The atmosphere in the banquet hall had begun to settle after Li Chengyan finished outlining the Empire’s new trade route initiative. Muted discussions buzzed among nobles and major merchants, exchanging cautious opinions. But once again, all eyes turned when a calm yet firm voice of a woman rose from the front row.
"Your Highness, King of Qin," Lin Xi spoke with grace, standing and offering a polite bow. “The Wei family fully supports the noble decision of the Empire to open a new trade route. We believe this initiative will strengthen Longxuan’s economic foundation and foster balanced trade across the regions.”
She lifted her head slowly, locking eyes with Li Chengyan, who stood before the massive map. Her voice was steady, yet carried a hint of boldness.
“As part of the trade alliance and a family that has for generations supported the Empire’s commerce, we— the Wei family— would like to volunteer as one of the leading convoys for this project.”
Several heads turned toward her—some surprised by her audacity to speak directly in such a formal setting, others silently considering her proposal.
Li Chengyan regarded her with a deep gaze, as if measuring something unseen. He recognized the intelligence and resolve behind the refined demeanor of the young woman.
“Lady Wei,” he replied in a calm but sharp tone, “your courage in stepping forward is commendable. But this new route requires more than courage—it demands preparedness, stability, and serious logistical capacity. Can your family shoulder the initial risks of a path that is not yet fully secured?”
Lin Xi met his gaze without hesitation. “We have crossed treacherous routes, ventured into remote markets, and expanded our network even during political storms. If this path is yet untraveled, then let the first step be ours.”
Whispers rippled through the crowd—some voiced admiration, others concealed envy. In the distance, Shen Ruoyan bit her lip subtly, seething at how easily Lin Xi was stealing the spotlight once again.
Before Lin Xi could return to her seat, a soft voice laced with challenge rose from the side.
“Your Highness, King of Qin,” Shen Ruoyan stood elegantly, her smile sweet but her gaze sharp with hidden intent. “The Shen family also wishes to express full support for the new trade route initiative.”
A subtle tension began to fill the air as murmurs of competition echoed around the room.
“As a noble house that has partnered with the Empire since its founding to maintain economic stability, we too wish to apply as official leaders of the first trade convoy,” she continued, casting a quick, challenging glance toward Lin Xi.
She folded her hands gracefully in front of her and added, “We possess extensive experience in cross-regional trade and a private security network capable of protecting convoys even under the most dangerous conditions. Surely, it would be wise for the Empire to consider those who have consistently demonstrated reliability.”
Li Chengyan shifted his gaze from Lin Xi to Shen Ruoyan, and then across the hall. A quiet tension hung in the air.
Shen Ruoyan smiled calmly, but inwardly, she was boiling. She would not let Lin Xi take the spotlight—not this time.
Before Li Chengyan could respond, Lin Xi stepped forward again. Her voice was firm yet elegant. “Should the Wei family be granted the right to lead the first convoy,” she said, “we will provide all logistical needs independently, without burdening the Empire. We are also willing to contribute five percent of our initial profits directly to the royal treasury.”
Soft murmurs rose among the elders and merchants, evaluating the weight of the offer.
Lin Xi continued, “In addition, we will construct rest posts and storage depots at three key points along the route—posts that can later be used by Imperial garrisons to strengthen territorial surveillance.” Her tone was cool and calculated. “We do not merely wish to trade—we aim to be part of the Empire’s growing stability.”
Li Chengyan remained silent, clearly considering her words. On the other side, Shen Ruoyan smiled faintly and stepped forward with grace.
“An interesting offer,” she said smoothly, “but the Shen family is no less committed. If granted convoy rights, we will contribute ten large vessels from our family fleet to support the river routes and establish trade academies in the small towns along the way—to nurture a new generation of imperial merchants.”
The crowd stirred with interest—an educational initiative was an impressive gesture.
“And more than that,” she added, her sharp eyes briefly landing on Lin Xi, “we are willing to donate eight percent of our net profits from the first convoy as a token of our loyalty to the Throne.”
Li Chengyan studied them both silently. His gaze was sharp, unreadable. Before him stood two strong, calculating women, now engaged in a silent duel sharper than words alone.
The murmuring began to quiet as Li Chengyan rose from his seat, facing the map spread before him. The nobles, merchants, and officials exchanged glances, waiting for the King of Qin’s decision.
Lin Xi looked across at Shen Ruoyan, who sat poised and composed. Her smile was like poisonous dew—sweet but chilling. Lin Xi knew that if she didn’t act fast, the Shen family would win the first convoy rights.
She stepped forward calmly, standing directly before the table where Li Chengyan sat.
“Your Highness, King of Qin,” she said with steady resolve. “On behalf of the Wei family, I wish to submit an additional proposal as a primary convoy partner.”
All eyes turned to her.
“The Wei family will provide all convoy logistics—including thirty trade wagons, three private guard units trained by us, and will open our storage facility in Xicheng free of charge for imperial use for a full year.”
Gasps rippled through the audience.
“That’s far too generous…”
“Won’t they suffer losses?”
Shen Ruoyan’s eyes widened, her sweet smile faltering. She rose to her feet at once, but Lin Xi wasn’t finished.
“And, with Your Highness’s permission, the Wei family is also willing to reopen the eastern route through the Qinglan Valley, previously deemed too risky. We’ve been surveying it over the past two years.”
Li Chengyan closed his eyes for a moment, considering. Lin Xi’s offer was a bold gamble—sacrificing short-term profit for long-term influence. He sensed a deeper strategy at play.
Since when has the Wei family become this ambitious? Or… this daring? he thought to himself.
Their eyes met. For a moment, time slowed.
You’re not here just to trade, are you? thought Li Chengyan.
His hand moved slowly from his chin, ready to speak—when Shen Ruoyan’s sharp voice suddenly interrupted.
“Wait! The Shen family does not sit idly, Your Highness. We are prepared to partner with the Central Bank of Chang’an as capital guarantor and offer elite security forces from our private Shen clan troops. Our northern route will be opened at no cost to Imperial partners!”
Tension gripped the room. Two women, two great families, two extraordinary offers. Li Chengyan studied them both in silence.
The banquet turned tense as Shen Ruoyan delivered her bold proposal. Guests whispered among themselves, casting curious glances toward the middle-aged man seated quietly in the place of honor—Prime Minister Shen, Ruoyan’s father, who had remained silent all this time.
Seeing her father unmoved, Shen Ruoyan stepped forward and said in a gentle yet demanding tone, “Father, it’s time for our family to bare its fangs. If we secure the first convoy, our position will be unshakable.”
But Prime Minister Shen raised a hand, cutting her off. His eyes stared directly at his daughter—sharp and warning.
“Ruoyan,” his voice was deep and cold, “you’ve moved too hastily.”
“But—”
“Silence.”
His tone left no room for objection. The room fell utterly quiet.
“You spoke on behalf of the Shen family without due deliberation. Opening the northern route and committing our private forces without consultation is reckless. The Empire is not a place for gambling.”
Shen Ruoyan clenched her fingers, her face flushing in humiliation.
“The Shen family will not be submitting that offer,” Prime Minister Shen said firmly to Li Chengyan. “At least not at this time. We require further time for proper calculations and sound strategic planning.”
Li Chengyan gave a slow nod. “Caution is a form of wisdom, Lord Shen. I respect your decision.”
While Shen Ruoyan stood frozen in place, Lin Xi, observing from across the battlefield of politics, took a deep breath. She knew this was a crack she could use. When a major rival stumbles on their own ambition, the path ahead becomes just a little more open—for now.