"..."
Seeing Helian Zhaoyue's eyes practically spitting fire, Jiang Xiaobai couldn't help chuckling twice.
This woman didn't want to hear it?
Heh, then he would insist on saying it.
Jiang Xiaobai immediately drawled, "I suggest that the people handling dealings with the Border Market be rotated every fortnight."
"That way, we can prevent anyone from being bribed and secretly harming the interests of all three parties!"
Teng Zixiu nodded slightly after hearing this.
That proposal was fair enough. Frequent rotations would put all sides at ease.
But before he could speak, Jiang Xiaobai's voice rang out again. "Also, Qi may receive goods and settle payment monthly, but... Northern Yu may not. Payment first, goods afterward, without exception!"
"And each time, they must pay an additional twenty percent as a security deposit!"
At this point, Jiang Xiaobai added calmly, "Lest Northern Yu turn around and deny what they owe once the goods arrive!"
"On what grounds!"
Helian Zhaoyue slammed the table and sprang to her feet, her face blazing with anger.
Qi could receive goods and settle payment monthly, yet Northern Yu had to pay first?
Paying first was bad enough, but they also had to put down an extra twenty percent as a security deposit?
Wasn't this... discriminatory treatment?
"On what grounds?"
Jiang Xiaobai smiled faintly. "Your Highness can even renege on a wager you personally agreed to!"
"So... this heir apparent can hardly help worrying that your Northern Yu merchants might follow your example!"
"If they take the goods, leap onto their horses, and flee, who will compensate our Great Hua merchants for their losses?"
"You..."
Helian Zhaoyue's chest heaved violently. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "Fine. I will discuss this matter personally with your emperor. You alone don't get to decide matters concerning the Border Market!"