Mythical Three Kingdoms

Guan Yu and Xiahou Dun were speechless. It’s fortunate you’re Chen Xi; if anyone else were this reckless, they’d be beaten. "Let us take you there. The elder brother happens to be discussing some matters with Lord Cao."

"Uh, really? Then I’ll head over." Chen Xi hesitated for a moment, then decided to go over. After all, Cao Cao wouldn’t just stay at Liu Bei’s place indefinitely, and it seemed like a good opportunity to inform them about some relevant matters.

When Chen Xi arrived at Liu Bei’s residence, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Mi Zhu, Weii Zi, and Weii Ji were all in the courtyard. After a glance at this group of people, Chen Xi immediately realized what they might be discussing.

"Ah, Zichuan, you’re coming at just the right time. I sent someone to find you earlier." Liu Bei said, standing up as Chen Xi stepped in, granting Chen Xi due respect in front of Cao Cao, who, after all, noticed that Chen Xi hadn’t called Liu Bei "lord."

"Is it concerning commerce or lending issues?" Chen Xi asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei’s face showed a slight smile. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s passing, he might have laughed out loud, "Zichuan, you indeed have sharp insight, perceiving immediately our intent. What do you think we’re up to now?"

"It should be discussing commercial matters, I presume. Only such trivial matters would not interest Sunx Bofu completely, and Zhou Yu is busy beyond measure; even if Lord Xuande personally invited him, he’d likely decline." Chen Xi remarked with a slight pout.

Presently, when discussing these significant matters, either Liu Cao Sunx would each bring a civil official over, or Sunx Ce would simply have no interest, skipping the meeting, and the discussion results would be sent to Sunx Ce and Zhou Yu before a conclusion is reached.

However, Sunx Ce and Zhou Yu can still differentiate priorities, so they wouldn’t miss major issues. Such commercial matters wouldn’t concern Zhou Yu at all, whereas agriculture, social demographics, and military affairs are considered significant by Zhou Yu.

Of course, this is the perspective of almost everyone during this era. Commerce is not deemed a crucial matter; hence why Cao Cao and Liu Bei casually chat and make agreements without interference, as commerce is considered trivial during this period.

Including families of origin among the five great merchants, such as the Mi Family, Weii Family, these families’ heads view commerce merely as a tool in their hands, rather than their foundation. The Zhen Family and Wu Family, indulging in it, are seen as aberrant.

Informing Chen Xi, as mentioned by Liu Bei, mainly due to both the five-year plan and the Minister of Finance’s role being overseen within this region, hence the notification.

"Indeed, Zichuan does have sharp insight." Cao Cao praised with a thumbs-up.

"What thoughts do Zizhong and Boyu have?" Chen Xi asked directly about Mi Zhu and Weii Ji’s opinions, without inquiring about the content related to commercial law. Evidently, Mi Zhu and the others appeared somewhat awkward, these three could be regarded as the financial source for Cao and Liu, having gained considerable power relying on them.

"Honestly, speak your mind, no need to hold back. Just share what you truly feel." Chen Xi said, looking at Mi Zhu.

"Honestly, I don’t see any issues. The Lord and Lord Cao intend to curb commerce due to the excessive prosperity in Fenggao’s commercial sector, resulting in many non-productive people living better than numerous laborious commoners, which the Lord and Lord Cao fear may undermine the nation’s foundation." Mi Zhu bowed slightly as he spoke, holding a positive view on restricting commerce.

"Oh, do both of you share this opinion?" Chen Xi turned to inquire Weii Zi and Weii Ji. Both nodded, clearly indicating they shared this view. It seems ancient merchants even regard commerce with disdain, yet the five great merchants managed to thrive simply by sheer luck!

"It’s true that saying large merchants neglect agriculture isn’t wrong, coupled with their disruption of social order. Generally, small merchants or craftsmen are indeed genuine in their endeavors, while large merchants profit from differential pricing." Chen Xi pondered, then stated.

"What are your thoughts, Zichuan?" Liu Bei, having worked with Chen Xi long enough to understand his intentions, naturally asked.

"I believe commerce should be developed." Chen Xi shook his head, "Our task is to stabilize prices, guide commerce towards normal development. Unilaterally eliminating it is something I completely disagree with, and commerce still holds significant necessity."

"But what about merchants neglecting agriculture? If too many engage in commerce, then who’s left for farming?" Cao Cao grumbled, glancing at Liu Bei, who swayed, initially siding with him, but now immediately agreeing with Chen Xi.

"Leaving aside the requirement for merchants’ capabilities, in regions where commerce hasn’t reached a certain degree, merchants trade excess goods, transferring surplus items from one area to another." Chen Xi replied calmly.

"Let me put it this way, each region has vastly different prices due to unique circumstances. Take Shu Brocade, its price in Sichuan and Long’an varies significantly." Chen Xi immediately interjected as he noticed Cao Cao had something to say.

"But isn’t that due to merchants marking up prices?" Cao Cao retorted dissatisfiedly.

"Not necessarily, mostly because Long’an doesn’t produce it, similar to East Sea’s salted fish, the further from the sea, the higher the price. Considering something closer, Yangg Xingzu, I’m sure Lord Cao and Xuande are aware. In the past, his location was relatively distant from the coast, and salted fish was used to bribe him." Chen Xi said with a grin.

Though not pleased with Chen Xi, Cao Cao nodded, knowing the story since Yangg Xingzu hung fish, is a well-known tale, making it a viable bribe, despite its value not being excessively high or low.

"Moreover, northern warhorses are known for their cost, yet in the south, based on Gongjin’s prior discussions about ranch conditions, indicates the distinction." Chen Xi spread his arms, explaining indifferently, "Thus, merchants are necessary."

"How many then?" Cao Cao paused briefly, seemingly acknowledging Chen Xi’s point.

"Reality will naturally regulate that, Lord Cao need not worry. As merchants increase, failing to earn money, unable to afford sustenance, they’ll resort to farming, given current circumstances, farming may not excel, but ensures a basic living. Whereas for merchants, failure might lead to calamity." Chen Xi casually spread his arms.

"However, if properly controlled, merchants can indeed stabilize prices." Chen Xi contemplated, concluding, "Moreover, considering current commerce dynamics, regulating it is distinctly distant."