Chapter 520: Han Zhongliang

By the way, who are the two current Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Revenue?

Chen Yan thought of something and asked in passing.

Fang Yizhi replied, "The current Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Revenue are Liu Linfu and Han Zhongliang. As you said before, you will soon assume the post of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, so one of them will have to step down."

I personally think Liu Linfu is the most likely, because although he isn't especially old, his health is deteriorating and he often misses court due to illness.

The other, Han Zhongliang, is quite good; he comes from the Han family of Yingchuan, a lineage of officials from Northern Zhou to Sui. His grandfather Han Bao was a governor in Northern Zhou, and his father Han Shao was a high official in the Sui, and he is very capable.

During the Wude years, Han Zhongliang was also heavily employed by the Retired Emperor, and now he remains a capable subordinate of Dai Zhou, continuously assisting Dai Zhou in implementing the Equal-Field System and the rent‑labor‑tax reforms.

His Majesty is also quite attentive to this person.

Chen Yan was startled, "Does that mean it's basically confirmed that Liu Linfu will step down?"

Fang Yizhi shook his head, "I think it's not just stepping down; he will probably leave officialdom altogether, since his health has already reached that point."

"Hmm." Chen Yan nodded, "Han Zhongliang sounds decent; could he be our enemy?"

Fang Yizhi's remark that "His Majesty is also quite attentive to this person" raised his guard.

A few days earlier, Du Ruhui had told him that because of his sudden appointment, he might incur resentment from many people.

Since Han Zhongliang is already an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, it's understandable that he thinks he has a chance.

If such a situation arises, Chen Yan will have to be cautious; after taking office, he will need to reason properly with people like that.

Du Gou interjected at this point, "I'm probably more familiar with Han Zhongliang; let me speak."

He mused, "My father once evaluated this man, saying his ability is sufficient, but because his family background is linked to the previous dynasty and he was favored by the Retired Emperor during the Wude years, even with his ability he can at most become a Minister of the Four Ministries, aside from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel."

"Moreover, he knows himself well, works diligently and earnestly, and has never actively pursued anything."

"In short, he has self‑awareness."

"Therefore I think he is unlikely to become our enemy."

"If news of your future appointment as Minister of Revenue spreads, he might even take the initiative to cultivate a good relationship with you."

"I see…" Chen Yan mused.

If that's the case, Han Zhongliang could be won over and lend a hand.

Of course, that presumes he is sensible.

Chen Yan does not demand that Han Zhongliang proactively forge a good relationship; as long as his orders are issued and Han Zhongliang carries them out wholeheartedly, he won't mind lending a hand.

To be realistic, Chen Yan is not the type who likes flattery; after all, Ma Zhou never tried to curry favor with him, did he?

For him, being able to work properly without causing trouble is more important than anything.

Moreover, Chen Yan vaguely feels that the name Han Zhongliang seems somewhat familiar…

He tried hard to recall and finally pulled up this person in his memory, but not much.

He only remembers that Han Zhongliang seemed to have become Minister of the Ministry of Justice after the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, and then died in the fourteenth year of Zhenguan.

Chen Yan stroked his chin and thought, "Then, after you take up your posts, probe Han Zhongliang's attitude; if he seems decent, subtly hint at my situation."

"Whether he is an enemy or a friend will become clear at once."

"If he is a friend, we'll have another good ally; if he is an enemy, then the first fire of a new official's tenure should burn him!"

Du Gou and Fang Yizhi exchanged a glance, both understanding Chen Yan's plan, and nodded in agreement.

After that, the three talked for a while longer, and Du Gou and Fang Yizhi took their leave.

After all, they were about to assume their posts, and there were quite a few matters to prepare in advance.

After seeing the two off, Chen Yan paused briefly, then rushed back to glance at Li Yuan, finding him still smiling broadly while shuffling mahjong tiles.

He called Xiao Shunzi and Qing'er and left.

Jinguangmen Street is the main road connecting to the West Market, the thoroughfare for all Silk Road merchants, various vendors, and a great number of townsfolk.

Chen Yan's destination was a three‑story building at the center of the street, the site that Li Shimin set up for his own chamber of commerce.

At that time Li Shimin gave him many options: locations in the East Market, the West Market, and also Chunmingmen Street, which connects to the East Market.

None of those places were inferior.

The East Market lies to the east of the city, near the residences of Meritorious Nobles and officials; Pingkang Lane and Chongren Lane are both there.

The West Market is more populated by Hu merchants and the majority of common folk.

The reason Chen Yan chose Jinguangmen Street leading to the West Market instead of the two markets themselves was that he valued its status as an essential thoroughfare when the market opens.

He could build a commercial street in Weinan County; why not do the same in Chang'an?

When Chen Yan and his two companions arrived, they saw Xu Lianyue on site, apparently watching the workers constructing the chamber of commerce.

"How's it going? When will it be finished?"

Xu Lianyue replied, "According to your requirements, it should still need about ten days. I've already ordered the workers to expedite, but ten days is already the fastest possible under ideal conditions."

"No problem." Chen Yan said, unconcerned, "Ten days is fine; I can wait."

After speaking, he looked around, "You don't need to stay here; assign others to keep watch. During this period, you and Xiao Shunzi should acquire as many surrounding shops and plots as possible."

"From now on we'll develop this place like the commercial street of Weinan County; you should have experience."

Xu Lianyue thought for a moment, "Is it urgent? If we want to build Jinguangmen Street the way Weinan County's commercial street was built, the money and time required won't be small."

"Weinan County can't compare to Chang'an; the shop and land prices here are far higher."

"Are we short of money?" Chen Yan retorted.

Xu Lianyue was at a loss for words.

They indeed weren't short of cash; not only did four wealthy merchants across the Tang Dynasty sell goods for them, but their workshops also produced astonishing output.

Most importantly, cooperation with the aristocratic families had already begun.

The families, adhering to the agreement, inspected the goods and immediately paid the deposit.

That portion of the money had already fallen into their pockets and could not be returned.

Now the cash they have on hand is more than enough!

Chen Yan gestured around the merchant guild and said, "We'll discuss other places later, but the nearby shops and locations must be bought."

"After buying them, we'll set up our own establishments around the guild—such as Zui Xian Lou, a tea house, a cloth shop, and for the coming winter, honeycomb coal, padded jackets, and padded trousers. Understand?"

Xu Lianyue understood immediately.

"I get your meaning: opening these shops draws people in, creates an opening, and makes it easier to build a commercial street later, right?"

"……Hmm, not bad. I'll rarely come here from now on; if you need anything, come to my residence. I'm leaving this place to you."

"……"