Mi Zhu greeted the eldest son, saying, “Mi Zhu has come to see the eldest prince.
The eldest prince has graced our humble residence with your presence, and I failed to welcome you from afar.
I am deeply uneasy and hope you will not take offense.” Although deep down he did not particularly think highly of Tao Shang, Mi Zhu still brought his younger brother Mi Fang to welcome him at the mansion gate personally.
After all, the other party had sent both gifts and a visiting card, giving the Mi family sufficient face, so he could not be too arrogant.
“Lord Mi Zhu looks radiant and spirited.
Congratulations!
I suppose you have gained quite a bit of gold again recently?” Tao Shang said with a smiling face as he returned the greeting.
Mi Zhu replied in a measured manner: “The eldest prince jests.
We are a merchant family that only does some small business.
How can one speak of gaining or not gaining gold?
Eldest prince, please come in.” Tao Shang smacked his lips, feeling infinite envy in his heart.
Rich people really are different, still saying “how can one speak of gaining or not gaining gold”… The implication being: there is already plenty of money, enough to spend, and no matter how much more is earned, it doesn’t matter.
A tycoon is a tycoon; even chatting is not done properly.
Once inside the hall, Tao Shang, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang sat down according to host and guest positions.
Mi Zhu smiled as he looked Tao Shang over and said, “The eldest prince sent gifts today, and I have received them without merit, which already makes me uneasy.
Now you have personally come to the residence to instruct me.
It truly is… deeply uneasy, deeply uneasy.” Tao Shang smiled very amiably: “Lord Mi Zhu worries about state affairs every day and assists my father in governing Xuzhou.
Your hard work and great achievements are commendable.
This small, meager gift from me has no other meaning, it is purely an expression of gratitude.” “The eldest prince truly possesses the demeanor of a gentleman.
You are worthy of being the Inspector’s legitimate son.” Mi Zhu praised him with his mouth, but in his heart he began to feel curious.
This young man’s performance was completely different from his usual wooden and dazed appearance.
His words were watertight… sending gifts, paying a visit… and talking about gratitude?
It seems I’m not that familiar with him.
“Eldest prince, you must have some matter today!” Mi Zhu said with a smiling face, probing.
“I have no matter,” Tao Shang shook his head.
Mi Zhu clearly did not believe it: “No, there must be something.” “Really, there is nothing.” Mi Zhu stared at Tao Shang with bright, piercing eyes: “Eldest prince, why be so polite with me?
If there is something, just say it.
If it is within my power, I will certainly exert myself like a dog or horse.” Mi Fang, sitting to the side, chimed in: “Yes, eldest prince.
If there is something, just say it.
We two brothers are both subordinates of Inspector Tao, which means we are also the eldest prince’s subordinates.
If the eldest prince has any matter, speak freely!
There is no need to be polite with us two brothers at all.” Tao Shang raised his eyebrows slightly: “You two hope so much that I have something?
…Fine then, I’ll borrow some money.” The expressions on Mi Zhu and Mi Fang’s faces instantly stiffened.
“Eldest prince… stop joking.” Tao Shang said curiously: “I really came here with nothing in particular, but Lord Mi Zhu’s warm hospitality was hard to refuse.
If I didn’t find something to do, I feared I would disappoint Lord Mi Zhu’s heart… How about this, Lord Mi Zhu, lend me ten thousand strings of cash to spend first?” Beads of sweat appeared on Mi Zhu’s forehead.
How did it seem like he had been led into this by the young man?
“Eldest prince jests.
You are the legitimate eldest son of the Governor, from a prominent family.
How could you lack money to spend?” Sure enough, the richer the person, the more stingy and petty… Earlier he said there was no need to be polite about anything, and now he’s backing out.
“Lord Mi Zhu, now that Dong Zhuo has occupied the capital and is bullying the Emperor, the various lords east of the passes have issued a call to arms, agreeing to march west to attack Dong Zhuo.
I wonder what high opinion Lord Mi Zhu has on this matter?” Mi Zhu was even more surprised upon hearing this.
He had just thought Tao Shang had truly come to borrow money, but unexpectedly the topic suddenly changed to discussing this matter with him.
It seemed this young man, who usually appeared muddled and dazed, could still distinguish right from wrong at critical moments.
Had Mi Zhu been mistaken about him all this time?
In fact, the alliance of the eastern lords to attack Dong Zhuo had shaken the world, and Mi Zhu had been pondering day and night, weighing the pros and cons for Xuzhou.
Yet no one had ever discussed it with him.
Unexpectedly, the first person to ask him about this matter was not Tao Qian, but his son, Tao Shang.
“What is the eldest prince’s view?” Tao Shang was in no hurry to reveal his hand: “What is Lord Mi Zhu’s view?” Mi Zhu smiled: “Answer the summons and join the alliance, but observe from the sidelines.” Tao Shang nodded and said, “Father is also of this opinion.” “Oh?
The eldest prince has also discussed this matter with Inspector Tao?” “We exchanged a few words, but we did not reach agreement.” Tao Shang honestly admitted.
Mi Zhu smiled: “In that case, the eldest prince has some differing views from Inspector Tao and me?” “I do indeed have some different opinions.
I respectfully ask Lord Mi Zhu to help me consider them.” Tao Shang returned with cupped hands.
“Then what is the eldest prince’s meaning?” Tao Shang spoke word by word: “Answer the summons and join the alliance, to enrich our wings.” Mi Fang, sitting to the side, could not hold it in and let out a ‘pfft’ of laughter.
Mi Zhu frowned slightly, dissatisfied, and tapped the table to signal Mi Fang not to be rude.
Tao Shang merely glanced at Mi Fang and pretended not to see.
Damn fatty, laughing at me!
Not a bit of depth, and he still dares to hold office?
Find an opportunity to deal with you.
Mi Zhu’s calm face showed a trace of strangeness: “To enrich our wings?
Eldest prince, forgive my bluntness, but soldiers are lethal weapons, a path that harms the enemy while damaging oneself.
If we clash head-on, not damaging our vitality would already be the best outcome.
How could we still enrich our wings?” Tao Shang did not answer directly but asked in return: “Lord Mi Zhu, the Mi family is the great wealthy house of Xuzhou, involved in all kinds of businesses.
May I ask Lord Mi Zhu, what business is the most profitable?” Once the topic turned to doing business, Mi Zhu’s chest puffed out a little, his face full of pride.
“The Mi family has engaged in farming and reclamation for generations, accumulating over the ages.
However, the most profitable business is still north-south trade.
Transport northern goods south and southern goods north.
Although there is risk, the profit from a single transaction is incomparable to ordinary ones.
Moreover, it can spread the Mi clan’s name across north and south.
The greater the reputation, the more merchants from various provinces and commanderies will be willing to cooperate and trade with the Mi family upon hearing the name.
The profits from this are like a continuous stream of creek water, flowing endlessly…” At first Mi Zhu spoke steadily and eloquently, but the further he went, the quieter his voice became, while the light in his eyes grew brighter, as if he had understood something.
Seeing Mi Zhu’s expression, Tao Shang knew that the old fellow had somewhat figured it out.
“From Lord Mi Zhu’s words just now, are you saying that the most profitable business is not farming and recuperation?
But rather north-south trade?
This business carries risk, but first, the profits are enormous, and second, and most importantly, it can build fame!
Once the Mi clan’s reputation as great merchants spreads, merchants across the realm will admire and seek cooperation, with unending benefits.
This is the way of long-term business.” Tao Shang’s meaning, said over and over, was simply to express the function of brand effect.
People are sensory creatures.
No matter what they do or buy, they habitually seek out well-known big brands.
In later generations, this would be called the Matthew effect, big companies annex small ones, large enterprises monopolize more important resources, and the strong get stronger… But the principle remains the same: a resounding brand name is essential.
The stronger the brand effect, the more resources the enterprise can obtain.
Tao Shang’s words indirectly awakened Mi Zhu: in doing business, one must pay attention to brand effect in order to monopolize more money and trade resources… And if Xuzhou joins the alliance against Dong Zhuo, it could also use this opportunity to make its name known and build its own political brand!
So as to monopolize more talent resources and political resources.
Business and politics share the same underlying principles; that was all.
Mi Zhu fell silent, continuously sizing up Tao Shang with a direct, unblinking gaze that made Tao Shang’s heart feel a little uneasy.
This old fellow’s gaze is so lewd, could it be that he has taken a fancy to me?
I’ve heard that rich people’s minds are all twisted, and their hobbies are quite perverted… If he dares to be rude to me, I’ll smash his dog’s head.
“Does the prince mean that he does not wish to merely observe from the sidelines, but instead wants to borrow the campaign against Dong Zhuo to make Xuzhou’s name known, in pursuit of future development?” Mi Zhu narrowed his eyes and said slowly.
Tao Shang nodded and said, “Correct.
This youngster is dull-witted and far inferior to Father and Lord Mi Zhu in considering matters thoroughly.
I especially ask Lord Mi Zhu to correct me.” Mi Zhu slowly stroked his beard and said unhurriedly, “I have understood the prince’s meaning.
However, Dong Zhuo is powerful.
Although the eastern lords are united in intent to attack Dong Zhuo, the only ones truly irreconcilable with him are a mere few like Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Bao Xin.
If our Xuzhou insists on standing out in this alliance, I fear it will invite disaster upon ourselves.” Tao Shang shook his head: “Where there is profit, there is naturally harm.
It only depends on which is greater.
People like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao appear on the surface to be in direct opposition to Dong Zhuo, standing at the forefront of the storm, but in the long run they will surely become famous throughout the realm and their power will greatly increase!
Although Dong Zhuo is strong, he is far away in Luoyang, distant from our Xuzhou.
On the contrary, all around us are the cities and commanderies of various other lords.
Right now, rather than offending the lords close to us, it is more worthwhile to offend Dong Zhuo.” “Hmm…” Mi Zhu closed his eyes and pondered for a long time before speaking: “The eldest prince’s words… do contain some reason.” Upon hearing this, the stone in Tao Shang’s heart finally dropped.
No matter what, Mi Zhu still had insight.
Historically, this fellow, as a rich merchant of Xuzhou, was willing to bankrupt his family and wander destitute, staking everything on Liu Bei.
One had to admit that this person had a sharp eye and dared to gamble big; he was not a rigid, conservative person.
People who dare to gamble big naturally will not be too honest.
People who are not too honest naturally will not stubbornly follow a single path.
“Then what does the eldest prince want me to do?” Mi Zhu’s smile suddenly became somewhat playful, as if he was thinking about something.
“Regarding this war of the lords against Dong Zhuo, Father wishes to observe from the sidelines.
I want Lord Mi Zhu to persuade him to change his mind.” Tao Shang stated the purpose of his visit.
Mi Zhu carefully mulled it over for a while, as if comparing and contrasting in his mind, and only spoke after a long pause: “This matter… Sigh, eldest prince, it is not that I do not wish to persuade the lord, but the lord’s mind is already made up.
I fear it will be difficult to persuade…” Old sly fox!
Tao Shang sighed inwardly.
A businessman is a businessman.
Even if he agreed with his own view, he still had to attach conditions.
He would never do anything without benefit.
Qualities like diligence, bravery, and kindness… In the eyes of these big businessmen, they are all bullshit.
However, regarding Mi Zhu’s approach, Tao Shang had already roughly guessed it on the way here.
It was only human nature.
After all, there is no love without reason in this world, nor hatred without reason.
At most, Tao Shang and Mi Zhu were nodding acquaintances.
Coming rashly to ask for help, there naturally had to be a reasonable justification.
After all, Mi Zhu was no fool; on the contrary, he was sharper than most people and would not do a losing deal.
“Lord Mi Zhu, are you interested in doing a long-term business with me?” Mi Zhu was startled: “What business?” “A business of staking a bet,” Tao Shang said with a smile.
“Staking a bet?” Mi Zhu seemed somewhat interested: “Bet on which one?” Tao Shang pointed at his own nose and smiled: “Bet on this treasure of mine.” Mi Zhu seemed to become interested: “The eldest prince’s analogy is rather interesting.
I just don’t know how this treasure of yours should be evaluated?” “To speak of it is embarrassing.
I, Tao Shang, am neither accomplished in civil nor military affairs.
I am usually timid and hesitant, unmotivated, unable to handle a single proper matter, but I manage to do a whole basket of useless things.
I am truly an unreliable and incompetent eldest son…” Mi Zhu listened without speaking… He actually tacitly agreed!?
Tao Shang felt somewhat uncomfortable in his heart.
This old fellow, neither sharp nor foolish, had spoken properly earlier, but now he doesn’t utter a sound?
I belittled myself like this, and you actually took it seriously.
Couldn’t you at least refute me a little?
It was a bit hurtful to his self-esteem.
“Even so, I am after all the eldest son of the Xuzhou Inspector.
In these chaotic times, many matters in Xuzhou may need me to take charge in the future.
If you stake your bet on me, it is equivalent to staking ten years, twenty years, or even thirty years of the Mi clan’s future prospects in Xuzhou…” At this point, Tao Shang paused for a moment to let Mi Zhu digest his words, then continued: “Of course, this bet is not guaranteed to win.
If in the future the Tao family declines, or if Xuzhou changes hands, Lord Mi Zhu’s bet might end up empty.” The light in Mi Zhu’s eyes flickered: “The eldest prince’s way of conducting himself is truly the demeanor of a gentleman.
Such frankness truly makes Mi Zhu sigh in admiration and respect… Haha, but in fact what the prince said is correct.
At least for now, besides the prince, Mi Zhu seems unable to find anyone else to bet on.” Tao Shang’s heart stirred… For now?
That was true.
In a few years, he might change his mind and bet on Liu Bei instead.
“Then, does Mr.
Mi mean that you agree?” Mi Zhu restrained his smile and suddenly said: “Eldest prince, can I believe in your promise?” Mi Zhu’s question put Tao Shang in a difficult position.
Believe?
How should I put it?
Honestly, I don’t even believe in myself.
How can I have the face to ask you to believe in me… Tao Shang stood up and made a bow, speaking forcefully and sonorously: “Lord Mi Zhu can of course believe in me!
This youngster has from childhood upheld my father’s teachings, venerating loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, propriety, and righteousness, taking the ancient benevolent gentlemen as models.
I am conscientious and never engage in deception!
Even if Lord Mi Zhu cannot trust this youngster, surely you can still trust my father?” Mi Zhu laughed heartily.
Tao Shang’s humble behavior and unhurried reply greatly satisfied him… Good, Tao Qian is a benevolent gentleman, so the son he raised certainly cannot be wrong.
At least in terms of character, there will be no problem!
This time, his smile was no longer forced.
From his expression, it was clearly a heartfelt smile.
“Inspector Tao possesses the style of a benevolent man and the gate of a gentleman.
How could I, Mi Zhu, harbor any other thoughts toward the eldest prince?
Regarding the matter of attacking Dong Zhuo, at tomorrow’s court discussion I will certainly do my utmost to maneuver.
The eldest prince may rest assured!” Tao Shang finally felt relieved.
It seemed this cheap father Tao Qian still had a very good reputation.
The four characters “benevolent gentleman” were like a golden signboard.
Holding it up was like raising a banner of righteousness, everywhere he went it was smooth sailing.
No contracts needed to be signed; just showing his face was enough.
This was far more convenient than later generations where everything required signing contracts… And it seemed there was no responsibility if one broke the agreement.
Pedantic as it was, in this era, one still needed the reputation of a “benevolent gentleman” to get anywhere.
“Since that is the case, this youngster will take his leave for now and await Mr.
Mi’s good news tomorrow.” Having said all that needed to be said, Tao Shang did not linger.
After all, as Mi Zhu and head of a merchant family, Mi Zhu surely had a pile of things to attend to.
Mi Zhu courteously tried to persuade him to stay, but seeing that Tao Shang was determined, he did not insist.
Afterward, Tao Shang rose to bid farewell, and the Mi brothers followed closely to see him off.
After parting, watching Tao Shang’s carriage slowly depart, Mi Fang then asked Mi Zhu: “Big brother, the eldest prince Tao seems somewhat different from usual.
It is truly strange.” Mi Zhu sighed deeply: “Truly a promising youth.
I never expected that in two years, I would have been mistaken all along, regarding this child as a mediocre person… But that’s fine.
I was originally pondering whether, if Inspector Tao grows old and passes away one day, what path Xuzhou and our Mi family should take.
Now it seems this child may be someone we can rely on… However, I still need to observe him further.” Mi Fang agreed very much: “The Mi family’s foundation built over generations is not easy.
Big brother, you should observe this young man’s character more carefully, lest you entrust it to the wrong person.” Mi Zhu smiled and shook his head: “Zifang worries too much.
Inspector Tao is a benevolent gentleman.
His son’s character should not be wrong.
This much I can still see…” As the two were speaking, they saw dust rising in the distance.
Tao Shang’s carriage had turned around and returned to the Mi mansion gate.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Tao Shang’s head appeared: “Lord Mi Zhu, about the matter of borrowing money I mentioned earlier at your house, I wasn’t joking!
This youngster truly has an urgent need!
I will send someone shortly to collect those ten thousand strings of cash… Rest assured, I won’t take it for nothing.
I will send over a promissory note later, and the money will definitely be repaid in the future!” With that, Tao Shang showed his white teeth, cheerfully waved at Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, dropped the carriage curtain, and the carriage turned around again, speeding off in a cloud of dust… leaving the Mi brothers staring dumbfounded at the carriage’s back, speechless.
After a long while… “Big brother… lend, lend it?” The change had happened too suddenly, and Mi Fang had not reacted for a moment.
Staring at the departing carriage, Mi Zhu forcefully tugged at the beard on his chin and said viciously: “Lend it!
Why not lend it!
It’s staking a bet after all!
What’s another ten or eight thousand?
Anyway, our family has plenty of money… But I take back what I said earlier.
This child really has thick skin, he is definitely not a good sort.
He didn’t even blink when asking to borrow money…”