Iron Powder and Spellcaster

Hearing the new title of the White Lion, Winters suddenly became interested: "Didn't the White Lion call himself a legislator? When did he become a king?"

"Always!" the strange archer replied righteously.

Winters smiled: "How do I call you?"

"This is [Tuha], the envoy of the White Lion King." The unfamiliar archery officer first introduced another archer officer, and then introduced himself: "As for me, Lord Batu can call me [Skylark]."

Winters looked at Skylark calmly: he was of medium height, about fifty years old; his temples were gray and his eye sockets were sunken; his skin was covered with wrinkles due to loss of elasticity, and his shriveled body could not hold up the large Hurd-style robe;

The ten knuckles are evenly thick, which is completely different from the other archer officer - Tuha's knuckles have been swollen and twisted due to years of high-intensity use of bows, arrows, knives and guns.

This was the first time he saw an "alliance person" serving as the Archery Officer of the Chihe Tribe. He was curious and a little uncomfortable: "Looking at the accent, you are from Monta? How long have you been serving the White Lion?"

Old Skylark smiled: "I am a member of the White Lion King. Since the White Lion King accepted me, I have been serving him."

As soon as he saw the other party's posture, Winters knew that he couldn't get any valuable information out of him, so he simply didn't bother to ask any more questions.

He yawned and poured himself a bowl of mare's milk: "If White Lion's men were as smart as you, dealing with them would be troublesome."

"If the people of Palatu were as smart and friendly as Lord Batu, it would be much easier for the Red River Department to deal with Palatu." Yunque's response was neither humble nor overbearing: "Your Excellency, you might as well get back to business. Please consider the proposal of the White Lion King. How's it going?"

Skylark received a nonchalant reply: "Still considering."

…

Captives, trade and iron ore - the three purposes of Winters' visit to the Akahe tribe. Among them, Winters cares most about prisoners, while White Lion cares most about trade.

On the surface, the Republic of Plato has implemented a strict blockade on the Hed tribes, resulting in the small and medium-sized Hed tribes being so poor that they cannot even use iron arrows.

However, just the chaos that Winters witnessed with his own eyes was enough to prove that there has always been a secret exchange of goods between the wasteland and Plato, and some people made a fortune from this.

"Why did you let me go in the first place?" Winters had never asked the White Lion this question.

He believed that the reason why the white lion did not kill him in the first place was more because he did not want to hurt Erlun and the little lion's feelings, rather than considering any long-term interests.

As for letting him go unconditionally, judging from the details revealed in White Lion's conversation, Father Rhett made a lot of efforts.

But when he took control of Tiefeng County, he had to put interests first.

Bai Shi wants Tiefeng County to become a window for material exchange between the Red River Department and the outside world. He has even made early preparations:

The little lion had traveled between the Chihe tribe's territory and Tiefeng County many times, and had already determined a route;

The Red River Department's return of "slaves" was an attempt. If the vehicles transporting "slaves" can pass, carriages loaded with goods can also pass in the future.

But even if the hard conditions are met, White Lion still needs to solve two "people" problems.

First, the Tertons.

The Terdun tribe's territory lies between Tiefeng County and Chihe tribe. It cannot be bypassed no matter what. It is a fierce tiger blocking the road. So if White Lion and Winters want to do business, they have to get the nod from the Fire-warmer.

Will those who warm themselves up to the fire be arrogant?

Don't know because he's dead.

The problem of the Teltown Department was solved... but not completely solved.

Although the tiger is dead, a group of vultures are born from the tiger's corpse.

Vultures are out of control and will eat anything. The Tertuns lost their recognized leader and the bridle that bound them.

Sporadic envoy exchanges may be able to pass secretly. However, once a fixed trade route is established, sooner or later it will attract a large number of hungry vultures.

In addition to the hidden dangers of the Terton people, the White Lion also needs the consent of another person - Montagne, the champion of Winters Plato and the tribune of Iron Peak County.

At the end of the day, sales are always consensual...at least most of the time.

Tiefeng County needs funds, horses, and iron buyers. Logically speaking, trading with the Chihe tribe is a mutually beneficial thing.

Winters has been delaying in replying because of the conditions proposed by Akagawabu.

The White Lion did not personally participate in the negotiations, but appointed several archery officers to negotiate with Winters.

As for Tiefeng County, there was a lack of "officers" who were both knowledgeable and capable, so Winters could only go into battle shirtless.

The archery officers of the Red River Department only issued two general conditions:

First of all, the white lion only trades with "Batu", and Batu only trades with the white lion;

Secondly, White Lion can send troops to protect the traveling caravans from plunder, and Tiefeng County needs to pay part of the goods as tribute.

As long as Winters nods, the Red River Department will send the first batch of caravans to Tiefeng County before the beginning of spring.

…

"The White Lion King gave this special order." Skylark stood respectfully in front of Winters' table: "He does not want any equivalent for the goods carried in the first batch of caravans, all of which are in return for your protection of the little lion prince and forehead in Qingqiu. A thank-you gift from Princess Erlun. In addition, the White Lion King also selected a thousand fine horses - also as a thank-you gift."

"Oh?" Winters asked with interest: "Then if I don't agree, will the thank you gift be gone?"

"Of course not." Skylark said without changing his expression, "No matter whether a consensus can be reached or not, the White Lion King will not take back his gift."

Winters motioned for the two archery officers to sit down and said with a smile: "The Hud people swear an oath and uphold the saying that 'the words spoken by a warrior are like arrows shot'. They will never go back on their words and rarely agree on terms in detail. We Venetians Ta people, on the contrary, like to explain all the details in advance..."

…

[Time goes back to the night before Qingqiu shooting]

"The first condition is easy to understand." Anna revealed half of her face from behind the drawing board: "You cannot bypass the White Lion and sell things directly to the civilians of the Red River Department. In exchange, the White Lion will not bypass you and Tiefeng. County merchants do business.”

Winters secretly moved his legs, which were a little sore from standing.

"To put it bluntly, the White Lion wants to become a monopoly importer and exporter and monopolize the profits of trade. In exchange, he also supports you to obtain the monopoly." Anna noticed Winters' little move and said angrily: "Don't move. !”

"Like you provide me with valuable consultation and I serve as a model for you?" Winters complained softly: "But where do I get the money to eat Akagawa's products?"

"It's very simple. If other people need it, you can just sell it."

Winters asked, "What if other people don't need it?"

"Isn't it okay if we don't import it?" Anna replied with a smile.

Winters thought to himself: The lion's goods are not something you can just say you don't want.

Anna's graphite strips rustled on the paper: "Monopoly means power, but the source of power is not to obtain profits, but to distribute profits. Assuming you monopolize the supply of goods, then you can require all buyers to provide deposits or even advance payment Payment.”

Winters thought thoughtfully: "Distribute profits? Distribute spoils? Monopoly also means power to the White Lion."

Anna continued: "My mother always said that the reason why the Veneta people have a bad reputation outside is because the Veneta people always want to seize monopoly power, and for this they do not hesitate to bribe, use violence, maliciously lower prices... and use all possible means. "

Winters protested: "You're a Veneta, too."

"Only half." Anna blinked.

Winters asked: "Can you promise them the first one?"

"It's not over yet." Anna put down the graphite strip: "The terms are too broad, and there are many details that need to be clarified. Is the White Lion's exclusive right limited to the Red River Department, or the entire Heder Wasteland.

Anna walked up to Winters: "The first article also contains an invisible clause. If you promise to guarantee White Lion's monopoly, you will also take on the responsibility of 'inspecting smuggling.' Tiefeng County merchants bypassed you You and White Lion secretly sell goods to the people of Chihe tribe, what are you going to do? Have you thought about it?"

Winters was lost in thought.

"There is another most critical question." Anna put her hands on Winters' shoulders: "Who can guarantee the enforceability of the treaty?"

…

[Time goes back to the present]

Hearing Winters say that "the details must be identified in advance", Skylark's cheeks twitched slightly.

The more ambiguous the terms of the contract, the more advantageous it is to the stronger party. Among the Chihe Tribe and Tiefeng County, it is obvious that the Chihe Tribe is the more powerful existence.

Skylark calmly took a sip of the milk wine, ready to hear what tricks the young boy in front of him could come up with.

Then... he saw the other party solemnly take out a piece of parchment full of writing from his arms.

…

The heated debate lasted from the afternoon until late at night, and only the first article of the agreement was discussed.

"Representative of the Akagawa Department" Hibari and "Representative of Winters" Winters fully exchanged views and reached a useful consensus on [delivery location], [bargaining method], [tax payment] and other contents.

There are also some key points, such as the two parties making it clear that "monopoly trade" is limited to the area actually controlled by Winters.

Winters argued hard and retained the right to sell goods to the Hed tribe outside the Red River tribe.

When the treaty was finally put into writing, Winters said with a smile: "I believe it will be a mutually beneficial agreement."

Skylark, who was thirsty and exhausted, sipped the ice water and cursed.

There is no coercive force to ensure that both parties to the agreement fulfill their obligations. Whichever side feels that it is at a disadvantage can directly overturn the table. Of course, there is mutual benefit.

"Now, there is only one thing left to solve." Winters said easily: "Who will protect the safety of the route."

Skylark couldn't bear it any longer, his eyelids were twitching and he couldn't concentrate. He is over fifty years old, and he is not as energetic as his opponent in the competition: "Your Excellency Batu. It's getting late, how about we talk tomorrow?"

Winters poured a glass of wine for Skylark and encouraged him sincerely: "It's not too late, it's today until dawn. Don't leave today's matters to be solved tomorrow."

"Okay..." Yunque braced himself and prepared to win the game: "You know, according to the currently determined route, the carriages and horses will definitely pass through the pastures of the Terdun tribe. The Terdun people are as cunning as wolves and like vultures. Just as greedy, he will never let go of the meat on his lips."

Skylark cleared his throat: "So the only thing that can protect the safety of people's carriages and horses is force. The only person who can provide this kind of force is the White Lion King!"

After saying this, Skylark stared at Winters closely, fearing to miss any subtle changes in his expression.

The threat from the Tertun people was real, and the Tiefeng County rebels lacked the power of the Heard Qingqi to come and go like the wind. Even if they wanted to protect the trade routes on their own, they were unable to put it into practice.

The inability to ensure the safety of trade routes is the weakness of the Tiefeng County rebels. Skylark firmly believes that seizing this point is equivalent to seizing the opponent's ball.

"After all, force decides everything. If you don't pay tribute, there will be blood." Yunque thought to himself. He looked at the young man in front of him with admiration and regret: "No matter how many benefits you strive for ahead, you still can't escape the 'blood tribute' in the end."

Winters mused: "The tribute... is really a bit unpleasant to hear."

"Remuneration, deposit, whatever." Skylark said generously: "If you don't mind, it can be called tax - safety tax."

Winters: "What if I still can't guarantee safety after paying this fee?"

Skylark: "If any caravan that pays security tax is robbed, the Red River Department will be responsible for recovering it. If it cannot be recovered, compensation will be based on the price."

Winters: "What happens if someone dies?"

Skylark: "The compensation will be the same. We can agree on an amount in advance. How much will be paid for the death of a person, how much will be paid for the death of a horse, and how much will be paid for the loss of a large car."

Skylark has already prepared a detailed plan, including compensation plan, site selection for the inn, how to deter the Telton people, etc. He explained patiently to Batu, trying his best to dispel his doubts.

Winters listened and took notes, asking questions from time to time.

After hearing the other party's overall plan, Winters gently knocked on his knee: "Having said all that, how much goods are you going to charge as payment?"

Skylark cleared his throat, stretched out three fingers, and put down one: "One-third."

Winters raised his eyebrows: "One-third? Why don't I use you!"

"If there is no one to protect us," Skylark said calmly, "I'm afraid not just one-third, but half of the caravan will be unable to return."

Winters smiled kindly: "Are you threatening me?"

"Just stating the facts." Yunque bowed slightly: "Batu."

"It seems you've got me, right?" Winters sighed helplessly.

Skylark didn't reveal the slightest bit of pride: "Mutual benefit."

"But there is a problem here." Winters held his chin and asked calmly: "The White Lion's men not only protect my caravan, but also the Chihe tribe's caravan. Even if I don't pay the reward, Bai Shi Like a lion, we must send out troops.”

Skylark was already prepared.

I saw him frowning slightly, as if he was thinking hard. After a moment, he asked tentatively: "What Batu said makes sense. How about this - for all carriages traveling between Tiefeng County and Chihe Tribe, the White Lion King only collects a quarter of the tribute." Jinzhong, we will give you another quarter of the profit. What do you think?"

Winters smiled: "Mutual benefit?"

"Yes." Skylark bent down and said, "Mutual benefit."

Winters clasped his hands and laughed, and Skylark laughed with him.

"Your proposal is very good." Winters suddenly put away his smile and took out a piece of parchment from his arms: "But I have a more mutually beneficial proposal."

On the parchment was a map, with a few strokes depicting the Jinliu River, the Golden Summit Mountains, and the Shade Mountains. The Red River Department is marked on the north bank of the Jinliu River, and Tiefeng County is located at the bottom of the map, next to the Jinding Mountains.

Winters pointed at the map and drew it casually: "The White Lion is in charge of the Jinliu River. I am in charge of the south of the Jinliu River, and everyone is in charge of half. Let's talk frankly, Mr. Skylark. Let the Red River Department send troops to protect Shang. After five years on the road, I’m afraid all the Teldun tribe’s homeland will belong to you. If the White Lion really wants to seize the territory, then send troops to fight. The plan of borrowing the wind sailing ship... Forgive me for not wanting to help for free. "

Skylark instantly felt the blood in his body rushing to the top of his head, and asked sharply: "South of the Jinliu River? How can you guarantee the safety of the trade route south of the Jinliu River?"

"This doesn't bother the White Lion King." Of course, Winters would not tell Skylark about the secret agreement between him and Tai Chi. He put the notes he had just copied on the table: "If there is any accident, we will also take care of it." The price will be compensated—just the price you just set."

Tired and angry, Skylark suddenly stood up, and suddenly his vision went dark. Before he fainted, he had one last thought: "Damn Veneta people!"

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