I traveled through time and became the Queen of Ancient Dian

"Tomorrow, we will split into two groups." Baona's eyes gleamed with determination. "Guard Zhuge, you will lead fifty elite guards to escort a shipment of silk and tea to the Sima tribe."

Baona knew that relying solely on a low-tariff agreement was not enough, and that tangible results must be produced to convince more people of the value of the new trade route.

She wanted to use the Sima tribe as a pilot to prove that this route was not only safe but also profitable.

When the news came out, the merchants who were originally on the sidelines immediately became agitated.

Baona's actions were undoubtedly a shot in the arm, giving them a glimmer of hope.

Shangguan Xingshang was even more overjoyed. He was the first to stand up and express his support, and took the initiative to provide a batch of high-quality medicinal materials to join the caravan.

However, not everyone is optimistic about Baona's plan.

With a gloomy face, Murong merchant gathered a group of conservative merchants and spread rumors in private, claiming that the new route was full of dangers and the low tariff policy would eventually harm the interests of the tribe.

They incited other businessmen not to participate and even threatened to jointly boycott Bona's United Chamber of Commerce.

For a time, rumors spread and people were in panic.

Some businessmen who originally planned to join began to hesitate, and some even openly questioned Baona's ability.

Baona's reputation was affected and she faced tremendous pressure.

Faced with these challenges, Baona did not back down.

She summoned all the merchants who supported her and publicly refuted the rumors spread by Murong Shangren and others.

She analyzed the advantages of the new route in detail and promised to do her utmost to ensure the safety of the caravan.

Her passionate speech, as well as the confidence and determination she displayed, inspired everyone present.

Eventually, more and more merchants chose to trust Baona. They joined the United Chamber of Commerce and actively prepared goods, ready to join the next batch of trade teams.

Murong Shangren's plot failed, and he smashed the teacup in his hand in frustration.

He didn't expect Baona to be so tenacious and able to turn the situation around in such a short time.

He stared at Baona's mansion viciously, and secretly swore in his heart that he would make her pay the price.

Baona stood at the door of the mansion, watching the caravan led by Zhuge Guard slowly leave.

She knew that this was just the first step, the road ahead was still long, and more challenges were waiting for her.

But she believes that as long as she persists, she will succeed.

She looked up into the distance, her eyes firm and full of hope.

"Pass the order," Baona's voice echoed in the night sky, "prepare..."

Baona gave an order, "Prepare the second batch of goods, target, Xiahou tribe!"

Zhuge's guards took the order and left. Fifty elite guards, like a torrent of steel, escorted silk and tea and set out on the trade route to the Sima tribe.

Baona turned her gaze to the businessmen who were still wavering. A confident smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, and she had a plan in mind.

Seven days later, good news arrived.

Zhuge's guards not only arrived at the Sima tribe smoothly, but also completed the transaction at a very high price, bringing back a large number of rare medicinal materials and minerals.

As soon as the news came out, it was like a thunderclap, and most of the original voices of doubt disappeared in an instant.

Baona struck while the iron was hot and invited those wavering merchants to go to the Sima tribe in person to witness the prosperity and efficiency of the new route.

Seeing is worth a thousand words.

When they saw the caravan returning with a full load, the Sima tribe leader welcoming them warmly, and the silver piled up like a mountain, their doubts immediately disappeared.

The original worry turned into greed, and the original hesitation turned into desire.

They were jealous and eager to join Baona's camp immediately.

Murong Shangren's face turned pale. He didn't expect Baona to turn the situation around so quickly.

The rumors he spread were like paper tigers, ruthlessly torn apart by reality.

He watched helplessly as the merchants who had originally agreed with him threw themselves into Baona's arms one by one, and his heart felt like it was burning with fire.

Baona didn't stop there.

She announced publicly that all merchants who joined the United Chamber of Commerce would enjoy more trade resources and preferential policies.

She distributed some of the rare medicinal herbs and minerals obtained from the Sima tribe to these merchants at prices below the market price, so that they could truly feel the benefits of joining the United Chamber of Commerce.

This move was like adding fuel to the fire, completely igniting the enthusiasm of the businessmen.

Those merchants who were originally still hesitant could no longer suppress their desire and switched sides and joined Baona's United Chamber of Commerce.

Baona's reputation rose rapidly in the ancient Dian Kingdom. She became a leader in the hearts of merchants, and her United Chamber of Commerce became the most powerful business force in the ancient Dian Kingdom.

Murong Shangren was isolated and helpless and could only watch Baona move towards glory step by step.

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, Baona stood by the window, looking at the twinkling lights in the distance, her heart filled with lofty ambitions.

She knew that this was just the beginning, the road ahead was long, and more challenges were waiting for her.

Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by, and a guard knelt on one knee and whispered, "Your Excellency, the merchant Murong wishes to see you..."

Murong Shangren stepped into Baona's mansion with a hypocritical smile on his face, completely different from the gloomy look he had a few days ago.

"Lady Baona, I apologize for the offense I caused you before. I hope you will forgive me." He bowed with his hands clasped in a very humble manner.

Baona looked at him calmly, a faint smile on her lips. "Mr. Murong, what brings you here so late at night? I wonder what brings you here?"

Murong the Merchant rubbed his hands together and said with an apologetic smile, "Your Excellency's reputation is now far-reaching, and I deeply admire you. Previously, I was short-sighted and failed to appreciate your great talent and vision. I hope you will forgive my mistakes." He pulled a list of gifts from his sleeve and presented it with both hands. "These are just a few small gifts, not a token of respect, but I hope you will accept them."

Baona took the gift list, glanced at it casually, and put it aside without paying any attention to it.

She knew very well that Murong Shangren was not truly repentant, but was forced to bow his head due to the situation.

"Merchant Murong, let's be frank. What is your purpose in coming here?"

Seeing that Baona was not moved by his gift, Murong Shangren cursed in his heart, but still put on a smile on his face.

"Your Excellency is wise. I do have a favor to ask. You now control the trade lifeline of the ancient Dian Kingdom, and I would like to share in the profits. I hope you can offer me some assistance."

Baona chuckled. "Support? Murong the Merchant, you tried every possible way to thwart my plans before, and now you're asking me for support. Isn't that ridiculous?"

Murong Shangren's face froze for a moment, but he quickly regained his smile. "Your Excellency is right. I was confused before, but now I have come to my senses. I hope you will give me a chance. I will do my best to serve you."

Baona looked at him with sharp eyes. "There's a chance, but you must show your sincerity." She paused and said slowly, "I want you to hand over all the trade route information you have."

Merchant Murong's face changed drastically. This trade route information was the wealth he had accumulated over the years. If he handed it over, he would lose his greatest support.

He opened his mouth, wanting to refuse, but didn't dare.

"This……"

Baona looked at his hesitation and sneered, "Why? Don't want to? It seems your sincerity is not enough."

Murong Shangren gritted his teeth, feeling torn between his conscience and his desires.

In the end, he gave in.

He knew very well that if he offended Baona, he would no longer have a place in the ancient Dian Kingdom.

"Okay, I promise you." He said in a trembling voice.

Baona nodded with satisfaction, "That's right." She stood up, walked to Murong Shangren, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "A man who knows the times is a hero."

With the complete defection of Murong merchants, the trade volume of the ancient Dian Kingdom soared, far exceeding the planned 50%.

The people were very grateful to Baona, and the queen once again held a grand celebration for her.

At the celebration, the Queen danced with Baona, her eyes full of love and admiration.

Baona held the Queen's hand tightly, feeling her own achievement and the Queen's deep affection. People around her looked at her with envy.

There was singing and dancing, and drinking and toasting, everything seemed so beautiful.

However, behind the prosperity, there is a hint of uneasiness.

Baona looked at the flickering lights in the distance, and suddenly an inexplicable premonition arose in her heart.

"Your Majesty," Baona leaned close to the Queen's ear and whispered, "I always feel..."

"What do you feel?" the queen asked softly, with a hint of concern in her eyes.

Baona looked into the Queen's eyes and said word by word, "Something is wrong..."