Chapter 211 Acting as a Peacemaker, the Trade Bank Pilot is Officially Launched

“I think that only if the trade pilot is successful can we completely shut those people up.”

Chu Shizhao nodded slightly in agreement with Hengyi’s analysis.

“You are right. However, in addition to these, we also need to strengthen communication with the grassland tribes, so that they can understand the rules and procedures of the trade market in advance and ensure that both sides can carry out trade smoothly.”

“Also, we need to take precautionary measures in advance against those forces that may disrupt trade.”

“We can’t let them have the chance to ruin our plans.”

“Your Highness, don’t worry. I’m here in the capital. Just do what you want to do…”

With Heng Yi in charge, Chu Shizhao finally felt at ease to leave the capital and return to the border to prepare for the construction of a trading company on the grassland.

……

at the same time.

Chu Shiren and Chu Shiyu, who had suffered a setback before, did not intend to give up.

Since they parted last time, they have been secretly monitoring Chu Shizhao’s every move.

When the two of them learned that Chu Shizhao had returned to the border to set up a trading company.

The brothers immediately got together again.

He immediately planned to create some trouble for Chu Shizhao when the pilot project of the trading company was officially launched.

“Humph, Chu Shizhao is now more and more valued by our father!”

“However, he should not be too complacent and think that this prince will let him off so easily.”

“Brother, I think we can’t just let this go. We have to find him something to do!”

When Chu Shiyu thought of Chu Shizhao’s previous smug expression, he became so angry that his teeth were itching.

Now that he knew Chu Shizhao had returned, Chu Shiyu felt that their chance had come.

Hearing this, Chu Shiren, who was already unhappy with Chu Shizhao, immediately sneered and nodded.

“Since this guy wants to prove himself through peace talks, let’s just take advantage of his trick…”

Halfway through his words, Chu Shiren immediately leaned over to Chu Shiyu’s ear and whispered softly.

“Third brother, I heard that you seem to have opened a fur business recently. I think we can definitely make something of it.”

“Later, when you go back, make some arrangements and have them deliberately raise prices in the trade market in the guise of merchants from the Great Zhou Dynasty to disrupt the market order.”

“In addition to this, you can also secretly send people to pretend to be grassland robbers to attack those Da Zhou merchants who have completed the transaction.”

“In this way, not only can you take advantage of the opportunity to make a fortune, but you can also prove to those guys who don’t know the truth that it is not safe to trade with the grassland people.”

After hearing the plan proposed by Chu Shiren, Chu Shiyu not only failed to realize the danger in it, he even naively believed that he could finally teach his fourth brother, who had always looked down on him, a lesson.

But he didn’t know.

On the surface, Chu Shiren was standing up for Chu Shiyu, but in fact, he was not only plotting against Chu Shizhao, but also against his third brother who had followed him wholeheartedly.

You know, now that Chu Shizhao has left the capital openly to prepare for the trading company, Emperor Yongjin must have agreed to this.

Although he didn’t know how this guy convinced the other party, he couldn’t just stand by and watch it anyway.

However, because this matter involves Emperor Yongjin and the Great Zhou, it certainly cannot be carried out openly.

As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

In case Chu Shiyu messed things up and Emperor Yongjin blamed him, Chu Shiyu could just step forward to take the blame.

……

After Chu Shizhao returned to the border camp, he immediately began to coordinate and resolve the issues left over from his departure.

As soon as Chu Shizhao sat down in the tent, General Zhang Gan hurried over.

“Your Highness, you are finally back.”

“These past few days, it’s been quite lively here because of your peace talks with the grassland tribes,” General Zhang Gan said seriously.

Chu Shizhao frowned slightly: “General Zhang, please tell me what happened in detail.”

“The leaders of the Dawa tribe and several other grassland tribes are arguing over the issue of Dawa wanting to cooperate with the Great Zhou and they also wanting to get a piece of the pie.”

“Other tribes felt that Dawa negotiated with us alone and took all the benefits, so they expressed dissatisfaction. Some tribes even gathered some troops at the border, and the situation is somewhat tense.”

General Zhang Gan said worriedly.

Chu Shizhao thought to himself that this problem was indeed a tricky one.

He was well aware of the complex conflicts of interest among the grassland tribes. If not handled properly, not only would the results of the peace talks be destroyed, but new wars might also be triggered.

“General Zhang, please arrange for people to closely monitor the movements of the tribes and do not act rashly.”

“I will go meet these tribal leaders now.”

Chu Shizhao said.

General Zhang Gan looked at Chu Shizhao with some concern.

“Your Highness, is this too dangerous?”

“The minds of these tribal leaders are hard to predict. What if…”

Chu Shizhao waved his hand: “It’s okay, I know what I’m doing.”

“Now that the construction of the trade house is imminent, we must solve this problem as soon as possible!”

Chu Shizhao, along with a few trusted aides, left the camp and headed to where several tribal leaders were gathered.

……

As soon as we arrived, we saw several tribal leaders sitting together with gloomy faces and a tense atmosphere.

Dawa was also among them, looking helpless.

“My dear leaders, it’s been a long time since we last met. What’s going on today that makes things so tense?”

Chu Shizhao walked forward with a smile.

A tall, bearded tribal leader stood up.

“Fourth Prince, let’s not beat around the bush.”

“He, Dawa, is in peace talks with your Great Zhou, and he cannot take all the benefits for himself.”

“Several of our tribes also want to get involved.”

Several other leaders echoed: “Yes, we want a piece of the pie too.”

Chu Shizhao was already prepared. He smiled and said, “I understand what you leaders are thinking.”

“This peace talk is meant to benefit all the tribes on the grassland and our Great Zhou.”

“Everyone has the opportunity to participate.”

“It’s just that trade cooperation requires a certain level of planning and order.”

“If everyone rushes to participate without proper arrangements, I’m afraid no one will benefit in the end.”

The bearded leader snorted, “Then what do you think we should do? We can’t just sit there and watch.”

Chu Shizhao glanced at everyone: “I have a suggestion.”

“We can set up a Prairie Tribal Alliance Chamber of Commerce, with each tribe jointly electing representatives to participate in management.”

“The Chamber of Commerce is responsible for coordinating trade with our Great Zhou and formulating unified rules to ensure fairness and justice.”

“Through the chamber of commerce, everyone can integrate resources, improve bargaining power in trade, and gain more benefits.”

“Moreover, the profits from the trade market can also be distributed among the tribes according to a certain ratio.”

At this time, another leader raised a question: “Fourth Prince, how can this Chamber of Commerce ensure fairness and justice? How do we know that we will not be manipulated by others?”

Chu Shizhao had expected this question.

“That’s easy.” “The Chamber of Commerce’s management rules are formulated by everyone’s joint discussion, and every tribe has a say.”

“Moreover, our Great Zhou will also send impartial officials to participate in supervision to ensure that everything is carried out within the rules.”

“In addition, the accounts of the trade market will be made public regularly so that each tribe can clearly understand the benefits.”

“Now, everyone can rest assured, right?”

Dawa also said, “Brothers, I think the Fourth Prince’s proposal is feasible.”

“If we fight alone, we will definitely suffer in trade. It will be good for everyone if we unite.”

However, some leaders still have doubts.

“That’s true, but how exactly is the distribution of benefits in this trade market calculated? We can’t afford to suffer any loss.”

Chu Shizhao patiently explained: “In terms of profit distribution, we can make a comprehensive consideration based on factors such as the amount of materials provided by each tribe and the manpower involved in the trade.”

“We can discuss the specific plan together to ensure it is fair and reasonable.”

“Moreover, in the early stages of trade, in order to encourage everyone to actively participate, our Great Zhou will provide certain preferential policies in taxation and other aspects.”

Just when the leaders were still hesitating, a soldier suddenly came to report.

“Chief, some of our tribe’s cattle and sheep have disappeared inexplicably. We suspect they were stolen by other tribes!”

When the news came out, the leaders were immediately furious.

“It must be you who did it!”

A leader pointed at the leader of another tribe and shouted angrily.

“Nonsense! There is no way we could possibly do such a thing!”

The other party also refuted without giving in.

The scene instantly fell into chaos, and several leaders almost started fighting.

Seeing this, Chu Shizhao shouted loudly: “Leaders, please be patient. Now is not the time for internal strife. The most urgent thing is, shouldn’t we find out the truth first?”

Under Chu Shizhao’s persuasion, the leaders calmed down temporarily.

After seeing that the situation had stabilized, Chu Shizhao immediately turned and looked at Zhang Gan.

“General Zhang, you must immediately arrange for someone to investigate the disappearance of the cattle and sheep and make sure to find out the truth.”

General Zhang Gan took the order and left.

Taking advantage of this issue, Chu Shizhao also took the opportunity to lobby several leaders.

“My dear leaders, we are all heroes on the grassland and should put the overall situation first.”

“Now we have the opportunity to trade with our Great Zhou. This is a rare opportunity.”

“If we get into a big fight over some trivial matters, not only will trade cooperation fail, but our people may also be plunged into war.”

“Does everyone want to see such a result?”

After hearing Chu Shizhao’s words, the leaders fell into deep thought.

Not long after, General Zhang Gan came back to report: “Your Highness, after investigation, the disappearance of cattle and sheep was caused by some lawless people, not other tribes.”

“We have caught these people.”

Chu Shizhao said to the leaders: “My dear leaders, the matter has been investigated and it is not what you think.”

“This also shows that we need to strengthen trust and cooperation among ourselves.”

“Establishing a chamber of commerce and conducting trade together will not only enable us to gain benefits, but also strengthen our solidarity and jointly resist foreign enemies.”

After Chu Shizhao’s earnest persuasion, the leaders’ attitudes finally softened.

“Fourth Prince, for your sake, we will consider your proposal again.”

The bearded leader said.

Chu Shizhao knew that this was already good progress.

“Okay, leaders, take your time to think about this.”

“I welcome everyone’s comments and suggestions at any time,” said Chu Shizhao.

……

In the next few days, Chu Shizhao communicated frequently with the leaders and continued to improve the Chamber of Commerce’s plan.

He introduced the Chamber of Commerce’s operating model, profit distribution mechanism and future development plans to the leaders in detail.

At the same time, he also arranged for the leaders to visit some trade markets in Da Zhou, so that they could see with their own eyes the prosperity brought by trade.

“Look, leaders. This bustling market is the result of trade.”

“If we can cooperate, there will be such prosperity on the grassland,” said Chu Shizhao.

The leaders looked at the bustling market with envy and yearning in their eyes.

After many discussions, the leaders finally reached a consensus.

“Your Highness, we agree to establish a chamber of commerce and cooperate with your Great Zhou.”

The bearded leader spoke on behalf of all the leaders.

Chu Shizhao nodded slightly with satisfaction: “Great!”

“Don’t worry, leaders. I will fully support the development of the Chamber of Commerce so that everyone can benefit from it.”

Afterwards, Chu Shizhao struck while the iron was hot and discussed the specific establishment of the Chamber of Commerce with the leaders.

They determined the organizational structure of the Chamber of Commerce, elected representatives from each tribe, and formulated detailed charters and rules.

“I think General Dawa is highly respected and should be the president of this chamber of commerce.”

Chu Shizhao suggested.

The leaders all nodded in agreement: “Your Highness is right. General Dawa is the most suitable person to be the president.”

Dawa was a little embarrassed: “My brothers trust me so much, I will definitely live up to your expectations.”

The establishment of the Chamber of Commerce went smoothly, and Chu Shizhao began to consider the construction of the trade pilot project.

“Now that the chamber of commerce has been established, the construction of the trade pilot project cannot be delayed.”

“We need to determine the site selection and planning of the pilot project as soon as possible.”

Chu Shizhao said to General Zhang Gan and the leaders.

General Zhang Gan said: “Your Highness, I think the open land near the border is very good. It is flat and has convenient transportation, which is convenient for the transportation and distribution of goods.”

Chu Shizhao nodded: “General Zhang is right.”

“However, we also have to consider the needs of the grassland tribes and make it convenient for them to come and trade.”

The leaders also expressed their opinions: “Your Highness, that piece of land is indeed good.”

“Besides, it’s not too far from the pastures of several of our tribes, which makes it convenient for us to transport supplies.”

After some discussion, the site for the trade pilot was finally determined.

Chu Shizhao immediately arranged personnel to begin planning and designing the trade pilot.

“We will build trading halls, warehouses, accommodation areas and other facilities in the trade pilot to ensure that the needs of trade are met,” said Chu Shizhao.

The craftsmen began to get busy, carrying wood and stones and building houses.

At the same time, Chu Shizhao also arranged personnel to train merchants from the grassland tribes and Da Zhou.

“We need to let them understand the rules and procedures of trade and learn how to trade fairly.”

Chu Shizhao said to his men.

(End of this chapter)