Teasing the First Dragon at the Start

After hearing Bai Su's plan, Zhang Han finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

With the Empress's secret approval above and Bai Su, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, in the middle, dealing with the ministers in the court, playing the good cop and the bad cop with His Majesty.

Then all she needs to do is simple: cooperate with Bai Su's plan and act as a sharp tool in Bai Su's hands. That's enough.

After all, with two powerful backers protecting them, one openly and one secretly, what is there to be afraid of?

After pondering for a long time, Zhang Han raised her head and looked at Bai Su with her beautiful eyes: "I wonder what Your Excellency needs me to do?"

Bai Su took a sip of tea and said calmly, "The Tian family of Qi monopolized the salt trade, inflated prices, and annexed land in the area. They committed numerous heinous crimes, but they even colluded with the remnants of the six states and did many things that violated the laws of Heaven."

"I need you to go to the area and gather enough evidence to prove their crimes, enough to leave no room for doubt."

Zhang Han's eyelids twitched involuntarily. Lord Bai's meaning was definitely not to ask her to go and investigate.

This was clearly evidence that she was being allowed to use the guise of an investigation to close the case, leaving the ministers from the six kingdoms in the court speechless.

Despite the urge to complain in her heart, she didn't show it on her face.

After all, the duty of a knife is simply to be sharp; as for other things, that's not something she can consider.

She took a deep breath, cupped her hands, and said, "This humble general understands."

Chapter 295 Undercurrents

The Tian family residence in Qi.

A magnificent mansion came into view, covering a vast area with high walls and green tiles, and huge red pillars standing tall. Two exotic beasts sat in front of the mansion.

It looks very impressive from a distance.

Although the Tian family has lost its former glory, its influence is still considerable. In the local area, people may not know Xianyang, but they absolutely cannot be unaware of the Tian family.

In the study.

On the sandalwood wooden table, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were neatly arranged, all rare treasures.

In the flickering candlelight, a dignified woman could be seen sitting at a table.

She rolled up her sleeves and looked at the list in her hand, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly: "Your Chanyu wants too much this time. Such a large amount of salt is a huge risk for me. If Xianyang finds out, I'll be in big trouble."

This person was none other than Tian Mi, the current head of the Tian family.

Before her stood an envoy dressed in Hu clothing; from his hairstyle and attire, it was clear that the envoy came from the Xiongnu.

At this moment, the Xiongnu from the grasslands appeared in the Tian family's residence. If outsiders knew about this, it would probably cause a huge uproar.

The Xiongnu envoy chuckled upon hearing her words and said in a low voice, "Master Tian, ​​that's rather unfair of you. We agreed on a private trade: you would provide us with salt, and we would provide you with horses. You can't break that agreement now..."

She skillfully pulled out a list from her sleeve, a catalog of horses that had been secretly transported from the Liaodong region without the imperial court's knowledge.

Judging from their practiced manner, it was clear that this was not the first time the two parties had traded.

Looking at the astonishing numbers on the list, Tian Mi couldn't help but frown and say, "You suddenly want to trade such a large amount of supplies. Could it be that you have some big plans recently?"

The Xiongnu envoy said, "That's right. The Chanyu has decided to send troops to the Beiting Protectorate soon. Once war breaks out between the two sides, trade between the Central Plains and Xianyang will definitely be cut off. These things are essential for preparing daily necessities."

"Besides... with such a large number of warhorses, you can cooperate with the people of those six kingdoms, can't you?"

Facing the gaze of the Xiongnu envoy, Tian Mi remained silent for a moment.

That's right, the Tian family has close ties with various forces in the Central Plains, the grasslands, and other regions.

The Donghu and Xiongnu used her to purchase salt and iron, while the remnants of the six states in the Central Plains used her to secretly buy warhorses and other supplies from the grasslands.

After all, strategic materials such as salt, iron, and warhorses were strictly regulated by the imperial court. Only aristocratic families like the Tian family had the ability to circumvent the court's surveillance and smuggle them secretly.

The reason for doing this is, firstly, to make money.

Secondly, it's naturally for the purpose of placing bets separately and establishing relationships.

A behemoth like the Tian family would undoubtedly have close ties with various powerful forces in private, so that if the imperial court were to target them in the future, they could have the protection of a powerful force when they fled.

If Xiang Liang and the people of the six states had truly succeeded in overthrowing the Great Xia...

The Tian family has made considerable contributions, and it's not impossible that they could eventually establish their own territory and restore the Qi state.

Even if Xiang Liang and his group fail, the Tian family will still be a prestigious family in the area, so they are guaranteed to make a profit.

Tian Mi was in a dilemma at this moment.

In the past, when she secretly smuggled goods, she always tried to keep the amount within a certain range to ensure that she would not attract the attention of the imperial court. Even if the imperial court caught her doing something wrong, it would be easy for her to find an excuse to get away with it.

But now, engaging in such large-scale smuggling transactions with the Xiongnu and the remnants of the six states would be a serious crime if the imperial court found out.

At that point, forget about pleasing both sides; you might end up being implicated and severely punished by the court.

The thought of the ruthless empress in Xianyang Palace sent chills down her spine.

The Xiongnu envoy sneered, "Master Tian, ​​we have brought all our warhorses. If you suddenly break the agreement now, news of your smuggling will reach Xianyang at any time. At that time, you will not only face the wrath of our Chanyu, but also... the accountability of the First Emperor."

Tian Mi bit her red lips lightly, feeling a pang of regret. She shouldn't have done business with these Xiongnu people in the first place. She had intended to hedge her bets, but now she felt like she was getting deeper and deeper into trouble.

After pondering for a long time, she sighed and said, "Fine, this is the last time. Take those horses to the old place. Salt is easy to arrange, but the imperial court strictly controls ironware, so transporting it will probably be difficult. I will find a way to send it to you in batches..."

"It would be a pleasure to cooperate with you..."

The Xiongnu envoy smiled slightly, for salt and iron were extremely important to them, given their scarcity of resources.

.......

......

Xianyang City.

Inside the Prince's Mansion.

Wang Jian was sitting upright at her desk, her beautiful eyes fixed on the Xuan paper on the table, meticulously painting a landscape picture that was slowly taking shape.

Just as she was about to make the final stroke, a sudden, urgent knocking came from outside the door, causing her brush to tremble. A perfect painting was ruined by a long, dark mark.

She raised an eyelid and gritted her teeth, saying, "Which thief is it..."

"Hehe, it's me, this scoundrel." A cheerful young man's voice came from outside the door.

Wang Jian raised a delicate eyebrow. This voice sounded familiar; it seemed to be Bai Su's voice.

"Lord Wang, I've come to see you..."

The door was pushed open, and a young man dressed in white was smiling at her.

Who else could it be but Bai Su?

"Oh, it's Young Master Bai..."

Wang Jian's expression changed instantly; his displeasure vanished, replaced by a beaming smile: "Instead of going to the palace to accompany His Majesty, you suddenly come to visit. What brings you here?"

Others may not know, but as a veteran minister who has followed Zheng Jie for many years, Bai Su is very clear about the private affairs between the two.

Thinking of this, she looked at Bai Su with a mixture of amazement and wonder.

For most people, being able to marry a princess would be considered incredibly lucky.

But Bai Su was different. Not only did he capture Prince Hu, but he also beheaded His Majesty, who was his mother-in-law.

This is something even Jing Ke couldn't do back then; Young Master Bai is truly an extraordinary person.

Facing Wang Jian's teasing gaze, Bai Su coughed lightly and then said, "I've come today to discuss a business deal with you..."

"To do business with me?"

Wang Jian was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes.

This is a good business opportunity. After all, Bai Su's ability to make money through business is well-known. In fact, many merchants in the countryside worship Bai Su as a god of wealth.

Although she is already well-off with her family background, who would ever complain about not having enough money?

Wang Jian's lips curved slightly as he smiled and said, "I see. May I ask what kind of business Young Master Bai is referring to?"

Bai Su chuckled and said, "Of course it's fine salt. If you're willing to help me, I can give you the business of fine salt in Xianyang to manage, but I'll need your help."

"Fine salt!!!"

Wang Jian was momentarily stunned; this was truly a grand gesture.

It's important to know that fine salt, spices, and sugar have always been synonymous with exorbitant profits, even though the business can only operate within the Xianyang area, which may seem small.

However, the city is home to wealthy merchants and nobles from all over the country. If the salt business in the city were handed over to her, wouldn't she have an endless treasure trove?

Even if the Wang family's descendants are not successful in the future, they will not decline because of this business.

She glanced at Bai Su with interest: "Young Master Bai has given me such a good business opportunity. The matter that requires my help must be extraordinary."

Bai Su smiled and said, "As expected of Lord Wang, you hit the nail on the head. I will speak frankly as well. I plan to submit a memorial to the court in a couple of days, proposing that all salt and iron products in the country be collected by the court and managed by the government."

"At that time, there will inevitably be a number of dissenting voices in the court. I hope that Lord Wang can lend me a helping hand behind the scenes."

Wang Jian's slender fingers tapped lightly on the table.

After a long silence, she looked at Bai Su with her beautiful eyes and said, "Young Master Bai, given our friendship, it would be right for me to help you, but I'm afraid I'm powerless to do so at this moment."

"One of the major salt merchants is the Tian family of Qi. His Majesty personally promised to bestow these things upon the Tian family."

"Now that you suddenly want to take action against the Tian family and others, even if I help you confront Li Si and her gang of scoundrels, I really have no way to deal with His Majesty. The key is how to get His Majesty to agree..."

Bai Su looked at Wang Jian, whose brows were furrowed, and couldn't help but smile, "Don't worry, Lord Wang, I had already obtained His Majesty's consent before I came here."

"You mean, Her Majesty is planning to take action..."

When Wang Jian saw Bai Su nod, he couldn't help but gasp, and his eyes trembled.

This...this is truly earth-shattering news.

She was surprised for a moment, but after recalling Bai Su's relationship with Sister Zheng, she didn't find it strange anymore.

Now that His Majesty has given his approval, there's nothing left to worry about.

After all, it was Bai Su who proposed to bring salt and iron under state control, so she didn't need to lift a finger to bring down the Tian family of Qi.

All you have to do is stand up and show your support after things are done, do a favor, and you can get a good business deal for free.

Why not?

After clarifying the relationship, Wang Jian's fair face broke into a faint smile: "Alright, then I'll lend you a hand, young master. To be honest, I've been eyeing the Tian family for a long time, not just for a day or two, haha."

Bai Su couldn't help but smile, raised her teacup, and drank a cup with Wang Jian.