This was a true test.
If they passed, they wouldn't just remain mere merchants—they would ascend the ranks of the Great Yi court through commerce, embarking on a path far beyond the reach of ordinary traders.
It was no exaggeration to say this opportunity was like a carp leaping over the dragon gate.
Even with their vast experience in the business world, all four of them felt their hearts pounding with uncontrollable excitement and nervousness. For a long moment, no one dared speak.
Such a matter demanded caution—extreme caution.
Yi Tianxing said nothing. Instead, he calmly picked up a cup of freshly brewed spirit tea.Wisps of mist curled from the surface, forming ever-shifting mystical visions.The scent alone brought peace to the soul.
"Sacred King," Wu Bingjian was the first to speak after a long silence."If I were to engage in commerce beyond the borders of Great Yi, I would rely on the principle of 'Uniqueness (奇)' to achieve success.
This means:
If others don't have it, I do. If others have it, mine is superior. If theirs is refined, mine is unmatched."
"In Great Yi, many common items are considered rare treasures elsewhere.Our special products, which are plentiful here, would be highly sought-after in other realms."
"With these goods, we could easily open markets, establish relations with local powers, and swiftly build networks.The influence would be immediate."
Indeed, for imperial merchants, what mattered most was what they could offer Great Yi—influence, intelligence, relationships, and reach.
"If I were to venture beyond," Hu Xueyan followed, "I would focus on 'Excellence (精)'."
"Specifically: alchemy, medicine, and tonics.I would establish alchemy halls in various regions."
"Pills are consumables but essential for cultivation.With a constant supply of quality pills, we can quickly penetrate foreign markets and earn admiration from countless cultivators."
"No sect or force can refuse what benefits their cultivation."
This was no boast. Hu Xueyan's trading company was built on pharmaceuticals.He had cultivated a vast number of alchemists, developed many proprietary pill formulas, and his products were consistently in high demand.
"If I go," said Deng Tong, "I will rely on the concept of 'Necessity (全)'."
"No matter how lofty the sect, all people require clothing, food, shelter, and transportation."
"Even if they don't eat much, they must dress.I would establish inns, restaurants, and transport companies—basic infrastructure."
"These services embed into daily life, allow us to take root, and steadily expand our influence.Eventually, we could even affect governance."
Indeed, civil logistics could sway entire regions.
Control over grain supply, for instance, could collapse a province in days.Its strategic value was no less than military force.
"Mhm."
Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement.Matters of daily life—clothing, food, shelter, transport—were fundamental to the livelihood of a nation.
They must be respected—always.
"Sacred King," said Shen Wansan, "if I were to become an Imperial Merchant, I would base everything on one principle: 'Wealth (钱)'."
"I would establish banks and currency exchanges, and inject Eternal Coins directly into foreign economies."
"Control the flow, issue, and exchange of currency, and you control the market."
"All commerce depends on money. Control the currency, and you control everything—even hearts."
Shen Wansan's vision was bold—ruthless, even.
But his approach went straight to the throat: control the economy, and you control nations.
Yi Tianxing silently nodded. He was inwardly impressed.
These four truly deserved their status as the founders of Great Yi's Four Major Trading Companies.
Their insight, courage, and business acumen were on a whole other level.Each of their proposals had the potential to reshape entire realms.
"Very good," Yi Tianxing finally said."Each of you has presented well-thought-out strategies. None of your words were empty."
"I intend to establish the Great Yi Royal Trading Company, under the authority of the Myriad Treasures Hall (Wanbao Hall)."
"Your mission will be to expand Great Yi's influence into other realms.You will gather wealth, rare resources, and build connections."
"So I ask you this—are you willing to join the Myriad Treasures Hall?"
"The Myriad Treasures Hall… become Imperial Merchants?"
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Their hearts momentarily stopped, then exploded with emotion.
Even though they had guessed this outcome, hearing it confirmed was another matter entirely.
To become an Imperial Merchant was the ultimate dream of countless traders.Not only would they hold official rank and receive court salaries—they'd also gain dynastic fortune blessings and unshakable prestige.
"Sacred King, this humble one is willing! Absolutely willing!"
"For Hu Xueyan, this is the dream of a lifetime!"
"I, Shen Wansan, will dedicate myself to Great Yi—to the death if need be!"
The four men bowed deeply, voices trembling with excitement.
"Excellent."
Yi Tianxing nodded with satisfaction.
"The Myriad Treasures Hall is currently led by Xue Jin, who has held the position for over four decades.He is a capable man and has served faithfully."
"But his talent has limits. In terms of business acumen, he has reached his ceiling."
"Going forward, the Hall will have eight Vice Hall Masters, each in charge of a major trading company.These posts will be ranked Second Grade, and independent of one another."
"The Hall Master post will rotate every thirty years.Performance will determine succession."
"When the time comes, Xue Jin will retire and move to the Heavenly Virtue Hall (Tiande Hall) as an honored elder."
This had all been arranged in advance, and Xue Jin himself had already accepted the transition.
He had earned his place through long service. Now it was time to step aside.
This was the way of Great Yi: ability determined position.
Just like the former head of the Six Doors agency, Xue Jin would withdraw honorably.
Yi Tianxing then explained the next steps of his plan.They spent more than an hour in detailed discussion.
When the meeting ended, a formal decree followed:
All four men were granted the title of Vice Hall Master of the Myriad Treasures Hall,ranked Second Grade, entitled to Great Yi's court salary and fortune blessings.
Later, in the Hall of Knowledge and Action...
Empress Tong returned and gazed at Yi Tianxing with a knowing smile.
"Husband… so you're beginning to lay the groundwork beyond Great Yi?" she asked.
"Through the trading companies—first to exchange, then to influence?"
Yi Tianxing smiled.
"Exactly. With the recent influx of population, Great Yi now has the foundation and strength to reach outward."
"While we're still conquering the Four Great Realms, we can start laying down roots."
"One, to seize the wealth of foreign realms and enrich our own foundations.Two, to gather intelligence, deploy hidden pieces, and seize the initiative."
"Then my Calamity Hall (Tianzai Hall) should participate as well," Empress Tong said, her eyes gleaming.
"When the merchants go out, we can embed spies within the caravans."
"Once inside foreign lands, they can build hidden networks, even establish Tianzai sub-halls."
"Then, when the time comes, we'll have agents ready to strike—swiftly and decisively."
Yi Tianxing gently pulled her into his arms.
"That's exactly what I intended to tell you."
"Tianzai Hall is the sharpest covert blade of Great Yi.These agents must be the best of the best—capable of establishing bases across other realms."
"The merchant caravans are our open strategy.Tianzai Hall… is our shadow move. Their role is far more critical than anyone realizes."
"Rest assured, Husband," Empress Tong whispered with conviction."Tianzai Hall is ready at any moment."
Over the years, Tianzai Hall had cultivated a vast force of veteran spies.She had full confidence they would succeed.
"Very good. It's getting late.Let's rest now—after all that strategy, I should properly reward my little enchantress."
Yi Tianxing lifted her effortlessly into his arms and strode toward the sleeping quarters.
"Husband… I want a child."
"If you're not afraid of the hard work, then… tonight, I'll give you one."
The night that followed was filled with passion—a matter between Heaven and Earth, beyond the eyes of the world.
At the same time...
The four newly appointed Imperial Merchants had returned to their homes and immediately began preparations.
Their status had changed. As royal merchants, they had to avoid missteps and begin planning for their future in the other realms.