Zichuan Canxing was not surprised by Xiao Yuanshan's words.
It was only natural for the Lin Clan to demand harsh terms for an alliance. Had their terms not been harsh, he would have found that strange.
"All right, Yuanshan, sit down. I gave you full authority over the negotiations because I trusted you. I won't blame you. Now, tell me what harsh terms the Lin Clan demanded!"
Zichuan Canxing motioned for Xiao Yuanshan to sit.
Only then did Xiao Yuanshan sit down with relief. He said to Zichuan Canxing, "Lord Chief Executive, the Lin Clan demanded that we cover all the expenses and supplies for their deployment, while also giving them sufficient compensation in return. After we defeat Flowing Wind Shuang and that Emperor, besides taking all the Flowing Wind Clan's territory, they also want us to cede five provinces in the Northwest: Roshni Province, Ganan Province, Doren Province, Jialing Province, and Red Mountain Province!"
At this, Zichuan Canxing clenched his fists. Those demands were harsh indeed. They were looting a burning house, carving flesh from his body.
But that was not all. Xiao Yuanshan continued, "Besides those two demands, the Lin Clan also requires us to exempt all their shops and merchants from every kind of tax from now on, including customs duties, commercial taxes, and protection taxes. We must allow their merchants to establish all kinds of businesses within our borders and grant them preferential treatment and protection!"
Bang!
Zichuan Canxing slammed his hand against the table in fury.
"They've gone too far! Too far!"
Veins bulged on Zichuan Canxing's aged face. His anger had reached its peak.
Seeing him in this state, Xiao Yuanshan knew he had reached the limits of what he could endure. He hurriedly said, "At present, these are the only three terms they