families sent people to make custom orders.
Even the Imperial Household Department heard about it and sent a eunuch to inquire whether these furniture could be used as tribute.
The father-in-law fully expected that this would facilitate a good thing and that he could profit from it, but he did not expect Yan Wanwan to refuse without hesitation.
The eunuch was in disbelief, his eyes widened, and he asked, "County Master, I didn't hear you clearly just now. What did you say just now?"
In his opinion, being chosen by the imperial court as a tribute is the supreme honor. Once selected, the business will surely be more prosperous in the future. Many people are scrambling to get it, so why did Yan Wanwan refuse?
Yan Wanwan's expression was cold, and her tone was firm: "Thank you for your kindness, eunuch. I have no intention of participating in the selection of tribute."
She was confident in the quality and style of her goods, believing that even without relying on tribute to increase her reputation, she would be able to keep up with demand. Once she became a tribute, her business would be subject to many restrictions and be hindered by others, which was not worth the loss.
"But..." The father-in-law wanted to persuade her again.
Yan Wanwan interrupted him without question: "Don't say more, sir. I'm just a woman, and it's not appropriate for me to be in the public eye. This time, it's because Nanping Prefecture is struggling to restore its former prosperity that I have no choice but to get involved. I hope sir will understand."
In fact, Yan Wanwan knew clearly that as long as she stayed away from the foolish emperor and did not have too much involvement with the court, she could still make her business flourish with her own abilities. Why bother to flatter those she hated and waste her time and energy?
The father-in-law's face turned pale and red. He didn't expect Yan Wanwan to be so determined. For a moment, he didn't know what to do.
In this palace, he has always been praised by everyone, but now he has been rejected by Yan Wanwan.
"County Lady, please think about this matter carefully. If you miss this opportunity, there will be no chance anymore." The eunuch still did not give up, and there was a hint of urgency in his tone.
Yan Wanwan just shook her head slightly, her attitude still firm: "Father-in-law, I have made up my mind."
After saying this, she gently raised her hand and signaled the servants to see the guest off.
The father-in-law left feeling aggrieved, and then the news that Yan Wanwan refused to offer her furniture as tribute spread among the people.
Some people said she was stupid for passing up such a good opportunity; others admired her courage and ability to resist temptation.
But no matter what the outside world said, Yan Wanwan remained unmoved. She was so busy that she was about to take off, so she had no time to listen to those rumors.