I was a charlatan in India

Varanasi's river defenses are very simple, consisting of wooden outposts flanked by rows of earthen mounds...

Uh, that is, a tollbooth.

In order to create a more suitable environment for the Vaishyas to develop, the Kshatriyas have always attached great importance to the economic foundation.

In addition to various taxes, goods entering the city were also subject to layers of exploitation, providing the Vaishyas with diverse training opportunities.

Although these fees are not required every time...

However, if you hand over too little overall, it means you lack the strength, and naturally your goods will be subject to stricter inspection.

It is well-founded and reasonable.

In addition, there were small warships that patrolled the area daily to guard against bandits.

They can also become bandits when necessary.

Their superiors worked together in an adobe fortress at the last checkpoint.

The room was simply furnished, with only wooden shelves and boxes for storing invoices and handwritten documents, and coarse cloth curtains to provide necessary privacy for certain conversations.

But it probably couldn't hide Dana; that guy was too fat.

He squeezed behind the curtain, his face beaming, his body sinking into the chair, making it creak.

"Have I done something wrong, my dear friend?"

Dana cautiously probed, "I heard you returned all the gifts."

These river defense officials, though not necessarily wealthier than myself, were powerful Kshatriyas, unlike the declining nobles like Vasudiv.

Even addressing someone as "honored friend" would be an insult to their status.

The river defense officer looked at Dana with a somewhat unnatural expression.

The reason is simple: he had received a lot of money from Dana in the past.

As a businessman who has been quite active in recent years, Dana has fattened up a large number of local officials, even more so than the fat on his belly.

Although returning the gifts was unavoidable, it still caused trouble for the other party.

"Dana, I know why you have come."

The river defense official sighed, his tone rather helpless: "But I'm sorry, don't ask anymore, I can't answer you."

This is already an answer to a certain extent.

I was powerless to do it, I dared not speak.

The only ones who could keep Dalit from speaking were those of even higher status.

If you really have an idea, go visit them one by one yourself.

Dana was so shrewd that he understood the other party's meaning almost instantly.

His small eyes darted around, but the smile on his face didn't diminish at all.

"Alright, but I'm not here for those goods; I'm here for something more important."

The tax officer frowned slightly: "Something more important?"

"certainly."

Dana's fat face jiggled.

"As I said at the beginning, I came for our friendship."

"The full moon is approaching, and I, Dana, would like to send my blessings to my friends no matter what."

"Look, in addition to the jewelry from last time, I've also prepared a small estate on the upper reaches of the Ganges, with beautiful scenery all around."

The tax official was slightly tempted.

Estates on the upper reaches of the Ganges are quite valuable.

"but……"

but?

The other party's tone suggested that they indeed had some troublesome matter to ask for his help.

Dana looked around, lowered his voice, and leaned closer as if sharing a secret.

"However, there are a few young dancers in that manor whom I recently helped."

"To be honest, they're quite pitiful. They don't have a proper identity, and it's very difficult for them to survive."

"So... I'll have to rely on you to help me settle in."

The tax official swallowed hard.

This is hardly a matter of helping to settle things.

This……

Dana, you really understand me!

But under pressure from Surrey, he reluctantly refused, despite his heartache.

"Dana, I understand what you mean, but I really..."

"What are you saying, my esteemed friend?"

Dana rubbed his fat fingers together.

"I already said, I'm here for friendship. You've already taken care of so many things for me in the past."

"Friend, everyone has times when they have no choice in what they do; I understand!"

The tax officer hesitated for a long time.

His principle is that if you take money, you have to do the job.

He weighed the information he knew and pieced together what he could say.

"Dana, most of your goods can't get in, unless..."

He didn't continue speaking.

Seeing the tax official hesitate to speak, Dana's smile widened.

He extended his large hand, stopping the other person from making a difficult decision: "I understand, friend, I understand."

The other party has already said a lot.

Most of your goods won't come in; the key word is "most".

The meaning is clear.

The problem isn't with you, it's with the goods.

And it's not all the goods, but "most" of them, that are under control.

At least it can help Dana make a judgment that he is not being targeted personally, and at least it hasn't come to the point of being named.

Next, he only needs to submit the applications for the goods in batches to find out which ones are allowed and which ones are not.

And that phrase, "Unless..."

Although it came to an abrupt end, it essentially carries two meanings.

First, this matter can be handled; at least it's not completely blocked, and the higher-ups probably aren't trying to destroy you.

Secondly, there might be other ways, but I can't say.

Dana is an old businessman. If he can't even understand these things, then he really shouldn't be doing business.

That one sentence was worth far less than his jewels, dancers, and small estate.

"Then I'll leave the matter of the young dancer to you."

Dana smiled broadly, and that was how the payment was settled.

It's inappropriate to chat for too long.

He struggled to sit up from the creaking chair, his face still as radiant as the sun over the Ganges, then turned and lifted the coarse cloth curtain before leaving.

The smile vanished completely once he left the earthen mound.

Since it involves the higher-ups, it's Vasudiv's turn to step in.

My daughter was sold for such a high price, how could I not put in some effort?

Why should a Brahmin's dignity be wasted at a time like this? Should it be left to rot?

However, before that, he chose to go home first, summoned his confidants, and said coldly.

"Send someone to Old River Bay to rent a few black boats from those water rats."

"...Tell him that the Saraswati family has a batch of valuables that they want to get through his channels."

"Starting tonight, ship as much as you can, don't worry about draining the container, 50% commission, cash on delivery!"

"But there's one thing..."

His gaze was sharp as a knife: "As long as we're here, the goods must be here!"

"I paid money to buy my life, don't talk to me about luck!"

A chill ran down his spine; taking 50% of the profits was practically robbery.

This was actually suggested by the master himself!

It seems this time there's trouble...

Dana ignored all of that and continued to give orders: "Also, find a few familiar foremen."

"Give each person half a month's wages first, and tell them to prepare more subordinates."

"There will definitely be work, and the wages will only be more than expected."

"But if we can't recruit enough people by then... then the wages can be used as resettlement allowance."

Dana narrowed his eyes, a fierce glint in his pupils.

Regardless of who is behind this, he will definitely try to overcome it.

But besides that, one's own arrangements cannot be neglected.

This is the only stable thing; it's the only thing worth trusting.

The trusted aide dared not delay and quickly bowed in agreement.

Next...

"Get the car ready, let's go to Saraswati's house."

Once you're on that ship, don't expect to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet by yourself.

Whatever trouble comes, we'll face it together!

Meanwhile, at Mina's house.

"Great Heaven..."

The girl knelt on the ground with difficulty, making a painstaking worship to the extravagant Linga.

Agni developed faster than expected, and Mina's belly grew even bigger, making it almost impossible for her to bend over and kowtow.

Her father brought Dana's decision, but Mina showed no panic this time.

Now she firmly believes that everything is within the grand plan.

Heaven has its own arrangements.

Linga was resplendent in gold and jade, but offered no response.

But the girl's expression was firm and devout, full of trust.

Shenhe felt incredibly heavy-hearted looking at Mina's appearance.

Headache.

Of course, it's a headache.

This Vaishya merchant must be crazy!

Which business doesn't seek stability? You're just inviting trouble that's so obvious to everyone.

Of course, Shenhe doesn't understand the situation of merchants in this era, and it's hard for him to comprehend this ecosystem of making a quick profit and then ceasing operations.

The dazzling linga seemed to press down on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe.

Does Heaven have its own plan?

Damn it, what kind of plan is this?!

Shenhe's consciousness irritably scratched at the non-existent hair.

Although I don't know what kind of person this Dana is, it seems I need to quickly build up my team.

This time, we might have no choice but to snatch Mina away head-on!

Yes, development.

Within fifteen days, develop to the point where you can compete with Mina!