At present, among all the merchant aristocracy, only two major families have a chamber of commerce that can pass through the major kingdoms and the Sassan Empire, one is the Wimbledon family in the Kingdom of Gambis, and the other is the Ephesus family in the United Kingdom of Borui. The influence and trade scale of the two chambers of commerce are comparable, and they belong to the top business aristocracy, but their nature and main commodities are very different.

The Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce is a product of the game between the Sassan Empire and the Three Kingdoms, they legally belong to the Gambis Kingdom, and they are also a tool for the Sassan Empire to export grain and purchase minerals. So the Chamber of Commerce is only loyal to the Wimbledon surname, not the Wimbledon family.

Founded more than 400 years ago, the Ephissos family of the Borui Kingdom can only be regarded as an explosive household compared to ancient Wimbledon. However, the founders of the Ephesus family set a rule: the family specialized in trade, the title was inherited by the common nobles, and the children of knights had to join the five ruling families.

This far-sighted family rule removed the vigilance of the five ruling families, and allowed Ephissos to firmly hold the position of Minister of Foreign Trade and Finance of the Borui Kingdom. With its precious gold, the Ephissos Chamber of Commerce knocked on the doors of lords everywhere and sold gin all over the world, gradually becoming the premier merchant aristocracy.

Unlike the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce, the Ephessos family has always had ownership of the Chamber of Commerce. Although they turned over the vast majority of their trade profits to the treasury, they still amassed an astonishing fortune and a wide range of contacts.

The Ephesus family is exquisite, long-sleeved and good at dancing. Externally, they wielded pure gold and gin, earning wealth, befriending local magnates and marrying the nobles of the kingdoms. Internally, they took advantage of the feud between the five ruling families, and the knights of Ephissos also infiltrated the middle of the kingdom, and they had many protections for their family blood relatives.

The Ephissos family has stood tall for hundreds of years, and their influence and wealth have grown day by day, and they have faintly earned the title of the sixth family of Borui.

Marquis Greto Ephissos, Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Kingdom of Bore, and leader of the Ephesus Chamber of Commerce, is undoubtedly Sophia's biggest rival. But the Marquis de Greto himself did not see it that way.

The Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce was primarily engaged in the grain trade, and Ephissos relied on adamantite gold and gin to make money, and the core commodities of the two were not in conflict. On the other hand, the fate of the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce is in the hands of the Sassians, and the leader of the Chamber of Commerce cannot change this embarrassing situation even if he has great ability. So, if Gretto didn't even care about the late Old Marquis of Wimbledon, how could he see Sophia as a competitor?

The birth of purple cane wine aroused Greto's vigilance. It's as if there is suddenly an extra diner at the table, and people who are used to eating alone will not be happy anyway. Fortunately, the reputation of the purple cane wine, the production volume, the sales channels, the variety, and the age of the cellar are not as good as the gin run run by the Ephesus family. In fact, Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce's purple cane sales were less than three-thirds of gin's, but the Marquis de Greto still sensed bad signs.

The prices of purple cane wine purchased in the major kingdoms are generally higher than that of gin. This is not because the taste or quality of purple cane is better than gin, but the lords want to use the price difference to get the Ephesus Chamber of Commerce to lower the price of gin, and then they use the price of gin to suppress the price of purple cane.

The Marquis of Greto disagreed, the production of purple cane wine is limited, and it will not be enough to challenge the status of gin for decades, even if the centaur hills increase the production capacity of purple cane wine, they will not be able to completely eliminate gin, at most they will divide the market equally.

How much money can you make from selling wine alone?

The five ruling families were well aware of the production, sales, and profits of Adamantite and gin, and the Ephissos family always handed over the profits of the two specialties and did not dare to hide anything. However, the buying and selling of ordinary materials is a muddled account. The Ephesus family's caravans traveled the world, buying local produce at low prices and selling it abroad, making huge profits and retaining most of them.

It was through the resale of property that the Ephesus family amassed a staggering fortune. But after all, the property of each territory is limited, and if Sophia buys more, the Ephesus family will earn less. It's almost a given.

The profits of the Chamber of Commerce come from channels, and strategic materials are the trump card to open up trade routes. Now, Sophia has not only obtained the right to operate purple cane wine, but her husband also has a strategic material such as jaber, and the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce led by Sophia obviously has the conditions to get rid of the clamp.

Although Adamantite has a higher strategic value than Purple Cane and Brown Sugar, Adamantite Gold is not renewable, its sales are strictly regulated by the Kingdom of Borui, and the real core commodity of the Ephesus Chamber of Commerce is gin. Compared with the Ephesus family, the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce has three strategic materials: green barley, purple cane wine and jaggery, which clearly occupies an advantage.

The Marquis of Greto knew that the Ephesus Chamber of Commerce could only maintain its current profits if it obtained the right to operate the raw sugar. After a period of deliberation, he decided to cooperate with the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce to exchange the right to operate pure gold and gin for the right to operate jaggery and purple cane wine, so as to achieve the goal of sharing the market equally.

Gretto persuaded the Senate of the kingdom that Andre would invite Sophia to visit the kingdom of Borui, and then present the facts and reason to her, so that the marquis, who did not understand politics, understood how dangerous her situation was, and cooperation between the two sides was her only way out. However, things take an unexpected turn, and it is Sophia's stand-in who visits the kingdom of Borui, who herself not only hides her tracks, but also ties into a relationship with the barbarians. Gretto immediately adjusted his strategy and devised a plan to get Sophia out completely, with the support of the five major families.

Sophia didn't expect the Borui to risk war with the barbarians to detain her, and at this moment Gretto's pitying eyes made her very unhappy, and she said coldly: "Old thing, you made a mistake. The Borui Kingdom will pay for your mistakes!"

"Honey, you are the one who made the mistake. Greto shook his head and smiled: "The old Marquis of Wimbledon didn't have a good idea of leaving the Chamber of Commerce to you at all, you are just a tool for him to cause trouble." I don't think he told you that the Chamber of Commerce is neutral but not independent!"

"Then it's up to me to explain that you made those mistakes!"

"First of all, you should not betray Queen Catherine. "Queen Catherine's request for you to force the lords of Gambis to support Prince Edward by means of trade is indeed a violation of the principle of neutrality of the Chamber of Commerce, but it will not lead to the collapse of the Chamber of Commerce. Her Majesty the Queen can appease the resentment of the lords as long as you are transferred out of the Chamber of Commerce, and Viscount Randall is obviously the successor arranged by the Queen. Your move from the front of the stage to the back of the stage is actually the kindness of the queen, and you see it as a sacrifice. ”

"Secondly, you should not transfer the property of the Stag Merchant to your Sabertooth Tiger Merchant Clan. You want to create a business family and you are betraying the royal family of Gambis. The Auguste family tolerated you because they didn't want to upset the balance with the Yorks. Once the relationship between the two parties is stable, they will pick up your saber-toothed tiger caravan. ”

"Her Royal Highness Sylvia has always been very kind to you, but you rejected the York family's solicitation, how much support can she give you? Oh, by the way, you may not know that a thousand kilometers of artificial canals are being built in the Centaur Hills, and the Viscount Randall is an important part of this project, and your marriage with the Viscount Randall has become the most troublesome problem for Her Highness Sylvia. If you go missing, Your Highness will definitely arrange for Knight Fenices to marry Viscount Randall. ”

"Your Excellency Sophia, who are you serving, and who is your support?"

Sophia was silent for a moment, then turned her gaze to Andre and said mockingly, "Are you going to kill me?" or let me be your pet?"

"I've never had such an extravagant expectation that you'll be really infatuated with me. Andre stared at Sophia's green eyes and said solemnly: "Sophia, you have stood at the apex of the Silver Knight and deserve respect. I want you to join us in the kingdom of Borui and help us fulfill the barbarian commission and gain the friendship of the mountain tribes. ”

"What if I refuse?"

"We Borui have ports and warships that will help the mighty barbarian warriors cross the river. Woman, what's going on with you!"

Marquis Greto deliberately shouted in the language of a barbarian, but the old barbarian was expressionless, and Sophia seemed to be smiling. Gretto felt a moment of frustration, and he suspected that the old barbarians could not understand what he was saying, after all, the barbarians were from different tribes.

"Marquis Sophia, why don't you listen to our terms?" a majestic knight broke the embarrassment of the scene, and Sophia bowed slightly to him, "Your Majesty, please speak up. ”

This heavily armed knight is none other than Duke Peter, the ruler of the Borui Kingdom, and one of the five Golden Knights of the Borui Kingdom. Regardless of the stance of both sides, Duke Peter is the forerunner among the knights, and Sophia, as a great knight of the silver rank, naturally wants to pay tribute to him.

"Sophia, you should understand that Mount Arret is not a force you can control. Duke Peter said, "If you are willing to join the Kingdom of Borui, we can rearrange your status and canonize you as the Earl Lord of the Kingdom of Borui, as well as an earldom on the North Shore." ”

"The county on the north shore won't be the land of the Eastern Alliance, right?" Sophia sneered, "What's the difference between this and exile?

"How is this possible?!The Seven Great Alliance Islands have long been out of surplus land. Marquis Greto said: "Lord Sophia, the land we have given you is within the territory of the Borui Kingdom...... Duke Peter raised his hand to signal Greto to silence, and said with his jaw: "I won't hide it from you, that fief is indeed close to the border line." However, since we recognize that you are the lord of the Borui Kingdom, it is within the territory of the Borui Kingdom. ”

"Of the seven major islands, each of the five major families occupies one, and the remaining two islands are the fiefs of the court nobles...... As a sign of my sincerity, I am willing to cede 3,000 square kilometers of territory from the island of the Peter family and exchange a piece of land on the island of Ogar as your fief. The counties of the North Shore are still yours. ”

As soon as these words came out, even Andre was moved. Although the 3,000-square-kilometer fief is not large, it is within the seven major islands. This means that as long as Sophia nods, she immediately becomes the sixth Lord of Borui to land on the island. When Sophia saw Andrei's surprised expression, she knew that this was Duke Peter's temporary idea, and the five major families had not talked about it. She pondered for a moment and said, "Such a generous treatment, there won't be no conditions, right?"

Duke Peter smiled: "There is indeed a condition...... "He beckoned back, and a young nobleman with a hood stepped forward and said respectfully, "Father." ”

"This is my eldest son, Raymond Peter. For some reason, he lost his family inheritance...... Raymond, like Viscount Randall, is an elven nobleman, and he has also awakened his talent for popularity. Duke Peter pulled Raymond's hood open, revealing a handsome face, with black hair and black eyes, and slightly pointed ears that resembled Victor, but with a more delicate temperament.

"Raymond's bloodline is noble, if not as good as His Highness Sylvia's lover, it is not much worse. If you get married, I will keep my promise. Sophia, do you agree?"

Sophia was silent, and when Marquis Greto saw this, he said dryly: "Sophia, high-ranking knights are not suitable to lead a business family, if I make a mistake like you, I will already be ruined, but you can become the lord of Liandao." This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, knowing that 4 million gold soles will definitely not be able to buy the land of the Seven Great Alliances. ”

"Marquis Greto, there's something I don't understand. Sophia chuckled, "What are you trying to keep me in the Borui Kingdom for? Are you doing this for the good of the kingdom, or for the benefit of the Ephessos family?"

In the face of such a sharp question, Marquis Greto smiled calmly, "Sophia, you don't need to provoke my relationship with the kingdom. The interests of the Ephesus family do not conflict with the interests of the kingdom, and I am doing this only to maximize the interests. As for the risk, I don't see much of a risk, because only we, the Borui Kingdom, can help the barbarians cross the river, and we are happy to do so. And you can't. ”

Sophia said coldly: "Even if I break away from Gambis, the Wimbledon Chamber of Commerce still controls the purple cane wine and jaggery trade. ”

"Of course I know that. Gretto smiled and said, "Dear Sophia, your ambition scares me, and you have the power to influence Lord Randall's decision-making. If you join us in the kingdom of Borui, things are simple. As long as I provide Her Highness Sylvia with an interest-free loan of 1,000,000 gold soles, I will definitely get a share of the trade in purple cane wine and jaggery. ”

"Okay, that's all that needs to be said, now it's up to you. ”.

"It seems like I don't have a choice. Sophia frowned, and then smiled coquettishly: "It's a pity, I can't call the shots for the barbarians, you have to talk to Elder Harald yourself, and I can translate for you." ”

Sophia turned to talk to the old barbarian, and Duke Peter whispered to the Marquis of Grieto, "She seems to speak the same barbarian language as yours." Gretto nodded, and said with a solemn expression: "Yes, she told the old barbarian that we are willing to help the barbarian cross the river, and hope to gain the friendship of the mountain tribes. But...... The old barbarians seem to want us to be put to the test. ”

At this time, Harald the barbarian crossed Sophia, raised his battle axe, and shouted: "Barbarians do not associate with the weak, and if you want to gain the friendship of the sons of the mountains, you must prove your courage and strength." There is no strong prey here, so let's try the test of blood. Cut off my head, and the sons of the mountains will trust you!"

Harald's surging fighting spirit infected the knights present, and the four great knights who accompanied Duke Peter held the hilt of their swords and were eager to try. Gretto hurriedly translated the words of the old barbarian, and Duke Peter asked, "What are the rules?"

Sophia shook her head and said, "There are no rules. The barbarians regard old age and death as a shame, it is their tradition of bloody warfare, the living are glorified, and the dead sleep in peace. Harald is going to challenge you all. ”

What are you kidding? Kill this old barbarian, and those more than 300 barbarians still don't turn over the Red Harbor?

Duke Peter pondered for a moment and said to Sophia: "Tell this warrior that I accept the challenge alone, and I will defeat him, but I will not kill him." ”

Harald listened to Sophia's words, pointed his tomahawk at Duke Peter, and laughed: "Recklessness does not mean courage, but I like your actions." Then one-on-one, as long as you can hold on for half a quarter of an hour under my axe, you can get the friendship of the sons of the mountains. ”

"It couldn't have been easier. Duke Peter smiled and waved away the Marquis of Gretto, taking a heavy adamantite shield, the yellow air flowing around his body, and the air twisted in it. Swords and shields struck each other, sparks shot out, "Come on!"

Harald crossed a distance of more than ten meters in one step, and the battle axe turned into a cloud of black light, roaring and smashing towards the peak knight who was waiting for him. His power was so violent that a piercing sound of silk tearing rang out in the air, and small whirlwinds visible to the naked eye formed around the tomahawk.

The old barbarian shattered the air with an axe, like a giant beast in the sky, unstoppable! The crowd watching the battle was shocked.