Even the crown prince is getting a marriage of convenience? Why are you in such a hurry to stop bein

"Otherwise, with so much food, wouldn't my stomach burst?"

Xiao Lie was not angered by King Jing's sarcastic remarks.

After all, among so many people who were chasing and intercepting him, Jiang Yun was the only simple person. He had no grudges against them and only sought personal gain.

As long as the benefits are in hand, everything is negotiable. This is much more appealing than those petty people who want to take the opportunity to kill him.

"Your Highness is right. It was my narrow-mindedness in the past that led me to make a mistake. That's why I've come to see Your Highness now."

"We hope Your Highness can lend a helping hand."

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Yun's eyes, and he said lazily.

"What do you mean by that, Your Highness? Didn't you already announce that you would be putting the proposal up for tender? Since you're already in such a predicament, what offer is there for assistance?"

"Your Highness, why beat around the bush with me? The alliance of the major merchants is only loosening; it is far from being broken. If none of them show up by then, leaving me standing alone on the stage, wouldn't that be shameful?"

"That's true, but if I were to send my men, I would offend others. Your Highness simply uttered such a casual remark; it doesn't seem like you have any sincerity to offer."

Jiang Yun's words were a clear attempt to solicit benefits.

Xiao Lie smiled slightly, "I naturally understand the importance of returning favors. As long as Your Highness is willing to come and support me, I will certainly not be shortchanged."

"Speak," he whispered in Jiang Yun's ear. As he spoke, Jiang Yun's expression became strange, as if she were wavering or uneasy.

"This...is it really feasible? Aren't you afraid of offending the other companies by making such a mistake?"

Xiao Lie gave a cold laugh. "The path Your Highness chooses to take to seize the throne is also a perilous one, fraught with peril. Now that Your Highness has taken a step back, do you think they will spare Your Highness in the future, out of consideration for your current relationship?"

"Since we've already made enemies of them, why show them any mercy? As for the other families that are unrelated, Your Highness can personally intervene. As long as they don't want to cause trouble, they won't make things difficult for us. We can then offer them some benefits to appease them, and they will naturally be grateful."

Xiao Lie has a very clear understanding of the current situation.

It appears that five parties are involved in this matter, but in reality, there are only three groups of people.

The Li and Su families are related to Consort Xian, while the Wang family is associated with Consort Shu. The remaining two families are imperial merchants for generations, large merchant families based in the Jiangnan region. They come for profit, are opportunistic, and have connections with the aristocratic families and noble clans in the capital.

The Li and Su families should be targeted, while the Wang family can be won over, and the remaining two families can be appeased.

With this division, the situation remains clear.

Xiao Lie smiled slowly and said, "Although I have spread the word that it will be fair competition, Your Highness doesn't think there are still too many people? Why don't we join forces, take the lion's share, and then share some of the profits with our subordinates? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Jiang Yun rolled her eyes, clearly interested.

He had always been at odds with Consort Xian's faction, and this alliance was merely a matter of expediency, lacking much sincerity. Now that Xiao Lie had offered even more favorable terms that could also strike at Consort Xian's side, he was naturally tempted.

He touched his nose, finally realizing he had gone too far, and couldn't help but say something.

"But since it's all for profit, just kicking out the Li and Su families would suffice. Why bother framing them and seeking revenge? If this matter reaches the Emperor's court and severely damages both families, and drains the purse strings of Consort Xian and her son, wouldn't they fight us to the death?"

Thinking of the other side's vicious retaliation, Jiang Yun couldn't help but feel a pang of unease.

Xiao Lie raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone probing.

"Your Highness... are you afraid?"

Xiao Lie's gaze was like a slap in the face, stinging him. Jiang Yun almost jumped up, stubbornly arguing his point.

"What do you mean I'm afraid of? Don't talk nonsense."

Xiao Lie nodded. "Since Your Highness is not afraid, why should you back down?"

He paused, then smiled, "So, Your Highness, if I had no grudge against Prince Kang, and I had come to Prince Kang's residence today instead of Prince Jing's, what do you think Prince Kang would do? Would he, like Your Highness, show leniency?"

King Jing froze, and after thinking about it for a moment, his face darkened.

Consort Xian and Prince Kang are both ruthless at heart. If they had such an opportunity, they would probably want to trample him and his mother to death.

After thinking it over, the young man didn't hesitate any longer. His face hardened, and he said resolutely.

"Since they are both heartless, don't blame me for being unjust."

"Your proposal is accepted by His Highness."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lie smiled, stood up, and bowed.

"Your Highness is wise."

After he left the Prince Jing's residence, the smile on his face suddenly faded, leaving only a slight annoyance.

He has gone to such lengths to persuade him; hopefully, King Jing will not disappoint him.

The following day, King Jing paid his respects and visited the Meng family.

The Meng family had been merchants for generations, but they were not of high standing. Upon hearing that a prince was coming, the whole family panicked and knelt angrily at the main gate to welcome him.

"This humble subject pays respects to Your Highness Prince Jing. May Your Highness live a thousand years!"

Normally, Jiang Yun would not have bothered with someone of such status, but now that they had something to discuss, he forced a warm smile and took two steps forward to help Master Meng up.

"No need for such formalities, Master Meng."

With the prince's personal assistance, Master Meng felt extremely honored, but also increasingly apprehensive.

He bowed tremblingly and asked in a low voice.

"I wonder what brings Your Highness here?"

The Meng family hasn't done anything particularly significant lately, except perhaps to join forces with a few other families to put pressure on Prince Xiao. But wasn't Prince Jing also involved in this?

Could it be... the recent bidding process? Is Prince Jing trying to win the bid, so he came here specifically to give the Meng family a warning?

Thinking of this, Master Meng's face stiffened slightly, and he looked quite uneasy.

Seeing his reaction, Jiang Yun roughly guessed what was going on. He patted Master Meng's hand and quietly comforted him.

"Master Meng, do not be afraid. I have come here to present the Meng family with a great gift."

"Oh? What would Your Highness like to send as a gift?"

"Before that, I would like to ask Lord Meng and the Meng family one question: will you stand on my side or on Prince Kang's side?"

Upon hearing this, Master Meng, who had finally managed to straighten his back, hurriedly knelt down again, terrified.

"Your Highness, the Meng family has absolutely no intention of getting involved in this matter. The Meng family has been in business for generations and only wants to live a peaceful life."

That's enough. As long as these people don't side with King Kang and manage to stay out of trouble in this game, that's the most useful thing they can do.

"Master Meng, please don't be alarmed. I was just joking. How could I have frightened you?"

Master Meng didn't dare to say a word. Now he was starting to wonder if the Meng family had made a mistake by participating in the alliance of the merchant guild. Otherwise, why would they have provoked this formidable and dangerous figure?

Seeing that the Meng family, regardless of age or social status, were all prostrate on the ground, trembling, Jiang Yun knew that today's reprimand was enough.

He reached out and helped Master Meng up again, smiling slightly.

"What I said earlier was a joke, but it is true that I intend to send a gift to the Meng family."