Kaihime has gradually developed a broader perspective and is considering issues more comprehensively. She doesn't know what kind of impact the fierce natives wearing armor will have on the trade of the Development Bureau.
"Kai! There are many ways to make money in this world, but the most ruthless way is always the arms trade. What makes it different from other businesses is that you have to buy it whether you need it or not. Whether you want to buy it or not, I can make you have to buy it. Do you understand?"
Kaihime looked at Qin Mo, who kept emphasizing "freedom of buying and selling," and really didn't understand what he meant, but she didn't ask any more questions. It wasn't the duty of a personal maid to keep asking questions.
Looking at the long-legged maid who was deep in thought, Qin Mo smiled smugly. Who can't be an engineering student and play with strategy? Does being an arms dealer require a lot of intelligence?
"We're leaving Kai, and we're heading back to Lion City for the New Year!"
The Great Xia capital in winter was not as desolate as usual. With the Great Xia Dynasty's unprecedented northern expedition, the entire empire's resources were continuously concentrated in Lindu and then transported to the distant and cold north.
Inside the Fengning Hall of the Imperial Palace, two women in palace attire, one standing and one sitting, were exchanging questions and presenting memorials.
"Your Majesty, the commander of the Wuwei Army has sent you a memorial that bypasses his rank, impeaching Huang Yue, the captain of the Generalissimo's Office for the Northern Expedition. What do you think should be done?"
"Huang Yue? Is that the one who specializes in selling Russian slaves? What's the matter with impeaching him? Could it be related to some high-ranking official?"
Upon hearing the name Huang Yue, Wang Yushi put down her vermilion brush, raised her head slightly, and inquired.
"There is indeed a connection. Huang Yue was unfair in his dealings and always showed favoritism when distributing military supplies, which caused resentment among the soldiers."
"Favoritism?... Is there any evidence?"
"Well, there's no specifics, but the soldiers specifically requested boots and cotton-padded coats produced by the Dayuan, not those from other workshops."
"Bang!"
Wang Yushi's slender, fair hand slammed onto the hard ironwood desk, making a loud sound.
"A bunch of people who are taking an inch and want a mile. What did they have before? Now they have cotton-padded clothes, leather boots, padded jackets, and even cotton-padded underwear. Why are they still being picky?"
“Tell them not to be arrogant just because they have ties to the Wang family. Many soldiers don’t even have enough warm clothes. If they cause any more trouble, we’ll cut off their supply of strong liquor.”
If Qin Mo heard Wang Yushi's domineering threat, he would definitely laugh at her. But if he knew the current market price of strong liquor in the North, he would know how severe this punishment was.
The high-ranking officials initially traded alcohol with the General's Mansion that was at least 60 or 70 degrees in alcohol content. Alcohol was a medical supply strictly controlled by the General's Mansion and was not allowed to be consumed lightly.
After Qin Mo returned to Dayuan, he developed the sugarcane resources in Liandi and started making sugar. The sugar residue was then used to make rum with an alcohol content of over 40%. As the coldest place in the Great Xia Empire, Maimai City and Ulan-Ude naturally became dumping grounds for the rum, and the middleman was Wang Yushi.
The soldiers guarding the northern border quickly grew fond of this potent, low-grade liquor. Scouting, patrolling, and night watch—tasks that no one wanted to do before—were now eagerly undertaken, all for the sake of that one bottle of rum ration. Now, the amount of rum a commanding officer received was a measure of his power and connections.
"It's all because of that Prince Heng. Not only did he turn his own troops into spoiled brats, but he also corrupted the other imperial guards and private armies." Even in palace attire, the tomboy was still a tomboy. Qing Ning had a lot of complaints about that ridiculously handsome Prince Heng.
"Hehe! Qingning, you harbor deep resentment towards Prince Heng! Are you not getting any of the New Year's gifts this year?"
Qing Ning's face flushed red. The New Year's gifts sent by the high-ranking official this time were quite ordinary and unremarkable, so naturally, she, as his personal secretary, didn't receive any.
“You only see the expenses the royal family spends on purchasing winter clothing and spirits, but have you seen the number of soldiers suffering from frostbite on the front lines this year? It’s 90% lower than in previous years… 90%, Qingning, I never thought a set of winter clothing costing a few taels of silver could have such an effect.”
Wang Yushi became somewhat agitated. She stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, saying, "We are all cultivators, and we have never paid attention to those ordinary soldiers. Without the protection of their vital energy, they are far too easy to freeze to death or suffer frostbite. Now that we have a complete set of cold-weather gear, how many deaths and injuries from freezing to death can we reduce? As for a little money... what does it matter compared to the prestige of the royal family?"
"Her Majesty is so wealthy and generous that she has taken care of all the winter clothing for the soldiers of Great Xia. This is truly a blessing for the soldiers of Great Xia!"
Qing Ning rarely flattered Wang Yushi, but it sounded awkward. Whether it was intentional or not, it left Wang Yushi both amused and exasperated.
Over the past year, Wang Yushi's spice business has grown larger and larger, and her wealth has increased year by year. With so much money, she had no choice but to write to Qin Mo for advice. Qin Mo then instructed her to purchase his own spirits, red and white sugar, and specially designed thermal suits.
Wang Yushi tried to follow the plan and quickly gained the support of the soldiers. Now, the Empress was one of the most important military suppliers in the Great Xia Empire, even if it meant losing money but gaining prestige. Whether in the court or on the front lines, the Empress's reputation was number one.
"Qing Ning, it's almost New Year's Eve. Didn't that person send any special gifts?"
After finishing her reflections, Wang Yushi sat back on the phoenix chair, her face slightly flushed, and asked softly.
"My lord, no, not a single one, not even a stone the size of a fingernail." Qing Ning's eye drops were incredibly effective.
Wang Yushi's face turned even redder. In the end, she couldn't help but take out a letter, pick up a pen, and write a few words, thinking to herself: "Don't you know that people who don't understand etiquette should be thoughtful about New Year's gifts? If I don't send one... do you think I won't take one myself?"
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