Chapter 546: Butterfly Wings

"Hahaha... speaking of the Great Song Dynasty, our Qizhou is very close to Dongying, but unfortunately, due to the Sea Ban, trade between the Han Family and Dongying has been severed for these years."

"But now, this Sea Ban is as good as a scrap of paper. If Dongying is willing to trade with the Han Family, we naturally will not turn them away." Han Qi's eyes were full of smiles.

Zhao Heng granted the Yan Wang Sea Trade Rights, which was equivalent to breaking the long-standing situation where the Liang Family monopolized sea trade.

If the Yan Wang can profit through sea trade, why should his Han Family continue to abide by the Sea Ban?

As for the reaction of the Liang Family, their Han Family does not care.

Since the seven families are now each carving out their own territories, cooperating when interests align and fighting when interests conflict is simply a normal matter.

There is only one throne and only one Royal Clan; perhaps they will eventually become mortal enemies.

"Oh, why has this Sea Ban become a scrap of paper?" Xiangtian Tailang asked, showing curiosity upon hearing this.

Han Qi did not have the slightest guard against Xiangtian Tailang.

At this moment, he would not think that Dongying, separated from the Great Song Dynasty by the sea, is plotting to nibble away at the Great Song Dynasty.

To destroy the tribute system established by the Central Plains dynasties since ancient times toward surrounding countries, so that Dongying can take its place.

So he drank several cups of Wine with Xiangtian Tailang and chatted for a while.

He talked quite a bit with Xiangtian Tailang about the war between the Great Song Dynasty and the Northern Di, the contradictions between the powerful clans and the Royal Clan, and the recent situation of the powerful clans carving out territories.

While the two were drinking and chatting, the two Eastern Japanese behind Xiangtian Tailang exchanged glances frequently, recording what Han Qi said.

"So that's how it is. In that case, it means our Dongying can now openly interact with the Han Family without needing to care about the Great Song Dynasty Imperial Court." Xiangtian Tailang stood up to pour a cup of Wine for Han Qi, feeling secretly pleased in his heart.

Through the information in Han Qi's words, he judged that the current situation of the Great Song Dynasty was just like the eve of the chaotic fighting among the feudal lords in Dongying more than thirty years ago.

Clearly, it would only take a fuse for the Great Song Dynasty to fall into long-term internal chaos.

This news is extremely important to Dongying.

Although he believes that the current Dongying Army could easily defeat the Great Song Dynasty's army.

But facing a Great Song Dynasty that is united from top to bottom, they do not yet have the certainty of victory.

But a fragmented Great Song Dynasty is different.

They can completely support one faction first as a bridgehead for Dongying to enter the Great Song Dynasty.

Then use this faction to stir up the winds and clouds of the Great Song Dynasty.

When the Great Song Dynasty falls into extreme weakness due to chaotic fighting, that will be the time for their Dongying to control the Great Song Dynasty.

By then, even if they cannot control the entire territory of the Great Song Dynasty, at least they can make the Great Song Dynasty split.

As far as he knows, the British in Tianzhu incited internal conflicts among the native states of Tianzhu, utilized them, and eventually controlled the entire Tianzhu.

"That's right, no need to care about the Great Song Dynasty Imperial Court." A flush of drunkenness appeared on Han Qi's face.

He did not see the cunning that flashed in Xiangtian Tailang's eyes.

Nor did he pay attention to Xiangtian Tailang saying "our Dongying."

"That's great.

My Wufeng Island has always had close dealings with Dongying. To repay the Han Family for providing supplies to our Wufeng Island during this period, and now agreeing to the matter of the trading house, I am willing to act as a go-between for the Han Family and the Dongying Shogunate." Xiangtian Tailang raised his wine cup again.

Han Qi was increasingly delighted; it was enough that this plague had severely damaged the Yan Wang's vitality.

If the Yan Wang survived, their Han Family would still face a huge threat from the Yan Wang.

Now, if their Han Family introduces Dongying as an aid, just like the Dou Family introduced the Northern Di.

Plus the support of the Wang Family, resisting the Yan Wang in the north and competing for the throne is not without a chance.

"Many thanks, many thanks." Han Qi also raised his wine cup.

The two drank it all in one gulp.

After chatting for a while longer, Han Qi and Yuan Lifang returned.

After the two figures disappeared, Xiangtian Tailang said to the two behind him: "I have already settled the matter of the trading house for you. Next, it depends on the abilities of your Qingmu Pass. I hope you will not lose face for the Great General."

Qingmu Pass is a spy agency established during the period of chaotic fighting among the feudal lords of the Watanabe clan.

This time, they will be responsible for investigating intelligence on the Great Song Dynasty, including intelligence on the Yan Wang in the north.

"Yes, General." The two heard this and bowed at the same time.

At the same time.

After the news of the plague reached Qizhou, it did not stop, but continued all the way south, spreading toward Jinling at a faster speed.

Three days later.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Garden.

After Zhao Heng learned of this news, his expression was gloomy, "My strategy of balance has ultimately fallen through. From now on, the powerful clans will be lawless and will be difficult to suppress ever again."

"Indeed, Yanzhou was originally flourishing, how could it suddenly become like this." Liang Cheng sighed deeply, "Your Majesty, what should be done next?"

After a bitter laugh, Zhao Heng said, "What else can be done? I have lost, and lost thoroughly. From now on, Dou Wei will be even more unscrupulous, and my imperial decree will be a scrap of paper to him."

The more he thought, the angrier he became. He suddenly pointed toward the direction of Yanzhou, "Hmph, this Yan Wang is truly at odds with me. When he was in Jingshi, I fell into a serious illness. Now that I have been to Yanzhou, this plague has come to Yanzhou, ruining my great cause."

Pacing back and forth, he added, "I shouldn't have counted on him in the first place. Pass on my oral decree to demote Imperial Concubine Mi to Noble Lady."

"Your Majesty, you must not. The situation is currently unclear. If the Yan Wang survives the plague and learns of this, there will no longer be a shred of father-son affection between Your Majesty and the Yan Wang." Liang Cheng hurriedly advised.

Zhao Heng heard this and snorted again. After thinking for a while, he had to give up, "Then let's wait a bit longer."

Then, he thought of a possibility, and his mood eased a little.

If the Yan Wang were to fall ill and die, perhaps he could control the troops of Yanzhou.

By then, he would still have the capital to fight against the powerful clans...

Dou Family.

At this moment, the news that the plague had swept through Yanzhou also reached here.

Dou Wei hurriedly prepared a horse and went to Zhao Mu's mansion.

"A great plague has appeared in Yanzhou!" Zhao Mu held a scroll in his hand.

Upon hearing this, the scroll in his hand dropped to the floor, and a thick sense of excitement surged up from the depths of his eyes.

"Uncle, we have truly received the help of the heavens; now we have the right time, the right place, and the right people," Zhao Mu said, gripping Dou Wei's hand tightly.

Dou Wei was all smiles, "Judging by the news that has arrived, this great plague in Yanzhou is very severe, covering almost the entire Yanzhou, and soldiers who died from Smallpox are constantly being carried out of Yanguan to be buried."

He paused and said, "This plague is equivalent to Yan Wang fighting a battle where both sides suffered losses; even if he survives the great plague, his vitality will be greatly damaged, and with the Northern Di holding him back, he will no longer be a threat to us. Once you ascend the throne as Emperor, dealing with him will be as easy as turning over one's hand."

Zhao Mu nodded and asked expectantly, "Then when does Uncle plan to make a move?"

"The soldiers newly recruited by the Dou Family are currently training; in six months at most, that seat in the Golden Throne Hall will be yours."

"Six months?" Zhao Mu was slightly disappointed; he was already unable to wait any longer.

Seeing this, Dou Wei patted his hand, "Although you will ascend the throne in six months, some things can be carried out boldly now. When I go back, I will discuss with Xiao Cheng how to kill the Palace Guard General Xu Meng and completely control the inner and outer Imperial Guards."

In his plan, he wanted to first seize the power of the Imperial Court, then force the Emperor to appoint the Third Prince as the Imperial Heir.

Afterwards, he would have Zhao Heng die suddenly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Mu revealed a satisfied smile.