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墨書 Inktalez
This situation had persisted for a long time without any progress, leaving Lu Chen and Lian Shuang, among others, quite unhappy.
Now, the entire Daiwa Dynasty, including Emperor Sun Zizhao and various ministers, were aware of this matter.
Originally, matters like monetary policy should have been managed by the Ministry of Works within the Ministries. However, the newly established Daiwa Dynasty did not even have its own bank, let alone dedicated Ministries. Moreover, the Six Ministries were all important positions; how could they be careless?
Furthermore, such matters could not be kept secret. It wouldn't take long before everyone knew about it.
This included the Great Zhou Court, as well as the two vassal states of Great Qi and Korea. Among them, the Great Zhou Dynasty was naturally pleased and self-satisfied. They initially thought that this monetary sanction was insignificant compared to real combat.
Even the Defender of the Realm himself had little hope for this method. However, after observing the situation over time, he was completely stunned. He could hardly believe that such a thing could happen; it was simply too effective.
Currently, Great Qi, Korea, and the Daiwa Dynasty were showing signs of chaos. The first impact was economic; while the trading market appeared normal on the surface, they had long run out of currency or were in dire straits and were bound to collapse sooner or later.
Even the Defender of the Realm began to think that if this situation continued, he wouldn't need to fight at all. He could directly cause chaos in Great Qi and Korea as well as in the Daiwa Dynasty without launching an attack; they would self-destruct.
At this moment, both Great Qi and Korea looked at the Daiwa Dynasty with sympathetic eyes. They understood that implementing a new currency system was unfeasible. If it were possible, they would have done it long ago; it was precisely because they feared public rejection that they had not taken action.
The Daiwa Dynasty was their practitioner, stepping forward to trigger a minefield. The facts and results proved their assumptions were correct. The situation was already dire; continuing down this path would only hasten their demise.
In such circumstances, how could Lu Chen and Lian Shuang not realize what was happening? The two of them discussed issues late into the night. Lian Dashuang had originally been present but stopped coming after a while; he likely lost confidence and could no longer persist. Lu Chen and Lian Shuang laughed it off; Lian Dashuang disliked such topics and often seized opportunities to slip away back to his military camp during discussions.
Thus, Lu Chen and Lian Shuang continued to research solutions. About half a month later, the first effects of the monetary sanctions began to show: many workshops and shops in Great Qi, Korea, and the Daiwa Dynasty closed down.
The common people were growing poorer; throughout the year they barely saw any money while goods piled up unsold. This was especially dire for large-scale farmers engaged in breeding and planting; they were overwhelmed and at their wits' end.
Lu Chen and Lian Shuang observed this situation closely. As old currency became increasingly scarce in the market, it became extremely rare. If suddenly a currency were recalled, there would be no money left or only a minimal amount available, making transactions difficult.
However, things improved now as Lu Chen and Lian Shuang devised a new plan: to completely eliminate the currency printed by the Great Zhou Dynasty. All transactions in the market would only be allowed using new currency. If any currency from the Great Zhou Court was discovered, it would be confiscated; if circumstances were severe enough, direct punishment would follow with imprisonment.
With this decree issued, the entire Daiwa Dynasty was instantly activated. All economic sectors were revitalized, and everyone became enthusiastic about this new form of currency. It felt as if a new force had been injected into the nation, which had nearly become lifeless, now revived by the power of wisdom.
Once this news spread, the Great Zhou Dynasty could no longer sit idly by. Countless ministers and advisors gathered to discuss countermeasures. They had to curb the circulation of Daiwa Dynasty's new currency in the market; otherwise, their own currency would lose its status and could be pushed out of the market, devoured by others.
In the past, a single command from the Great Zhou Dynasty could have led to the confiscation of the Sun Family in the Daiwa Dynasty, leaving them with no place to hide. They could have charged them with disrupting national currency and economy, leading to imprisonment or execution along with their entire clan.
However, that was no longer possible. The Daiwa Dynasty was an independent nation, and most neighboring countries recognized their status. After all this time, the Daiwa Dynasty had accumulated its own resources and established itself; it was no longer seen as a rebel kingdom.
If the Great Zhou Dynasty had the capability to destroy the Daiwa Dynasty or if it were convenient, they would have done so long ago. The opposition from various ministers against war and the ambitions of the Great Qi and Korea vassal states watching closely made the Great Zhou Court hesitant to act rashly. Thus, they resorted to currency sanctions as a desperate measure.
This time, the joint decree from Lu Chen and Lian Shuang served as a response to the Great Zhou Dynasty's sanctions, marking a counterattack.
Moreover, this counterattack proved effective. The Daiwa Dynasty not only showed no fear of sanctions but also launched its own new currency, established banks and a treasury, and declared its intention to drive out the Great Zhou Dynasty's currency. This was an attempt to turn the tables and seize dominance.
The results were already evident. While Great Qi and Korea were struggling for survival, the Daiwa Dynasty thrived, blossoming with new vitality and rapidly growing stronger. It seemed that soon they would shake off the shadow of the Great Zhou Court's sanctions.
Therefore, upon receiving this news, both vassal states—Great Qi and Korea—immediately decided to emulate Lu Chen's approach by introducing their own currencies. They mandated that all transactions within their territories could only use this new currency while imposing a ban on the Great Zhou Court's currency. As a result, chaos erupted within the Great Zhou Court; everyone was in an uproar. The advisors and Minister of Works were overwhelmed with pressure and unable to cope.
In Baiyang City of the Daiwa Dynasty, Sun Zizhao hosted a royal banquet in the palace for Lu Chen and Lian Shuang, along with others who contributed significantly during this event. This celebration served as recognition for their efforts.
Under Lu Chen's recommendation, Lian Shuang was appointed as Minister of Works, officially becoming a high-ranking official dressed in ceremonial robes and holding an official seal. He ranked just below Lu Chen's title of Loyalty Duke.
However, Lu Chen and Lian Shuang were not comparable; Lian Shuang belonged solely to civil officials while Lu Chen held both civil and military responsibilities as a pillar of the court with authority over troops—a position far more significant than Lian Shuang’s.
At their current level of achievement, both Lu Chen and Lian Shuang had long lost interest in titles or rewards. Lu Chen was focused on his responsibilities; each accomplishment strengthened his cultivation. Indeed, this was also a form of cultivation—seeking wealth and honor—which differed somewhat from ordinary cultivation but fundamentally shared similarities.
As for Lian Shuang, his motivation did not stem from cultivation; he simply enjoyed engaging in such matters that piqued his interest. His service under Sun Zizhao was entirely due to Lu Chen; being Lu Chen's disciple meant he naturally followed his lead. Lu Chen had also been supportive of both brothers throughout their journey.
The current Lian Couple no longer operates an inn at the entrance of the Five Element Sect. Instead, they have sold their possessions and moved to Baiyang City, where they live in a mansion and enjoy the service of numerous servants, leading a comfortable life.
Soon after, the banquet at the palace concluded, and everyone returned to their own residences. Lu Chen also returned to his Marquis's Residence. He had been extremely tired these days, and for the first time, he lay down on his bed to sleep, which felt quite good.
Initially, he thought that this matter would pass just like that, but soon after, bad news arrived again.
This time, it was the Great Zhou Court that had torn off its mask, targeting the new currency implemented by Great Qi, Korea, and the Daiwa Dynasty.
The currencies of these countries were prohibited from circulating outside. If anyone was caught with them, they would be taken to the authorities for punishment. In severe cases, they could face imprisonment or execution. This was another attack launched by the Great Zhou Court after several months.
Their target this time was the new currency introduced by these countries. The severity of the situation meant that once discovered, there would be no leniency and a heavy crackdown would ensue.
Quickly, Lu Chen summoned Lian Shuang to discuss the consequences of this situation. On the surface, their new currency circulated within their own country and seemed unaffected by external sanctions from other nations.
However, this would impact trade significantly. While internal trade might not be greatly affected, external trade would suffer immensely. It meant that goods from the Eastern Seven States or from Qi Kingdom and Korea could only be consumed internally and could no longer be sold abroad.
After all, the Great Zhou Court was still considered legitimate. Once such a ban was issued, immediate feedback was received; neighboring countries—except for Yushan Kingdom—such as Giant Barbarian Island, Wabong, Demon of the Following Magic, Gaochang, Luzhan, and others—both officials and merchants alike dared not accept the new currency anymore.
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