Thinking of this, Zhang Chen hurriedly summoned Ju Shou and told him of this idea.
Upon hearing this, Ju Shou couldn't help but praise greatly and immediately began drafting the proclamation.
With this recruitment notice out, he could also see what kind of reputation he had built in Ji Province.
Zhang Chen gave instructions on this matter, and also wrote two letters, sending messengers to Cheng'an and Linzhang County respectively, instructing Qian Zhao and Fang Ping to expedite the recruitment of soldiers.
Once the troops were all in his hands, even if new officials arrived, they would have to act according to his will.
Zhang Chen handled all these matters properly, and before he knew it, it was already noon, and his stomach was a bit hungry.
Ah, it feels really good to be diligent in political affairs!
Zhang Chen thought to himself and returned to the back residence.
After finishing lunch, Steward Wu came to pay his respects.
For many days, Zhang Chen had been busy with political affairs and hadn't seen Steward Wu for a long time. Seeing him this time, he found that he had a few more white hairs at his temples, likely due to traveling around managing the Zhang Family's business during this period, caused by the hard work.
"This old servant... greets Lord Prefect."
As soon as Steward Wu entered, he knelt and performed a great bow towards Zhang Chen. Seeing this, Zhang Chen hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, saying, "Wu Bo, what are you doing? We are family, why perform such a great ceremony?"
Steward Wu said, "Young Master, you are now a noble Prefect, the parent official of this commandery. This old servant cannot break the rules, and even more so, cannot let people say that the servants of our Prefect's Residence have no rules."
Zhang Chen said sternly, "Rules are not meant to constrain kinship. Wu Bo has followed my father for many years and stayed by the Zhang Family's side during times of crisis. He also worked tirelessly to manage the Zhang Family's business, which is why the Zhang Family is as it is today. In my heart, you are my elder, not a servant."
Upon hearing this, Steward Wu was deeply moved.
He had lived for more than half his life, serving as a subordinate his entire life, and this was the first time he had heard such words.
With such a master, what does it matter if one is a slave or a servant?
"Wu Bo, have you come here to discuss something?"
"Ah!" Steward Wu came back to his senses and said, "Young Master, this old servant indeed has something I wish to ask the Young Master to consider."
"Oh? What is it? Tell me about it."
Steward Wu said, "Young Master, what this old servant wants to talk about is the matter of establishing a merchant guild."
"Merchant guild?" Zhang Chen mused, unable to help but ponder inwardly.
Merchant guilds have existed since ancient times, established by merchants to protect their rights and interests.
Because in ancient times, the prevailing thought was always to "emphasize agriculture and suppress commerce." Although merchants possessed great wealth, their social status was low, which is why merchants had to "band together for warmth," and merchant guilds came into being.
The formation of these merchant guilds was often divided by region, with merchants from the same area uniting. This not only avoided internal competition but also strengthened their negotiation power with outsiders, thus protecting the rights and interests of fellow merchants.
The Yellow Turban Rebellion ravaged Ji Province, and its impact on commerce was particularly severe. Many merchants who had accumulated a lifetime of wealth found that in the end, not only was their money plundered, but their goods were also looted. It was truly fortunate that the Zhang Family managed to survive during this period.
Although the idea of "emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce" was deeply rooted, merchants were also indispensable. Without merchants, goods could not circulate, and the entire society's economy would be affected.
Establishing a merchant guild and stabilizing commerce is indeed a good measure.
Thinking about it, Zhang Chen sat up straight and said, "Wu Bo, tell me in detail."
"Young Master, the Yellow Turban Rebellion has severely impacted commerce throughout Ji Province. Looking across Ji Province now, the truly influential merchants are all from aristocratic families. Although these families suffered some losses, their vitality was not fundamentally harmed. However, the small merchants, compared to before the war, are now less than one in ten."
Steward Wu sighed, "Since this old servant began managing the family business, I have found that within Ji Province, some aristocratic families monopolize sources of goods and manipulate market prices. This is absolutely not a good sign. Once aristocratic families control commerce, hoard goods, and raise prices arbitrarily, the ones who ultimately suffer will be the common people. Therefore, this old servant wants to establish a merchant guild to unite the merchants and stand against those unlawful powerful families!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen couldn't help but frown deeply.
What Steward Wu said was certainly reasonable, but how could ordinary merchants alone shake the towering tree of the aristocratic families?
At present, he had not fully controlled Wei Commandery. To oppose the aristocratic families at this time would certainly not be a wise move.
Steward Wu was only looking from a merchant's perspective, but he could not ignore the bigger picture.
Establishing a merchant guild, although beneficial, could easily touch upon the interests of those aristocratic families. This matter must be handled with caution!
Zhang Chen pondered for a long time and said, "Wu Bo, the matter of the merchant guild is of great importance and cannot be decided hastily. I have noted this matter and will discuss it again after careful consideration."
Steward Wu nodded and said, "In that case, this old servant will take his leave first."
"Wait a moment." Zhang Chen stopped Steward Wu and then asked, "Wu Bo, you just mentioned that some aristocratic families monopolize sources of goods and manipulate market prices. Which family is it?"
Upon hearing Zhang Chen's question, Steward Wu's expression changed slightly, and he said with worry, "Young Master, the aristocratic families are powerful. Are you perhaps thinking of...? It is not advisable to act rashly at this time."
"You don't need to worry. I naturally know that I cannot move against them for now. However, I must know who is stirring up trouble on the territory of Ji Province."
Zhang Chen's eyes were firm. In Ju Shou's "Three-Step Strategy," the second step was "Weaken," which involved winning over those who could be used among the powerful families and nobles, isolating and dividing those who were hostile, and ultimately weakening and dissolving them.
From this moment on, he had to start distinguishing who on the land of Ji Province could be used and who could not.
Looking at Zhang Chen's determined gaze, Steward Wu could only reply truthfully, "Young Master, the old servant has seen two families. One is the Guo Family, and the other is the Xin Family."
Guo Family? Xin Family?
Zhang Chen pondered inwardly.
He did not know much about the famous aristocratic families in Ji Province, only that the Qinghe Cui Clan and the Zhongshan Zhen were both prominent and influential families.
The Xin Family, could it be the two brothers Xin Pi and Xin Ping?
Then this Guo Family...
Zhang Chen pondered for a moment, then suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "Wu Bo, the Guo Family you mentioned, are they not from Ji Province but from Yingchuan?"
"How did the Young Master know?" Steward Wu couldn't help but wonder, "That's right, this Guo Family only migrated to Ji Province at the beginning of this year. They migrated to seek refuge because the remnants of the Yellow Turban plundered Yingchuan. The current head of the family is named Guo Tu, courtesy name Gongze, and he is quite well-known. It is said that this person is full of talent, but it is also a fact that his Guo Family controls the market and inflates prices. As the head of the family, Guo Tu must be involved."
Hmph, Guo Tu? What talent does he have? He's just a guy who only comes up with terrible ideas!
However, since it's Guo Tu, that means...
Hahahaha!
Heaven helps me!
Zhang Chen couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
Although this Guo Tu's ability was ordinary, another person from his clan was extraordinary!
Zhang Chen suddenly remembered that that person was originally also in Ji Province, initially under Yuan Shao's command, and later left decisively after seeing that Yuan Shao was unlikely to achieve great things.
Presumably, he also migrated here with Guo Tu at this time?
Thinking of this, Zhang Chen quickly said, "Wu Bo, help me investigate someone. Go and check among the Guo Family's descendants if there is a person named Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao? If so, report to me immediately!"
Seeing Zhang Chen like this, Steward Wu asked in confusion, "Why is the Young Master interested in this person?"
"This person is an unparalleled genius, I must obtain him!"
A hint of fervor flashed in Zhang Chen's eyes.
Fengxiao, I think we will meet soon!