Chapter One

“Oh, is this the illustrious Master Wang, Proprietor Wang, the venerable Elder Wang?! Ah, I have long heard your great name, truly, your reputation precedes you!” Lin Feng greeted them with a beaming smile, personally leading several civil officials, including Li Guangdi and Chen Menglei, to welcome the guests. After a brief bow, he stepped forward, seized the hand of the elderly man at the front, and shook it vigorously, exclaiming with warmth, “You gentlemen of commerce are the very elite of our nation. The flow of goods across our land, the mutual exchange and prosperity you foster, brings flourishing industries and the well-being of the people. Indeed, you are the pillars of the state, the backbone of our—”

“...Commander, ahem, ahem...” Li Guangdi coughed awkwardly, nudging Lin Feng’s shoulder and whispering, “This is the accountant here to deliver the gift registry...”

“What?!” Lin Feng froze for a moment, then waved his hand unconcernedly and smoothly changed the subject. “Ah, I see, I see... But being an accountant is no easy task either. I have always treated my people equally, whether they are officials, merchants, craftsmen, or farmers—they all deserve respect. Look at this gentleman, still so diligent at his age, traveling such distances—truly a hardworking man! Sir, see to it that you claim a reward of five taels of silver on the accounts!” Having released the accountant’s hand, he looked past him to see several merchants behind, all staring in shock, drawing sharp breaths.

Before Lin Feng could continue with further courtesies, the merchants immediately fell to their knees in unison. “We commoners pay our respects to the Great General of the Han Army!”

“Please, please, there’s no need for such formality,” Lin Feng laughed amiably, helping each man to his feet, spreading his arms. “Your presence here is already an honor to me, and if we burden ourselves with endless ceremony, won’t it be too tedious? Come, let us have tea inside!”

Once in the main hall, Lin Feng took the chief seat at the head, while his civil officials and the merchants sat facing each other on either side, unconsciously adopting the air of a negotiation.

“...Forgive us, Commander,” Xu Danyang blushed and continued, “We have heard that the Han Army has recently been short of military supplies, so my fellow merchants and I have prepared to present some to you.”

“You are all thoughtful, but there’s no need. We are not short of funds,” Lin Feng replied with a frown. “Who told you our army lacks supplies?”

“Well... Commander, with all due respect, we have long been in business. Recently, we noticed that Lord Dai Zi, your chief supervisor of armaments, has been purchasing large quantities of coal, pig iron, brass, saltpeter, and the like. Thus, we deduced there must be shortages, though no one told us directly. This time, we have not come bearing beauties or treasures; we merchants from Shanxi and Anhui have been stockpiling raw materials for you, intending to—”

“Oh... tsk, tsk, you see, what a poor memory I have!” Lin Feng slapped his forehead, laughed heartily, and hurried down from his seat, bowing deeply. “So it’s military supplies—well, I won’t stand on ceremony then.” He helped the respectful Xu Danyang up. “Old Xu, if there are any other good things, speak freely!”

“In addition to coal, iron, and saltpeter, we have some cotton cloth, furs, and military boots. Though we are but humble merchants, our hearts are sincere in serving the country. We dare not shirk our small contribution, hoping your army drives out the invaders and restores—”

“Heh, Old Xu, I’ll remember your words and tell the soldiers myself,” Lin Feng said with a grin. “Now, what do you want from me? Speak plainly—don’t be shy!”

Once business was mentioned, Xu Danyang’s spirit revived. “If you are so straightforward, Commander, so shall we be. We hope that you will entrust us with future contracts for military uniforms, quilts, armor, tents, and such.”

“Agreed, agreed!” Lin Feng released Xu Danyang’s shoulder and returned to his seat. “In fact, I had such intentions. But let’s be clear: we’ll be conducting open bidding. Whoever offers the best goods at the lowest price will win. I won’t play favorites or be taken for a fool.”

“Truly, Lord, you are wise beyond measure!” Li Guangdi and Chen Menglei praised in unison.

“However, Mr. Xu—and our other friends from the guilds—since you have brought us so many supplies, your sincerity is evident. We cannot be ungrateful, or what would the world say of the Han Army? If we treat those who support us so poorly, who else would dare come to our side in the future? While I dare not promise lavish favors, some small conveniences are in order,” Lin Feng said with a smile.

Chen Menglei and Li Guangdi exchanged glances, finding this reasoning quite compelling.

“So, I think this commercial tax business is tricky—it’s not a one-off deal,” Lin Feng continued, grinning at the assembled merchants. “Some goods are valuable, some are cheap; a peddler selling a basket of scallions is in the same trade as a merchant hauling dozens of carts full of treasures. So how should taxes be levied? It’s a real art, wouldn’t you say?”

The merchants exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions complex. After a long silence, Xu Danyang ventured, “Commander, with all due respect, how might this be resolved?”

“No need to rush—this is not something to be decided hastily,” Lin Feng replied, his smile fading. “First, let’s set a basic rule—from today, on Han Army territory, merchants will pay tax on their goods only once; all other tolls and levies on the way will be waived. And I’ll grant you all a special privilege—register with Lord Li Guangdi here, and you’ll be issued a pass. Any merchant officially registered with us, if assaulted by bandits or robbers, can call upon the local Han Army garrison for protection. Should your goods be stolen, we are duty-bound to recover them. I’ll issue strict orders to all commanders—rest assured, gentlemen!”

The merchants were struck speechless, barely daring to believe their ears. Xu Danyang was first to kneel, followed by all the others, kowtowing sincerely. “Thank you, Commander! The merchants of Shanxi and Anhui shall never forget your kindness!”

“Haha, rise, rise—there’s no need for such distance. The land is mine, the people are under my care, you pay taxes to me—so it’s my duty to uphold justice, isn’t it? No need for such formality!” Lin Feng gestured them up with a laugh. “Now, back to taxation. Here’s my idea: we’ll classify all these trades—grain, salt, cloth, antiques, paintings, and so on—each in its own category. Every transaction must be properly recorded. We’ll tax according to type and size of the trade. Essential goods for daily life will be taxed lightly; luxury items will bear a heavier tax. Do you find this acceptable?”

At these words, the merchants felt a chill in their hearts. Xu Danyang realized he had misjudged Lin Feng. Outwardly rough and affable, seemingly full of loyalty, yet more shrewd than any official of the Qing. Those officials, greedy as they were, at least knew little of business; but this Lin Feng was clearly a master, taking control right at the source. With a forced, woeful face, he pleaded, “Commander, please understand. Our businesses are spread across the whole country; many trades are beyond Han jurisdiction, so some of our dealings...”

“No problem,” Lin Feng waved his hand, smiling, “I have no control over other regions. I speak only of business on Han Army territory. The world is growing ever more chaotic, and as for the Qing Court, who knows how much longer it stands? Should it fall, so be it. Rest assured, your caravans will have our protection wherever they go. Heh!”

Xu Danyang gave an awkward smile, and the merchants behind him hurried to offer flattering words.

Noticing Xu Danyang’s silent, anxious gaze, Lin Feng chuckled, “I see you’re in good health, Mr. Xu. May I ask how many wives you have at home?”

Xu Danyang was taken aback, staring speechlessly at Lin Feng. He could not fathom why, in such a solemn setting, the Commander would suddenly ask about his concubines. Was there some hidden meaning? Still, seeing Lin Feng’s persistent smile, he dared not evade. “Commander, I... I have seven.”

“Oh! Tsk, tsk, Mr. Xu, you are truly vigorous! Enviable, indeed!” Lin Feng grinned, then abruptly changed the subject, “And you must have quite a few children, then?”

Seeing Xu Danyang dumbfounded, Lin Feng waved his hand. “Don’t misunderstand, Mr. Xu. I have no intention of taking your sons as hostages. If Wu Sangui or Shang Zhixin send me hostages, I’ll gladly accept, but you gentlemen are not at that level! Since you seem relieved, let me explain—I intend to establish a ‘Commercial Tax Statute Committee.’ You may send your sons born to concubines—those less favored, hard to look at, the ones you don’t mind parting with—to serve on the committee, alongside our Han officials, to help decide on the taxation methods. If you prefer, nephews, cousins, trusted accountants are also acceptable. If you’re not afraid of trouble from the Qing, you may even come in person. The point is, I don’t want the government to set tax policy alone; we must discuss it together so that all are satisfied!” He glanced at the Anhui merchants standing at the back and smiled. “What do you say?”

“Do you mean for us to send men into public office?” Xu Danyang asked, his expression a mixture of delight and suspicion.

“No, not into office!” Lin Feng shook his head. “Whoever you send will still serve your interests. I won’t interfere with their business, nor will they receive a government salary. They’re only there to help set tax policy with my officials. The reason for this committee is simple: I fear my own officials may abuse their power, and this way, if you are mistreated, you can appeal directly to me!”

The merchants began to murmur among themselves, and for a moment, the hall was in uproar. Li Guangdi shifted his chair closer, quietly asking, “My lord, do you truly intend to include merchants in such affairs of state?”

Chen Menglei also looked surprised, exchanging glances with Li Guangdi as they both studied Lin Feng.

“There’s a subtlety to this!” Lin Feng said conspiratorially, eyeing the merchants. “This is a temporary expedient. The world is in chaos, and warlords everywhere are seizing grain and supplies. I have no choice but to enlist merchants to my cause. Agriculture is the nation’s foundation and cannot be undermined, but circumstances change. We cannot afford to be inflexible. Gentlemen, necessity dictates my actions. The way of kingship is, above all, pragmatic—never bound by scruples!”

Li Guangdi and Chen Menglei were suddenly enlightened. They gazed at Lin Feng in admiration and exclaimed sincerely, “My lord, your wisdom and foresight are unmatched!”

By this time, the merchants had finished discussing among themselves. Xu Danyang, his face aglow, led the others in bowing deeply. “Commander, you are truly enlightened. We, the merchants, shall act according to your commands!” Straightening, he added with heartfelt respect, “In half a lifetime of business, I have never seen such openness as this!”