Chapter 60: The Carrot for Liang Dahai
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“Your Highness, this time I’ve brought you three thousand slaves, hehe.”
Before Xiao Ming had even gone to seek out Liang Dahai to ask if he had any new slaves, the man had already taken the initiative to find him. Only a few days had passed since the ox-powered waterwheel was completed, yet Liang Dahai had already returned from the grasslands, eager to report his haul.
“Three thousand? How could there be so many this time?” Qin Le’s voice carried disbelief.
Liang Dahai chuckled smugly. “Your Highness, we must thank the heavens for their gift. This year’s harsh snowstorm killed off many of the barbarians’ cattle and sheep. Even with trade routes open to Dayu, the tribes couldn’t afford to keep so many slaves. Rather than letting them starve, they preferred to sell them to me in exchange for food.” He paused, then added with a hint of pride, “I traveled through several tribes to gather these three thousand slaves. Those barbarians were quite cunning, though — they sold them at high prices. But knowing Your Highness urgently needed slaves, I bought them all.”
Xiao Ming nodded in satisfaction. This time, Liang Dahai had done well. At this point, Xiao Ming no longer concerned himself with the fact that the barbarians were Dayu’s long-standing enemies. The development of his fief came first — everything else was secondary.
Over the years, the barbarians frequently raided the borders, abducting countless Dayu citizens. Many captives died during the journey to the grasslands, while those who survived lived as slaves in unbearable misery. Less than one in ten ever returned alive. Rumors often spoke of the barbarians treating Dayu captives like prey, releasing them into the wild only to hunt them down for sport — a game to pass the time.
“You’ve done well. A higher price doesn’t matter. These people are Dayu citizens. That they were captured is already a humiliation for Dayu. No matter how they are brought back — through silver or through force — it is always a good deed. Name your price. I’ll take them all.”
Liang Dahai’s eyes flickered with surprise. He had heard rumors of Xiao Ming’s recent wealth — the merchant guild, the auctions, and the influx of foreign merchants were all proof. But knowing the prince had money was one thing — actually getting a share of it was another.
Hesitating for a moment, Liang Dahai bowed deeply and said, “Your Highness, being allowed to do business under your name is already a great honor… But I have one small request. Would Your Highness permit me to join the Qingzhou Merchant Guild?”