Chapter 440: Various thoughts, three great merchants request an audience

Three hundred miles outside Changancheng.

Dozens of carriages and hundreds of guards of the Yan Kingdom were also speeding along the official road toward the direction of Changancheng.

In the center, a gorgeous carriage was guarded by a group of soldiers. On the carriage sat an old man over fifty and a middle-aged man with a resolute face.

The old man wore a purple long robe embroidered with complex cloud patterns, his silver-like long hair neatly tied in a crown. The middle-aged man beside him stood tall, wearing a purple-gold crown, his face full of majesty.

The Yan Kingdom's Second Imperial Prince, Yan Wushuang, and his advisor, Yuan Xuanlin!

"I can hardly imagine that Da Qian, under such circumstances, frontally defeated the Great Chu's attack and captured the Great Chu's Second Princess alive. This battle is enough to be written into military books for future generals to study."

"Even though I have fought north and south, experiencing hundreds of battles in my life, I have no confidence in being able to hold Changancheng!"

Yan Wushuang thought of the news from Da Qian, his face full of amazement.

He had thought Da Qian would be removed from the seven kingdoms and vanish from history, but when the news came, he was shocked.

Yuan Xuanlin's eyes were deep, and he also said, "Burning the Chu army's vine-armored soldiers, defending the city with molten gold, a midnight surprise attack, moving the dragon banner forward—that Da Qian 'Living Yama' deserves the first merit!"

"With him in Da Qian, it truly wasn't destined to perish!"

"I have heard that he is not only peerless in military strategy but also extremely vicious in his schemes. Lowering grain prices, treating the locust plague—his methods are endless. This time, on this diplomatic mission, Prince Yan must build a good relationship with this person."

Speaking of this, Yuan Xuanlin's tone was solemn.

"The First Imperial Prince is the Crown Prince, uniting with the Third Imperial Prince to control the imperial capital's situation. His Majesty's health is becoming increasingly weak, and Prince Yan's situation is already very dangerous."

"This time, going to Da Qian, that Da Qian 'Living Yama' is insidious and cunning, with countless poison schemes in his belly. Why doesn't the Second Imperial Prince ask this 'Living Yama' for a poison scheme?"

"If he is willing to plan for Your Highness, this situation can be solved!"

Yan Wushuang heard about the First Imperial Prince, a hint of hostility in his eyes.

He said indignantly, "I have fought north and south for Great Yan, sweeping across the country, but just because I was born later than the eldest, this throne has nothing to do with me!"

Hearing this, Yuan Xuanlin immediately tensed up and said, "Prince Yan, watch your words!"

Yan Wushuang took a deep breath, his eyes flickering: "Forget it, perhaps this is my fate!"

"But I am also curious about this 'Living Yama's' ability."

Yuan Xuanlin said with a solemn face, "That Da Qian 'Living Yama' is insidious and cunning; Your Highness must be careful not to fall into his trap."

Yan Wushuang nodded, a confident smile appearing on his face, "You can rest assured about this. I have already thought it through. When I arrive in Changancheng, I will find an opportunity to drink with that Gao Yang."

"I have peerless drinking capacity by nature. As the saying goes, 'truth comes out after drinking.' When a few cups are down, I'm not afraid that Gao Yang won't tell the truth!"

Speaking of this, Yan Wushuang's face was full of confidence.

"With all the kingdoms gathering in Changancheng this time, I'm afraid it will be lively."

He sighed again.

Yuan Xuanlin also touched the beard on his chin, a smile appearing on his face.

"I am curious whether this 'Living Yama' is as vicious as the rumors say."

"..."

At the same time.

Da Qian borderlands.

A flag with the character 'Chu' fluttered in the wind, and a continuous line of carriages formed a long queue. In the middle carriage, a woman with a beautiful face lifted the curtain.

She wore a white long dress, her exquisite cheeks full of nobility, and an extremely noble temperament spread from her body.

Behind her, a group of old men wearing cloth clothes and shoes were all extraordinary.

Among these people were the Mohist Giant known throughout the seven kingdoms, the great Confucian scholars whose talent moved the seven kingdoms, and the great Confucian scholar of mathematics who had studied for thirty years without leaving the mountains.

"Great Chu has suffered such a great humiliation; I ask all the Giants to wash away the shame for Great Chu!"

Chu Ningyu lowered her head and bowed respectfully to the group of old men.

For a time, a series of voices rang out.

"Great Princess, no need for formalities. When the country is in trouble, even an ordinary person has a responsibility, let alone us!"

"We are willing to die for Great Chu!"

"I have long heard that the Da Qian 'Living Yama' is extraordinary; I would like to ask him for advice!"

Chu Ningyu stared toward the direction of Changancheng, her red lips parted slightly, her expression cold, "Daring to inflict heavy punishment on my sister and wanting to make my subordinates queue up—this is an insult to my Great Chu!"

"This time, I, Chu Ningyu, will definitely make you lose your reputation!"

"..."

Da Qian, Changancheng.

Dingguo Duke Prefecture.

Outside the prefecture.

Several carriages stopped at the entrance.

Xie Anran wore a black long dress and a veil. She said to Uncle Fu, "Please report that Xie family head Xie Anran requests an audience with Lord Gao!"

Immediately after, a middle-aged wealthy merchant wearing a purple long robe also walked up.

"Wang family head Wang Dezhi requests an audience with Lord Gao!"

"Zhao family head Zhao Jifa requests an audience with Lord Gao!"

Uncle Fu was shocked; he knew the great names of these three people.

Although the three great families were merchants, their foundation and their background had close ties with many noble clans and high officials in Changancheng.

He didn't expect the three of them to come together to request an audience with Gao Yang!

This matter is not simple!

"Everyone, please come back another day; my Eldest Young Master has not returned since the morning court, and I don't know when he will return to the prefecture today."

Uncle Fu knew the extraordinary status of these people, so he spoke very politely.

Xie Anran frowned; the three of them had already waited for a period of time after the morning court before coming to visit.

But she didn't expect Gao Yang still hadn't returned, which made Xie Anran associate it with many things.

The current Empress's trust in Gao Yang is extraordinary.

"I think Lord Gao will be back soon; we will wait outside."

Xie Anran said politely.

Seeing this, Uncle Fu didn't say much and just turned back into the prefecture.

"This Lord Gao has such a high profile; it's been two days, and he still hasn't seen us."

Wang Dezhi looked displeased and flicked his sleeves.

Xie Anran said, "Bai Yu Sugar is booming in Changancheng, and it is linked to the 'Slash-a-Knife' game, which has brought out its value. This business is worth waiting for, even if it takes three or seven days!"

"Not to mention that Lord Gao's status is noble; he is not only the Eldest Young Master of the Dingguo Duke Prefecture, but he hasn't even reached his capping ceremony yet and is already highly valued by His Majesty, becoming the Minister of Revenue, one of the Six Ministries!"

"Family Head Wang, you should be cautious and be more polite."

Once these words were spoken.

Wang Dezhi's face stiffened; in terms of status, Gao Yang absolutely crushed him!

Among the seven kingdoms, agriculture is valued and commerce is suppressed; the status of merchants has always been low.

Although they were relatively special, they were ultimately merchants.

Zhao Jifa was older, with a head of white hair. He said, "Bai Yu Sugar has infinite potential, and behind it is a business of millions of taels or even larger scale. Lord Gao is best at attacking the heart."

"Our three families must unite tightly to get better conditions!"

"I ask the two family heads to know this!"