The Empress’ Livestream
chapter-559

Chapter 559: Come, I’ll Show You an Invaluable Treasure (I)

In order to keep the glass as a secret to the utmost extent, the vicinity of the brick kiln was heavily guarded. Everyone who worked inside was strictly monitored. Jiang Pengji had also gotten a hold of the details of their families and recent financial transactions.

Of course, all the craftsmen working in the brick kiln would receive generous remunerations as compensation every month. Their family members could also get relatively easier jobs. Moreover, children of a suitable age had priority to enroll in academies to receive education. By multiple means, the secret of the glass was well-protected. Every firing was highly confidential. Each piece of glass which was baked must be registered and defective products must be strictly destroyed.

In order to intrigue the aristocratic ladies of the North borderline, fewer pieces of glass were baked in the past. There were only more than 100 sets in total.

Now, in order to defraud the North borderline for the last time, Jiang Pengji ordered the craftsmen to bake the glasses in large quantities. They worked day and night to expedite their work. The craftsmen of the brick kiln were breaking out in cold sweat at the sight of such desperation. They were afraid that they were still in their dreamlands and took the wrong order.

When Gu Xin arrived with the trade caravan, Jiang Pengji had already baked thousands of sets of glassware, many of which were exquisitely shaped glass jewelry. Even if Gu Xin knew that those things were worthless, he still could not help himself when they were placed together.

Gu Xin hurriedly asked, “Young Master, what are you doing?”

The cost of glass was not much, but they could be sold at an exorbitant price. Hence, they should be sold slowly so that the profits could be maximized. Once there was an oversupply of glass, it would be worthless.

Jiang Pengji said to Gu Xin, “Don’t worry, Uncle Gu. Have you heard about the sudden death of An Yina, the princess of the North borderline? Now the royal family of Dongqing occupies Chenzhou and Prince Changshou is leading his troops to besiege the city. Both parties are locked in a stalemate. Now that the princess of the North borderline has died all of a sudden, I’m worried that the North borderline will use this as an excuse to attack Dongqing. Even if there isn’t a war, in your opinion, do you think Prince Changshou will act in collusion with the North borderline?”

Gu Xin could not help but be lost in thought. He was a major merchant who did business in the north and south. Of course, he was very well-informed. He knew about the sudden death of An Yina.

Gu Xin asked, “Are you thinking that once the North borderline starts a war, it’ll be difficult to continue the business?”

Jiang Pengji replied with a smile, “If the North borderline starts a war with Dongqing, everyone in the country will definitely be involved. Even if the aristocratic ladies want to buy a ‘luxury’ item like glass, they’ll probably consider twice before buying. Furthermore, there’s nothing like an absolute secret. I’m afraid that you’ll get into trouble too if they know about the secrets of the glass…”

In the entire North borderline, glass was only sold in Gu Xin’s treasure house. If they found out that glass was worthless and that it was not a heavenly item, they would definitely fly into a rage out of humiliation and Gu Xin would be implicated. This was what Jiang Pengji was unwilling to see.

Gu Xin frowned and probed, “So, are you planning to do a final trade?”

Make a great fortune before the North borderline starts a war?

Jiang Pengji did not tell Gu Xin about the horse influenza. No one else could know about it except for her and Wei Ci. If the horse influenza really existed, the last trade might cause a certain blow to the North borderline’s economy. The more she earned, the more unfortunate the North borderline would be. It would take a long time for their economy to completely recover.

These thoughts flashed across her mind.

She nodded. “Yes, that’s what I think. However, if the glass is all dumped on the North borderline, it won’t be sold off in a short period of time. Thus it’s very risky to do that. So I want you to sell some of the glass to Zhongzhao and other countries. The business in the North borderline… After this trade, leave as soon as possible… I don’t know if it’ll affect the businesses that you own…”

Gu Xin replied with a smile, “You don’t have to be so modest. The businesses in the North borderline aren’t very profitable, especially in recent years. The money earned is getting less and less so it’s indeed necessary to change the operating environment. It’s also a good idea to take this opportunity and quit.”

The North borderline’s malice towards Dongqing grew deeper and deeper as days passed. It was naturally more and more difficult for the merchants to do their business. If Gu Xin did not have an extensive network in the North borderline or that the socialites and aristocratic ladies liked to purchase from him, the treasure house would probably have closed down long ago.

Gu Xin was not at all unwilling to blackmail the North borderline and leave. He carefully selected a batch of glass that had a similar or even better quality than those sold previously. There were more than 2000 sets in total!

“It’s definitely impossible for all of these to be sold to the North borderline by using the usual sales method. In order to get out quickly, the black market is a good sales channel… However, perhaps the price of the glass can’t be as high as it previously was. If the other party demands a lower price, it must be lowered by at least 50 percent!”

Upon saying the last sentence, even Gu Xin who was used to seeing great things could not help but feel an ache in his heart.

There were more than 2000 sets of glass. If they were sold slowly according to the price in the past, at least 140 million could be earned.

What kind of a concept was that?

In a normal year, Dongqing’s treasury income was at most 150 million. This was still the case when the country was not struck with disasters. If there were floods, droughts, occasional earthquakes, and famine… Haha. The annual treasury income would be less than 90 million.

Jiang Pengji squinted and said, “You’re free to sell them however you like, as long as you can get rid of them in the shortest time. You can exchange the glass for silver or sheepskin. I don’t mind earning less.”

Without the North borderline, she could still trick the four factions of Nanman, the faraway Zhongzhao, Beiyuan, Xichang and even the south of Dongqing… Those were all her markets! There was no need to worry about not having a place to make money. One could only earn more in the future by letting go of some profits.

Upon Jiang Pengji’s enlightenment, Gu Xin could not help but laugh. He felt even more confident.

“Please rest assured. I definitely won’t disappoint you, Young Master.”

Gu Xin solemnly made a bow with his hands folded in front. In the past, he remembered Jiang Pengji’s help and encouragement with gratitude. Now, he was overwhelmed by Jiang Pengji’s trust and generosity.

He secretly heaved a long sigh. They were indeed mother and daughter.

Jiang Pengji suddenly thought of something. She exhorted. “Uncle Gu, you don’t have to buy horses anymore after this trade.”

Gu Xin was surprised. “Why?”

The ranches of Dongqing were all in Cangzhou. They had almost become the Meng family’s business. The older generations of the Liu and Meng families held some grudges against each other. It was basically impossible to buy quality battle steeds from them. Even if it was possible, Jiang Pengji would not be able to afford it.

Jiang Pengji replied, “You’ve already bought more than 3000 horses of good quality for me. Although not many horses at a time, it’s an impressive figure when the numbers are accumulated. I think the owner of the ranch in the North borderline isn’t blind. They’ll be vigilant when the figure is huge. Now that a war is imminent, the North borderline will have a stricter control over the battle steeds on the ranches. If you purchase more horses, I’m afraid that new problems will crop up unexpectedly…”