The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 218 The Form of a Dragon and a Tiger
On the 28th day of the first lunar month, the Li family caravan, weary from their long journey, finally arrived in Tokyo.

Before the caravan had even settled in, Li Yi took some time that afternoon to visit the residence that Li Erniang had purchased in Chongxinfang.

Upon arriving at the Li residence, they saw the caravan's workers busily unloading and moving goods. Manager Li Quan was running around shouting and directing, his forehead beaded with sweat, clearly very busy.

Outside the courtyard gate, a graceful figure had been waiting for some time. Although she was slightly tired from the long journey, Li Erniang still mustered her strength and made a point of waiting at the gate in advance.

When Li Yi's figure appeared in sight as he rode up on horseback, Li Erniang's clear eyes instantly lit up, revealing an indescribable brilliance.

But she quickly suppressed it, transforming it into a perfectly timed, gentle smile, hidden beneath a dignified and graceful demeanor.

As Li Yi approached, she dismounted with swift and agile movements. Li Erniang curtsied and said in a clear, melodious voice, "This servant greets General Li! I am truly at ease having troubled you to come in person."

"Second Mistress, there's no need for such formalities!"

Li Yi raised his hand to help her up, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, a smile he could hardly hide. "You've come all this way, you must be tired from your journey."

Upon seeing this familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar pretty figure again, Li Yi couldn't help but recall the scene of their first meeting—two years ago at the Li Family Wine Shop on the banks of the Longjin River, where he had tricked and threatened her into revealing her sensitive identity as a "remnant of the Li Tang dynasty."

From then on, he made up his mind to keep his distance from this scheming young woman, lest he get himself into trouble.

However, who could have imagined that, after all the twists and turns of life, instead of growing apart, they have now become even closer “cooperative partners”?

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two walked side by side through the gate. Zhao Pu, Xu Sheng, and their entourage followed closely behind.

Stepping into the front yard, Li Yi glanced at the busy workers and piles of goods, and casually asked, "I heard that your brother also came to Tokyo with the caravan this time, why don't I see him here?"

Upon hearing this, Li Erniang paused slightly. She hadn't expected Li Yi to ask about her brother, and for a moment she didn't know how to answer.

In fact, her elder brother Li Shu was resting in the inner courtyard at that moment, but she did not send anyone to inform Li Yi of his impending arrival. Instead, she came out to greet him alone.

The reason for this was simply that Li Erniang felt her brother had never truly witnessed the power and authority of a Zhou general like Li Yi, who wielded military power and made decisive decisions.

They were even less aware of the sharp edge hidden beneath Li Yi's gentle exterior.

If the elder brother were to lose his composure in his words and inadvertently offend the Zhou emperor's brother-in-law, the consequences would be far beyond what the Li family could bear.

Fortunately, Li Yi noticed the strange expression on Li Erniang's face and guessed what was going on after a moment's thought. He took the initiative to change the subject and said in a relaxed tone, "Never mind, I was just asking casually. I suppose your brother must be tired from his journey, so let him rest well and get some rest."

According to Zhao Pu and his companion's report upon their return, Li Erniang's brother was rather aloof and rarely spoke to outsiders during the journey, spending most of his time cooped up in the carriage.

Even Li Yi's trusted advisors, such as Zhao Pu and Wang Renzhan, were unable to exchange more than a few words with him.

As Han Jixun had said, Li Sanlang's legs were indeed not very convenient, seemingly due to a limp that resulted from a broken leg.

However, Li Yi mainly dealt with Li Erniang, and it didn't matter whether he saw her brother or not, so he naturally didn't care about such trivial matters.

Li Erniang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, glanced gratefully at Li Yi, and quickly followed his words, saying, "Thank you for your consideration, General Li. My brother is used to a life of ease and comfort, and traveling thousands of miles at once is indeed a bit too much for his body."

As she led Li Yi toward the flower hall, she changed the subject, "This time, the caravan's journey to Tokyo has finally lived up to expectations. All the items General Li needs have been transported by ship. After a quick inventory, we can present the detailed list."

Li Yi nodded and said, "Good, Second Madam is a woman who is just as capable as any man, I am at ease with her. The construction of Longjin Street requires money everywhere, and Second Madam's 'assistance' comes at just the right time."

With a gentle smile on her lips, Li Erniang said softly, "It is an honor for the Li family to share the burdens of the Emperor of the Great Zhou. I just wonder if there are any plans yet regarding the construction details of the 'First Building in Tokyo' and the 'cement' that the General mentioned earlier? I am really curious."

The carved doors of the flower hall were now in sight. Li Yi suddenly stopped and turned to the side, casting a tall shadow that enveloped Li Erniang.

"Since you are so curious, why don't you come with me to the Longjin River tomorrow to find out for yourself? I'm sure that after you see it, you will understand that your family's business, which involves spending tens of thousands of strings of cash, is far beyond what can be measured by mere gold and silver!"

Fearing that her meaning might be misunderstood, Li Erniang quickly curtsied and said, "General, your word is as good as gold. How could I dare to doubt you? It's just that... this time, I had to use all my persuasive skills to convince my mother to agree to this."

"Tens of thousands of strings of cash are related to the lifeline of the family. I bear the responsibility and dare not slack off in the slightest. Now that the cash has been delivered in full, although I trust the general, I still need to give a clear explanation to the elders and relatives in my family."

"Second Miss, you are overthinking it. I invited you sincerely and had no intention of testing or blaming you." Li Yi gazed at the girl's pretty face, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

“I also know Second Madam’s difficulties. Anyone would not be able to invest tens of thousands of coins without seeing anything.”

After speaking, Li Yi smiled slightly and stepped into the hall first. His leisurely demeanor made him seem like the host, while Li Erniang appeared to be a newcomer.

Looking at Li Yi's tall and steady back, Li Erniang was suddenly in a daze for a moment.

It had been less than a year since she last left Tokyo, but upon seeing this rising young general again, she sensed that something seemed to have changed about him.

This is not merely a subtle difference in words and actions, but a kind of inner refinement that permeates from the inside out, an indescribable yet undeniable change.

Can a person's demeanor and presence really change so much over time?

Thinking of this, Li Erniang composed herself, took light steps, and quickly followed him inside. Zhao Pu, Xu Sheng, and their attendants, however, tactfully stopped and waited outside the door.

The interior was elegantly furnished, much like when Li Yi last visited, clearly indicating that it had been carefully maintained.

The two took their seats, one as the host and the other as the host.

Before long, a maid dressed in a plain-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) entered with her head bowed and eyes lowered, serving fragrant tea. Her movements were light and silent. After bowing, she quietly withdrew.

Li Yi did not rush to speak. He calmly picked up the delicate porcelain teacup, felt the warmth of the cup with his fingertips, took a small sip, and then looked up at the girl opposite him.

He got straight to the point: "The tea and wine monopoly that I promised Second Madam has now been settled. From now on, your company will not only enjoy the exclusive right to sell goods in Tokyo, but will also enjoy a certain percentage of tax reduction. I will send someone to deliver the relevant documents to your residence in a couple of days."

"Thank you for your trouble, General Li." Li Erniang's lips curved slightly, revealing a genuine smile. Her shallow dimples added a touch of playfulness and liveliness to her beautiful face.

She knew perfectly well how significant these "exclusive sales" and "tax breaks" were, as they would be crucial for the Li family's future foothold in Tokyo and their establishment in Zhouguo.

Moreover, this would allow him to establish closer ties with Li Yi himself, and even with the Zhou court.

"I was in charge of the construction of Longjin Market, and Second Sister funded the construction, which can be considered as helping me. I got the benefits of monopoly and taxation for Second Sister, which is just returning the favor."

Li Yi's gaze lingered for a moment on the girl's bright smile.

This is not because he couldn't take his eyes off beautiful women. In fact, Li Yi believed that he had good self-control and had no shortage of beautiful wives and concubines at home. He did not have an excessive lust for beauty.

People naturally appreciate beautiful things more, especially the lively spirit in this young girl's eyes and the decisiveness in handling matters that is rare among ordinary women, which always makes her stand out from the crowd.

However, Li Yi's purpose for this trip was also very clear. He was not there to reminisce with Li Erniang. The affairs of Longjin Street Market were one aspect, but he also had more important plans.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Yi put down his teacup, the bottom of which made a slight tapping sound against the rosewood tabletop.

His gaze refocused on Li Erniang's face, and his tone became more serious: "I wonder if Erniang's business has expanded into the Southern Tang territory?"

“Southern Tang?” Li Erniang was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but then realized that Li Yi was referring to the Li Jing regime, which occupied the wealthy lands of Jiangnan.

She didn't know why Li Yi suddenly asked about this, so she could only go along with it and answer: "My family does have trade relations with Wu. Every year, caravans carry goods and travel down the river eastward, making a round trip."

"However, the Gao family of Jingnan exploited merchants and travelers heavily, so their fleet would usually stop and unload their cargo when they reached Xiazhou, handing over large quantities of goods to big merchants in Jiangnan on the spot, while they themselves only earned a small profit from the hard-earned transshipment price."

After listening, Li Yi nodded and said, "It is said that since the rise of Gao Ji, the ruler of Nanping has been nicknamed 'Gao the Scoundrel' because he often intercepts envoys from various countries on the way and forcibly seizes the tribute they are offering."

When Li Erniang heard him mention "Gao Laizi", she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle: "I have also heard such rumors. Although I don't know the inside story, the taxes in Jingnan are indeed the heaviest among all the countries. Whenever you pass through the border, you are taxed three or four tenths of the way. In addition, there are officials at all levels who demand bribes. Merchants are all afraid of them like tigers."

"Fortunately, the wealthy merchant from Jiangnan who has been trading with my family for many years has a lot of influence in the Jingnan court and has bribed the emperor and his relatives with large sums of money, so that we can travel freely in Jingnan and enjoy some convenience."

At this point, Li Erniang suddenly realized something.

The seemingly casual inquiry by Li Dushi, a high-ranking official and relative by marriage to the Zhou emperor, about his family's trade with the Southern Tang was far from a simple chat.

But before Li Erniang could think any further, Li Yi's voice rang out again. He leaned forward slightly, adding an air of pressure, his gaze fixed intently on Li Erniang.

"As you can see, Second Madam, our vanguard army has already set off and will soon resume its war against the Southern Tang. At the latest, next month, I too will don my armor and go to the battlefield once more."

Li Yi paused slightly, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest of the couch. "At this juncture, I do have a request. Your esteemed establishment has many business dealings with merchants from the Southern Tang, and you must also have some connections and influence in the Wu region. I hope that, for the sake of our relationship, Second Madam, you might be able to offer some assistance?"

Li Erniang was naturally insightful and exceptionally intelligent. Upon hearing Li Yi's words, combined with her previous inquiries about the Southern Tang trade routes, she immediately understood the deeper meaning, and her heart sank slightly.

She suppressed her smile, her expression turning serious. She parted her cherry lips slightly and said, "General Li, do you mean... to use my family's merchant caravan for trade, to act as spies and informants for Zhou's southern expedition?" To her surprise, Li Yi shook his head slightly and said, "There's no need for such risky actions. Your esteemed company only needs to secretly act as a bridge between us and the wealthy merchants of Southern Tang when necessary. That will be enough!"

After he finished speaking, he saw that Li Erniang was still hesitating, and he didn't know what she was worried about.

Li Yi pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What does Second Lady think of the current situation of the various kingdoms in the world?"

Li Erniang snapped out of her reverie and replied softly, "I am but a woman, and I dare not presume to comment." She felt somewhat out of sync with Li Yi's thoughts and didn't understand why he had suddenly asked this question.

"The world's affairs, after a long period of unity, tend to divide; after a long period of division, tend to unite. This is an irrefutable principle throughout history." Li Yi slowly rose and walked to the carved window.

"Since the collapse of the Tang Dynasty, several dynasties have risen and fallen, and wars and disasters have raged for decades. People all over the world have been looking forward to peace. However, the Liang, Tang, Jin, Han... were either lacking in virtue or constrained by their weak strength, and ultimately failed to restore this broken land and achieve unification."

"...However, times have changed!"

The afternoon light streamed through the delicate window lattice, casting shadows on his sharply defined profile and highlighting his resolute expression.

Li Yi's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying an undeniable certainty.

"Our Great Zhou Emperor, having received the Mandate of Heaven, possesses great talent and ambition, harboring a grand vision to conquer the eight wastelands and encompass the four seas! Famous ministers and capable generals gather in the court, the armor and weapons are sharp, and the nation's power is rising day by day. In contrast, the kingdoms of Jiangnan are indulging in pleasure and gradually declining. Even the Shu region, which is confined to a corner, cannot withstand the mighty trend."

"The time is ripe for the unification of the world and the restoration of peace, and it should be done in the Zhou Dynasty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the air in the hall seemed to freeze for a moment because of his words.

Li Erniang sat upright in her chair, her slender fingers stroking the teacup, then paused slightly. Li Yi's confident and eloquent speech seemed to have infected her as well, and she was unconsciously stunned for a moment.

Looking up again at that majestic figure, Li Erniang's eyes gleamed with a strange light, and even a hint of indescribable excitement.

In her eyes, the man in front of her seemed to have seen through the general trend of the world, and his words were so confident that the unification of the world would surely be achieved by the Zhou Kingdom.

But ironically, it seems to be true... Confident men do indeed give people a great deal of attraction and a sense of security!
For a moment, Li Erniang forgot what to say, only slightly raising her head to gaze at Li Yi. Her thoughts, too, drifted with Li Yi's words to a future vision of iron horses and golden spears, and a unified country.

This brief moment of distraction didn't last long. Li Erniang quickly lowered her eyes, using the action of picking up her teacup to conceal the ripples in her heart.

The refreshing tea cleared her chaotic thoughts as she drank it.

At this moment, Li Yi turned to look at Li Erniang and continued, "The general trend of the world cannot be stopped by human power. However, while it is easy to conquer cities and seize strongholds, it is difficult to preserve wealth!"

"In their final struggle, the Southern Tang defenders may make a desperate gamble, burning our grain and fodder to cut off our army's resources for a prolonged campaign, and destroying the gold, silver, and silk in the government treasury to prevent our army from receiving rewards."

"Even if our army conquers cities and captures strongholds with overwhelming force, if all the spoils of war are burned to the ground, leaving only empty cities, soldiers with nothing to reward, and supplies without a means of replenishment, this is not the victory our dynasty seeks!"

"Therefore, whenever our army captures a city, the first priority is not to fight and mop up the enemy in the streets, but to seize government offices, surround and control granaries, and seal up the warehouses as soon as possible."

"If we get help from the Second Madam's family at that time, and leverage our connections with merchants in the Southern Tang Dynasty to explain the advantages and disadvantages, and persuade them to protect their warehouses and open the gates to offer tribute, wouldn't that be a great achievement?"

Li Yi didn't hide anything and spoke frankly about his thoughts.

As the saying goes, "If you employ someone, trust them; if you don't trust someone, don't employ them." Since you can rely on others, instead of being secretive, it's better to treat them with sincerity to avoid both sides guessing each other's thoughts.

Under the tide of history, the so-called "remnants of the Li Tang dynasty" could no longer stir up trouble, and only the swords in the hands of military men could determine the fate of the world.

The Li family is now just an ordinary merchant family, at most they are quite wealthy... When it really comes down to it, can they escape the fate of being "at the mercy of others"?

Thinking of this, Li Yi added, "To prevent your company from getting too involved, and for the sake of thoroughness, Second Madam only needs to send one or two trusted confidants who are well-versed in the inner workings of the Jiangnan merchants. They can accompany me on the expedition..."

"Although I am dull-witted, I know the principle of following the will of Heaven and adapting to the times. Uncle Quan... is the shopkeeper Li Quan that the general met. He grew up with my father since childhood, and after my father passed away, he took over the family's trade routes."

Li Erniang's voice returned to its usual calm and melodious tone, but the slight tremor at the end of her note betrayed her inner emotions.

"He has dealt with major grain merchants, brokers, and even some granary clerks in Jinling, Yangzhou, Runzhou, and other places. He is mature, prudent, and discreet. With him by your side, he will surely be of great assistance to you."

"Good!" Li Yi walked back to the desk, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, which carried a heartfelt approval.

"Your decisiveness and sense of responsibility far surpass those of ordinary men. I thank you in advance for this promise."

"I dare not accept such praise..." Perhaps because the two were too close, Li Erniang felt the man's powerful aura rushing towards her. Her face immediately turned red, and she dared not meet Li Yi's eyes, turning her head slightly away.

Li Yi found it amusing, but he didn't push his luck and instead sat back down in his seat.

For a moment, Li Yi thought Li Erniang was actually quite adorable. So, what exactly is the meaning of things in this world? Does it really depend on one's state of mind?
He thought to himself that although she seemed a bit pretentious when they first met, it wasn't easy for a young girl to run a business. Her husband couldn't be relied on, and she had to shoulder all the burdens. Considering her situation, it was understandable.

……

Half an hour later, after discussing the specifics, Li Yi got up to take his leave.

Li Erniang followed closely behind, personally escorting him to the gate of the mansion.

Just as Li Yi was about to take his leave, a man strode out of the door. It was Li Erniang's brother, Li Shu.

He had clearly rushed over upon hearing the news, his breath slightly short. The moment he looked up, the imposing figure standing before the steps came into view.

Even though his younger sister had mentioned the Zhou general's heroic bearing many times before, Li Shu still harbored some doubts deep in his heart.

Even if a warrior who fought his way out of the chaos and bloodshed of the Central Plains has some achievements, he can still be free from his crude and ruthless nature.

What kind of lofty demeanor could it possibly possess?
However, after just one meeting, all the preconceived images in Li Shu's mind instantly collapsed.

The man before me stood tall and straight like a pine tree, as robust as a small mountain, yet with handsome features, truly deserving of the title of a handsome man, far from the image of a burly, bearded man I had imagined.

His aura, naturally emanating from him, was calm yet subtly sharp, quite unlike the merchants and literati he encountered.

An invisible sense of oppression swept over him, causing Li Shu's heart to suddenly clench.

He instinctively tried to straighten his back, but was surprised to find that his carefully prepared words were stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.

Faced with such a stark contrast, Li Shu felt utterly inadequate, and an indescribable sense of defeat and inferiority welled up within him.

Li Yi, of course, was unaware of the turmoil in Li Shu's heart. Seeing the other party appear hastily, he simply turned his gaze to Li Shu and politely nodded in greeting: "Third Young Master, you must be tired from your journey. I am currently occupied with official duties, so please forgive me for not being able to accompany you for long. I will visit your residence to chat when I have more free time in the future."

Li Shuzheng hesitated over how to start the conversation when he suddenly noticed Li Yi's gaze inadvertently sweeping over his disabled left leg.

Although that gaze was fleeting and contained no hint of disdain, it felt like a thorn in the side to the sensitive Li Shu.

His face stiffened, and the embarrassment in his heart suddenly intensified. He could only forcefully hide it, cupping his hands and bowing deeply, saying, "General Li has personally graced my humble abode. I have failed to greet you from afar and have been impolite. I hope you will forgive me!"

Li Erniang saw it all clearly from the side. The unease on her brother's face and his forced pride made her feel a pang of sadness.

She immediately stepped forward and subtly interjected, saying in a gentle voice, "Brother, General Li is very busy with official duties. Please don't let us delay you. Rest assured, General, I will do my best to fulfill the matters we just discussed and live up to your expectations."

Li Yi neither commented on nor commented on Li Shu's reaction, but simply nodded to Li Erniang and bowed slightly to Li Shu again, saying, "I shall take my leave now!"

Immediately, he nimbly mounted his horse, which neighed, and under the protection of his attendants, Li Yi galloped away, the sound of hooves quickly disappearing at the end of the streets of Chongxinfang.

Watching that tall figure disappear into the distance, Li Shucai slowly straightened up, his expression complex and his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Li Erniang gently supported her brother's arm and said softly, "Brother, it's chilly outside, let's go inside. The general is here today mainly to discuss matters related to our family's business."

She skillfully changed the subject, pulling her brother back from his earlier embarrassment and soothing his sensitive and proud heart.

Li Shu nodded silently, letting his sister help him turn around. Reaching the doorway, he paused, then suddenly sighed softly, "No wonder you, sister, still think of this Commander Li even after returning to Chengdu. Seeing him today, he truly is... a dragon and tiger in bearing!"

Li Shu's voice was barely audible, but Li Erniang was very close to him and naturally heard it.

Her brother's first sentence made her feel a little embarrassed, and she was about to say something in rebuttal.

But as soon as the second half of the sentence was uttered, Li Erniang's expression changed slightly, and she whispered a reminder: "Third Brother, be careful what you say!"

(End of this chapter)