He Lingchuan added at just the right moment, “The good news is that the first shipment of military supplies has already reached the border. If this shortfall is made up promptly, I can discuss the matter with Deputy Envoy Hu and approve the Taihe Mine collateral first. That way, the Yuan capital can immediately receive supplies worth 3.7 million taels, including ready silver!”

The implication was that Rongshan, not He Lingchuan alone, had the authority to assess the value of the collateral, so pressuring him personally would accomplish nothing.

And immediately after that, he offered the king a sweetener.

The King of Yuan’s expression had been so dark that water seemed ready to drip from it, but his features finally eased a little upon hearing this. “The Rongshan Sect’s sincerity is evident. Very good, very good. I will summon the ministers again to discuss the matter of additional collateral.”

Military...