abcnovels
Chapter 565: 565
Chapter 565: 565
Chapter 565: 565
Chapter 566-Cut Chives!
Something was wrong.
Han Zezheng’s face was filled with visible worry.
As a newly loyal retainer, he had been entrusted by Kant to take charge of the economic war in the distant harbor. It was both trust and pressure. He had to fight this war well. Otherwise, Kant would have to find another silver.
If they lost, they could forget about bringing glory to their ancestors and spreading their branches.
It was basically a given that they would be banished to the cold palace. If they lost too badly, or if Kant got angry, the Han family would most likely fall from the clouds to hell in an instant. It was just as Han Zezheng had said when he threatened the ” forces of progress.” Even if Kant lost, he would still be the Dragon of Skyquaking that intimidated the world.
Whoever he wanted to kill, he had to die.
A huge pressure fell on Han Zezheng’s shoulders.
He knew who he was up against.
Moreover, he had already smelled something bad today.
“Are you saying that it’s not just this group of people from Distant Harbor?”
“Yes.”
Han Zezheng said in a deep voice,” Please listen to me from the beginning. Your Highness, Distant Port is the capital of Blue Wave Province, the pearl of the West Coast, and the hub of sea trade. Although it has fallen, it is still the most important node in the shipping network of Goethe. In other words, the economic activities and price fluctuations here are the barometer of the entire Blue Wave Province and even the West Coast to a large extent…”
Kant’s expression changed slightly.” You’re saying that the grain prices in other places…”
Han Zezheng nodded.” Yes. I’ve already dispatched swift horses, light boats, and even sorcerers yesterday to gather information about the distant port’s surroundings as quickly as possible, as well as the changes in prices.”
” The price of grain rose yesterday, and today, it has been reflected everywhere. Especially yesterday evening, when the Governor sent a letter to transfer grain to various places to supply to the distant ports, causing the price of grain in various places to rise and double today…”
Kant thought for a moment and snorted.
This move was really not bad. The governor saw that the food supply in the distant port was difficult, so he transferred food to various places. This was his duty. It was reasonable and no one could find fault with it. Then, the increase in grain prices in various places caused the supply of grain to be difficult. Naturally, it was not the governor’s fault.
Perhaps the governor would even try to push the blame on us.’I have to ensure that there’s an adequate supply of food in the distant port to prevent famine and starvation. His Highness Kant has come to the distant port and has taken over the military and judicial powers. If a large-scale starvation occurs under his rule, it will damage the reputation of the Skyquaking Dragon. We’re protecting the reputation of the guardian.’
If he were to spread the news, the commoners who had been deprived of food due to the rise in grain prices would definitely hate Kant to the core.
Damn you.
He sneered.” I guess that’s not all. With the rise in grain prices everywhere, there will definitely be people who take the opportunity to make a fortune or cooperate with the nobles in the distant port. They are all wearing the same pants, right?”
“.. Yes, my lord is right.”
Han Zezheng lowered his head and said,” Faraway Harbor is the economic, political, and cultural center of the Blue Wave Province. The nobles in this city are the richest people in the entire province. They unite the nobles in the entire province through money, power, and blood relations. His Highness tried criminals and harmed the interests of all the nobles in Faraway Harbor. He even killed their close or distant relatives…So…”
” Alright.” Kant nodded.” Perfect.”
He sat back in his chair. He was neither angry nor lost his composure. After experiencing several big battles, he had long been trained. In the face of major events, he would not change his expression. Instead, he would be even calmer. He had seen even the biggest storms, let alone the difficulties of these chickens and dogs.
“Let me think.”
” The price of grain has risen everywhere,” he analyzed.” The officials and nobles are hoarding grain to make a fortune. At the same time, they are crying to Lucerne and Goethe for help.”
” My actions these few days can be considered to be standing against most of the nobles. Although they don’t dare to confront me directly, they can support me. I guess the nobles from all over the world will definitely respond to the call for help and mobilize food to support the Green Wave Province. However, all the food will be accurately sent to the areas that need help, and then be taken over by kind and responsible people…”
” This way, even if Tina and the others think of a way to raise food, every noble will spread their hands and say that we’ve already done our best. We’ve already sent all the remaining food to support the Green Wave Province and can’t take out any more food…”
Kant laughed.” This is the only time these people can be united against a common enemy. They didn’t even work so hard when they were fighting the elves.”
Han Zezheng said in a low voice,”Yes…” It’s…”
Kant raised his eyebrows.” Don’t worry. They’ve created an excuse for me to go to war. I’m more than happy to do so. Han Zezheng, continue to follow my instructions. Transfer food and stabilize prices. Your biggest task for the next few days is to ensure that no one in the distant port will starve to death within ten days.”
Ten days.
“What about ten days later?” Han Zezheng asked subconsciously.
Kant rolled his eyes.
On the third day.
Han Zezheng asked to see him again, and his white hair became even brighter.
“Your Highness, something is still wrong.”
“What now?”
” Distant Harbor and the cities of Green Wave Province have funds to buy food and raise the price.”
Old Han took out the information he had gathered yesterday.” All the grain transported from all over the world has been bought up at once, including the grain we threw into the market in the distant port…”
“Isn’t it done by the nobles and wealthy merchants?” Kant shrugged.” Buy grain at a high price, push up the price of grain, create panic, and take advantage of the opportunity to profit. I’ll go pull out the electric pole tomorrow…”
.. What was a telephone pole?
Han Zezheng was puzzled, but that was not the main point. He said with a solemn expression,”No, maybe it’s not them. Or maybe it’s not just them…”
” What do you mean?” Kant narrowed his eyes.
The retainer replied,” Their actions are too decisive and very unified. As you know, the nobles are actually a motley crew. Even if the dignitaries from all over the world cooperate with the distant ports, they will not act in unison like the soldiers who obey orders. However, the acquisition situation yesterday gave me this feeling. They have planned for a long time, commanded reasonably, and are not stingy with money. They are going all out, and the funds seem to be very abundant.”
“You mean…” The Earthling smelled a familiar scent.” There’s foreign capital?”
This year, the new generation of Internet citizens once again picked up the political sensitivity of decades ago.
Han Ze used three seconds to figure out this lofty term.
“Yes… That’s most likely the case.” He placed the report on the table and opened it, page by page.” I’ve done a lot of business with the nobles in Blue Wave Province. It’s fine if it’s far from Hong Kong, but the nobles in other regions won’t be so decisive because they didn’t see it with their own eyes. They didn’t realize your… That’s why they won’t be as panicked and hostile as the nobles in the distant port. They won’t go all out when they do things.”
“As for the holders of the funds that were used to purchase food yesterday, they seem to be…”
” I have a huge, irreconcilable hatred and conflict with you.” He looked up at Kant.
“Someone actually hates me so much?” Kant was shocked. What did I do wrong?”
“..”
Han Zezheng lowered his head silently.
Sigh, he’s still not as good as Hong San.
Kant’s interest was waning. He shrugged his shoulders and gathered his spirits. He began to analyze.” Come, help me analyze. Who did this?”
Han Zezheng shook his head and said,”That’s too much…” With such a strong economic strength, and to be able to achieve such a uniform and extremely purposeful dispatch, and to have the position to do so…”
“Elves, empires, council, and even dragons…”
During the Battle of Distant Harbor, the four behemoths had suffered a great loss at Kant’s hands. The feud between Kant, the Empire, and the elves could be traced back to a few months ago. The Council and the dragons were no different.
At this point, Old Man Han was a little apprehensive. He suddenly realized that his lord’s ability to cause trouble was a little strong. He was indeed worthy of being a Forbidden Mage who intimidated the world. He was so bold and unrestrained even when he made enemies.
” Very good. You have eliminated four wrong choices.”
Kant laughed.” Let’s not talk about the dragons for now. The other three clans are just waiting to see me make a fool of myself. They won’t dare to step in personally. Will my forbidden spell fail if I get myself into a mess in this war of grain prices? Would my warship be silent? Will the element disappear?”
” They know what I’m relying on, and they know what the crux of this awkward situation is. They want to negotiate with me, and they can’t wait for me to beg them. Perhaps, after they receive the news, they have already started to transport the food. As long as I say the word, the food will be transported in endlessly.”
But in return, they would get a precious bargaining chip.
The advantage Kant had gained before the negotiations began would be partially matched.
Han Ze was thinking about it, and it seemed to make sense. The main reason was that he was just a new lackey who had joined Kant. He was far from the decision-making level, and he could not see the complicated international situation and the core of the negotiation regarding the elements of the dilemma in the Battle of Distant Harbor from Kant’s perspective. After all, the situation was not big enough.
Therefore, the focus would be on the three behemoths-the Council, the Empire, and the elves.
After all, they were the three most powerful countries in the world. No matter which one, they could beat Goethe to the ground and crush Han Zezheng’s small family business. In fact, this was the reason why he was so flustered today. If you found a relatively successful businessman from a small country on Earth and told him that you were going to fight with China, the United States, and the European Union on a commercial level, see how he would react.
His reaction would definitely be,” Where’s the nuclear bomb? Hurry up and bring it over.”
Kant heaved a sigh of relief when he rejected the possibility. His imprisoned mind was instantly opened up, and he keenly grasped a flash of inspiration. He seemed to have thought of the real suspect.
“So…”
“I think it’s probably the Broken Islands,” the lord’s voice sounded in his ear.
“Yes!” Han Zezheng shuddered. That must be the case!”
Only the Broken Isles had the financial resources, the motivation, and the ability to mobilize.
As the shipping hub of the western seas, the Broken Islands ‘commercial status was taken away from the distant port. Under the tacit understanding and compromise of the countries, this new economy developed its own model, which was controlled by the representatives of the interests of the countries and the local big families. This meant that it had relatively stronger organizational capabilities and common interests. Moreover, the Broken Islands had never given up on infiltrating the west coast of Goethe.
After all, the wealth and status of the pearl of trade were taken from the Far Harbor. The Island Masters of the Broken Islands placed the most importance on preventing the Far Harbor from taking back this advantageous position.
For this reason, the Broken Islands had been infiltrating the surrounding areas of Distant Harbor, making friends with the local dignitaries, providing shares, weaving common interests, and forming resistance to reform. As long as the target of bribery and wooing was satisfied, the other party would consciously serve the interests of the Broken Islands. After all, even if Distant Harbor regained its former glory, he would not be able to get too much of the cake. Instead, he would lose the friendship and gifts from the Broken Islands.
Then why not maintain the status quo?
After years of division, infiltration, and control, the city of Distant Harbor continued to bleed and gradually declined. Meanwhile, the few major families were divided into the biggest cake during the decline of Distant Harbor. Their wealth increased further, and they even enjoyed the shares and private shipping services of the Broken Islands.
Why continue to develop when you can earn money without taking risks?
Just like that, the distant harbor gradually lost hope of revival. The harbor was abandoned, the fleet left, and commercial activities cooled down year by year. There was no hope of competing with the Broken Islands.
Until Kant arrived in the city.
He also announced to the nobles in the Hall of Justice that he wanted to take back the trade hub of the Western Sea from the Broken Islands.
This declaration was naturally quickly sent to the Broken Islands by the nobles.
If it was someone else who said this, the island masters would only laugh it off.
But this person from Aurora really had the ability to do so.
Not long ago, he had cast a forbidden spell near the Broken Islands, which almost caused a huge tsunami that swallowed the entire sea. This proved that he had the ability to destroy the Broken Islands.
Furthermore, he had jumped out of the Battle of Distant Harbor on a steel warship and swept through the fleets of the three countries while laughing. This proved that he had the terrifying strength to suppress the entire Broken Islands Navy and cut off all trade routes.
If it was just a forbidden spell, he could still use the financial resources, political influence, and connections of the Broken Islands to unite half of the continent to balance the Skyquaking Dragon. However, if he added the latter…
An unprecedented haze shrouded the sky above the Broken Islands.
It was reasonable for them to take action.
As the saying goes, cutting off a person’s source of wealth is like killing one’s parents.
Clearly, Kant was the mother of all of them.
“Ah…”
The brutal Forbidden Mage commented.
” Another excuse for war…”
“Your Highness?” Han Zezheng asked softly.
“I’m fine.”
Kant pondered for a moment before replying,” This is a political issue…” I care! Continue to do what you have to do. Make sure that no one is starving to death. Continue to set off smoke bombs and continue to be beaten up by the enemy!”
.. It sounded really awkward.
Han Zezheng agreed helplessly.
After he left, the commanders of the other three countries came to see him. They brought orders and olive branches from each country. The Empire, the Council, and the Sunset Moon Dynasty were all willing to provide aid, food, money, and even support to the great Aurora Dragon.
Yes, support was more important than food and money.
“There’s no need for that.”
The free Earthling did not care about any diplomatic rhetoric. He rejected the messengers with a very frank and honest truth.” You see, we are about to negotiate. I have yet to take revenge for taking advantage of my situation. I am preparing to make you pay a lot of money. Now that I have accepted your free assistance, I will be very embarrassed to raise my hand against you when the time comes. I am a kind, introverted, sincere, and honest person.”
Whether it was the proud and upright quasi-general Kavisar or the cunning and intelligent Master Niola, they all felt a huge discomfort after hearing this.
Even Colonel Henry, who was the most shameless of the three, forgot to respond after hearing Kant’s words. He even thought to himself,” Your Highness, is it really appropriate for you to say that?”
Due to this profound physiological discomfort, they sent Kant’s explanation back to the country, and reported that the kind, introverted, sincere, and honest His Highness Kant had rejected the proposal of the lords.
” The negotiations haven’t started yet. You’re still prisoners. Stick to the agreement and fulfill your duties.”
Before sending them off, Kant said calmly,” There will be a mission in the next two days. Keep it a secret and do your best. I’ve already emphasized the consequences of betraying you. Let’s work together happily. Don’t disappoint me.”
After the three commanders left, Kant scribbled for ten minutes. After considering everything, he said,” Horus, there are two things.”
Twenty minutes later, Long Niang was called to the basement of Tidal Manor.
“.. What do you want to do?”
She glanced at the dark underground corridor where flames were rising.” Are you finally tempted by Goethe’s shameless aristocrat’s depravity, you bastard? Sixty percent!”
“..”Kant narrowed his eyes and said,” You can continue to talk nonsense. If I really give you a set one day…”
“Hmph, come at me if you have the ability!” Long Niang took three steps and jumped to his side.
He went downstairs and pushed open the iron door. The air was dry and spotless. There were boxes of gold coins, jewelry, antiques, and equipment in the huge stone room. The glow of magic shone in the room. The walls were also outlined with arcane patterns. There were stacks of papers marked with divine spells on the table.
“.. What do you want to do?”
Long Niang glanced at the general value of the wealth in the house.” I’m telling you seriously. You want to do whatever you want to me with this money? You’re daydreaming. Let me calculate…”
” Where’s Santos?” Kant glanced at her.
Santos was the human who had come to Danfeng Lucerne with Dragon Maiden to negotiate with Kant. He was a foreigner from Dragon Island and a high-end business talent poached by the Dragon Emperor from the mainland. He had a very pleasant conversation with Kant and had left a deep impression on him.
“You want to buy him?” asked Long Niang, staring at him with wide eyes.
Kant was about to hit her. Lily then shrank back and said honestly,” We signed the Dragon Oath. He was transferred back because there was no point in negotiating. He should be on Dragon Island now.”
Kant said,” Then tell the Dragon Emperor that I’ll lend him to him for a few days. Let him do a part-time job for me. The commission is negotiable. It’s best if he starts work today.”
“What do you mean?” Lily asked blankly.
“It means…” Kant pointed at the treasures and title deeds in the stone chamber.” I want to use the gold, silver, jewelry, title deeds, and even the ownership of the fleet and the Chamber of Commerce that I looted in Distant Harbor to mortgage a large sum of money to Dragon Island. I want to give all of it to Santos to do one thing for me.”
“You want to buy food?” Long Niang was shocked.
“Buy my * ss grain, it’s so expensive.” Kant laughed coldly.” Of course it’s the chives!”
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[PS 1: Upgraded!] You didn’t expect it!
P.S.2: That’s all for today. I didn’t sleep well yesterday. Go to bed early.