Chapter 363

First Volume, Chapter 363: Strategic Partner

Doing business is like this—whether starting with courtesy before force, or invoking the Broken Window Effect, it all boils down to assessing the situation.

Just moments ago, Qin Chao had been like a mad dog; now he bowed with both hands, paying respects to the Lord of Gaoshan.

"Your Majesty is wise. I'm certain the trade between Tianji Camp and Gaoshan Country will proceed smoothly. As my young master says, when there's money to be made, everyone shares in it—only mutual gain is true gain."

The King of Gaoshan and the Civil and Military Ministers were all taken aback.

Could it be that all Tianji Camp people are this… shameless?

But…

The words are crude, yet the logic is sound.

Which of the Fan Bang Zhu Guo along the Northern Border hasn't heard of Tianji Camp's name?

Once obscure, Tianji Camp has steadily become the premier commercial organization in Shedynasty.

Moreover, Tianji Camp alone has sustained the battle between Beixi County and the Di vanguard to this day—not only showing no signs of collapse, but growing stronger with every fight.

A hard nut even the Di couldn't crack proves Tianji Camp's strength.

But the world knows only one side, not the other.

Tianji Camp single-handedly supporting a border war is an unprecedented feat.

Yet while supporting the war, it still has the capacity to send merchant caravans through the Di's tight blockades, extending its business all the way to Gaoshan Country.

Lately, rumors spread that Tianji Camp is making multiple preparations: expanding cities, developing Sugarcane Plantations, and establishing commercial footholds in Jiangnan, the wealthiest region of Shedynasty.

Judging by overall strength, a mere Tianji Camp likely possesses greater hard power than the entire Gaoshan Country.

The King of Gaoshan was deeply shaken, yet even more excited.

If Gaoshan Country could become a partner of Tianji Camp—especially a "Strategic Partner," as Qin Chao put it—it would be an immense boon for Gaoshan's future development and domestic needs.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, the King of Gaoshan asked Qin Chao and the other Tianji Camp merchants to step out of the tent, saying he needed to confer first with his ministers.

Once the tent was empty of outsiders, the Lord of Gaoshan lost all restraint and immediately asked: "What do you all think?"

The Protector General, clad in Gaoshan Country's unique cold-weather armor, stepped forward and growled: "This must not be done!"

"The Tianji Camp merchants spoke disrespectfully to Your Majesty—they clearly hold Gaoshan Country in contempt. Even if we are a small nation on the Northern Border, we still have national dignity. How can we allow such humiliation?"

"I propose executing all Tianji Camp merchants as a warning to others! Though their Tianji Camp Guards are fierce outside, they are few in number and cannot undertake long journeys to Gaoshan Country. No matter how furious Qin Feng Xiao'er becomes, he cannot reach us—and even if he did, I am confident I can slaughter every one of his men!"

The King of Gaoshan had no doubt about the Protector General's words.

After all, in highland warfare, no neighboring country could gain any advantage over Gaoshan Country.

Even the fiercest Tianji Camp Guards, once on Gaoshan soil, would wilt like eggplants struck by frost.

At this moment, the Ministry of Revenue minister—who had argued most fiercely against Qin Chao earlier—strongly opposed the Protector General's proposal.

"Absolutely not!"

"The General finds the Tianji Camp merchants crude, yet he fails to understand: whether in diplomatic negotiations or commercial cooperation, this kind of verbal sparring is standard. If one speaks politely and calmly, how can one secure advantage? Only by intimidating the other can one seize the initiative."

"The terms Tianji Camp offers may not be generous, but they are precisely what Gaoshan Country needs most right now."

"The merchants' rudeness should be ignored—we must prioritize practicality."

The King of Gaoshan nodded, greatly approving the Ministry of Revenue minister's words, and sighed softly: "Though these words tarnish our national prestige, the truth remains: Gaoshan Country… is small and sparsely populated. If we seek only basic subsistence, herding suffices—but what difference does that make from barbarians?"

"If we wish to become a Rong Yi Zhi Bang, we must rely on great powers. Now that the Di and Shedynasty are at odds, Gaoshan Country is caught between them, struggling even to secure basic materials. The Tianji Camp merchants may speak boldly, but their words are not false: even our nobles' tea is inferior to the dregs the servants use to rinse their mouths."

Though aware of Gaoshan Country's plight, the Protector General remained deeply uneasy.

After a moment of thought, he murmured: "Gaoshan Country borders the Di. If this becomes known, we will face their retaliation! Even with our terrain and total national strength, we might not hold out as long as Beixi County."

The King of Gaoshan nodded: "I have considered this. Since Tianji Camp wishes to trade with Gaoshan Country, it is not our burden to secure the Shang Dao—securing the trade route is Tianji Camp's minimum sincerity."

With the matter thus settled, the Protector General fell silent.

Then the King of Gaoshan summoned Qin Chao back into the tent.

"Gaoshan Country produces abundant Highland Horses, cattle, and sheep. Highland Horses serve as Warhorses; beef and mutton are exceptionally delicious. Except for Highland Horses at five taels each, cattle and sheep must be traded at normal prices. No silver coinage accepted—only barter. We require tea, sugar, salt, silk, ceramics… this is Gaoshan Country's bottom line."

Before leaving Beixi County, Qin Chao had been received by Li Xiaolan, who specifically warned him that if the deal succeeded, he must show the King of Gaoshan the highest Imperial Etiquette.

She had also personally taught Qin Chao certain Imperial Etiquette protocols.

Qin Chao immediately extended both arms horizontally, slowly clasped his hands before his chest, and bowed his head slightly—transforming completely from the earlier hired thug into a refined scholar-official: "Your Majesty is wise. Your humble servant shall faithfully report this matter to my young master. If Gaoshan Country and Tianji Camp establish a Strategic Partner relationship, Tianji Camp will regard Gaoshan Country as a Class-A Relationship and fully support all of Gaoshan Country's development."

As he spoke, Qin Chao knelt and performed a full prostration before the King of Gaoshan.

Seeing this, not only did the King of Gaoshan's face glow with honor, but even the Protector General's hostility vanished.

He thought: Now this is more like it.

Meanwhile, in Jiangnan Tangqi.

Wang Cheng, the fifty-year-old owner of Wang Ji, rushed frantically into the Lin Residence, screaming hysterically: "Summon the Patriarch of the Lin Family! Qin Feng Xiao'er has ordered his troops to seize grain! Is there no justice left in Heaven?!"

The Patriarch of the Lin Family did not appear; instead, an elderly Steward with snow-white hair slowly emerged, leaning on a cane.

He asked calmly: "Ordered troops to seize grain? Why come to the Lin Residence, Master Wang, rather than file a complaint at the Tangqi County Yamen?"

Wang Cheng gritted his teeth: "The County Yamen dares not intervene in this matter—only the Lin Family can deliver justice."

The old Steward smiled meaningfully: "No payment given—so it's outright robbery?"