Chapter 824

Chen Wuji's confident statement did not completely convince Xu Zengyi, he explained: "My lord, merchants' view of profit is not about how much silver they actually spend. They care more about to whom they give this silver."

The streets and roads of Jie Jia Zui originally belonged to the county's responsibility, but now the lord's order has fallen on them; if they cannot give a proper reason, or tangible benefits, these merchants will surely unite in resistance at once.

If they see no benefit at all, these merchants will likely find it hard to cooperate.

Chen Wuji gave a slight nod, "Sir, you've hit the point; I indeed overlooked that. Then, after the Village Chief gathers the merchants here, I'll come talk to them myself."

I am now considering whether Jie Jia Zui should be placed under the jurisdiction of the Training Officer.

Xu Zengyi thought for a moment and nodded, "I think it's feasible; there's no need to set up another guard here. The Training Officer can take on the county magistrate's duties, maintaining public order, etc. Later, we can draw some clerks from the commandery; that should be enough for the initial stage."

Then let Lu Ping'an come over!" Chen Wuji said without much hesitation, immediately deciding.

Yes!

……

The afternoon scorching sun is tormenting; even just basking outside for a moment can give one the illusion of being scorched.

Summer has arrived, and the sunshine has suddenly become less gentle.

On the west side of Jie Jia Zui, near the fort wall, there is an open area that serves as the communal threshing ground for the residents of Jie Jia Zui.

This is the place the Village Chief found for discussing major matters with the merchants.

The elderly Village Chief Xue Quan'yi suddenly received Chen Wuji's order, and all morning he was as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

Jie Jia Zui's current location is indeed too crude; there is simply no place that can accommodate nearly a hundred people at once. After some thought, the only available spots are the threshing ground and the open area in front of the Xue Ancestral Hall.

But having merchants and the Regional Inspector Commander discuss matters in their own ancestral hall is somewhat improper.

The Village Chief, after looking around and finding no alternative, decided on the threshing ground.

Although this place lacks both appearance and substance, there's nothing to be done given the limited conditions.

Under the afternoon scorching sun, the merchants came in twos and threes.

Xue Quan'yi had already brought his son and was waiting there; although several rows of benches were set up on the threshing ground, neither of them sat, standing anxiously to the side.

Discussing matters with these merchants, the father and son were already a bit nervous, fearing they couldn't control the situation.

Later, upon learning that the Regional Inspector Commander would come in person, they became even more nervous.

Chen Wuji always considered himself just an ordinary person, but to people like Xue Quan'yi from the lower strata, his current stature is as high as heaven.

In terms of dignity, he even surpasses the Emperor.

After all, in the mouths of the people of Nan Jun, the Emperor is nothing but a good-for-nothing.

And Chen Wuji is a formidable figure who has truly unified Nan Jun, not only driving away the Qiang people but also seizing their land.

These achievements combined make Chen Wuji's weight in the hearts of Nan Jun's people naturally substantial.

"Old Xue, what are you up to by rallying the masses?"

A merchant arrived in a human-powered sedan chair, and before even getting close, he shouted loudly.

"I was just about to ask the same thing. At this midday, why aren't you resting on your cool kang, calling us out here—what's the scheme now?" Someone followed right after.

Nowadays, the merchants who have set up shop in Jie Jia Zui are basically acquainted with Xue Quan'yi.

After all, they need to acquire land to build houses, so they inevitably have to deal with Xue Quan'yi, the Village Chief; over time, although he holds a minor post, these merchants are also willing to give him face.

"Everyone, watch your words!" Xue Quan'yi quickly raised both hands, pressing down on the surrounding merchants, "Today it's not me, the old fool, summoning you here; it's Commander Chen Jieshuai who invites you to discuss matters."

As soon as these words were spoken, the threshing ground fell instantly silent.

The merchant still seated high in the human-powered sedan chair hurriedly ordered his attendants to let him down, then casually tossed his palm-leaf fan into the chair, and urged his attendants to leave quickly.

Those who had been waving folding fans also stopped, immediately folding their fans and tucking them into their sleeves.

Everyone carefully inspected their attire, removing all ostentatious items they should, thus restraining their extravagant, pompous demeanor.

"Old Xue, is Commander Chen really coming?" a merchant asked cautiously.

Xue Quan'yi nodded, "Gentlemen, how could I, the old fool, deceive you? You've surely seen the vast military camp outside the town. The commander arrived this morning and immediately invited you here; there must be important matters to discuss, so please be patient."

A group of merchants' faces changed dramatically, and they waved their hands repeatedly.

"We dare not, we dare not!"

"We really dare not, Old Xue, we must not speak recklessly!"

"Old Xue, choose your words more carefully—what status do we have? How dare we let the commander invite us to discuss major affairs? We'll simply await the commander's orders, yes, orders."

"Old Xue, speak properly—please, do speak properly. I still have several jars of aged fine wine at my place; later I'll send someone to deliver them to you."

"Exactly, I also have some pastries from the Jade Lady Restaurant; I'll have someone send them over shortly—just be sure not to speak recklessly."

……

Xue Quan'yi wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Gentlemen, gentlemen, I didn't mean it; I'm used to speaking this way with you, I'll pay attention, I'll pay attention. Don't send the gifts, this old fool can't afford to accept them."

"Fine, those words are spoken—you can handle it, you deserve it." Someone shouted immediately.

Just then, someone suddenly whispered, "Bīngmǎ are coming—be quiet, be quiet!"

A group of merchants immediately lined up, looking in the direction from which the Bīngmǎ were coming, and again checked their attire nervously.

Heavily armored soldiers ran into the threshing ground and took their positions around it.

The black armor gleamed with a dull luster in the sunlight, reflecting the cold, stern faces; a fierce, iron-blooded aura suddenly enveloped the threshing ground, pressing the merchants so they could barely breathe, each feeling as if they heard their own heartbeat like a drum.

Chen Wuji walked in slowly, followed by Xu Zengyi, Lu Ping'an, Chen Li and others, as well as the two somewhat unconventional grand masters, Kong Jianshi and Lu Daye.

"I… I have seen the commander, this old fool Xue… Xue Quan'yi."

Xue Quan'yi hurried forward, performing a bow with some fumbling; in his nervousness he almost forgot his own name.

The merchants quickly followed suit, hastily offering their respects.

"Please sit, don't stand on ceremony; let's chat about some big money-making matters." Chen Wuji said with a light smile.

Seeing Chen Wuji so young and easygoing, everyone quietly relaxed, the tension easing instantly.