From their perspectives, doing so would indeed put them at a significant disadvantage. However, they had to admit that Shao Bowen’s plan was more beneficial to the majority, especially himself.
If they had used the open bidding method, the venue would have immediately turned into a personal showcase for Zhang Jing and Liu Siye.
Before they were satisfied, the smaller and medium-sized families would not even have a chance to gain anything, let alone partake in the profits.
Although this meant they would have to pay more grain, from another perspective, those ordinary small and medium-sized families, despite not having prepared grain in advance, could at least get a share using the grain they had stored.
At the very least, it would ensure that their core members would not have to worry about the scourge of malaria.
“These are roughly the rules. Does anyone have any objections?”
After announcing all the rules, Shao Bowen once again looked at everyone with a smile.
“Sir, your plan is very comprehensive and considerate of us all. I think we should proceed as planned!”
“Exactly. Everyone competes based on their own abilities. Even if we don’t get it in the end, it will be our own fault, and no one else’s fault!”
The people present today were basically those who held real power and had the final say in Su Mao City for their respective families.
Were there any fools among those who had reached this level?
Rather than just watching the two major families profit while they couldn't even get a taste, it was better to spend some extra grain now and secure some guarantee for their own families.
Therefore, before Zhang Jing and Liu Siye could even speak, the rest of the people eagerly began to express their agreement.
“Lord Zhang, Young Master Liu, what do you two think?”
Seeing that almost everyone had already voiced their opinions, Shao Bowen then smiled and turned his gaze back to Zhang Jing and Liu Siye.
Upon seeing this scene, Zhang Jing’s mouth twitched.
With things having reached this point, could they still propose any objections? If they were to object, wouldn’t that incur the wrath of the masses?
“Since no one has any objections, let it be so!”
With a cold snort, Zhang Jing spoke directly.
“What about you, Young Master Liu?”
“Since Lord Zhang has already said so, what else can I say?”
Liu Siye sneered and replied nonchalantly.
“In that case, shall we begin then?”
After hearing their responses, Shao Bowen said with a smile.
“Time is pressing, Sir, please begin first!”
Although he knew he would be at a disadvantage today, Zhang Jing had no other choice at this moment.
On the other hand, Liu Siye had already made up his mind to resort to force, so he didn't care how much grain he would have to spend now.
“In that case, why don’t everyone announce your bid for the first round? The first batch is ten pills, with a minimum price of 500 shi of white rice. Please write your prices on the slips in front of you!”
Looking at these eager “fat sheep,” Shao Bowen’s smile became exceptionally bright.
Regardless, this was the first batch, and it was being competed for by all those present. After a slight hesitation, Liu Siye directly wrote “800 shi” on the slip.
After all the slips were collected by dedicated personnel, in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, someone returned the collected slips.
Opening the slip and glancing at the note attached, even Liu Siye couldn’t help but be taken aback.
He had bid 800 shi, and yet he didn’t win this time!
This immediately made him incredulous. Were these people all insane?
800 shi of grain for just ten small pills?
Although he felt incredibly wronged, he could only grit his teeth and continue.
When he bid a thousand shi the second time, he finally saw the words “Winning Bid” written in red ink on the returned slip.
After all the pills were sold, Liu Siye’s face had turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
He had spent 15,000 shi of grain, but he received less than 100 pills in return.
Especially in the last few rounds, he had bid up to 2,500 shi, only to have them snatched away by others!
This outcome was something he found hard to accept.
“I apologize, everyone. All the pills I had today have been sold out. After everyone has settled the grain payments, someone will deliver the pills to your residences. I have prepared some humble wine for everyone. If you have nothing else to do, why don’t we have a drink before leaving?”
Although the final statistics were not yet available, Shao Bowen’s face was beaming with joy.
“I have other matters at my official residence. Today’s proceedings end here. Farewell!”
Although the outcome today surprised Zhang Jing, seeing Liu Siye’s darkened expression, he immediately understood that he had achieved what he wanted.
After leaving a statement, he rose and departed.
Having only obtained such a small quantity, Liu Siye was filled with resentment and had no intention of staying for a drink.
Compared to them, the representatives of the remaining small and medium-sized families looked much more relaxed. Although they had paid a considerable price this time, they had gained something.
While they couldn’t protect everyone, at least their core family members should be safe.
Although they had indeed obtained the auction documents, the items had not yet reached their hands.
With this matter weighing on their minds, who had the inclination to stay for drinks?
After making excuses and bidding farewell to Shao Bowen one by one, they began to leave.
“How much grain did we acquire today in total?”
Only after everyone had left did Shao Bowen turn to look at Zhe Shiyijiu, who was beaming with excitement behind him.
“A full eighty thousand shi of grain, Sir, a full eighty thousand shi!”
After announcing this number, Zhe Shiyijiu began to tremble with excitement.
After all, this was only their first city on this trip!
They had only paid out 500 pills, which in reality was only one-eighth of their stock. Now, the grain they had received back was an astonishing eighty thousand shi!
If they were to sell all the pills they had, how much grain would they acquire?