Fan Yang Lu's family, as a member of the five surnames and seven wangs, is holding an internal meeting of the family.

The core members of the Lu family who participated in the meeting had ugly faces.

Now the king of Shu actually made a move on their Lu family, and in less than a month, they suddenly suffered heavy losses and suffered great losses to their vitality.

And it's not just about financial losses.

What's even more terrifying is that it is possible that from now on, their Lu family will completely lose their core business, the car and ship business.

"Master, in the past month, our Lu family's vehicles and ships have been greatly reduced. This month's trading volume is less than 10% of the previous month, and it is still gradually decreasing. ”

"And now the Chinese Commercial Bank no longer provides us with rubber tires. I heard that rail transportation is also going to start raising prices. Now that our Lu family is on the verge of life and death, family master, what should we do now? ”

Hearing these news, the faces of all the core personnel of the Lu family present were extremely ugly.

"Humph! Didn't all these things happen to Lu Yong? If it weren't for him repeatedly provoking the King of Shu, how could the King of Shu attack our Lu family with all his might? ”

Hearing this, Lu Yong couldn't help but snort coldly and said, "Do you naively think that if we don't provoke the King of Shu, the King of Shu will let us go?" How ridiculous! ”

"Besides, didn't I go through the family meeting when I came up with those ideas? Don't you all agree with it? Now that something has happened, do you want to hold you accountable? Why did you go earlier? ”

Lu Hao, the head of the Lu family, couldn't help but slap the table and said, "Enough, now that the matter has come out, do you still have the heart to hold you accountable here?" Let's think about how to get through this difficult time in front of you! ”

"Now, when our Lu family lives and dies, do you have anything to do?"

After the head of the family finished speaking, a sigh suddenly sounded at the scene.

"The core industry of our Lu family is the sound of vehicles and ships. The King of Shu's shot just hit our seven inches, what do we use to compete with the King of Shu? ”

"I don't think the King of Shu will stop there, maybe there will be a follower! Now that the King of Shu has raised the cost of railway transportation, will the next step be to hit us in transportation? ”

"There is also the business of the dart game, this King of Shu may also be involved!"

These speculations were thrown out, which immediately made the Lu family members present gasp again.

It's a very possibility!

Hitting them in transportation doesn't seem to be too difficult for the King of Shu.

As for the business of the dart board, it is not impossible.

If this is the case, it will be an all-round blow to their Lu family.

Losing these businesses, what else is there for their Lu family?

There's nothing left!

"What should we do?"

"Is there no way to live?"

At this time, Lu Yong couldn't help but say in a deep voice: "I think that the King of Shu has a sentence that is right, science and technology are the primary productive forces. ”

"Where did our Lu family lose? It's losing in technology! The king of Shu mastered leading technology, so he was able to manufacture tires and four-wheeled carriages. Able to build iron ships. ”

"We don't have advanced technology, which leads to our products not being able to sell, and we are forced to this point."

"Cut! Who doesn't know what you're talking about? It's all an afterthought, what's the use of talking about this now? ”

At this time, Lu Hao, the head of the Lu family, said: "Don't interrupt, Yong'er, what do you want to say?" Keep talking! ”

Lu Yong continued: "The head of the family, I think that we, the Lu family, should pay attention to talent training and scientific and technological development. ”

"Of course, in terms of the current predicament, I also think that we are not without a little opportunity."

Hearing Lu Yong's words, the head of the Lu family couldn't help but light up and said, "Yong'er, what good idea do you have?" Speak up and listen? ”

Lu Yong nodded, and then said: "Family master, I think that although the King of Shu has advanced technology and advanced products. But the most successful part of his suppression of our Lu family is actually not in this point. ”

"The most insidious thing about him is that he actually united the forces of various places, tied them tightly together with interests, and jointly dealt with our Lu family. If there is only the King of Shu himself, it is far from enough. ”

Hearing Lu Yong's words, everyone present nodded thoughtfully.

None of them are stupid people, but they really didn't think about it until Lu Yong made this point.

Now, they also realized the power of King Shu's move.

Their Lu family is very strong, but if they want to fight with all the wealthy families in so many places, they really don't have the strength.

Lu Hao, the head of the Lu family, also frowned and asked, "Yong'er, what do you mean, how should we resolve it?" ”

Lu Yong said: "The head of the family, I think that our five surnames are united in the same spirit. Now, when our Lu family is at stake, we should unite with other wealthy families to deal with the King of Shu together. ”

"Our family is naturally unable to deal with the King of Shu. But if all of our five surnames and seven hopes are united, we will definitely make the King of Shu unable to eat and walk around. ”

Hearing Lu Yong's method, Lu Hao, the head of the Lu family, couldn't help but shake his head slightly disappointed.

Although Yong'er is smart, she is still too young!

It is good for the five surnames and seven to have the same qi and branches, but this time and that time.

Now Datang has recuperated after many years, especially after the King of Shu introduced several new crops.

After a few years, these new crops have been popularized throughout Datang.

With these high-yielding new crops, the people's lives are getting better and better.

Now, in the entire Tang Dynasty, there are almost no people who have been starved to death.

Even many people have surplus food in their homes.

Of course, when food production is high, the price of food will also fall.

The people also don't have much spare money in their hands.

But the current Datang is no longer what it used to be, and it can be said that the people are rich and the country is strong.

In this case, the emperor's eyes are only afraid that he has already aimed at these families, right?

If the five surnames and Qiwang really made any moves, annoying the emperor, if the emperor did not hesitate to stir them up, they really didn't have the slightest power to resist.

In this case, how could the five surnames and seven other families stand on their side?

This time, the crisis of their Cui family, I'm afraid it's really hard to get through!

Lu Yong was slightly surprised when he saw the expression of the head of the family, but he soon realized something.

Immediately, Lu Yong said again: "Family master, in fact, we have another way, if we are the Lu family, we can ......"

……

Yizhou Monthly, once again launched a new issue.

This time, the people of Datang discovered that China Commercial Bank once again launched a new business, that is, China Express business.

The business of China Express is actually similar to the business of the dart board.

But in terms of efficiency, I don't know how many times faster than the dart game.

In terms of fees, it is also many times faster than the dart game.

Of course, the current China Express is only limited to the states and counties near the three train tracks from Yizhou to Hangzhou and Hangzhou to Chang'an.

Because it is close to the train track, the transportation is extremely convenient.

However, now Datang is opening a railway trunk line from Chang'an to Anxi Duhufu, as well as Chang'an to Raoledu Hufu.

As soon as these two main railway lines are opened, the connection between Chang'an and Zhuzhou will be greatly strengthened.

At that time, presumably the business of China Express will spread throughout Datang.

The business launched by China Express has made countless Datang people feel extremely shocked.

Because, China Express was able to deliver letters!

Not only that, but they delivered their letters as fast as they were within the main railroad lines, and they promised to deliver them within seven days!

And the fee, even if it is from Hangzhou to Chang'an, it is thousands of miles, right?

A maximum of 100 cents will be charged.

But this business shocked hundreds of people.

Because at that time, it was so difficult to send a letter to my family.

Du Fu has a poem: The beacon fire lasts for three months, and the family letter is worth 10,000 gold.

Speaks volumes about how difficult it is to send a letter.

Of course, at that time, it was a war, and it was the Anshi Rebellion.

But even when there is no war, it is difficult for ordinary people to pass on a letter to their families.

Someone may say, wasn't there a post station in ancient times? Isn't that the equivalent of a modern post office?

Yes, in ancient times, there were post stations, and the role of post stations was to transmit documents and military information.

However, it was official and was not responsible for the transmission of letters to private individuals.

Ordinary people, there is definitely no way to use the post station.

So, what should people do if they want to send a letter?

The most common way is to find someone to piggyback.

For example, a scholar who rushes to take an exam, a businessman who goes out.

Finding someone to carry the letter may not even cost money.

But in terms of timing, there is no way to be sure.

In addition, if the letter is lost, they will not be responsible for compensation.

In one, it is to find a dart game.

However, this charge is terrifying.

The charge of the dart game is at least consistent money, that is, a thousand dollars as the base.

It's just a foundation, and it may be more expensive.

Moreover, at this time, there is no way to guarantee you.

Because, it is impossible for the dart board to send someone to make such a trip just to send you a letter.

Take the journey from Hangzhou to Chang'an for example, thousands of miles, and your consistent money is not enough for the cost of going back and forth.

You have to dart and escort valuables, and people will carry you with this route.

At this time, there is no one certainty.

And, even if it's a dart game, it's not going anywhere.

It depends on how well they receive orders.

If you haven't received a big order from a certain place for a year, even if you want to send a letter, the dart bureau will definitely not accept it.

Therefore, it is simply too difficult for relatives who are far away to send a letter back.

Usually there are fellow villagers who want to go back and let people take them back.

In the absence of fellow villagers or acquaintances to go back, there is basically no way to send this book back.

And now?

Datang Express can send you a letter to your family, and the fee is very low.

The lowest price is only 30 cents.

For other things, you will be charged according to the weight of the item.

A pound of items is about ten cents or so.

Of course, it also depends on what you are sending and the distance you are traveling.

But this price is already very low.

Compared to the dart game, I don't know how many times cheaper.

I believe that as soon as China Express is opened, I don't know how much impact it will have on the dart game.

Even freight can be greatly affected.

In those states and counties along the train, some people have already seen the stores of China Express.

Others tried to send a letter to their relatives who were far away.

Then, seven days later, they miraculously received a reply.

This shocked them.

It turns out that seven days is still a conservative statement.

In fact, it only took half the time for the letter to be delivered.

It's really amazing!

Gradually, the people along the way gradually got used to using China Express.

With China Express, it is convenient and fast.

The emergence of China Express has dealt a serious blow to the business of dart bureaus in these areas, and it can even be said to be a devastating blow.

In the dart business, what you eat is the meal of running errands.

Although their business is not the same as express delivery, there are similarities.

But their fees are high, and they belong to the kind that doesn't open for a month, but eats for a month.

But now, as soon as China Express opened, the fee was only one-tenth of theirs, or even lower.

And the speed of others is faster than theirs.

In this case, unless the customer is a fool, which one to choose is simply something that you don't even have to think about.

Of course, after the opening of the train, the dart board also kept pace with the times, and they also began to use the train to deliver goods.

The price of freight is not high.

The current freight is basically controlled by the dart game, or the hands of the Lu family.

However, trains and freight are not in the hands of the Lu family.

They can only control the transportation of those customers outside of rail transportation.

Take the goods from them, and they come to deal with the freight.

But what about now?

People don't fight for this at all, and they directly increase the price of freight.

Originally, you shipped a wooden box, and the price was only 200 yuan, but now the price directly increases to 1,000 yuan.

Still unlucky!

The price of freight has risen, and the Lu family has also fought for freight.

Helpless, the freight is not reasonable with you at all!

Anyway, at this price, love is not lucky, and it is not lucky.

This is what the Lu family used to do often and is the most accustomed to doing.

But now it was their turn, and they were almost so angry that they vomited blood.

There is no way, the price of freight has risen, and the Lu family has also increased the price.

In the beginning, the customer could only swallow his anger.

But soon they found out, huh?

The cost of using courier is actually cheaper than their direct shipment.

In this way, fools know how to choose.

And the Lu family's control of the source of customers was easily resolved by China Express.

Now, the dart bureaus in these states and counties along the train are on the verge of collapse.

After the news was transmitted back to the Lu family, the face of Lu Hao, the head of the Lu family, became even more difficult to look at.

They really didn't guess wrong, the King of Shu really made a move on their dart business.

Moreover, their freight business has also been greatly affected.

Although the location of the attack of the king of Shu is now limited to the railway transportation trunk line.

But once the other two railway lines are completed, they may not have the slightest chance!

Now, there is not much time left for their Lu family.

……

In Yizhou, Wu Meiniang found Li Su.

"Your Highness, now our express delivery business is in the red. Moreover, it is difficult to make a profit in advance, so you can't watch him lose money all the time, right? ”

In later generations, the express delivery industry was a very profitable industry.

But in Datang, the express delivery industry, it's not like that.

Why is the price of Datang's dart game so high?

Just because, their business will not always be so good.

But you have to feed a lot of people, and even if you don't have a business, you have to pay your employees to start work.

The cost is too high, and in order to make a profit, their asking price will naturally not be low.

But now, the asking price of China Express is very low, and their business cannot keep up.

They also had a commitment to time, which led to the fact that even if there was only one letter home, they had to start a transportation delivery.

Datang is not a later generation, almost all people shop online, and when it comes to holidays, the courier brother can be paralyzed.

There is really very little business here.

In this case, it is very difficult for express delivery to be profitable, not to mention profitable.

Hearing Wu Meiniang's words, Li Su couldn't help but smile slightly, and then said to Wu Meiniang:

"Mei Niang, you can rest assured, Datang Express, although it will lose money in the short term. But it won't take long to achieve the goal of making a profit. ”

Hearing Li Su's words, Wu Meiniang couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, but with the current model, how can we achieve the goal of making a profit?" I think it's almost impossible. ”

Now the market demand for express delivery is very low, and without a market, it is naturally difficult to make a profit.

Li Su smiled and said: "Mei Niang, you can rest assured, now our business is small, because everyone is not familiar with the express delivery model." After they are familiar with the express delivery model, the time has come for us to make a profit. ”

Why is the express delivery market sluggish now?

Is it because there are no rich people in Datang?

Obviously, this is not the case.

Datang is naturally poor, but there are also many rich people.

And those gentlemen are the most willing to spend money.

And now Datang Express, there is no competitor at all, it belongs to a single family.

Now, as long as those rich people can adapt to express delivery, use express delivery more, and develop their habit of using express delivery.

Then their China Express will be able to make a profit.

……

After the Chinese New Year, Tang Emperor Li Shimin overrode public opinion and promulgated a new decree.

The content of the decree is that starting this year, a new science subject will be added to the imperial examination.

The content of the science examination consists of three subjects: mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Candidates who pass the science subject will receive a bachelor's degree, be awarded the official title of seven grades, and enjoy the treatment of seven grade officials.

Of course, it is just to enjoy the treatment, and there is no real power.

As long as you have a bachelor's degree, you will be placed in the scientific research department.

The Ministry of Scientific Research will become the seventh department in addition to the six departments of the Tang Dynasty, which is directly responsible to the emperor and does not accept the control of any other department.

In the scientific research department, as long as there are scientific research achievements, depending on the size of the scientific research results, enjoy the corresponding degree of salary increase.

Since the King of Shu talked about the importance of science to Li Shimin last year, Li Shimin also attaches great importance to science.

This year, we finally established the Science Division against public opinion.

And set up a scientific research department, which is directly responsible for him alone.

Of course, the research department is now an empty shelf.

After its establishment, Li Shimin did not know what to let them do for the time being.

But it doesn't matter, isn't there a scientific research institute in Yizhou!

They have projects there.

Therefore, after the will was issued, Li Shimin began to ask the king of Shu for someone.

Even Li Shimin wanted to ask Di Renjie directly to go over.

Di Renjie is Li Su's senior apprentice, and he is now the leader of the Yizhou Scientific Research Institute, of course Li Su will not let him go.

In the end, Li Su transferred ten people to the scientific research institute and sent them to the scientific research department.

And the ten people selected by Li Su actually cried bitterly, unwilling to leave.

"Your Highness, why are you driving us away? Did we do something wrong? ”

"If we do something wrong, Your Highness tells us, and we change!"

"Your Highness, if you really let us go, we would rather die here!"

"Your Highness, we are born as people of the scientific research institute, and we are ghosts of the scientific research institute when we die, and we will not leave anything!"

Huo, these bunches are like this king expelling them, what are they doing?

Li Su couldn't help crying and laughing and said to them: "Get up, get up, what are you doing?" ”

"Your Highness, if you don't take back your fate, we won't get up, we're willing to cry and die here!"

Li Su said extremely speechlessly: "After you arrived at the scientific research department in Chang'an, you are still engaged in scientific research!" ”

"Moreover, my father has recently established a scientific research department, and after you go, you will be the backbone of the first batch. When the time comes, the Shangshu and Shilang of the Scientific Research Department will be produced from among you nine times out of ten, and this is a good time for you to ascend to the sky! ”

"There are so many people, this king has chosen you alone, and it's too late for others to envy you!"

Hearing Li Su's words, their hearts suddenly moved.

Yes, what Your Highness said makes sense!

Those of us, after arriving at the scientific research department, are still engaged in scientific research, and we are the backbone, maybe we will be able to do it immediately!

As for the Minister of Scientific Research, I don't dare to think about this for the time being, but the waiter of the Ministry of Scientific Research, is there always a chance for this?

Thinking of this, they couldn't help but feel excited.

"But, but Your Highness, we can't bear you!"

"Besides, after we arrived at the scientific research department, we didn't know what to study!"

"Your Highness, we still prefer scientific research, otherwise, you might as well choose someone else!"

Li Su laughed and said: "You can rest assured that there will be mutual communication and mutual communication between us on scientific research topics." ”

"There are a lot of scientific research projects that we can also collaborate on. If you bring new people and engage in ten or eight scientific research projects, don't you understand everything? ”

"This king is clear enough, isn't it? If you want to stay, then there is no way for this king to choose, just choose someone else! ”

"Your Highness, you have said this, if we don't agree, are we still human?"

"Your Highness, you can rest assured, after arriving at the Scientific Research Department, we will definitely not embarrass you!"

"Your Highness, take care!"