NABC Chapter 179 Market Planning
Chapter 179 Market Planning
Upon hearing this, Zhao Lingfeng felt a pang of sorrow. He stepped forward and gently took the old woman's hand.
He whispered a comforting voice, "Auntie, I understand your difficulties."
We are not forcing anyone to pay taxes, but rather hoping to raise some funds for the city's reconstruction through everyone's transactions.
If you have surplus food or handicrafts, you can bring them to the market to exchange for daily necessities without worrying about not being able to pay taxes.
If there are difficulties, we will consider the matter appropriately and will never let any citizen fall into hardship.
Upon hearing his words, a tear welled up in the old woman's eyes, and she nodded slightly: "Lord Zhao, you are truly a good man. If it were you here, we common people would have a glimmer of hope."
They chose a spacious location near the main street, which used to be the city's largest market.
Although it was greatly damaged by the war, it can still be restored into a spacious trading area after some cleaning.
Early in the morning, the two men led their clerks and craftsmen to the site to survey the terrain and measure the location of the stalls.
As Zhao Lingfeng walked, he pointed to the soil on the ground, sketching out the appearance of the market in his mind. "This place can be divided into several main trading streets to facilitate the entry and exit of the people."
Designate the area near the entrance as a food section; this will make it easier for people to find food and attract more customers.
Qi Rui'an nodded in agreement, then pointed to a few open spaces at the back: "Why don't we designate that area as a handicrafts zone, where we can set up some stalls to sell bamboo ware, cloth and other items made by the locals?"
Let's set aside another area as a chat area, with benches and wooden tables so people can sit down, rest, and chat.
In the following days, under the direction of the two men, the craftsmen and the people began the simple construction work together.
Zhao Lingfeng walked to an open space and drew a shallow line on the ground with his foot to mark the boundary of the stall.
He then turned to his attendants and instructed them, "Mark the stall areas with wooden stakes and ropes. Each stall should be the same size to make it easier to place goods and to make the market look neat and orderly."
The people gathered around, watching Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an's plans with curiosity and anticipation.
An elderly man stroked a newly planted wooden stake and said with a smile, "You two gentlemen have gone to great lengths. With this market, we common folk can finally sell some things and exchange them for some grain to take home."
Qi Rui'an smiled slightly, patted the old man's shoulder, and said gently, "Uncle, the opening of the market is not only to provide a place for everyone, but also to hope that you can find a glimmer of hope here."
With everyone working together, we can definitely restore this city to its former prosperity.
As the market's planning gradually took shape, various areas were clearly defined.
Near the entrance, in the food area, there were several long stalls selling pickled vegetables, dried food, and homemade rice wine.
The handicrafts area displays various bamboo wares, pottery jars, and handwoven fabrics. Although the stalls are simple, every item reveals the exquisite craftsmanship of the local people.
Further on, there was a small trading area where a few simple wooden tables were placed in the shade, allowing people to rest and discuss the prices and terms of exchange.
In the center of the market, the branches of an old locust tree spread out, providing a rare cool shade.
Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an specially set up an "information wall" here, where announcements and transaction requests are posted, making it convenient for people to post the materials they need or the goods they want to sell.
A young woman posted a note on the information wall that read, "Selling handwoven cloth, can be exchanged for rice or salt." She gently stroked the note, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Finally, the planning and construction of the market were completed.
On the first day of the market, the morning sun shone on the streets, and people gathered early at the entrance, bringing their own goods to set up stalls.
Zhao Lingfeng stood at the entrance and said with a smile, "Everyone, don't rush. Arrange your items according to the designated areas. Everyone will have a place."
At this moment, Qi Rui'an stepped forward and added loudly, "Everyone, the market is open today so that everyone can gradually resume their lives."
If there are skilled craftsmen, they can demonstrate their skills, and ordinary people can improve their lives through trade.
As for taxes, we will collect them based on the size of the stall and the type of goods, so it won't be too much of a burden for anyone.
As Qi Rui'an spoke, the people gradually gathered around and began to whisper among themselves.
Some young people were eager to try, while many others were hesitant and dared not act rashly.
Finally, a young and strong man stepped forward from the crowd, patted his chest, and shouted, "Lord Zhao, Lord Qi!"
I have some homemade bamboo utensils at home. They're not worth much, but if they could be used to exchange for some grain or cloth to help with my immediate needs, I'd be willing to give it a try!
Zhao Lingfeng nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Okay! Let's start with you and show everyone what the opening of the market can bring us."
With the first person taking the lead, the market gradually became lively.
The market gradually became lively.
A faint aroma of rice wine wafted from the food area, and an old woman brought out a bowl of pickled vegetables and carefully arranged them in a bamboo basket.
In the handicrafts area, young artisans lined up their bamboo and pottery items, comparing their skills with each other.
A young boy neatly arranged his homemade wooden combs on his stall, his face showing a mixture of shyness and anticipation.
He whispered to passing customers, "This comb is made of local old mountain wood. It's not easy to break and can last a long time."
Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an stood side by side in a corner of the market, silently observing the reactions of the people.
Seeing the bustling scene at the market, the two smiled at each other, feeling a surge of satisfaction and contentment.
This is not just a trading place, but a bridge for people to re-establish their lives and a first step in the city's recovery.
As time went on, the atmosphere in the market gradually warmed up, and people interacted more and more.
People come not only to trade goods, but also to rediscover long-lost neighborly affection in the process.
An elderly woman took out the last bit of rice noodles she had in her home and exchanged them for a warm old scarf. She thanked the woman with a slight smile, gently stroking the scarf with a warm light in her eyes.
In front of the information wall in the market center, several people are checking the posted transaction information.
Some were looking for firewood, others were selling grain, and everyone was talking in hushed tones, occasionally pointing to the posted notices.
A little girl, holding her mother's hand, pointed to a sign that read "Bamboo Baskets for Sale" and said with a smile, "Mommy, we can make bamboo baskets to sell too!"
Seeing this, Zhao Lingfeng felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
My efforts were not in vain.
This market not only provides a platform for exchanging goods, but also rekindles people's enthusiasm and hope for life.
Qi Rui'an stood aside, calmly gazing at this nascent prosperity, and said softly, "Brother Zhao, look, this is what the people want."
Zhao Lingfeng nodded slightly, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance.
It was as if I could see the future revival and prosperity of Hesha City.
The market gradually came to a close amidst laughter and chatter. As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire street, casting a golden glow on people's faces.
The people left satisfied with the goods they had exchanged, and the market still held the atmosphere of trading and laughter, as if telling the story of the day's joy.
Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an stood on high ground, watching people leave one after another.
As night gradually falls, the outline of the entire market appears warm and full in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Occasionally, you can see children playing around the stalls, their long-lost laughter filling the air and making you feel warm and fuzzy.
Qi Rui'an walked to Zhao Lingfeng's side and whispered, "Brother Zhao, the market is showing initial success. If this continues, our reconstruction funds will gradually increase."
Zhao Lingfeng nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a hint of satisfaction: "Ruian, thanks to your suggestion."
Otherwise, I don't know how to find a balance between the people and reconstruction.
Look at these people; their faces have finally regained some vitality, as if they've found that hope they once had.
Qi Rui'an nodded silently, a warm feeling welling up in his heart as he looked at the bustling scene in the market.
The success of this market lies not only in raising funds, but more importantly in restoring people's confidence in life.
Despite the shadow of war, they did not lose their hope for the future.
Instead, they gradually regained their lives during the reconstruction process.
As time went on, the market gradually expanded, more and more people joined in, and the variety of stalls became increasingly diverse.
From everyday necessities at the beginning to various handicrafts later on.
Some residents even started selling their local specialties, and the prosperity of the market gradually became a part of the lives of the city's residents.
Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an also continuously adjusted the tax standards to ensure that the taxes were reasonable and would not become a burden on the people, while also guaranteeing the source of funds for reconstruction.
One day, Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Rui'an came to the market again for inspection. Seeing the enthusiasm of the people and the shouts of vendors, they couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.
They walked side by side on the bustling streets, watching this once desolate city gradually come back to life.
Zhao Lingfeng stopped and looked at the people exchanging goods in the distance. He took a deep breath and said softly, "Ruian, all of this is because of your wisdom and decisiveness."
Without your advice, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to make the right decision.
Qi Rui'an shook his head, a slight smile appearing on his face: "Brother Zhao, we are in the same boat."
The market thrived because of the efforts of every ordinary person, and because we were fortunate enough to be able to offer them a little help.
The two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.
In the dim light of dawn, Gu Jinyan stood in the center of the council hall of Hesha City, his gaze sweeping over the four wealthy merchants before him, his expression calm and dignified.
Shen Wanfu, Hu Gongwang, Zhu Dachang, and Lin Qingya—they are important figures in Hesha City, each controlling the lifeline of an industry.
The unrest in the city plunged their businesses into a slump, the market was depressed, and the people were filled with sorrow.
Gu Jinyan knew that the cooperation of these people was essential to revitalizing the economy and appeasing the people.
She nodded slightly and said in a steady voice, "Thank you all for coming today."
The city's markets are currently sluggish, and people are struggling.
That's why I hope everyone can work together to develop new market rules and take the lead in restoring trading.
Shen Wanfu, who was over fifty years old, stood to the side with a slightly composed expression.
He squinted slightly, scrutinizing Gu Jinyan with great interest, as if weighing her intentions.
After a moment, he asked with a slightly doubtful tone, "Lord Gu, we merchants naturally prioritize profit in business."
In today's chaotic market, investing is more likely to result in losses.
"Lord Gu, what kind of return do you expect for our involvement at this time?"
Gu Jinyan's gaze sharpened, revealing an unwavering determination: "Mr. Shen is right. To incentivize everyone, we will offer appropriate tax breaks and provide initial financial support to safeguard everyone's basic interests."