Chapter 8: The Guild's First Test
As Li Wei's merchant guild grew, so did the challenges. The larger, more established guilds began to take notice of the threat he posed. These guilds were powerful—often with ties to the ruling aristocracy—and they didn't take kindly to newcomers who threatened to disrupt their business. The merchants who had joined Li Wei's network knew this, and while some were eager to see what would happen, others were beginning to grow wary.
One such guild, the Royal Merchants' Guild, was the largest and most influential in the region. They controlled a vast network of trade routes and were known for their monopolies on certain goods—such as rare herbs, enchanted trinkets, and even basic necessities like iron and steel. They had always held a stronghold on the markets, and they were not about to let a newcomer like Li Wei take a slice of their pie without putting up a fight.
One morning, as Li Wei was preparing for the day's trades, he received an urgent message. The Royal Merchants' Guild had issued a formal challenge. They had accused him of violating trade laws, bypassing traditional tariffs, and undermining the stability of the region's economy. The guild had threatened to use their influence to shut down his growing network, and they were rallying their political allies to back them up.
Li Wei was not one to back down from a challenge, but this was different. He had no political connections, and while his goods were popular, the Royal Merchants' Guild had the muscle and resources to crush him if they chose to. His allies within the smaller guilds were important, but they were still far too few to take on a guild of that size.
He needed a plan.
After consulting with his most trusted merchants, Li Wei realized that this wasn't just about trade—it was about politics. If he wanted to survive, he would need to align himself with powerful figures in Agara, figures who could shield him from the wrath of the Royal Merchants' Guild.
And so, Li Wei began to network in the political circles, seeking out nobles, influential figures, and even local rulers who were dissatisfied with the existing power structures. He offered them incentives—access to his modern goods in exchange for their support. Some were hesitant at first, but the allure of Li Wei's new products was enough to convince them to at least hear him out.
It wasn't long before Li Wei had secured the backing of a few key figures. The support wasn't immediate, and it wasn't easy, but it was enough to give him leverage when the Royal Merchants' Guild came knocking.
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Author's Comment:
This chapter introduces the first real conflict in Li Wei's rise to power—the threat from the Royal Merchants' Guild. It's a crucial turning point in the story, as it shows that even in a world where modern goods have the potential to revolutionize trade, the established powers will fight back to preserve their status quo. Li Wei's response to this challenge is both practical and strategic. He realizes that his modern goods alone won't be enough to guarantee success; he needs political alliances. This chapter sets up the next phase of the story, where Li Wei's journey will be shaped not just by business acumen but also by his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power.