Two Tigers Fight, All Wolves Starve

Xiang Yuan walked into a room that resembled a study and a tearoom with Yue Huanjiang.

This room was located in a secluded courtyard, reached by winding paths, far from the hustle and bustle. Its walls were lined with countless books, exuding a faint scent of literature.

The room's furnishings were simple yet elegant, with a table and two chairs made of natural wood. The carvings were intricate, the lines smooth, and there were no overly complex decorations.

After the two were seated, the shopkeeper lit the Phoenix Dance Boshan censer nearby, served tea, and poured water. The aroma of tea wafted from the purple clay teapot.

The fragrance of tea mingled with the scent of books and incense, complementing each other perfectly. Here, one could savor tea, discuss the Tao, converse with learned scholars, and have no uncultured company, making it the epitome of elegance.

Xiang Yuan found it quite enjoyable, marveling at how authentic the leisurely life of the upper class was.

He observed Yue Huanjiang using physiognomy. Yue Huanjiang's fingers were soft, his forehead full and broad, his demeanor elegant and upright. Every feature indicated he was a man of great fortune, far superior to Xiao He, an actor who was two-faced.

To think such a remarkable man existed in the world!

Xiang Yuan felt a sense of admiration and did not want to approach him with a flippant attitude. He switched to a more composed demeanor, but the words of deception wouldn't come out. He could only continue to act the clown.

"May I ask, Brother Xiang, what are points, and what are members?"

"Young Master Yue hails from White Cloud Manor and is surely knowledgeable in the ways of commerce. When discussing business, I, Xiang, would not dare to speak presumptuously before you. I offer this humble pebble to elicit your jade; please correct me if there are any oversights."

Perhaps it was because the person opposite him was too perfect, but the clown's thoughts calmed down a bit. Not wanting to be overshadowed by the other's aura, he paused for a moment before quoting: "Points, much like a general conquering the battlefield, capturing enemy generals and flags, accumulating military merit. Merchants establish a point system where customers earn one point for every coin spent. Accumulating a certain number allows them to redeem goods or enjoy special privileges. This system encourages frequent patronage, just as soldiers bravely fight battles; those with outstanding achievements naturally receive rewards."

"Members can be compared to retainers or guest officials. Merchants establish a membership system where customers, upon joining, become guests under their patronage, enjoying special treatment. This may include priority shopping, discounts, or invitations to exclusive events, akin to noble families nurturing scholars and recruiting talent, where retainers receive different courtesies based on their rank."

"Points incentivize people, like rewards for military merit. Membership distinguishes ranks, like the difference between retainers. If White Cloud Manor were to base itself on these two systems, it could attract new customers and retain old ones, fostering customer loyalty and turning them into devoted followers."

Yue Huanjiang pondered, while the shopkeeper remained silent. Upon hearing this, both felt there was some truth to it.

Before Yue Huanjiang could speak, the shopkeeper asked, "Constable Xiang, White Cloud Manor has long had similar systems, but they have not been perfected for various reasons. The fundamental issue is human greed; there are always ways to take shortcuts, and in the end, it is White Cloud Manor that suffers the losses."

"There are points only with consumption, and preferential treatment only with membership. The shopkeeper speaks of human greed, which is true. Everyone likes to get a small advantage. But from another perspective, isn't this a good thing? Doing business by leveraging human greed can lead to an endless stream of wealth."

Xiang Yuan presented his past life's experience of being taken advantage of, speaking from a merchant's perspective: customers could only make small profits, while capital would absolutely not lose.

The loss would be borne by another capital.

"No, business is not that simple," the shopkeeper said, shaking his head at Yue Huanjiang.

"Old ginger is still the spiciest. Shopkeeper, you are indeed shrewd. If that's the case, I, Xiang, will delve deeper."

Seeing that the shopkeeper wasn't falling for it, Xiang Yuan continued to try and persuade him: "Shopkeeper, do you know about platforms?"

"Elaborate."

"An intangible stage, not built of bricks and stones, nor built with earth and wood, yet it can encompass the vastness of heaven and earth and accommodate the multiplicity of all things. This stage is boundless, crossing mountains and seas, connecting all directions, making people at the ends of the earth feel as if they are neighbors. It brings together the people of the world and gathers the goods of the world. White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor are both platforms. Do you understand now?"

"I understand a little."

Oh, you're quite humble!

Xiang Yuan's lips curled, and he spewed out a string of eloquent phrases: "...Things cheap attract the noble, things noble attract the cheap, each person attends to their profession and enjoys their work... The way of the poor and the rich is to win with wisdom... When others discard, I take; when others take, I give..."

To translate, this means analyzing market conditions, synthesizing industry strategies, coordinating multiple parties, laying out plans layer by layer, differentiation, platformization, structuralization, standardization, and rapidly seizing the market through a quick and efficient approach.

Following this were: closed loops, matrices, strategic layouts, models, market segments, complementary positioning, packaging, abstraction, points, lines, and planes, and combination punches...

By the end, Xiang Yuan himself was confused, completely unsure of what he was saying.

It sounds so profound! x3

"Coordinate multiple parties, invite more industry elites, and hold more events. Forms like calligraphy and painting exhibitions, tea art performances, etc., can be used to post and attract target customers. Then, seize the opportunity to hype up the prices of goods you wish to sell..."

Xiang Yuan's throat was dry. He picked up his teacup and took a big gulp, painting a grand picture with emotion and fervor: "From then on, when people mention excellent quality at low prices and industry leaders, the first thought will be White Cloud Manor. Word of mouth will spread, deeply impressing everyone. With great success achieved, they will be invincible in this era. Even if Forget Sword Manor wishes to obstruct, they will be powerless to do so."

The shopkeeper's eyes were filled with confusion, but it didn't stop him from being amazed.

Yue Huanjiang felt as if a broad path lay before him, and many previously unclear matters now had solutions.

Both were intelligent people. Even though Xiang Yuan's words were contradictory and illogical in many places, they understood a few words and could infer the rest, grasping the whole by understanding a part.

"Mr. Xiang, I have gained some insight and have one more question."

The shopkeeper had changed his address at some point and asked doubtfully, "Although this plan is good, White Cloud Manor can do it, and so can Forget Sword Manor. Both would lose money, resulting in a lose-lose situation. How can one make money?"

Good, good, good. If you don't make money, you lose. It serves White Cloud Manor right for being so wealthy.

Xiang Yuan rolled his eyes, disdainfully saying, "There are two tigers fighting in the mountain, and all the wolves starve to death. Shopkeeper, do you understand the principle behind this?"

"Ah, this..."

The shopkeeper seemed to understand something and continued, "One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. Does Mr. have a good plan to keep only one tiger?"

"Seek speed and strength, and borrow the power of the authorities!"

Xiang Yuan said profoundly, "To kill the other tiger without depleting your own strength, you must cooperate with the imperial court, such as the Six Doors. It wouldn't hurt to offer some benefits. As long as the situation opens up, why worry about not recouping the costs?"

"But the Six Doors are not uniform internally, and even the imperial court doesn't fully trust them. They are involved in various circuits and prefectures, and orders are passed down layer by layer to the counties. Offering benefits everywhere will inevitably lead to them being devoured. This needs careful consideration," the shopkeeper stared intently at Xiang Yuan.

Yue Huanjiang's expression became solemn: "Please, Mr., enlighten me."

"Find a big fish that can hold its own and cooperate with it, luring it with benefits," Xiang Yuan suggested.

"Which family has such capability?"

How would I know that? I have no common sense!

Xiang Yuan pondered for a long time and sighed, "How could a rustic villager have such vision? In my humble opinion, only the imperial family today possesses such ability. However, everything has its pros and cons, and perfection is rare. Doing business with the imperial family is no different from seeking a tiger's skin. Be extremely cautious."

The Xiao Clan of Shendu!

Yue Huanjiang narrowed his eyes, his heart filled with joy. Suppressing his surging emotions, he exclaimed, "Sir, you are truly brilliant! You have resolved Baiyun's predicament."

"I dare not claim such praise. It is common knowledge, hardly a sign of great talent."

"Today, I have been enlightened by your guidance. It is like a splash of cold water on a parched soul, allowing a frog to see the sky and a sudden burst of clarity. Please, allow me to bow." Yue Huanjiang stood up and walked before Xiang Yuan, bowing deeply.

"You mustn't..."

Xiang Yuan was about to offer a humble reply when Yue Huanjiang firmly grasped his arm, which he had raised halfway. "If you do not disdain me, I wish to become sworn brothers with you."

What, this trick again? Am I your fated person too?

Xiang Yuan froze. Having been tricked by Xiao He, he instinctively tried to pull his arm back.

He pulled, and pulled... and pulled...

It wouldn't budge.

He's a master!

Xiang Yuan suppressed his shock and said with a hint of grievance, "Young master has great strength. My arm has gone numb."

"I was overcome with emotion after your guidance, and acted rashly. Please forgive my impudence."

Yue Huanjiang realized he had lost his composure. He released Xiang Yuan's arm, straightened his clothes, and clasped his hands respectfully. "My apologies for my earlier outburst. My sincerity, however, is genuine, and I truly wish to become sworn brothers with you."

"We have only just met, and you wish to become sworn brothers so suddenly..."

"You are right. I was too hasty, brother."

Good heavens, he's already calling me brother. He's got quite the thick skin!

Xiang Yuan was speechless. He suddenly realized that this seemingly perfect Yue Huanjiang shared some traits with Xiao He. Or perhaps, people who achieve great things often possess a certain shamelessness.

Lesson learned. I'll be shameless too!

Xiang Yuan stood up and returned the salute, clasping his hands. "Brother, you jest. It is rather that I, your little brother, am lacking in both literary and martial skills. I dare not shamelessly seek to become sworn brothers with you."

"With your talent, brother, how could you possibly be lacking? It is I who should be honored to ascend to brotherhood with you."

"Let us use tea as wine. Brother, please."

"You first, brother."

The two clinked their cups. The shopkeeper stood by, refilling their tea. Throughout their discussion on business, his own cup remained empty.