Chapter 8: The Development of Commerce
Although the country was turbulent in the late years of the Qing Dynasty, commerce still developed to some extent. Some cities began to show the embryonic form of modern commerce, and new business models continuously emerged.
During his journey, Lao Can saw these changes. He saw some merchants beginning to establish modern enterprises and adopting new operating methods. The success of these merchants demonstrated the possibilities of commercial development.
However, the development of commerce also brought problems. Some merchants, in pursuit of profit, did not hesitate to use fraudulent and exploitative means. Their actions harmed the interests of consumers and also corrupted commercial morality.
The influx of foreign merchants also caused local merchants to face competition. Foreign merchants possessed advantages in capital and technology and could often win in competition. Local merchants could only barely maintain their own markets.
Lao Can believed that the development of commerce required a good institutional environment. Only by establishing fair competition rules and cracking down on improper commercial practices could commerce develop healthily.
He recorded all these observations, hoping to provide reference for commercial reform in later generations.