Chapter 214: The Raging Emperors!

In the month that followed, silver mining ships returned once more to Great Zhou. With each voyage, their arrival dispelled any lingering doubts—no matter how skeptical one might have been, it was now undeniable that Great Zhou possessed rich and abundant silver reserves. As the ships continued to come and go, silver prices throughout the Central Plains plummeted again.

In Luoyang, within the grand Qianyuan Hall of the imperial palace, ministers gathered beneath the towering golden beams, the latest economic report unfurled before them.

“At present, one tael of silver can be exchanged for just six hundred coins in Great Zhou Treasury Notes.

“Those who placed their trust in the government and held onto our Treasure Notes have seen their wealth multiply. Our economy is clearly on the rise…”

Yao Chong’s eyes gleamed with elation as he held the memorial in trembling hands. Around him, officials inhaled sharply, their faces flushed with excitement. Six hundred coins for a tael of silver—an exchange rate that sent waves across the region.

For countries like Great Ming, which relied on a silver-based monetary system, this shift meant the exchange rate between their currency and that of Great Zhou had widened. Their citizens, without lifting a finger, suddenly found themselves wealthier—at least in relative terms.

Xu Jingzong gently stroked his beard, a smile spreading beneath it. “Doesn’t this mean our people can now purchase foreign goods at cheaper prices? That will only strengthen our foreign trade. Very good—very good indeed…”

Wu Zhao, seated high upon the phoenix throne, allowed a flicker of joy to surface in her eyes. She nodded, her snow-white neck lifting like a swan’s, graceful and composed.

“International trade now hinges on Great Zhou. With steel and glass alone, we’ve secured an unshakable position,” she mused. “The question now is—how long can these nations hold out before they’re forced to accept our currency?”

Yang Yi, standing calmly nearby, spoke with a serene smile. “Your Majesty needn’t worry. If my expectations are correct, those countries have likely already entertained the idea. They may even issue decrees within the next few days.”

Wu Zhao’s brows lifted slightly. Her eyes, as clear and sharp as black and white jade, settled on him. “And why are you so confident, Yang Yi?”

With measured poise, Yang Yi arched a brow. His angular features carried a quiet certainty.

“Their silver has depreciated. That means importing from us is more expensive, which will surely reduce their inbound trade. But from another angle, their exports will become more competitive.

“To boost outbound trade, they’ll have to compromise. I wouldn’t be surprised if they send emissaries to apologize soon—perhaps blaming some minister and claiming it was never their true intention.

He took a breath and added, “Their economies have taken a hit with the silver mines now in our hands. Exporting is their best route to recover.”

Wu Zhao considered his words and gave a subtle nod. His reasoning was sound.

At that moment, Shangguan Wan’er entered in haste. She crossed the hall and leaned in beside the empress, speaking in a hushed tone.

“Your Majesty, news just arrived. The Ming, Han, and Tang Dynasties have all issued formal decrees—our Great Zhou’s Treasury Notes will now be accepted and exchanged for local currency within their borders.”

The room fell silent. Officials stared at Yang Yi, astonishment etched across their faces.

This living Yama had predicted it down to the day.

Wu Zhao raised a brow, a trace of amusement glinting across her smooth, pale face. “Hmph. Now they finally understand that our Great Zhou is unstoppable?”

Shangguan Wan’er continued, her tone calm but slightly bemused. “Envoys from all three dynasties are already en route. They should arrive within two or three days, apparently to negotiate matters of trade.”

A cold smile played at the corners of Wu Zhao’s lips. Her eyes sharpened, glittering with restrained contempt.

“Such thick-skinned people. They attacked us without hesitation, and now that they’ve failed, they change their tune in an instant…”

From the side, Yang Yi chuckled softly. “Their currencies are in crisis. To stabilize their economies, they’ll need to rely heavily on exports.”

He paused, his voice still light but layered with cunning. “Which means… they need us more than we need them.”

He glanced toward the throne, a glint of mischief behind his measured tone.

“If Your Majesty still harbors resentment, might I suggest imposing tariffs? For every good they export to us, let them pay taxes to Great Zhou. That way, we’ll gain additional income… and Your Majesty’s wrath will be eased.”

There was a collective gasp. The room, moments ago filled with smug delight, now burst into shock. Eyes darted to Yang Yi in disbelief.

This man truly was ruthless—like a vampire with a tax register.

Not only could Great Zhou increase its revenue, but it could also frustrate the three nations… and they would still have no choice but to agree.

Wu Zhao’s eyes lit up with interest. Her smile returned, curling slowly with satisfaction.

“Yang Yi, your suggestion is most agreeable. Let this be the breath through which we release our pent-up fury.”

She turned her gaze to Xu Jingzong. “When the envoys arrive, you will handle it. I will not receive them personally.”

Xu Jingzong bowed at once. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

…

Half a month later, within the solemn confines of Fengtian Hall in the Ming Dynasty’s imperial palace…

“Your Majesty,” Li Shanchang spoke carefully, his head bowed, “they intend to impose additional tariffs. They say if we do not agree, all trade between our nations will cease…”

From atop the dragon throne, Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his palm against the armrest. His beard bristled, eyes wide with fury.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression darkened as the words echoed through Fengtian Hall. “What a Great Zhou… truly despicable.” His voice trembled with restrained fury.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Di exchanged glances, their expressions tense. Great Zhou actually dared to make such demands?

Grinding his teeth, Zhu Yuanzhang finally muttered, “Tell the people of Zhou that we agree.”

The ministers surrounding him wore complicated expressions, though none were surprised. Given the current balance of power, Ming had no choice but to yield and seek Zhou’s favor.

…

Meanwhile, within the grand halls of Weiyang Palace, capital of the Han Dynasty, a sharp crash rang out.

Bang!

The porcelain cup shattered against the floor. Liu Che, Emperor Wu of Han, stood with clenched fists, his sharp features twisted in fury.

“This is outright robbery!” he snapped. “So it’s fine for Great Zhou to tax us, but we’re not allowed to tax them?”

Zhufu Yan, Sang Hongyang, Zhang Tang, and the other court officials exchanged silent glances. None of them dared answer, for they all knew the truth—Han simply lacked the strength to impose taxes on Great Zhou.

Liu Che drew in a long, steadying breath. His eyelids lowered, his chest rising and falling in silence. Weariness lined the corners of his eyes.

At last, his voice came out quiet, measured. “Inform the Zhou envoys… the Han Dynasty agrees.”

He understood the bitter truth. If they wanted to continue trading with Great Zhou, they had no choice but to play by their rules. His earlier indignation had been little more than venting.

If Han really tried to impose duties of their own, Great Zhou would simply cut them off. And right now, a significant portion of Han’s commerce depended on trade with the Zhou.

Zhufu Yan and Sang Hongyang both nodded with resigned expressions.

Far to the west, in the splendid court of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin’s face was clouded with irritation. He pinched the bridge of his nose, suppressing a sigh.

“So… tariffs, is it?” he muttered, his tone thick with disdain. “Let them have their tax. Zhou’s economy is climbing fast—we won’t stoop to their level. Not yet.”

Changsun Wuji and the others beside him exchanged looks, then chuckled bitterly. There was nothing more to say.