Chapter 1215 - 9: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
Chapter 1215: Chapter 9: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
In this dynasty, the pearl collecting industry hasn’t risen yet, naturally the court also hasn’t taken control. The real value of the pearls collected by my daughter is definitely far higher than three hundred taels, but they are just ordinary people from the lowest level. Being able to sell and earn some money is already quite good. If they were forcibly taken by wealthy and powerful people, they would lose everything. In a feudal society, people at the bottom are so humble.
Wang Linglan was very happy, having gotten such a large sum of money, it should be enough to treat her daughter’s illness, right?
Li Anqing, however, thought more comprehensively, considering many issues. The matter of Qinghe collecting pearls and earning a large sum of money was definitely not something that could be hidden. There were plenty of envious people, how should this be solved? Moreover, someone saw Qinghe collecting pearls; surely someone else would try their luck, and perhaps the pearl collecting industry would develop this way. But once it develops, the court would certainly intervene, and by then there would be advantages and disadvantages. However, the disadvantages would likely outweigh the gains.
How could he protect his daughter? This was what Li Anqing kept pondering. Li Anqing understood very well the concept of a big tree attracting the wind.
"Darling, tell Dad, how do you collect pearls?" After thinking over and over, Li Anqing finally came up with a solution. That was to wait until others found out they earn money from pearl collecting, but it would be better to disclose it sooner, then teach those people how to collect pearls. It was a win-win solution.
Wang Linglan was somewhat surprised and puzzled upon learning Li Anqing’s decision, but after Li Anqing analyzed it for her, she deeply admired and respected her husband.
After sharing the pearl collecting method, those people would be busy collecting pearls and would be grateful from the heart, and they would not harbor bad intentions against them. Her husband was indeed very smart.
Indeed, Li Anqing told the villagers that his daughter had collected pearls and sold them for a good price, then he told everyone that he could teach them the method of collecting pearls.
This caused a stir among the villagers. Was there really someone this generous? Even willing to share such a money-making method.
Some people said he was foolish, but as soon as someone dared to say that, they were immediately berated fiercely!
Where could you find such a kind person like Li Anqing? Whoever dared to call him foolish, we’d fight them!
The villagers were unprecedentedly united.
Li Anqing taught everyone the method of pearl collecting, but repeatedly reminded them that pearl collecting was extremely dangerous. There are fierce fish in the sea that pose dangers to humans, like sharks, and there’s also the risk of possibly drowning. He exhorted everyone to prioritize their personal safety. Money can be earned, but life is more important than money. Making money is to improve your own and your family’s life; if you lose your life, what’s left to enjoy? After speaking these heartfelt words, Li Anqing wished that everyone could collect good pearls and become prosperous together.
These words were like a wake-up call, causing many people to calm down from their excitement and reflect on Li Anqing’s words, and to agree more with his reasoning.
Just like that, the villagers also began learning to collect pearls. Pearl collecting is not only dangerous, but there’s no guarantee of success. However, when a villager collected a pearl with a poor shape and color yet sold it for ten taels of silver, the villagers became even more enthusiastic about this.
Ten taels of silver, some of them can’t earn that much even after fishing for several months.
The villager who collected the pearl even bought gifts specifically to thank Li Anqing and his family.
Now when Wang Linglan went out, many people greeted her warmly with smiling faces.