Chapter 3: The Three Shopkeepers

The three shopkeepers did not see Zhang Han at the first moment. The one speaking was the head shopkeeper, Zhou Fengji, who is in his fifties. He is aging, with graying hair, a plump figure, and a cheerful expression on his face. However, when he spoke, his demeanor changed abruptly, making him look extremely unappealing.

Due to the importance of its geographical location and the presence of a trade horse market in Xinping Fort, a large number of merchants came to participate in trade long ago. Over time, many merchants chose to settle in Xinping Fort, transforming this military fort, which spans several miles, into a thriving commercial center on the East Road of Datong.

"Oh? The young master has arrived!" Zhou Fengji's expression turned sour, and as he turned his face, he happened to see Zhang Han, who was intently listening to the conversation among the three.

The various situations before him appeared quite novel and interesting in Zhang Han's eyes

Xinping Fortress is one of the several horse markets for foreign trade between Datong Town and Shanxi Town. Particularly, Xinping Fortress holds significant geographical importance, being one of the most crucial military fortifications on the eastern route of Datong Town. Its economic and military status is of great importance, and it is also very close to Zhangjiakou, a major trade hub. In later times, it became the junction of Hebei, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia provinces, which is best illustrated by the saying "The rooster crows in three provinces." This saying aptly describes the geographical position of Xinping Fortress.

Zhang Han entered the store and began to assess the situation inside

He took a glance and then went to the storeroom, where there were over 10,000 taels of silver worth of grain and tea, all the warehouses were filled to the brim. There were also silks and satins, but in very limited quantities. Such valuable items were mostly desired by the local nobles and dignitaries, and ordinary herdsmen could neither afford them nor dare to even think about them, so the volume of goods would not be too large

Zhang Han understood that since he had just arrived today, it was impossible for him to make any decisions for himself, nor would there be any matters requiring his judgment. If there were truly important issues, it would still be the same as before, sending someone to the inner residence to report to his mother, the Chang family, for her to decide. In this situation, Zhang Han did not expect any changes in the coming days

Li Yuchun appeared more aloof, seemingly dissatisfied with Zhang Han

Dingshengfeng, Dashengyu, Fengzihang, Shunzihang, Changyusheng, Dade Tong, Dade Heng, Dashengyu, Damei Meiyu

The crowd agreed to disperse, each attending to their own matters, but the three shopkeepers and Zhang Han exchanged glances with one another

How much was lost on this shipment again

They greeted each other, yet there was a hint of awkwardness

These commercial establishments are characterized by their tall structures, uniformly adorned with blue bricks and tiles. The eaves are intricately carved with patterns of birds and beasts, and the window frames are also finely crafted with exquisite materials. The wooden main door panels have all been removed, making the entrance appear particularly spacious. Inside, a variety of goods are displayed, with shop assistants and managers bustling about. Beyond the storefront, there are still a dozen or twenty storage rooms, where even more goods are stored.

The young master is a bit too young

If it were the original Zhang Han, he would undoubtedly be at a loss, not knowing what to do. However, at this moment, Zhang Han remained calm and composed, bowing in greeting to the shopkeeper and the staff. After rising, Zhang Han spoke aloud: "Everyone has worked hard. Previously, I was studying at home and did not often come here. From now on, I will come here daily. Let us all work together with a united effort to ensure the success of the business. If we make a profit, everyone will certainly be rewarded, and we will all benefit."

If Zhang Han were a young assistant, it would naturally be easy to handle. If Zhang Han were an adult owner, it would also be manageable. Behind the shop, there is a quiet room, where the old master and Master Zhang Cheng used to sit. Given Zhang Han's age and experience, if he were to come in and sit in the quiet room, he would likely take ten or eight years to grasp the nuances.

It may also be because he is aware of his own shortcomings and knows the hidden crises within the Zhang family that the original Zhang Han chose to study for the examinations... He is already a child scholar, and if he passes the examination to become a xiucai, his status will be different. If he then becomes a juren, even if he does not achieve the degree of jinshi, the Zhang family's position in Xinping Fort will be secured

Zhou Fengji said: "The young master is sitting at the counter outside, isn't he? He is sitting in the southern area; let's observe for a few days before making any decisions"

Zhang Han nodded to the three individuals, a faint smile appearing on his face

Zhou Fengji and Li Yuchun nodded slightly, with a hint of surprise on Li Yuchun's face, though there was still a trace of disdain hidden within. Liang Hong laughed heartily and stepped forward, saying: "The young master has never come to the shop before; this is his first visit today, and his words are truly heartwarming, which is indeed admirable."

Three people came over to pay their respects. Zhou Fengji was somewhat reserved, after all, he was one of the old-timers who had pioneered the situation together with the former owner Zhang Yun. Even Zhang Han's father, Zhang Cheng, was considered a junior in his presence.

Currently, the various Mongolian tribes are facing a severe shortage of ironware, and there are not enough utensils for daily use. The supply of iron arrows is insufficient, let alone iron armor for strong soldiers. Due to this limitation, the combat effectiveness of the various tribes has been continuously declining, and there has not been a large-scale military conflict in the Xuanda region for a long time.

The bustling crowd, coming from various towns, is lively and animated. At this moment, nearly six months have passed since the grand market in Xima City, and this month's smaller market has already taken place. The streets show few Mongolians, with the majority of traders being from Zhili, Shanxi, and Shaanxi. The accents of the people are diverse and peculiar. Fortunately, in this era, the Northern Mandarin is gradually taking shape. When encountering something they do not understand, people resort to speaking Mandarin with exaggerated gestures, which allows for successful communication. If that fails, they resort to gestures for bargaining, which is sufficient.

Only Liang Hong was rather carefree; he was also the youngest, just turned thirty. He started as a clerk in the shop and worked his way up to manager. He smiled at Zhang Han and said, "It is a good thing for the young master to come; getting started early means the responsibilities on our shoulders will be lighter."

Zhang Han is coming, and it is evident that the Chang family has already given prior notice. The shop is bustling with activity. These three individuals had visited Zhang Han during his serious illness, but after he regained consciousness, they were unable to visit him. News has spread in the household that the young master is no longer studying and has taken charge of He Yu Sheng in the shop.

Generally, Jin merchants' families place great emphasis on the cultivation and education of their children. They establish private schools at home and invite renowned teachers for instruction. If the children show promise and can succeed in examinations, they are vigorously nurtured. The ancestor of the Zhang family, Fengpan Gong, also known as the famous minister Zhang Siwei, was cultivated in this manner

The three shopkeepers exchanged glances, all somewhat surprised

Just act according to what the main cabinet has said

For the three shopkeepers, this is indeed not good news

"And Yu Sheng ... ... Hmm, we have arrived."

Unfortunately, things did not go as hoped. Zhang Han has taken the exam several times, but has not succeeded. Out of frustration, he has been studying diligently in his study during the cold winter months, which is why he has caught a cold.

At this moment, the store was filled with people; three managers and about twenty assistants were standing in the hall. When Zhang Han returned from inspecting the storeroom, everyone bowed in unison to greet him, the owner.

What he needs to do now is to sit on the high chair under the south wall cabinet with a smile, watching the guests come and go in the shop, observing how the shopkeepers receive the customers, discuss prices, and determine various details, and then watching the busy figures of the assistants pass by in front of him. Zhang Han is not in a hurry; in this time and space, in the forty-fifth year of the Wanli era, he is still a boy not yet sixteen, and he is truly not in a hurry

The master and servant walked along the winding path, with the Zhang family's residence located in the west alley of North Street. The alley is nearly a li long, and upon exiting the alley, one arrives at North Street. The street, less than two li in length, is filled with merchant families and their shops, with numerous signs and many awnings.

Zhou Fengji thought for a moment and extended his hand to gesture, "Young Master, come into the shop, it is too cold outside"

Zhou Fengji said: "Since it is like this, everyone should disperse and attend to their own matters, without haste or confusion"

If Zhang Han's father and grandfather were still alive, or if even one of them remained, the three shopkeepers would certainly arrange for Zhang Han to work in the store as a young assistant, starting from the basics. However, since there is no one from the family, only this one owner, such an arrangement would be inappropriate and could give rise to the suspicion of subordinates bullying their superior

In the past, Zhang Han was a typical bookworm, only knowing how to read at home, and when he spoke to others, he exhibited a somewhat pedantic demeanor. Moreover, he was somewhat timid and would shrink back in social situations.

Zhang Han stood in place, squinting at the signboard hanging high above the store entrance

If one cannot succeed in examinations, after acquiring literacy through reading, the next step is to learn business. First, one must learn to be a person, to speak properly, and to work as a shop assistant, learning to use an abacus and to calculate accounts. Then, one should accompany others to conduct business, gaining experience and knowledge. Mastering these skills will undoubtedly take at least ten to eight years.

He is a person who has been in business since childhood, with the blood of a merchant ingrained in his very bones. For someone with a calm disposition, the current situation would be torturous; however, for him, it is as comfortable and natural as a fish in water

The store is actually quite large, with a five-door entrance and five rooms. The five rooms from that time cannot be compared to those of later generations; they likely exceeded one thousand square meters in size. In such a large storefront, the majority of the items displayed are grains, along with tea baskets and oil barrels. Against the southern wall, there are some fabrics and papers, as well as a small quantity of valuable goods like silk. In the corner of the northern wall, there are some iron pots, partially concealed, not prominently displayed in the center. Iron pots and similar materials are only sold in official markets, serving as hard currency for military towns to exchange with the Tatars for horses. Private and small markets are prohibited from selling ironware to prevent the Tatars from purchasing too much and using it to forge armor and weapons.

San Gui Liang Hong is tall and robust, with a somewhat rugged demeanor. Rubbing his hands, he replied: "Our grain costs four coins, not counting the commission for the porters, the money for the porters, the rental fees for the mules and horses, the fodder costs, and the losses incurred. The selling price remains four coins, and how much we lose can be calculated by the big cabinet."

Walking along North Street, all Zhang Han could see were these shops with auspicious names, their signboards fluttering high in the air

Li Yuchun from the second cabinet is short in stature, dark and thin, exuding a shrewd demeanor. He let out a cold laugh and did not respond.

Zhang Han nodded and strode forward

Well, the three shopkeepers have worked hard

A spacious entrance, houses built of blue bricks, with the storefront at the front and a warehouse of twenty to thirty rooms at the back. Some young assistants are transporting grain bags from the warehouse to load onto the donkey carts. The merchants are inside the store, and after settling the payment, several shopkeepers personally escort the major buyer out. They exchange bows, and a convoy of about ten donkey carts gradually sets off towards the north gate