Iron Dynasty Chapter 395: Royal Merchant Privilege

A profound silence enveloped the surroundings, and beads of cold sweat unexpectedly appeared on Xiao Ming's brow.

Glancing sideways, his gaze fell upon the inner door of the imperial study, a portal leading directly to the outside.

A potent premonition gripped him: refusal to sign could trigger an immediate invasion by soldiers, culminating in his swift demise. History was replete with precedents of emperors compelling powerful princes to pledge allegiance to secure the throne for the heir apparent. Xiao Ming had never fathoped he would find himself in such a historical parallel, compelled to affix his name to a blood oath ensuring the Crown Prince's future dominion.

This event underscored the immense favor Emperor Xiao Wenxuan bestowed upon the Crown Prince.

“I will sign it,” Xiao Ming declared, his response almost instantaneous.

A smile of contentment bloomed on Xiao Wenxuan's face. “Ming’er, your swift agreement surpasses all others. My trust in you as the oath's enforcer was well-placed. Rest assured, once this pact is sealed, the Crown Prince will exercise greater caution before contemplating any breach. I anticipate your unwavering commitment to this duty. Should you uphold it, the Great Yu Empire shall endure in peace.”

Xiao Ming harbored an unspoken retort: ‘Oaths exist to be broken.’ Without a formidable enforcer, the document was naught but mere paper.

While Xiao Wenxuan drew breath, the oath would retain its potency. However, its influence post-mortem was uncertain.

The Emperor’s selection of Xiao Ming as the enforcer stemmed not only from his lack of a powerful familial lineage but also from his strategic command of Shanhai Pass, granting him significant influence over the other princes.

“Father, my actions have always been guided by integrity. My sole aspiration is for the empire to unite against the northern tribes. This blood oath, I hope, will assuage my brothers' resentments, allowing them to focus on our true adversaries. After all, my defense of Shanhai Pass is but a fraction of the battle; their complete annihilation lies beyond my personal capacity.”

Xiao Wenxuan nodded, affirming, “Precisely why this measure was enacted.”

After a contemplative pause, he added, “You have endured much. Your arrival in Chang’an was met with a near-fatal assassination attempt. Now, I request your solemn oath. I am indebted to you. Name your reward; if it lies within my power, it shall be yours.”

Xiao Ming harbored no genuine concern regarding the oath itself; indeed, it served his purposes. His true desire was a stable environment conducive to his growth, enabling the unification of the empire's might against the northern invaders. He had no intention of expending his days as a perpetual crisis manager.

His command of Shanhai Pass provided a measure of security. Should the princes find themselves appeased, the situation would be even more advantageous.

After a brief period of reflection, he stated, “Father, I do have a request. I seek the freedom for the Qingzhou Chamber of Commerce to conduct its trade within the royal territories without the imposition of taxes. Would Your Majesty grant this?”

“That is… the prerogative of royal merchants,” Xiao Wenxuan remarked, a hint of surprise in his tone.

“Yes, Father. That is precisely my desire,” Xiao Ming confirmed. Within royal domains, only designated royal merchants enjoyed tax exemptions and protection from local official interference.

“A simple matter. It is granted,” Xiao Wenxuan affirmed without hesitation. “Is there anything else?”

“My gratitude, Father.” Xiao Ming’s heart pounded—the swiftness of the approval had caught him off guard.

Xiao Wenxuan nodded. “That is a trivial request. Frankly, considering all you have accomplished, this reward is woefully insufficient.”

“I am already deeply appreciative, Father.”

Xiao Ming declined any further remuneration. He dared not press for more, sensing a potential test. An excessive demand might awaken the Emperor’s suspicions regarding his ambitions. The privilege of royal merchant status likely seemed insignificant to the Emperor, whose lifelong focus on agriculture had relegated commerce and merchants to a subordinate position within the Great Yu Empire.

Xiao Ming’s modest request garnered another approving glance from Xiao Wenxuan. The Emperor then inquired, “I have heard whispers of novel weaponry you employed in Jizhou, and the purported existence of hot air balloons. Is this true?”

“Indeed, Father. The weapon is termed a firearm—I have brought several with me. Likewise, I possess hot air balloons. I am prepared to offer a demonstration to Your Majesty at your earliest convenience.”

Xiao Wenxuan’s excitement surged. “Excellent! Tomorrow, your rewards shall be formally proclaimed during the morning court session, and subsequently, I wish to witness these marvels firsthand.”

“As you command, Father,” Xiao Ming responded with a nod. All else faded in significance; his primary objective had already been achieved.

Following a brief exchange of further pleasantries, Xiao Wenxuan dismissed Xiao Ming and summoned the Eighth Prince.

Exiting the imperial study, Xiao Ming’s lips curved into a wry smile as he proceeded toward the palace gates.

This sojourn to Chang’an had been a whirlwind of improbable events—assassination attempts and coerced oaths—yet, none had managed to derail his strategic agenda.

Once the trade routes were secured and he returned to his domain, it would herald the dawn of Qingzhou’s ascendance.

With Youzhou and Qingzhou flourishing under his development, the blood oath would become a matter of negligible concern.

As he departed the palace grounds, Xiao Ming mused:

Prince Wei’s domain was already secured. Escape would also be impossible for Prince Yong. With the royal territories now under control, the focus shifted to the regional lords.

This was anticipated to be the most challenging phase, yet attempting it was essential. The prosperous southern territories held immense significance.

Regarding the proposed exchange, a plan was already in mind.

Within the imperial study, after the Eighth Prince reluctantly affixed his signature and departed, Xiao Wenxuan turned to the attendant nearby. “Well? Did you observe anything noteworthy?”

The man, Yang Zhen, the commander of Lijing Gate, responded, “Apart from Prince Qi’s placid agreement, the other princes displayed considerable displeasure. The Second Prince, in particular, radiated anger concealed beneath his vexation.”

“The Second Prince…” Xiao Wenxuan’s eyes narrowed, having detected a similar undercurrent. “Do you suspect he orchestrated the assassination attempt?”

Yang Zhen replied, “Our inquiry into the origins of those northern tribesmen revealed they were brought in by a merchant hailing from Jin. Curiously, this merchant, previously a close associate of the Crown Prince, has now disappeared.”

“A Jin merchant?” Xiao Wenxuan expressed surprise.

Yang Zhen confirmed, “The merchants from Prince Liang’s territory are indeed known as Jin merchants, and they maintain the strongest connections with the northern tribes. It would have been impossible for an outsider to smuggle in mixed-blood warriors of this caliber.”

“However, this evidence alone does not implicate the Second Prince. Many of these Jin merchants are known associates of the tribes.”