Realm of Power

"Okay, the empire's reply has been given to you." Hu Keqili stood up from his seat, straightened the collar of the imperial uniform, and glanced at the ugly faces of the envoys of several Central European Barrow countries who owned ports. , the corner of his mouth turned up slightly, and he said seemingly unintentionally, "If I were you, I would never sit here, how could I?" Raising enough funds to buy the port facilities within three days is the most important thing for you right now. Once three days have passed, it will be even more difficult to buy back the port facilities. I think even if those people have Even if the funds are eventually borrowed, they must be quite limited. Naturally, whoever proposes it first will have the greatest chance of receiving support. "

As soon as Hu Keqili said these words, the whole hall fell silent again. At this moment, it seemed that the air had solidified. Princess Luo Lan's delicate body trembled, her pale face was more like a piece of white paper, and her teeth were even more tempting. There was red bite on her lips, it was over, it was completely over, Princess Luo Lan's heart was already full of broken glass.

Those figures were several kingdom envoys. They rushed towards the entrance of the hall almost at the same time. However, in anger, someone reached out and pulled the clothes of one of the envoys, and pulled the envoy to the ground. The fallen man grabbed the pants of another man, and there were screams one after another. Several envoys fought in a ball at the door of the hall, "I have two ports in Fort Locke, so I should have the advantage." Priority! "What nonsense is Castle Rock? There are only two small ports. Together they are not even half the size of our Anthea port. We, Anthea, are the country with the highest priority." The envoys talked to each other. They were each scolding each other. A few days ago, they had intimately called each other the special envoys of the Barrow countries in China and Europe. Now they were fighting each other, punching and kicking each other, their noses were bruised and their faces were swollen, and all kinds of painful sounds were heard.

Hu Keqili smiled coldly and walked out of the conference hall. It was so happy! Although it is not as satisfying as cutting off the heads of these Central and European Barrow people directly on the battlefield, it is really difficult to knock down the opponent's psychology layer by layer, completely shatter the alliance of the Central and European Barrow countries, and make them turn against each other. Not much worse than a hearty battle!

The emperor just used a few insignificant ports as bait to completely disintegrate the alliance that the Barrow countries in Central Europe had painstakingly arranged for two years. Moreover, with just one push, the common hatred between the countries collapsed. , and it has turned into a struggle for mutual interests. After this incident, I dare not say that the Barrow countries in China and Europe will immediately fall out, but at least it will be difficult to return to the previous level of jointly fighting the empire!

Moreover, this negotiation is more like a signal, and the countries will soon understand a truth, that is, although the empire is the suzerain state of the Central European Barrow, it does not interfere in the disputes between the Central European Barrow countries. A chaotic and conflicting Central Europe Barrow is far more in line with the interests of the empire than a Central European Barrow united in fighting against the empire. As long as the empire's rule is not shaken, the empire will only turn a blind eye to the internal disputes in the Central European Barrow region. This is tantamount to acquiescing to the civil war in the Central European Barrow countries. possible!

In the hall, Princess Luo Lan's pretty face was as cold as frost, and her fingers were clenched. The empire that seemed weak before showed its fangs at this moment, directly tearing apart all illusions. This is the empire that has swept across the empire in just a few years. He discovered the true face of the empire in the north of the Inland Sea, a gluttonous murderer who eats people without spitting out their bones, one after another, although before The Central European Barro situation that he worked hard to maintain was shattered into pieces, but it was not completely irreversible. But now, with the seemingly casual words of Hu Keqili, an important minister of the empire, it was completely and completely Having laid the foundation for the final victory, she has already vaguely felt that a storm is coming in the Barrow region of Central Europe!

The empire was discussing the port matter with the Central European Barrow countries, and soon word came out from the special envoys of the countries. After learning that the empire had really promised to return the port to the Central European Barrow countries, all the forces were shocked again. "How is this possible?" "Is the empire crazy?" "Is there an error in the intelligence? How could the empire return the port to the Barrow countries in Central Europe?"

Orders are flowing in the Imperial Capital. All forces do not believe that the Empire is willing to return the port, and they have asked the intelligence personnel in the Imperial Capital to conduct investigations. Although the Barrow Kingdom in Central Europe seems to have a total of twenty-three countries, since Hungary It was severely damaged during the civil war. Where can it recover in just two years? It’s a miracle that such a tough collective confrontation against the empire this time was not suppressed by the empire. The empire even promised to return its ports. If intelligence personnel from all parties had not sworn that the reports were true, I am afraid that they would have been killed immediately. As the most exaggerated joke of the year, it spread throughout the Oubalu continent

The intelligence personnel of various countries in the Imperial Capital also felt bitter in their hearts. This matter has been confirmed, what else needs to be investigated? Could it be that he really went to the Imperial Minister Hu Keqili who was participating in the deliberations to question him? After in-depth digging by intelligence personnel from all parties, there were finally some clues that were enough to prove it. For example, it was said that after the discussion, the Minister of Military Affairs, unable to bear the huge pressure and public opinion within the empire, asked the emperor for a request on the third day. He resigned from the post of Imperial Minister and was scolded by the emperor, but then he was beaten back to resign. However, this is enough to show that the empire's return of the port is probably very serious! You know, this is an empire where soldiers are above any class! In addition to the mistakes that humiliated the empire, such as losing power and humiliating the country, there are not many mistakes that Hu Keqili, the first person in the empire who wiped out two empires, can't handle it! "The news from the south should be in the past few days. How much money does the Four Nations Alliance still have?"

The fat man, wearing a gray and black Ikadiva style robe, stood up from the office chair in the Imperial Red Palace. In front of him was Hu Keqili, the Imperial Minister of State who deliberately resigned yesterday. The fat man came to the balcony of the office. , looking far away at the pure blue sky that is intoxicating, the spring breeze blowing his short black hair, with the spring rain coming a few days ago, the northwest coast of Obarro has truly entered the spring season, the Empire Annual Meeting The countdown to the last ten days has also begun.

Hu Keqili knew what the emperor meant, and it was time to meet Tu Qiongdagger!

He replied with a respectful look, "Because Princess Mingyue purchased two million imperial gold grains, the impact of the Four Nations Alliance's sudden food order was minimized. Although there were fluctuations, the amplitude was not large. Just as with Central Europe After Barrow's discussion, the Central European Barrow countries with ports also approached the Four-Nation Alliance, including Castle Rock, the Kingdom of Geria, and Genoa. The three countries including the Ancient Kingdom have received financial assistance from the four alliances and have paid the purchase costs of their respective ports. The total amount is 2.9 million imperial gold. In addition, some time ago, the Four Kingdoms Alliance spent 400 yuan on other trade in the Imperial Capital. The 670,000 imperial gold is mainly armaments, weapons and groceries. It is conservatively estimated that the Four Nations Alliance should still have no less than 3 million imperial gold in hand."

"Haha, the four southern countries came to the Imperial Capital to give money so generously this time. If they don't empty their wallets, I'm afraid they would be sorry for their enthusiasm." "But the Four Nations Alliance doesn't seem to have anything to buy now."

Hu Keqili frowned slightly and said hesitantly. After spending millions of imperial gold, the Four Nations Alliance has gained a lot. Especially the signing of loan agreements with the three Central European Barrow countries has made the Four Nations Alliance's reputation in the Imperial Capital. A rising tide lifts all boats. Now all the forces in the mainland have acquiesced that the Four Kingdoms Alliance has the strength to fight against the empire. They are also very interested in seeing if the empire can come up with effective means in the end. Otherwise, this Imperial Capital New Year will be a joke. It's a sure thing , no matter if the empire is strong and invincible, it will be humiliated by the Four Kingdoms Alliance in such a series, and its momentum will always be lowered. "Isn't it? Haha, it seems that even you were deceived by the illusion deliberately put out by the Four Kingdoms Alliance." The fat man has sharp eyes. He took it back from a distance, and said with a smile, "Don't forget, in order to fight against the empire's southward movement, the Four Nations Alliance must have prepared its domestic armies for war. In addition to armaments, there is another extremely important thing that needs to be purchased." "His Majesty You mean... food? The Four Nations Alliance wants to buy food again! "Hu Keqili's body trembled slightly, and he let out a low gasp. This time, it was so dark that he couldn't even see it. Nothing was discovered, mainly because the Four Nations Alliance bought out the grain some time ago and then released the grain. It really makes people unconsciously ignore this possibility. "Yes, don't forget, all the four countries in the Four Nations Alliance have It’s a landlocked country, and its land is not fertile either. As for the food production areas of Wo, half of the Kingdom of Rila is mountainous, the Kingdom of Ikar is traversed by a huge canyon area, and the rivers and waterways cannot flow smoothly, the Kingdom of Martin Tooth is an arid grassland, and the Kingdom of Kalisu is a large area of ​​dense woodland. , except for King Carisu who was defeated, the total number of troops gathered by the other three countries to resist the empire's southward march was probably not less than 300,000, and the food for 300,000 people, for the three southern countries that are not large grain-producing areas, , one can imagine the heavy burden involved.”

The fat man nodded, looked at Hu Keqili, and said after a pause, "The Four Nations Alliance suddenly let go of the orders in their hands, originally to impact the price of food in the Imperial Capital. If it causes a collapse in the price of food in the Imperial Capital, it will not only hit the imperial trade. , and more food can be purchased at low prices, but the Four Nations Alliance would never have dreamed of it. I secretly After subsidizing Princess Mingyue with two million imperial gold, the food released by the Four Kingdoms Alliance was immediately caught by Princess Mingyue. Although the purchase of two million imperial gold only accounted for one-fifth of the total food supply in the Imperial Capital, it was enough. It gave the Imperial Capital market enough buffer. Although the grain prices in Imperial Capital fell, the magnitude was not large. The Four Nations Alliance’s delay in taking action should harm the Imperial Capital. I am afraid that once the news is leaked, the price of food in the Imperial Capital will immediately rise sharply. After all, all the grain merchants in the Imperial Capital are hating them. The best way is naturally to trade quietly and secretly at the last moment. At this moment, , I’m afraid I’ve already been in contact with the grain merchants, it’s hard to tell! “”Your Majesty, do you need your subordinates to control all the grain merchants in the Imperial Capital? "Hu Keqili gritted his teeth and snorted angrily. The Four Nations Alliance's short-selling of Imperial Capital's grain has been regarded as a shame by the empire, but it is the nature of merchants to expel profits. In the face of sufficient profits, there are definitely grain merchants who dare to take risks. Just arrest all these businessmen, so that even if some businessmen want to buy it, they will not dare to sell it to the four southern countries!

"If you really arrest all the grain merchants, it will definitely cause panic in the imperial capital. Then you will really help them." The fat man rolled his eyes and tapped the marble balcony with his fingers. "Since we know that the Four Kingdoms Alliance wants to buy grain , that’s not a big deal, you call all the grain merchants in Imperial Capital and tell them that from now on, the price of grain in Imperial Capital will triple. If Therefore, it was affected and unable to sell. After the annual meeting, the Imperial Ministry of Finance purchased all the money at the original price! , and the price of food will inevitably be raised! "Yes, my subordinates know what to do." Hu Keqili gave a military salute with an excited look, turned around and left the emperor's office.

With Hu Keqili, the first person in the imperial court, coming forward and making a promise, all grain merchants in the imperial capital soon collectively raised prices

"Am I dazzled, or are the merchants in the empire crazy? The grain price has tripled!" In the imperial trade hall, a foreign merchant who came to buy grain looked at the wooden sign hanging the grain price with round eyes and changed to triple numbers. He was secretly shocked. The merchants around him also gathered around and watched the grain price rise. They were stunned and then made an uproar.

"Today is an eye-opener!"

"Oh my God, what is going on!" The conference hall attracted countless people to rush over here, whispering and discussing what kind of stimulation the imperial grain merchants had received. They dared to play like this and raise the price three times in one breath. Who can bear it! This is not selling food, this is robbery,

"What's going on, why is it so noisy all of a sudden?" "Food prices have risen sharply"

In an inconspicuous position in the trade hall, a middle-aged man who was originally sitting leisurely on a bench by the window and taking a nap was also awakened. Listening to the noise around him, the middle-aged man rubbed his eyes and heard various discussions about food. His face, which was originally a little confused, could not help but change slightly. No way! Food prices have risen three times... The middle-aged man ran to the place where the crowd gathered in a hurry. The moment he saw the wooden sign of food prices, his face turned ashen. What's going on? How come food prices have risen three times? The middle-aged man dared not delay, and rushed out of the trade hall in one breath and ran towards the villa where the special envoy of the Four-Nation Alliance was. While running, he was still muttering "Things are in trouble"