Chereads / zhanguo- the era of war. / Chapter 9 - The Dark Witch's Gambit

Chapter 9 - The Dark Witch's Gambit

Power rankings- 1. Dashi(master).

2. Gaoji( advanced) .

3. Zhongji( intermediate).

4. Chuji(starter).

1 gold bar= thousand silver coins

As the sun rose over the bustling city of Ulanghan, Se La stood on the balcony of her quarters , her piercing gaze sweeping over the rooftops as she was in her hanfu. The faint scent of ganja lingered in the air as she raised her hand, summoning her trusted Shadow Unit.

Xu na and the other members kneels and bow to se la and collectively say what is your order my leige.

Se la then turns to them her face stoic and her gaze now sharpens as she says.

We have lost quite a number of ki users in the last battle, what is the report of the ki recruiting unit.

Han bo the leader of the recruiting unit raises his head and says.

My leige we have scouted all through solarice in the months time you gave us we have managed to find 400 chuji and managed to get 50 zhongji. Most are fire users but we managed to get 30 wind zhongji.

Se la with a calm voice says good job you can all leave now except xu na. Yes my leige (the shadow unit disperse).

What is it my leige ( her voice filled with concern).

What happened to contacting that man( she questions xu na ).

My leige he should reach by midnight I assure you with my tongue.

The scene shifts to the grand hall, where a group of weathered, anxious-looking elders stand before Se La. Ban Xu stands off to the side, observing the proceedings.

One of the elder men steps forward, he worried stiff says anxiously "My lady, we come before you with a grave concern. We understand the needs of your army, but the taking of our women to serve in your brothels has caused great suffering among our people."

Se La raises a hand, silencing him. "Speak plainly, elder. What is it you ask of me?"

The elder swallows hard. "We... we beg you to put an end to this practice. Nearly seven thousand of our daughters, sisters, and wives have been taken to serve as... as whores for your soldiers. Our families are being torn apart. We cannot bear this injustice any longer."

Se La's expression remains impassive as she listens to the elder's plea. When he falls silent, she nods slowly. "Very well, elder. I will see to it that nearly half of the women taken are returned to their families."

The elder's eyes widen, surprised by her swift response. "Truly, my lady? You would consider our request?"

Se La's gaze sweeps over the assembled elders. "I am aware that the establishment of these... brothels has caused great distress among your people. As the ruler of this land, it is my duty to ensure the wellbeing of all who reside within it."

She pauses, her eyes narrowing slightly. "However, I cannot simply disregard the needs of my army. They have fought and bled for this victory, and they too deserve some measure of respite."

The elders exchange nervous glances, but they nod in understanding.

"You have our gratitude, my lady," the elder says, bowing deeply.

As the elders file out, Ban Xu approaches Se La, his brows forrowed. "My lady, that was.....unexpected. I must admit, I'm impressed by your willingness to compromise."

Se La allows a small smile to tug at the corners of her lips. "Sometimes, the best way to win over one's subjects is through understanding, not just force."

Ban Xu inclines his head respectfully. "Truly, you are a master of both the sword and the pen."

Se La's gaze turns contemplative. "We shall see. There is still much work to be done to ensure the loyalty of the people." She pauses, her eyes narrowing. "And I trust you will continue to serve me faithfully in this endeavor, Ban Xu."

The adviser swallows nervously. "Of course, my lady. You have my unwavering loyalty."

With that, Se La turns and strides from the hall, leaving Ban Xu to ponder the true extent of her ambitions.

As the night engulfs the sky se la returns to her quarters . She sighs after a long day of work as she sits in her chair smoking from the pipe.

A knock comes from the door. Se la annoyed asks who is it. The guard with nervous tone says.

Mmmy leige there is a man claiming to be your acquaintance asks to meet you.

Se la releases a puff with a smile on her face says let him in.

A man with a black shenyi enters he has a well built body and professional aura.

Ahh ryu come in it has been a long time my friend.

I am deeply regretful for the delays I have caused my lady ( he says in a deep voice).

Now now let's just get to business.

Well my lady we have new sets pearls that will surely satisfy you. ( he says with a smile).

Se la takes a smoke from the pipe and says in a playful tone no I need something else for today.

Ryu changes his face to a more professional look and asks se la in calm tone how many do you want.

Se la with stern face says i need 60,000 war slaves and a 100 zhongji.

Well for 1 slave it takes 50 silver and 1 zhongji it takes 1 bar of gold. So your total is 3000 bars of gold or will it be silver.

Ryu with a grin his face says how do will you manage to pay it's a huge order that you ask for and I am sure the king will not lend such generosity.

Well I will give you the rights to the coal mines as collateral for 3 years.

Ryu laughs as he says do you have the kings permission for this.

Se la with a smile says well he would be to busy with his concubines to care and I know you don't back away from deals like this.

So what is your answer Ryu of the metal. ( she says in a rousing tone hyping him up).

Ryu then removes a pearl set and says this is a token from me let our trade be prosperous