For several days in a row, Wang Xiuxiu either stayed leisurely in her tent to rest, or went out to travel around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
In short, she has done everything in the past few days, but she hasn't mentioned the cooperation at all.
With their scheduled departure date drawing ever closer, Maha, who had been waiting anxiously, could no longer contain himself and hurriedly came to their door.
"Rest assured, I am a businessman. I am not afraid of anything that is beneficial to me. However, I need to discuss and consider the specific cooperation plan carefully after I get back before I can give you an answer."
Maha was worried that once Wang Xiuxiu and her group left, they might never be heard from again.
So when she heard Wang Xiuxiu's answer, she couldn't help but look worried. "You're absolutely right, but once you leave, I'm afraid you won't have another chance to come. And we live so far apart, you see..."
"Since I was able to get here under the Ming family army's tight surveillance, you should believe that we are no ordinary merchants. When the time is right, we will naturally find a way to send you a message."
Upon hearing this, Mahathir felt a lump in his throat. His earlier words praising Wang Xiuxiu as extraordinary now seemed like a rope binding him, making it difficult for him to justify his statement.
Before leaving, Wang Xiuxiu left behind a sentence: "Danger and opportunity go hand in hand. Only those who are truly intelligent can unravel the mystery and obtain huge profits that others cannot reach."
———
The next morning, before Wang Xiuxiu and the others had even set off, Ma Ha hurriedly came to their door.
Not only that, he also made a point of dismissing everyone around him, even Ulin, who usually acted as his translator, was respectfully asked to leave.
Looking at this behavior, Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but feel puzzled.
After all, without Wulin as their translator, there's a language barrier between the two of them. I really don't know what they can communicate under these circumstances.
To her utter surprise, Mahah actually spoke in a very broken Mandarin.
"Please don't be offended, sir. I am getting old. Back when our two countries were not yet at odds, I learned a little of your language. However, many years have passed since then, and I haven't spoken it for a long time."
Seeing that Wang Xiuxiu did not show any dissatisfaction, Ma Ha composed himself and continued, "Yesterday I had the privilege of listening to your profound insights, and I have pondered them for a long time since then..."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu was slightly taken aback.
She never expected that Mahah would have such a strong drive to improve himself.
“I know you are no ordinary person, and there must be a powerful figure backing you up. Since you have already told us to wait for the right opportunity, then our entire Raven Clan will wait patiently!”
These words sounded sincere and heartfelt, and even though Wang Xiuxiu knew in her heart that Maha might have ulterior motives, she still found them quite pleasing at this moment.
However, Maha quickly added, "But I still earnestly request that after you return to the rear, you should seize any suitable opportunity to lend a helping hand to our Raven Clan!"
Wang Xiuxiu thought for a moment and did not immediately respond to Maha's request.
Seeing this, Maha quickly said, "Of course, I can't let you help me for nothing. I also have something important to tell you!"
Upon seeing this, Wang Xiuxiu raised her eyebrows. "Oh? Tell me about it."
"The massive national war that took place more than a decade ago still inspires awe when I think about it. At that time, the Northern Frontier almost mobilized its entire force, while our Raven Clan never got involved. However, before the war started, a mysterious person came to the Raven Clan to find me."
"At that time, I had already explicitly declined the invitations from other tribal chiefs, so I paid extra attention when that uninvited guest appeared."
Wang Xiuxiu nodded, signaling him to continue.
"The man spoke a pure and authentic Northern dialect. At first glance, it seemed normal, but after observing his words and actions, it became clear that his behavior was completely different from that of us Northerners."
You're saying he's a big shot?
Maha slowly shook his head and replied thoughtfully, "At first, I also had such doubts, but at that time the relationship between the North and Da Gan had not yet deteriorated to the point of irreconcilable conflict. So, out of curiosity and caution, I secretly sent people to investigate, and the news that came back was quite unexpected."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but frown, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart.
"To be precise, he is not a true Da Ganren in the real sense." Maha took a deep breath, his tone solemn. "After extensive investigation, he is very likely a descendant of the former Yong Dynasty."
These words caused a huge stir.
Do you know what your words mean?
"Of course I know, but the future of our clan rests on your shoulders, so I would never dare to speak nonsense!"
Wang Xiuxiu never imagined that the instigator of that terrifying national war would ultimately be the people of the Central Plains themselves.
However, given the gravity of the matter, Wang Xiuxiu did not mention it to anyone.
Seeing that Wang Xiuxiu's expression was a little off, Zisu quickly asked with concern, "Master, did that old scoundrel give you a hard time? I'll go and get revenge for you right away!"
"No need, it's nothing, it's just that Maha actually said such outrageous things, it really surprised me."
"No wonder sometimes he seems to understand before I even translate; he's so cunning, he really is an old fox!"
Wang Xiuxiu nodded slightly and comforted everyone, saying, "It's alright, anyway, we didn't talk about anything we shouldn't have in front of him."
“Sir, we’ve been spending time with the Raven Clan these past few days, and we really think they’re not someone to be trifled with. Who knows what kind of trouble they might cause in the future?” Ulin said worriedly.
“I understand your concerns. I also had Mr. Huang examine the old clan chief. He is in good health and has at least a dozen years left to live. Moreover, he is eager to trade with the outside world and is a wise man. He will surely be able to suppress those in the clan who hold opposing views and manage his clansmen well on matters of principle.”
At this point, Wang Xiuxiu paused slightly, "The most crucial thing for us right now is to establish trade routes. As for the specific rules and related plans, we can discuss them later. Whether the old clan chief's people will still obey after he passes away is not so important to us, who have already successfully gained control of the discourse."
After hearing this, Zisu and Wulin nodded repeatedly in agreement.
At this moment, Wang Xiuxiu suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Have you packed and packed all the items that need to be brought?"
One of the team members quickly replied, "It has been carefully checked and everything is in order."
"Great! Let's set off immediately!"
"yes!"
With Wang Xiuxiu's command, the massive caravan slowly set off.
Meanwhile, atop a distant mountain, Mah and his son watched the caravan gradually disappear into the distance.
This was Mah's youngest son, whom he doted on immensely. Not only did he raise him from a young age, but he also disregarded everyone's objections and designated him as the next chieftain.
"Father, they didn't agree to any conditions, are we just going to let them leave so easily?"
“If you don’t let them leave, what will you do?” Maha asked slowly, staring at his son.
"Give me your order, and I'll bring them back immediately! We'll release them only after they agree to it!"
After saying that, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.
However, Mahathir sighed deeply.
A look of helplessness and worry appeared on his weathered face.
Upon seeing this, Maha's son felt a sudden tightness in his chest and asked helplessly, "Father, did I say something wrong?"
“Child, I know you are a filial son and want to relieve your father’s worries. But even if you forcibly bring them back and force them to agree, what good will it do if they go back to Daxi and then change their minds? We are separated by thousands of miles in this vast world.”
Upon hearing this, Maha's son was stunned.
He originally thought that detaining the people would solve the problem, but he didn't think that far ahead.
"But...but we've been waiting for this big merchant caravan for so many years!"
“That’s right. I did have high hopes for this caravan, and that’s why I secretly revealed the truth about the national war from more than ten years ago to the caravan leader before they even set off.”
Mahathir's son looked bewildered, clearly not understanding the deeper meaning.
"This is of utmost importance. Once that woman surnamed Wang returns, she will surely reveal this secret to the person behind her. At that time, we only need to send people to Daqian to investigate secretly. It won't be long before we find out who has gained huge benefits from this matter. Then, we can follow the clues and use the matter of dealing with the Northern Border as a fatal handle. How can we not catch that person?"
Upon hearing his father's words, Maha's son was overjoyed.
However, looking at his excited son, Maha felt a mix of emotions.
This son was very filial and obedient, but unfortunately he was not intelligent.
But his seat is reserved for him.
This was something he had promised his mother.
Even today, there is still much opposition within the clan to the youngest son's succession.
He could only pray in secret that he could use this leverage to develop and strengthen the entire clan for the rest of his life, thus providing a solid and reliable guarantee for his son to smoothly take over the position of clan leader in the future.
However, Maha never expected that what appeared to be smuggling was actually backed by the Emperor of Da Gan himself.
His brilliant plan, which he thought was flawless, was actually destined to be a futile farce from the very beginning.
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