Li Chengyan stood tall before a large map spread out over a low table, surrounded by trade alliance leaders and prominent nobles. He pointed to the southwestern region of the map with a silver-tipped wooden rod.
“The route we’ve planned will begin in Jingzhou, pass through Gaoling City and the Langzhong Valley, cut through the Blackstone Cliffs, and end at the small port of Shuiguang in Shancheng. We intend to develop this city into a new trading hub. This path not only shortens the delivery time of metals and spices from the south but also opens access to remote farming regions that have long been isolated.”
He then moved the rod to several red-marked points. “Along this route, we will construct four major trade posts. Each will be equipped with an imperial garrison and a central logistics depot. This ensures protection against robbers, bandits, and remnants of rebel factions that may still be hiding in the mountainous areas.”
Li Chengyan’s gaze swept calmly across the room before he continued. “Merchant families who are part of the alliance will be given the opportunity to manage the initial trade convoys. Those willing to invest and participate will receive the title of Imperial Trade Partner—entitling them to tax reductions, direct access to imperial warehouses, and official military protection.”
Whispers rippled among the guests—Imperial Trade Partner status was a prestigious title, capable of elevating a family’s influence several tiers above its rivals.
“This route isn’t just about gold and spice. It’s a road to the future. Longxuan will not grow by walking in circles. We need courageous merchants, wise leaders, and loyalty to the homeland without hesitation.” Li Chengyan set the rod down slowly, then met the eyes of every guest with unshakable conviction.
As he concluded his presentation, the room fell briefly silent before the murmurs resumed. The formal air shifted—tension and ambition now hung heavy.
Wei Jian, standing calmly beside Lin Xi, leaned forward slightly to study the map. “Opportunities like this come only once in a generation. But behind every great gain lies an even greater risk…” he whispered to her.
Lin Xi kept her eyes fixed on the map. Her gaze locked onto the red-marked point in the southwest. Her heart trembled faintly.
Shancheng... wasn’t that the place where General Han Jue’s forces were last seen?
Could this really be a coincidence? Or was there a hidden intention behind this new route?
Her gaze slid back to Li Chengyan, now seated once again in the place of honor. He appeared calm, yet Lin Xi could see a subtle tension behind his eyes—an unspoken burden he hadn’t shared with the public.
Lu Wenxie—who had remained by Lin Xi’s side—whispered softly, “Did you hear? The Langzhong Valley... it was never part of any prior development plans. Yet the King of Qin mentioned it with such confidence. Does he know something we don’t?”
Lin Xi nodded faintly, offering no reply. One name echoed again in her thoughts: General Han Jue.
Once the main presentation ended, attendants entered with warm tea and light refreshments. The guests moved more freely now, forming small groups to discuss what they’d heard. Li Chengyan remained seated, receiving family representatives and nobles who came forward to share their thoughts.
Wei Jian gently nudged Lin Xi from the side. “Opportunities don’t knock twice. Speak with the King of Qin. The Lianhua I know always knew when to speak.”
Lin Xi looked at her father for a moment, then stepped forward toward Li Chengyan. As she approached, Li Chengyan turned— their eyes met. For a fleeting second, time seemed to stop. Neither of them realized they were staring at someone from a life they once shared and protected.
“Daughter of the Wei family. Please, speak,” Li Chengyan said politely, though his voice remained cold as ice.
Lin Xi bowed gracefully. “I listened closely to Your Highness’s proposal. The new route is promising. But passing through Shancheng… it poses not only geographic risk, but also political instability. That region was once a base for remnants of old forces—and it has yet to fully settle.”
Li Chengyan stared at her with subtle surprise at her precision. “You seem to understand the terrain better than most men present tonight.”
Lin Xi responded calmly, “Not just the terrain, but the history that lives there. An empire cannot thrive while forgetting its old wounds.”
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Li Chengyan’s lips—whether from admiration or challenge, it was hard to tell. Before he could respond, an elder from the Wu family—a long-standing alliance member—interjected.
“If I may speak, I believe this route does bear risk. But the Empire’s presence behind the convoys could restore stability to that region. It’s almost a test of loyalty, is it not, Your Highness?”
Another noble added, “However, if only large families are granted access, tensions may arise with the smaller merchants from the central provinces. Wouldn’t it be fairer to create an open selection process—not just rely on old connections?”
Li Chengyan nodded slightly. “Indeed. That is why tonight’s gathering was held—not just to announce, but to listen. To see who dares to step forward, and who merely hides in the shadows.”
His gaze returned to Lin Xi. “And to find out who knows more than they let on.”
Lin Xi responded with a courteous smile, though an uneasy feeling crept inside her. That tone… it feels too familiar.
After several voices of support and concern were heard, Lu Wenxie—who had remained quiet until now—finally stepped forward. He bowed respectfully to Li Chengyan.
“This plan… is bold and calculated. The Empire needs teeth in trade—not just on paper, but in the form of real convoys, functioning trade posts, and ready troops.”
He paused for a moment, glancing briefly at Lin Xi, as though inviting her to follow his train of thought.
“And all of us here—merchants, nobles, and holders of influence—must understand that great rewards do not come without risk. This new route could open doors to interregional trade long held back. Personally—and on behalf of the Lu family—we are ready to support it.”
Several guests nodded in agreement. Lu Wenxie’s composed and insightful presence left a strong impression. Lin Xi briefly turned toward him, then returned her focus to the map.
If this route is truly opened, Lin Xi thought, the control over the distribution of spices, cloth, and ores will shift… and if the Wei family can secure a position early—
Her eyes sharpened. Then I can begin to shift this family’s power. Slowly, but surely. This is no longer just about profit… this is power.
At that moment, she realized that Li Chengyan was watching her again—as if reading her thoughts. Lin Xi quickly composed her expression, resuming the noble poise expected of her. But within her heart, a decision had already been made.