In ancient times, what was the easiest industry for businessmen to make big money?

In ancient times, different classes had different social status. As the saying goes, agriculture, industry and commerce rank last, but in fact, whether it is ancient or modern, the profit of commerce is the highest. Then the real estate industry and the financial industry are the most profitable industries for modern people. What was the easiest business for ancient businessmen to make money?

Ancient merchants also had a variety of businesses, such as selling silk tea, salt and iron agricultural products. These were all popular physical businesses in ancient China, especially salt and iron, which were mainly controlled by the government. Generally speaking, private individuals are not allowed to join. Salt is something that everyone eats every day, and it is also a necessary material for making weapons and farm tools. Ceramics were very popular with nobles in ancient times, so these are industries that wealthy businessmen are keen on.

Secondly, there are money houses, which are equivalent to our current banking business. There were banks in ancient times, but ordinary people simply didn't have that much money in them, so ancient banks mainly served the rich. In addition to the above, the industries that businessmen prefer to do are mainly hotels and inns, which is the catering industry we are doing now. As the saying goes, food is the most important thing for the people, and everyone has to eat.

All the industries mentioned above are made in China, and some industries are made internationally. For example, foreign countries are interested in China's silk, tea ceramics and so on. Some people export these things abroad to earn the difference, and then bring back foreign spices and so on.

However, maritime transportation must obtain the consent of the government. In ancient times, this was also considered smuggling. If caught, you will be severely punished.