The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 523: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (2)_1

Chapter 523: Chapter 523: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (2)_1

"Proclaim my decree. From this day forth, no merchant shall transport grain to the Northern Land." The Emperor calmly uttered the royal decree.

Despite the Third Prince’s dissent, he was left with no option but to swallow his objections.

With the Emperor’s proclamation, this news quickly made its rounds among the common folks on the streets of Daqin.

There was much public debate. While the Northern Land was Prince Lin’s territory, it was also a border of Daqin. There were five hundred thousand soldiers stationed there, all hailing from ordinary families.

The Emperor’s ban on the transportation of grain to the Northern Land was a death sentence, for it was widely known that the region was large yet sparsely populated, hardly suitable for crop cultivation.

Tears streamed down the faces of the people who had children and grandchildren stationed in the Northern Land. Their loved ones willingly sacrificed their lives to protect the border of Daqin. How could the Emperor so callously disregard their wellbeing? Certain scholars even began voicing their support for Prince Chu Suifeng, albeit secretly.

This was largely due to the benevolent acts of the late Virtuous Empress, remembered fondly by many, and secondly, the relative peace and stability Daqin had enjoyed was largely credited to Chu Suifeng. This prince, sent away at a young age and shouldering the responsibility of defending Daqin from his teens, had served with unwavering dedication for many years without a hint of disloyalty.

Yet the Emperor sealed off the Prince’s escape route based on mere rumors, leaving many chilled by this heartless act.

Merchants from various provinces were particularly restless.

Originally, Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng agreed to trade with them, exchanging goods for grain. Many goods from the Northern Land were already selling well throughout Daqin; products like vegetable oil, vinegar, various soy sauces, sesame oil, and bean curd had become household necessities. Especially for wealthy families or restaurants, they simply could not do without these items. To suddenly break off their business would result in significant losses.

In addition, a variety of seasonings produced through trade with the Northern Land was something they couldn’t replicate. The loss from ceasing the supply of soy milk powder, wool, and related products would be unbearable for many.

"Thank goodness, Miss Lin and Prince Lin are far-sighted." The larger merchants, however, had countermeasures.

"Please convey to the prince that we will complete the tasks he entrusted to us." In the backyard of an inn, several merchants were discussing quietly. "We would also appreciate it if you could help us procure more goods."

"We can ensure the supply of seasonings and sea products, and vegetable oil. But for the rest, the prince has said that it would be temporarily halted," replied a young man in white. "However, the prince will not forget the Zhu family’s kindness in the future."

"I wouldn’t dare dream of such," replied the middle-aged man with a smile.

"Then I will take my leave and return to the Northern Land first," proposed the man in white, rising from his seat with a smile.

"Please, when you have time, allow me to show you around Capital City," responded the middle-aged man.

"Thank you, I will keep your kind invitation in mind." The young man replied with a smile, indicating a close relationship between the two.

"Master, is this perhaps too risky?" Upon the middle-aged man’s return to the backyard, the elderly man with a goatee who had been standing beside him asked with concern.

"Of course it’s risky. But now in Capital City, our First-Class Building is the only one that has vegetable oil for sale, and the full range of seasonings. Business couldn’t be better. As long as we complete the tasks given by Prince Lin, the money we’ll earn in three months will surpass what we usually make in a year," explained the middle-aged man, smiling. "However, we must take some risks to reap the benefits. Although it’s a little risky, luckily we can use the household records that those people have. We’re just doing our business, and at the same time doing a good thing. We’re not trafficking people. Even if government offices find out, what can they do? Don’t forget, behind us stand the Virtuous Concubine and Prince Su Qing."