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“Firearm technology? Really?”
The Prince of Yan stood up from his seat and walked towards Zhan Xingchang. He couldn’t help but be excited.
“Precisely!” Zhan Xingchang said.
According to intelligence gathered by the secret service, the Prince of Zhao has already mastered the technology of forging matchlock guns with rolled iron. Therefore, for Great Yu Empire, the matchlock gun forging technology is no longer a secret.
It is worth exchanging a non-secret technology for some benefits.
Although the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Liang outwardly seemed inactive, both have always been very eager for firearm technology. Many of the spies captured in Qingzhou are also from Yan and Liang.
From this, he concluded that the Prince of Yan was very likely to want this matchlock gun forging technology.
With a smile, Zhan Xingchang said, “Now His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan should believe my sincerity, right? King Qi has even handed over his most prized skill.”
“Then how do you plan to hand over the firearm technology to me?” The Prince of Yan asked.
“It’s very simple. Your Highness can send craftsmen to Qingzhou. We will certainly teach these craftsmen how to produce matchlock guns. When these craftsmen return to Yan territory, Your Highness can then manufacture matchlock guns yourself.” Zhan Xingchang said.
The Prince of Yan’s heart was finally in disarray. His resolve began to waver. Should he suppress Xiao Ming, or should he acquire the matchlock gun technology? These two questions made his anxious heart ache.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Your envoy might as well stay in Bozhou for a few days. Allow me two days to consider before giving a reply.”
“In that case, I shall depart. I hope Your Highness can make a wise decision.” Zhan Xingchang said with a smile.
The Prince of Yan forced a smile and cupped his hands to Zhan Xingchang.
Zhan Xingchang understood and turned to leave.
Watching Zhan Xingchang depart, the Prince of Yan suddenly said, “You two, come out.”
As his voice fell, the Fourth Prince and two young men emerged from the inner chamber of the main hall.
The elder of the two young men said, “Father, is there even a choice? Of course, it’s the matchlock gun. As long as we have matchlock guns, we can contend for the world. Otherwise, even if we eliminate Xiao Ming, there are still the Prince of Zhao, the Prince of Liang, the Prince of Wei, and in the south, the King of Chu. How would we then be their opponents?”
“That’s right, Father. The Prince of Wei and Xiao Ming are enemies, but the Prince of Wei and us are also enemies. Helping him eliminate Xiao Ming, isn’t that helping him? In my opinion, this time, it’s better to let Xiao Ming torment the Prince of Wei half to death, but not let Xiao Ming completely annex Wei territory. This way, Xiao Ming’s strength cannot expand rapidly, and the Prince of Wei will also be severely weakened.” The other young man said.
The Fourth Prince’s view differed from the two. He said, “Uncle, we absolutely must not fall into Xiao Ming’s trap. This alliance with the Prince of Wei is an opportunity to eliminate Xiao Ming in one fell swoop. Otherwise, if Xiao Ming is given more time, no one in the world will be his opponent. Letting him go now is undoubtedly nurturing a tiger for future trouble.”
The Prince of Yan paced back and forth. He said, “Your words all make sense, so I am also in a difficult position now. If I take a wrong step this time, Yan’s territory will be doomed forever.”
“Father King, do not hesitate any longer. A man who does not act for himself will be condemned by heaven and earth. If we do not have firearms, it will not be difficult for the Prince of Zhao and the Prince of Liang to destroy Yan. After all, behind them are the barbarians. But if we are equipped with firearms and cannons, it will be different. At that time, perhaps there will still be a glimmer of hope.”
“That’s right, Father King, you must consider the bigger picture.”
The Prince of Yan’s two sons strongly urged him.
The Fourth Prince wanted to interject, but seeing their cold eyes, he immediately fell silent.
Although he had escaped from Chang’an to Bozhou this time, the honor that once belonged to a prince was gone. Now living in the Prince of Yan’s residence, although he was called the Fourth Prince, he no longer had the rights of a prince.
And the Prince of Yan’s two sons had repeatedly been disrespectful to him, which made him gradually realize that he was merely an outsider.
Facing his sons’ instigation, the Prince of Yan became increasingly tempted, but he retained a trace of composure. He said, “Tomorrow, gather the civil and military officials to discuss this matter.”
With that, the Prince of Yan turned and left. He needed to calm down and think about this matter carefully.
Immediately, only the Prince of Yan’s two sons and the Fourth Prince remained in the royal residence. At this, the Prince of Yan’s eldest son said sarcastically, “Fourth Prince, you don’t need to participate in the affairs of our Yan state. After all, you are a prince of Great Yu Empire. You should go to Chang’an and inquire about Chang’an’s affairs.”
“That’s right, maybe the Thirteenth Prince will even be happy enough to grant you a fief.” The Prince of Yan’s second son said.
The Fourth Prince’s face alternated between white and black. He now finally understood what it meant to be dependent on others.
The two mocked for a while, then turned to leave. As they left, they deliberately bumped into the Fourth Prince.
Looking at their arrogant demeanor, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in the Fourth Prince’s eyes. He had never suffered such humiliation. Clenching his fists tightly, he secretly vowed to deal with the two of them.
The next day, the Prince of Yan gathered his civil and military officials to discuss the matter of the envoys from Qi and Wei. To the Prince of Yan’s surprise, all the officials chose the matchlock gun. However, to limit Xiao Ming’s growth, the ministers also offered him a very sinister idea.
That afternoon, the Prince of Yan again summoned Zhan Xingchang.
“I have decided to agree to King Qi’s terms.” The Prince of Yan said.
Zhan Xingchang was overjoyed. “Your Highness, this is truly a wise decision.”
The Prince of Yan waved his hand and continued, “However, I have one more condition.”
“Please speak, Your Highness.”
“From now on, King Qi must cease the annexation of Wei territory and maintain the existing cities. Otherwise, even if we do not need the firearm technology, we will attack Qi along with the Prince of Wei.” The Prince of Yan said.
Zhan Xingchang’s brow furrowed. This Prince of Yan was simply too cunning and treacherous. He was trying to gain benefits while also preventing Xiao Ming from completely occupying Wei territory and strengthening his power.
This matter was too significant, and Zhan Xingchang could not give an immediate answer. He said, “This matter can only be discussed with Your Highness after I have gone to Zhao’s territory and returned to Qingzhou.”
“I am not in a hurry.” The Prince of Yan looked as if he had Zhan Xingchang precisely where he wanted him.
Zhan Xingchang nodded upon hearing this and turned to leave.
Returning to his lodging, Zhan Xingchang immediately sent someone to convey the Prince of Yan’s condition back. At the same time, he prepared to depart for Chang’an. This was the last stop of his journey. As long as he could persuade the Prince of Zhao not to participate in this matter, he would truly be at ease.
At that time, after further dividing the Prince of Yan, only Liang and Wei would remain. Liang, with the Prince of Yong resisting, was not to be feared. The only one left was the Prince of Wei.
So now, the most important thing was the Prince of Zhao’s attitude. After all, the Prince of Zhao was currently the strongest vassal king besides Xiao Ming.
Having packed his valuables, Zhan Xingchang and his entourage set off for Chang’an. At the same time, Zhan Xingchang’s achievements in Yan’s territory were also conveyed to Qingzhou, and Xiao Ming’s final attitude would determine whether a major melee would break out in the North.