Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 138 The Struggle Between Imperial Merchants
Tianji Shop.

After a meal.

Tian Qingluan was still somewhat unsure, and looked at Lin Xuan, saying, "The Tian family might not be able to take over so many shops in a short time..."

The Tian family's core business is in Sizhou. Even if Lin Xuan gives them this great opportunity, they still lack sufficient financial resources and manpower.

Lin Xuan smiled and said, "It's alright, I'll have the Jingbian Division help you bring back the managers and clerks from the Yang family's shops. With their help, those shops will soon be back on track. If you don't have enough money, I have 100,000 taels here, you can take it first..."

This business is not just the Tian family's business, but also the imperial court's business.

After the Tian family became imperial merchants, they would naturally receive strong support from the imperial court.

Financial support may be somewhat difficult.

However, as long as Lin Xuan is in the Southwest, policy and personnel support will be provided to them continuously.

After finishing their meal, Lin Xuan left through the back door.

Although the Tian family was his pre-selected partner, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.

Half an hour later, a conspicuous notice was posted outside the Jingbian Division.

The Yang family was accused of treason and rebellion, and all their property has been confiscated by the imperial court.

The imperial court is now publicly recruiting imperial merchants in the southwest to manage the Yang family's businesses in Bozhou on behalf of the court. Each merchant will be required to pay a portion of the profits to the court annually. Merchants with strength in the southwest are encouraged to apply. The court will evaluate their applications and ultimately select the imperial merchants.

The news caused an uproar among the chieftain families of Bozhou.

The Yang family's business empire is enormous. Whoever becomes an imperial merchant and takes over the Yang family's business will see their family's strength soar, becoming the third largest power in the Southwest after the Song and An families.

Similarly, whichever of the An and Song families becomes an imperial merchant will immediately surpass the other by a wide margin, becoming the number one chieftain in the southwest, even more powerful than the Yang family before its demise.

Regardless of their size, all the chieftains wanted this opportunity.

Inside a mansion in Bozhou.

This mansion originally belonged to the Yang family. After the Yang family was destroyed, the imperial court disposed of a lot of the Yang family's property. This place was bought by the Song family and transformed into the Song residence.

Song Qian frowned as soon as he received the news.

He is here on behalf of his family to discuss with the imperial court the acquisition of the Yang family's shops.

It was originally thought that since the imperial court was in a hurry to sell off the Yang family's assets, the Song family should be able to get a considerable bargain.

The An family is backed by the Nanzhao Kingdom, and in the eyes of the imperial court, the Song family is definitely more reliable than the An family.

Unexpectedly, the imperial court suddenly changed its mind.

Could it be that the two companies were too aggressive in their price-cutting, angering the imperial court and thus backfiring?
Just as I was pondering this, I heard hurried footsteps outside.

A figure stepped into the hall, and Song Qian cut to the chase: "Brother An, have you heard about the matter of the imperial merchants?"

The refined-looking man nodded and said, "I've heard about it; that's exactly why I've come."

Song Qian asked, "They were clearly eager to make a move, so why did they suddenly change their minds? Could it be that we pressured them too much?"

An Yunru said, "If we had known this would happen, we would have raised the price by several times. However, the court's change of mind may not be a bad thing. At least it can save us a lot of expenses. As for the profits afterward, that's up to us. Right now, the most important thing is to secure the qualification of imperial merchant. Our two families need to discuss this matter in advance..."

None of the chieftains in the southwest could completely absorb the Yang family's assets.

Even if the imperial court did not want the An and Song families to benefit and grow powerful, it was impossible to bypass them.

What An Jia was worried about was that the Song family would monopolize the profits and obtain the status of imperial merchants by giving up more of them.

After all, the An family and Nanzhao have a close relationship. Even if the two families offer the same conditions, the imperial court would probably give priority to the Song family.

An Yunru said, "Of the profits from the Yang family's shops, 20% go to the imperial court and 80% go to us. I hope the Song family can do the same. If the Yang family falls, we should unite against a common enemy when it comes to the interests of the Southwest."

Song Qian nodded and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking too."

"Then it's settled."

"A word is settled!"

A moment later, the An family left the Song residence.

A figure walked in from outside and asked, "Fourth Brother, the An family and the Nanzhao are in cahoots, the most treacherous and cunning. Their words cannot be taken seriously..."

Song Qian smiled confidently and said, "Of course we can't trust what they say. To be on the safe side, let's give up another 10%. Even if we only get 70% of the profits, we'll still make a lot..."

Meanwhile, on the carriage outside the Song family's gate.

An Yunru lowered the carriage curtain and said in a low voice, "That old fox Song Qian will definitely not be so honest. Just to be on the safe side, let's lower the price by another 10%... no, another 15%. In any case, let's get the qualification of imperial merchant first..."

Inside Bozhou City, chieftains of all ranks were preparing their applications to become imperial merchants, in accordance with the requirements of the Jingbian Division.

The roof of the highest hall at Longya Fort.

Tian Qingluan and Lin Xuan held hands, nestled in his arms, admiring the beautiful scenery below. At one moment, she suddenly looked up and asked, "Should the Tian family also make some preparations?"

Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "No need, I will prepare it for you when the time comes."

Tian Qingluan leaned against him, feeling incredibly at ease.

Over the years, she has become accustomed to facing and solving all problems on her own.

It wasn't until recently that she truly realized how blissful it is to have someone to rely on.

Lin Xuan looked down at her and asked, "I'm planning to go to the Xuanwu Tribe in a while. Would you like to come with me?"

Tian Qingluan asked in surprise, "Can I go? I heard from Sister Youmeng that the Xuanwu Clan forbids outsiders from entering..."

Lin Xuan put his arm around her and said with a smile, "You're not an outsider."

Although the storms in Bozhou seem to have subsided, there are still undercurrents. Lin Xuan is not at ease leaving her alone in Bozhou.

Youmeng would probably be happy to see her.

Lin Xuan asked, "How did you and Youmeng meet?"

Tian Qingluan was lost in memories, and said with a smile, "When I was little, Sister Youmeng would go out to buy things with the Xuanwu tribe every year and stay at the Tian family's house for a while. I looked forward to the Mid-Autumn Festival the most back then, because after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sister Youmeng would come soon, and she would tell me many stories about the Jiuli tribe..."

Lin Xuandao looked at her and asked, "Do you really like Youmeng?"

Tian Qingluan said, "Of course, what I wanted most when I was little was to be with Sister Youmeng every day..."

……

Lin Xuan had just returned to Jingbian Division when a guard came to report that the Song family had been waiting for a long time.

After thinking about it, Lin Xuan decided to meet them.

After the Yang family was destroyed, the Song family became one of the two remaining major powers in the southwest. Although he knew their purpose in coming to Jingbian Division, he couldn't very well turn them away; at least he had to save face.

Jingbian Division, a side hall somewhere.

As soon as Lin Xuan stepped inside, a figure stood up, beaming, and said, "Lord Chen, you're finally back! I was so grateful for your help at Dragon Cliff Mountain last time, and I've been wanting to pay my respects ever since. But I was worried about your busy schedule, so I haven't had the chance until today..."

Lin Xuan recognized the person who spoke.

This Song family martial artist was the one who was seriously injured by the stone formation of Dragon Cliff Mountain. If Lin Xuan hadn't intervened in time, he would probably have died on the spot.

Lin Xuan simply smiled, gestured for the Song family members to sit down, and then said, "It was nothing, no need to be so polite."

At this moment, a middle-aged man stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Lin Xuan, and said, "Lord Chen, I am Song Qian, the fourth son of the Song family. I have long admired Lord Chen's name..." Lin Xuan returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Greetings, Mr. Song."

After the guests and hosts were seated, Song Qian first thanked Lin Xuan for saving the Song family's martial artists, and then said, "The Yang family has dominated Bozhou for hundreds of years and is the biggest scourge in the southwest. The fact that the imperial court is determined to eradicate them is truly a blessing for the people of the southwest..."

Lin Xuan smiled and said, "The Song family also contributed a lot to this matter, and the imperial court will not forget you."

After establishing a closer relationship, Song Qian said, "I've heard that the imperial court is recruiting royal merchants. To be honest, my Song family intends to take over the Yang family's business. We will definitely be able to help the court reap huge profits. I hope that Lord Chen will consider the Song family's contributions this time and try to help us. The Song family will definitely repay you handsomely!"

Lin Xuan did not respond immediately. He picked up his teacup, blew on the tea foam, and spoke after a long while: "Mr. Song, it's not that I'm criticizing your Song family, but how can you be so short-sighted? In the southwest, only your An and Song families can take over the Yang family's business. The An family and Nanzhao have been treacherous for a long time. How could the court let them gain such a huge advantage? It was originally intended for your Song family to take over..."

He glanced at Song Qian, then changed the subject: "But what about you? Not only do you fail to appreciate the court's good intentions, you also colluded with the An family to deliberately lower prices. Now look what's happened; you've thoroughly angered the court, which has led to this whole 'Imperial Merchant' affair..."

Upon hearing this, Song Qian looked filled with remorse.

I shouldn't have listened to the An family's instigation in the first place; the cooked duck just flew away like that!

He stood up, walked up to Lin Xuan, and said, "Lord Chen, my Song family is utterly loyal to the court, unlike the An family, which is of one mind with Nanzhao. If the An family grows stronger, it will surely become a major threat to the court in the future. You must help the Song family in this matter!"

Lin Xuan's face showed a hint of helplessness as he said, "To be honest, although the court has entrusted me with handling matters concerning imperial merchants, the final decision-making power is not in my hands..."

Just as Song Qian's regret reached its peak, Lin Xuan changed the subject, saying, "However, in my heart, I still favor your Song family. How about this, after the An family submits their application, I will secretly leak their information to you. When the time comes, as long as the profits you hand over are half a percent higher than theirs, the court will definitely choose you..."

Song Qian's face lit up with joy. He grasped Lin Xuan's hand and said, "Thank you, Lord Chen!"

Lin Xuan nodded slightly: "You're welcome."

Song Qian gestured with his eyes, and two men from the Song family behind him stepped forward carrying two bulging paper bags and placed them on the table in front of Lin Xuan.

Song Qian looked at Lin Xuan and said with a smile, "Lord Chen, the Mid-Autumn Festival is still more than half a year away. The Song family is sending you some mooncakes in advance to wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Please keep these mooncakes for yourself and don't give them away..."

After saying this, he clasped his hands in a salute and left with the Song family members.

A short while later, Lu Feng entered the room and asked, "The Song family is here for matters concerning the imperial merchants, right?"

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "The Song family wanted to obtain the imperial merchant qualification, but I managed to evade it. As for the Yang family's assets, while they cannot be handed over to the An family, they also cannot be handed over to the Song family, lest they become too powerful and a new Yang family emerges..."

He unwrapped the paper package left by Song Qian and said, "The Song family sent some mooncakes in advance. Commander Lu, would you like to try some..."

Lu Feng laughed, "The New Year holiday has just passed, what kind of mooncakes are you sending? Judging by the appearance, they're probably not filled with gold..."

Lin Xuan opened a paper package, picked up a heavy mooncake, and said in astonishment, "Commander Lu is truly a prophet, but you're wrong about one thing. This mooncake isn't just filled with gold; even the crust is made of gold..."

He put the gold mooncake back and said, "When Commander Lu returns to the capital, take these mooncakes with you and hand them over to the court for disposal..."

Lu Feng shook his head and said, "Since it's a gift for you, just accept it. A few mooncakes are nothing. Even if you take them back, they'll just go from your pocket to someone else's. Why should I bother..."

He placed his hand on Lin Xuan's shoulder and said, "You've now entered officialdom. It's different from when you were a banner officer or a captain. In officialdom, sometimes you have to know how to blend in and not be too arrogant. As long as you handle things properly, feel free to collect the mooncakes you're entitled to. No one will bother you..."

Lu Feng had watched Lin Xuan rise to this position step by step, and he couldn't help but want to offer a few words of advice.

In the Dayong Dynasty, one could be corrupt, but one could not only be corrupt.

His personality is too straightforward. If he doesn't understand this principle, he will encounter obstacles everywhere when he arrives in the capital.

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "I've learned a lot..."

Lu Feng smiled slightly and asked again, "Regarding the imperial merchant, do you have any suitable candidates?"

Lin Xuan thought for a moment and said, "The Tian family of Sizhou."

Lu Feng looked at him and teased, "In this matter, you don't shy away from family ties at all..."

The Jingye Division had already investigated all of Lin Xuan's backgrounds, and Lu Feng was naturally aware of his affair with the eldest daughter of the Tian family.

Lin Xuan said frankly, "Giving the Yang family's assets to the An and Song families would be like raising a tiger to cause trouble. Apart from these two families, the Tian family is the biggest rising star in the Southwest business community. They have the ability to take over the Yang family's inheritance. The fact that they were able to leave Sizhou and stand alongside the major merchants in the Southwest in such a short time is enough to show their management ability and can guarantee the court's profits in the later stages..."

He continued, "Of course, more importantly, the wealth of the An and Song families is built upon their family strength. The Tian family may have wealth, but their family strength is inferior to that of a small chieftain in Bozhou. Even if they grow stronger in the future, they will not escape the control of the imperial court. Both publicly and privately, the Tian family is the best choice for imperial merchants..."

Lu Feng laughed and said, "Actually, you don't need to explain in such detail. His Majesty has entrusted this matter to you. Choosing which one to choose is your business. You don't need to explain it to anyone."

Lin Xuan said seriously, "No, no, no, it's better to explain clearly, otherwise people will think that my choice of the Tian family is due to some inside story or private matter..."

……

To ensure fairness, the Jingbian Division recruited imperial merchants, setting a half-month deadline.

Within the next two weeks, any merchant in the Southwest who meets the requirement of 10,000 taels of capital verification will theoretically have the opportunity to become a royal merchant.

In Bozhou, inside the newly purchased mansion of the An family.

An Yunru tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "Song Qian just went to the Jingbian Division, probably about the imperial merchants. Because of the Nanzhao Kingdom, the Song family has an advantage over us in this matter. Once they get the Yang family's assets, the An family will probably never have a chance to rise again..."

A man beside him said, "When the Song family left, they weren't carrying anything. They must have bribed that person. Should we go and talk to them too..."

An Yunru raised his hand and asked, "No rush, have you investigated that person's identity?"

The man said, "The investigation is complete. He was originally from the capital region. Because his parents were killed by corrupt officials, he killed the officials to avenge them. Later, he was hunted down by the Jingye Division. When he reappeared, he had transformed into one of the Sixteen Jingye Guards. He was probably secretly recruited by the Jingye Division..."

Does he have any family members?

"No, this person was originally an only child. After his parents were murdered, he was left all alone..."

"So, this person doesn't have any obvious weaknesses, and we don't know his preferences, so we don't know where to start..."

An Yunru glanced at a figure in black in the corner and said, "Lord Nettle, could you use poison or Gu magic to control this person and make him work for us? The profits from the Imperial Merchants are substantial, and the An family must obtain them..."

The woman in black took a sip of tea and said calmly, "When we besieged the Yang family last time, those antidote pills and anti-poison pills were provided by the Yong Kingdom's court. Ordinary poisons are useless against him, and I'm not skilled in poison arts either. Lady Mandala is coming to Bozhou in the next few days, let's talk about it when she arrives..."

……

The backyard of Tianjia Salt Shop.

Tian Qingluan looked at the pile of gold mooncakes on the table and asked in surprise, "Where did these things come from?"

Lin Xuan was busy in the kitchen when she casually said, "The Song family gave it to us a couple of days ago. You should have it melted down. We'll need the money for many things in the future."

Tian Qingluan nodded slightly and put these things away.

She sat at the stone table, resting her chin on her hand, gazing at the figure in the kitchen.

Over the years, she has made many decisions regarding the family business.

Most of these decisions yielded good returns.

But the decision that yielded the greatest returns had nothing to do with business.

At that time, she chased him from Sizhou to Bozhou, simply because she didn't want to regret it later.

But unexpectedly, this pursuit not only led to her finding a perfect husband, but also paved the way for a bright future for the Tian family...

At that moment, she suddenly missed the days when she lived in that alley.

She stood up, walked to the kitchen door, and said to Lin Xuan, "After we eat, let's go back to the alley we used to go to take a look..."

Lin Xuan turned around and smiled, saying, "Okay..."

At the city gate of Bozhou.

People flocked into the city. Since the Yang family's downfall, there was no longer an entrance fee to Bozhou. Bozhou quickly recovered its former prosperity, and even surpassed its former glory...

Amidst the crowd, a woman wearing a veil and a black gauze covering her face slowly walked into Bozhou City.

(End of this chapter)