Rich second-generations were plentiful, and there were also a fair number of official second-generations, like Xiao Tang and his two peers. They had family elders with real power, which, to businessmen, was an invaluable resource. Even a slight slip of these connections could rake in a windfall for them.
Collusion between government and business, a phenomenon that has never been extinguished since ancient times, had simply morphed into a modern form called "cooperation."
Businessmen have money and can invest it liberally to boost the political achievements of officials, while officials can secure benefits for businessmen. They cooperate with each other, complementing one another's needs. Officials gain achievements that lead to promotions, and businessmen find doors opened to wealth-building opportunities...
