The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 70 No feast is complete without sweet potatoes; the Minister of Revenue must step down!

The next morning, the Zhu Family Chamber of Commerce in Jinling City changed its previous scattered sales model and completely adopted a new business approach.

The Chamber of Commerce first carefully sorts the harvested sweet potatoes, strictly grading them according to size, appearance, and color, and dividing them into different grades.

Top-quality sweet potatoes are individually packaged in an exquisite brocade box, imprinted with a unique Zhu-mark pattern, instantly elevating their status and increasing their value.

At the same time, the Chamber of Commerce launched a variety of derivative foods such as roasted sweet potatoes, dried sweet potatoes, sweet potato noodles, and sweet potato cakes, offering a rich variety of options.

Finally, Zong Yonghe strictly adhered to the strategy, implementing daily limited sales, fixed time for sales, and fixed quota sales, with no increase in sales or restocking.

Once the Zhu Ji Chamber of Commerce officially announced its new sweet potato sales model, it spread throughout the entire city of Jinling in just half a day. From princes and nobles to officials in the imperial court, and from wealthy merchants to local celebrities, everyone knew about it.

Sweet potatoes were already a hot commodity in Nanjing due to their soft and glutinous texture, sweet taste, and filling and nutritious properties. Now, with the addition of graded packaging and limited-edition sales, they have completely ignited the city's enthusiasm, reaching a point where tickets are hard to come by and prices are extremely high.

The days of scattered stalls and on-demand shopping have completely disappeared. Now, before dawn, the area in front of the Zhu Ji Chamber of Commerce is already bustling with activity, with cars and people thronging the streets.

Among the most well-informed noble families in the court, fearing to fall behind, they all sent their stewards and personal servants to wait in line overnight, just to grab a top-quality package of sweet potatoes.

Before dawn, the steward of Duke Xu Da of Wei arrived at the shop with a large sum of money, followed by several strong servants, firmly occupying the first position in line, fearing that if he was a step too late, he would miss his spot.

A steward from another household, whom the Xu family knew, stepped forward to jokingly inquire. The steward of the Xu family, with a solemn expression, said that the nobles in the palace nowadays all favored sweet potatoes, and if his master failed to snatch them today, he would certainly be displeased upon returning home.

Previously, ordinary sweet potatoes were already quite expensive, but this time, the price of top-grade sweet potatoes, packaged in brocade boxes and engraved with patterns, has doubled, reaching an astronomical price for fruits and vegetables, yet it still cannot stop people from scrambling to buy them.

Whenever the shop opened for sale, dozens of top-grade brocade boxes of sweet potatoes were quickly devoured by a group of powerful and wealthy servants. Those who were a little slower, even if they had a lot of money, could only leave empty-handed, full of regret.

Many latecomers from prominent families and relatives of officials, seeing the empty shelves of fine goods, had no choice but to raise prices and ask others to buy them, even if it meant spending several times more money, just to get a piece of the treasure.

In addition to premium raw sweet potatoes, the Zhu Ji Chamber of Commerce's newly launched roasted sweet potatoes, dried sweet potatoes, sweet potato noodles, sweet potato cakes, and other derivative products have instantly captured the taste buds of the entire city with their fresh, fragrant, soft, and sweet yet not greasy taste.

The aroma of steaming hot roasted sweet potatoes wafted through several streets and alleys; they were soft, sweet, and melted in your mouth. The refined dried sweet potatoes were chewy and sweet without being cloying. The sweet potato pastries were delicate and small, with a refreshing sweetness. All of them were delicious treats.

In no time, sweet potato-based foods became wildly popular in Nanjing, transforming from ordinary staple grains into top-tier luxury items enjoyed by noble families, officials, and their families for entertaining guests and for everyday consumption.

A popular saying circulated among the people: "No feast is complete without sweet potatoes, and no luxury is complete without brocade boxes," which shows the popularity of sweet potatoes among the upper class in Nanjing.

This booming business continued for several days, with the store packed every day. As a result, the Zhu Ji Chamber of Commerce saw a surge in revenue, more than doubling the profits from previous scattered sales.

Gold and silver flowed into the Chamber of Commerce's accounts like a never-ending stream. The amount of silver entering the accounts every day left the accountant speechless, his hands never stopping as he kept writing.

Zong Yonghe personally checked the accounts every day, and was deeply shocked as he watched the revenue figures on the ledgers climb higher and higher.

Having managed the Imperial Treasury for many years and handled countless business accounts, he had never seen such an outrageously profitable and risk-free business. He was completely impressed by Zhu Yaochao's unparalleled business talent.

He secretly marveled at how most people in business relied on small profits and quick turnover, working hard to make a profit. Only Young Master Zhu broke with convention and came up with ingenious ideas. He could make such amazing profits from a simple item. He was truly a genius.

The continuous flow of gold and silver was all deposited into the imperial palace's treasury, and the long-empty private treasury gradually became full, accumulating gold and jade, creating a very pleasing scene.

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and in high spirits every day as he looked at the ever-growing gold and silver reserves in his treasury.

Whenever I think of Zhu Yao, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude, realizing that I have truly stumbled upon a tremendous treasure, gaining such a son and possessing endless wealth.

I must protect Zhu Yao!

.....

Standing before the desk piled high with account books, Zong Yonghe gazed at the ever-increasing revenue and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"Your Majesty, Young Master Zhu's business acumen is unprecedented, his vision is truly unparalleled; he is indeed a business genius unlike any other in the world!"

He bowed slightly, his eyes filled with admiration.

"If we could invite Young Master Zhu Yao to the court and put him in charge of the imperial treasury, the Ming Dynasty's treasury would surely be full every day and prosperous every year."

"Your subject is willing to serve under you, my lord, and wholeheartedly assist you in managing all matters of wealth and commerce throughout the land!"

Just as Zong Yonghe was filled with admiration and emotion, an urgent report came from outside the hall: the Minister of Revenue urgently requested an audience.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to signal for the message to be passed on.

The Minister of Revenue strode into the main hall, his expression solemn. After bowing, he couldn't wait to speak.

"Your Majesty, a new trading company called Zhu's Merchant Guild has recently emerged in Jinling City. Their sweet potatoes and various derivative products are selling like hotcakes throughout the city, making a fortune every day!"

"His business acumen is ingenious and unconventional, his methods are ahead of their time, and he meticulously plans and manipulates people's hearts. In my decades of experience in the industry, I have never seen such exquisite business tactics!"

"This man possesses unparalleled business acumen. He hides in the city yet stirs up the entire commercial sector. His potential is terrifying; Your Majesty must be extremely cautious!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression calm, and slowly uttered a sentence that instantly broke the solemnity of the other party.

"It's alright, you don't need to be wary. This Zhu Family Chamber of Commerce is an enterprise under our name."

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Revenue froze on the spot, his eyes wide open in astonishment. He stared wide-eyed and spoke in disbelief.

"Ah? Your Majesty! When...when did you become so proficient in the ways of business? You've even created such an astonishing business philosophy?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized he had misspoke, and cold sweat broke out on his back. He quickly knelt down and bowed to make amends.

"Your Majesty has misspoke! I spoke without thinking. Your Majesty is wise and omnipotent. I am foolish and ignorant, and I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him indifferently, without blaming him, but simply chuckled and waited for him to continue.

The Minister of Revenue calmed himself down, his heart filled with curiosity, and he quickly pressed for the core reason.

"Your Majesty, who came up with such a brilliant business strategy and innovative marketing tactics? It's truly ingenious!"

He glanced at Zong Yonghe standing to the side and instantly understood, his mind already certain of the answer.

The Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward and showered Zong Yonghe with flattery and praise, his tone extremely enthusiastic.

"So it's Steward Zong! I knew it! No one in the court besides you possesses such extraordinary business acumen!"

"The head steward possesses extraordinary financial acumen, yet he's relegated to managing his private assets in the inner treasury—it's a complete waste of his talents!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his expression incredibly sincere, and he spoke frankly.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you grant me permission to transfer Grand Steward Zong to the Ministry of Revenue! I am willing to abdicate and relinquish the position of Minister of Revenue!"