binnovel Chapter 408 Debunking the Rumors
Chapter 408 Debunking the Rumors
Of course, Wang Wan and her group did not stop there. They spread rumors that the trade fair was for the princess to profit from.
"Princess, those rumors are too malicious!" Cui'er said indignantly. "It was clearly for the development of Qin's commerce, yet they're saying the princess is greedy for personal gain!"
Ying Wuyou pondered, "There are probably more than just Prime Minister Wang's faction behind this matter. Whose interests might my organizing this trade fair have harmed?"
After thinking for a long time, a glint flashed in Ying Wuyou's eyes: "Is it... those existing big merchants?"
Ying Wuyou knew perfectly well that once this trade fair was held, merchants from all over would gather, and the monopolistic positions of those who monopolized certain goods would be shaken. Naturally, they wouldn't want him to hold the trade fair. Moreover, the emergence of newspapers would eliminate the information gaps that many merchants controlled, inevitably affecting their businesses.
Having thought things through, Ying Wuyou asked Cui'er to summon Ying Yunman and the others. Once they arrived, Ying Wuyou said, "The next issue of the newspaper will feature Father's edict supporting the trade fair on the front page, a detailed report on the fair's preparations on the second page, and a new 'Merchant Profiles' section on the third page, highlighting several merchants who support the fair. As for those who oppose it..."
A sharp glint flashed in her eyes: "On the fourth page, a sentence was printed in the margin: 'The Great Qin welcomes all law-abiding merchants; those who oppose progress will ultimately be eliminated by the times.'"
Ying Yunman and the others listened intently to Ying Wuyou's plan. As Ying Wuyou explained, their eyes gradually lit up.
After listening to Ying Wuyou's plan, the group didn't leave immediately but continued to discuss some details. They shared their opinions, ideas, and suggestions, and after a lively discussion, they finalized some key details.
With all the problems resolved, Ying Wuyou nodded in satisfaction. She also decided to personally meet with some influential businessmen to establish connections and gain their support. She was well aware of these businessmen's status and influence in the business world; if she could gain their approval and support, her plan would be implemented more smoothly.
After finalizing the list of businessmen to be met, Ying Wuyou began to consider how to communicate and engage with them. She needed to demonstrate her strength and sincerity, convincing them that cooperation with her would bring enormous benefits.
After thinking things through, Ying Wuyou made detailed arrangements for the upcoming itinerary. She planned every step to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly according to plan.
The following day, as planned, Ying Wuyou met with Li Huan, a silk merchant from Shu, and Tian Wen, a salt merchant from Qi. These two were influential figures in their respective fields. Through friendly exchanges, they publicly expressed their full support for the trade fair and pledged to each organize more than ten businesses to participate. Their commitment spurred a group of small and medium-sized merchants to follow suit, and the trade fair gradually gained momentum.
Meanwhile, the trade fair and newspapers were once again enjoying unprecedented popularity, and the streets and alleys of Xianyang were swept by a newspaper craze. People held newspapers in their hands, either gathering in teahouses or standing on the street, their eyes fixed on the dense yet neat text, their faces full of curiosity and excitement.
In particular, the warning that "those who oppose progress will eventually be eliminated by the times" caused a great uproar in business circles, prompting many hesitant businessmen to reconsider their stance.
The newspapers spread to every corner of the Qin Dynasty at lightning speed. Outside Hangu Pass, caravans rested and circulated the hard-won newspapers. A merchant from the former territory of Qi excitedly slapped his thigh: "Incredible! Xianyang is holding a trade fair! We must bring our best goods; this is a huge business opportunity!" His companions echoed his sentiments, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Merchants from all over busied themselves, taking inventory of their warehouses and carefully selecting the precious items to be transported to Xianyang for the exhibition. From exquisite handicrafts to rare medicinal herbs, nothing was overlooked.
With the publication of the newspaper for several consecutive days, from south to north and from east to west across the Qin region, almost everyone, whether in bustling towns or remote villages, knew about the trade fair.
In the imperial court, amidst the heated debates on state affairs, the ministers gradually turned their attention to this small newspaper. Wang Wan began to shift his focus. He stroked his beard thoughtfully and said to Li Si beside him, "Minister Li, look at this newspaper. In such a short time, it has managed to make the whole country aware of the trade fair. Its propaganda power should not be underestimated."
Li Si nodded slightly, a shrewd glint in his eyes: "What Prime Minister Wang said is absolutely right. If this newspaper can be used by the court, wouldn't the transmission of government orders be as easy as using one's own arm?"
Soon, Wang Wan, Li Si, and several other important court officials could no longer contain themselves and decided to take drastic measures. They went together to the palace to see King Ying Zheng. In the magnificent palace, they respectfully bowed to King Ying Zheng. Wang Wan spoke first: "Your Majesty, we have recently observed that the newspaper published by Princess Jiayang has a considerable influence among the people. However, newspapers concern public opinion and the dissemination of government decrees. We believe that the court should control the publication rights so that it can better serve the Qin state."
Li Si continued, “Your Majesty, while Princess Jiayang’s actions are innovative, newspaper distribution is a matter of great importance to the state. If the court controls it, firstly, it will ensure the accuracy of the information and promote the power and virtue of Qin; secondly, it will prevent the spread of false rumors among the people and stabilize the court.” The other ministers echoed his sentiments, their words filled with the importance they placed on the right to distribute newspapers.
King Ying Zheng of Qin listened calmly to his ministers' advice, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his throne. He understood that this newspaper indeed possessed immense power; it could unite the people and disseminate the new policies of Qin, but it could also become a destabilizing factor. If it fell into the hands of those with ulterior motives, the consequences would be unimaginable. After a short while, the King finally opened his mouth slowly and said in a deliberate tone, "What my ministers have said does indeed have some merit. In that case, let's summon Jia Yang and have her participate in the discussion as well."
As soon as he finished speaking, Fu De, who was standing to the side, turned around and left quickly like an arrow released from a bow. His movements were so fast that he disappeared from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.
Not long after, Fude rushed back. Immediately afterward, Ying Wuyou appeared at the entrance of Zhangtai Hall. She walked steadily into the hall.
As soon as Ying Wuyou entered, her gaze swept over the group of people present. Her eyes were incredibly sharp; in just a moment, she had already guessed why they had gathered together—it must be about the newspaper.
Ying Wuyou walked up to the King of Qin, bowed respectfully, straightened up, and asked, "Father, you have summoned me here specifically. What is it that you wish to instruct me on?"