As trade cooperation between the Night Dynasty and the islands became increasingly close, a large number of novel goods flooded into the Night Dynasty market, making the already bustling capital market even more crowded and prosperous.
The silk shop displayed the island's unique light and thin silk fabrics, which were brightly colored and had a smooth feel, attracting many dignitaries and wealthy young ladies to compete for them.
In the spice shops, exotic spices transported from the islands exude a captivating aroma, their rich fragrance permeating the streets and alleys, adding a unique charm to the lives of the people of Yechao.
However, not everyone is satisfied with this sudden prosperity.
Some traditional merchants in Yechao gradually grew dissatisfied because the island trade had impacted their original businesses.
A group of businessmen, led by Zhao Fu, the president of the chamber of commerce, secretly gathered to discuss countermeasures.
"The goods from these islands are cheap and stylish, stealing all our business. How are we supposed to survive if this continues?" a merchant complained with a worried look on his face.
A sinister glint flashed in Zhao Fu's eyes: "We can't just sit here and wait to die. We have to think of a way to break this cooperation."
The group looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally, under Zhao Fu's instigation, they reached a secret agreement.
Meanwhile, things were quietly changing on the island as well.
Utu, the island chief's younger brother, has always coveted the chief's position. He feels that the cooperation with Yechao has greatly increased the chief's prestige, making things increasingly difficult for him.
Therefore, Wutu secretly colluded with Zhao Fu and others from the Ye Dynasty, attempting to sabotage the cooperation between the two sides, create chaos, and take the opportunity to launch a coup on the island.
One day, a merchant ship from the island docked at Yechao Port. However, when the cargo was inspected, a large number of contraband items were discovered.
The news quickly reached Chen Xiao's ears, and the court was instantly in an uproar.
"Your Majesty, this island clearly harbors ulterior motives. On the surface, they are discussing cooperation, but in reality, they are plotting evil!" a minister remonstrated indignantly.
Chen Xiao frowned, her mind filled with doubts. She knew that since the start of their cooperation, the island envoy had been sincere and didn't seem like the kind of person who would do such a thing.
Feng Yichen and Su Yao volunteered to thoroughly investigate the matter. Following the merchant ship's movements and tracing the clues, they discovered that there seemed to be an invisible hand manipulating things behind the scenes.
During the investigation, Su Yao accidentally discovered the location of Zhao Fu and others' secret meeting, while Feng Yichen learned of Wutu's unusual activities on the island through the navy's intelligence network.
The two pieced together the clues and finally uncovered the truth behind the conspiracy.
Upon learning the truth, Chen Xiao was furious.
On the one hand, she sent people to the island to expose Wutu's conspiracy to the island leader and help him stabilize the situation; on the other hand, she arrested all the businessmen involved, including Zhao Fu, and punished them severely according to law.
Despite this turmoil, the cooperation between Yechao and the islands not only did not break down, but became even more solid.
Both sides strengthened trade oversight and enhanced mutual trust. Chen Xiao also took this opportunity to further improve Ye Chao's commercial laws to ensure market fairness and stability.
Under her rule, the Night Dynasty continued to flourish and became a prosperous nation admired by neighboring countries. This tortuous story of trade cooperation has become an unforgettable legend in the history of the Night Dynasty.
As cooperation between the Night Dynasty and the islands becomes more solid, exchanges between the two sides become more frequent, and cultural exchanges become more in-depth.
Scholars from the Night Dynasty began to study the island's unique crafts and techniques, while the island's younger generation developed a strong interest in the Night Dynasty's poetry, songs, and rituals.
During a cultural exchange event, Eric, a young painter from an island, brought his paintings depicting the island scenery to Yechao.
His works are unique in style, with bold and unrestrained colors, which are completely different from the delicate and graceful painting style of the Yechao tradition. For a time, they caused a sensation in the capital, and many Yechao painters sought his advice.
During his conversation with the Night Dynasty painter, Eric overheard the legend of the Night Dynasty's divine artifact. He was filled with curiosity about this mysterious power and asked Su Yao about it.
Su Yao has always been open to sharing knowledge, so she gave a general account of the origin, power, and the crises that the artifact had caused.
Eric listened intently, when a bold idea suddenly flashed through his mind.
After returning to the island, Eric told the island's chief about his thoughts.
Originally, he wanted to use his paintings to showcase the power of the Night Dynasty artifacts in an artistic form, allowing more people to understand the mystery and majesty of the artifacts, while also promoting the deep integration of the two cultures.
The island chief found the idea novel and meaningful, so he fully supported him.
Eric spent several months creating a giant painting.
In the painting, the divine artifact radiates a dazzling light, interwoven with the mountains and rivers of the Night Dynasty, the lives of its people, and mysterious runes. Around it are scenes of Night Dynasty warriors battling against various evil forces, the scene is so lifelike that it seems as if the power of the divine artifact is about to burst forth from the painting.
When the painting was delivered to Ye Chao, it caused another huge sensation.
Chen Xiao personally viewed the painting and was impressed by Eric's talent and understanding of the Night Dynasty culture.
However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy brought by cultural exchange, an unexpected crisis quietly descended.
A strange phenomenon occurred at an ancient tomb on the border of the Northern Kingdom. A mysterious dark power surged from the tomb, causing crops to wither and people to fall ill wherever it went.
Chen Xiao immediately summoned Feng Yichen, Su Yao, Chu Qiaoling, Ning Qianyun, and others to discuss countermeasures.
After some investigation, they discovered that this dark power seemed to be related to an ancient curse, and the key clue to breaking the curse was actually closely related to a divine artifact.
Feng Yichen and Su Yao embarked on their journey once again, following the clues left in the ancient tomb.
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