Sun Haocai walked very slowly. When he arrived at the main city of Dongping Prefecture, everything he had done along the way had already spread here.
Therefore, when Sun Haocai and his party arrived, the people around them lined the streets to welcome them; some wealthy people who had not left had already prepared a grand welcoming ceremony.
Sun Haocai stopped in front, looked ahead quietly, and suddenly asked: "Who is in charge here?"
Immediately, a middle-aged man walked out quickly and said, "Guo Xiang, I'm honored to meet you, sir."
Sun Haocai nodded arrogantly and slowly asked, "I saw many people leave along the way, why didn't you leave?"
Guo Xiang answered without hesitation: "To answer your question, we are all merchants and small nobles. In Guangping, merchants are rich but not noble, and are even bullied. It is the same in other places, and nothing will change. It is better to stay and wait for a miracle."
Sun Haocai looked around and nodded slowly. He asked again, "Has anyone left here before and returned recently?"
Guo Xiang's heart skipped a beat, but he was also prepared for this question, and answered loudly: "Your Excellency, there are quite a few. Most of these people don't want to give up their foundation, but they are worried and afraid about the future. Now they have begun to regret it."
Sun Haocai smiled slightly. Merchants are smart. Guo Xiang obviously heard the hidden meaning in his words. Sun Haocai was disgusted with these people who left and came back. Or most people would be disgusted with such people. Sun Haocai wanted to expel these people. Anyway, the Shang State looked down on the small population here.
But Guo Xiang was smart, and Sun Hao felt much more comfortable after hearing what he said.
But Sun Haocai is Sun Haocai. Even though he has no personality around Li Xian, it's because Li Xian is surrounded by high-ranking officials of the Shang State, so Sun Haocai has to keep his tail between his legs. But this time, it's not necessary, and Li Xian wants this kind of domineering attitude.
When you come to a place like this, a weak person cannot handle the situation.
Therefore, Sun Haocai did not give up: "Guo Xiang, I have something I want to give you. I wonder if you dare to take it?"
"Please make it clear, sir. As long as it is within my ability, I will definitely... do my best!" Guo Xiang hesitated at the end. As a shrewd man, he had already thought of a general idea.
Sure enough, Sun Haocai said, "You go and sort out the list of all the merchants here. Divide them into different categories, different industries, and different sizes. Those who have stayed here and those who have returned should be separated. Also, the behavior and morality of some merchants should be clearly marked, and the relevant behaviors and events should be listed. In addition, I will also send people to collect some information and compare it with your information. If this is done well, it will be a great achievement. You can find and organize people on your own, but the state will send people to supervise."
“This… this…” Guo Xiang’s temples were already covered with sweat. This matter would definitely offend 99% of the merchants, and he also had a lot of shady things on his side. So Guo Xiang thought about this and that for a long time but couldn’t make a decision.
Sun Haocai looked over coldly: "I only ask you, can you do it or can't you do it! I don't need a third answer!"