Chapter 329: Citizens’ Union

The emperor's entourage was huge, which was different from the situation when Manuel went on a diplomatic mission to various European countries. The people no longer despised the imperial costumes, but envied them.

But the emperor's tour was hard for Peter. He handled state affairs in Constantinople in the name of Caesar, so he had to discuss countermeasures with his ministers every day, either sending troops to this place or reducing taxes in that place, or diplomacy and navy. The burden on the ruler will only increase, not decrease, and this is also to prepare for his future rule of a prosperous country.

The big guys are so busy, and the small guys are also busy all day long. Farmers and workers run around for their own and their families' three meals a day, and merchants are constantly looking for opportunities to expand their business territory.

In Thessaloniki, textile factory owners must buy raw materials to maintain production, and most of the cotton here is monopolized by a Moldovan businessman named Raresh.

After Raresh's success in the cotton business in Wallachia, his ambition gradually expanded. He wanted to build his own business empire.

Through cotton and textile trade, Lares soon became one of the top taxpayers in Thessalonica. He bought cotton and wool from a certain place in the Roman Empire, transported them to textile factories in various places by mule and horse carriage, and then transported the textiles to various places for sale.

What really made Lares rise quickly was the exclusive import of cotton from Naples. Laszlo's financial resources were not as good as Peter's. In order to obtain military funds, he auctioned the exclusive rights of cotton and other products. Lares saw this opportunity and spent all his money to obtain the exclusive agency rights of cotton at the cost of 160,000 florins. The textile industry in Naples needed cotton, which made Lares make a lot of money.

In addition to cotton and wool, Lares also bought a large amount of cloth and silk clothing for Laszlo's court in advance, and formed a fleet for convenient transportation. In order to manage industries in various places and allocate funds, Lares set up banks in imitation of northern Italian merchants.

Lares Taziu's name began to emerge, and his wealth increased rapidly by engaging in the textile and banking industries. At first, the bank set up a branch in Constantinople, and then in Constanta. Through currency exchange and usury, Raresh had more funds to invest in industry.

In order to obtain more money and power, he used the common European method of marriage. Select a family from the local nobles or wealthy businessmen to form an alliance. After choosing, the new one is a good choice.

The Mason family came to the empire from Florence with a total of 120,000 gold lei, and then stayed in Thessaloniki. Their life gradually stabilized with the textile factory they bought at the beginning.

In addition to business expansion, social interaction is also indispensable. Their whole family converted to Orthodoxy and actively learned Greek and Romanian. Although the local people were quite kind, they still couldn't integrate into the upper class. John also thought about marriage, but he didn't know who to find.

"Father, after deducting the cost, this factory can earn 2,000 lei a year. Belgrade, Iasi, and Moscow are our main customers."

"The competition here is fierce. If you want to avoid bankruptcy, you still have to go through some competition."

John looked at the factory running at full capacity. The Roman Empire was quite friendly to merchants. It had developed shipping and transportation, and there was a lot of cotton and wool, but all these raw materials had to be purchased from one person.

"Today I am going to Mr. Raresh's mansion to discuss the cotton imports for next year. You follow me."

"Okay"

John took his son to the Skatilli district, where Raresh's residence was.

"Master, they are here."

"Well, please let them in."

Raresh had been waiting for them for a long time. He was determined to win this marriage.

John appeared in the courtyard with his son, and Raresh greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome, both of you. What brings you here?"

Laresh asked them to sit down and had coffee served. He heard that this was a new popular drink in Constantinople, which should be consumed with cane sugar and milk.

"Please try this. This is a drink from the East. It is said to be very popular in Constantinople."

John looked at the black thing in front of him, put sugar in it, took a sip, and thought it tasted good.

"I came here to discuss the future price of cotton with you."

John did not beat around the bush. He thought this was a business transaction between the two sides. But Laresh did not talk about business directly, but was concerned about his family affairs.

"I heard that you are from Florence?"

"Yes, I have been here for almost a year."

John did not mind talking more. Maybe if the other party was happy, he could give them some discounts.

"How is Florence?"

"I can't describe it specifically. I can only say that you must come and see it yourself."

John told Laresh that Florence was a beautiful city, but he was unwilling to talk more about this sad place. Raresh looked at the situation and decided to show his hand.

"Is it okay to live here? The locals may be somewhat hostile to Westerners."

Seeing that Raresh was somewhat concerned about him, John began to play the victim. He said how unfortunate he and his family were, how Florence excluded him, and that although Thessaloniki was better, there was still some hostility. It can only be said that he was worthy of being a person who had worked in the city council. Even Raresh felt sorry for his performance. It was their loss that such a good person was excluded.

"I know your situation and I have a way to help you."

When John heard it, he hurriedly asked what it was.

"I have a son who has grown up. I heard that you have a daughter who is just the right age. If they can get married, it will be a good choice for our two families."

No wonder the other party talked to him for so long. It turned out that he wanted to marry him. This is also what he wanted, and Raresh also promised to give them a certain discount on cotton and wool after the marriage.

Although he was ecstatic in his heart, his expression remained stable. John said that he needed to think about it, and Raresh agreed.

When the other party left, the butler was a little puzzled. "Master, they didn't agree immediately. Shouldn't they agree immediately?"

"You always have to give them some buffer. They must have some time to think about it."

Raresh took a sip of coffee and said, "What I want, I have never lost."

John had already agreed to the marriage proposal, but he didn't want to let the other party see it in face. He didn't want to be looked down upon by this future in-law. The next step is to discuss various matters about marriage. As for the opinions of the parties involved, it doesn't matter at all. The role of women is to bring benefits to the family.