But when he returned this time, a portly, distinguished-looking middle-aged man dressed in silk followed behind him. He was the steward of the Mi Clan Caravan.
"This commoner pays his respects to the Governor of You Province."
As soon as he saw Gongsun Zan, the Mi Family steward bowed respectfully, then asked with an ingratiating smile, "Our Mi Clan Caravan has only just arrived in your esteemed territory. May I ask, Governor-"
"Only just arrived?"
Before he could finish, Gongsun Zan interrupted him and tossed the jar of refined salt straight into his arms. "You've already sold this much refined salt to the foreign tribes, and you tell this general you've only just arrived?"
"Don't you know that selling salt and iron to foreign tribes without authorization is a capital offense?"
The Mi Family steward's face drained of color. "Forgive me, Governor! Forgive me!" he pleaded hastily.
Gongsun Zan snorted. "I truly don't understand. Is there not enough business in the provinces of the Central Plains for your Mi Family? Must you go trading with foreign tribes? What if you fatten up those tribes beyond the passes and they invade our borders one day?"
"It is only because the Governor of Jing Province, Liu Xuande, was my fellow student, and he has deep ties with your Mi Family. Were it not for his sake, I certainly wouldn't let you off lightly this time!"
Although he had no intention of touching the Mi Family's caravan.
The necessary intimidation could not be dispensed with.
Otherwise, how could he make Liu Bei accept this favor?
"Th-thank you, Governor."
Only then did the Mi Family steward breathe a sigh of relief. After a moment's hesitation, he continued, "Actually... there is something you do not know, Governor. We are trading with the foreign tribes precisely