He stopped in his tracks, his eyes growing sharper: "Firstly, the infiltration of canal transport means the court's control over the lifeline between the north and south is gradually being lost."
"Today they may smuggle spices and silks, tomorrow they could secretly transport weapons and armor."
"If war breaks out, once this lifeline falls into enemy hands, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Secondly, such enormous profits will inevitably nourish a vast network of vested interests."
"They bribe officials with money, keep private soldiers, and associate with the powerful. Over time, they will become too big to fail, akin to a state within a state."
"Thirdly," Gu Lin's tone grew heavier, "these smuggled goods evade all taxes, making their prices naturally low."
"If things continue like this, legitimate businesses will find it difficult to sustain themselves and will collapse one after another."
