Chapter 281: Clan-Wide Gambling Ban, Prestige Soars (Five Consecutive Boosts, Boss is Awesome)

Chapter 281: Clan-Wide Gambling Ban, Prestige Soars (Five Consecutive Boosts, Boss is Awesome)



Poxin Village.

Zhang Family.

When they heard that the initial investment for a large brick factory would be several tens of thousands of yuan, the hesitant Zhang Zhenfa immediately shook his head in refusal. Zhang Dage and Zhang Ergge exchanged glances, both showing signs of fear in their eyes.

If the investment had only been a few thousand yuan, they might have been more willing to take the risk. However, an investment of tens of thousands or even more was simply too high for them. If anything went wrong and they incurred losses, the consequences would be severe.

Moreover, such a large investment was not something they, as women, could decide on their own.

Zhang Shouguo was also taken aback by the investment amount, but unlike his father, he didn’t immediately refuse. Instead, he asked, "Pingmei, the investment for a large brick factory is indeed substantial. If we don’t go for a large one, but instead opt for a smaller factory like the one in the brigade, the investment would be much less. What do you think?"

Zhang Xiuping replied, "If we go for a smaller factory, the investment will indeed be less, but so will the profits. The two are directly proportional. Moreover, a small factory’s competitiveness can’t match that of a large one. Instead of choosing a small factory, why don’t we consider other types of factories that we don’t have here?"

Deng Yuntao, who had been listening, couldn’t help but interject, "My two uncles, at my father’s suggestion, are planning to open a wooden clothespin factory. This is a business with low investment and good prospects. If Big Brother and Second Brother are interested, you can try this."

He wasn’t worried about his brothers-in-law competing with his uncles because the demand for wooden clothespins, both domestically and internationally, was extremely high. The foreign trade department was always buying them, so there was virtually no competition.

Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin’s eyes lit up.

Even the hesitant Zhang Zhenfa perked up, as this idea came from his son-in-law, and his son-in-law’s business acumen and earning ability were well-established. This meant that the wooden clothespin factory was definitely a promising venture.

Thus, the three of them began to ask questions about the wooden clothespin factory.

Deng Yuntao didn’t hold back and shared all the information he knew with his father-in-law and his two brothers-in-law.

By the time Zhang’s mother brought out the steamed cakes, Zhang Zhenfa had been convinced by his son-in-law. He decided that after the Spring Festival, he would find time to meet his son-in-law’s uncles and start planning the wooden clothespin factory.

Regarding the investment, Deng Yuntao, without his father-in-law needing to ask, smiled and said, "Dad, if there’s any shortage of funds when opening the factory, just let Pingmei know, and she’ll lend you the money."

This reassured Zhang Zhenfa. Although their small shop earned a few thousand yuan a year, it hadn’t been open long enough, and they had spent several thousand yuan building a new house last year. Now, he only had about three thousand yuan in cash, which might not be enough to start the wooden clothespin factory.

After all, this was a factory, not a small shop. Even with a smaller investment, several thousand yuan would still be needed.

With Zhang Zhenfa’s decision to open the factory, Zhang Dage and Zhang Ergge’s faces lit up with smiles. Although their family was already among the wealthiest in the village, compared to their sister-in-law’s family, which earned over a hundred thousand yuan a year, the gap was still significant.

With the addition of a factory, their income would certainly skyrocket. They might not only become the richest in Poxin Village but even in the brigade.

As for becoming the richest in the commune, that was a bit too ambitious. After all, Longtan Commune was home to many talented people who had thrived during the reform and opening-up period.

...

During the Spring Festival, everyone was busy visiting relatives.

By the time everyone had finished visiting their relatives, it was already the sixth day of the first lunar month.

On this day, the clan head announced that a clan meeting would be held at the old ancestral hall. This meeting was different from previous ones, where each household sent a representative. This time, the clan head required all clan members between the ages of 16 and 70, regardless of gender, to attend.

Those outside this age range could attend if they wished.

No one knew the reason for this special clan meeting, and the notice only specified the time and location.

The meeting was scheduled for 2:00 PM, but clan members from various villages started arriving early.

By 1:40 PM, a large crowd had gathered at the entrance to the old ancestral hall, with many bringing their families along.

"What important matter is the clan head going to discuss at this meeting?"

"It’s only been a few days since the last clan meeting on the 29th. The clan head is calling another urgent meeting and requiring so many clan members to attend. It must be something important."

"Could it be a problem with the bus company?"

"You’re overthinking it. This meeting was set on New Year’s Day. If there was a problem with the bus company, the meeting would have been held on New Year’s Day itself."

"You’re right, but what else could require so many clan members to attend?"

"I can’t guess, but I’m sure whatever is discussed will affect most of the clan."

"The meeting is about to start, and we’ll find out soon!"

"The clan head is here..."

In the crowd, the clan members were buzzing with speculation about the meeting’s content.

Deng Shirong arrived at the old ancestral hall and greeted Deng Shian, the brigade secretary, and other prominent figures from the village.

When it was time to start the meeting, Deng Shirong stepped onto the platform and said, "Brothers and cousins, I’ve called this clan meeting to discuss a matter of utmost importance: a clan-wide ban on gambling."

As soon as he said this, the clan members below looked surprised.

Especially those who enjoyed gambling, who looked at the clan head in disbelief, clearly not expecting this decision.

After declaring the clan-wide ban on gambling, Deng Shirong spoke earnestly, "Gambling has always been a harmful vice, both to families and society. In the old days, gamblers often sold their wives and children to fund their habits.

As the saying goes, nine out of ten gamblers lose. Once you start gambling, you’re not far from losing everything."

Once someone has gambled away all their money, they will start borrowing from relatives and friends. This money is usually never repaid because gambling is a bottomless pit, no amount of money can fill it.

When all the relatives and friends have been borrowed from and no more money can be obtained, people often resort to desperate measures. Those with jobs might boldly embezzle company funds to gamble, while those without jobs might turn to theft or robbery, leading them down a path of no return.

Even for those with relatively strong self-control, who only gamble when they have money, such a life is meaningless. No matter how much money you earn, it will eventually end up on the gambling table, enriching others instead of yourself.

In short, once a person starts gambling, their entire life is ruined.

I previously led the establishment of a passenger transport company, and now the business is thriving. As long as everyone in the clan avoids gambling, we all have the potential to become wealthy and lead a life ten to a hundred times better than others.

However, if any of you gamble, no matter how much money the passenger transport company makes, it will ultimately be given away to others.

Therefore, I have called this clan meeting today with the purpose of banning gambling. In our village, where the Deng clan resides, there will be no gambling dens, and all clan members must refrain from gambling.

If anyone feels they cannot live without gambling, they should withdraw their shares in the passenger transport company and leave them to other clan members who need them. This is far more meaningful than giving your money to others!

Deng Shirong's words were met with enthusiastic applause from Deng Shiran, who said, "Well said! The harm of gambling is indeed too great. In our Bangjie Brigade, couples argue and even fight over gambling almost every day. Some families have lost everything, even unable to afford salt for the New Year.

In the past, everyone was poor, and there wasn't much to say about it. Now, with the clan leader leading the establishment of the passenger transport company, we are all on the path to a better life. At this point, continuing to gamble is truly ungrateful.

So, I support the clan leader's idea of a clan-wide ban on gambling. If anyone refuses to comply, they should withdraw their shares in the passenger transport company and give them to other clan members who need them. From then on, the clan will no longer be responsible for their well-being."

Deng Changbao also chimed in, "The clan leader and the secretary are right. Gambling is something we must avoid, brothers. Under the leadership of the clan leader, our clan is on the path to prosperity. If any of you gamble, you will be holding us back!"

Deng YunGui nodded in agreement, "I also support the clan-wide ban on gambling. Gambling is a downward spiral, and once you're in, it's almost impossible to get out. Gamblers often lose all sense of family loyalty. I hope the clan members who gamble will wake up and take this opportunity to quit gambling and join the rest of us on the path to wealth."

"Clan leader, you are absolutely right. Anyone who refuses to quit gambling should withdraw their shares in the passenger transport company so others can benefit."

"Rebellious son, did you hear what the clan leader said? If you ever gamble again, I'll break your legs."

"Support the clan leader. Gambling has no good outcome. Brothers and sisters, wake up!"

"Support the clan leader, support the clan-wide ban on gambling!"

"Support the clan leader..."

Those with influence in the village and other clan members who didn't gamble echoed their support.

In the crowd, A Zhu Ba turned to her gambling-addicted husband, Deng Changqi, and said, "Did you hear that? The clan leader said that from now on, the entire clan must quit gambling. If you don't want to quit, you'll have to withdraw your shares in the passenger transport company. Think about what will happen to our family if we lose those shares."

Deng Changqi had no idea that the clan-wide ban on gambling was because of him. He felt a mix of emotions. He knew gambling was bad, but he couldn't quit. Now, with the clan leader's intervention and the threat of losing his shares in the passenger transport company, he was determined to try.

However, he was also very reluctant because he had recently lost a lot of money.

The psychology of a gambler is peculiar. If he wins, he might be disappointed but can quickly accept it, after all, he's benefited. But if he loses, especially without recovering his losses, being forced to quit is excruciating.

Nevertheless, Deng Changqi had to quit. Compared to the money he had lost, his shares in the passenger transport company were his only hope of becoming wealthy. He wouldn't be foolish enough to give them up.

At least, not at this moment.

Whether he could truly quit, Deng Changqi didn't know.

On the stage, Deng Shirong waited for the clan members to finish their discussions before continuing, "This matter is settled. From today, the entire clan will be banned from gambling. We will monitor each other, and if anyone is caught gambling, the clan member who reports it can take over their shares in the passenger transport company. If they can't afford to pay the shares upfront, they can owe the money. This is a benefit for the informants.

In short, one person's gambling can ruin an entire family. If any clan member wants to keep their shares in the passenger transport company, they should manage themselves and their families to avoid such unfortunate outcomes."

This statement caused a stir in the crowd.

It was known that many clan members in each village gambled. For those who lived separately, it only affected their own shares in the passenger transport company. But for those in large, undivided families, it was different.

According to the clan leader, one person's gambling could ruin the entire family. If one person in a large family gambled, the entire family's shares would have to be handed over. The consequences were severe.

However, no one questioned the clan leader's decision. It was only right that each family should handle their own affairs.

Thus, clan members began to warn their children, siblings, and even parents.

"Rebellious son, did you hear what the clan leader said? If you gamble again and cause the family to lose our shares in the passenger transport company, I'll beat you to death."

"Brother, the clan leader has made it clear. If you can't control yourself, you should live separately to avoid dragging us down."

"Father, we told you not to gamble before, but you didn't listen. Now, the clan leader has made it clear. If you can't control yourself, we'll divide the family, and you'll have to give us your shares in the passenger transport company. Otherwise, you'll lose everything."

"..."

With the family members and relatives pressuring them, the gambling clan members fell silent. With the clan leader's sudden move, they had no choice but to quit gambling. The consequences were too severe otherwise.

Gamblers usually lose their minds only after they've been completely drained at the gambling table, resorting to any means necessary to raise more money to try and win back their losses. This could mean taking out high-interest loans, selling everything they own, or even embezzling funds.

However, before they sit down at the table, these gamblers are all fully aware and clear-headed. They understand that the shares in the passenger transport company are absolutely vital and cannot be lost.

After the clan members had discussed things thoroughly, Deng Shirong continued, "The ban on gambling I'm proposing applies not only to our local area but also to any place outside. If any clan member is caught gambling, unless you manage to keep it completely secret, even the slightest rumor will be investigated. If it's confirmed that you gambled, your family will have to relinquish your shares in the passenger transport company.

"So, don't entertain false hopes. Either quit gambling completely, or give up your shares in the passenger transport company now, and no one will bother you anymore."

As soon as he finished speaking, the clan members erupted in cheers.

With the support of the clan, Deng Shirong's decision to ban gambling was firmly established.

As the meeting dispersed, the habitual gamblers among the clan members left with their heads hung low. They knew that from this moment on, gambling would be off-limits unless they were willing to give up their promising shares in the passenger transport company.

But they weren't fools; they wouldn't give up those shares!

Azhu Ba and her husband, Deng Changqi, walked home together. Deng Changqi was listless and demoralized. During the New Year, he had gambled away all their money and was still thinking of ways to get more to try and win it back. But now, with the clan head's ban, his hopes of recovering his losses were dashed.

Without gambling, the money he had lost would never be recovered, and his spirits were understandably low.

In contrast, Azhu Ba was in high spirits.

Although their home was now empty of money, all of which her husband had gambled away, as long as he stopped gambling, their current difficulties would be temporary. In a few days, she could sell their two pigs, use the money to buy watermelon seeds, and plant them. Once the watermelons were ripe and sold, they would have money again.

Moreover, they still had four shares in the passenger transport company, which would grow in value as the company expanded.

In short, as long as her husband didn't gamble, their future would only get better.

Thinking about this, Azhu Ba couldn't help but smile, and she couldn't suppress her joy.

There were many families like Azhu Ba's. The gamblers returned home with their heads hung low, while their families greeted them with smiles, even happier than during the New Year. The clan head's ban on gambling was seen as a brilliant move.

Once the clan members had dispersed, Deng Shian looked at Deng Shirong with a deep sense of admiration and said, "Old Nine, the best decision I ever made was convincing you to become the clan head of our Ya Deng clan."

This was the highest praise Deng Shirong could receive, and he quickly humbled himself.

After a brief chat, the two men went their separate ways.

...

Over the next few days, the clan's atmosphere completely changed. No one gathered to gamble anymore. Those who were still struggling with their gambling addiction turned their attention to eating and drinking, inviting friends to join them.

Their families were very understanding, not only tolerating this but even cooking extra dishes for them.

Compared to the risk of losing everything in a single gambling session, the cost of eating and drinking with friends was much more acceptable to their families.

After all, the initial stages of quitting any habit are the hardest, and they needed time to adjust.

The news of the Ya Deng clan's ban on gambling spread quickly throughout Bangjie Brigade and beyond, reaching other brigades and communes.

The Ya Deng clan, with over three thousand members, had extensive family ties throughout the region. News of such a significant event spread rapidly.

"That Ya Deng clan is truly remarkable. Last year, they made a fortune by growing watermelons, and soon after, they pooled their resources to start a passenger transport company. I heard they made at least 400,000 yuan just from the Spring Festival travel rush. Now, they've banned gambling across the entire clan. If they can stick to it, no other clan in the entire Songshan Commune will be able to compare to the Ya Deng clan."

"I agree. Everyone knows the dangers of gambling. Now, with the Ya Deng clan banning it and focusing on economic development, their future is truly promising!"

"It's indeed impressive. I heard all this was led by the clan head of the Ya Deng clan."

"Yes, I've heard that too. Uncle Jiu is now a household name in our village!"

"If only our clan had such a capable clan head!"

"Unfortunately, our clan head is better at organizing fights than leading us to prosperity. He doesn't have the skills for that."

"There's no point in wishing for that. A clan head like Uncle Jiu of the Ya Deng clan is rare. Even if other clans had capable leaders, they would focus on their own economic development, not on leading the clan to prosperity."

"You're right. The Ya Deng clan is truly fortunate to have such a leader!"

"..."

After the success of the passenger transport company and the clan-wide ban on gambling, Deng Shirong's prestige within the clan reached its peak. His reputation also soared among other clans, especially in Shuangwang Region, where almost everyone knew the name of Uncle Jiu.

Prestige, while intangible, has its uses. When you need it, you realize just how valuable it can be.

For example, if a developer needs to acquire land for a project and there's a clan's ancestral gravesite on the property, even the government might hesitate to move the graves without consent, as it could spark unrest and the officials would be held responsible.

However, if a highly respected person intervenes, they might be able to persuade the clan to move the graves, maintaining harmony.

In short, when you have high prestige, people are more willing to give you face, and your tasks become much easier.

As a saying from a later era goes, "The world isn't about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social graces."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end