Chapter 66: I Only Want Copper Coins

Upon receiving his orders, Wang Fu did not dare to delay for even a moment, acutely aware of the paramount importance of this mission.

Wang Fu first plunged straight into the Wang family treasury, carefully browsing through the dazzling array of rare treasures and exotic artifacts.

He picked up an exquisite jade ornament, only to put it down again, feeling it lacked uniqueness.

Upon seeing a tea set crafted entirely of pure gold, he hesitated repeatedly before finally shaking his head.

In the end, he selected an authentic calligraphy scroll by a master painter, along with a pair of rare luminous pearls, believing that these precious gifts would surely convey the Wang family's utmost sincerity.

Shortly thereafter, Wang Fu spurred his horse and galloped all the way to Black Wind City, arranging to meet Sun Yaqin and Liu Er at the finest restaurant in the city.

After three rounds of drinks, Wang Fu cleared his throat, his face beaming with a wide smile, and spoke.

"Lady Sun, Brother Liu, my visit this time comes with absolute sincerity."

"Our Wang family places great emphasis on our partnership with Black Wind City. I hope the two of you will graciously accept these calligraphy scrolls and luminous pearls."

Sun Yaqin and Liu Er exchanged a glance, and Sun Yaqin smiled as she accepted the gifts, saying.

"Steward Wang is far too polite. We naturally cherish the cooperation between the Wang family and Black Wind City just as much. I wonder what other business Steward Wang has brought us today?"

Seeing that the timing was ripe, Wang Fu cut straight to the chase.

"To be completely honest with you, our Wang family wishes to secure the exclusive agency for Black Wind City's stainless steel business."

"We are willing to acquire them at double the standard price, and we will take charge of all transportation and sales channel expansion, guaranteeing that Black Wind City's stainless steel products will sell brilliantly everywhere."

"In addition, we will allocate a portion of our annual profits as an extra token of appreciation."

Hearing this, Liu Er frowned slightly and said.

"Steward Wang, monopoly distribution is no trivial matter. Black Wind City has its own development plans, and agreeing to this rashly might not be appropriate."

Wang Fu hurriedly replied.

"Brother Liu, just think about it. With the Wang family backing you with our full support, you will no longer need to worry about sales. You can pour all your energy into production, expand your scale, and boost your output."

"Besides, double the price—that is a tangible, concrete benefit right there."

Sun Yaqin took a gentle sip of her tea and said unhurriedly.

"Steward Wang's proposal is certainly tempting, but we still need to consider this from a long-term perspective."

"The development of Black Wind City concerns the interests of everyone here. We cannot simply focus on immediate gains; we must look to the future."

Seeing that the two of them did not immediately agree, Wang Fu felt a slight surge of anxiety, but he maintained his patience and continued to persuade them.

"The two of you, our Wang family's strength and reputation in the business world are clear for all to see."

"Partnering with us is definitely the absolute best choice for Black Wind City."

Sun Yaqin and Liu Er did not give a definitive answer on the spot, stating only that they would relay Wang Fu's proposal to Chen Tong.

At the Black Wind City Lord's Mansion, Sun Yaqin and Liu Er reported Wang Fu's proposal to Chen Tong word for word.

Upon hearing this, Chen Tong smiled faintly.

"The Wang family is getting anxious. However, we cannot simply agree to their monopoly demands without carefully weighing our options first."

Liu Er chimed in quickly.

"City Lord Chen, while I acknowledge that the Wang family's terms are generous, a monopoly on sales could place certain restrictions on our future growth."

"If we wish to expand into other sales channels or cooperate with other merchants down the road, it won't be nearly as easy."

Sun Yaqin nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, City Lord Chen. Although double the price is alluring, we must also factor in the future of Black Wind City."

"If the Wang family holds a complete monopoly, our bargaining power in the partnership might diminish."

Chen Tong pondered for a moment before speaking.

"What you both say is true. However, the Wang family's proposal does have its merits."

"We can use this as an opportunity to negotiate further cooperation details with them and strive for more advantageous terms."

After leaving the City Lord's Mansion, Sun Yaqin and Liu Er brought the authentic master calligraphy scroll and the rare luminous pearls presented by Wang Fu directly to Chen Tong.

Sun Yaqin gently unfurled the scroll, instantly revealing its delicate brushwork and grand artistic conception.

Liu Er carefully cupped the luminous pearls in his hands; bathed in the daylight, they emitted a soft and captivating radiance.

"City Lord Chen, these are the gifts sent by Wang Fu, intended as a modest token of goodwill from the Wang family."

Sun Yaqin said.

Chen Tong nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the gifts before his expression turned serious.

"I accept the Wang family's good intentions, but business is business."

Following that, Chen Tong once again discussed the Wang family's monopoly proposal with Sun Yaqin and Liu Er.

Leaning back in his chair, Chen Tong said with a firm gaze.

"Exclusive sales impose numerous restrictions on the long-term development of Black Wind City."

"Once the Wang family establishes a monopoly, our autonomy in the market will plummet. Any subsequent efforts to open up new sales channels or conduct business with other potential partners would become fraught with difficulty."

"Therefore, we cannot accept this proposal."

Liu Er echoed from the side.

"City Lord Chen is entirely correct. That was precisely my concern earlier."

Sun Yaqin also frowned in agreement.

"Indeed, we must not let small gains blind us to the bigger picture; we must look out for the future of Black Wind City."

After a thorough and in-depth discussion, Chen Tong proposed a compromise.

"At present, our stainless steel products primarily rely on the Wang family for agency and distribution. That being the case, we can offer the Wang family greater concessions in other areas."

"For instance, we can lower our supply prices and appropriately extend the payment periods. However, all transaction settlements must be paid strictly in copper coins—nothing else will be accepted."

"Black Wind City is currently in the initial stages of building its monetary system. Copper coins facilitate circulation and management, which will better stabilize our economy."

"This approach allows us to maintain a healthy cooperative relationship with the Wang family while safeguarding the interests of Black Wind City."

Upon hearing this, both Sun Yaqin and Liu Er felt the plan was entirely feasible.

Consequently, they arranged another meeting with Wang Fu to communicate Chen Tong's thoughts.

Listening to this, Wang Fu frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

He had originally anticipated that Black Wind City would accept other valuable goods or bank drafts as payment methods; this insistence solely on copper coins caught him somewhat off guard.

After a brief pause, Wang Fu spoke up.

"City Lord Chen's requirement for copper coins alone presents quite a tricky challenge for our Wang family."

"Our daily transactions are mostly settled with bank drafts and precious goods, so gathering a massive quantity of copper coins on such short notice is no simple task."

Sun Yaqin smiled as she explained.

"Steward Wang, as you well know, Black Wind City is currently in a developmental stage, and our monetary system is not yet fully perfected. To us, copper coins are the easiest currency to manage and circulate."

"Furthermore, we have offered favorable terms regarding pricing and payment schedules, which we believe will still prove quite profitable for the Wang family."

Wang Fu pondered for a long time, realizing that Sun Yaqin's reasoning made sense and that the alternative preferential conditions offered by Black Wind City were indeed enticing.

After a moment, Wang Fu raised his head and smiled.

"City Lord Chen's proposal shows immense sincerity. Although we did not secure the sales monopoly we hoped for, these preferential terms clearly demonstrate Black Wind City's determination to cooperate."

"As for the requirement for copper coins, I shall return to discuss it with the family head and give the two of you a definitive reply."

Not long after, Wang Fu returned to Black Wind City once more, bringing the Wang family's final answer: they agreed to Chen Tong's proposal.

Wang Fu said with a smile to Sun Yaqin and Liu Er.

"After weighing all the options, my master has deemed City Lord Chen's proposal feasible. Our Wang family is willing to overcome the hurdle regarding copper coins and continue our close cooperation with Black Wind City, jointly making the stainless steel business bigger and stronger."

And thus, Black Wind City and the Wang family reached a new consensus regarding their commercial cooperation.