Chapter 1268: Each Discusses Their Needs

Fan Shuang, who was also good at conversation, asked, "I hear the Yangshan Islands are very rich. What other good things does your island produce?"

"Grain, oil, weapons, honey, seafood, and various cash crops," He Lingchuan said lightly. "Actually, our main business is port operations and freight trade. Natural resources are secondary."

He Lingchuan genuinely wasn't exaggerating. The Yangshan Islands and Blade Port had excellent geographical locations, but Blade Port itself was quite small. After He Lingchuan secured major business deals with Mu State and Beijia, many caravans and fleets preferred to moor, dock, and transship goods in the islands.

Yangshan was a large area, offering plenty of food, drink, entertainment, and beautiful island scenery.

Consequently, logistics and freight businesses naturally boomed, and the island's commerce and real estate also prospered. He Lingchuan had held onto land for a long time, and now it was finally selling for good prices.

Fan Shuang couldn't help but exclaim, "I really didn't expect that the prominent figure who investigated the immortality elixir case back then would now become a wealthy merchant of the seas!"

This was an attempt to draw him out. He Lingchuan smiled. "Wealthy? Not at all. I just have many people working for me, and I need to lead everyone to make a living. Ah, one never knows the cost of daily necessities until they manage a household! It was better back in Lingxu City; I lived a carefree and enjoyable life on my own."

Fan Shuang then asked, "What kind of business does Brother He intend to establish in Shining Gold?"

"Are you interested in that, Brother Fan?" He Lingchuan casually retorted with a question. "Do you have any good leads to offer me?"

Fan Shuang waved his hands repeatedly. "Don't talk about guidance; you humble me! Brother He is a straightforward person, so I'll be frank as well."

The tea arrived, and He Lingchuan took a sip. "I'm all ears."

"Our nation has always paid close attention to the situation in Shining Gold. Recently, the Seven-Route Allied Army launched a massive campaign against Bixia, gaining great momentum. And Brother He's Yangshan Islands have also emerged from behind the Situ family, becoming widely renowned..."

At this point, He Lingchuan interrupted, "It's true that we've become widely renowned, but the phrase 'from behind the Situ family' isn't appropriate."

"What do you mean?"

"We conduct legitimate business with the Situ family, and every transaction is clearly recorded," He Lingchuan said, setting down his teacup. "I'm just a merchant; I go where the money is. Why would I need to hide behind anyone?"

The Yangshan Merchant Guild only conducts business; it does not engage in warfare.The Yangshan Merchant Guild maintains friendly relations with everyone.

This was the reputation he needed to establish in the Shining Gold Plains right now.

Was He Lingchuan denying that he was backing the Situ family? Fan Shuang's gaze shifted slightly. "After the Seven-Route Allied Army acquired, oh, purchased provisions from Yangshan, they indeed pushed Bixia back in successive defeats."

He Lingchuan burst into laughter. "How many factors determine victory or defeat? Timing, terrain, leadership, allies, equipment, luck... All of these can sway the outcome of a battle. How can you be certain it was the provisions that made the difference? How much in provisions did Yangshan sell to the Situ family? It totaled less than thirty or fifty thousand taels. If that were in Lingxu City, that amount wouldn't even be enough to buy a small private courtyard in the lower city center."

Fan Shuang opened his mouth to speak, but He Lingchuan interjected, "Furthermore, it seems Yao State also sent provisions to Bixia. How come we haven't seen Bixia launch a counterattack?"

He used the word "sent" rather than "sold," implying that Yao State directly supported Bixia.

"Bixia also purchased provisions from our nation," Fan Shuang had to concede. "Brother He, please don't worry. Our nation has no intention of questioning you. I was sent here to make contact and see if our nation and Yangshan can also do business."

"Of course!" He Lingchuan said with a smile. "Yao State is prosperous and rich in resources. Trade between Yao State and myself would be a win-win situation. Leaving aside other matters, can Yao State sell me some of its fine horses?"

Yao State controlled some of the best horse farms on the plains, virtually monopolizing the warhorse trade.

"I will relay your request back to my country; I imagine it won't be a problem," Fan Shuang said immediately. "I can take Brother He's list of needs back with me."

He Lingchuan readily agreed.

In negotiations, the first step is naturally for each party to discuss their needs to find directions for cooperation.

During this discussion, Fan Shuang was very diligent, even bringing a considerable number of samples.

The unexpected involvement of the Yangshan Islands in the Shining Gold Plains naturally drew the attention of Yao State. Fan Shuang seized the opportunity and volunteered, securing the mission to visit the Situ territory and make contact with He Lingchuan, under the pretense of being "Island Master He's old friend from Lingxu."

After all, old acquaintances meeting again would naturally have some goodwill.Otherwise, how could a mere official in charge of records and documents ever get a chance to distinguish himself?

The samples he brought included candies, spices, cheese, fabrics, medicinal herbs, nuts, and more, a variety so rich that a large box couldn't contain it all.

Spices and candies from the Shining Gold Plains also frequently appeared on cargo ships arriving at the Yangshan Islands. They were highly favored by the nobility and wealthy officials of Beijia and Mu State, but only Yao State conducted large-scale specialized cultivation, ensuring quality control.

One particular nut brittle, flavored with a mix of mustard and pepper, made both He Lingchuan and the two monkeys grimace upon their first taste, with a spicy kick shooting straight to their heads. However, once they got past the initial shock, they found it increasingly addictive and couldn't stop eating it.

Because of its excellent flavor balance, this was also the first product He Lingchuan immediately approved.

"Yao State really does have many good things." A nation that could remain stable and prosperous in the Shining Gold Plains for two centuries was certainly not simple.

They settled on a few more items. He Lingchuan picked up a piece of silk cloth; it felt soft and smooth but was neither silk nor cotton. A mark was printed on one corner of the fabric.

"What is this?" The mark, or rather the emblem, looked familiar.

Fan Shuang, thinking he was asking about the fabric, enthusiastically introduced it: "This material is quite good, isn't it? It's light and soft, especially breathable in summer, and it prevents sweating and odor."

With that, he requested a cup of hot water and covered the rim of the cup with the fabric.

In just a few breaths, steam began to rise through the fabric.

"It is indeed breathable." He Lingchuan asked about the price, which was surprisingly cheap, only a tenth of that of silk. As a skilled merchant, his first reaction was to ask, "Can it be mass-produced?"

"No problem at all. From raw material to weaving, it's a very mature process in our country."

He Lingchuan was curious. "What exactly is the raw material?"

Fan Shuang clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "Bamboo."

"Bamboo?" He Lingchuan understood. "Bamboo fiber fabric? Can any kind of bamboo be used?"

The Yangshan Islands also had abundant bamboo, but making clothes from it was difficult, costly, and uncomfortable to wear.

"Logically, yes... but our country specializes in a type of bamboo called Bailing Bamboo, which is naturally quite fine and soft. After soaking it in a special solution, its outer layer becomes pliable and easy to tear," Fan Shuang said, holding up a piece of bamboo cloth. "I haven't studied the specific production method myself, but our people prefer this material for summer clothing. It also takes dye easily, allowing for various colors."

"Shipping it over long distances wouldn't be worth it, as it wouldn't fetch a high price," He Lingchuan mused. When engaging in long-distance ocean trade, merchants preferred goods with higher unit prices and smaller volumes. "But the Yangshan Islands and Blade Port would like it very much."