Daqin Zhentiansi

Chapter 670 The Mysterious Turtle Sea-Suppressing Treasure Gathering
"Princess, you are a woman of great experience and knowledge. What are your thoughts on this 'grand gift' sent by the Marquis of Qingyang?" the salt merchant asked tentatively, his face full of respectful smiles. "Could this opportunity help us advance our trade routes further?"

"Yes, Princess, is there any way to 'reasonably distribute' the Xuan Turtle's flesh and bones, demon blood, and pillar materials?" the miner asked bluntly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu merely turned his head slightly.

A faint smile played on her lips as her clear eyes gazed at the still-noisy argument below the stage, her folding fan gently opening and closing.

His watery gaze swept over the Xuan Turtle Pillar and the officials arguing below the stage. His smile held a discerning composure, as well as a touch of detached indifference.

Zhang Yuan sending the black tortoise into the imperial city was originally Zhao Yu's idea.

She didn't say anything at this moment, she just smiled without answering.

But that attitude was more oppressive than any words, as if silently proclaiming that the final ownership of such a powerful artifact could not be decided by the quarrels of the people in front of them.

The merchants were taken aback, exchanged a few apologetic smiles, and dared not ask any further questions.

They knew that this future Marchioness was more meticulous than any man, and her silence itself was an answer.

Ultimately, the power to decide doesn't lie with these people.
It's not them.

The dispute lasted for nearly an hour, ranging from the intended use of the Xuan Turtle to how the maintenance costs should be shared, and then to who would be responsible for any potential risks that might arise later...

The two sides engaged in a heated debate, citing classical texts and quoting numerous examples, each eager to dredge up the three-hundred-year-old Qin Dynasty laws to refute the other.

Zuo Qian, the Minister of Revenue who presided over the joint meeting, was known for his composure. At this moment, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He was extremely anxious and tried to mediate several times, but his efforts were drowned out by the even louder noise.

The six towering pillars that guard the sea and the black tortoise were like six heavy mountains, pressing down on his shoulders and on the fragile balance of the court.

He wasn't stupid. These six black turtles and six sea-suppressing pillars represented not only their intrinsic value, but also the grand trend of the East China Sea hunt.

Should we ally ourselves with Marquis Qingyang and gamble on his ability to pacify the East Sea, or should we keep our distance and not get involved?
The risk of aligning oneself with the Marquis of Qingyang is that if the pacification of the East Sea fails, one may lose power.

If one keeps a respectful distance and does not participate, then even if the East Sea continuously sends treasures, creating wave after wave of excitement, one can only stand aside and watch helplessly.

This is a difficult decision.

Finally, in a brief moment of silence caused by both of them catching their breath, Zuo Qian's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He took a deep breath and decisively turned his gaze to Princess Yu Ruo, who remained aloof from the world on the high platform.

He suddenly stood up and, facing the direction of Princess Yu Ruo, his loud and clear voice pierced through the instantly quiet training ground.

"Listen, everyone!"

He first stopped the pointless argument, then bowed slightly, his posture extremely humble, his voice carrying a barely perceptible plea and heaviness.

“Princess Yu Ruo, you are in charge of the Yu Yuan Trading Company and the Jiu Chuan Alliance, and your business extends to all corners of the world. You have extensive knowledge and are also deeply aware of His Majesty’s concern for the stability of the East Sea and the Imperial City.”

"Currently, all parties are at odds, each holding their own viewpoint, and each has its own logic."

"May I ask, Your Highness, in your opinion, to resolve the current predicament, properly handle this vital national asset, quell public opinion, ensure its full utilization, and do not betray the merits of Marquis Qingyang's conquests, what is the best course of action regarding the Black Tortoise and the Sea-Suppressing Pillar?"

quiet!
With the Minister of Revenue's earth-shattering question, the entire noisy training ground seemed to be plunged into eternal ice, instantly becoming so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Whether it was a red-faced, burly military officer, an excited master craftsman from the Ministry of Works, a scholar-official stroking his beard and sneering, or a wealthy merchant holding his breath, everyone's eyes were instantly focused on Princess Yu Ruo.

The air seemed to freeze, leaving only the deep breathing of the black tortoise and the whistling of the wind through the holes in the bronze pillar. Then, the smoky figure slowly rose, like a jade-carved lotus in full bloom.

Zhao Yu, with her graceful bearing, nodded slightly in the direction of Zuo Qian. The faint smile on her face widened slightly, no longer aloof, but rather carrying a sense of composure and control.

She was no longer the innocent and naive Ying Yu Ruo who lived in the Northwest.

Over the years, in the capital and along the Great Wall in the north, she has mastered trade routes and studied military tactics, growing into a powerful figure with a firm grasp of the country's affairs.

The Yu Yuan Trading Company and the Jiu Chuan Alliance are backed by countless powerful figures and have amassed unimaginable wealth.

Her gaze swept over the massive black tortoise and bronze pillars below. Zhao Yu parted her red lips slightly, her voice not loud, but it seemed to possess a magical power, clearly resounding throughout every corner of the training ground.

"Minister Zuo's considerations are profound, and all the esteemed officials are also working for the benefit of the nation. I, Yu Ruo, am but a woman, and I have been undeservedly favored. I presume to think that this is a vital instrument of the nation and a public good, and should be discussed with the public."

Should we consult with the public?
Isn't this enough of a crowd today?

The officials and military officers present were all slightly stunned.

Zuo Qian's face also showed a hint of doubt.

The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works have already invited so many wealthy merchant families to attend this time, and military officers and officials from the Six Ministries can also participate. Isn't that enough?

Previously, when he discussed the matter with officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, he had already considered it repeatedly and deliberated carefully, and had long since figured out the intentions of Marquis Qingyang and His Majesty to use the Black Tortoise and the Sea-Suppressing Pillar to publicize their military achievements.

Otherwise, this discussion would not have been possible.

The folding fan was gently unfolded, and the fan surface, painted with a picture of the land and its people by Zhao Yu, shimmered in the sunlight.

"Since all parties have their reasons, their interests are intertwined across the government and the public, and the dispute stems from the dilemma of distribution... why not—make it public and let the highest bidder win?"

Her voice was clear and steady, but the words she uttered were like thunderclaps.

"The imperial court may establish the 'Mysterious Turtle Sea-Suppressing Treasure Gathering' and widely invite qualified individuals from noble families, sects, businesses, and even friendly nations both inside and outside the capital to be listed in the invitation list."

"The bones, flesh, blood, and armor of the Xuan Turtle, as well as the Sea-Suppressing Pillar... whether whole or in parts, will be classified into various auction items, with details listed regarding their rarity, potential uses, and the rights and obligations of the transferee."

"At that time, the grand and dignified auction will not only demonstrate His Majesty's benevolent and benevolent rule, and his ability to listen to all opinions and solicit opinions from all, but will also ensure that each item finds its proper place."

"It can also replenish the national treasury, make up for the losses incurred in the war, and not let down the soldiers who fought hard at the front."

"Furthermore, this grand occasion can demonstrate the might and virtue of the Great Qin, the peace and tranquility of the East Sea, and the great achievements of the Marquis to all corners of the world. What do you think of this three-fold approach, Minister?"

After he finished speaking, the vast training ground remained silent for a long time.

Zuo Qian was struck dumb, frozen in place, his eyes wide open, staring intently at Princess Yu Ruo's serene and beautiful face, his chest heaving violently.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant: the national treasury! Merit! Balance! Pressure from all sides! And...

This could trigger a massive upheaval!

(End of this chapter)