CHAPTER 1444: CHAPTER 1392: AS EXPECTED, WE CAN’T BE FRIENDS

The notice was sent to all aristocratic families under Liu Bei’s rule, and the current Roman price of a pound of raw silk equivalent to a pound of gold was also revealed. In this situation, even if some aristocratic families have other ideas, they absolutely wouldn’t act recklessly in this matter.

After all, if they act recklessly, it would not only cut off one family’s source of wealth but the source of wealth for all aristocratic families and common folk; that would truly be courting death.

"Alright, go notify all the families, though the involvement of the Five Great Merchants is inevitable. Convey my message to the Hedong Wei Family and have them keep the Wei Clan of Chenliu in check; I believe the Wei Family can understand the current situation," said Chen Xi to the shopkeeper before leaving after enjoying a cup of tea.

In fact, by now, the Hedong Wei Family has already shown goodwill towards Liu Bei. There’s no need to mention the Zhen Family and the Mi Family, and the Wu Family, represented by Wu Yuan, essentially echoes Wu Yi, the head of the Wu Family. So among the Five Great Merchants, only the Wei Clan of Chenliu remains.

Wei Zi is an ardent fan of Cao Cao, practically entering a fanatical state upon seeing Cao Cao, fully supporting him. Plus, Wei Zi has fortified the Wei Clan of Chenliu like an iron board, disregarding the goodwill released by Chen Xi.

In such a situation, Chen Xi had no good solutions, but contrary to the initial unpleasantness, the Hedong Wei Family has now calmed down. Apart from wishing to remarry Cai Yan, they have largely returned to normalcy.

As for marrying Cai Yan, in Chen Xi’s view, the Hedong Wei Family is merely making a gesture; if they can marry her, that would be excellent, if not, it’s just a stance. In any case, the Hedong Wei Family has backed down.

After leaving the commercial street with Hua Xiong, Hua Xiong cautiously began to ask questions. To Hua Xiong, the previous price from Serali seemed quite sincere, although the Romans didn’t understand the situation, Hua Xiong knew Chen Xi very well.

In such matters, if Chen Xi wishes, a single word could suffice. Though it seems Chen Xi has delegated much power under Liu Bei, his core responsibility has never changed: Liu Bei commands the military, while Chen Xi governs.

"Oh, you’re talking about Great Qin," Chen Xi glanced at Hua Xiong and said, "That price wasn’t sincere at all; it was tantamount to giving alms to a beggar. So after they said such things, I lost interest in discussing further with them."

"It’s a country with a history similar to ours in the Han Dynasty, maintaining considerable depth. They have their culture, wisdom, system, and laws; like us, they consider themselves unique." Chen Xi said with a smile.

"If I initially thought they came from afar with peaceful intent, now I can only say I overthought; they merely want to take something from us." Chen Xi shook his head in resignation.

Originally, with Chen Xi’s identity, he personally came to see because he thought that after Rome had a conflict with the Great Han Dynasty, they should calm down, come to this faraway land seeking peace and equality, and even negotiate privately with the Great Han Dynasty concerning Parthia.

However, the truth informed Chen Xi that he had overthought. Although Rome did send a noble representative, who initially appeared courteous, underneath the courteous appearance lurked sinister intentions.

"Indeed, even with great distance and rumored strength, none of this is a reason for the Romans to halt. They’re here more to understand our strength, which is also fine." Chen Xi stated with a cold smile to Hua Xiong.

"Is Roman silk very expensive?" Although Hua Xiong didn’t completely understand, Chen Xi’s explanation was clear enough for him to grasp.

"Yes, very expensive. The so-called five hundred chests of gold coins can’t actually buy much silk." Chen Xi sighed, saying, "They came thinking they could take advantage, so there’s no basis for negotiation; I was too optimistic before."

Hua Xiong nodded with partial understanding, following Chen Xi away to their former residence in Mount Tai.

Soon, countless aristocratic families received news of the Romans’ arrival, along with the unimaginably high prices that left aristocratic families completely bewildered.

If money wasn’t of utmost importance to the aristocratic families during the Late Han, essentially it just wasn’t plentiful enough. The Five Great Merchants, with their substantial wealth, could resolve many issues. Therefore, under the actions of the aristocratic families, all homes carefully guarded their fortunes.

After all, any mishap would offend not just one or two but all the people under the heavens; provoking mass anger is unwise.

This basically eliminated any possibility of Rome acquiring sericulture techniques from the civilian sector. As for the other elements, they haven’t been distributed among civilians yet; the authorities are strictly guarding them, leaving no opportunity.

When Chen Xi returned to their old home in Mount Tai, everything was already tidied up and Wang Xiu had already sent people to clean up before Chen Xi’s arrival. Chen Xi and the others just made slight adjustments according to their habits.

"Family Head." Chen Xi, returning home, was greeted at the door by Chen Bo as usual.

"They didn’t cause any trouble, did they?" Chen Xi asked, glancing sideways.

"Apart from the eldest Miss of the Zhen Family not having chosen her dwelling well, nothing else." Chen Bo smiled wryly twice, wondering whether Zhen Mi should be considered a guest or family member.

"Oh, I’ll go take a look." Chen Xi nodded and walked into the inner courtyard, which was now much quieter compared to the bustling household of the past at the old Mount Tai residence with its flocks of maids.

"Family Head." Chen Yun greeted with a respectful bow and then followed behind Chen Xi.

"This is for you, something I procured from a barbarian." Chen Xi handed a box obtained from Serali to Chen Yun, given that the Romans came with the intent of taking advantage, Chen Xi didn’t need to treat them on equal footing; a barbarian is just a barbarian.

Chen Yun took the box and casually put it away; if it were Fan Jian, she would have opened it immediately.

"Pity I’m not adept at designing jewelry; this could have made a fine embellishment." Chen Xi spoke while walking forward.

Meanwhile, Chen Yun merely smiled, disregarding Chen Xi’s extraneous words, knowing from long experience to filter out certain comments.

After reaching the place, Chen Xi sent Chen Yun off. The long journey, even on official roads, was quite tiring; there was no need for her to follow along all the time.

After Chen Xi entered his courtyard, Chen Yun had the opportunity to open the box, and when she did, her eyes curved into a line, finding even a shiny stone quite pleasing.

"Hmm, while the family head doesn’t need me, I’ll go outside and have it made into a necklace pendant." Chen Yun closed the box, speaking to herself with excitement.