I Built a Territory in Ancient Times Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Seeing that his father had already made up his mind, Ma Jinyu felt there was nothing to worry about. He followed the instructions and went to gather information.

Beneath the surface, things were moving quickly. The matter of Duan Wang’s upcoming bidding event soon reached the desks of other families, and many were already considering it.

Especially after hearing that the Ma family’s young man had personally gone to Duan Wang for a drink, it was clear what the Ma family’s stance was. If the Ma family wasn’t interested, why would they send their eldest son to speak with Duan Wang and even negotiate for so long?

But what exactly was this bidding event? They had never heard of such a thing. Regardless of whether they understood it or not, everyone began to pay attention, even making their own preparations.

It wasn’t just in the capital; rumors were also spreading in the south. Duan Wang was building the West Qi Corridor, and because of a shortage of funds, he planned to involve merchants in its construction. In simpler terms, this meant investment, and in the future, it promised huge returns.

Don’t doubt it—the commotion caused by Duan Wang’s two trade expeditions to the Western Regions was well-known. Everyone in the south had heard about the value of goods from the Western Regions, though they had never seen them in person. However, they had become keenly interested in them. Since Duan Wang could trade with the Western Regions, why couldn’t others? But when they thought about the situation over there, even the more cautious ones held back their thoughts.

This time, Duan Wang’s West Qi Corridor project was mainly to open up a trade route between the Great Yan and the Western Regions, allowing merchant caravans to bypass the war-torn Suixi Kingdom and instead take a safer and more convenient route.

The most important thing was that Duan Wang was building the West Qi Corridor to bring it under the control of the Great Yan. Afterward, no foreign power would be able to choke the Great Yan’s economic lifeline. Trade between the Great Yan and the Western Regions would become smooth and uninterrupted, presenting a huge opportunity for merchants.

After all, no one had ever created a trade route on purpose. Merchants were often scorned by the world—accused of seeking profit, abandoning loved ones, and competing with the common people. In the end, these were just the prejudices of society.

But now that Duan Wang was leading the way, what did they have to fear? Rumors said that Duan Wang would be in charge of the West Qi Corridor’s development and operations for the next ten years. From what was being whispered, the beginning would undoubtedly require a significant amount of investment. However, in the long term, once the West Qi Corridor was successfully opened, the trade route would be bustling, and just the customs duties alone would be astronomical. Compared to that, the initial investment seemed trivial.

Now, Duan Wang’s bidding event was offering everyone an opportunity. As long as merchants participated, they could gain a share of such vast profits, even if it was just a small part.

Some merchants who had caught wind of the news couldn’t wait any longer. Opportunities like this are rare, and they knew they had to seize it. Many in the south were already hurrying to the capital, hoping to get in on the action.

There were also more cautious merchants who were considering whether they should head to Liangzhou to check things out. They had heard that the bandits in the area had been largely cleared out under Duan Wang’s leadership. The situation in Liangzhou had greatly improved, and as long as they weren’t near the war-torn border with Suixi Kingdom, it seemed relatively safe.

They knew they had to go there in person to assess the situation and determine whether it was worth the risk to head west.

A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying a faint floral fragrance that was intoxicating.

In the large courtyard’s pavilion, two young noblemen in elegant clothes were engaged in a game of chess. It seemed like an argument had arisen, and one of them stood up, bending over the chessboard in a posture that resembled a child throwing a tantrum.

Outside the pavilion, a group of people was walking quickly toward them. Xu Xi was leading the way, followed by palace servants and eunuchs holding fruit and snacks.

“No, no, that doesn’t count! I didn’t see it, it doesn’t count,” Ming Yu’s voice was as playful as ever, full of mischief.

“I’ve warned you before, yet you still went ahead. It’s your own choice, so how can you say it doesn’t count?” Crown Prince Ming Ye said, both amused and exasperated.

“Hey! I didn’t notice, alright? I’ll do it again, I’ll do it again!” Ming Yu replied, waving his hand dismissively.

“Look at you, you’ve redone that one move at least seven or eight times already. Is that even meaningful?” Ming Ye said, helplessly shaking his head.

“You’re just bullying me because you’re older! Either let me redo it from the start or don’t let me play there anymore. You choose.” Ming Yu acted arrogantly, showing no signs of understanding, and was totally domineering in front of the Crown Prince.

“…” Ming Ye was at a loss for words.

Xu Xi’s face twitched, wanting to laugh but holding it in. He cleared his throat to regain his composure.

It had been a long time since he’d seen the Crown Prince so genuinely helpless. Only when facing Duan Wang Ming Yu did the usually composed Crown Prince reveal a side so different from his usual demeanor.

Being in this position, the Crown Prince had so many eyes on him, and it forced him to constantly hide his true self. He had to wear a mask of kindness, humility, and restraint all the time. His royal position had become a shackle, suffocating the youthful vigor he once had, to the point where he had forgotten his true self.

At that moment, the Crown Prince was on the verge of losing his patience with Ming Yu’s stubbornness. He should have rejected Ming Yu’s suggestion to play chess the moment it was made. Playing chess with someone like Ming Yu, who had an insatiable appetite for the game, was nothing short of torture. He had gone from trying to reason with him to now having no energy left to argue.

Xu Xi’s cough caught their attention. Ming Ye felt as if he had just seen the savior and quickly sighed in relief. Finally, someone came to rescue him from this torment.

“Xu Xi is here; there must be something important. Let’s leave the game for now,” Ming Ye said, letting out a breath of relief as he hastily moved the chessboard aside, waving Xu Xi over.

Although Ming Yu felt disappointed, he didn’t press further. He merely stared at Ming Ye as he had the servants clear the things away, then sat upright with a face full of grievance.

Ming Ye, determined not to entertain him any longer, turned away, knowing that if he didn’t extricate himself now, he’d be stuck with this annoyance. No wonder the Emperor’s favorite chessboard had been removed from the palace, with not even a single piece left. The rumors were true after all.

Ming Yu had recently become obsessed with chess. As a beginner, how good could he possibly be? A few days ago, he had gone to play with the Emperor. That same day, Ming Yu had left limping, clutching his rear. The next day, the board and pieces had disappeared, and the Emperor had issued a decree forbidding the use of any chess pieces in places where Ming Yu was.

At first, Ming Ye hadn’t understood what was happening, but now, he could relate. He could guess that Ming Yu must have angered the Emperor during their game and was punished, perhaps even getting a couple of slaps before being kicked out.

It was very likely! Playing chess with Ming Yu was a test of patience, and if one wasn’t careful, they’d risk losing their mind. Now, Ming Ye knew better than to fall into the same trap. He’d have to make sure the chess set was quickly sent elsewhere and that Ming Yu would never get another chance to play.

Xu Xi had detected the slight urgency in Ming Ye’s usually calm tone. He smiled, entered the pavilion, and respectfully greeted both of them.

Ming Ye quickly helped him up, his face full of warmth and kindness. “Xu Xi, did you come for something important?”

Xu Xi handed over a booklet. “Yes, this is the second batch of Western Region goods brought back by Duan Wang. I’ve come to ask His Highness and Wang Ye to review it.”

Ming Ye took the booklet and flipped through it. The numbers on the pages made even him, who had seen countless things, pause and feel his heart race. He said excitedly, “This time is even better than last. Fourteenth Brother, take a look!”

After saying this, he pushed the booklet toward Ming Yu, signaling for him to take a look. Ming Yu, however, was unenthused and lacked the energy he’d had when playing chess. He lazily glanced at the pages, then shoved it back to Ming Ye with an air of disdain. “You’re the one who should look at this, Brother. I don’t want to deal with this.”

“Don’t you even want to take a look? Isn’t this the result of your hard work?” Ming Ye was used to Ming Yu’s dismissive attitude. As long as Ming Yu wasn’t interested in something, he always reacted this way.

But the value of this matter was vastly different. Even the Crown Prince, was moved, yet Ming Yu didn’t seem to care at all.

“Nope, I don’t want to look! It doesn’t matter to me anyway, Brother. You’re not going to take anything from me.” Ming Yu nonchalantly ate a piece of snack the servants had just brought in, speaking with his mouth full.

Ming Ye took the booklet back, and in a way, he couldn’t help but feel touched by Ming Yu’s trust. After all, since Ming Yu was so confident that the Crown Prince wouldn’t take anything from him, it was his duty to live up to that. But just as he was moved, Ming Yu casually added, “Come on, Brother, hurry up and deal with it. We didn’t finish the game yet!”

Ming Ye almost choked on his own breath, feeling both defeated and amused. It seemed the accounts were less important than their unfinished game. Should he laugh or cry now?

It was impossible to play chess, so Ming Ye had no choice but to turn to Xu Xi for help.


As the crown prince’s study companion, Xu Xi knew everything about the crown prince’s actions and intentions. At that moment, he caught the signal, nodded slightly, and then respectfully said, “Since Wang Ye doesn’t wish to see these things, may I report briefly to you?”


Ming Yu thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. To him, these things were nothing special; they held no appeal. Despite the public’s eagerness to acquire them, offering large sums of money in hopes of securing a purchase, Ming Yu felt no excitement. If the money were piled in front of him, perhaps he would show some interest, but merely recording it in the accounts left him indifferent. Therefore, he had little enthusiasm.


Xu Xi was extremely talented and trusted by the crown prince. Matters of such importance could not be handled personally by the crown prince, so they were fully entrusted to Xu Xi. Xu Xi did not disappoint. He was skilled in social maneuvering and handled all situations smoothly. Even when dealing with the high-ranking officials of the capital, he managed everything methodically and tactfully, gaining further prestige for the crown prince.


Xu Xi had already memorized the details of the accounts. He spoke clearly and precisely, explaining every single detail.


“This batch of goods has already been sold two-thirds. I think it’s nearly enough. The remaining items can be kept for when the royal relatives come to visit His Highness; that way, we’ll have something to present to them,” Xu Xi concluded.


Indeed, royal relatives, due to their status, often wouldn’t fight over such things with others. They would seek out the crown prince to handle the matter, and then it would be up to the crown prince to deal with them.


Ming Ye massaged his temples, knowing this was coming, but what could he do? As the crown prince, he still needed the support of these people.


Ming Yu smiled, clapping his hands and laughing, “Brother, the royal relatives come knocking; we definitely can’t let them off the hook.”


Ming Ye glanced at him. Since they were royal relatives, how could he possibly take more money from them? He had originally planned to give them a discount.


Ming Yu shook his head, “These people are naïve and have too much money. If we don’t take advantage of them now, when will we?”


“Naïve and with too much money…” Ming Ye thought to himself, feeling embarrassed.


“I wasn’t talking about you, Brother, so don’t take it personally,” Ming Yu said with a sly smile. “Let me tell you, when they come, just raise the price by ten to twenty percent compared to the outside market, and they’ll still happily pay.”


Ming Ye stared in shock, “How is that even possible?”


Ming Yu proudly explained, “You just don’t understand. These people think of themselves as above others. If we lower the price, they’ll think the goods are not valuable. But if the price rises, it becomes a product of great worth! We’ve specially set aside luxury goods for them, meticulously selected for their exclusivity. That way, they’ll naturally feel that what they’re getting is different from the mass market, and they’ll happily pay the price.”


Ming Yu understood exactly how these self-important individuals thought. Selling the goods at a low price could end up offending them, and that would be a huge mistake.

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