Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Lai Gou'er sighed, feeling a headache coming on: "Luckily you arrived in time; I only have less than two hundred cannonballs left."

"The enemy is determined to wear us down, with their main force holding firm and refusing to engage. Moreover, they have superior numbers, harassing us day and night, putting immense pressure on us."

Zheng Hui chuckled: "After following me for so many years, you can't handle the real thing now?"

Lai Gou'er said helplessly: "They have a significant supply advantage, and their commander is incredibly cunning. Zheng-dage, take a look."

As he spoke, he led Zheng Hui to the observation post, handed him the binoculars, and pointed forward, saying: "When the Church first arrived, they seemed to be divided into several groups, coming from different directions."

"The main force consists of soldiers from the Hiro Country and the Holy Temple Army. The rest don't even have decent equipment, likely peasant soldiers from rebellious lords in various regions."

"The tallest ones are the Holy Temple Army. Although they are physically strong, their organization is clearly scattered and somewhat chaotic. The most elite are still the Hiro soldiers."

"Over the past month, their actions have become extremely disciplined and well-coordinated, indicating that their commander has retrained them in a month, which is truly impressive."

Zheng Hui narrowed his eyes, speaking seriously: "Hmm, if what you say is true... it seems the Church has some capable people."

Immediately, he turned around and shouted: "Deputy! Deputy!"

"Where the hell is my Italian cannon?! Get it up here!"

After the deputy left, Zheng Hui smiled and said: "It's easy for the enemy to realize we're short on cannonballs. Let's hold them off for a few more days and give them a surprise when they dare to come up."

"You've always had good eyesight. Keep a close watch and identify their main commander. If he dares to show his face, try to take him out with a single shot."

Lai Gou'er nodded excitedly.

The Italian cannon has an exceptional range, far superior to the old cannons. This time, it might achieve a surprising victory, catching the enemy off guard.

Zheng Hui added: "Once we've settled things here, we'll head straight for the Holy City. Now that we've torn off the mask, there's no need to hold back."

"No."

Lai Gou'er interjected, "Zheng-dage, I originally planned to hand over the city defense to others after the reinforcements arrive, and then lead my men by sea to launch a surprise attack on the Holy City."

"Maintaining the defense of Frica will keep them pinned. As long as the Holy City falls, the news will reach us immediately, avoiding war. There's no need for a head-on conflict, which would only result in pointless sacrifices of soldiers."

Zheng Hui scrutinized him, asking: "It sounds simple, but are you confident?"

Lai Gou'er thought for a moment, replying seriously: "I was originally 50% confident, but after seeing the Holy Temple Army, I'm now 70-80% confident."

"The Holy City is riddled with corruption, and the common people are deeply dissatisfied. The Brotherhood has already obtained the internal map of the Holy Temple. Now that you've brought the Italian cannons... the key is to eliminate the Holy Temple's high-ranking officials. Their city defenses are very lax. When the regular army quells the internal strife, we can seize the opportunity to launch a joint attack from within and without. It shouldn't be a big problem."

"How many men are you planning to take?" Zheng Hui asked.

"Quality over quantity. Three thousand men will be enough. I've been to the Holy City; a large number of people might be unwieldy. If you agree, Zheng-dage, I plan to prepare for a few days and set off immediately."

Zheng Hui pondered for a long time, then said thoughtfully: "This is no small matter, and I don't know the Holy City well, so I can't accompany you. Frica Port is far more important than the Holy City. If you really want to go, I won't stop you, after all, this is a decision the imperial court made long ago, but in my opinion, three thousand men is still a bit too few."

"Take five thousand men. Bring twenty Italian cannons with you, and that will greatly increase your chances of success. If things don't work out, retreat immediately and reconsider."

"You're young. Military merit is valuable, but your life is more important."

Was that a yes?

Lai Gou'er was filled with excitement, saying in a deep voice: "Thank you, Zheng-dage."

......

"The Western Seas Trading Company's stock price has now exceeded five taels, and the upward trend is still strong. In my opinion, it can reach at least eight taels in the next few months."

"Your Majesty has keen insight. When it comes to investment, we ministers are no match for you."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a large map of the West was placed before the Emperor's desk, scattered with various reports.

The original plan was to invite the Grand Secretariat here for a brief discussion about Western affairs.

But as they talked, the topic unconsciously shifted to stocks.

Most of the ministers were happy to listen.

Who doesn't buy stocks these days?

Are they still expecting to make money for their families by farming?

They'll never get a seat at the table in their lifetime!

"Li Shifu, you've been talking for so long, I don't know what stocks your family has bought? What are your views on this matter?" Emperor Jing asked.

Li Yansong was already uninterested, but when he heard Emperor Jing's question, he perked up and said: "Your Majesty, I'm not afraid of being laughed at, but this old minister always feels that this stock business is too mysterious, creating wealth out of thin air, and the profits are unstable."

"Stock prices go up and down... This old minister really doesn't understand it."

Emperor Jing chuckled: "Too conservative, too conservative! So did you buy it or not?"

"I bought it."

"What did you buy?"

"Whatever the Marquis of Jianye buys, I buy."

After Li Yansong finished speaking, several ministers craned their necks and whispered to each other.

"That's right, Li Gong is right."

"That's right, following Fang Zheng is definitely right! As expected of Li Gong, old ginger is still spicier."

"When has the Marquis of Jianye ever suffered a loss... Who among you has ever seen him suffer a loss?"

"Never seen it, never seen it..."

Emperor Jing snorted: "Although Zheng Yi has a share behind the scenes of the Exchange, it is, after all, a brand new thing."

"No matter how smart he is, I don't believe he's proficient in stocks. The way of stock trading is quite complex, and the general trend of people's hearts is also in it."

"You guys, are you treating him as a stock god? The Great Jing Railway stock he currently holds has already been increasing very slowly. Choosing it is unwise. On the other hand, Western Seas...."

Emperor Jing started rambling about his stock trading experience, with the momentum of not stopping until he had explained it thoroughly to everyone.

Just as he was getting into the swing of things, a eunuch rushed in from outside the hall, the eunuch covered in sweat: "Your Majesty, something bad has happened."

Being interrupted in his excitement, Emperor Jing said unhappily: "What bad thing has happened?"

"A report came from outside the palace that Western Seas Trading has plummeted, dropping five qian of silver in one go! Everyone outside is selling it off one after another."

His Majesty was just talking about it, and it started to fall over there. This slap in the face came too quickly!

The ministers quickly lowered their heads, afraid of making eye contact with Emperor Jing.

What!

Emperor Jing remained calm, saying suspiciously: "Preposterous! The upward trend was great the past two days, but today everyone is selling it off. Could it be a mistake?"

The eunuch swallowed his saliva, his eyes filled with fear: "Absolutely no mistake, this servant has confirmed it again and again, absolutely no mistake!"

"It would be fine if the stock price of Western Seas Trading only fell, but many people who heavily invested in this stock are crying and shouting outside the Exchange. Three people climbed to the top of the Exchange building and jumped off in public!"

Everyone's expression changed!

Three commoners jumping off the Exchange in public, in broad daylight, under the clear sky, this is no ordinary small matter.

Emperor Jing's hair stood on end, and he was completely unsettled.

The stock price... the stock price really fell! But now is not the time to care about that.

"Then... are those three commoners still alive?" Emperor Jing's voice trembled slightly.

The eunuch nodded with a bitter face: "Alive! Nothing happened at all."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard sent a group of people to guard the area in advance. When someone jumped, they caught them with a net below."

......