If you're made a fake emperor, why did you change the country's name?

Zhao Yu nodded slightly.

"If my uncle is willing to enlighten me, I am all ears."

Qian Zhentian put down the half-eaten roast chicken and casually wiped his greasy hands on the tablecloth.

For once, the smile vanished from his rugged face.

"This is a long story. Nowadays, there are at least eighty or a hundred countries of all sizes in the world. Each country has its own currency, and the names are all sorts of different ones."

Although most countries do not prohibit the use of other countries' money, how can ordinary people keep track of all the back and forth? Today, a string of Sun Kingdom cloth coins can be exchanged for half a bushel of rice, but tomorrow it may only be able to be exchanged for a small half bushel. Merchants are cheated, and ordinary people suffer losses. It's very chaotic!

Because of this money issue, there are always a lot of problems every year, which even makes it difficult for the imperial court to collect taxes.

At this point, the noise in the hall subsided considerably, indicating that the matter was quite popular.

"So, five years ago, the seven strongest countries came together and set a rule."

Starting this year, every year after the autumn harvest and before winter, each country sends out its own caravans to trade with other countries.

Finally, the title of "Merchant of the World" was determined by a combination of factors: which merchant caravan was the most popular and which company could attract the most caravans from outside.

Qian Batian's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said in a low voice:

"The country that seizes the title of 'Shang Tianxia' will have the right to exercise one right: starting next spring, all currencies of the other six major countries will be invalidated, except for the country that has obtained the title of 'Shang Tianxia'!"

From now on, all transactions must either use "Shang Tianxia's" currency, or only the most basic gold ingots, silver bars, and standard copper coins. Anyone who violates this rule will be attacked by other nations!

Zhao Yu raised an eyebrow after hearing this.

This isn't a trade agreement, it's a modern-day financial war!

The winner will control the world's currency issuance!

It seems that other countries are simply returning to the gold and silver standard, which is a good thing for the current chaotic market situation.

But he knew better than anyone how much room for manipulation there was once he had control over minting and pricing.

It doesn't claim to be a standardization of weights and measures, nor does it proclaim its orthodox significance.

In the 21st century, those silent currency wars were enough to severely damage a major power, without losing a single soldier!

This title is a must-have!

Zhao Yu's mind raced, but he put on a serious face and asked Qian Zhentian for advice.

"In my opinion, if I wish to compete for this position, where should I begin?"

The seriousness on Qian Zhentian's face vanished instantly, and he shook his head casually.

"Yu'er, this is difficult, more difficult than ascending to heaven!"

Unless you're willing to put our red cannons up for sale, their unique prestige might attract caravans from all over the world.

Otherwise, there's no chance at all.

The ironware of Qin, the cloth of Sun, and the official salt of Daqian were all renowned for hundreds of years, far surpassing the quality of our Great Liang.

After all, Qin Tie, Sun Bu, Daqian Yan... these nicknames weren't given for nothing.

Zhao Yu fell into deep thought.

To attract foreign caravans, you need something that will make them flock to you.

For Daliang's caravans to be popular in various countries, they also need a flagship product that can make a splash.

Cannons are certainly an option, but those are strategic weapons. Using them to exchange for the title of "Shang Tianxia" (a prestigious title in the Chinese business world) is a bit of a waste.

He also considered becoming a shrewd businessman, selling only cannons and not gunpowder, just gunpowder, to get the title first.

But the thought only flashed through my mind.

Such a reputation gained through deception has too many side effects. Once an opportunity arises, the Great Liang will immediately become the target of public criticism, and the result will likely be like that of Qin Er Shi, with the whole country rising up in rebellion, ultimately leading to its demise.

Zhao Yu rubbed his temples, feigning distress.

"I've been so busy dealing with the Wolf Kingdom these past few days that I almost forgot about this."

"Uncle, when will those caravans from various countries depart?"

Qian Zhentian burst into laughter.

"Yu'er is really too busy to think straight! The plan is set after the autumn harvest and before winter."

"The crops in the fields have been mostly harvested. In another half month at most, the caravans should be on their way."

Half a month...

Zhao Yu was certain.

Time was tight, but it was enough!

That's enough for him to create something that will shock this era!

As for what exactly it is, we still need to carefully consider it.

The Empress Dowager listened from the side, her face full of worry.

"Yu'er, this struggle for supremacy is no small matter. The Great Qian, the Sun Kingdom, and the Qin Kingdom are all deeply rooted in history, and their national treasuries are now empty. It's better for us not to compete and not to force ourselves."

"Besides, isn't that what the Mang Kingdom did? They gave up on competing for the title of the world's leading merchant state early on and used their economy to develop their military strength."

Zhao Yu turned his head and gave the Empress Dowager a faint smile.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I was merely asking and I know what I'm doing."

The Empress Dowager sighed, knowing she couldn't persuade them otherwise, and could only push everyone to start the banquet.

The atmosphere at the ensuing banquet remained lively.

The Qian family members clinked glasses and boasted about their experiences, filling the hall with a boisterous and boisterous atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

The banquet, which was held to welcome the Prince of Zhennan and to celebrate the victory of the Great Liang, was finally drawing to a close.

Zhao Yu stood up, greeted the Empress Dowager and Qian Zhentian, and then left.

As soon as Zhao Yu came out of the garden, Wei An came up to him obsequiously.

"Your Majesty, it is late and the dew is heavy. This old servant has prepared a hangover soup. Would you like it brought to me?"

"No need."

Zhao Yu waved his hand.

For him, this amount of alcohol was no different from drinking water.

The drinking capacity I honed at the dinner table in my past life is more than enough to handle this kind of situation.

"Let's set off for the imperial mausoleum."

"Yes, this old servant obeys!"

Zhao Yu began to plan on the dragon carriage. Compared to the "Business World" half a month later, the most urgent task now was to develop the Great Liang well, and at the same time, to seize power, money, military, and popular support.

As for Quan, let's see how Gan Qing does tomorrow. As long as Gan Qing does as he says, then subduing the Gan family won't be far off.

As for money, to get rich, you must first build roads. Once the roads are built, you can start building your blueprint.

Finally, if the people's hearts are won over, and there's a way, the people in the capital will automatically interact with each other. With the subsequent plans, reversing one's reputation won't be difficult.

And now...

A glint appeared in Zhao Yu's eyes as he recalled the honest-looking man from earlier.