This would actually be a good time to reform the merchant system in that city. The lord and some influential ppl are right there willing to listen to him, and they own him/ wish to curry favor.
The current system:
1) You can't trade in the city unless you do so through a guild. (probably to regulate merchants and create a responsible trade network)
2) There are only a handful of guilds and none of them accept anyone w/o at least 1 recommendation. (corruption of the system turning into an Oligarchy favoring well off already established merchants and nobles.)
3) A recommendation comes from a prominent merchant or noble. (To ensure sponsorship/backer and establish trust/credit)
4) A commoner can not gain an audience with a noble easily. (for their safety and because they are busy with official business.)
Guilds are responsible for their merchants so it is a risk when they invite new merchants, but there needs to be ways to join guilds w/o recommendation.
Like allow all merchants to join but impose restrictions based on level of trust/credit. Credit that new merchants could improve w/ a recommendation but not required. And restrictions like new merchants must submit proposed trade/products to the guild for approval. And senior members could have more relaxed restrictions.