As a result, the southern Shang Dynasty's ruling family and nobles managed to amass enough wealth, cities became prosperous, the inflow of merchants increased rapidly, and businessmen were putting up their shops. Unfortunately, the majority of its common citizens who worked as laborers or assistants for weekly or monthly wages remained poor.
On the other hand, Shang Wei protected natural resources and instead encouraged agriculture and service industry in his empire. His vision was different from
Inns, teahouses, and taverns that provide food, lodging, and entertainment for adventurers and locals were developed in almost every large city and town.
He provided more benefits to skilled artisans and craftsmen, traditional healers, potion masters, scholars, teachers, musicians, storytellers, actors, messengers, couriers, etc…
While corruption and wealth inequality were a problem here too, the common citizens still looked happier under Shang Wei's administration.
The jobs Shang Wei encouraged everyone were something that even the ones without any ether energy could make a living out of it. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Not to mention, the education policy of Shang Wei, which offers free education to everyone in state-owned institutions as long as their household is registered with the District Magistrate, was something that turned out to be a masterful move and attracted thousands of families from all over the continent, over the past few months.
Shang Zexi was confident that Shang Wei's path wouldn't be as successful as his path, and over time, the difference in their prosperity would only widen further.
In order to make sure that he remains a winner, Shang Zexi played his move.
Raising his head to look at his brother instead of Mark, he raised three fingers, "Not two million. I was willing to contribute up to 3 million gold coins on my part, but not through the cabinet. I want a state-to-state loan transaction, but will charge the usual 12% annual rate of interest."
Taking everyone else by surprise, including Mark who didn't expect this guy to make such a move, Shang Zexi further said, "Brother Wei was rebuilding the Capital city to honor our forefathers. I respect it but I'm currently the Emperor of Southern Phoenix and I have to think in the best interests of my people.
As long as Brother Wei agrees to pay me 1% monthly interest on time, meaning 30,000 gold coins, I'm ready to lend a hand. Hence, I reject the resolution."
After he put forth his proposal and rejected the cabinet's order, he leaned back to the chair and observed the others who were slightly influenced by his words.
After all, it wasn't just Shang Zexi who received such an order. The others are also ordered to contribute according to their wealth, i.e. Western Yan – 500,000 gold coins, Western Moon – 1.5 million gold coins, and Eastern Sun – 5 million gold coins.
As long as they follow Shang Zexi's path, Shang Wei would have to pay hefty monthly interests, which eventually hinder his empire's growth.
Mark was also aware of it.
He was about to speak something, but his brother from another mother beat him to it. Folding his hands calmly, Shang Wei surprised the others with a nod, "I accept your deal." His voice was calm and there wasn't even a little bit of hesitation on his face. "I'm abstaining from this resolution."
"Yes…" Shang Zexi clenched his fist under the table. His eyes wandered the room. Just as he expected, the facial expressions of others changed and his confidence grew.
"This idiot fell into the very trap I was trying to make him avoid…" Mark felt like slapping his own forehead because of Shang Wei's stupidity.
He knows that Shang Wei wasn't originally keen on joining this alliance.
Heck, he wasn't even interested in becoming the Emperor in the first place. But, the circumstances forced him to.
When he met Mark and expressed his wishes to step down and appoint Shang Bo in his place, Mark told him about the alliance. Shang Wei accepted on the condition that Mark would help him rebuild the city their forefathers founded and lived in for over 1700 years.
Mark personally gave 6 million gold coins from his own pocket as a zero-interest loan and put another 9 million on the heads of other states.
Why did he do that?
Well, it was originally out of necessity.
Eight months ago, the Tang Dynasty (Dragon Empire), for fear of Demigods' onslaught in revenge, offered an apology.
Mark accepted it on the condition of 1 Billion gold coins as compensation.
Of course, it was an absurd amount and after several negotiations, the compensated amount was reduced to 100 million gold coins, which will be given in twenty installments, every month once.
So far, Mark received 40 million gold coins but all of it along with most of his savings was spent on buying construction materials for building his own city on his island, and rare metals for making weapons and ammunition.
Even with profits from selling ammunition and existing weapons stock, his current savings are only a little more than 2 million gold coins in his inventory.
Hence, Mark had to depend on others now.
After Shang Wei accepted Shang Zexi's deal, the others started having second thoughts. Even Shen Niu was in a dilemma of whether he should accept the Cabinet's original order or challenge it.
In the end, he raised his hand, "I'm fine with either way. So, I abstain from voting."
"Good. Now, just one more…" Shang Zexi's right leg started shaking in nervousness and excitement.
As the others seemed to be weighing their options, Mark, who didn't want to resort to threatening Shang Zexi and others to force out money, rested his elbows on the table and sighed inwardly. "Man, this is making me remember those days when I kept on requesting the Department Head to increase the funding for our research.
If only I hadn't had a one-night stand with his ex-wife of all people, Project Astra could have been successful. Damn, the timing went wrong. But, the experience was worth it, I guess, although I cannot remember her face. So many years have been passed already."
*Ding! Master, would you like me to play the memory?" A voice spoke in his head.
"Shut up," Mark shouted in his head and became more focused on others. As something clicked in his head, he spoke to the AI, "Ark, Tell me everyone's mood status."
*Ding! Scanning
Two seconds later, words that are invisible to the rest of the world appeared above the heads of the people in the room, added with an emoji.
"Hmm… Shang Zexi looked excited. Does he think he will be successful or is it the tea? It could be the former. Shang Wei was calm as if he didn't care; My father-in-law looked conflicted. What is there to think now, old man? Didn't you already abstain?
Feng Wu seemed to be in a mixture of worry and excitement, and his nephew King Feng was confused? What's there to be confused about? You are only a couple of years younger than Ouyang Zen. Look at him, how calm and confident he is looking. He didn't even bring a bodyguard like you did.
Ugh… okay, let's stop with distractions and focus, Mark…"
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