Wang Dapeng's spirits immediately rose upon hearing that the matter was about to be pushed forward.
However, he also said worriedly, "Young Master Gu, what if they all refuse to invest?"
"If they refuse, I'll invest it myself."
How could Gu Qingcheng not have 300,000 taels of silver?
Her gold alone amounted to tons. If converted to silver, it would be enough to build a hundred docks.
"Alright." Seeing his Elder Gu's imposing demeanor, Wang Dapeng set off to work with a confident and spirited air.
Though she said this, Gu Qingcheng believed in her heart that these people would not be so unobservant and would certainly not let such a lucrative opportunity slip through their fingers.
Du Lanyue got into her carriage and left, her heart already longing for companionship.
Unfortunately, her foot was truly injured, preventing her from accompanying Qingcheng on leisurely strolls immediately.
Before she even reached home, she saw many carriages parked at her doorstep, and she couldn't help but wonder, "Who could it be? So lively? They're all at my house this early in the morning."
As she alighted from the carriage, she saw the carriages waiting in front of her house, bearing the names of Su, Xia, Zheng, and others.
Upon seeing the carriages of the newly rising families on the island, she wondered why they were all here to see her father.
Du Lanyue surmised that they were all here regarding financial matters. These affairs were not for them to manage at home, and she couldn't intervene anyway, so she went directly to the backyard.
"Boss Du, I've inquired. Young Master Huo said there is no family surnamed Gu in the imperial court, and he cannot ascertain the identity of this Young Master Gu."
Boss Xia said to Du Laoda, who was seated in the place of honor.
"I also sent people to keep an eye on him for a while, but his behavior has been normal. It can be confirmed that those merchant ships truly belong to him, and Wang Dapeng and others show him great respect."
Du Laoda did not hide the fact that he had sent people to tail Gu Qingcheng.
"Although he is not a noble from the court, judging by his capabilities, he is by no means from an ordinary family," Shopkeeper Su said.
The thought of the medicine sold at Phoenix Pharmacy made him tremble with fear. Those pills were cheap and effective, causing his own pharmacy's business to decline significantly.
However, in front of Gu Qingcheng, not knowing his background, Shopkeeper Su dared not act rashly for the moment.
He did remember refusing Wang Dapeng's request for cooperation back then.
After that, they opened their own pharmacy, and when he wanted to be a distributor, they didn't immediately agree.
Therefore, the Gu family truly had deep pockets and was not someone ordinary people could offend.
A family capable of producing medicine, could they be an ordinary family?
A family capable of producing medicine and owning merchant ships was either noble or wealthy, and certainly not someone they could offend individually.
These principles were understood by everyone present, who were all seasoned individuals. Their silence did not mean they did not grasp the situation.
"Regardless of his background, as long as he can invest 200,000 taels of silver, we will support him."
Finally, Du Laoda made the decision.
Everyone else thought it made sense.
Since Du Laoda had the final say, the matter was settled for now.
At noon, at the banquet at Bafang Ke Restaurant, all invited guests were present.
Gu Qingcheng was dressed in a luxurious silk black robe, holding a folding fan, which made her appear even more distinguished and elegant.
Several of them already had their minds made up, and thus showed even greater enthusiasm towards Gu Qingcheng.
After several rounds of drinks, Gu Qingcheng smiled and said,
"Esteemed elders, there's no need for many words. This is our third meeting. As the saying goes, 'things should not be repeated more than three times.' Have you all decided this time? If you have, you can begin paying the funds tomorrow. I plan to start construction tomorrow."
"What?"
Everyone was taken by surprise. So soon?
They had intended to stall for time, but unexpectedly, Gu Qingcheng launched a swift attack, catching them off guard.
"Everyone, there's no time to delay. Tea Laker Island is developing well. If we don't seize the initiative, perhaps others will act first, and we will lose our advantage."
Gu Qingcheng said calmly.
These people were truly something. They wanted to make money but didn't want to bear any risks. If she didn't push them, they would procrastinate.
Gu Qingcheng was decisive and full of imposing presence at this moment.
She was nothing like the harmless person she appeared to be in front of Du Lanyue.
If Du Lanyue could see her performance now, she might have fallen head over heels.
Hearing Gu Qingcheng's words, everyone's hearts trembled.
It was true, on the island, no single force was dominant, and everyone was in a state of balanced checks and balances.
Even Du Laoda, who was slightly stronger, would need to rally the people present to counter other forces.
Therefore, Gu Qingcheng's words struck a chord with them.
Without absolute strength, there was no absolute guarantee of profitability. No one could confidently claim that the freight docks would definitively be their lucrative asset.
"Young Master Gu, it's decided. We will collectively contribute the 100,000 taels of silver you mentioned. My family will take forty percent, and the remaining sixty percent will be divided equally among the other families."
Du Laoda cleared his throat and presented the plan they had discussed earlier.
None of them wanted the opportunity to slip away, and they all nodded in agreement:
"We've already discussed this, and it's correct. Young Master Gu, please don't worry, we will pay the funds as soon as possible."
"Yes, after all, we are getting on in years; we can't be as daring and ambitious as you young people."
The others present chimed in with flattery.
Gu Qingcheng smiled faintly, not bothering to expose the subtle maneuvers they had made behind the scenes, and said,
"I know it will take you some time to raise the funds. Regardless, I will also hold a twenty percent stake worth 200,000 taels of silver, so I will definitely be the one to invest first."
Upon hearing this, everyone showered her with compliments.
Indeed, they were also worried that Gu Qingcheng might be trying to pull a fast one, spending their 100,000 taels and then abandoning the project, only to demand more money from them later.
By then, having invested so much money, they would certainly not allow the project to be abandoned. It was uncertain whether Gu Qingcheng would actually invest the 200,000 taels of silver.
Seeing that Gu Qingcheng was willing to invest first, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
From this, it was evident that Gu Qingcheng was sincere and genuinely intended to invest in the freight docks.
"I am urgently seeking artisans, including stonemasons, bricklayers, and hydraulic engineers. The more people, the better. We need to build the freight docks as quickly as possible. I will entrust the task of recruiting artisans to all of you."
Gu Qingcheng had free resources, so why not use them?
"Recruiting artisans is not a problem. We will start mobilizing tomorrow and can gather at least 500 people."
Du Laoda quickly replied.
"Not enough, preferably a thousand people." Gu Qingcheng lacked nothing but manpower.
"It's not impossible," Du Laoda pondered. "We can recruit from nearby islands. Although dock work is arduous, it provides enough food and high wages, which is quite attractive."
"Yes, when recruiting people, you must make it clear to them that we will implement daily wages."
Gu Qingcheng's words stunned everyone.
By delaying wage payments, each day saved meant more working capital and a longer turnover period, a common tactic in business. However, with daily wages, their capital turnover space would be eliminated, putting immense pressure on them.