Chapter 1699: 1696: Persuasion

Chapter 1699: Chapter 1696: Persuasion

Minister Qi was silent by this point.

He vaguely sensed that the Beirong Prince was relenting, which was a bit of good news amidst the misfortune. Glancing at King Qi, he lifted his teacup, taking a sip to hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.

King Qi nodded, “Mm, I will do it. Since I have taken the Princess, I will be responsible for her.”

His eyes were filled with complex emotions, but it was clear he had accepted his fate. His refined face bore a hint of loneliness and desolation. The Beirong Prince looked at him several times, squinting his eyes, and then voluntarily picked up the wine jug to toast him.

King Qi did not refuse and drank slowly.

“About the weaving machine that Great Minister Qi just mentioned, I wonder what insights you might have.” Only then did the Beirong Prince address Minister Qi’s words, asking leisurely.

Minister Qi smiled, hinting with his words: “Prince Zilun, perhaps you’ve already received the news. Although this weaving machine was circulated by the Chu family, it has already been offered to the imperial court. When the time comes, I’m afraid it will be publicized throughout Great Chu, undergoing a complete renewal. By then, Great Chu’s silk will become more developed than ever before. If Beirong continues to use the outdated weaving machines, do you think it could still sell silk products to Great Chu in the future?”

“Great Minister Qi is right. Therefore, my lord plans to buy more while the Chu family starts selling the weaving machines.” The Beirong Prince didn’t hide this intention at all. To be precise, he couldn’t conceal it because anyone could have guessed it easily, and he wouldn’t waste time hiding this matter.

Minister Qi, hearing this, poured him some wine, “And then, Prince Zilun, have you thought about how the Chu family will eventually reveal how to use fewer raw materials to make more clothes? Don’t you want to know?”

“What does Great Minister Qi mean?” The Beirong Prince curved a smile and asked directly.

Minister Qi looked at him and said, “Prince Zilun, you should also know that having someone to facilitate matters is beneficial. Currently, we are on the same side. If you want to know these content, you can cooperate with me, after all, it’s mutually beneficial. You wouldn’t want to refuse, right?”

“Cooperate?” The Beirong Prince took a big sip of wine and slammed the cup on the table, looking at him with a gloomy gaze: “Tell me, how do we cooperate.”

“I’ve been seeking you out all these days just for the cooperation matter. Here is a pre-drafted contract, take a look.” With that, Minister Qi handed the letter paper to him.

The Beirong Prince casually took it, started reading it out loud, “Trade? Close cooperation? Caravan?”

“You want to cooperate with my Beirong Royal Family.” The Beirong Prince hit the nail on the head, looking at the Minister Qi in front of him, squinting his eyes, “What capital do you have to collaborate with my Beirong Royal Family?”

Minister Qi was not angry; instead, he served him a dish, handing it to him: “Prince Zilun, you see, Beirong doesn’t have just one prince. Surely, you also need to achieve some political achievements, right?”

“Putting the Qi family aside, just look at King Qi. The prince’s current fief is the wealthiest place, capable of easily supporting a caravan. Moreover, if the prince is willing, we can seize the opportunity between the two countries’ caravans, and the benefits are considerable.”

“If you, Prince Zilun, can smoothly gain control, even within the Beirong Royal Family, you will possess an advantage, right? After all, who would dislike having more silver.” Minister Qi smiled knowingly, aware that even he could not refuse such a temptation.

Prince Zilun was indeed the envoy sent by Beirong this time.