The prefect's brain was relatively quick, but the others weren't so quick. They hadn't figured out what was going on yet. How could this be considered an insult to the Tang Empire? No one dared to take the blame, and Tiragon's face had already turned pale.
"Isn't it a bit too much for this lord to say so? These are just the personal actions of some minor officials. They do not represent the court of our Pyu Kingdom. Moreover, this is just a matter between a few businessmen. How can it affect the reputation of the Tang Dynasty?"
The prefect said disdainfully that they were learning the culture of the Tang Dynasty here, so they naturally understood what the four classes of people were: scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans. Even in the Tang Dynasty, the status of merchants was not very high. Although there had been some improvements in recent years, could it improve to the sky?
"I beg to differ with your words, Your Excellency. Our merchants have worked tirelessly to transport vast quantities of goods to your country, providing your people with a means to improve their standard of living. They have also paid a large amount of tax to our court, which is also an important source of revenue for our court. Without their efforts, even our army would not have enough to eat. Shouldn't we protect their interests?"
After Li Xiang finished speaking, the merchants present were in an uproar. They had always paid the highest taxes in society, but at the same time they did not have the same social status, so they felt aggrieved.
After hearing what Mr. Huang said, everyone was determined to protect him.
It was the first time that the prefect of Wacheng had heard of such a thing. He had never heard of it before. They were taught that merchants were extremely cunning. In a country that valued agriculture, merchants did not have a high status. However, he had no way to refute what Lord Huang said.
"Even if Master Huang is right, this is my territory of Wa City after all. I still have the final say on how to deal with these people."
Although the Tang Dynasty was powerful, we were also an independent country. Although we often paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty, we never said that we were a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, so there was no need to lower our posture too much on some things.
"If that's the case, we really can't interfere with your affairs, but we can manage ourselves. If you don't give us an explanation, then from now on, all of us merchants from the Tang Dynasty will never set foot in Wa City."
Li Xiang straightened his body. There was no need for military threats now. A commercial threat alone could cost them their lives. According to Li Xiang's previous investigation, at least one-third of Wa City's tax revenue was provided by Tang Dynasty merchants.
The prefect was usually very concerned about the tax situation, after all, it was related to his wallet, so he was a little nervous when he heard Li Xiang's words, but he was not too nervous, because businessmen are all pursuing profits. The reason why these people came to Wa City to do business was because it could provide them with enough profits. Will these Tang Dynasty businessmen not come just because of your words?
"Mr. Huang is really arrogant, but not all merchants will listen to you. Their goods have already been shipped here. If they don't come to our Wa City to trade, I'm afraid there are no other places to trade goods around here."
The prefect stroked his beard and said that many merchants below did not dare to express their opinions at this moment. After all, what Li Xiang said was a bit too big. If they really did not come here to trade, how would they live in the future?
However, among these merchants, there are also many far-sighted people. If Tiragon is dealt with this time, they will definitely be able to do business here unimpeded in the future, and no one else will dare to come forward and collect taxes at will.
"I am Cao Lian, following the orders of Master Huang. With just one word from Master Huang, I am willing to abandon all my goods in the river outside the city to uphold the dignity of the Tang court and our merchants."
When the first businessman stood up, Li Xiang nodded and said, "This person is courageous. Just because you stood up, you should be given an opportunity."
Cao Lian is a man with a very high status among the caravan merchants. He is also one of the larger merchants in the vicinity. After seeing his look, several other small merchants immediately stepped forward.
Then the others also realized that today's matter was by no means a trivial one. If we lose in this matter, no one will look up to you in the future. Mr. Huang is not fighting for his own momentary pride, but for a reasonable status for us businessmen. Otherwise, someone will increase taxes on you in the future, and your losses will be greater than today.
"We all support Mr. Huang..."
Some people have already started to dispose of the goods on horseback. They have been here for more than a day or two. Although local officials have not said it explicitly, the number of people who come to them for trouble has increased. It is simply because they see that they are making too much profit and they have to deal with the red eye disease.
The prefect's face finally changed. Some merchants who were good at observing people's expressions stood up after seeing the prefect's face change. Dozens of Tang Dynasty merchants were shouting here, which put a lot of pressure on them.
The prefect's face finally changed. Some merchants who were good at observing people's expressions stood up after seeing the prefect's face change. Dozens of Tang Dynasty merchants were shouting here, which put a lot of pressure on them.
Even though the prefect was very tough just now, if these people don't come to Wa City, there are several trading places nearby where they can transport the goods. Without these Tang Dynasty merchants, the prosperity of Wa City will drop by at least one third.
"What do you think, Lord Prefect?"
Li Xiang took out his folding fan at this moment, and then stared at the prefect with his eyes. The prefect brought him tremendous pressure.
"When I return, I will report this to Lord Changsun. Today's events concern the glory of the Tang Dynasty. If there is no reasonable outcome, Lord Changsun will dispatch troops to hold them accountable."
The Lord Changsun that Li Xiang was talking about at this moment was naturally Changsun Ze who was standing next to him. Changsun Ze tried hard to hold back his laughter.
Since they were both in the border area, this prefect had of course met with Chang Sunze. That kid was always looking for trouble. If he had this excuse, just think about those terrifying Tang Dynasty cavalry...
The prefect glanced at his cousin fiercely at this moment. Tiragon was familiar with this look...
