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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 188: Ouyang Family
Lin Feng's actions caused a tremendous uproar throughout the Northern Frontier, as he prohibited all trade between the Tang Dynasty, the Ouyang Family, and Wind Nation.
The County Governor of Yanmen County, along with several Elders, elected a representative to negotiate with Lin Feng. If this situation continued for much longer, the people of the Northern Frontier would have no choice but to starve.
The County Governor approached Lin Feng and asked, "Sir, what is your intention with this? If trade is cut off in the Northern Frontier, many will starve. The people here rely on business for their livelihoods."
"Is it that you have no profits left to gain?" Lin Feng thought to himself, but smiled and replied, "This is a military secret; I cannot disclose anything."
The County Governor looked helpless. With military secrets involved and amidst a time of war, what could be done?
The Elders, being wealthy figures in the country, took a hard stance. "I am an Elder of the Tang Dynasty and pay countless taxes each year. Lin Commander, if you do not restore the trade routes with Wind Nation and the Ouyang Family immediately, I will report you to Chang'an."
Lin Feng coldly laughed and said, "Please do. Do you need me to prepare horses?"
The Elders left in anger, truly intending to report Lin Feng to their superiors. However, the response they received was exactly as Lin Feng had said: military secrets must be upheld.
They finally understood how formidable Lin Feng's backing was. It seemed that the rumors about his relationship with Princess Jian'an were indeed true. Lin Feng was destined to be the future Prince Consort of the Tang Dynasty.
Since direct approaches were futile, everyone began secretly brainstorming ways to resolve the issue. Bribery was first on their list; they sent substantial amounts of silver to Lin Feng, who accepted it without hesitation. Yet, restoring trade routes remained a distant hope.
Numerous assassins were dispatched as well, but none returned. Even a powerful assassin from the Master Realm was sent out and simply vanished from existence.
Everyone was shocked by Lin Feng's cultivation level, which could neutralize formidable cultivators from the Master Realm. It seemed only top-tier experts from the Master Realm could contend with him. But where could such experts be found?
A month later, the Ouyang Family could no longer sit idly by. They dispatched one of their three great Elders, Ouyang Xiangru, to meet with Lin Feng for negotiations.
On the following day, both parties met at a town located at the border between their two nations as agreed upon.
"Lin Commander?"
"Elder Ouyang?"
The two greeted each other with hearty laughter before taking their seats.
Elder Ouyang appeared to be in his fifties, tall and somewhat plump. His face was adorned with a gentle smile, making him approachable.
"Greetings, Elder Ouyang," Lin Feng said, cupping his fists in respect.
Elder Ouyang immediately returned the gesture. "I've long heard of your esteemed name, Lin Commander. It is indeed thunderous in its renown. Single-handedly infiltrating the Demon Army to rescue Princess Jian'an, and being the top contender at the Yangzhou First Gathering Conference—it's no wonder that the Sword Saint, who rarely takes disciples, made an exception for you. I never expected you to be so young and handsome."
"You flatter me, Elder," Lin Feng replied with a smile.
Elder Ouyang's expression turned slightly serious. "I feel a sense of familiarity with you, Lin Commander, and I have a few heartfelt words I wish to share."
"Please speak freely, Elder," Lin Feng said generously.
"Lin Commander, my Ouyang Family has maintained a friendly relationship with the Tang Dynasty for over a century. However, I cannot fathom why, after your appointment, you issued a trade ban that severely restricts all commerce between our two nations. Such a detrimental action for both parties is hard to believe could come from a capable young leader like yourself. What is truly going on?" Elder Ouyang asked, his face showing confusion.
"You are aware that our Tang Dynasty is currently embroiled in turmoil. The Wind Nation has begun to stir against us. To prevent any potential infiltration and for some other undisclosed reasons, we had no choice but to take this drastic measure. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused your Ouyang Family," Lin Feng replied eloquently.
"Then may I ask how long this decree will last?" Elder Ouyang inquired, his smile still present but now tinged with impatience.
"That depends on the situation. It could be as short as a week or a month, or as long as a year. Any of those possibilities exist," Lin Feng responded thoughtfully.
"Lin Commander!"
Upon hearing this, Elder Ouyang maintained his smile but it now carried an undertone of strain and impatience. "We are both individuals of high standing; there is no need for such trivial excuses to evade the issue. In the Northern Frontier, you are the foremost figure in Military Command. Please tell me directly—what do you truly want?"
"Elder Ouyang, you are mistaken. This is a decision made by the Tang Dynasty; it is not something I, Lin Feng, can unilaterally decide. What do I want does not come into play here."
"You are correct, Lin Commander. So what does the Tang Dynasty truly desire? Is it money?"
“Elder Ouyang, are you trying to bribe me? You too. Everyone here holds high positions; isn't this an insult to my integrity and a disregard for our official status?”
“Lin Commander, please don’t be angry. Forgive my rashness. How about this: given the turmoil in the Tang Dynasty, our Ouyang Family is willing to provide some financial support, and all the funds will be recorded under your name alone, allowing you to have full control. This way, can we ease the trade relations between the Northern Frontier and our Ouyang Family?”
“Hmm.”
Lin Feng feigned a pause, thinking for a moment before saying, “The Ouyang Family truly is a friendly nation to our Tang Dynasty. In this time of turmoil, while Wind Nation prepares to take advantage of our misfortune, the Ouyang Family offers financial support instead. I will certainly consider the sincerity of the Ouyang Family.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Finally seeing a glimmer of hope, Elder Ouyang said happily, “May I ask, Lin Commander, how much funding would be appropriate?”
Lin Feng thought for a moment and then extended one hand, showing five fingers.
Elder Ouyang looked at that number and nodded, saying, “Are you suggesting five hundred thousand taels of silver? That sounds good. When would you like it?”
Lin Feng shook his head but did not speak.
Elder Ouyang looked confused and said, “Do you mean fifty million taels? Lin Commander, are you joking?”
Lin Feng shook his head again and said calmly, “Let me be clear. Five hundred thousand taels of gold, fifty sets of High-Level Battle Armor, and five hundred sets of Low-Level Mystic Armor.”
Elder Ouyang couldn’t help but spit out his tea in surprise. “You… what?”
Lin Feng maintained a calm expression and replied, “I believe those numbers are clear enough for you, Elder Ouyang; there’s no need to repeat them.”
“Is there any room for compromise?”
“Elder Ouyang, you must understand that the Tang Dynasty is in turmoil while Wind Nation lurks nearby. We urgently need funds and Xuanjia. This is crucial for the fate of the Tang Dynasty. If we can survive this crisis, we will surely express our gratitude to the Ouyang Family in the future.”
“Lin Commander, I’m truly sorry. What you’re asking for is undoubtedly a lion’s share. Such a huge sum is something our Ouyang Family cannot agree to.”
"Elder Ouyang smiled. In the Jiuzhou Continent, who doesn't know that the Ouyang Family is as rich as a nation? Among the two wealthiest forces in the Jiuzhou Continent, one is the Guan Family, and the other is the Ouyang Family. As far as I know, Elder Ouyang, as one of the three elders of the Ouyang Family, has the authority to mobilize an amount of five hundred thousand taels of gold."
"I do have the authority to mobilize five hundred thousand taels of gold, but I must be responsible for the future and interests of the Ouyang Family. To put it bluntly, blocking trade between the two nations not only causes great harm to my Ouyang Family but also results in serious losses for the Tang Dynasty. The Emperor would certainly not allow you to continue like this," Elder Ouyang stated, invoking the Emperor.
Lin Feng smiled lightly and said, "Elder Ouyang, I am not a merchant and do not understand how to negotiate. Just those numbers—once they are met, the road will be opened."
Despite Elder Ouyang's desire to swallow Lin Feng whole, he still wore a friendly smile on his face. He said, "I regret that we did not reach a consensus today with Commander Lin. However, to be honest, no one will agree to this absurd number you proposed."
Lin Feng shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "I also feel regretful. I wish Elder Ouyang success on your journey to Chang'an. By the way, you also know that the Northern Frontier is solely under my control. Even if the Emperor issues an order for passage, I will need to adjust the tax silver accordingly."
"Oh? How will you adjust it?" Elder Ouyang squinted his eyes.
"If we resume passage, the tax silver will be adjusted to three thousand to five thousand percent," Lin Feng said with an innocent smile.
Upon hearing this, Elder Ouyang's body trembled suddenly, and he couldn't help but cough.
"Of course, if the Ouyang Family decides to support my Tang Dynasty, my doors will always be open for them. However, it must be made clear that due to the war, the number of displaced people has increased dramatically every day. Therefore, starting today, for every amount passed through, an additional ten thousand taels of gold will be required. So if tomorrow the Ouyang Family comes to see me, they should bring five hundred and ten thousand taels of gold."
Elder Ouyang stared at Lin Feng in shock and was left speechless. He quietly sat down and began to ponder.
Lin Feng busied himself with tea and casually flipped through books on the table to pass the time.
Elder Ouyang thought: Now I have two choices. The first is to agree to Lin Feng's demands and exchange a huge sum of silver for trade between our two nations. The second option is to find a way to drive Lin Feng away or even kill him.
However, eliminating a talented young man does not align with the Ouyang Family's style. Businessmen do not sever ties; resorting to extreme measures would only lead them down a path of destruction.
Elder Ouyang looked at Lin Feng and couldn't help but sigh, "I heard that the newly appointed Commander of the Northern Frontier is a ruffian. I initially didn't believe it, but now I do."
Lin Feng smiled without responding.
Elder Ouyang stood up and said, "Five hundred thousand taels of gold, fifty sets of High-Level Battle Armor, and five hundred sets of Low-Level Mystic Armor are not equivalent amounts. Does Commander Lin prefer a transaction in banknotes or in silver?"
Lin Feng was quite surprised to hear this. As expected of one of the three elders of the Ouyang Family, their decision-making was straightforward and decisive.
"Let's use the largest amount of silver notes. The Ouyang Family's silver notes are valid throughout the Nine Provinces, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Understood. If all goes well, I will send someone to deliver them to the border tomorrow morning. At that time, please bring a carriage to collect the goods. This transaction is quite large, so I ask you to make thorough arrangements."
With the deal struck, Lin Feng felt a surge of joy but also a hint of guilt. If the Ouyang Family were to play tricks, Lin Feng would feel more at ease. However, with the Ouyang Family being so forthright and decisive, he couldn't shake the feeling of being extorted.
"I apologize for causing trouble for the Ouyang Family today," Lin Feng said sincerely, but the silver and Xuanjia were too important for the Tang Dynasty at this moment.
Elder Ouyang smiled kindly and said, "If it were merely to open trade routes between our two nations, then fifty thousand taels of gold would indeed be too expensive. However, fifty thousand taels can earn Lin Commander’s goodwill towards the Ouyang Family, which is worth it. We of the Ouyang Family hope to become true friends with Lin Commander and wish that Lin Commander can regard us as friends as well." (To be continued...)
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