Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 619 Are you unhappy?

Qi Renli said, "We previously placed our large-scale business on both sides of the main road, hoping to make it convenient for carriages to enter and exit. However, in reality, because the carriages were loading and unloading goods on both sides of the main road, they actually hindered the passage of other carriages."

After hearing what she said and looking at the width of the road in front of him, Meng Changqing had a general idea of ​​what to expect.

"Does this kind of obstruction of passage happen frequently?" Meng Changqing asked.

“Often,” Qi Renli said. “Although we try our best to coordinate, the merchants still complain.”

This was the first time Meng Changqing had heard him mention this issue, and he asked again, "Have you looked into the opinions of the businesses along the main road?"

Qi Renli was clearly taken aback for a moment, “…Not yet.”

Meng Changqing nodded and strolled along the main road.

It's not the season for trading silkworm cocoons now, and most of the shops along the road are closed.

“Have your people ask the merchants for their opinions,” Meng Changqing said. “If they also feel that improvements are needed, then the market layout will have to be completely overhauled.”

Qi Renli nodded and immediately ordered someone to do it.

“I know you’ve already thought of how to adjust things since you’ve asked me to come here,” Meng Changqing said to Qi Renli. “Why don’t you tell me your thoughts first?”

“Yes,” Qi Renli said, “My idea is exactly the opposite of what I thought before. We won’t do large-scale transactions along the main road; instead, we’ll move the retail shops that were previously located along the main road…”

Qi Renli had barely begun speaking when Meng Changqing already knew his idea: "We'll put the bulk transactions inside, but the roads inside are narrow. To address that, we'll have to demolish some of the shops."

"Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking." Qi Renli asked Meng Changqing, "Does Your Excellency think it's feasible?"

Here we go again to the old story: since the new street was built, there has been almost no retail business here. At most, some dry food and tea are sold during the silkworm cocoon trade.

This market was originally built to make money, but it has clearly not achieved the expected results. Meng Changqing often worries about this place when he has free time. Since Qi Renli is now saying he wants to make changes, Meng Changqing will definitely support it and hopes that the area can be better utilized after the changes are completed.

However, some things must be made clear beforehand: "The shops that have already been sold on the market belong to others, and we must acknowledge that. Whether it is feasible depends on whether the merchants who bought the shops agree to the coordination."

I believe that as long as these businesses don't suffer losses, they're willing to comply.

Qi Renli nodded, "Yes."

“Never use your official authority to oppress people,” Meng Changqing said. “Our county is in this situation today thanks to the people’s willingness to trust the government.”

Qi Renli listened attentively and assured them, "I will take care of them."

Meng Changqing said coldly, "It's no use just taking care of them. Even though we're on the same side, there are some unpleasant things that need to be said upfront."

Qi Renli thought for a moment and said, "I will talk to the merchants myself."

While Meng Changqing listened to Qi Renli's vision for the market, Zheng Xidong, who had been comforted by her, bought clothes in the new street.

Neither of them knew what was happening in Anxi Village.

Zheng Xidong's father, Zheng Jiasheng, sat on the kang (a heated brick bed), staring blankly out the window. Zheng Linsheng pushed open the door and came in, "Brother, have Xichun and the others returned?"

Zheng Jiasheng glanced at the other person before turning his face away, saying, "No." His tone was no longer as warm as before.

"Brother." Zheng Linsheng stuck his bottom out and sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), patting Zheng Jiasheng's leg with a grin. "What are you doing sitting here? What did you eat for breakfast? I don't see anything in the pot."

"If you want to eat it, make it yourself." It was rare for Zheng Jiasheng to say something like that.

"What?" Zheng Linsheng asked knowingly, "Are you unhappy?"