Dexing Restaurant, located in the heart of the West City, occupied a prime geographical position. Hu Mancang was not only the manager of Dexing Restaurant but also the own brother of Lady Hu, the second concubine of the current Prefect, Luo Chang. The people of Huainan Prefecture firmly believed this rumor.
The auction, which had been brewing for ten days, finally commenced at the hour of the Dragon today. After returning from Linjiang City, Luo Tong, the head manager of Quánwèi Zhāi, had retreated behind the scenes to establish the entry rules for this auction. All participants were required to submit their name cards to Dexing Restaurant in advance. Only after an official audit by the government were they granted permission to participate. Since it was an official government initiative, appearances had to be maintained; those who dealt in shady business, regardless of their wealth, were not to be included.
Luo Tong’s move was intended to polish the reputation of Prefect Luo Chang, ensuring that no one could seize upon a pretext to smear the Prefect’s name. Furthermore, these regulations served to filter for reputable businesses. Only those who operated openly and legitimately possessed the qualifications to participate. By building upon the model of Chayulou Tea House, Luo Tong had intuitively devised a highly effective strategy.
Chapter 210