Imperial Crown.

Chapter 27: Give a slap and a sweet date

June 1193, 7 in the Guangming calendar.

Although it was not yet six o'clock, the merchants in Shangjin Town had already gotten up, put on their best clothes, and were waiting at the entrance to the east end of the town.

Because today is the day when Baron Raven officially takes back Goldshire.

The first ray of sunlight fell on the earth, and accompanied by a burst of orderly footsteps, an army appeared on the road east of Shanjin Town.

Everyone held their breath at this moment.

Two majestic blood-eyed war horses were walking at the front of the team. They were two meters tall at the shoulders and covered in thick and solid chain mail, with only their blood-red eyes showing through them. Their hooves as big as sea bowls collided with the floor tiles, bringing up fine stone chips like smoke, leaving no doubt that once they started to speed up, no one would be able to stop them!
The person sitting on the leading warhorse was undoubtedly Raven.

Under the baron's crown, he had thick, black shoulder-length hair, a high forehead, three-dimensional facial features, cold white skin, and deep eyes with an unfathomable cold temperament.

Although he was wearing the flashy formal dress of the nobility, his straight posture revealed an inherent pride and majesty, like a king visiting his own land!

Eric behind him was wearing heavy plate armor and was even taller than Raven, but he could not steal the limelight from the former at all.

Led by a man with a red beard, the merchants bowed together: "Welcome, Lord Baron!"

"Get up." Raven paused for a moment, and glanced at everyone calmly: "Come to the government center to see me later."

He gently squeezed the horse's belly and the horse went farther and farther away with the sound of crisp footsteps.

The businessmen stood up, and before they could even catch their breath, they all held their breath again!

This is Baron Raven's personal guard! ?
The team of more than 20 people was divided into two columns and walked on the road of Shanjin Town.

They were wearing heavy chain mail, their heads held high, their faces hidden by the shadows of their iron helmets, but their eyes of different colors emitted a terrifying light!

It was not the greed in the eyes of the Xuefengling soldiers that the merchants often saw, nor was it the ruthlessness they pretended to be when extorting money, but a murderous aura that pierced people's hearts, and the indifference after hovering on the brink of life and death.

That look made the businessmen tremble, and at this moment they realized clearly.

These soldiers really dare to kill! And they know how to kill!
As the clock-like footsteps approached, the spears in their hands reflected a cold light, making people almost think that they were about to rush into the crowd and start a killing!
A short minute seemed as long as a lifetime to these merchants. It was not until the footsteps of the private soldiers disappeared at the end of the street that the intermittent panting sounds finally rang out.

"Oh my god, this is so scary... I didn't even believe they could handle the bandits before!"

"From Meng'en City to Xuefeng Territory, this is the first time I've seen such... such a fierce army. Are they really not bandits in disguise?"

"Stop it, how can the bandits have such good military discipline?!"

"It's over... Baron Raven was young, so I wanted to get the money back. But now it seems there's no hope..."

This sentence reached the ears of a middle-aged man with a red beard. He hugged his chest and snorted coldly, saying: "You are so timid, why don't you go back to farming as soon as possible!"

The man who had spoken before was about to retort, but when he saw it was him, he immediately showed a flattering smile: "Mr. Karl, I was scared by those troops. Of course, we have to listen to you about what to do next."

This man named Carl is the leader of the Shining Gold Town Chamber of Commerce. He has the support of the Fox family and is engaged in the lucrative business of arms trading.

Relying on the name of the Fox family and his considerable business acumen, for more than 20 years, no matter to whom Shining Gold Town nominally belonged, he was the head of the Chamber of Commerce here and actually controlled the town's commercial lifeline.

Now that he sees that the merchants are becoming increasingly unstable, he certainly wants to take everything back under his own control.

"Just listen to me." Carl raised his voice and scanned the audience: "Look at yourselves. This boss, that gentleman, you seem to be important people, but in the end, only twenty or so private soldiers scared you like frightened rabbits!"

"So what about Raven? Even though he took back the town of Shining Gold, we still have the final say here! Without us merchants, this place would be a worthless dead place!"

Karl stroked his beard and said proudly, "There is no war now, why would he bring all his troops here? Just to show us a warning!"

“As the old saying goes, one-sided courtesy doesn’t last.

Since he dares to do this, we must also fight back. No matter what he asks for, he must first repay the debt owed by Donald!"

"If anyone is greedy for temporary benefits and commits a shameless act of betrayal, then he will never be able to do business in Shining Gold Town again. Do you understand?!"

The businessmen looked at each other and lowered their heads: "Yes, Mr. Karl!"

"Let's go!" Carl waved his sleeves and walked at the front of the team with his head held high.

Although its population was more than four times that of Eagle Town, the size of Shining Gold Town was not very large, and the merchants soon arrived at the entrance of the government hall.

With the evacuation of the bonded persons led by Xue Feng, this place has completely become an empty house. It is now occupied by Raven. More than 20 private soldiers are lined up on both sides of the gate to guard, and their silver scales are shining in the sun.

Karl and his men rushed into the meeting room of the government hall.

There was an old long table in the conference room, with black oak chairs on both sides. Raven was sitting at the end of the table, smiling and spreading his hands. "We've already done the formalities before, so there's no need to bother again. Everyone, please take a seat."

This was not the first time that the businessmen had come here for a meeting. They all sat down skillfully. Carl sat on Raven's left, while Vice President Philip sat opposite him.

Raven clapped his hands gently, and maids came in with plates and placed glasses of red wine in front of the merchants.

"You all got up early to greet me. It's really hard work. Come and taste these angel tears."

Angel's Tears!

As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of the merchants present lit up.

Of course they had heard of the name of this fine wine, but almost no one had ever tasted it.

The first batch of more than 300 bottles of Angel's Tears were all bought by nobles, and they had no chance to taste them.

"Then we would like to thank the Baron for his generosity." Carl was the first to pick up the wine glass, and after seeing his action, the businessmen present raised their glasses one after another.

After clinking glasses and tasting the wine, praises came out naturally.

"Angel's Tears are truly a gift from the Lord of Light! This is simply the most wonderful red wine in the world!"

"I always brag about my wine taste and think that my collection of [White Mountain Flowing Juice] is some kind of treasure. Compared with Angel's Tears, it should be thrown into the swill bucket!"

"It's so wonderful, so wonderful! Even the fountain of youth that the bards talked about is probably no more than this, right?!"

Raven showed a casual smile on his face. "I know that you are a little worried about my taking back Goldshire. You are worried that I am greedy and will impose heavy taxes. You are worried that I don't understand economics and will interfere recklessly. Some people are also worried that I will support Denise and suppress the power of the local Chamber of Commerce."

"This cup of Angel's Tears is to tell everyone that I, Raven, am not a person who likes to eat alone, nor am I a greedy lord."

"As long as you can pay taxes and run your business honestly as before, you don't have to worry about anything. I can even release some Angel Tears and sell them in Shining Gold Town, and share the profits with you."

A low murmur of discussion broke out, and many merchants showed expectations in their eyes - the profit of Angel's Tears itself was secondary, but if it became famous, it would definitely greatly increase the population flow of Shining Gold Town.

The more people there are, the better the business will be!

"Lord Raven's eloquence is truly impressive!" Karl stroked his beard and said, "But I don't think you will let us take advantage of you for nothing, right?"

Raven was well prepared for such a question, and he immediately answered, "Of course, I also have my own needs. In order to expand the production capacity of Angel's Tears and enrich the diversity of its products, I will build a new workshop west of Eagle Town."

"So, I hope everyone in the Gold Shining Town Chamber of Commerce can give me full support - building materials, workers, and equipment and raw materials that will be used in the future."

"As long as the quality is up to standard, I guarantee that your interests will be fully protected."

Raven looked at the businessmen present with anticipation, but they, who were originally very enthusiastic, turned their heads away at this moment, not daring to look at Raven. For a moment, the conference room fell into an eerie silence.

"My Lord Baron is so generous." Carl's voice broke the silence: "But, have you forgotten one thing?"

"Your uncle, Baron Donald, owed our Shimmering Gold Town Chamber of Commerce 937 gold coins ten years ago!"

Raven maintained a polite smile. "Of course I won't forget this. 937 gold coins, calculated at an annual interest rate of 3748%, the total amount today is gold coins."

"My proposal is to extend the loan period for another two years. This way, the total amount will be 4310.2 gold coins, and Eagle Territory will pay in installments over the next two years, 179.6 gold coins per month."

This is the number that Raven and Old Gordon came up with after careful discussion. It will not put too much pressure on the Eagle Territory's economy, and it is enough to show Raven's sincerity.

"My Lord Baron is really smart, but that's not how profits are calculated." Carl stroked his fiery red beard, as if he wanted to grab Raven in his palm: "Baron Donald's loan term is five years, but now it has exceeded five years." A cloud flashed across Raven's face.

Carl continued to talk: "The principal plus interest for five years is 2342.5 gold coins. After that, the interest will be compounded on this basis, and it will increase by 8697.7% every year, so the total is 8697 gold coins. I'd like to give you a discount, gold coins, how about that?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the air became even quieter, and even a pin drop could be heard.

The merchants present all lent money to some extent, and the profit amount was not outrageous, but that was for ordinary people and other merchants!

To apply this kind of profit calculation method that would destroy one's family to a true noble was something they would never dare to think about.

Eric, who had been standing behind Raven without saying a word, roared, "You are blackmailing me!"

Carl glared back righteously: "This is a business practice that complies with the laws of the empire, and it is also my legal right as a businessman!"

"If Lord Raven insists on breaking the rules, then from today on, the Shimmering Gold Town Chamber of Commerce will refuse all orders from Eagle Territory, refuse to pay taxes, and refuse to cooperate!"

"Looking for death!" With a clang, Eric suddenly pulled out the scimitar from his waist, and a strong smell of blood began to fill the meeting hall.

But the next moment, Raven held his hand and said with a smile, "Well said! Just like the old imperial proverb says, without rules and standards, nothing can be done. Mr. Karl is indeed a model businessman."

This was undoubtedly a sign of surrender. For a moment, the merchants looked at Raven with a little more contempt, while they looked at Carl with a lot more admiration.

Carl smiled smugly; this was exactly what he wanted.

Force Raven to accept the huge profit. As long as Raven bows his head, from now on, Shining Gold Town will still be his!
He, Carl, is still the uncrowned king of Shining Gold Town.

"I'm glad to know that you, Lord Raven, are also a person who respects the rules." Carl said condescendingly, "I know you can't come up with that much cash, so there is a better plan."

Raven rested his hands on his chin and said with a smile, "Please go ahead."

"You mentioned Angel's Tears before. It is indeed a treasure bestowed by the Lord of Light." Karl waved his hands and began to point out Jiangshan: "In order to repay this debt, why don't you share its formula?"

"We, the Guild of Commerce of Shimmering Gold, will produce the Angel's Tears, and you can avoid the hassle and happily count the gold coins we hand over. The merchants' will be the merchants', and the barons' will be the barons'. Isn't that good?"

Raven clapped his hands and laughed, "This is the best idea ever!"

He raised his glass: "Then, let's have another drink for this proposal?"

Carl paused deliberately, and was satisfied to see that no businessman dared to move. Then he raised his glass, clinked glasses with Raven, and drank it all in one gulp.

Angel's Tears are as mellow and sweet as the legend says, and such fine wine will be in his hands from now on!

The aroma of grapes, the aroma of citrus, the faint aroma of burnt food, and a fishy and salty smell... the smell of blood! ?

The air was so quiet that it seemed frozen. The merchants saw that Raven, who was drinking, smiled and thrust a dagger into Carl's throat. This unexpected development made them even forget to scream!
Ding...

The wine glass in Carl's hand rolled onto the table, and the bright red wine spilled everywhere.

Seeing the sticky blood gushing out of his nose, he finally realized what was happening. He reached up with both hands to grab Raven's wrist, but the latter had already retracted his wrist.

Raven... is going to kill me!?

How dare he! ?

He broke the rules and openly killed merchants. Isn't he afraid that Shanjin Town will become a wasteland? ?
The cold feeling disappeared instantly, replaced by unspeakable pain and suffocation. He covered his throat with both hands, but could not stop the air from being squeezed out of his lungs bit by bit. The strength in his body was drained away bit by bit, and he fell on the table with a thud.

“Kill, kill someone!! Kill someone—”

Amid the sound of breaking wine glasses, the venue suddenly became chaotic. The braver businessmen rushed to the door, while the smaller ones trembled in their seats. Some of them even had weak legs and slipped to the ground!
But as soon as these merchants ran to the door, they saw the Eagle Army in full helmets and armor. Those who tried to force their way out were kicked back by big feet!
"Quiet!" Raven's voice rang out in the conference room. The businessmen finally realized the situation and sat back in their seats tremblingly.

"Mr. Carl, the president of the Shimmering Gold Town Chamber of Commerce, coveted the formula of Angel's Tears and tried to assassinate Baron Raven in public. He was shot dead on the spot." He picked up a silk handkerchief to wipe the dagger, and then gently wiped the blood that splashed on his face. At this moment, a stern murderous aura swept across him: "Am I right?"

At this moment, in the eyes of many businessmen, Raven’s handsome face covered in blood was as terrifying as a devil!
Looking at Carl on the table, who was still struggling like a dead fish with his eyes rolled back, these businessmen dared not say a word and could only nod their heads.

The merchant sitting to Raven's right nodded frantically: "Yes... Carl is crazy and attacked Baron Raven! He deserves to die!"

"Your name is Fili, right?" Raven asked with a smile.

Fili nodded blankly.

"Very good." Raven nodded and looked around the room: "Then from today on, Fili will be the president of the Shimmering Gold Town Chamber of Commerce. Do you have any other opinions?"

A short merchant who was obviously of dwarf descent jumped up and said, "But this does not conform to the tradition of the Shimmering Gold Town Chamber of Commerce..."

Whoosh.

A crossbow arrow flew out from Raven's sleeve, pierced through his throat, and nailed his body to the chair.

Smiling and taking a sip of the red wine in his glass, Raven asked with a smile, "What now?"

A strong smell of blood began to fill the air, even with a hint of fishy smell mixed in. Some businessmen were so frightened that they became incontinent!
"I, I agree that Fili should be the president!"

"I agree, I agree too!!"

"And me, I agree too!"

Raven smiled with satisfaction: "Then about the debt..."

Philip showed a smile that was uglier than crying, with his big gold tooth shining brightly: "All free, all free!"

Raven shook his head. "That won't do."

Fili was already confused: "Ah? But, but this..."

"I, Raven, am not someone who doesn't pay back debts." Raven said calmly, "Just as I said before, the total amount of 4310.2 gold coins will be paid off monthly over months."

"Ah?" Philip was stunned.

Not only him, but all the businessmen present were stunned!

He turned against me and killed someone before, and now he wants me to pay back on time. What's going on?

Raven's voice echoed in the quiet conference room: "I am a person who values ​​rules, but not your businessmen's rules, but my rules!"

"Carl and his accomplices who conspired to assassinate me, their shops will be handed over to the Gold Shining Town Chamber of Commerce for joint operation, and the profits will belong to all of you."

"And as long as you can complete the task I assigned, my previous promise will still be valid - Angel's Tears can be partially shipped in Shining Gold Town, and you can enjoy the right to buy the subsequent products produced by Eagle Territory at a discount."

As he spoke, Raven clapped his hands, and Eric picked up the box behind Raven's chair and slammed it on the table!

The yellow gold coins flowed on the table. Even though they were stained with Carl's blood, they looked even more dazzling!
Raven's clear voice sounded: "I need a lot - daily necessities, building materials, weapons, armor, food, each of you can benefit from it."

"This is the payment for the first batch of goods, a total of 800 gold coins. Now, those who don't want to trade with me can leave. It will be considered as automatically withdrawing from the Shining Gold Town Chamber of Commerce. I will never pursue it. Those who stay will be my own people from now on!"

The eyes of the merchants present were no longer filled with simple fear, but were filled with greed and desire, and their breathing began to become heavier.

As smart people, they have seen through Raven's routine - a slap in the face, then a sweet treat!
Now that someone has been slapped to death and the sweet dates are so tempting, how can they not be tempted?
"Master Raven, what do you want? As long as it's building materials, I'll take care of it!"

"And me! Daily necessities, from coal to salt, as much as you need, I have!"

"I have the best leather armor in the entire Nord Province, and even enchanted armor made from monster leather! I'm willing to give you a 20% discount!"

Amid the lively petitions, Carl's body convulsed and twitched, he exhaled his last breath, and fell under the table with a thud.

But no one cared whether he lived or died.

"Very good!" Raven said with a smile: "Then, I will need the following supplies next-"

……

(End of this chapter)