Sharp Dark Blade
The seed about trade routes that Lu Qinglan sowed casually in the harem fell on the land of the previous dynasty, which seemed hardened but actually had hidden cracks. It sprouted at an astonishing speed, and the vines grew wildly, quickly entangling the lifeblood of some people.
Within a few months, the "Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce" was quietly established, led by the families of several Jiangnan County princesses and noble wives, and united with dozens of powerful silk, tea, and grain merchants. From its inception, the Chamber of Commerce demonstrated its drastic measures. No longer relying on the exorbitant commissions charged by the major imperial merchants who dominated the north, they instead leveraged their substantial capital to form a massive escort team, hired guides familiar with the route, and established connections with several key provincial capitals along the way, thus opening up a new trade route northward.
This move undoubtedly affected the vital interests of the imperial merchant groups, led by Ruichanglong and Fushengyuan, which had long controlled northern trade. Initially, they attempted to suppress the trade with conventional tactics—colluding with local authorities along the way to impose additional taxation checkpoints or covertly instigating local thugs to harass the caravans. However, the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce arrived well prepared, with not only a formidable security force but also a seemingly complete understanding of potential obstacles. They skillfully circumvented these obstacles, sometimes even turning the tables, leaving the enemy with nothing to gain.
Even more alarming for the masters behind the imperial merchants was the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce's high-quality, low-priced southern goods, which rapidly impacted the northern market. Their existing sales channels were squeezed, and profits plummeted. To cut off someone's financial resources was like killing their parents. Impeachment memorials began to surface at court, accusing the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce of "disrupting market prices," "competing with the people for profit," and "having ulterior motives." However, Xiao Jingche withheld most of these memorials. The emperor, pleased to see the imperial merchants weakened, as it would help him concentrate financial power, was content to sit back and watch the clash, observing the tides from the shadows.
On this day, Prime Minister Gu Zhao received an unexpected guest in his study room - Liu Mingde, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, one of the owners behind Rui Changlong and the actual spokesperson of Anping Marquis Mansion.
Liu Mingde, about fifty years old, had the chubby face of a wealthy family, but now his brow was gloomy, no longer his usual composure. He dismissed his attendants and bowed deeply to Gu Zhao, who was leisurely sipping tea. "Minister Gu, you must save us! The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce is coming with such force. Without the guidance of an expert behind the scenes, their success would be impossible! This is clearly... someone trying to destroy our foundation!"
Gu Zhao raised his eyelids slightly, his gaze sweeping across the emerald tea in the white jade porcelain cup in his hand. His tone was calm and composed, "Minister Liu is wrong. Merchants have their own market laws. Jiangnan is rich in products, so it's understandable that merchants would want to expand into the north. Where does the idea of 'cutting off the roots' come from?"
"Prime Minister Gu!" Liu Mingde said anxiously, "How could you not know? Behind the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce stands the Kunning Palace! The Empress is trying to seize this opportunity to extend her hand into the Ministry of Revenue, the lifeblood of the national treasury! Today it's the trade routes, tomorrow it could be the salt, iron, and grain transport! If this continues, the country will no longer be a country!"
Gu Zhao set down his teacup with a crisp clink. His gaze suddenly sharpened as he looked at Liu Mingde, "Minister Liu, be careful with your words. The Empress is a model for the nation, caring deeply about the people. Encouraging trade and commerce is a policy that benefits both the country and the people. If you feel you're not competing effectively, you should consider improving your management methods, not presumptuously presuming the Empress's will and criticizing the Empress!"
His tone was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable authority. Liu Mingde shuddered, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He kept saying, "Your humble servant, your humble servant! It's just...it's just that we have served the inner court diligently for many years, and even if we haven't made any contributions, we have worked hard. Now that we are in this situation, we are really...we are really desperate. I have come to beg Prime Minister Gu to speak a few good words for us in front of His Majesty. At least...at least maintain the old rules and don't let the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce completely squeeze out the northern merchants."
Gu Zhao was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty has a wise mind and will make his own decisions. I can only remind Minister Liu that instead of dwelling on the gains and losses of trade routes, it would be better to carefully examine yourself. Recently, there seems to be a rumor in the court regarding the Northern Di... The dealings with certain caravans are quite sensitive."
When Liu Mingde heard this, his face turned pale instantly, his lips trembled a few times, and he was unable to speak for a while.
After seeing off the distraught Liu Mingde, Gu Zhao sat alone in his study, a solemn expression on his face. He was a man of such stature that he couldn't fail to see that Lu Qinglan's move was killing two birds with one stone. Not only had she struck at the Imperial Merchants Group, potentially linked to "Ninth Brother's" influence, but she had also seized the opportunity to further bind Jiangnan's financial power to her own chariot. This woman's methods had become increasingly sophisticated and far-sighted, her plans far more far-reaching. She was no longer the brilliant but still dependent consort of Xiao Jingche during the battle for the throne.
He walked to the window, gazing at a majestic old pine tree in the courtyard, and wondered, "Lu Qinglan, where exactly are you leading this world? And how will this rift between you and His Majesty end?" He had a vague sense that a greater storm was brewing beneath this seemingly calm court. And this time, even he, the prime minister who had lived through two dynasties and prided himself on his insight into worldly affairs, found it difficult to foresee the future.
At the same time, in Kunning Palace, Lu Qinglan was listening to Fu Yu's report.
"Your Majesty, the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce has initially established a firm foothold, and its new trade routes are operating smoothly. Ruichanglong and several other companies have suffered heavy losses, and their backers have been gathering frequently recently. The Marquis of Anping has even requested an audience with Prime Minister Gu several times, seemingly seeking protection or exerting pressure from the court."
Lu Qinglan took up his pen, outlining the direction of the new trade route on a map. He didn't even look up from his position when he heard this, saying calmly, "He's just a clown, nothing to worry about. Gu Zhao is a sensible man and won't easily wade into this muddy water. What about His Majesty?"
"Your Majesty has kept the memorial impeaching the Chamber of Commerce secret, but has secretly assigned additional personnel to monitor the homes of several key leaders of the Chamber of Commerce."
"As expected." Lu Qinglan's lips curved slightly, revealing a barely perceptible hint of sarcasm. Xiao Jingche wanted to use her to weaken the Imperial Merchants, but was also wary of her growing power. This conflicting mentality was precisely what she could exploit.
"Did any fish take the bait we cast?" she asked.
Fu Yu lowered his voice, "As Your Majesty predicted, the Northern Di people seem extremely interested in the high-quality pig iron and medicinal materials brought by the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce. Some have already attempted to contact members of the Chamber of Commerce through covert channels, offering a very high price. Our people are following their plan, feigning hesitation, and are currently negotiating with them."
"Very good." Lu Qinglan put down his pen, his eyes cold. "Keep a close eye on this. We must find out who this line ultimately leads to in the capital. Also, have our people at the Military Equipment Bureau carefully check the records of military equipment allocated to the Northern Frontier Guard in previous years, especially the records of losses and replenishments, to see if they can be matched with the 'lost' supplies."
"Yes," Fu Yu agreed. After a brief hesitation, she added, "Your Majesty, there's one more thing. Concubine Lin... has been very close to the wife of Duke Cheng'en (Xiao Jingche's biological mother's family) lately. She seems to be trying to understand Your Majesty's recent preferences and... Her Majesty's opinion on the assassination of Duke Weiguo."
Lin Wanru… Lu Qinglan's eyes flickered. This old rival from a previous life, truly unwilling to be left out, had taken advantage of the strained relationship between the Emperor and Empress to try to cling to their favor, even going so far as to inquire about military and national affairs and curry favor with her family.
"Don't pay any attention to her." Lu Qinglan said indifferently, "She's just a chess piece used by His Majesty to pressure me. The more she jumps around, the sooner she'll die. Let her be proud for a few more days."
As they were talking, a message came from outside the hall, saying that His Majesty had arrived.
Lu Qinglan and Fu Yu exchanged a glance. Fu Yu quickly put away the map and secret report and retreated quietly behind the screen.
Xiao Jingche walked in, still in his bright yellow casual clothes, but his expression was much more relaxed than the last time he came, even with a hint of imperceptible fatigue.
"The Queen has been busy lately. Thank you for your hard work." He sat down and glanced around the hall, as if looking for something.
Lu Qinglan bowed with her skirt lowered, her expression respectful and gentle. "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is my duty, so why would you say it's too hard? I wonder why Your Majesty has come here today?"
Xiao Jingche pondered for a moment and said, "The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce incident has caused a lot of uproar. Does the Queen know about it?"
Lu Qinglan raised her eyes, her expression calm. "I've heard a little bit. I heard that several princesses and wives of the Jiangnan counties, grateful for Your Majesty's benevolent rule, wanted to do their part to open up trade routes and prosper the northern lands. I thought this was a good thing, so I offered some encouragement. What's wrong with that?"
She pushed the matter cleanly, saying it was just the ladies' spontaneous behavior and she was just encouraging them. Xiao Jingche knew she was avoiding the main issue, but he couldn't find any evidence to prove it.
"There's nothing wrong with it." Xiao Jingche stared at her and said slowly, "It's just that business affairs involve a wide range of people. The Queen is in the harem, so it's better for her not to get involved too much to avoid criticism."
"Your Majesty, I have taken note of your teachings." Lu Qinglan followed suit with a gentle tone.
Xiao Jingche watched her submissive expression, and the nameless anger in his heart began to rise again. She was always like this, outwardly submissive, but secretly active. He took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and said, "Wei Zheng's assassination case has yet to be solved. Teng plans to summon him to the palace for an audience and personally comfort him after some time, once his injuries have healed. What do you think, Queen?"
Lu Qinglan sneered inwardly, but a perfectly composed look of relief appeared on his face: "Your Majesty is wise. The Duke of Weiguo is a pillar of the nation. In the face of such danger, Your Majesty's personal comfort will surely reassure the border troops."
He was not trying to comfort him, but was clearly testing him. He wanted to see Wei Zheng's attitude for himself and see if there was really a "collusion" between him, Lu Qinglan, and Wei Zheng as he suspected.
"That's good." Xiao Jingche stood up, seemingly not intending to stay any longer, "Queen, rest well."
After seeing Xiao Jingche off, the gentleness on Lu Qinglan's face instantly faded away and turned into a cold expression.
Fu Yu came out from behind the screen and whispered, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has summoned the Duke of Wei. I'm afraid he has ill intentions."
Lu Qinglan walked to the window and looked in the direction where Xiao Jingche left, his eyes deep. "Since he has made a move, we should follow it. Send a message to Wei Zheng, and tell him to...be careful. There are some things that should be said; there are some things that cannot be said even if you kill him."
She paused, her voice lowered with a hint of determination. "Also, have our people copy the evidence we found regarding the unusual dealings between Zhao Kai and the Ministry of Revenue's quartermaster, and deliver it anonymously to Han Mingyuan. It's time to add fuel to this turmoil."
Even the smallest blade of grass can stir up a storm. In the center of the vortex, no one is immune.
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