"You mean using this to do business with the Emperor? That's a clever plan, a win-win situation." A glint of light appeared in Madam Zhang's eyes. As the First Madam, she was in charge of overseeing the household's finances.
Her brother, Marquis Zhao, also had his own trading caravans and businesses, so he naturally understood the importance of money.
Although commerce was considered a lowly profession, who doesn't like money?
Her words made Zhang Wen even less aware of the lust in his wife's eyes—a woman's expression of satisfaction after being aroused. "Oh? Is this difficult to make?"
"Not at all. It can be made from local resources. If we can brand it as an imperial merchant, no one will dare steal it. We can simply sell it at a low profit margin, gaining both fame and profit. Two coins per person, a hundred people would be two strings of cash. With hundreds of thousands of people in Luoyang, plus the Central Plains and Hebei, this is a fortune!" Lu Ming explained his plan; only with profit could there be exchange.
Madam Zhang's breathing suddenly quickened, her red lips parted slightly, "I can't stand it, sir. Perhaps we should go to my brother's place? Anmin, do you have any other good stuff?"
"Nothing for now," Lu Ming shook his head. Actually, he did have some, but they were women's underwear.
Selling those things wasn't the right time yet.
He needed an opportunity, a suitable opportunity.
Besides, the blueprint hadn't been unlocked yet; he couldn't sell them even if he wanted to.
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, developing high technology was unrealistic, and he didn't want to.
For him, practicality was enough.
Coal was already profitable enough; besides, food, clothing, shelter, and transportation—these things closely related to daily life—were the most important and profitable.
The significance of coal briquettes wasn't in making money, but in accumulating more benefits—the demand for official positions!
Making money and gaining a good reputation was something the current emperor absolutely wouldn't refuse, an irresistible temptation!
"Come, Madam, you come too. We'll go visit Marquis Zhao." Zhang Wen rubbed his hands, clearly excited.
The pursuit of officialdom requires perseverance. Now that he's become Grand Commandant, he'll undoubtedly try to amass wealth.
But if he could do something beneficial for the country and its people, he could be remembered in history!
Outsiders will never understand the feelings of a high-ranking official who longs for historical recognition. At a certain stage, with wealth and power, what remains is fame!
The exchange of interests is nothing more than money, power, and fame; no one can refuse.
Even the so-called "pure officials" are only after fame, making it seem as if the whole world knows they are loyal ministers and good officials—that's the most important thing.
Marquis Zhao's residence is in the north, a place where imperial relatives reside.
There are relatives of the emperor from the time of Emperor Huan, princes of the Liu clan, and ministers living there.
The Yang and Yuan families also reside there, while Cao Cao is not entitled to live there.
Those who live here must be incredibly powerful and wealthy, with top-tier connections and influence.
Cao Cao was a bit lacking; he simply wasn't qualified.
The officials in Luoyang were either protégés of the Yang or Yuan families; he couldn't possibly compete.
Imperial relatives, on the other hand, naturally have an immunity to harm; even if they commit crimes, they'll receive very light sentences.
Walking onto the clean blue brick road, the massive stone lions at the gates of the mansions on both sides exuded solemnity and wealth, inspiring a sense of grandeur rather than vulgarity. The wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated.
Lady Zhang sat in the carriage, secretly wiping her genitals with a towel; Lu Ming had ejaculated too much inside.
So much time had passed; it had liquefied, so the leakage was normal.
Who would have thought that the wife of a Grand Commandant could be so licentious?
So shameless!
Just then, a commotion broke out ahead. A group of people were shouting and yelling, and it seemed that they could faintly hear, "Quickly, call a doctor!"
"Quickly, fetch the imperial physician!"
Zhang Wen, who was riding outside instead of in the carriage, saw the commotion from afar and shouted to his guards, "Go and see what's going on."
A short while later, a guard returned. "Reporting to your master, the Grand General has suddenly fallen ill and collapsed. They are fetching the imperial physician."
Upon hearing this, Lu Ming's heart stirred. He wanted to do something, but then hesitated.
Grand General He Jin—that was a very prestigious figure. But this butcher was brave but lacked strategy—no, he lacked even courage; it should be said that he was both brave and reckless.
Although saving him might bring some benefits, it could also bring some disadvantages. It was better to wait and see.
Seeing that Lu Ming hadn't volunteered, Zhang Wen said, "General He Jin has fainted at the front, and they're summoning the imperial physician. Anmin, why don't you give it a try?"
Lu Ming shook his head, cupped his hands to Zhang Wen, and said, "I'm a soldier under the general's command; naturally, I obey your orders."
Zhang Wen had served as a commander, so calling him "general" wasn't an overstatement.
He had initially thought Lu Ming was a sycophantic, unscrupulous man, but now it seemed he had overestimated him.
Thinking this, Zhang Wen was even more pleased. This man was trustworthy; he could use him without worry!
After all, opportunists wouldn't let any opportunity slip by!
"No need to worry, the general is a lucky man. Let's go, don't worry about it." Zhang Wen nodded. He and He Jin were at odds.
He'd rather see the other party in trouble; why would he go to save him?
However, it wasn't impossible. As long as there was enough benefit to be exchanged, he wouldn't mind letting Lu Ming go to rescue him.
This is how power determines everything; if you don't want to be a tool, you have to become the player.
The group continued forward until they reached the outskirts of the palace, where a magnificent mansion stood.
The closer to the palace, the higher the status of the mansion's owner, signifying close ties to the royal family.
Zhao Hou was a shrewd and resourceful old man. He had survived under both Emperor Heng and Emperor Ling, wielding considerable influence in the court, yet he was adept at maintaining a low profile—truly remarkable.
Unlike the Yang family of Hongnong and the Yuan family of Runan, who outwardly wielded immense power, such individuals often lived longer.
The nail that sticks out gets hammered down; the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind.
The Yuan family is a prime example. Even with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, two powerful figures vying for supremacy among the warlords, they ultimately faded into obscurity after their defeats and decline.
The Yuan family, unlike the Yang family, remained discreet and managed to remain active in officialdom. Even in its later stages, the State of Wei still wielded considerable influence. This demonstrates the benefits of maintaining a low profile; to survive and endure, one must learn to be discreet!