Chapter 57: Buying is Earning
Madam Wang?
This truly exceeded Zhang Fei’s expectations.
Because, given Wang Anshi’s personality, it was impossible for him to let his wife come to buy a house at the first opportunity. He wouldn’t even borrow money to purchase a property.
These superficial matters were of no concern to both Wang Anshi and Sima Guang. Moreover, Wang Anshi was even more indifferent; he didn’t even pay much attention to his own appearance.
But Ma Tianhao didn’t dare to be negligent. He didn’t even dare to personally entertain the guest; he forcibly took Zhang Fei to meet Madam Wang.
It was not that Ma Tianhao was afraid of dealing with officials; being a former military instructor, he often interacted with them. It’s just that he had never dealt with one so highly ranked before.
All this time, it had always been Zhang Fei dealing with the court officials.
Upon entering the inner courtyard, they met Madam Wang.
Compared to the unkempt appearance of Wang Anshi, Madam Wang, named Wu Qiong, appeared to be from a scholarly background. She carried herself with dignity, her face kind and graceful.
Madam Wang, a cousin of Wang Anshi, hailed from a family with three generations of scholars. She was also exceptionally talented, renowned for her excellent writings that garnered praise from many literati. She and Wang Anshi could be considered a couple renowned in literary circles.
“Are you Zhang San?”
“Yes.”
“You are as young as the rumors say.”
Madam Wang smiled and nodded.
She gave off a friendly and amiable impression.
“Thank you for the praise, Madam.” Zhang Fei bowed respectfully, then said, “I’ve long heard of the achievements of Academician Wang, and it’s undoubtedly due to him having a wise and capable wife. Meeting you today is truly a blessing.”
On the side, acting as a servant, Ma Tianhao couldn’t help but think that Zhang Fei was truly a pen-in-cap. He speaks words appropriate for the occasion and was not afraid to flatter.
Madam Wang didn’t seem pleased; instead, she frowned slightly. The flattery seemed a bit excessive to her. Considering her cousin’s abilities, his current achievements were only natural. What did it have to do with her? She asked, “Where did you hear such things?”
Zhang Fei immediately responded, “I witnessed it with my own eyes, no need to rely on hearsay.”
Madam Wang looked surprised, “Witnessed it?”
“Yes!” Zhang Fei continued, “From Madam Wang’s visit today, it’s evident that you are undoubtedly Academician Wang’s capable assistant. It’s often said that behind every successful man is a virtuous woman. In this case, it refers to Madam.”
“You’re getting more and more out of line.” Madam Wang frowned, feeling that Zhang Fei’s words were excessive and possibly mocking her.
Zhang Fei spoke seriously, “Madam, you may not be aware of this but we pen-in-caps are even more truthful than monks. Lying could lead us to prison.”
Ma Tianhao was already sweating.
Madam Wang was already somewhat annoyed, and this guy is still pushing the flattery. Doesn’t he know how to read the room? Where’s the vaunted high emotional intelligence?
Madam Wang, caught between irritation and amusement, said, “Is that so? I’d like to hear more.”
Zhang Fei continued confidently, “Academician Wang wholeheartedly serves the country and the people. It’s easy to see that all matters of the household and daily necessities are taken care of by you. Yet, you happens to be the first customer of the pawnshop today, indicating that your financial acumen surpasses most. Truly, with your assistance, Academician Wang can focus entirely on assisting the emperor and governing the country. It’s a fortunate event for the whole country.”
Ma Tianhao couldn’t help but feel admiration; from daily necessities to the welfare of the country, this was indeed an epic level of flattery!
Madam Wang finally showed a smile and said with a playful tone, “I think I understand now. You’re trying to attract business. But your eloquence is truly remarkable.”
Zhang Fei quickly responded, “Buying a house is a significant matter. It’s not easy to attract business in this trade. I’m just discussing the matter frankly. For you, Madam, buying a property is equivalent to earning money.”
Madam Wang inquired, “Explain.”
Zhang Fei explained, “I’ll be frank. Buying a house through borrowing is not suitable for everyone. The ideal candidate is someone with a fixed monthly income and a considerable amount of savings. With Academician Wang’s salary, paying interest is more than manageable. If this money is just kept at home, it will remain the same. However, if used to buy a house, it’s a different story. Let’s think back to the era of Emperor Taizong – who could have predicted that property prices in Bianjing would skyrocket several times over?
“The reason is simple. The population is increasing, but land remains limited. I dare say that property prices in Bianjing will continue to rise, offsetting the interest and even making a profit. For many founding elders of the dynasty, even if their descendants are not highly accomplished, they can still live worry-free based on the inherited properties alone.
“At the same time, many officials are always hoping to save money to buy a house. The result is that the more they save, the less they can afford. In the end, they choose to return to their hometowns. If you buy a property now, you can live in it. When Academician Wang retires, you may retire to the countryside, living a peaceful life and passing the property on to future generations, benefiting your descendants.
“However, it takes courage to commit such a sum and bear the interest. Therefore, I truly admire your vision and courage.”
Ma Tianhao was also impressed; the flattery was truly incessant!
Madam Wang finally nodded and said with a smile, “So, it seems I’ve come to the right place.”
Zhang Fei nodded in agreement, “Madam, your visit is absolutely worthwhile because today marks the opening day, and the first customer will enjoy an annual interest rate as low as four percent.”
Madam Wang exclaimed with delight, “Really?”
In recent days, Wang Anshi had been busy with this matter. As his wife, Madam Wang couldn’t be unaware. Generally, she paid little attention to such affairs, but the property prices had caught her interest. After all, coming from a scholarly family, she possessed a certain financial acumen and was quite familiar with the subject.
However, she wasn’t here for herself but hoped to buy a property for her son. Zhang Fei’s words struck a chord with her; she was afraid that in the future, they might not be able to afford it.
Because there were many honest officials like Wang Anshi who, in their old age, gritted their teeth to borrow money to buy a property for their descendants. Now that there was such an opportunity, she wanted to inquire.
Zhang Fei looked at Ma Tianhao.
Ma Tianhao, still immersed in the lesson in flattery, suddenly refocused his attention and hastily said, “Yes, Madam, that’s right. If you are truly interested, the interest rate can be further reduced.”
“Oh!” Zhang Fei immediately interjected, “Mogul, how can you speak like this? Madam is a heroine among women, how could she covet such a small benefit? You are insulting Madam, do you understand? Apologize quickly.”
Ma Tianhao was furious.
You flattered in your way.
I flattered in my way.
Why is it okay for you to flatter but not for me?
This was too much!
Madam Wang said, “Zhang San is right. Whatever the interest rate is, it is what it is. Let’s stick to business.”
Ma Tianhao suddenly woke up, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. He quickly nodded and apologized, almost wanting to slap himself.
Wang Anshi was an extremely upright official. If he found out that someone had bribed his wife, it would be enough trouble for that person.
Although Zhang Fei had proposed a discounted plan on the spot, which wasn’t originally planned, it was reasonable and appropriate. According to industry practices, offering a discount to the first customer was common, and he only suggested reducing it by three percent, not eliminating the interest altogether.
But Ma Tianhao felt unfairly treated.
The same flattery, but when it comes from my mouth, it becomes distasteful!
Seeing Madam Wang hesitating again, Zhang Fei said, “Madam, buying a house is a big decision, and it requires careful consideration. You can pay a deposit of ten strings as a show of sincerity to secure this spot. If it doesn’t work out, we will refund it to you.”
This guy is really considerate. Madam Wang nodded with a smile, “Alright, I’ll go along with your suggestion.”
After all, this pawnshop was only responsible for providing loans, not for offering properties. After Madam Wang paid the deposit, she left.
Ma Tianhao wiped off his cold sweat and said to Zhang Fei, “Kid, if you go into business, the rest of us may go out of business.”
Zhang Fei chuckled, “It’s just a matter of experience, nothing more.”
Ma Tianhao asked, “Have you done this kind of thing before?”
Zhang Fei smiled but didn’t answer.
It’s a good thing it was him. If it were his mother from his previous life, Madam Wang would have had to pay on the spot. Back then, his mother would visit seven or eight showrooms a day, treating it like a game. She liked to view the showrooms, and whether she bought or not, they had seen every advertising trick and mastered every marketing tactic!
Ma Tianhao whispered to his steward beside him, “Learn from this. When someone comes in later, just say this, understand?”
“Yes, I’ll remember.”
“Oh, by the way! Mogul Ma, why haven’t I seen Little Ma today?”
“Everyone who is coming today is an esteemed guest. I didn’t dare to let that stinky kid be present. He went hunting with his bunch of friends.”
“Actually, Little Ma isn’t that bad.”
“While I may not know Madam Wang as well as you do, when it comes to my son, I know him better than you do.”
“Hey! Don’t recklessly insinuate that I’m very familiar with the Madam; it could cause trouble.”
While Zhang Fei and Ma Tianhao chatted, they arrived at the storefront.
They could hear a lively atmosphere there.
Ma Tianhao’s face brightened, and he quickly entered. However, upon seeing the scene inside, he stood there like a statue, muttering to himself, “Doctor Shen? General Wang? Captain Wang? Commander Li? Attendant Cen? Supervisor Gu? Lieutenant Liu? Official Cao? Gasp.”