Chapter 5 Good People

Manager Liang is indeed a good person

Liang Hong listened and laughed, saying: "It seems that after this illness, the young master has changed; he has become much more straightforward."

Zhang Han felt a stir in his heart, looked at Liang Hong, and asked: "Why does everyone seem so anxious?"

It turns out that these few shopkeepers, seeing the business downturn, indeed have the intention to reopen and establish their own independent ventures

Zhang Chun pondered for a moment and said, "It seems that Liang Sangui is the one who is trying to intimidate us"

Why did Liang Hong come to inform us?

This makes it even simpler Zhang Han smiled, but his gaze was incredibly sharp. A person like him, who has risen from the lowest level to establish a publicly listed company, may not necessarily be more proficient in certain business matters than a graduate from a business school. However, for a successful businessman like him, the most crucial aspect is the ability to sense and grasp human emotions and the intricacies of schemes and conspiracies

There were two other individuals in the vehicle, dressed far more elegantly than the middle-aged man who was speaking, yet their expressions were exceedingly respectful as they listened to his words. One of them responded, "What the owner says is true; I have heard that this Han observes the business in the shop every day, remaining calm and unhurried. Old Zhou and a few others are rather cunning, seemingly leaving this young master to fend for himself."

He thought for a moment; it was indeed not feasible to be without a capable person by his side. Zhang Chun had followed him since childhood, and he was reliable in terms of feelings. He could also read and write, which was quite rare at that time when the literacy rate was less than 5%. Therefore, it seemed quite appropriate to cultivate Zhang Chun a bit.

Zhang Han praised and then laughed, saying: "Such an important matter, the three of them must have discussed it together; how could they leave Liang Hong out? Liang Hong's words all point towards Old Zhou, yet in reality, he hasn't said anything substantial. This shows that Old Zhou has not been swayed by them. Whether this matter succeeds or not hangs in the balance. Li Yuchun controls the grain purchasing channel, Liang Hong has the upper hand in personnel matters, but Old Zhou is the old shopkeeper, recognized by all the customers, and he can hold the fort. If the three of them want to exclude our family and establish their own, that is simply impossible; they must be tied together as three.

Liang Hong listened to Zhang Han's words, feeling that they were almost flawless. Moreover, the young master before him did not show any signs of panic, and the anticipated scene was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he felt a bit flustered himself, and hurriedly nodded, saying: "Young Master, rest assured, as long as He Yusheng is here for a day, I, Liang Hong, will serve the master for a day, with no second thoughts."

That is true. Liang Hong rubbed his hands together and finally said: "The young master has increased my monthly salary today, so I must express my gratitude for this great favor"

Well

After sizing up Zhang Han, the middle-aged man nodded and said, "He appears to be a rather composed young man."

Zhang Chunting was furious, his sallow face turned as red as Guan Gong's, and he huffed, "Young Master, let us return home and report to Grandmother, we must drive that scoundrel Liang Hong away."

"When one is ill, one will naturally ponder many things," Zhang Han said, "It is indeed different from before"

Along the way, many people greeted Zhang Han, after all, Yu Sheng has been an old business establishment in Xinping Fort for decades. The news of Zhang Han taking charge of the business has spread throughout North Street. Although there are hundreds of businesses, large and small, in Xinping Fort, North Street is only about 3 miles long. Despite the seemingly reserved and taciturn demeanor of those Shanxi gentlemen, they are no less gossipy than housewives.

Neither is there.

"Good person?" Zhang Han had a half-smile on his face as he looked at his little follower, thinking to himself that he was indeed just a child

Zhang Han said persuasively: "The three of them have some leverage over Uncle Zhou, but the capital will not be substantial, and they have not yet convinced him. Therefore, whether this matter will succeed is hard to say. If it succeeds, Liang Hong will naturally have a share; he cannot be excluded. If it fails, he has already set a trap for me in advance, secretly aligning Uncle Zhou and Li Ergui against each other, promoting himself while harming others. This situation is inappropriate. As an inexperienced young master, if I do not rely on him, who else can I depend on? This is what it means to prepare for both outcomes, being both red and black, playing the roles of both good and bad. Truly, he has a good heart and a clever scheme." If it fails, he has already set a trap for me in advance, secretly aligning Uncle Zhou and Li Ergui against each other, promoting himself while harming others. This situation is inappropriate. As an inexperienced young master, if I do not rely on him, who else can I depend on? This is what it means to prepare for both outcomes, being both red and black, playing the roles of both good and bad. Truly, he has a good heart and a clever scheme.

The other two exchanged glances. He Yusheng's business had been poor lately, but the businesses in various forts, including Xinping Fort, were all struggling. In contrast, the smaller forts were faring somewhat better. Throughout the border, there were six major markets in Datong, one in Shanxi, one in Xuanfu, one in Yansui, three in Ningxia, and two in Gansu. Aside from not trading with the eastern wing of Mongolia, the court had established large horse markets along the thousands of miles of border from Xuanda to Gansu, with Xinping Fort being one of them. In recent years, the weather had been worsening year by year, and grain prices had surged dramatically. Of course, there were people manipulating this situation; it was not just a matter of weather. The owner in front of them was one of those individuals. The businesses of the large forts had been declining sharply, while more profits were monopolized by various powerful factions. Conversely, those smaller forts that were qualified for mutual trade were doing somewhat better. However, along the lengthy border, the real big money was actually in smuggling

This line of thought aligns perfectly with his intention

In the Merchant's Bible, there is a principle: speak less and listen more. It is essential to listen to various pieces of information and analyze their pros and cons, as an inconspicuous piece of news may represent a business opportunity. Although individuals may not speak much, the accumulation of small contributions can lead to significant outcomes. This change with Yusheng has indeed created a small vortex in North Street.

It seems that Zhou Dagui and Li Ergui have conspired to force you, the young master, to leave, primarily because Zhou Dagui has a strong reputation, and you, the young master, cannot suppress the situation

"So what kind of good person is he?" Zhang Han smiled and said, "After talking for so long, it's all vague and unclear. If I had believed everything he said, what would I be thinking now?"

After Liang Hong left stealthily, Zhang Han walked home with Zhang Chun. Zhang Chun followed along in one breath, and after checking that no one was around, he began to praise softly.

Indeed. Zhang Chun's eyes were already filled with admiration, and he said with great respect: "Young Master, you are truly remarkable. In the future, with Yu Sheng in your hands, it will surely be more profitable than when the old master was in charge"

After some thought on the wording, Zhang Han pointed out: "After talking for so long, did Liang Hong mention how he knows about these matters?"

Liang Hong hesitated and said: "The young master has just arrived at the shop, and he may not yet be familiar with everyone's temperament and character. Although I am young, I have followed the old master and the elder master in the past. If there are some things I do not say, I fear it would be disrespectful to them and also to the young master's good intentions..."

At this time, dusk had already fallen, and the shops along North Street had closed their shutters, placing lanterns at their doorways. Those of higher status returned home by carriage or sedan chair, while others walked home on foot. The number of pedestrians on the road was not considerable, as there was still some time before the market opened. Most of the visiting merchants had already departed early in the morning, while the larger merchants would arrive just before or after the market opened, whether to sell furs, mules, and horses to the interior or to transport grain and goods to places like Xinpingshan. The period just before and after the market opening was the busiest time.

"Why bother?" Zhang Han laughed and said, "You really can't tolerate any sand in your eyes. Given our family's situation, what's wrong if others have a bit of ulterior motive? The monthly wages haven't increased in over ten years, we've been losing money in recent years, and there are no dividends. Everyone has to support their wives and children; who doesn't have their own calculations? Zhang Chun, as the owner, the most important thing is to lead everyone to make money; everything else is just empty talk. This Liang Hong has a bit of a streetwise charm and knows how to win people over. As long as he focuses on his work, he is actually quite capable." Zhang Chun, as the owner, the most important thing is to lead everyone to make money; everything else is just empty talk. This Liang Hong has a bit of a streetwise charm and knows how to win people over. As long as he focuses on his work, he is actually quite capable.

Another person said: "I heard they want to go solo, my distant nephew Li Yuchun is the most enthusiastic about it"

Sitting in the center is a middle-aged man appearing to be in his thirties or forties, leaning against the car window, with his legs crossed in the vehicle. The two-wheeled cart is quite bumpy, yet he does not seem uncomfortable at all. When he scans the people around him, his eyes appear particularly spirited.

Young Master, please see clearly. Our Zhou family has been in business the longest and holds the highest prestige. However, there are some overly kind-hearted individuals among us, and those beneath them hope to curry favor, disregarding the interests of the owner and pursuing their own agendas

"It is likely that these days will not be peaceful," Liang Hong sighed, "The young master should be extra cautious."

Zhang Chunyi shook his head and said, "It seems that it was not mentioned."

Liang Hong looked as if he had something to say, yet he appeared hesitant. Zhang Han smiled and said, "San Gui, if you have something to say, just go ahead; I am all ears."

... ...

Zhang Han listened to these words, his expression still very composed, and he only asked: "So who exactly is it?"

Haha, you haven't learned well either; other things are not that great, yet you have first learned to flatter and ingratiate yourself.

Zhang Chun was like a blank sheet of paper, while Zhang Han's words painted dark colors all over his small heart like thick ink, yet there were still many things he could not comprehend

Zhang Han wore a calm expression and nodded, saying: "With the Ming court above, there are still laws and principles of heaven and humanity in all matters. Moreover, Zhou Shuhe and the two shopkeepers have been with my family for many years; could they really harbor any unusual thoughts? The current situation is only temporary, and this hurdle is not high; we can certainly overcome it. Shopkeeper Liang, I would like to thank you for today’s matter."

This message is indeed of great significance

Young master, your presence in the shop has caused discontent among some individuals. They believe you are too young and fear that you do not understand business matters at all. Therefore, they wish to create trouble for you and drive you away, suggesting that you should work as an apprentice in another establishment for a few years to learn how to conduct business before returning

Without these skills, one cannot navigate the marketplace and will never become a successful businessman

Specifically, how do they intend to drive me away, have they mentioned it?

What role does he play in this matter, and has it not been mentioned?

Zhang Han was still as usual, planning to leave only when the door was about to close in the evening. Zhou Fengji and Li Yuchun had already left, and Liang Hong was wandering in the shop. Seeing that others had left, he hurriedly rushed to Zhang Han's side

Manager Liang said to speak plainly. Zhang Han replied, "Although I am young, I can still distinguish right from wrong."

"It is of no use," said the one referred to as the owner, rubbing his face, "He Yusheng is finished."

"Indeed," Zhang Han said with an approving smile, and then asked, "What feelings do his words evoke in you, aside from being somewhat inaccurate?"

A few gazes from a passing carriage next to Zhang Han scrutinized him from head to toe

Our shop has not raised prices for many years, and this is also because both my great-grandfather and my father are no longer with us. Now that I have taken charge, it is my responsibility, and there is no need for thanks. Zhang Han looked at Liang Hong and slowly said: "Manager Liang is well-liked in the shop. If you feel grateful to me, it would be better to pay more attention and take care of various matters in the shop. I have noticed that there has been quite a bit of grain spilled in front of the warehouse door these past few days, and it takes a long time for someone to sweep it up, which has caused quite a bit of damage. This is a small matter, but it reflects a larger issue. Manager Liang should be more vigilant."

Liang Hong felt somewhat embarrassed and explained, "This matter is my fault. In recent days, people have been anxious and things have become a bit chaotic"