Chapter 851: First Volume, Chapter 851: Wine Tasting and Seated Discussion

First Volume, Chapter 851: Wine Tasting and Seated Discussion

Even with his current strength and status, Qin Feng dared not underestimate local power; take Sangzhou for example—despite its vast land and sparse population of only hundreds of thousands, if united against him, even Qin Feng, richer than a nation, would eventually be worn down.

No matter how strong a man is, his capacity is limited.

Jing Ci was deeply moved; she knew well that Qin Feng was not exaggerating.

When she first met Qin Feng tonight, he was still worrying about the winter firewood for Sangzhou's people.

Ask the entire Di Imperial Court—even figures like Chen Si, the pragmatic ones—who among them would even consider Sangzhou's winter survival?

Jing Ci, who once fully believed the court's propaganda about the "suffering of Sangzhou," now began to doubt.

For this nation—

Is it better to have Qin Feng, a sworn enemy, or those so-called loyal ministers who outwardly preach great benevolence and claim to serve the state, yet secretly plot their own interests?

Jing Ci could not figure it out, so she stopped wasting energy; when her gaze returned to Qin Feng, it had become sharp and bright.

Rather than waste time on political issues, it is better to roll up one's sleeves and sincerely care for the people's livelihood.

She rose decisively, her expression more resolute than ever before.

"Marquis Qin, I am willing to believe you!"

"From this moment on, I am one of your partners in Di Kingdom."

Seeing Jing Ci's declaration, Qin Feng exhaled a heavy breath of relief; at least this nation was not entirely filled with Bo Bing Du Wu madmen—there were still rational minds.

Qin Feng stood as well, raised his warm wine cup, and said solemnly: "Your Highness is wise!"

"May we jointly seek benefit for the people of both Shedynasty and Di Kingdom!"

This was the first time since Qin Feng arrived in Di Kingdom that he had referred to the Northern Di as "Great Di."

This nation is vast and powerful—it deserves the title "Great." Though the word "Di" carries derogatory connotations, a contemptuous term used by Shedynasty, it is no different from any other nation.

This utterance of "Great Di" struck straight into Jing Ci's heart.

Jing Ci's eyes grew red, her nose tingled with emotion; after so long, she finally felt as if warm dawn light had begun to shine upon Di Kingdom's gloomy land.

"Qin Marquis, I dare not make any promises on political matters, but our commercial cooperation will be pure."

Jing Ci rarely drank, but today, she broke her habit, raised her cup, and drained it in one gulp.

With the Princess having spoken, the merchants present exchanged glances, then rose one by one, raising their wine cups to declare their stance.

"For the two nations, for countless lives."

"Though we are mere commoners, we dare not forget the state's worries—we seek to save the nation through commerce!"

With the first cup of wine swallowed, the atmosphere in the room gradually came alive.

Qin Feng no longer concealed his intent and shouted: "Bring it out!"

Ning Hu, who had been waiting long, stepped forward carrying a jar of white alcohol; he held his head high, radiating pride—nothing else mattered; merely being Qin Feng's right-hand man was enough to bring glory to his ancestors.

"Marquis Qin, what is this?"

Wang Fugui stared at the jar, curious.

Qin Feng took the jar, pulled the stopper, his face flushed: "This is the first commodity I offer to your nation!"

"Your winters are harsh—this alcohol will help you withstand the cold."

At first, no one understood, but as time passed, the aroma of the liquor spread, and Wang Fugui, closest to the jar, stared in awe.

"So fragrant!"

"This… this is… alcohol?!"

Jing Ci had already tasted the white alcohol and knew its flavor well, so she smiled silently.

The merchants, however, were utterly astonished—they had lived most of their lives without ever smelling such a rich, intoxicating aroma.

When Ning Hu began distributing the white alcohol—

Everyone stared at the clear, water-like liquid in their cups, dumbfounded.

"So clear!"

"Good heavens?! This… this is really alcohol? How can there be alcohol this clear? Even the imperial tribute wine falls far short."

Ma Lüping, unable to wait, quickly poured the alcohol into his mouth.

On his first sip, he choked violently, but soon his face flushed red, and he shouted excitedly: "Excellent wine! Excellent!"

"Just one sip brings full-body warmth and comfort—try it, everyone!"

Seeing this, no one hesitated; all began tasting the white alcohol, and soon the Wang Family Mansion echoed with exclamations.

"Though harsh on the tongue, it leaves endless sweetness—what a fine white alcohol!"

"Excellent, truly excellent—Di Kingdom needs exactly this kind of commodity!"

"Hahaha, with this white alcohol, this winter will be much easier!"

At that moment, Jing Ci asked softly: "Marquis Qin, how much will you sell this white alcohol for?"

At her words, all eyes turned to Qin Feng—this was the first commodity in the two nations' trade, carrying immense symbolic weight.

Qin Feng had already decided.

He replied without hesitation: "One liang of silver per tael of white alcohol."

Before anyone could cry out that it was too expensive, Qin Feng added: "This price is set precisely to prevent the alcohol from flooding into the Folk. You've never tasted strong alcohol—you don't know its power. A mere tael, or up to half a catty, can render a man unconscious. If everyone drinks it, no one will work, and the nation will sink deeper into ruin."

Hearing this, all doubts on their lips were swallowed back.

Jing Ci's gaze at Qin Feng shone brighter than ever.

If Qin Feng truly wished to destroy Di Kingdom, he need only lower the price of this white alcohol until everyone could afford it; since the people most needed winter supplies, the alcohol would sell out instantly.

At that point, everyone would be drunk—no force needed—Di Kingdom would collapse on its own.

By selling this alcohol at high price, Qin Feng showed no malice—only benevolence!

Jing Ci bowed her head in solemn respect: "Marquis Qin, I will personally persuade the Imperial Court on your behalf."

"As long as I can get the business off the ground, I, Jing Ci, am willing to be reduced to dust and bones."

Qin Feng smiled and waved his hand: "Reduced to dust and bones? Too extreme. Who says good people never get good rewards? Since you all can set aside personal grudges for the sake of the nation's survival and join hands with me, your mortal enemy, it shows your enlightenment. If you are good people, then naturally, you will Ming Liu Qing Shi."

Ma Lüping, very generous, threw back his head and laughed heartily: "Hahaha, that's right! Ming Liu Qing Shi!"

The wine-tasting gathering continued, but the atmosphere had become utterly different; guests exchanged cups and goblets, the scene lively and bustling, three jars of white liquor were emptied in an instant, and as expected, one by one, they all collapsed on the ground, carried home by their servants.

Otherwise, in this freezing cold, someone would surely freeze to death.

At dawn the next day, the King of Bei Di stood with his hands behind his back, listening to the night owl's secret report, his gaze growing increasingly complex.

"Saving the nation through commerce? A fine idea—I wholeheartedly support it."

"Qin Feng's words on Authority have been thought-provoking, offering me another perspective to consider."

"It's a pity..."

"But I am not ready to abdicate."