C110. Market.

C110. Market.

Yuan Li found this idea to be brilliant.

Youzhou had a unique geographic advantage, with mostly plains, giant rivers like Juma and Sanggan, suitable for agriculture and animal husbandry, making it a potential trading hub in the North.

Currently, Youzhou had markets, but they were scattered and small. They lacked a variety of goods, with no fixed schedule. The more prosperous markets were mainly found in the Central Plains, particularly in Luoyang and south of the Yangtze River.

The Northern Zhou dynasty favored agriculture over commerce, especially after their founder was mistreated by merchants, leading to a disdain for markets. Even the relatively bustling markets were chaotic and lacked a comprehensive range of goods.

Ouyang Ting mentioned in the letter that these scholars and literati would arrive in May. Yuan Li knew he couldn't wait until they were almost there to start organizing the market; it would be too late by then.

He needed to start planning the market now, setting fixed dates to familiarize and engage the people. For example, a small market every three days, a big market every ten days - small markets running for a day and big markets for three days. Once the market stabilized, they could spread the reputation of the "Jixian County Market."

Initially, only local merchants might come to set up stalls, but with time, merchants from neighboring counties would also flock to the market, and people would wait specifically for the market days to buy and sell goods.

As the market grew more prosperous and gained scale, without much effort from Yuan Li, merchants would naturally prepare goods to sell in Ji County before the market began.

Fixing the big market every ten days aimed to provide these merchants with enough time to travel to Jixian County.

Yuan Li jotted down these ideas on paper, considering adding some unique Youzhou characteristics to the market.

Though Youzhou's market trade wasn't very thriving, it did have a few distinctive features.

One was the Guan Market, a trading hub with the Huns. Another was the Hushi market, dealing with the Xianbei people. There was also the Military Market near the military camps in the Northern Border, selling goods primarily for soldiers' daily needs.

Currently, the Guan and Hushi markets were no longer operational, only the Military Market persisted. These markets were novel to people from the south, and Yuan Li didn't intend to overlook them.

He planned to expand and modify these markets, transforming them into specialized markets showcasing Youzhou's unique offerings.

The Guan Market might not reopen, especially after the Hun leader was killed by Chu Hechao...

However, the Hushi market, trading with the Xianbei people, must be pursued. The Xianbei people, fearing Chu Hechao after the demise of Hu Yan Wuzhu, could easily be persuaded or coerced to reopen the market.

Yuan Li believed that a little pressure on the Xianbei could facilitate the reopening of the Hushi market.

Thinking of this, Yuan Li eagerly went to find Chu Hechao.

He handed over the "planning document" he had prepared to Chu Hechao and asked if he could open the Hushi market with the Xianbei people.

As soon as Chu Hechao saw the thick stack of papers, he got a headache. He pulled Yuan Li into his arms and coaxed, "Just tell me what you want me to do. I'll handle everything for you. No need to bother with all this."

Yuan Li flashed him a bright smile and firmly refused, "No."

Chu Hechao reluctantly picked up a sheet of paper, but after glancing at it briefly, he put it down seriously, saying, "I can't read."

Yuan Li stared at him for a while.

But Chu Hechao's thick skin persisted, and after being stared at for some time, he grinned mischievously, "Are you trying to convey something to me with your gaze?"

Yuan Li slowly replied, "I've spent the whole day writing all these..."

Chu Hechao rubbed his temples, offered Yuan Li some pastries to eat, then focused his attention on the content of the papers.

Chu Hechao was intelligent; he simply didn't like these things, but that didn't mean he couldn't understand them.

Before Yuan Li could finish two pastries, Chu Hechao had already read through everything. He raised an eyebrow with some curiosity, "This is interesting."

Yuan Li planned to introduce four types of markets, the first being a general market where people and merchants could sell a variety of goods. This market would also feature various entertainment activities like animal fights, acrobatics, and riddles.

The other three markets would showcase the special characteristics of Youzhou - the Hushi market, the Military market, and the Food market.

People could visit any of these markets freely; the Hushi market wasn't particularly unique, but the Military market was a complete innovation.

Traditional Military markets involved merchants selling goods to soldiers, with the items being dull and uninteresting. The Military market Yuan Li envisioned, however, would involve soldiers selling or exchanging war spoils obtained in battles.

Upon seeing this idea, Chu Hechao found it intriguing. The military had accumulated plenty of war spoils, many of which were of no use and piled up. This "Military market" could significantly lighten the burden for the army while raising funds, a practical solution.

Normally, people and merchants avoided the military, but the opportunity to explore what the military would sell and obtain war spoils sparked curiosity. These war spoils included equipment and decorations from the Huns and Wuhu tribes, as well as collections from wealthy landowners, animal teeth, and skins - items not commonly available in regular markets.

Yuan Li believed that this kind of market would be far more interesting than a standard marketplace.

Lastly, the idea of a Food market, something Chu Hechao hadn't heard of, also piqued his interest. He asked, "So, you want to create a specialized market for food?"

Yuan Li, sitting comfortably on his lap, replied, "Yes, have you heard of food streets?"

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow.

"Northern and Southern cuisine is vastly different, and the local food of Youzhou, with its unique characteristics, deserves to be showcased." Yuan Li smiled, "Have those literati and scholars from the South ever tasted potatoes, white sugar, or stir-fried dishes?"

Chu Hechao laughed, "You're planning a grand strategy here."

Yuan Li solemnly said, "Food is the most important thing for the people, the role of delicious food is even more significant than you imagine. In the past, Zhou Gongdan almost wanted to worship me as the master because of the food in our mansion. Our subordinates have all gained weight after we started cooking. Jian Shaoning, Xiang Hongyun, and others specially brought two iron pots, a bag of potatoes, and white sugar when they went to Bianzhou. If they can do this, what about the others?"

Surprisingly, Chu Hechao found his words very reasonable. "Okay, I'm looking forward to your food market. If you really manage to set up such a market, you probably won't need these scholars to write articles for you. The people will spontaneously come to Youzhou."

If there is such a market, merchants will come to Youzhou. With more merchants in Youzhou, the economy will thrive, and naturally, the population will increase as well.

Yuan Li smiled and said, "If that's the case, then it couldn't be better."

In addition to the market, Yuan Li also planned to hold a lantern festival after the arrival of the scholars from the south. The lantern festival can last for three to five days, with no curfew during this period, and the market can stay open all night.

Yuan Li had already decided to bring the people of Youzhou for a carnival to stimulate trade and let the visitors from the south see the world.

True to his words, Yuan Li and his subordinates soon began to work vigorously.

He reserved four streets in Jixian for the market. At the same time, Yuan Li also sent people to notify the merchants in Jixian and the surrounding areas, informing them that they could sell their goods before the twenty-third day of the first month.

The spoils of war in the military were quickly sorted out, and some were arranged for sale. Yuan Li was worried that there might not be enough merchants at the first market, so he had Zhao Ying secretly send people to pretend to be merchants, selling grains, potatoes, cloth, and wooden basins to make up the numbers.

Before the market began, the people had heard about the market at the end of the month. On the twenty-third day of the first month, the weather was clear and the people came to see for themselves, and indeed they saw the merchants selling their goods.

Stalls were set up on both sides of the street, with a wide variety of goods on display. The people gathered in groups, hesitant to move forward.

Some people were timid and had little money, so they quickly glanced and left. Some hesitated to enter the market, while others who were more clever had already gone home to bring out pots and pans to sell.

Several elderly men selling firewood immediately took up a spot and began selling firewood.

From early morning until dusk, the market was crowded with people of all ages. They looked around curiously, with most of the people not really intending to buy anything but just enjoying the atmosphere.

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao also went to take a look.

In the morning, there were only around thirty stalls, but now the street was packed with vendors, and there were just as many people selling as there were buying. Some merchants who had heard the news arrived late and had to set up their stalls at the back.

*

Ever since Lin Tian found out about the relationship between the Lord and Chuhe Chao, every time he saw them walking together in public, he was filled with fear, afraid that they would inadvertently reveal the secret of their "uncle-niece incest".

However, Yuanli and Chuhe Chao were both very rational. Although they walked side by side at the market, their behavior and actions were natural and not awkward or intimate, not giving anyone any reason to suspect.

When they reached the military market, Yuanli suddenly laughed and gestured ahead, "Look."

Chuhe Chao followed his gaze and saw a familiar figure.

Yang Zhongfa was squatting in front of a stall with his young son, Xiauner, who was curiously picking out a wolf's fang from the spoils of war and holding it tightly in his hand. Seeing how much his son liked it, Yang Zhongfa negotiated a price with the soldier manning the stall.

The soldier, frightened, could barely speak.

Chuhe Chao strode over and kicked Yang Zhongfa from behind. Yang Zhongfa exclaimed in pain and turned angrily, "Who the hell attacked me from behind?"

Turning around, he met Chuhe Chao's smiling face, and his anger turned into a warm smile, "It's General."

Xiauner obediently greeted Chuhe Chao and Yuanli.

Yang Zhongfa smiled and approached, "General, I can see that the market will be very profitable today. You seem different today, so why not buy this wolf's fang and give it to my son?"

Chuhe Chao's expression remained unchanged, "No money."

You're really stingy... Yang Zhongfa clicked his tongue and was about to look at Yuanli. Xiauner sighed maturely, took out a string of copper coins from his small purse, handed them to the soldier, and pulled on Yang Zhongfa's sleeve, "Dad, Xiauner has money, I've already bought it."

Yuanli rubbed Xiauner's head, unable to suppress his laughter.

As the evening breeze swept in, cheers and excited shouts of children could be heard in the distance. Yuanli looked up, his face relaxing.

From that day on, Yuanli gave Qukai and Wang Er a new task.

Every market day, they would take turns to guard the market with soldiers, ensuring its safety. They especially paid attention to the ends of the streets, strictly prohibiting thieves and pickpockets from mingling in.

Therefore, as the second market began, soldiers wearing leather armor and carrying large swords sternly stood on both sides of the street, their eyes fixed on the passing crowd.

At first, the people were somewhat afraid of these soldiers, speaking softly like mosquitoes. However, after the soldiers caught some thieves, the people found it reassuring to see the soldiers in the market.

As such, with a small market every three days and a large market every ten days, the reputation of Ji County market in You Prefecture gradually spread to merchants from all over.

In March, more and more merchants wanted to come to the grand market in You Prefecture. Even merchants from Qingzhou and Yanzhou were tempted and began to make their way to You Prefecture.

*

Since Lin Tian discovered the forbidden affair between his lord, Yuan Li, and Chu Hechao, he couldn't shake off a chilling fear whenever he saw them together in public. He worried they might betray the secret of their scandalous relationship.

However, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao displayed remarkable composure. While they walked side-by-side through the market, their interactions remained perfectly natural. Neither distant nor overly familiar, their behavior wouldn't raise suspicion.

Reaching the military market, Yuan Li chuckled, lifting his chin towards the front. "There," he said.

Chu Hechao followed his gaze and spotted a familiar figure: Yang Zhongfa, squatting in front of a stall with his young son, Xuan'er. Xuan'er, captivated by a wolf tooth among the spoils of war, clutched it tightly.

Noticing his son's fascination, Yang Zhongfa attempted to bargain with the soldier manning the stall.

The soldier, intimidated by Yang Zhongfa's reputation, trembled and struggled to speak.

With a brisk stride, Chu Hechao approached and playfully kicked Yang Zhongfa in the backside. Startled, Yang Zhongfa yelped, spinning around with a furious expression, "Who dares kicked me?!"

Meeting Chu Hechao's playful smirk, Yang Zhongfa's rage instantly dissolved into a warm smile. "Ah, General," he greeted.

Xuan'er bowed politely to Chu Hechao and Yuan Li.

Yang Zhongfa approached them, a grin spreading across his face. "General," he chuckled, "the military market is booming today! Unlike you, I think it's a perfect opportunity to make some coin. Why not buy that wolf tooth for Xuan'er?"

Chu Hechao remained stoic. "Out of funds," he replied simply.

"Tsk tsk, so stingy!" Yang Zhongfa clicked his tongue, about to turn to Yuan Li.

But Xuan'er, with a sigh that seemed beyond his years, reached into his purse. His chubby fingers grasped a string of copper coins, which he offered to the soldier.

Tugging at Yang Zhongfa's sleeve, he pleaded, "Father, I have money. I bought it."

Yuan Li chuckled, ruffling Xuan'er's hair.

As the evening breeze swept through the market, the sounds of cheering and surprised shouts from children drifted in from afar. Yuan Li looked up, a sense of calm washing over him.

Following that day's market, Yuan Li assigned a new duty to Wu Kai and Wang Er. On market days, they would take turns leading a group of soldiers to patrol and ensure the safety of the market.

Special attention was to be paid to the end of the street, where beggars and thieves were strictly forbidden from entering.

Thus, when the second market day arrived, the sight that greeted everyone was imposing. Tall, well-built soldiers clad in leather armor stood on either side of the street, their expressions stern.

Each soldier wore a sword at their waist, their gazes fixed on the bustling crowd.

Initially, the presence of these soldiers caused apprehension among the populace, their voices hushed like buzzing mosquitoes. However, when the soldiers successfully apprehended a few thieves, a sense of relief washed over the people, who began to view the soldiers with a newfound sense of security in the marketplace.

With the establishment of a bustling market every three days and a grand market every ten days, the reputation of Youzhou Jixian Market steadily flourished, attracting the attention of merchants from far and wide.

By March, the anticipation for the grand market drew a surge of merchants to Youzhou. Even those from distant Qingzhou and Yanzhou, piqued by the burgeoning reputation, flocked to the city in droves.

*

Guo Mao and Cui Yan were locals of Youzhou Prefecture. During one of the ten-day grand markets, they were specially sent by Yuan Li to explore the market and see if there were any shortcomings.

Yuan Li even gave them two money bags filled with copper coins, telling them to spend as they pleased.

Both of them were somewhat perplexed but obliged nonetheless, taking the money bags and heading to the market.

As the sun was setting, the market was particularly crowded. Guo Mao was used to the hustle and bustle of the market, but Cui Yan, who rarely went out, was surprised, "Why are there so many people?!"

"This is how it is during the grand market," Guo Mao said, leading Cui Yan through the crowd with ease, "Today is only the first day. Some merchants have yet to arrive. When you come back in the next two days, there will probably be even more people."

Surprised, Cui Yan looked around, feeling overwhelmed and unable to take it all in. After walking through four streets, he unknowingly spent all the coins Yuan Li had given him.

Not only was the money bag empty, but after exiting the food market, Cui Yan's stomach felt uncomfortably bloated from overeating. Guo Mao helped him sit by the roadside, amused and exasperated, "Why did you eat so much?!"

Embarrassed, Cui Yan said, "The food looked delicious, but when I ate it, it tasted familiar."

Guo Mao whispered, "The merchants in the food market are all sent by the Lord. After all, food is something that we can't entrust to outsiders."

Suddenly, it dawned on Cui Yan.

After a while, Cui Yan felt much better. He looked at the distant sunset and sighed, "In just three years, Youzhou Prefecture has changed a lot."

"Indeed," Guo Mao also looked into the distance, smiling, "Cui Yan, this is a good thing."

Cui Yan also smiled, "It is indeed a great thing..."

After completing their tour of the market and finding no shortcomings, Yuan Li was finally at ease.

As the time passed quickly, the arrival of renowned scholars and merchants from the south signaled the beginning of the grand market in Youzhou Prefecture in early May.