Hearing the new title of the White Lion, Winters suddenly became interested: "Didn't the White Lion call himself a legislator? When did he become a king?"

"Always!" the strange archer replied righteously.

Winters smiled: "How do I call you?"

"This is [Tuha], the envoy of the White Lion King." The unfamiliar archery officer first introduced another archer officer, and then introduced himself: "As for me, Lord Batu, you can call me [Skylark]."

Winters looked at Skylark calmly: he was of medium height, about fifty years old; his temples were gray and his eye sockets were sunken; his skin was covered with wrinkles due to loss of elasticity, and his shriveled body could not hold up the large Hurd-style robe;

The ten knuckles were even in thickness, completely different from the other archer officer - Tuha's knuckles had been swollen and twisted due to years of high-intensity use of bows, arrows, knives and guns.

This was the first time he saw an "alliance man" serving as the Archery Officer of the Chihe Tribe. He was curious and a little uncomfortable: "Looking at the accent, you are from Monta? How long have you been serving the White Lion?"

The old skylark smiled: "I am a member of the White Lion King. Since the White Lion King accepted me, I have been serving him."

As soon as he saw the other party's posture, Winters knew that he couldn't get any valuable information out of him, so he simply didn't bother to ask any more questions.

He yawned and poured himself a bowl of mare's milk: "If the White Lion's men were as smart as you, dealing with them would be troublesome."

"If the people of Palatu were as smart and friendly as Lord Batu, it would be much easier for the Red River Department to deal with Palatu." Yunque's response was neither humble nor overbearing: "Your Excellency, you might as well get back to business. Please consider the proposal of the White Lion King.

How's it going?"

Skylark received a nonchalant reply: "Still considering."

…

Prisoners, trade and iron ore - the three purposes of Winters' visit to the Chihe tribe. Among them, Winters cares most about the prisoners, while White Lion cares most about trade.

On the surface, the Plato Republic has imposed a severe blockade on the Hird tribes, resulting in the small and medium-sized Hird tribes being so poor that they cannot even use iron arrows.

However, just the chaos that Winters witnessed with his own eyes was enough to prove that there has always been a secret exchange of goods between the wasteland and Plato, and some people made a fortune from this.

"Why did you let me go in the first place?" Winters had never asked the White Lion this question.

He believed that the reason why the white lion did not kill him in the first place was more because he did not want to hurt Erlun and the little lion's feelings, rather than considering any long-term interests.

As for letting him go unconditionally, judging from the details revealed in White Lion's conversation, Father Rhett made a lot of efforts.

But after taking control of Tiefeng County, consideration of interests had to come first.

Baishi wants Tiefeng County to become a window for material exchange between the Red River Department and the outside world. He has even made early preparations:

The little lion had traveled between the Chihe tribe's territory and Tiefeng County many times, and had already mapped out a route;

The Red River Department's return of "slaves" was an attempt. If the vehicles transporting "slaves" can pass, carriages loaded with goods can also pass in the future.

But even if the hard conditions are met, White Lion still needs to solve two "people" problems.

First, the Tertons.

The Terdun tribe's territory lies between Tiefeng County and Chihe tribe. It cannot be bypassed no matter what. It is a tiger blocking the road. Therefore, if White Lion and Winters want to do business, they must get the nod from the fire-warmer.

Will those who warm themselves up to the fire be arrogant?

I don't know because he is dead.

The problem of the Teltown Department has been solved... but not completely solved.

Although the tiger is dead, a group of vultures are born from the tiger's corpse.

The vultures were out of control and would eat anything. The Teltun people lost their recognized leader and the bridle that restrained them.

Sporadic envoy exchanges may be able to pass secretly. However, once a fixed trade route is established, sooner or later it will attract a large number of hungry vultures.

In addition to the hidden dangers of the Terton people, the White Lion also needs the consent of another person - Winters, Champion of Plato, Tribune of Iron Peak County, Montagne.

At the end of the day, sales are always done consensually...at least most of the time.

Tiefeng County needs funds, horses, and buyers of ironware. Logically speaking, doing business with the Chihe Tribe is a mutually beneficial thing.

Winters has been delaying in replying because of the conditions proposed by Akagawabu.

The White Lion did not personally participate in the negotiations, but appointed several archery officers to negotiate with Winters.

As for Tiefeng County, there was a lack of "secretary officers" who were both knowledgeable and capable, so Winters could only go into battle without a shirt.

The archery officers of the Red River Department only issued two general conditions:

First of all, the white lion only trades with "Batu", and Batu only trades with the white lion;

Secondly, White Lion can send troops to protect the traveling caravans from plunder, and Tiefeng County needs to pay part of the goods as tribute.

As long as Winters nods, the Red River Department will send the first batch of caravans to Tiefeng County before the beginning of spring.

…

"The White Lion King gave special instructions." Skylark stood respectfully in front of Winters' table: "He does not want any equivalent for the goods carried in the first batch of caravans, all of which are in return for protecting the little lion prince and forehead in Qingqiu.

A thank-you gift from Princess Erlun. In addition, the White Lion King also selected a thousand fine horses - also as a thank-you gift."

"Oh?" Winters asked with interest: "Then if I don't agree, will the thank you gift be gone?"

"Of course not." Skylark said without changing his expression, "No matter whether a consensus can be reached or not, the White Lion King will not take back his gift."

Winters motioned for the two archery officers to take their seats and said with a smile: "The Hud people swear an oath and uphold 'the words spoken by a warrior are like arrows shot'. They will never go back on their words and rarely agree on terms in detail. We Venetians

Ta people are very thoughtful and like to figure out all the details in advance..."

…

[Time goes back to the night before Qingqiu shooting]

"The first condition is easy to understand." Anna revealed half of her face from behind the drawing board: "You cannot bypass the White Lion and sell things directly to the civilians of the Red River Department. In exchange, the White Lion will not bypass you and Tiefeng.

County merchants do business."

Winters secretly moved his legs, which were a little sore from standing.

"To put it bluntly, White Lion wants to become a monopoly importer and exporter and monopolize the profits of trade. In exchange, he also supports you to obtain the monopoly." Anna noticed Winters' little move and said angrily: "Don't move.

!”

"Just like you provide me with valuable consultation, I serve as a model for you?" Winters complained softly: "But where do I get the money to eat Akagawa's goods?"

"It's very simple. If other people need it, you can just sell it."

Winters asked: "What if other people don't need it?"

"Isn't it okay if we don't import it?" Anna replied with a smile.

Winters thought to himself: Lion's goods are not something you can just say you don't want.

Anna's graphite strips rustled on the paper: "Monopoly means power, but the source of power is not to obtain profits, but to distribute profits. Assuming you have a monopoly on trade, then you can require all buyers to provide deposits or even advance payments.

Payment.”

Winters thoughtfully said: "Distribute profits? Distribute spoils? Monopoly also means power to the White Lion."

Anna continued: "Mom always said that the reason why the Veneta people have a bad reputation outside is because the Veneta people always want to seize monopoly power, and for this they do not hesitate to bribe, use violence, maliciously lower prices... they use all possible means.

"

Winters protested: "You're a Veneta, too."

"Only half." Anna blinked.

Winters asked: "Can you promise them the first one?"

"It's not over yet." Anna put down the graphite strip: "The terms are too broad, and there are many details that need to be clarified. Is the White Lion's exclusive right limited to the Red River Department, or the entire Heder Wasteland.

Anna walked up to Winters: "The first article also contains an invisible clause. If you promise to guarantee the monopoly of White Lion, you will also assume the responsibility of 'inspecting smuggling'. Tiefeng County merchants bypassed you

You and Bai Shi secretly sell goods to the people of Chihe tribe, what are you going to do? Have you thought about it?"

Winters was lost in thought.

"There is another most critical question." Anna put her hands on Winters' shoulders: "Who can guarantee the enforceability of the treaty?"

…

[Time goes back to the present]

Hearing Winters say that "the details must be identified in advance", Skylark's cheeks twitched slightly.

The more vague the terms of the contract, the more beneficial it is to the stronger party. Among the Chihe Tribe and Tiefeng County, it is obvious that the Chihe Tribe is the stronger and more powerful existence.

Skylark calmly took a sip of milk wine, ready to hear what tricks the young boy in front of him could come up with.

Then... he saw the other party solemnly take out a piece of parchment full of writing from his arms.

…

The heated debate lasted from the afternoon until late at night, and only the first article of the agreement was discussed.

"Representative of Akagawa" Hibari and "Representative of Winters" Winters fully exchanged views and reached a useful consensus on [delivery location], [bargaining method], [tax payment] and other contents.

There are also some key points, such as the two parties making it clear that "monopoly trade" is limited to the area actually controlled by Winters.

Winters argued hard and retained the right to sell goods to the Hed tribe outside the Red River tribe.

Finally, when the treaty was put into writing, Winters said with a smile: "I believe this will be a mutually beneficial agreement."

With a dry mouth and exhausted spirit, Skylark sipped ice water and cursed endlessly.
To be continued...