Political issues
Lin Zhen started reading the details sent by the informants about the political conditions of the kingdom.
The political condition in Lemru is very fragile.
There are lot of conspiracies in the court.
Ln Jun, the Chief Minister—wise, pragmatic, and revered among merchants and commoners alike. His close alliance with Chi Lili, the shrewd and eloquent Trade Minister, had kept the economy thriving even during harsh seasons. Together, they had fortified Lemru's status as a trading powerhouse.
But prosperity never comes without envy.
The harmony between Ln Jun and Chi Lili drew ire from two powerful figures in the court—Qiao Lin, the austere and calculating Finance Minister, and Xia Bei, the formidable Military General whose influence ran deep through the barracks and borders. Their contempt was not merely political—it was personal, rooted in ambition, pride, and old rivalries too bitter to forget.
The royal court had become a battlefield of silken words and veiled threats. Ministers exchanged smiles laced with venom. Petitions were delayed, orders countermanded. And as decisions stalled, it was the people who suffered.
Villages received no aid in droughts. Roads remained broken, delaying trade caravans. Prices soared. Jobs vanished. The very fabric of Lemru's stability began to fray at the edges.
The king is also in a difficult position and can only remain silent.If he makes any move the other party would definitely arose a protest.
He is just like a pawn controlled by the ministers.
If there is a conflict, the country would suffer greatly.If he opposes Xia Bei, he would arose a protest and there would be political unrest and foreign invasion may occur and he would not offer a helping hand.He may even join hands with other people and form alliance with them to invade the Country.
Xia Bei is shrewd and he is the one behind the looters,to keep the border in check,and to make the king know his value.
The country gets income from trade,trade is the major income of the country. They sell hand woven coats,rugs and mats.
Cattle rearing is more predominant in the country producing wool in enormous quantity.
The wool is of high quality and woolen scarfs and woolen materials are exported for trade.It provides labor and income for people as well as the country.
If that happens, it would lead to a disaster,so he can't afford to take direct action against him. The country heavily depends on trade as its primary source of income. Any aggressive move could disrupt economic ties, leading to severe financial losses, shortages of essential goods, and even political instability. Trade partnerships are delicate—once broken, they are difficult to restore. Therefore, despite tensions, he must act cautiously to avoid crippling the nation's economy.
Fu Zhou and Lin Zhen have to devise an ideal plan and decide which party they should choose and play accordingly.
While Lin Zhen can handle the political issues in the court ,Fu Zhou has to make the king Lin Zinfen agree to provide money.
Then he can make plans according to the situation in Lemru to make the king Qin Song agree to the trade agreement.
There are also internal odds in the court where there are two groups and the king can't agree readily to his proposal.
The trade agreement can't progress smoothly since it has many people involved.
Both have gathered their information and they have to make a solid plan on how to make their intention succeed.
Lin Zhen can easily subdue the looters in the border with his sword and fighting skills and gain the favor of the king.
But in Lemru he will become an enemy to the military minister and he will be a hindrance in trade dealings.
Fu Zhou first needs to have a private conversation with Chi Lili and get to know his character ,and he need to investigate deeply about his character and find any proof to get him on his side before taking the next step.
Also he needs to gain the trust of the Chi Lili and accept the trade relation only then he can enter the court to make a coal extraction proposal.
Xia Bei will raise questions to create problems in the court.It can't be avoided so they have to be careful and be prepared for his intention.
The looters are spread in a few groups with different heads,common people are afraid because the looters have some connection with the soldiers and people in the court.
Lin Zhen was in dilemma on whose side he need to take which would be beneficial for him.
He decided to take things slow on this matter and subdue the looters first.