Act – Dinner Conversation Among the Officials of the Qian Dynasty
The dining hall of the Qian Dynasty's government building was dimly lit, the air thick with exhaustion. Around a large wooden table, six high-ranking officials of the empire were gathered for a late dinner, their faces drawn from the pressures of war. Plates of half-eaten food sat before them, but the conversation was far from appetizing.
Official 1 sighed, breaking the tense silence. "We haven't had a decent meal or a proper night's sleep in months. This war with the Li Dynasty is wearing us down."
Official 2 scoffed. "While we're the ones doing the real work, our emperor is indulging himself in the luxuries of the imperial harem. He's responsible for this mess, and yet he's the only one who seems unaffected."
Official 3 leaned forward, his voice low with bitterness. "What did you expect? The emperor set this whole thing in motion when he saw the Li Dynasty weakened after their conflict with the Meng. He's been obsessed with seizing power, but it's his greed that's draining us."
Official 4 added grimly, "He was counting on the Meng Dynasty to intervene, to destabilize the Li even further. But the Meng didn't take the bait—they stayed out of the war entirely."
Official 5 nodded. "The previous emperor of the Meng wasn't one for pointless wars. He focused on the welfare of his people. Compare that to our emperor, who spends the people's taxes on his lavish lifestyle."
Official 6, who had been quiet until now, spoke softly but firmly. "Isn't it time we consider a change? Our emperor is old, and a new ruler could steer us toward a better future."
Official 1 shook his head, a mirthless laugh escaping him. "Do you think any of the princes are any better? Come to my department of investigation, and I'll show you the kind of chaos they cause. They killed an innocent man last year, extorted merchants for monthly 'protection' fees, even forced a man's wife into the harem. They act with impunity because they know the emperor will do nothing."
Official 3 looked around warily. "I've seriously thought about leaving. I could resign and take my family to the Meng Dynasty. At least there, I'd know they'd be safe. Corruption was cut clean under their new laws, and the punishments are so severe that people are terrified of causing any trouble."
A pause lingered, before Official 4 shifted the conversation. "Speaking of the Meng, have you heard of the Trident carriages they produce?"
Official 1's eyes lit up for the first time that night. "Oh, I've heard of them. Their reputation for quality is unmatched. The owner, William, is close to the former emperor of Meng. I've heard they plan to expand business into the Li and Qian dynasties."
Official 2 looked thoughtful. "It might be wise not to offend him, then. He seems well-connected with the Meng nobles and officials."
Official 5 smirked. "The royal family of Meng uses only S-rank Trident carriages—those custom-built with gold and glass windows."
Official 3 sighed wistfully. "I'd love to own one, but S-rank carriages are rare and incredibly expensive. The waiting list alone stretches months because of their unique designs and reputation for reliability."
Official 6 added, "It's not just luxury. Trident also makes chariots for the Meng army—lighter, faster, and more agile than anything we've got."
The room fell silent again, but the conversation echoed across other noble halls. The name "Trident" was becoming common among the elites of both the Li and Qian dynasties. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of William's industrial and commercial empire, which would grow to dominate multiple sectors and stand the test of time.
###Time Skip (~ 1 year)
Victor (POV)
Another year has passed, and much has changed. Meng Tian completed his second blood ceremony the night his son, Meng Yi, ascended the throne as emperor. He plans to reside in his new palace for the next five years, quietly observing Meng Yi's rule.
In preparation for the future, Meng Tian has already begun selecting concubines for Meng Yi's harem, knowing that tradition demands it. He's aware that Meng Yi's heart belongs solely to Li Xiaoye, but the customs of the empire require him to take more than one wife.
I, however, feel fortunate to be free from the restrictions of the pureblood vampire families. Were I still bound to those traditions, I'd be subjected to the same obligations Meng Yi now faces. William, my guardian and mentor, has never imposed such expectations on me. He has always let me follow my own path.
That said, William has also made it clear that he will soon step aside. Once I turn 22, he plans to leave, knowing that I've surpassed him in strength. It's his way of ensuring that I don't become dependent on him for my protection—because he won't always be there.
And where is William going? For the past five years, he and Meng Tian have been planning their retirement together. They've long dreamt of traveling the world, exploring lands they've only heard of in stories. Meng Tian, who has never left the Meng Dynasty, was captivated by the tales William told of his adventures before arriving here. Now, they want to see those places for themselves.
To help them, I've drawn a rough world map, outlining the continents and islands they've yet to explore. It's far from perfect—more like the scribblings of a child—but it's enough for them to understand where they should begin. After all, vampires can adapt to any climate, as long as they have access to blood.
Meng Tian is already starting to enjoy his life in the retirement palace he built. Meanwhile, William is making arrangements for his departure in four years. He's been busy writing instructions for his company, ensuring everything runs smoothly in his absence. With the business expanding into the Li and Qian dynasties, the future of Trident Carriages looks brighter than ever.
William has also set up service shops across the empire, offering repairs and maintenance for his carriages. He's even begun training craftsmen to open their own workshops, providing them with the tools and knowledge to service the growing demand for Trident products. The introduction of grease workshops for carriage parts and an expanded glass production facility—producing everything from glassware to silvered mirrors—has added even more streams of revenue to the business.
And so, the foundations of William's industrial empire are firmly laid, preparing for a future that will see Trident Carriages become a household name, not just in Meng, but across the known world.
Author's Note: See you later!