14

After hearing the information from Nie Huanzhang, Yuhong Xuan sat in a secret room at Xinlong inn in silence for a long time. His companion, Yu Weiwei, looked confused and after thinking for a while without figuring it out, asked:

"Your Highness, do you think what Nie Huanzhang said is trustworthy? It have never heard of a princess from our country marring someone with the former khan in Huichun Tribe."

Yuhong Xuan sighed and said:

"He is right. It isn't surprise that you don't know about this. It was a bizarre decision made by our former emperor, my grandfather during his illness seriously, causing harm to one of our princesses. Therefore, this matter was suppressed by my father, the present Emperor and no one was allowed to mention this marriage."

Yu Weiwei asked curiosity:

"What? Is it really the truth? Did that princess really disappear?"

Yuhong Xuan gave him a displeased look and Yu Weiwei, scared, quickly changed the subject:

"I think this isn't just about our affair in Liangzhou region. We need to discuss it with Duanzhou and come up with a solution."

"Yes, we must consult with the Grand Marshal, Uncle Zhao. Alright, arrange it and let us go to Duanzhou."

In the Grand Marshal's mansion, as soon as Zhao Hai saw Yuhong Xuan personally arriving, he knew something important was at hand and asked:

"You coming in person must mean there is something significant. What happen, Your Highness? Please tell me about it."

Yuhong Xuan replied:

"It is about the internal affairs in Huichun Tribe, it is best that we discuss this in secret. Bring your trusted adviser and let's come up with a solution together."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hai understood the situation. Frankly speaking he also believed that it was time to find a solution to resolve the problem in Huichun Tribe to avoid being caught off guard later on. 

"It sounds good!"

Then he summoned his advisers and dismissed everyone else, closing the doors for a confidential discussion. Yuhong Xuan proceeded to share all the information obtained from Nie Huanzhang without reservation. After listening, Zhao Hai said:

"I didn't expect Your Highness to be so well-informed. To be honest, I sent a few people to inquire some information in Huichun but their findings were not as detailed as what you've provided. This is excellent. Let's hear everyone's opinions."

After Zhao Hai finished speaking, he glanced at the people present and for a moment everyone fell into silence. At this point, Yu Weiwei cleared his throat and said:

"I'll share my humble thoughts in front of the seniors. After all, unlike you, seniors, who have just heard this information, I've had some time to think about it. I knew this information earlier than you so I've been particularly concerned about one aspect of this information: our caravans transport goods from our country to Huichun, sell them there, leave some in Huichun there but a significant portion is resold to the further west countries at higher prices. So I wonder why we are letting Huichun Tribe profit from these goods from our country and use these money to supplement their treasury in Huichun."

Zhao Hai asked:

"So what do you propose?"

Yu Weiwei said:

"I think we should restrict our trade route and guide these caravans to enter Nanyue in the southern, then directly into the further countries directly. This way, our caravans can earn more profit, and the people in the further countries can have to purchase our goods at lower price than that from Huichun. Why not take advantage of this?"

Xu Xing, one of Mr. Zhao's advisers, asked:

"But does that mean we are giving up the market in Huichun Tribe? And some of the goods from Huichun are also needed by our country, right?"

"So what I'm suggesting is restriction, limiting the quantity of goods so our caravans can make even more profit because of the rare goods in Huichun."

Zhao Hai said:

"Well, I think this idea isn't bad. That means what we have to control the quantity of the exported goods to Huichun. What do you think about it, Your Highness?"

Yuhong Xuan replied:

"Not bad. But let's hear more opinions."

At this point, an adviser of similar age to Yu Weiwei, Wu Shenfeng, spoke up:

"I once witnessed a similar situation during a fundraising event. Some donated money, some donated goods. They displayed the items outside and people below would bid competitively to purchase at the highest price. We could do something similar."

Xu Xing added:

"Well, this idea is a quite innovative idea. I think it's feasible."

"But how do we implement it? Which place do we choose to do this? We can't let a large number of people from Huichun enter our territory. They have ambitions and are always eyeing our land because they are greedy and cruel monsters."

Zhao Hai said with a hit of resentment and Yuhong Xuan gave him a glance.

Yu Weiwei suggested:

"I think it's more suitable in Nanyue Kingdom. Everyone knows that Nanyue Kingdom is a vassal state of our dynasty. Although they pay tribute to us every year, we not only have to station troops there for an extended period, but the Ministry of Military also allocates funds to them. Additionally, whenever this state faces challenges like natural disaster, our dynasty always provides assistance. My idea is to let the tribute and fund allocation procedures remain unchanged. When establishing some system or organization there, our country can extract a certain percentage of taxes after each batch of goods is transacted and Nanyue Kingdom can collect service fees. This fee structure would be a good source of income for Nanyue. I think It is better to entrust this matter to the Ministry of Revenue."

Yuhong Xuan asked Xu Xing:

"Mr. Xu, what's your opinion?"

Xu Xing replied:

"Although I'm not quite sure what this is all about, this plan seems to be a clever strategy. It not only maintains trade relations with Nanyue but also effectively controls the profits and trade routes in Huichun. By establishing a system in Nanyue, we can ensure that our country gains more benefits while preserving trade relationships. Additionally, when it comes to the issue of influencing the eight major clans in Huichun, careful planning is necessary to safeguard our country's interests and avoid unnecessary conflicts. This strategic thinking and action are crucial for handling complex diplomatic and business relationships."

Yuhong Xuan remarked:

"Good idea! The location of Nanyue is also favorable. At that time, we can attract not only Huichun people but also the people from Nanyue. If it works well, we might even attract people from even farther regions and countries. The highest bidder wins. It's a good plan. If like this, we can prevent Huichun people from exploiting our goods to earn more profits."

Then he turned around and asked Wu Shenfeng:

"Is there a name for it?"

"Auction."

Zhao Hai made the conclusion:

"Yes, I think it's a good idea too. Xu Xing, write to the Emperor."

"Yes, the Grand Marshal."

Yuhong Xuan continued:

"With that issue resolved, let's discuss how divide and influence the eight major clans."

Xu Xing explained:

"Let me talk about Hural clan. I'm quite familiar with this clan. I used to run a school there before and it's still operational. Many people from Hural come to study in my school because they have a particular fondness for our culture. The relationship between both sides have always been good, to the point of intermarriage. However there are some more extreme individuals among them. Despite learning our culture, they strongly resist excessive assimilation with us. Their perspective is to import our things to enhance their capabilities. Their biggest desire is to integrate the eight clans, turning Huichun Tribe into a centralized monarchy like ours to compete with us."

Yuhong Xuan said disdainfully:

"Delusional!" He continued to say, " It is easy. Since they have differing opinions internally, it's not difficult to handle. Continue to divide them and let them see our tolerance and powerful strength. Make them feel our friendliness while also fearing us. Continue friendly interactions and let them fight among themselves internally. Let them to see how we handle things and play with Khan Zakkel."

Zhao Hai suggested:

"I think this requires someone with extensive knowledge and the ability to assess the situation wisely, and he has heavyweight enough to continue dividing them."

Xu Xing explained:

"There is indeed a person like what Marshal Zhao said. His name is Liu Zaixue, my friend, well-versed in various field. Originally destined for a position in the government, he was demoted due to a minor mistake. Later he resigned from his official post and joined me in establishing school. Mr. Liu is a free-spirited individual who travels extensively and is certainly someone capable of handling the situation."

Zhao Hai asked:

"Well, I have heard of this person. He is quite talented but how to find him? Can you find him?"

Xu Xing replied:

"Yes, it should be possible. No matter where he is, he always returns to his hometown to celebrate his Mid-Autumn Festival on the fifteen August every year. I can write to him and explain the current situation. I think he will definitely be able to influence the Hural clan."

Yuhong Xuan said:

"Alright, let's do with that. So which clan is the next?"

Zhao Hai suggested:

"Start with the weakness clan first, Xiyue clan."

Yu Weiwei explained:

"Actually I think it is easy to resolve the problem with Xiyue clan. Initially, they separated from Nanyue Kingdom because they couldn't accept Nanyue Kingdom becoming a vassal state of our country. However, they should also have observed which kind life the people in Nanyue Kingdom have and we don't have suppressed them. If we manage the auction well, making Nanyue more prosperous, they will regret it even more as they don't have gained much advantage in Huichun Tribe."

Zhao Hai emphasized:

"We must ensure that the auction of goods is handled well. It must be win-win situation."

Yuhong Xuan stated:

"No, it's a triple win. Once Xiyue is resolved and Yanjing clan will also be resolved." After two years Xiyue and Yanjin join Nanyue Kingdom voluntarily.