Chapter 0009: Waking Up in a Bad Mood
Since the other party has already shown goodwill, Manager Shi naturally would not be overly particular about such matters. He smiled and said, "Since Young Master Yang has this need, Donglai Silver Shop will certainly do its utmost to assist you. You can rest assured."
Oh, this is simply wonderful. The smile on Manager Shi's face suddenly revealed an unmistakable hint of surprise. Just a moment ago, when Yang Feng was discussing business with him, he showed no mercy, stating the prices bluntly. Now, he actually wants to buy antiques in his own shop. Isn't this an opportunity delivered right to his doorstep, allowing him to take full advantage? It is important to note that antiques are not like other goods; their prices can fluctuate significantly. If he doesn't take a substantial cut, Manager Shi feels he would be betraying the trust of his employer.
An hour later, under the introduction of Manager Shi, Yang Feng spent over 2,800 taels of silver to purchase a few trinkets. Indeed, in Manager Shi's view, more than 2,000 taels of silver could only buy some small items. After purchasing these things, Yang Feng also entrusted Manager Shi to obtain a travel permit for him and to buy a residence in Nanjing.
On that day, just as dawn was breaking, Zhang Sicheng, still not fully awake from his slumber, was roused by the phone on the bedside table
What do you think?" The shopkeeper Shi rarely rolled his eyes.
Seeing the slightly disdainful expression of Manager Shi, Yang Feng said helplessly: "Well then, I wonder what good recommendations Manager Shi has."
Facing Yang Feng's request, Manager Shi was not surprised. In his view, if Yang Feng wanted to conduct business in Nanjing for the long term, a legal identity and a house were essential; lacking these would be abnormal. Moreover, Yang Feng asking Donglai Silver Building to assist with such personal matters also demonstrated a goodwill attitude towards Donglai Silver Building
Is it really that difficult to handle the Xuande furnace
The business deal was concluded, and in the end, Manager Shi could not outmaneuver Yang Feng. Following the price set by Yang Feng, the transaction was carried out. Subsequently, Manager Shi dispatched several assistants to follow Yang Feng to the Laifu Inn, where they helped Yang Feng transport two boxes of mirrors. After inspection, it was determined that Yang Feng brought a total of one hundred thirty-seven mirrors of different styles, amounting to a total of three thousand five hundred eighty taels of silver
How could Zhu Yuanzhang, who came from a beggar's background, understand these matters? When issuing banknotes, he had no concept of "reserve funds" in his mind. Whenever there was a shortage of money, he would frantically print banknotes. As a result, by the end of the Hongwu period, the value of banknotes had depreciated by more than one hundred times, and ultimately, banknotes became synonymous with worthless paper. By the Zhengde period, the court had no choice but to stop issuing banknotes, and society returned to using precious metals as currency.
"You better ensure that everything you say is true. If you dare to deceive me, you know my temper!" As soon as Zhang Sicheng finished speaking, the call was abruptly disconnected
Oh... Young Master Yang is also interested in the trinkets of this humble shop
The mirror has been sold, and looking at the pile of silver in front of me brings me distress. It is important to note that during the Ming Dynasty, there was no paper currency. In the early Ming period, the court did issue a type of treasure note for a while, but the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang did not understand that issuing paper currency requires a reserve. To put it simply, for every unit of paper currency issued, there must be a certain amount of silver held in the national treasury; only then can the paper currency maintain its value.
Manager Shi couldn't help but look at Yang Feng with some surprise. The reason he had remained silent earlier was not because he truly did not want to help, but rather because he wanted Yang Feng to take the initiative to speak. However, now that Yang Feng had indeed taken the initiative, he was asking to buy something from him, which was quite unexpected.
After accomplishing all of this, Yang Feng finally returned to modern society, contentedly bringing with him the antiques he had purchased during the Ming Dynasty
Hiss ... ...
Yang Feng scratched his head. Before coming here, he had specifically searched for information online and discovered that the Xuande furnace from the Ming Dynasty had become extremely popular in later generations. Moreover, the price difference between genuine antiques and replicas was simply astronomical. Therefore, he thought about bringing a few back from the Ming Dynasty; otherwise, since he had come all the way to the Ming Dynasty, not bringing back a few Xuande furnaces would be akin to visiting Beijing without paying homage at Tiananmen. However, as soon as he opened his mouth, he was slapped in the face, which made things a bit awkward.
Indeed, in the eyes of Manager Shi, Yang Feng's action is merely an attempt to curry favor with Donglai Silver Building. Otherwise, as long as he has money in hand, where would Yang Feng not be able to buy a house? Why must he owe Donglai Silver Building a favor over such a trivial matter?
After carefully observing Yang Feng for a while, Manager Shi reluctantly said: "Young Master Yang, despite your youth, you handle matters with such sophistication, which truly earns my admiration. How about this, if you see anything you like, just let me know, and I assure you I will offer you a fair price"
After the phone rang for a full five minutes, Zhang Sicheng, unable to pretend any longer, finally grabbed the phone and pressed the answer button, roaring fiercely: "I don't care who you are, you better give me a reason not to be angry, otherwise I will definitely block your number, I guarantee it"
He cupped his hands towards Manager Shi and said, "Manager Shi, I consider the mirror sold to you, but next, it is time for me to buy something from you."
Manager Shi, how noble! Yang Feng subtly offered a compliment, seemingly asking casually: "Manager Shi, I have a great fondness for the Xuande furnace; I wonder if you could procure one for me."
The efficiency of Donglai Silver Building is still very high. Two days later, Yang Feng finally obtained his travel permit and also acquired his first set of housing in his life
The shopkeeper Shi, standing to the side, remained silent, merely watching Yang Feng, who wore a troubled expression, with a smile. The onlookers were also unaware of his thoughts. However, Yang Feng was not an ordinary person; with a quick turn of his eyes, he noticed the shopkeeper Shi watching the commotion and then glanced at the array of exquisite antiques displayed on the surrounding shelves. A realization struck him, and he couldn't help but scold himself for being a fool for not thinking of this sooner. Yet, Yang Feng was not an ordinary person; with a quick turn of his eyes, he noticed the shopkeeper Shi watching the commotion and then glanced at the array of exquisite antiques displayed on the surrounding shelves. A realization struck him, and he couldn't help but scold himself for being a fool for not thinking of this sooner.
"Zhang Ge, it's me." Yang Feng's somewhat awkward voice came through the phone: "I really have something important to discuss with you. I will arrive at your shop in half an hour. I have some small items to show you, and I guarantee they are definitely good things. You will surely be pleased after you see them."
"Shopkeeper Shi, you are being too modest," Yang Feng said, rubbing his nose. "If the items here can be considered trifles, then I truly cannot think of anything that could be deemed significant. Although I have long resided in the South Seas, I hold great admiration for the Ming Dynasty. My purpose in coming to the Ming is to sell these goods and then purchase some fine items to take back with me. It just so happens that you, Shopkeeper Shi, are in this line of work, so this is quite a fortunate coincidence."
Shopkeeper Shi pondered for a moment and said: "Young Master Yang, since you wish to take a few items back to Nanyang, I believe it is not necessary to have only a Xuande furnace. Our shop still has a few fine trinkets, please come in with me..."
As soon as Yang Feng spoke, the smile on the face of Manager Shi, who originally intended to take advantage of him, immediately froze. Why? Because Yang Feng's words were quite eloquent; he openly stated that he knew nothing about antiques, so whatever price was quoted, he would not bargain. Faced with such a customer, Manager Shi found it difficult to be ruthless. If Manager Shi truly tried to exploit him, the reputation of Donglai Silver Shop would be tarnished. More importantly, the customer mentioned that he would be bringing goods from Nanyang in the near future, making it even more inappropriate for Manager Shi to demand an exorbitant price.
Listening to the "beep beep" sound coming from his phone, Yang Feng couldn't help but smile wryly. After returning to the modern era last night, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night. Finally, after enduring until 7:00 AM, he hurriedly called Zhang Sicheng, only to forget that this person was notoriously grumpy in the morning, and he had essentially walked right into a hornet's nest.
This house is located on Chaotian Palace Street near Shichengmen, and it is a typical three-entry, four-opening house, covering an area of approximately over 300 square meters. The entire house was purchased by Yang Feng for over 400 taels of silver. If converted to the currency of later generations, it would be less than 300,000. Upon hearing this price, Yang Feng could not help but be astonished, not because it was too expensive, but because it was too cheap. It is important to note that this is a house near Shichengmen by Mochou Lake. In the 21st century Nanjing, to buy such a large house in this area, 300,000 would at most buy a bathroom, and that would only have a 70-year property right, unlike now where it can be passed down forever.
"Xuan De furnace?" Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper Shi was taken aback, his eyes widening as he stared at Yang Feng for a long time before he苦笑道: "Young Master Yang, you really know how to pose a challenge for my small shop. The Xuan De furnace is a tribute to the imperial palace, and it is extremely rare to find one in the civilian market. Even if there were one, it would be at an astronomical price. Perhaps you could consider making another request."
3580 taels of silver is no small amount. According to the calculations based on the Ming Dynasty, where 1 jin equals 16 taels and each jin weighs 590 grams, 3580 taels of silver would weigh a staggering 132 kilograms. Although this weight is not too heavy for Yang Feng, whose physique has significantly improved, he is not foolish. Carrying a large bag of silver out on the street, even a fool knows what the consequences would be. It is important to note that there are no police officers here to protect you. What? You expect the guards from the Wucheng Bingmashi, responsible for maintaining public order, to protect you? Are you out of your mind?
Just as Master Shi was sharpening his knife with great vigor, Yang Feng smiled and said, "Master Shi, let me speak frankly with you as well. When it comes to antiques, I have a good understanding, having grasped six out of the seven aspects. Therefore, when I purchase items later, whatever price you quote will be accepted without negotiation. If I am satisfied, I will return to cooperate with you again when I come to the Ming Dynasty in a few days."
I see