Chapter 704
The Eldest Prince on the Verge of Bankruptcy!
Garland didn't answer Greg's question immediately. He slowly put down his almost empty crystal glass and brought up another seemingly unrelated topic:
"Speaking of which, Your Highness, you used to manage so many businesses, including chambers of commerce, mines, and shipping... I wonder if you ever personally handled any trade transactions?"
This question came rather abruptly and seemed completely unrelated to Greg's previous topics.
Greg paused for a moment, his brow furrowing instinctively, but then a vague flash of inspiration struck him.
He vaguely caught a hint of something hidden in Garan's words, but wasn't sure. After a moment's thought, he replied:
"No, Your Excellency, I have not personally handled these specific matters."
These mundane business operations were previously handled by... the Burt family.
When he mentioned the name "Bulter," Greg paused noticeably, a wry smile appearing on his lips.
The Burt family, once his most capable financial stewards, managed his vast and complex business empire, continuously channeling golden wealth into his coffers to support his ambitions and extravagance.
However, with his crushing defeat and loss of power, the Burt family, which depended on him, also collapsed instantly and was purged by his good brothers under various pretexts.
Several core members of the family have been exiled to the most remote and harsh frontier provinces of the empire, their fates unknown.
This is the Imperial Capital Whirlpool Fortress, this is the game of power, where the winner takes all and the loser loses everything, even those who depend on them will be uprooted without exception.
Greg didn't say anything more, but simply raised his glass and drank the last bit of wine in it, as if to wash away the bitterness rising in his throat.
Garland listened quietly, offering no comment on the fate of the Burt family, and showing no sympathy or regret whatsoever.
He simply nodded slightly, then picked up the bottle again and poured Greg and himself another half-glass of the amber liquid.
He only continued speaking while making this gesture:
"In the end, the principles of trade are actually quite simple, Your Highness."
It all boils down to four words: buy low, sell high.
When the market is bullish and everyone is scrambling to buy, prices naturally rise.
Entering the market at this time is costly and risky. It may seem exciting, but the profits are meager, and you may even end up losing everything.
Truly shrewd businessmen often have their sights set elsewhere.
They are adept at finding goods that are temporarily neglected when the market is down and everyone is avoiding them.
They dared to act at that moment, buying at the lowest price, holding patiently, and waiting for the right opportunity.
When the tide came in again, and everyone saw the goods regain their luster and their value skyrocket, they were already sitting comfortably on the top of the profits.
Garland's voice was measured and deliberate, ensuring that every word he uttered was clearly audible to Greg:
"This is called 'buying on dips and selling on rallies.' It sounds simple, but there aren't many people who can accurately predict when the price will 'fall,' have the courage to place a bet at that moment, and have the patience to wait for it to 'rise.'"
Most people enjoy chasing after excitement, but often find themselves alone amidst the chaos when the excitement ends.
He stopped talking, simply picked up his glass of wine, brought it to his lips, but didn't drink. His gaze went through the rim of the glass and calmly landed on Greg's face.
Greg's eyes lit up; he now fully understood what Garland meant.
Garland June went through all this trouble, using commerce and trade as a pretext, but what he really wanted to say wasn't about business at all.
Seeing Greg's reaction, Garland no longer concealed his thoughts:
"Since Your Highness understands what I mean, then I might as well be more direct in saying some things."
In my personal opinion, and in the opinion of our Jun family, among the princes who are qualified to inherit the empire, Your Highness has always been the one with the greatest potential, the strongest ability, and the best chance of eventually sitting on that supreme throne.
We have never doubted this.
He stared directly into Greg's suddenly contracting pupils, ignoring the shock and disbelief on the other's face, and continued speaking:
"To be honest, Your Highness, a long time ago, our Zhu En family seriously considered whether we should bet our family's resources and future on you."
Your boldness, your decisiveness, and the leadership skills you have demonstrated have all left a deep impression on us.
However, please forgive my bluntness, Your Highness.
You were so dazzling and so sought-after back then.
The most illustrious ancient families in the capital, the most powerful generals in the military, the wealthiest business associations... countless people are vying to get close to you, hoping to board your giant ship that is destined to sail far away.
For you at that time, whether there was one more or one less member of the June family, it probably wouldn't have made much difference. What we could provide, others could provide as well, and perhaps even more.
So we chose to wait.
Be patient, observe, and keep your distance.
This is not a doubt about your abilities; quite the opposite, it's because we see further ahead and think more cautiously.
We are waiting for a... more opportune moment, a moment that will allow our cooperation to be maximized.
At this point, Garland paused.
He picked up his glass again, this time raising it not to Greg, but to the leaping flames in the fireplace. The amber liquor shimmered with a warm, honey-like glow in the firelight.
His gaze also fell on the wine glass, his voice lower than before, yet clearer:
"I know this might sound harsh, even a little... cruel. But I have to be honest with you."
"In a sense, our Jun family should thank Your Highness for the setback you have suffered this time."
It was this failure that temporarily distanced you from the center of the vortex, dispersed those noisy pursuers, and caused your value to plummet in the eyes of most people.
And this is exactly the opportunity we've been waiting for: to buy at the bottom.
Faced with Garland's candor, Greg didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
He finally understood why the Junen family had been able to withstand countless court upheavals and remain standing; their wealth and power were like the roots of an ancient oak tree, deeply embedded in the soil of the empire.
It's not just about wealth or connections, but also about this almost ruthless vision and the courage to take risks at such a moment.
What others saw was Gregor's failure, the emperor's rejection, and the alienation from everyone.
Garland June, the head of the June family, saw it as an excellent opportunity to enter the market.
Greg felt a sense of admiration for Greg's vision and courage.
At least, Garland didn't insult him with false comfort or deceive him with empty promises.
This "frankness" based on self-interest, at this moment, made Greg feel a strange sense of security more than any sweet words.
Greg gradually lowered his guard. In this near-desperate situation, the allure of a powerful, shrewd ally willing to "bet" on him at his lowest point was deadly.
Greg took a deep breath, leaned forward slightly, and adopted a more serious and open posture:
"His Excellency's frankness...is impressive."
I have truly witnessed the vision and decisiveness of the Junen family today.
You're right, timing is crucial for investing.
And my current 'market value' has indeed hit rock bottom."
He gave a self-deprecating twitch of his lips, but then a strong sense of confidence surfaced in his eyes:
"But believe me, Viscount, this trough won't last forever."
His Majesty's punishment was largely due to pressure, and was an explanation to the Sea Clan Alliance and the Empire.
The Kane family, behind my mother, still wields considerable influence in the western and northern empires.
My uncle, Hinds Kane, remains the commander of the Western Army, and his attitude has never changed.
Temporary setbacks will only make me more clear-headed.
The June family's foresight in lending a helping hand when I, Greg, needed it most is a kindness I will always remember.
I swear by the name of the Alvis family, if one day the situation changes, I will never forget this day, and I will never betray the trust and support that the June family has placed in me.
A genuine smile appeared on Garland's face for the first time that evening. He raised his glass and gestured to Greg:
"Your Highness is too kind. The Zhu En family trusts its own judgment and also believes in Your Highness's ability and potential."
What the future holds, let's work together.
He didn't say anything more, simply responding to Greg's promise and then downing his drink in one gulp.
As the drink went down, the subtle tension and tentative atmosphere that had been there in the private room seemed to dissipate considerably.
The conversation that followed became noticeably more relaxed and in-depth.
They no longer needed to carefully beat around the bush, and the conversation naturally turned to the current power structure of Vortex Keep, analyzing other possible considerations that Emperor Wilson might have had despite his apparent anger.
The study assessed the possible intentions behind the actions of the Second Prince Borg, who seized the opportunity to take over Gregor's sphere of influence; speculated whether the Fourth Prince Gobert's seemingly hedonistic behavior concealed a deeper scheme; and even discussed the recent changes in the attitudes of some neutral ministers.
Greg was surprised to find that Garland June had an extremely keen insight into the political situation, many of his analyses were incisive, and his information channels seemed to be exceptionally well-connected.
Garland also casually revealed some information about subtle developments in the Empire's finances that the June family possessed. This information was a godsend for Greg, who was almost completely isolated from information at the moment.
Before we knew it, a long time had passed.
The bottles on the table were almost empty, but neither of them seemed drunk. On the contrary, their eyes became exceptionally clear and bright because of their frank conversation.
Garland put down his wine glass, gently wiped his lips with a silk handkerchief, and spoke in a more casual tone, as if making a perfectly natural suggestion:
"Your Highness, the political situation in the court is constantly changing, and one person fighting alone is always outnumbered and outmatched."
If Your Highness doesn't mind, you are welcome to visit our Zhu En family's villa in the west of the city more often in your spare time.
"It's quiet and safe there. I can introduce Your Highness to a few young men from our family. They may not be the most capable, but they have some insights into imperial affairs and might be able to offer some assistance."
Introducing family members or relatives. This is another clear signal, going a step further than a verbal promise.
This means that the June family is not only willing to provide financial, intelligence, or implicit political support, but is even beginning to consider binding some of the family's younger generation with Greg in a relatively covert but effective way.
These people can serve as Greg's eyes, ears, hands, and feet, helping him rebuild his information network in the capital and handle some trivial matters that he cannot directly handle.
Even if necessary, they could become the core team he uses to rebuild his power.
Greg's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what he desperately needed right now!
With the downfall of the Burt family, his original network of influence collapsed, leaving him with very few capable people around him, rendering him practically deaf and blind.
Garland's suggestion was like a pillow delivered when you're sleepy.
Although these "family members" must first and foremost represent the interests of the Zhu En family, what right does he have to be critical at this moment?
The huge financial hole was like an invisible beast, gnawing away at his remaining confidence day and night.
The emperor's fine nearly drained his open cash flow, and the assets he had lost to that damned Cohen in the Northwest Continent only worsened his financial situation.
The chambers of commerce and investors who had originally relied on him fled faster than startled rabbits after the ruling was announced, withdrawing their investments and cutting off loans, fearing they would be implicated.
He may still appear to have a prince's residence, but in reality, he is already struggling financially and is starting to feel the pressure of maintaining a respectable lifestyle.
As one of the wealthiest families in the empire, the June family's businesses span all sectors, reaching into every aspect of the empire's economy.
If he could secure their cooperation, it would be like a timely rain after a long drought, especially given his current financial situation which is on the verge of collapse.
Greg quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind, calculating the risks and rewards.
Ultimately, the harsh realities of life overwhelmed any remaining hesitation or pride.
He needs allies, he needs resources, and he needs to break free from his current isolation.
The June family is the only one that has extended an olive branch to him at this moment, and it is also powerful enough.
Greg straightened his back, looked at Garland, and nodded solemnly, his voice steady and clear:
"It is my honor to meet the outstanding members of the June family."
Garland smiled contentedly and raised his glass again:
"Then, to our future cooperation, and to His Highness's... speedy recovery, cheers!"
……
A few days later, one afternoon, sunlight peeked through the leaden-gray clouds and stingily spilled onto the streets of Whirlpool Fortress in the capital.
Greg Yalvis rode alone in an ordinary-looking black carriage through the relatively quiet noble district in the west of the city.
The disheartened Crown Prince leaned against the carriage wall, the expensive velvet cushions offering no relief from the stiffness in his back.
He held a roll of parchment encrypted with secret techniques in his hand; the cold, hard words and data on the paper burned his heart.
It's over, completely over.
I just received news that several large mines he had been secretly operating overseas for many years, which he considered important sources of future revenue and strategic reserves, have lost their biggest financial backer.
The mine's largest investor was a multinational chamber of commerce headquartered in the Free City-State with a complex background. Less than three days after news of the Southern Empire's ruling spread, it unilaterally terminated all subsequent investment agreements and withdrew most of the cash flow.
Several other smaller investors also reacted to the news, either withdrawing their investments or adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Without the flow of funds, those priceless magical ores buried deep underground are nothing more than a pile of stones that cannot be turned into gold coins.
With the mine's operations halted, workers' wages, equipment maintenance, and "agreement fees" with local tribal powers... each of these is an imminent expense.
Even more frightening is the chain reaction. Once the news of the shutdown of these major mines spreads, the transportation lines, smelting workshops, and even his fragile overseas business network that depend on them could collapse instantly.
The emperor's fines drained his wealth, the disastrous defeat in the northwest dealt him another heavy blow, and now his overseas foundations are also crumbling.
He felt as if he were standing on the edge of a narrowing cliff, where he could fall into the abyss at any moment.
After the downfall of the Burt family, he couldn't even find a trusted confidant who could properly handle such a crisis.
There was no way out, truly no way out.
The only person he could think of was the one who had extended an olive branch to him a few days earlier—Garland June, and the June family, whose wealth was comparable to that of a nation.
This is the last choice, and the only choice.
Although this meant that he had to play the role of a pleader first in the newly formed alliance, he had no other choice.
The carriage stopped in front of a quaint stone building.
This is a villa belonging to the Junen family in the west of the city. As Garland said, it is quiet, safe, and an ideal place for "unofficial" meetings.
Greg took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anxiety and gloom, stepped down from the carriage, and, led silently and respectfully by the old butler, passed through the neatly repaired but not luxurious forecourt and entered the building.
Unlike the deliberately understated exterior, the interior is decorated in a comfortable and sophisticated style.
Garland received him in a study facing a small garden.
A fire burned in the fireplace, dispelling the afternoon chill, and the air was filled with the aroma of fine wood.
Garland looked to be in good spirits, dressed in a dark casual robe, and was sitting in a large armchair, flipping through a business report.
Upon seeing Greg, he gave a perfectly timed smile and rose to greet him.
"Your Highness, welcome. Please have a seat. The weather seems a bit chilly; would you like some hot drinks to warm yourself up?"
Greg forced a smile and sat down in the chair opposite Garland.
The servant silently brought in steaming hot spiced tea, then withdrew, gently closing the heavy oak door behind him.
"You're too kind, Viscount."
Greg picked up the bone china teacup; the warm cup soothed his icy fingertips, but it couldn't warm the chill in his heart.
He took a small sip, the rich flavor of the spices melting on his tongue, but he could barely taste it.
Garland seemed unaware of his unusual behavior, or perhaps he was aware but chose to ignore it for the time being.
He put down the report in his hand, leaned back slightly, found a comfortable position, and began to chat.
The conversation ranged from a recent comedy performed at a theater in the capital to the strange taste of a new fruit sent from a southern province, and speculation about possible adjustments to shipping tax rates next year... It was a relaxed and casual discussion about everything under the sun.
Greg forced himself to respond, nodding, offering brief comments, and occasionally managing a slight smile.
But his mind was not on that at all.
Those mines that were about to cease production, those cold, hard data, swirled in his mind like ghosts.
He tried several times to steer the conversation back on track, his lips moving, but the words he was about to say were swallowed back down.
How do I start the conversation?
To simply say, "I'm about to go bankrupt, help!" is too blunt and unseemly.
Hint? Garland is so shrewd, he couldn't possibly be unaware of his predicament. The other party was just waiting for him to lose his composure and reveal all his cards, completely exposing his weaknesses.
This feeling of passively waiting for handouts made him extremely uncomfortable.
Time slipped by in what seemed like easy conversation, but for Greg, it was a slow, agonizing ordeal.
When the spiced tea got cold, Garland had his servants replace it with fresh tea.
The sky outside the window seemed even more gloomy.
Greg's fingers tapped unconsciously on the smooth armrest, his inner anxiety almost shattering the facade of calm he was trying to maintain.
He had to speak, and just when the conversation paused again...
Just as he took a deep breath, preparing to interrupt Garland's discussion about the authenticity of an antique vase in a nobleman's collection, there was a knock on the study door.
Garland frowned slightly, seemingly annoyed that the conversation had been interrupted:
"Come in."
The door opened, and walked in the gray-haired old butler of the Junen family.
He first gave impeccable bows to Garland and Greg, then stepped forward and reported in a low but clear voice:
"Sir, we have just received an urgent message."
Miss June and her fiancé, Lord Adrian, are aboard the 'Azure Wave' passenger ship, which has sailed into the open sea and is expected to arrive at Whirlpool Harbor in the afternoon.
The old Marquis specifically instructed that since the young lady has come from afar, you must personally go to the port to greet her, and that you must set aside all your recent schedules.
She accompanied the young lady and her fiancé throughout their visit to Whirlpool Castle.
Garland clearly heard the old marquis's instructions relayed by the butler, and was visibly taken aback. Then, a clear displeasure appeared on his face.
He put down his teacup, the cup and saucer clinking together crisply.
“Father is really… Doesn’t he know that I’ve been busy these past two days negotiating next year’s spice quota with several representatives from the Southern Chamber of Commerce?”
For something like picking up Jialina, why not just have the steward of the manor take some people with him?
If all else fails, Robert (one of his cousins) would be enough; why do I have to make the trip to the port myself?
Also, who is Galina? Does she have the right to ask me to accompany her throughout the entire trip?
"Could Father be getting senile?"
His tone carried the impatience of a family head who was annoyed by trivial matters interfering with important business, and also a subtle displeasure at his father (the old Marquis Gringoire) for giving orders directly without his consent.
Although it wasn't obvious, Greg could tell that Garland was quite unhappy about being interrupted at this time, especially by such a "family matter." (End of Chapter)