"Can you provide one hundred Wan Dajun of Compressed Biscuit?" Su Qianxue asked in astonishment, her chest rising and falling rapidly with excitement.
As the Empress, she was acutely aware of the nation's strength; it was a true reflection of a weak country with impoverished citizens. Each Wan Dajun that wanted to go to war needed to accumulate provisions for a long time in advance. Previously, Lin Qingyue had managed her own supplies without relying on the court, which significantly alleviated the burden on the imperial government. However, now that Lin Qingyue no longer had Jiang Han's support, her military strength had drastically diminished.
If Jiang Han could indeed provide a vast quantity of Compressed Biscuit, even under the current circumstances, they could quickly expand their army by a hundred thousand! As long as there was food, many strong men could be recruited to serve.
Jiang Han smiled comfortably, observing Su Qianxue. "I keep my promises, but you need to pay me first. Then, within three days, you can come to collect!"
"Alright! I want ten Wan Dajun for four months' worth of supplies—all Compressed Biscuit!" Su Qianxue boldly placed her order with a wave of her hand.
In the next moment, a maid at her side promptly produced a Zitan Wood Box. After opening it, she took out a Jade Sword.
Jiang Han examined the Jade Sword and recognized it as an exquisite piece crafted from Yang Zhi Yu, possessing significant collectible value. He nodded and said, "That works!"
Su Qianxue signaled with her eyes, and the maid returned the Jade Sword to the Zitan Wood Box before handing it over to Jiang Han.
"You mentioned you could provide us with unexpected items. I wonder what those are?" Su Qianxue inquired.
"Weaponry!" Jiang Han replied with a light laugh. "I can offer you some fine swords and blades at reasonable prices."
He was thinking about bulk purchasing crafted swords; all they needed to do was bring them over and let Su Qianxue's army sharpen them. In modern factories, swords could be produced for thirty or forty dollars each using good iron.
For slightly more expensive swords—those costing around one hundred to one hundred eighty dollars made from High Carbon Steel—there would be no limit on quantity available.
In this world, such swords were merely toys or decorations; however, if brought here, they would be entirely different. Given this world's level of iron craftsmanship, swords produced here often couldn't exceed one meter in length. Compared to modern High Carbon Steel swords, they were worlds apart; even the so-called famous swords were just slightly better steel swords and not even classified as carbon steel.
"Oh? Shopkeeper Jiang can also provide swords?" Su Qianxue expressed her surprise. She had thought Jiang Han could only supply food.
Jiang Han chuckled and said, "In three days, you can wait here for me. I will deliver the Compressed Biscuit you need and return with a hundred precious swords. Of course, when I say precious swords, I mean those that meet your standards of high quality!"
The price is quite a steal!
It’s very affordable, yet undeniably effective.
"Really?" Su Qianxue asked, her beautiful eyes shimmering with curiosity. She desperately needed an Imperial Guard to help her withstand the pressure from the Langya Prince.
Previously, she had attempted to form one, but due to a lack of quality weapons and armor, that three-thousand-strong Imperial Guard had combat capabilities inferior to the Five Cities Military Command. If they could be equipped with excellent swords and blades, three thousand men could stand against ten thousand.
A gentleman's word is his bond! A Promise Is A Promise! Just wait and see!
Jiang Han chuckled and said, "But I hope this matter remains between us; there's no need for others to know!" She had no intention of selling to the two royal houses. After all, if she sold to the Langya Prince and he grew stronger, it could lead to rebellion. Selling to the Lingnan King? She wasn't too familiar with him, and selling weapons to him out of the blue might get her accused of illicit arms dealing.
As for Su Qianxue, if she could casually produce a precious Jade Sword, it was highly likely she was a Royal Member. Therefore, selling to a Royal Member wouldn’t pose much of a problem.
Good! I await good news from Shopkeeper Jiang! Yan Dong, I officially hand you over to Shopkeeper Jiang!
Su Qianxue slightly raised her head, scrutinizing Yan Dong with an expression that brooked no denial, much like a golden phoenix.
She continued, "From now on, whatever Shopkeeper Jiang requires of you, you must agree unconditionally!"
"Yes, my lady!" Yan Dong replied with a bow.
Huh? Jiang Han was somewhat taken aback, unsure what Su Qianxue meant by saying that all demands from Shopkeeper Jiang must be unconditionally accepted.
Su Qianxue didn’t elaborate and soon took her leave. Jiang Han didn’t say much either; she tidied up the shop and prepared to rest.
Inside the palace!
Su Qianxue donned the Dragon Robe and summoned her Personal Eunuch, inquiring, "How has the training of the Imperial Guard been lately?"
"Your Majesty," the Personal Eunuch reported, "the Imperial Guard trains diligently, but they lack proper weaponry. As a result, they still cannot be considered a true military force."
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" A melodious voice rang from outside the hall.
A girl dressed in palace attire bounced in, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Su Qianxue. "Your Majesty, I haven't seen you today! What happened?"
She was Su Qianxue's younger sister, Piao Xue Princess, fourteen years old, and had been raised by Su Qianxue for many years. They were inseparable sisters.
With a glance from Su Qianxue, several Personal Eunuchs closed the hall doors and discreetly withdrew.
Seeing this, Piao Xue Princess's expression turned serious as she hurriedly asked, "Elder Sister, are you troubled by something regarding Langya Prince?"
Privately, she naturally referred to her as Elder Sister.
"No!" Su Qianxue replied. She recounted the events that had transpired in Jiang Han.
Piao Xue Princess rested her chin on her left hand, pondering for a moment before murmuring, "Elder Sister, I believe we can rely on Jiang Han's capabilities to strengthen our power. We should first establish our own army!"
"Then we can grant titles to this army and appoint a general officially. This general can stand against Langya Wangfu. Jiang Han might even be able to provide the necessary supplies and weaponry."
She surveyed the treasures within the palace and continued thoughtfully, "With so many valuables here, if we were to sell them, we would only receive some worthless coins. It would be nearly impossible to exchange them for supplies and weaponry, especially with Langya Prince still in play."
"Thus, we must depend on Shopkeeper Jiang!"
Comment 0 Comment Count