Chapter 213

The Hall of Governance in the Ming court was filled with tension. Ministers stood in uneasy silence as Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice echoed through the chamber.

“The exact extent of the drop is uncertain, but at the very least, silver prices will be cut in half,” he warned. “Soon, an ounce of silver might only fetch eight or nine hundred Great Zhou coins—perhaps even less.”

His tone deepened with concern. “Our Ming silver is becoming worthless. Our imports from the Great Zhou will take a heavy blow. But misfortune often breeds fortune. Our exports to them may become more prosperous as a result.

“But of course, that depends on whether the Great Zhou is still willing to do export business with us…”

Zhu Yuanzhang let that implication hang in the air for a moment before proceeding.

“Now, by recognizing Great Zhou’s paper money as legal tender in our territory, we’re trying to safeguard those exports. As long as that trade thrives, the Ming economy can catch its breath. And if we manage this recovery with care, it may one day flourish once again.”

He swept his eyes over the gathered ministers.

“So, do you understand now?” he asked. “We are not the ones being courted by the Great Zhou. We’re the ones pleading for their willingness to continue doing business with the Ming.”

Realization dawned across the hall. The ministers exchanged glances, nodding slowly. Zhu Yuanzhang’s logic was undeniable. Rather than plunge the Ming Dynasty into financial ruin through stubbornness, it was wiser to accept the new economic reality. By doubling down on exports, the dynasty might still rise from this crisis.

Zhu Biao stepped forward, unable to hold back his admiration. “Father, your foresight is truly remarkable.”

But Zhu Yuanzhang only shook his head. Regret darkened his expression.

“If I truly had foresight, I wouldn’t have let greed cloud my judgment. I wouldn’t have tried to cripple the Great Zhou.” He exhaled heavily. “And now look at us—we provoked them and suffered a tremendous loss for it.”

Bitter smiles spread across the room. Many were silently berating themselves.

…

Meanwhile, in the Tang Dynasty, deep within the serene halls of the Tai Chi Palace, the atmosphere was almost suffocating.

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and other ministers sat in rigid silence, their faces pale with disbelief as a palace guard reported the latest developments.

“According to officials from the Great Zhou,” the guard announced with lowered eyes, “this batch of silver mining ships is only the beginning. More will follow at regular intervals, transporting vast quantities of silver back to the Zhou.”

The stillness that followed was so complete that one could hear their own heartbeat.

Li Shimin gripped the armrest of the dragon throne. His veins bulged beneath his skin as fury twisted his face into something almost monstrous.

“What?” he roared. “Didn’t Zhu Yuanzhang say those silver mines were likely a bluff?”

“How could they have actually struck silver?”

His voice thundered through the chamber, but none dared to speak. The ministers were just as stunned. They had believed, with certainty, that this was one of Yang Yi’s deceptions—a tactic to intimidate or mislead. But now it was clear. There was no bluff.

Changsun Wuji lowered his head, wishing he could sink into the floor. He had personally and confidently advised Li Shimin to ally with Zhu Yuanzhang in setting a trap for the Great Zhou. Now, it was they who had fallen into the trap.

Li Shimin’s breath came in heavy bursts, each one more ragged than the last. His complexion fluctuated between red and pale.

They had sacrificed so much to suppress the Great Zhou’s paper currency. And yet, in response, Zhou had simply unearthed dozens of silver mines.

What use was all the silver they had hoarded now?

Li Shimin’s voice grew cold, cutting through the silence. “Cease all silver acquisitions immediately,” he ordered. “We’ve lost this round.”

The ministers looked at one another, their hearts heavy with bitterness.

Once again, they had been defeated by Yang Yi.

…

Far away, in the Han Dynasty, within the solemn chambers of Weiyang Palace, a similar dread hung in the air. The grand hall, once majestic, now felt oppressive in its silence.

Sang Hongyang, Zhang Tang, Zhufu Yan, and others remained silent, eyes fixed cautiously on Emperor Liu Che.

His complexion was ashen, tinged with fury. His fists clenched tightly as he muttered through gritted teeth, “The Great Zhou was waiting for us to walk right into their trap. What a Zhou. What a Yang Yi. I was too careless.”

He could hardly breathe from the frustration choking his chest. They had tried to ensnare the Great Zhou, but had ended up ensnaring themselves.

The Han treasury had already been strained by two years of war against the Xiongnu. Now, with their silver hoards losing value, their losses were catastrophic. This disaster was a blow the imperial coffers could scarcely afford.

Liu Che pressed his fingers to his brow, the tension ringing in his ears. After a long moment, he looked up—exhausted but resolute.

“We’ve offended the Great Zhou, lost a fortune, and all we gained in return is silver whose value has collapsed. So—what now?”

Zhufu Yan and the others exchanged nervous glances. For an emperor as forceful as Liu Che to seek counsel so directly—it meant he was truly out of options.

After a pause, Zhufu Yan glanced at Sang Hongyang, then bowed slightly and spoke with care.

“Your Majesty, if I may offer a humble opinion… Perhaps now is the time to extend goodwill toward the Great Zhou. If we issue a decree allowing their banknotes to be exchanged at Han banks, we may still salvage a path forward…”

Liu Che’s sharp gaze locked onto him. His tone turned icy.

“Are you joking with me? You expect me to help the Great Zhou at a time like this?”

Zhufu Yan spoke softly beside the imperial throne, his voice calm yet persuasive.

“Your Majesty, the Great Zhou’s banknotes have stabilized under Yang Yi’s various economic policies. It’s only a matter of time before they’re recognized as a legitimate currency by neighboring nations. Our Han Dynasty cannot oppose the tide of history…”

He paused, then continued without waiting for a response.

“Second, offering assistance would serve as a diplomatic favor to the Great Zhou. Though our earlier silver acquisitions targeted them, between great nations, it’s interest that matters—not right or wrong.

“If we lend our support to the Great Zhou’s currency now, they will undoubtedly remember our goodwill. Besides, the Zhou controls vast territories. Their steel and glass exports are thriving across the known world.

“Trade alone has already secured the Great Zhou’s banknotes an invincible position. Why should the Han struggle in vain against an unstoppable force? As long as we maintain open trade with them, once commerce flourishes, the Han will remain strong.”

Liu Che’s expression darkened and brightened in turn. He clenched his jaw as conflicting thoughts surged through him.

Finally, he exhaled through his nose and muttered, “Fine. We’ll proceed as you’ve advised.”

…

At the same moment, deep within the Zhangtai Palace of the Qin Dynasty, an eerie silence hung over the hall like a fog.

Li Si, Meng Yi, and the others stared at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief. None of them had imagined that the silver-mining ships from the Great Zhou were real, not a bluff or trick.

Li Si inhaled sharply, his eyelids twitching uncontrollably.

“The Great Zhou… this time, they’re truly unstoppable. Thankfully, His Majesty was wise enough not to fall for Yang Yi’s trap.”

Several court officials nodded in silent agreement, the fear still lingering in their hearts. Had they sided with the Ming, Tang, and Han in trying to sabotage the Great Zhou, their losses would have been catastrophic.

Ying Zheng sat quietly, his face clouded by a storm of emotions. He had suspected a trap and had guessed correctly—but there was no sense of victory in being right.

In a situation as desperate as this, Yang Yi had still managed to reverse the entire tide. His strategies were far too terrifying.