EBE Chapter 73 Wei Envoy
Chapter 73 Wei Envoy
When the Wei envoy arrived outside Xianyang, the previously bumpy road suddenly became smooth. Filled with curiosity, the envoy cautiously lifted the carriage curtain, and the sight before him left him speechless with astonishment. Ahead lay a wide and smooth cement road, like a silver dragon winding its way into the distance. The Wei envoy's eyes widened, his face filled with astonishment, his mouth agape, and it took him a long while to recover. [Has Qin become so powerful? What kind of road is this? Why is it so smooth?] The Wei envoy racked his brains for answers, but remained completely baffled.
As the carriage continued its journey, the Wei envoy discovered that the road was not only smooth but also allowed for extremely fast travel. He couldn't help but exclaim, "This road is truly amazing!" At the same time, he secretly thought to himself, "How wonderful it would be if Wei could also have roads like this!" However, reality left him with a helpless sigh.
Soon, the carriage entered Xianyang. The Wei envoy was completely captivated by the cement road, unable to tear himself away. He knew that Qin's strength lay not only in its military and political power, but also in its advanced infrastructure. The gap between Wei and Qin seemed to be widening, causing him worry and unease. However, he also understood that only through continuous learning and adaptation could Wei gradually narrow the gap with Qin and achieve national prosperity and development.
Along the way, the Wei envoy spotted a three-story building in the distance. "What's that?" he muttered to himself. The building stood out starkly from its surroundings, appearing quite peculiar, as if it belonged to another era. However, his attendants also looked puzzled, and none of them answered his question. The Wei envoy frowned, filled with doubt and curiosity, but he decided to set those questions aside for now and continue on his way.
As the carriage drew closer to Zhangtai Palace, the Wei envoy noticed a new sight along the streets. He observed a long queue outside a shop, with people patiently waiting to enter. Most of these people were dressed in magnificent attire, clearly of high status and not ordinary citizens. What surprised the Wei envoy even more was that many of them were carrying or lifting boxes, the contents of which he wondered what valuable items they contained. The Wei envoy couldn't help but wonder what this shop was selling, and why it had attracted so many powerful and influential people to buy from it.
The Wei envoy's doubts deepened, but he knew his mission to Qin was to acquire papermaking technology, and he couldn't afford to be distracted. Therefore, he suppressed his curiosity and focused on the road to Zhangtai Palace. He knew that only by fulfilling his mission could he bring benefits to his country.
The carriage quickly arrived at Zhangtai Palace. The Wei envoy alighted and was led into the palace. He approached the King of Qin and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your subject, Wei Ziyuan, pays his respects to Your Majesty!" The King of Qin, seated on his throne, scrutinized the Wei envoy and then asked, "May I ask what brings the Wei envoy to my Qin?" The Wei envoy took a deep breath and replied, "Your subject has come to Qin on the orders of the King of Wei, specifically to learn the art of papermaking." Upon hearing the Wei envoy's purpose, the King of Qin frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Envoy Wei, please go to the detached residence to rest. I will discuss this with the Prime Minister and others." The Wei envoy nodded, indicating understanding and respect, and then said, "Then I will take my leave." With that, he turned and left Zhangtai Palace, heading to the designated detached residence to await further news.
Soon after, Wang Wan, Li Si, and other ministers arrived. The King of Qin explained in detail the request from the Wei envoy. After listening, Wang Wan fell into deep thought, and after a moment, he said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the method of papermaking is of great importance and should not be easily handed over to other countries."
At this moment, Li Si, who was standing nearby, also expressed his opinion: "What the Prime Minister said is very true, but in fact, the method of papermaking is not difficult to master. Now, I'm afraid it's not just Wei, but other countries have sent spies to infiltrate the city in an attempt to steal the papermaking technology. In addition, paper has already spread to other countries, and it's only a matter of time before they make paper themselves."
Meng Yi quickly pressed on, "Then, according to the Court of Justice, what should we do?"
Li Si smiled slightly and replied, "In my opinion, we can teach you the method of papermaking, but not for free. Instead, we will exchange it for money."
The King of Qin asked, "What price does the Minister of Justice intend to set?"
Li Si held up one finger and said firmly, "Ten million taels of silver, or one million taels of gold."
Meng Yi asked with some concern, "Can the State of Wei agree to this price?"
Li Si answered confidently, "Wei has no choice but to agree."
Wang Wan said, "Minister of Justice, don't forget about the three states of Yan, Chu, and Qi as well."
Li Si thought for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, we can post notices in Xianyang City, stating that other countries are welcome to come to Qin to learn the papermaking method, for a price of ten million taels of silver or one million taels of gold. If they do not come to learn, then if other countries have the papermaking method, it will be considered that they have stolen our technology, and Qin will definitely send troops to help them.”
Upon hearing Li Si's words, the King of Qin nodded and said, "Your idea is good, my dear minister. Let's do it your way. This matter will be entrusted to Li Si."
Upon hearing the King of Qin's words, everyone had different thoughts. Li Si quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, "Your subject Li Si obeys." Afterwards, the group withdrew from the Zhangtai Hall.
Wang Wan glanced at Li Si, snorted coldly, and turned to leave. Meng Yi and the others also quickly departed. Only Li Si stood outside the Zhangtai Palace, feeling pleased. [If this matter is handled well, perhaps I won't be far from becoming Prime Minister.] Li Si thought to himself.
After leaving Zhangtai Palace, Wei Ziyuan, the envoy of the State of Wei, began to stroll around Xianyang City. Wei Ziyuan arrived at the queue he had seen earlier and took a closer look. He saw the four large characters "Da Qin Qian Zhuang" (Great Qin Money Shop) on the shop sign.
Wei Ziyuan's doubts grew stronger. He casually grabbed someone and asked, "Excuse me, may I ask what this Great Qin Bank is? Why are so many people queuing here?"
The man glanced at Wei Ziyuan sideways, noticing that his clothes and appearance did not resemble those of a Qin person, and asked, "Are you from out of town?"
Wei Ziyuan quickly replied, "That's right, I come from the State of Wei."
The man said, "I see. No wonder you didn't know that the Great Qin Money House is a place to deposit money!"
Wei Ziyuan was so surprised he could hardly close his mouth, and hurriedly asked, "Deposit money? All these people are queuing up to deposit money?"
The man replied matter-of-factly, "Of course, look at all these people carrying boxes, and the boxes are full of gleaming silver."
Wei Ziyuan's eyes widened, and he asked incredulously, "This...aren't you afraid of losing your money if you entrust it to someone else for safekeeping?"
The man said, "This is a money exchange opened by Princess Jiayang. How could Princess Jiayang's words be false? Furthermore, if any money in the money exchange is lost, Princess Jiayang promises to compensate at the original price, and will also pay interest."
Wei Ziyuan asked with a suspicious look, "Interest? What's that?"
The man said impatiently, "You Yan people really don't know anything. Of course, you have to pay interest on your savings. Otherwise, who would bother to save money?"
Wei Ziyuan wanted to ask something more, but the man said impatiently, "Go ask someone else, it's almost my turn." After saying that, he went into the Great Qin Bank.
Looking at the long queue, Wei Ziyuan was filled with doubt. He really didn't know if these people were crazy or if he was crazy. Why were people lining up to give money to others? And what exactly was this interest? And who was this Princess Jiayang? Seeing that no one paid any attention to him, Wei Ziyuan could only turn around and leave dejectedly.