Simply put, the position of Director was both official and merchant. If one managed industries for the Imperial Merchant Bureau, it was equivalent to being a manager of a state-owned enterprise; if one supplied goods to the Imperial Merchant Bureau or sold goods for it, then it was equivalent to being a partner of a state-owned enterprise.
The establishment of the Imperial Merchant Bureau still brought no small shock to Da Rong's merchants.
Once the Ministry of Personnel's memorial had been submitted, quite a few merchants in the Capital began to take action.
Even Luo Shang, who had only just moved to the Capital, came to Yang Zhengshan.
In the tea room of the rear hall of the marquis mansion, Luo Shang poured tea for Yang Zhengshan. "Marquis, about the imperial merchant matter—"
He looked at Yang Zhengshan with a face full of anticipation.
A Director of the Imperial Merchant Bureau—even if it was only an empty post—held a fatal attraction for merchants.
Yang Zhengshan picked up the tea and took a light sip, then smiled. "There is no hurry in this matter. The power of decision lies in His Majesty's hands. Being anxious is useless."
"But—"
Luo Shang still wanted to say something, but Yang Zhengshan interrupted him and said, "Your advantage is the glass business. His Majesty will consider this point. As for the rest, there is nothing you can do, and this old man cannot help either!"
What was the foundation of the Imperial Merchant Bureau?
The glass industry!
The Glass Workshop and the Six Major Agents.
As for the Glass Workshop, there were currently only two. One was in the Capital, held in His Majesty's hands; the other was in Chongshan Town and belonged to the Regional Commander's Mansion.
The advantage of the Six Major Agents