I was a charlatan in India

Of course, Surya's wish cannot be fulfilled at all at present.

This is clearly someone's young master seeking refuge or trying to gain prestige.

Shenhe had no idea whether he could go back, or when he would go back.

Moreover, given Surya's behavior, there's no guarantee that he won't push someone too far one day and drag them down with him.

Forget it.

I, Shenhe, am not stupid.

Even a dog wouldn't answer that wish.

Goodbye.

Shenhe, this false god, has basically figured it out and has begun to understand the correct way to bestow blessings.

Honestly, this system is ridiculous; effort and reward are completely unrelated.

Devout believers who practice asceticism are only responsible for providing power.

As for where these powers are used, that depends entirely on the gods' thoughts and circumstances.

If Shenhe were even slightly more pragmatic, the best course of action would be to trick believers into having their first time, then coax them into undergoing arduous ascetic practices, exploiting them to the point of death.

Occasionally, if someone seems to be slacking off, I'll make a big pie out of them myself to give them a pep talk.

However, he was somewhat resistant to the idea of ​​convincing his followers to practice asceticism, and he hadn't even prepared any actual plans for it.

Shenhe still clung to a sliver of hope, expecting that he could make a name for himself solely through the power of his believers.

Sudden.

The commotion coming from Mina's house caught Shenhe's attention.

We've arrived in Dana.

The reason he arrived so late was because he had tested the waters again.

Dana submitted its port entry application in batches, which largely narrowed down the types of goods subject to restrictions.

That's why they set off again to find Vasudiv.

To be targeted and purposeful.

In the study, Vasudiv had just finished a small afternoon ritual, and fresh sandalwood ash still clung to his forehead.

Although he didn't believe in God, as a priest, he still had to go through the motions.

Even with all the worship and offerings, Shenhe never sensed any sign that he could incorporate Vasudiv.

It seems that even if someone who doesn't believe in gods goes through the ritual of worship, they can't become a believer.

However, this makes it quite interesting that I was able to receive Surya's request.

That means that seemingly carefree guy actually has a genuine faith in Shiva.

This made Shenhe feel somewhat absurd.

Upon seeing Dana's arrival, Vasudiv waved and quickly signaled his servants to prepare drinks and snacks.

This person is the family's god of wealth, and he already attaches great importance to him.

"Does the arrival of the head of the Dana family indicate new progress in the wedding preparations?"

Dana did not touch the honey water offered by the servants.

He shifted his obese body, found a comfortable position, and got straight to the point.

"Master Vasudiv, we have encountered some obstacles in our affairs."

Vasudiv paused for a moment while holding the fruit pulp, but quickly recovered.

"Oh?"

His tone was neither warm nor cold, but he was clearly focused, his ears perked up.

Dana didn't mind and got straight to the point.

"Something may have happened to the river defense."

"The gifts I sent to smooth the shipping lanes and ensure the smooth flow of supplies were all returned untouched."

"Timber, textiles, bronzeware, sacrificial items... all were restricted."

He would raise a short, fat finger for each word he spoke.

"If this situation doesn't change, the benefits of our operation of the Holy Embryo will be greatly reduced."

Vasudiv frowned slightly.

"Is this deliberately targeting us, or...?"

"It's targeted."

Dana stated bluntly: "But it shouldn't be directly targeting you or me."

"My other businesses are still operating normally, only the few related to the Holy Embryo have been precisely targeted."

"However, I'm not the only one; recently, all the merchants who wanted to ship these goods have been turned away."

"I suspect that the recent rumors have caught the attention of certain individuals who are eyeing these transactions and intend to force merchants to concede profits."

His awareness was quite sharp, and his judgment was very accurate.

Vasudiv tapped the table with his fingers.

"There should only be a few companies that can do this; a little inquiry should be enough to find out."

Dana nodded slightly: "Finding who's behind this isn't difficult, but I probably won't be able to handle this trouble."

"Those who can command river defenses must be backed by Kshatriyas or Brahmins."

"If a conflict truly arises, my Nabu family will be forced to back down, and then our profits..."

He didn't mention his emergency procedures at all, giving the impression that he was completely unable to handle the situation.

Vasudiv hesitated.

To be honest, he didn't really want to get involved in this trouble.

Although the Brahmin caste is higher, for someone like him, a priest in the Old Catholic Church, it is more of an honorary status.

If the one making the move is truly a powerful Kshatriya, or one of the Brahmins who are still deeply tied to the kingdom, then he is probably not qualified to confront them.

Just as Vasudiv has always believed, money, power, and violence are the only true principles.

Without these, the status brought about by the traditions of etiquette and law is nothing but a castle in the air.

So he tentatively said, "To be honest, Dana, these are worldly affairs, and as a priest, there is very little I can do about them."

"It involves river defense inspections and customs clearance, which are under the authority of the Kshatriyas."

"Perhaps...we could switch to land transport?"

Dana smiled slightly, showing no impatience, as if he had expected Vasudif's refusal.

He said slowly, "I'm afraid that won't work. You know the current tax situation."

"This operation would increase costs by several times, so it's not just a matter of earning less; it could very well turn a profit into a loss."

In fact, if handled properly, things weren't that serious; otherwise, he wouldn't have prepared those backup plans.

There's still some profit to be made.

But damn it, I've worked so hard to run this business, and you want to take my money without putting in any effort?

No way!

Do you think you're a powerful Kshatriya?

Moreover, these arguments are logically sound; insufficient profits do indeed carry the risk of losses.

After all, even those in charge of taxation probably can't explain the current tax system clearly.

Dana took a sip of the honey water and continued to increase the bet.

"Moreover, since someone has their eye on this business, we will inevitably be caught in competition, and without sufficient reserves, the risks are very high."

"I shouldn't be bothered by such mundane matters, but this matter affects not only this one transaction, but also long-term profits."

"Once other families dominate the market, it becomes virtually impossible to take it back."

"They might even gradually encroach on our existing market share, and then our future dividends will probably..."

Vasudiv suddenly lifted his eyelids.

He agreed to marry his daughter to Nabu, undoubtedly because he was after the Nabu family's money.

Overall, however, the Nabu family is still climbing the social ladder; it should be Saraswati who is on the high and mighty.

But the other party actually threatened him with the dividends?

If you suffer losses in business, it should be a matter of your Nabu family's capabilities. Do you expect me to solve your problems every time?

Seeing Vasudiv's unfriendly expression, Dana sighed and pulled at him.

"Master Vasudiv, I know this doesn't sound pleasant, but think about it carefully, this isn't just a business matter."

"Timber, textiles, ritual objects... these are not ordinary goods. At this critical juncture, everyone knows that these are used in sacred texts."

"If they can block this shipment today, they can block someone else's offerings tomorrow. Who wouldn't want to squeeze an easy target?"

He leaned forward and lowered his voice even further.

"They could even spread rumors that Saraswati couldn't even keep the goods, so why should she receive this blessing?"

"Then our marriage alliance has already lost its value before it's even been officially established, wouldn't you say? So, I'm not threatening you at all, I'm just stating the facts."

"This sacred fetus is a business we run together. If it's completely destroyed, what's the point of talking about profit sharing and the future?"

Vasudiv is not stupid.

He could tell that Dana was trying to cover up his grievances and incite others, and that the core of his argument was still a threat.

But there's some truth to what they said.

If the sacred embryo operates well, it will generate a continuous stream of long-term benefits.

So he nodded stiffly, his tone still cold and hard.

Tell me, how can I help you?

Dana slowly leaned back in his chair.

"Don't worry, I won't ask you to directly engage in combat; that would be a reckless act."

"You only need to fulfill the most proper duties of a Brahmin high priest."

"What are your responsibilities?"

"Inquiry".

"Dana said slowly."

"Please issue a formal inquiry letter to the river defense authorities and relevant government departments in the name of the head of the Saraswati family, one of the families that preside over the Full Moon Festival."

He dictated the contents of the letter word for word: "You just need to say this..."

"Our family is preparing for a major festival on the full moon day according to ancient customs, but recently the river defense supplies have been refused entry into the port, which has caused us great anxiety."

"I am unsure whether the wood, fabrics, and ritual objects used in the celebration violate any new regulations or are subject to any taboos. I request that the rules be clearly explained so that we may follow them."

"...so as not to unintentionally delay the sacred time and blaspheme the Great Heaven."

Dana paused, a shrewd glint in his small eyes.

Expecting Vasudiv to stand up to the powerful Kshatriyas is nothing short of wishful thinking.

If the other party had that ability, they wouldn't have chosen to marry a Vaishya.

However, even declining families have their own uses. Even if the status of Brahmanism declines, the authority and status of priests in the sacred texts still exist.

Without sufficient incentive, most Kshatriyas wouldn't risk this.

He leaned back in his chair, the shrewdness in his small eyes fading, and he reverted to his usual calm, businessman demeanor.

"Lord Vasudif, Nabu is, after all, your vassal. We can only take action after the master has given the order."

"You only need to send this letter, and the rest will be no problem at all."

"I'll take care of everything."