Chapter 90: Negotiation, the World Society
Lancer and Zhang Qian carried the box to the Ministry of Revenue. Deputy Minister Duan Shuangshuang came over and said, “My lord, the master of the Four Directions Pavilion has arrived.”
“Good. Let him in.”
Lancer sat down. Duan Shuangshuang went out to fetch the visitor, while Zhang Qian hid in the back of the room.
Before long, Hong Qi entered, a square-faced man with a bristling beard and small eyes. He bowed respectfully. “Minister Long.”
Lancer rose and returned the salute. “Master Hong, please sit.”
It could be felt plainly that Hong Qi was treating Lancer with far greater deference than before.
Indeed, a man’s dignity is earned in blood.
When one makes a name for oneself on the battlefield, even the boldest must show reverence.
At the battle of Linjiang City, Murong Xiao was slain, Shangguan Wei took his own life, and Shangguan Xiu and Shangguan Mu were both killed by Lancer’s hand; as for the other clan retainers, there was no need even to mention them.
Achievements like these were enough to draw every eye.
As the master of the World Society, Hong Qi naturally knew just how formidable Lancer was, and so his attitude was much more respectful.
“Minister Long’s gifts in both civil and martial matters have already become famous throughout the realm. You defeated Yu Shinan in a contest of wit, killed Shangguan Xiu in single combat, slew generals in battle, and established your might even in enemy lands.”
Hong Qi’s words were part flattery, part sincerity.
Lancer smiled and modestly replied, “His Majesty took the field in person, and the princess was the commander. I merely took advantage of the situation and reaped a little benefit from others’ efforts. As for any talent in civil or martial matters, that is all false praise.”
Hong Qi said, “Minister Long is too modest. Others may not know, but we of the World Society do. This great war was all planned by Minister Long.”
As expected, the World Society had eyes and ears everywhere; nothing could be hidden from them.
Lancer only smiled. “Just luck, that is all.”
Hong Qi chuckled. “If mere luck can be used to devise the killing of Murong Xiao, to cut down Shangguan Xiu and Shangguan Mu in battle, to drive Shangguan Wei to death, and to crush an army of four hundred thousand, then Minister Long’s luck is truly something else.”
Lancer gave an awkward laugh and said nothing.
A servant knocked, then pushed the door open and entered carrying a water kettle and a tea set.
After setting them down, the servant withdrew and pulled the door mostly shut.
Lancer placed the kettle over the coal stove and arranged the tea things: a jar of tea leaves, a teapot, and two cups.
For a time the two men fell into silence, neither speaking, both watching the kettle slowly come to a boil.
Lancer brewed the tea and poured two cups. With a polite “Please,” each took a cup and drank.
“After this battle, Eastern Zhou has held Linjiang City and occupied Caishi City, while Southern Liang has suffered a grievous blow.”
“With Minister Long’s efforts, Eastern Zhou’s granaries are full, its soldiers and wealth abundant, and the strength of the state has greatly increased.”
Hong Qi seemed to be praising Lancer’s ability, but in truth he was beginning to speak of business.
What he meant was that Eastern Zhou was now too powerful, and the World Society intended to move against it.
Lancer picked up the teapot and poured each of them another cup. “Please have more tea.”
Hong Qi took another sip, idly turning the cup in his hand while waiting for Lancer’s reply.
“Rise and fall, strength and weakness—such is the fate of every kingdom. Southern Liang was once strong as well.”
“I know the World Society wants a world of mutual restraint, with the kingdoms checking one another, each needing you in some way, so that your chairman can continue as an uncrowned king, honored by every state.”
Lancer came straight to the point and laid bare the World Society’s intentions.
Hong Qi had not expected him to be so direct, but he did not feel embarrassed; this was known to all under heaven, and there was no harm in saying it plainly.
“That is right. We hope for peace and coexistence under heaven, so that everyone may conduct business and make money in good order.”
Hong Qi looked honest and upright, yet when speaking nonsense he did not falter in the least. Clearly he was manipulating the kingdoms, yet he still spoke of hoping for peace in the realm.
Lancer thought to himself, He has a remarkably thick hide. I ought to learn from him.
“Eastern Zhou has grown stronger now, that much is true, but it has not changed the divided state of the world.”
“You say we have too much money—do you think you yourselves are making little?”
“And there is another point: in this great defeat of Southern Liang, your World Society has also gained something.”
Lancer picked up the teapot, and Hong Qi slowly set down his cup. Lancer poured him another serving.
When Southern Liang had been strong, the World Society had helped Eastern Zhou and Western Xia contend with it.
That was because Southern Liang had no binding interests with the World Society.
But Eastern Zhou was different. Lancer was doing business with the World Society; Eastern Zhou made money, and so did the World Society. The two sides had shared interests.
If the World Society were to turn hostile, and Lancer ordered the Ministry of Works to halt production, the loss to the society would be enormous.
When Lancer first chose to cooperate with the World Society, it was precisely to create a situation like this.
“You are right, but our chairman’s meaning is that Eastern Zhou must not expand further outward,” Hong Qi said very seriously.
Lancer also said gravely, “On this matter I must report to His Majesty before any decision can be made. I cannot decide for myself.”
“However, if we do not expand outward, can you guarantee that Southern Liang and Western Xia will not invade?”
“If they attack us, we cannot simply sit and wait to die, can we?”
Hong Qi answered with great confidence. “That will not be a problem. We will put pressure on Southern Liang and Western Xia and make them honestly hold to their borders. From now on, all will be peaceful.”
Hong Qi’s confidence came from the chairman of the World Society.
Western Xia had always obeyed the World Society’s commands. Southern Liang had not been obedient in the past, but now the Long family army was gone, the Heavenly Might Legion was gone, Murong Xiao was dead, and Southern Liang was far weaker than before. The World Society had the confidence to influence it now.
That was also why Lancer had just said that in crushing Southern Liang, the World Society would benefit.
With Southern Liang weakened, the World Society could exert its influence once more.
“Very well. If Master Hong can give such a promise, I will certainly do my utmost to persuade His Majesty that we shall never again expand outward.”
“But I must ask Master Hong to carry one message to the chairman: if Southern Liang or Western Xia strike first, we will surely strike back!”
Lancer did not leave the matter entirely absolute, but kept one condition in reserve.
Hong Qi nodded slightly. “I will deliver that.”
With the serious matters concluded, Lancer smiled. “I invited Master Hong here today to show you two new products.”
Hong Qi brightened at once. “More new products? Why didn’t you say so sooner?”
When sending word, Lancer had only said he wished to speak with Hong Qi; he had not mentioned any new inventions.
Lancer smiled. “A little surprise for the master.”
As he spoke, he took out a lip salve and a snow cream, opened each one, and explained how they were used.
“This is called Jade Lips, and this is called Moonlight Frost.”
“In autumn and winter, our lips, faces, and the backs of our hands tend to dry and crack. Using these will keep the skin soft and supple.”
“This Jade Lips is suitable for men and women, young and old. As for the Moonlight Frost, it is best sold to noble ladies. The price can be set however one likes.”
“The northern tribes will surely need it as well. Their weather is dry and bitterly cold.”
Lancer had already decided on the target customers, and Hong Qi’s heart was practically blooming with delight.
As an old hand in business, he could tell at a glance that these products had excellent prospects. This would be another huge profit.
“Whatever Minister Long invents is miraculous. Every woman in the world desires soft, supple skin, so this Moonlight Frost is sure to become a money tree.”
Hong Qi had a sharp eye and immediately judged that the Moonlight Frost would make even more money.
Lancer smiled. “Master Hong can take them back first and try them out. If they are satisfactory, the Ministry of Works will supply them in bulk.”
Hong Qi said firmly, “No need to try them out. I want as many as you have. They can be sent over today.”
Lancer feigned difficulty. “I did not expect the master to be so decisive. I have not yet begun mass production; it will take a few days.”
In truth, Lancer had already made them. He was deliberately keeping him hanging.
Hong Qi urged him, “Then do it as soon as possible. The sooner, the better.”
Lancer thumped his chest. “No problem. We will work day and night!”
Hong Qi took the samples and left the Ministry of Revenue, returning happily to the Four Directions Pavilion.
Zhang Qian came out from the back room.
“Can he be trusted?” she asked.
Lancer said, “There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. We and the World Society share interests, so for now he can be trusted.”
“Come. Let’s go to Phoenix Song Palace.”
The result of the talks with the World Society had to be reported to the empress.