I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

Xiao Jingshi stared blankly at Ye An'an, her shocking statement about "stopping war through business" still echoing in his mind.

He seemed to see countless caravans, carrying silk and porcelain from Daliang, traversing the grasslands; countless grassland tribes, vying for trade rights with Daliang, restraining each other. The shadow of war was replaced by the prosperity of commerce.

This idea was too bold, too outrageous, yet it also made him feel that it was full of endless possibilities.

"An'an," he said, holding her hand, his eyes filled with unprecedented fervor and admiration, "you... are the best gift that Heaven has given to me, to the Great Liang."

Ye An'an was a little embarrassed by his sudden and fiery praise, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"I was just talking casually, it's all theoretical talk," she said modestly. "How to implement it in practice is up to you, the emperor."

"No, this isn't just empty talk." Xiao Jingshi stood up and paced back and forth at his desk, his excitement palpable. "You've opened a completely new door for me! What is war really about? Ultimately, it's about money and supplies! Why are we always on the defensive? Because we're an agrarian civilization with long production cycles, unable to withstand constant disruption. They, on the other hand, are nomadic; they fight and run, plunder and profit—their costs are far too low!"

"And your method, at its core, increases the cost for them to wage war!" He clapped his hands, his eyes gleaming. "Once they get used to our goods, used to the benefits of peaceful trade, they won't agree to go back to the days when they barely had enough to eat, constantly facing the risk of freezing or starving to death!"

The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed, and the more he admired his empress's ingenious ideas.

"However," he frowned again, "this idea is too audacious. The old ministers in the court probably won't agree easily. Especially those families with military merits; their titles and wealth were earned through military exploits. If we stop fighting, where will they go to establish their own merits?"

This is the core issue. Any reform will inevitably affect the interests of the existing power structure.

"That's why we need you, the emperor, to make the final decision," Ye An'an said with a smile as she walked to his side. "Reforms always involve bloodshed. You can't expect everyone to accept it happily. The key is to show them the benefits."

"Try implementing this first. Once the 'Trade City' opens, the money will flow into the national treasury, and the opposition will naturally diminish. Then, take a portion of these profits to increase the soldiers' pay and pensions. What can those military families say then?"

Looking at her, Xiao Jingshi felt a sudden sense of relief.

Yes, it's better to guide than to block. Instead of confronting them head-on, we should use tangible benefits to shut them up.

"I understand." He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "An'an, thanks to you."

The next day, the third grand court assembly after the new emperor's ascension to the throne took place.

Xiao Jingshi put forward the idea of ​​"stopping war with commerce and establishing border trading cities".

As expected, the entire court was instantly thrown into chaos.

"Your Majesty! This is absolutely unacceptable!" General Lin, the Minister of War and a man from a military family, was the first to step forward, saying with great distress, "Trading with barbarians is tantamount to aiding the enemy! The national policy established by our founding emperor is 'to defend our territory to the death, not yielding an inch of land!' How can we, because of a temporary predicament, resort to such a foolish act!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts! Those barbarians are ungrateful! If we sell them iron pots today, they'll dare to smash our heads with those same pots tomorrow!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider! This action is a disgrace to the nation and will surely demoralize the soldiers on the border!"

The old nobles, led by families with military merits, were filled with righteous indignation and stepped forward to oppose it.

However, on the other hand, the emerging forces, led by the newly appointed imperial merchant Shen Wansan and some young officials promoted by Xiao Jingshi, expressed completely different views.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Shen Wansan stepped forward, bowed, and said, "In my opinion, this method is excellent! It is better to guide than to block. Constant fighting and killing only depletes the national strength of our Great Liang and causes the deaths and injuries of our people. If we can exchange decades of peace on the border for trade, why not do it?"

"Boss Shen is right!" a young censor chimed in. "Why can't we try a different approach? We can use their unwanted silk and tea to acquire their surplus cattle, horses, and mineral resources, replenishing the national treasury and strengthening our army. This is the true meaning of 'using war to sustain war'! It's the best strategy!"

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, arguing fiercely in the imperial court.

Xiao Jingshi sat quietly on the dragon throne, listening to their argument without any expression on his face.

He waited until everyone had finished speaking before slowly raising his hand and pressing it down.

The entire hall fell silent instantly.

"What you all say makes sense," he said calmly, "but my mind is made up."

His gaze was sharp as he swept over all the ministers below.

"Effective immediately, a trading city shall be established in the northern border, which I hereby name 'Yong'an City.' The newly appointed Imperial Merchant Shen Wansan is hereby appointed as the supervisor, fully responsible for the preparation and construction of the trading city. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works shall provide full cooperation; any delays will be met with my wrath!"

"As for General Lin's concern about aiding the enemy," he changed his tone, his voice becoming sharp, "I hereby establish this rule! In the trading city, all refined iron, weapons, armor, and other military-use items of our Great Liang are strictly prohibited from sale! Any merchant who dares to sell these items privately will be executed along with their entire family, without exception!"

"I know that many of you do not understand or support this." His gaze fell once again on General Lin and the others. "It's alright. I will give you time, and I will give the facts time."

"I will only say one thing: if this method fails, I will bear all the consequences alone! But if this method succeeds, all of you present here will be witnesses to its everlasting benefits!"

His words were delivered with resounding force, exuding an unquestionable imperial aura.

The former nobles wanted to say something more, but his sharp gaze silenced them. They knew that this new emperor was no longer the crown prince who would consult with them on everything.

"Court adjourned!"

With a loud shout from the chief eunuch, Xiao Jingshi turned and left, leaving behind a resolute back view for all the officials.

The capital was once again in turmoil because of the emperor's decision. Everyone watched the northern border with wide eyes, wondering if this young emperor and his equally unconventional empress could create a new miracle.