The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 632: I Rule My Own Territory (6)_1

Chapter 632: Chapter 632: I Rule My Own Territory (6)_1

"The King of Chu is a clever man and a cunning one too. He’s particularly crafty, so when you deal with him, be cautious. Otherwise, if you’re not careful, you might fall into his trap. Jiangnan, his rich fiefdom, surely provides him with ample silver, but no man would ever reject more. He’s an ambitious individual; the Jiangnan merchants transport goods back from the Northern Lands via water routes. Do you think he doesn’t know? This time, he’s coming with the intent to gain an advantage," Chu Suifeng analyzed for her.

"Humph, who said advantages are easy to take? If he wants to take one, he’d have to see if I’m willing. He’s wishful thinking," Lin Ziyin retorted, rolling her eyes dismissively.

Chu Suifeng burst into laughter. He derived pleasure from Lin Ziyin’s expressive face. "As for the King of Rui, he probably followed the Crown Prince’s directives, or more appropriately, the Emperor’s orders."

"Really?" Lin Ziyin asked with surprise, "The Emperor was clearly opposed to the flood of Northern goods into Daqin."

"As I said, no one ever shuns more silver. Perhaps my queen is unaware of how popular your factory’s products are in Capital City. Vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and seasonings have found their way into wealthy households, royal courts, and restaurants. Many people have already developed a taste for these distinct flavors. We have cut off their supply for three months, and the only available goods in the Capital City are from merchants who clandestinely trade with us. Now, tell me, who would want to go back to eating basic food after having tasted exotic cuisines for some time?" Chu Suifeng asked, wearing a slightly smug face.

All these excellent products were indeed the creations of his beloved queen. Let them be envied.

"The soy milk powder, milk powder, sesame paste, walnut powder, and even various cornstarch, sweet potato starch, and wheat flour used in pastries produced in the Northern Lands have become commonplace goods. If we stop supplying them, they will be desperate. More so, if those ladies get used to our cosmetics, can they dare to step outside without them? Once women make a fuss, men naturally won’t stay calm. Add woolen sweaters, yarn, down jackets, to the list. Which one isn’t a must-have for everyone? Not to forget mentioning the hot pot base that ’accidentally’ flooded into Capital City earlier, along with the ready-to-eat dried seafood, exotic mountain food, and various types of sugar."

"True, our products are top-notch. Even with sweet potatoes and wheat in their hands, they still can’t replicate our starch production process," Lin Ziyin said with a grin, "Even if they wanted to, they can’t buy the formula."

She was indeed confident. For items like soy milk and cow milk, just having the formula without the corresponding equipment would amount to nothing. Even sauces and vegetable oils are produced mechanically now. Even if the Emperor sent someone to find coal to power the machinery, it wouldn’t matter— the key is, the technology was within her control.

Taking another step back, even if they were able to deconstruct some of the technologies, it wouldn’t be a matter of concern. After all, there’s no comparison between manual production and machine production. History has proven that industrial revolution eventually replaced handcrafted products.

While the two inside the room were discussing serious matters, Lin Changshu lurked outside in the courtyard, pacing nervously and occasionally peeking towards Lin Ziyin’s courtyard.

"Both of you should stop worrying unnecessarily," Guo Huiniang scolded in annoyance, "Your sister is capable. The prince is discussing serious matters with her."

"If it’s serious business, why can’t they discuss it in the living room? Why must they go to Ziyin’s room? What if people find out and it tarnishes Ziyin’s reputation?" Zige retorted angrily.

"My sister-in-law is right, you’re just needlessly worrying. You understand the serious matters the prince and Ziyin are discussing? Besides, there are too many people here. What if someone overhears and the news gets out? Who would take responsibility then?" Wu Dayou gathered his courage to interject, "And considering there haven’t been any women in the Prince’s Residence for many years, his marital affairs can only be discussed with Ziyin in detail."