His nature was just like that, usually haughty and accustod to being overbearing, but today there was a major matter at hand, so he managed to suppress his usual deanor.
While Wu Honglin took a sip of tea and began, "The purpose of everyone’s visit is well known to . Since the court has issued an edict, the Ezhou Chamber of Comrce naturally won’t obstruct..."
Listening to his explanation, Li Yan finally understood what was going on.
This matter was still related to the court.
Ever since the Great Xuan Dynasty had ordered the opening of the seas, mariti trade had flourished more than ever.
Across the Divine State, newly established Chambers of Comrce and fleets were becoming more nurous, and the bustling activity at various ports was extraordinary.
But the risks of mariti trade were also extrely high.
The first was the unpredictable weather, and the second was pirates.
Who would bother with the hardship of doing business when robbery was so much quicker?
Whether close to shore or out in the high seas, the number of pirates was on the rise.
In such circumstances, the fleets often increased their ard forces; although the court’s laws were strict, more and more were secretly equipping their ships with cannons.
After all, without such ans, they really couldn’t overco the pirates.
The court turned a blind eye.
The gunpowder prohibition, since then, was as good as non-existent.
Now with the Southwest conflict arising, the court needed to divert forces to quell the rebellion, and could less than ever attend to the seas. Besides, the mountain people of Jing Chu had already begun to treat gunpowder as a conventional weapon.
Given the current situation, coupled with the push from the Sea Opening Sect and rchants’ power, the court finally loosened its grip.
Of course, with the Emperor of the Great Xuan’s temperant, once he gave way, he was bound to take sothing in return.
The court would open so opportunities, but from this point forward, those engaged in mariti trade would have to have a rchant Ticket; otherwise, they would be breaking the law.
These tickets were sowhat like salt introductions, and inspections at the ports were very strict. The court would also dispatch tax officials aboard ships, and those who evaded taxes would not only have their rchant Ticket revoked but also their property confiscated and be sent to join the military.
In addition, rchant teams could form their own escort teams, akin to bodyguards.
The escort fleet had an allotted quota and was permitted the use of firearms.
But the inspections were equally strict, and they had to accept regulation by the court.
For instance, in this rebellion in the Southwest, if the court suddenly ordered it, they would have to cooperate with the army to eradicate the rebels...
It had finally arrived!
Upon hearing this, Li Yan felt a surge of excitent in his heart.
He had known that this day wouldn’t be far off, and although he had originally asked the Thousand Households for help, he hadn’t expected to find an opportunity right here.
For those in the pugilistic world, this matter was equally significant.
The new-style muskets and cannons, after being used by the Captain Bureau and the Navy, their power had already been secretly spread.
Not only that, but the strength of the Divine Machine Camps throughout the land was also improving.
And this was also a significant event that would change the landscape of the pugilistic world.
The reason was simple: those who had them would prosper, and those who did not would eventually suffer.
It was clear to everyone that the Emperor of Great Xuan intended to use this to enhance the power of the Sea Opening Sect while at the sa ti consolidating the forces of the pugilistic world.
But knowing this, they could only reluctantly scramble for a piece.
For the Ezhou Chamber of Comrce, this was also a boon, as they could ride this wave to grow their own power.
Of course, they also had to release a fair number of quotas, otherwise, if the masses were outraged, the people of the Ezhou pugilistic world had plenty of thods for foul play.
This ti, the various forces had co together to discuss how to divide the quotas.
According to the court’s rules, the rchant Tickets were divided into upper, middle, and lower ranks based on the size of the Chamber of Comrce and the tax silver paid in recent years, with the number of firearms quotas also being differentiated.
The Ezhou Chamber of Comrce held an upper-ranking rchant Ticket with a quota of five hundred.
To the Chamber of Comrce, these things were sowhat redundant; after all, even without a quota, the use of cannons at sea went on as usual.
But to those in the pugilistic world, it was different.
Everyone knew firearms would inevitably proliferate, but with these quotas, they could avoid a lot of trouble.
At least they could use them openly and rightfully.
Therefore, the assembly above fought over it fiercely.
Wu Honglin, the president of the Ezhou Chamber of Comrce, also showed his prowess at this mont, jovial and shrewd, dancing between factions, and ultimately orchestrated an agreent.
The rchant teams would naturally take the lion’s share.
Two hundred of the quotas were all allocated to the escort fleet.
With these quotas, not only would the use of cannons at sea no longer need to be done in secrecy, but it also ant that there could be two hundred Firearms Teams on land.
Another one hundred fifty were given to the Proper Xuan Sect.
Zhenwu Palace, Buddhism, and Confucianism could not be neglected.
Honestly, even if Zhang Xiaoshan hadn’t shown up, Wu Honglin would have personally delivered the quotas, and no one else would have raised any objections.
As for the remaining one hundred fifty, that was the crux of contention.
Ultimately, a consensus was reached after discussion.
One hundred quotas were allocated among the various forces; everyone got a share, benefiting all like rain and dew.
The remaining fifty would be distributed through a martial contest.
After all, in the pugilistic world, when it ca down to it, might made right.
Their negotiations had gone past noon.
When they left the hall, Landlord Tian imdiately apologized, "Young Hero Li, sorry, but you heard what the president said earlier, the Chamber of Comrce’s quotas cannot be used for personal gains and must obey the orders of the Chamber."
"If you wish to acquire one, you can only earn it through the contest."
By now, he certainly knew Li Yan’s true purpose.
Seeking craftsn from the Mystical Sect was for the purpose of crafting firearms.
"No matter."
Li Yan’s eyes were full of mirth, "I am very grateful to Landlord Tian for securing this opportunity for ."
He hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise.
As for stepping up to compete in the contest, it was already part of his plan, and naturally, he was unafraid.
anwhile, the people from the hall had also begun to leave.
After all, they were leaders of various forces. Their disciples had left during the eting, and by the ti it ended, the news about Li Yan was already known to them.
Li Yan’s rise in Guanzhong, slaying people in the streets on Lantern Festival night, could only be considered a rising star in the pugilistic world, a type they had seen many tis before.
But his confrontations in Yichang, with the Ghost Sect and the Heavenly Saint Sect...
That Ied him to be branded a downright madman!
And crucially, he was also connected with the Zhenwu Palace and the Captain Bureau,
His strength was not to be underestimated.
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