I Built a Territory in Ancient Times Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Everyone gathered around, eager to see what Workshop Owner Yu was up to.

Boss Yu remained calm and composed. He had practiced countless times in private, so now, when it came to presenting, he did so effortlessly.

He picked up a small, neatly cut square object, raised it before the crowd, and said, “This is soap. It is highly effective for washing clothes and cleaning dirty items.”

With that, he took a piece of pitch-black, filthy cloth handed to him by an assistant, dipped it in water, and scrubbed it twice using the soap in his hand. Before their very eyes, the dirt visibly faded away, while the once-clear water turned murky black.

“Look at this—stains that are normally hard to remove can be easily washed clean with just a little of this,” Boss Yu explained. He then personally demonstrated by having someone wash their hands, showing how the soap effectively removed grease and grime, proving its usefulness.

The onlookers exchanged glances. They had seen it with their own eyes—it truly worked. This soap was undeniably practical and convenient. Currently, most people used plant ash or soap beans for washing clothes, but those were far less effective than this new product. If soap could replace them, there was certainly a promising market for it.

Fascinated by this innovative item, many couldn’t resist trying it out for themselves. Some were already intrigued. This product would appeal to both the rich and the poor—it was more convenient and cleaner than plant ash or soap beans. The only question remaining was—how much would it cost?

Some began calculating in their minds. However, this was not the right setting to discuss pricing; they would have to inquire privately later.

Boss Yu then presented another item called “fragrant soap.” It had a smooth, white texture with a faint yet pleasant fragrance wafting from it.

“This fragrant soap contains essential oils and perfumes. It’s used for washing and personal hygiene, and its scent lingers for a long time—far more effective than incense. I don’t know about the preferences of people in the Central Plains, but here, young girls and ladies especially love it,” Boss Yu said proudly. “I’ve also prepared some for you all to take home and try.”

Delicate wooden boxes, each intricately carved, were distributed to the crowd. Some couldn’t wait and immediately opened theirs. They had already heard about the properties of fragrant soap from Boss Yu, and now that they saw it up close, it was exactly as described—smooth and glossy, with a rich fragrance that emanated from within. One could easily imagine how sensational it would be once introduced to the market.

Moreover, each person received a different type of fragrant soap. The colors and scents varied, making it evident that these were not just single samples.

Currently, scented products were worth a fortune. Ordinary people could only dream of using them—fragrances were reserved for royalty, nobles, and high-ranking officials. And even then, they were typically used for perfuming clothes or accessories, unlike this fragrant soap, which infused its scent directly onto the skin simply through washing. It was convenient, practical, and saved a great deal of effort. Additionally, with multiple fragrances available, people could choose according to their preference, making it even more appealing.

Finally, someone could no longer hold back and asked eagerly, “Workshop Owner Yu, how much does this fragrant soap cost?”

They needed to determine which consumer group the product was aimed at. Since it was something entirely new, they couldn’t estimate its cost.

This question was on everyone’s mind, and all eyes turned to Boss Yu in anticipation.

“The price isn’t high at all—at least, it’s affordable for the common people in the southern regions,” Boss Yu said calmly. “Think about it—if every household in the Great Yan used our soap and fragrant soap, how much profit could you make?”

At these words, no one could remain indifferent. If they could distribute this product to households across the country, the potential profits were unimaginable.

Some, unable to suppress their excitement, had already begun inquiring about how to establish a partnership.

Boss Yu smiled knowingly and said, “There is a designated person in charge of negotiations. I’m only responsible for the production process—I don’t make decisions regarding pricing or sales policies. You are free to discuss these matters and negotiate terms. If you’re interested in this business, you should bring it up as soon as possible. Once agreements are signed, we can produce as much as you need.”

They had already outlined a clear division of responsibilities. The workshop focused solely on production, while all orders and negotiations were managed by Lord Xu.

Ma Siyong quickly caught on to Boss Yu’s implied meaning. With just a little thought, he understood exactly who Boss Yu was referring to. His sharp gaze turned to Xu Wen, who was sitting beside Ming Yu, sipping tea. These merchants were all seasoned veterans. They knew that Duan Wang was too busy to handle every minor detail personally. They had already noticed Xu Wen’s significant role—he had Wang Ye’s trust, and the fact that Wang Ye had personally brought him along spoke volumes. Furthermore, in their previous dealings, it had always been Xu Wen who took the lead in negotiating trade agreements. It was clear that Xu Wen was the one in charge.

Ma Siyong discreetly stepped forward and asked urgently, “Wang Ye, Lord Xu, about this business deal…”

Before he could finish, Ming Yu interrupted him with a smile and said, “Family head Ma, don’t be so anxious. This is just one of the sites. There are other workshops, each producing different things. You can take a look at them first.”

“That’s right, Family head Ma. We have other fine products as well. Everyone can see if there’s anything of interest,” Xu Wen added. “As for the collaboration details, we can sit down and discuss them slowly.”

His words made sense, so Ma Siyong had to suppress his eagerness. He knew that Wang Ye and the others wouldn’t make empty promises. Since they claimed there were more valuable goods, there had to be items just as profitable as soap. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look. Even though the Ma family was wealthy and influential, no single person could monopolize everything. He could observe first and then decide which products would benefit the Ma family.

With that thought, Ma Siyong calmed himself and nodded in agreement.

Once they wrapped things up here, they would move on to the next workshop. Having seen the soap-making process, the merchants were even more eager about what came next, their anticipation growing.

This trip was already worth it. Even if nothing else came of it, just the opportunity to get their hands on some soap and sell it back home would make it all worthwhile.

However, there were many merchants present, both big and small. With so many competitors vying for a limited supply, could smaller traders like them even get a share? Some started feeling uncertain and filled with worry. Regardless, they had to fight for a chance—there was no way they could leave empty-handed after coming all this way.

Just as the group stepped outside, a galloping horse rushed toward them, stopping in front of Ming Yu.

Shielding his eyes from the sun, Ming Yu finally saw who had arrived—it was Xie Yixiu. He frowned. Why was he here? And in such a hurry? Was there trouble at Shi Chongguan again? Could it be that the barbarians were invading once more?

Lately, Xie Yixiu had been stationed at Shi Chongguan, training newly recruited soldiers alongside Mo Jiang. Initially, Ming Yu had opposed sending new recruits there. After all, Shi Chongguan was a dangerous place, always at risk of an attack by the barbarians. New soldiers, with no combat experience, would be in grave danger if war broke out.

However, Xie Yixiu and Mo Jiang had both insisted. They believed that these new soldiers needed to adapt to the environment early on so that they wouldn’t panic in the future.

In the end, Ming Yu couldn’t win against their firm stance and had reluctantly agreed. Now that Xie Yixiu had appeared here so suddenly, Ming Yu couldn’t help but overthink the situation.

Since the battle at Western Qi Mountain, the barbarians had suffered a crushing defeat. It seemed that battle had truly broken their spirits. Tuoba Ren had led the main force back west to the royal court, leaving behind only scattered, disorganized soldiers who posed little threat. Because of this, they hadn’t dared to cause trouble, and the border had remained relatively peaceful in recent days.

At this critical time for attracting merchants and investments, Ming Yu didn’t want any unexpected disruptions.

If war broke out at the border and frightened the merchants away from Liangzhou, all his efforts would have been in vain.

Xie Yixiu dismounted and saluted Ming Yu. Ming Yu quickly helped him up and asked urgently, “General Xie, have you come for something important? Is there movement at the border?”

Xie Yixiu clearly had something to report, but it wasn’t suitable to discuss in front of so many people. A single glance between them was enough for Ming Yu to understand.

Turning to Xu Wen, Ming Yu gave him a few instructions, telling him to continue leading the group on the tour. Ming Yu had already provided Xu Wen with a complete plan in advance. Xu Wen was in charge of this project, and as long as everything stayed within the guidelines set by Ming Yu, he had full authority to make decisions.

This approach served a purpose—Ming Yu wanted Xu Wen to develop his own capabilities quickly. Liangcheng was evolving every day, and each person under Ming Yu had their own responsibilities. It was impossible for Ming Yu to handle everything alone.

Although Xu Wen had been given clear instructions beforehand, he had never handled such matters before. He was nervous, afraid of making a mistake and failing Wang Ye’s trust.

Seeing Xu Wen’s unease, Ming Yu smiled and reassured him, “This isn’t a big deal. Just do your best. Even if something goes wrong, I won’t blame you. And if you really can’t decide, just send someone to inform me.”

Hearing this, Xu Wen finally felt somewhat relieved. He understood that he had to take this step sooner or later. If he relied entirely on Wang Ye, he would never grow. Taking a deep breath, he bowed deeply and said, “I will not fail Wang Ye’s trust. I will do my utmost to carry out your orders.”

Ming Yu nodded in satisfaction and had someone bring him a horse. Mounting it swiftly, he said, “We’ll talk when we get back.”

Riding at full speed, Ming Yu was no longer the novice horseman he had once been. Under Xie Yixiu’s guidance, his riding skills had improved considerably, and he had long since mastered the basics.

One after another, their horses galloped through the city, arriving at the palace. Ming Yu dismounted effortlessly as palace attendants rushed over to take their horses.

“Wang Ye, why are you back so soon?” Qingping asked in surprise. Wang Ye had left early in the morning, saying he would be gone for the whole day. Yet, he had returned before noon—and with General Xie, no less. It must be something urgent.

Ming Yu waved a hand dismissively, looping the whip around his fingers as he walked inside. “I have important matters to discuss with General Xie in the study. Bring us some tea and refreshments.”

Qingping quickly acknowledged the order and hurried away to make preparations.

Xie Yixiu followed Ming Yu into the study—a place he had visited countless times. Familiar with the surroundings, he sat down without hesitation after Ming Yu gestured for him to find a seat.

Between the two of them, there was no need for excessive formalities. This was something Ming Yu had insisted on. If they kept up appearances even in private, wouldn’t that be exhausting? After much persuasion, Xie Yixiu had finally accepted this arrangement, and now they interacted as casually as friends. It was much better this way—at least, their conversations felt more natural and comfortable.

Soon, tea, refreshments, and hot towels were brought in. After washing his face, Ming Yu felt refreshed. Letting out a breath, he sat down and asked, “What is it? Speak quickly. Have the barbarians returned?”

Xie Yixiu shook his head, took a sip of tea, and replied, “No, but news has come from the Western Royal Court.”

The Suixi Kingdom had sent many spies to the border region of Liangzhou, gathering intelligence on military and civilian affairs. The Great Yan was no exception—they, too, had infiltrated spies into the royal court of the Suixi Kingdom.

Seeing Xie Yixiu shake his head and deny the possibility of an invasion by the barbarian’s army, Ming Yu finally let out a breath of relief. As long as the border remained peaceful, that was good news for him.

Chapter 147:

“What news?” Ming Yu asked.

He was curious—what kind of news was important enough for Xie Yixiu to come in person? Judging by Xie Yixiu’s demeanor, it must not be a trivial matter.

They both knew that the barbarian royal court was not a monolithic entity. Ever since the death of the old Khan, the left and right divisions of the barbarian military had been fiercely competing for power.

Tuoba Ren had once belonged to the left division. He was capable and ambitious, and over the past few years, he had relentlessly suppressed the right division to the point where they could barely breathe. Overall, the left division had been steadily gaining dominance.

“After returning, Tuoba Ren resigned from all his positions within the left division. Now, he only holds the nominal title of Hunle Wamg, effectively becoming a completely idle prince.”

Rather than saying Tuoba Ren voluntarily resigned, it was more accurate to say he had been forced into it. Ming Yu knew Tuoba Ren well. To know one’s enemy was to achieve victory in every battle, so as the former top warrior of the Suixi Kingdom—and now their adversary—it was crucial to understand his nature before engaging with him.

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Ming Yu asked in confusion. This seemed like good news, so why did Xie Yixiu still look so solemn?

Xie Yixiu shook his head. “It’s not that simple. The left division now holds absolute power, and Tuoba Hongze has conferred the title of Lian Gu Wang on Helian Bo. We must not underestimate Helian Bo.”

“Helian Bo?” Ming Yu was familiar with the name. In the barbarian military, he commanded great respect. He had once followed the old Khan into battle and achieved outstanding military merits. He was an ambitious man who now seemed poised to overshadow his ruler.

Ming Yu paced back and forth. One Tuoba Ren had stepped down, and another Helian Bo had risen—was this good or bad?

At this point, he only hoped the barbarian would behave themselves and not cause trouble at the border. He just needed time—time to strengthen the defenses of the Western Qi Corridor. Once those were completed, he wouldn’t have to fear them anymore.

“Exactly. Helian Bo has made a name for himself through his military achievements and is now a formidable figure in the Suixi Kingdom. His unchecked rise to power is deeply unsettling.”

If Helian Bo decided to push eastward into the Great Yan, things could get troublesome. Previously, he had been busy expanding territory on the western front, leaving the eastern border untouched. But now, with full control over the left division—the main force of the Suixi Kingdom—and with the western front largely subdued, he would inevitably turn his attention to the Great Yan. This would disrupt Ming Yu’s plans and make his Western Qi Corridor project far more difficult to realize.

“What about Tuoba Ren? Is he really willing to just step aside? That doesn’t seem possible.” Ming Yu frowned. Tuoba Ren was not the type to back down. Did this mean he was no longer a factor to consider?

If Tuoba Ren and Helian Bo could struggle against each other, perhaps the Great Yan could benefit. Of course, he couldn’t rely solely on the enemy’s internal strife.

Thinking back, Tuoba Ren had led his army to this very place with the goal of capturing him. But the mission had failed, and he had returned home defeated, having lost soldiers and suffered humiliation. Naturally, he would have to make a gesture to save face. Helian Bo had taken the opportunity to strike, forcing Tuoba Ren to retreat. Tuoba Ren was a man who knew how to endure humiliation for the greater good—if he had no choice but to give way under Helian Bo’s pressure, it wouldn’t be surprising.

But if Tuoba Ren continued to retreat like this, allowing Helian Bo to gain absolute power, that was bad news for the Great Yan. Without any checks on his authority, Helian Bo would certainly seek more military glory. If his army marched upon their borders, how would Liangzhou—still recovering from its recent turmoil—be able to cope?

However, if their internal power struggles continued, they wouldn’t have the time or energy to wage war on an external enemy.

Xie Yixiu said, “So far, Tuoba Ren hasn’t made any moves. But, Wang Ye, have you perhaps forgotten about someone?”

Ming Yu was taken aback. He looked at Xie Yixiu with a puzzled expression. “Forgotten someone?” He thought for a moment, then suddenly slapped his forehead as realization dawned. “You mean Song Lian, the traitor?”

Xie Yixiu nodded with satisfaction. “Exactly.”

“Now that Tuoba Ren has lost power, hasn’t he found someone else to rely on?” Ming Yu asked.

Xie Yixiu shook his head. “According to reports, he hasn’t shown any signs of switching allegiances. It seems Tuoba Ren still holds him in high regard.”

Ming Yu clicked his tongue. “I originally thought he was a man who would do anything to survive. The fact that he hasn’t abandoned his benefactor so easily makes me see him in a slightly better light.”

Xie Yixiu, however, was unimpressed. “That’s exactly what makes him so cunning. Wang Ye, have you considered Song Lian’s status? In the barbaric land, even if he wanted to seek new patrons, who would actually trust him?”

Xie Yixiu had hit the nail on the head. Song Lian was a southerner—a defector. Who in the Suixi Kingdom would truly believe in him? Even if he abandoned Tuoba Ren, he would never be able to rise through the ranks smoothly.

That was precisely where Song Lian’s intelligence lay—he understood human nature. If he remained by Tuoba Ren’s side and helped him regain power, his value would be fully realized. In the future, he would not only secure Tuoba Ren’s trust but also establish a firm foothold in the Suixi Kingdom.

“So, does this mean the power struggle in the Suixi royal court is more complicated than we thought?” Ming Yu sat down, took a sip of tea, and asked, “Are you worried that Tuoba Ren will stir up trouble? But if he does, wouldn’t that be their problem to deal with?”

“Tuoba Ren’s abilities are undeniable. We must not underestimate him. If he regains power, how can we expect peace on the border?”

That was a valid point. Given Tuoba Ren’s personality, he would undoubtedly seek revenge for his previous defeat. If that happened, there would be no end to the border troubles.

Ming Yu tapped his fingers on the table, his brow deeply furrowed. “Helian Bo isn’t easy to deal with either. Forcing Tuoba Ren into retreat and making him swallow his pride—that’s no small feat. If two tigers fight, one must be wounded. Wouldn’t this only weaken their overall strength?”

Xie Yixiu curled his lips into a slight smile and shook his head. “It’s not that simple. Wang Ye, you should know that the true power structure of the Suixi Kingdom is divided between the left and right divisions. Would Tuoba Ren really do anything that would weaken the kingdom as a whole? If that were the case, he wouldn’t be under such pressure from Helian Bo right now.”

Ming Yu suddenly understood. He smacked the table in realization. “You’re saying that Tuoba Ren might abandon the left division and instead try to maneuver his way into the right division’s power structure?”

Xie Yixiu finally nodded. “It’s not impossible.”

“But Tuoba Ren and the Grand General of the Right Division have had tensions for years. The Grand General of the Right may be old, but despite his faction being at a disadvantage for years, it has never collapsed—proving that he still holds considerable power. While the Left and Right Divisions have been at odds, the Right Division has managed to preserve its strength, all thanks to the Grand General. If Tuoba Ren intends to suppress the Right Division, do you think the Grand General would simply accept it?”

Ming Yu’s doubts precisely reflected the current state of Suixi. They understood the situation very well.

“In my view, the Right Division’s display of weakness is not entirely due to external pressure,” Xie Yixiu said calmly.

Curious about Xie Yixiu’s perspective, Ming Yu gestured for him to continue. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Xie Yixiu did not keep him in suspense and directly shared his thoughts. “The Grand General of the Right is old, and he has no outstanding successors under his command. His only son, Chacha Qi, has crossed paths with us before. He is reckless, arrogant, and self-important—hardly someone capable of leading the Right Division. That’s why I suspect that the Grand General has been enduring humiliation and making strategic retreats in order to preserve his strength.”

Xie Yixiu’s analysis made perfect sense, and Ming Yu nodded repeatedly. This explained why the Right Division’s influence had been gradually fading from visibility in recent years.

“However, Tuoba Ren is both capable and ambitious—exactly the kind of leader the Right Division lacks. If both sides find common ground, a collaboration is not out of the question. Even if there were past grievances, when weighing the pros and cons, it’s clear what is more important.”

That was true. There were no eternal friends, nor eternal enemies. Xie Yixiu’s analysis was logical. If things were indeed as he suspected, then with Tuoba Ren seizing power, once he learned of their plans for the Western Qi Corridor, he would surely obstruct its construction. What would they do then?

“Is there a way to stir up conflict between the Left and Right Divisions, keeping them preoccupied with internal struggles so they won’t have time to interfere with us?” Ming Yu asked anxiously. The Western Qi Corridor could not afford any setbacks. It was still in its infancy, like a newborn child. If the barbarian wanted to strangle it in the cradle, they could do so with little effort.

“Although the Left and Right Divisions have long been engaged in both open and covert struggles, they have never dared to make it explicit. It’s a case of maintaining superficial harmony while harboring deep grudges. Though there are differences in strength, the two factions have always been evenly matched, making it impossible for one side to completely suppress the other. That’s precisely why the barbarian Khan has been at ease.”

Ming Yu understood the complexities now. In the end, it was just the ruler’s way of maintaining checks and balances. If both factions were to unite as one, the barbarian Khan would find it hard to sleep at night. Similarly, if one faction became too dominant and unchallenged, the Khan would also feel uneasy.

This was why, ever since the founding of Suixi, both the Left and Right Divisions had been indispensable. Given that, the likelihood of Tuoba Ren successfully taking control of the Right Division was quite high.

At the very least, the current barbarian Khan would not stand idly by and watch the Right Division decline. Tuoba Ren was the Khan’s own brother, so Tuoba Hongze would undoubtedly lend him a hand. Considering all these factors, if Tuoba Ren truly rose to power, Ming Yu had every reason to be deeply concerned.

“What should we do?” Ming Yu rubbed his forehead in frustration. Unfortunately, they had no control over the political shifts within Suixi’s royal court. If only they had someone on the inside who could stir things up and disrupt Tuoba Ren’s plans.

Time was running out. He needed to act quickly and first ensure that the Western Qi Corridor’s defenses were secured. At the very least, the key passes had to be built so that they would be impenetrable. Only by securing the Western Qi Corridor could he find some peace of mind.

“We must prepare in advance,” Xie Yixiu said softly. “We cannot afford to be passive. Tuoba Ren’s struggle for power in the royal court will take time, and we must accelerate our own progress in the meantime.”

That was their only option for now. This meant increasing manpower for the construction of the corridor’s key fortifications. Supplies were another major challenge. Currently, most city fortifications were built using glutinous rice mortar, a mixture of rice paste, quicklime, and sand in a specific ratio. However, Liangzhou lacked resources—even food for the people was scarce, let alone enough glutinous rice for construction.

Ming Yu considered using cement as a substitute, but the artisans were still refining the formula. He had no idea if there had been any progress. It seemed he would have to visit the workshop himself.

“I understand. But you know as well as I do—this is a massive undertaking. It won’t be completed overnight.”

Xie Yixiu could see Ming Yu’s anxiety. His heart ached for him. All the burdens were weighing on his shoulders alone—there was no need to ask how much pressure he was under.

He stood up, walked over to Ming Yu, and knelt on one knee, looking up at him. “Wang Ye, do not worry. I will ensure that Liangzhou remains unharmed.”

Ming Yu helped him up with a smile. “Good. We’ll work together. So what if the barbarians come? We’ll drive them back. Right now, we may have to endure in silence, but in the future, when Liangzhou has fully flourished, we will strike straight at their stronghold and overturn their royal court!”

Xie Yixiu turned his hand over and grasped Ming Yu’s. Ming Yu tried to pull away, but after two attempts, he found himself firmly held by Xie Yixiu’s strong grip. His face flushed red, and he dared not meet Xie Yixiu’s gaze, lowering his eyes instead.

A smile flickered in Xie Yixiu’s eyes. He pulled Ming Yu into his arms and whispered by his ear, “Mm.”

Suddenly, Ming Yu felt at peace. All the complicated worries vanished, leaving only this quiet moment of serenity.

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