The reason why he said this was because Tang En had discovered that in this incident, it was not a single force that was involved.
That Count Mara was a vassal noble of the Cadier family. He was probably instructed by Frank to deliberately stir up trouble. Some of the people hiding in the crowd to incite the crowd were indeed from the Cadier family, while the others, including those lying in ambush, were instructed by a chamber of commerce in the Trade Union.
Under Tang En's interrogation, he obtained the name of that chamber of commerce.
The Prani Chamber of Commerce.
"The Prani Chamber of Commerce is a chamber of commerce run by Baron Birbom's family. Their main business is … all kinds of high-grade and low-grade carriages. They almost monopolized the carriage market in Alinx. In addition, they also imitated us to produce peppermints."
Hearing that the chamber of commerce mainly used carriages, Tang En knew why Birbom was jealous of him.
The bicycle that he launched could be said to have directly taken over the low-end market and a part of the mid-end market.
With a bicycle, who would still take a carriage when going out?
For some people with average family backgrounds, not everyone could afford to use a carriage. The cost of raising a horse was not much cheaper than having one more person.
However, a bicycle that did not cost anything was different. It was fine to leave it there. At most, it could be inflated.
The advantage of competing with carriages in the low-end market was very obvious.
Fiona handed a stack of information to Tang En. "This is the most detailed information that can be collected in a short period of time. It's all thanks to Hilton's usual activities in Alinx."
Hilton said in a low voice, "This is what I should do, but the information is not detailed enough. If necessary, I can activate our intelligence network to conduct a second round of collection."
"We already have our own intelligence network in Alinx?"
Tang En looked at Hilton in surprise. He originally wanted to send the coolie named Van Cleef here to set up an intelligence network.
"It can only be said to be a prototype …"
Hilton said with a bitter smile, "It was established under the guidance of Miss Ye Ge. We bought some people who were struggling to survive in Alinx. Although their loyalty couldn't be guaranteed, we saved a lot of unnecessary expenses. But a few days ago, you …"
Tang En touched his nose to hide his embarrassment. "She helped us so much. We should have told her earlier."
If he had known earlier that she had helped him so much, he wouldn't have gone overboard two days ago …
"I thought you already knew … I also mentioned Miss Ye Ge in my previous report."
Facing Tang En's questioning gaze, Fiona shrugged. "I've told you about it in the previous intelligence report. Maybe you didn't notice?"
Alright, although she had cheated him of 500,000 gold coins, she had silently helped him set up the prototype of an intelligence network, which could be considered as repayment. She had also helped him obtain a lot of useful information, so they no longer owed each other anything. But now, he had almost completely offended her …
Especially now that he knew that Ye Ge was actually Princess Aurelia, Tang En felt that it was a miracle that she didn't fall out with him in front of him …
It seemed that he had to let Van Cleef help.
"I understand. We'll talk about the intelligence network later. It's fine as long as we know who's jealous of us."
Tang En waved the paper in his hand and said casually, "It's just a bunch of rascals. There's nothing to be afraid of."
In Tang En's opinion, Baron Birbom's Prani Chamber of Commerce was overestimating themselves. People who would use such means would not understand that the tide of the times was unstoppable.
In the current situation, cooperating with the Datang Chamber of Commerce was his only hope for survival. Unfortunately, he had personally killed his last hope.
It was only bicycles now. When the magic bicycles and even the magic cars appeared, the carriage market would be completely destroyed. Baron Birbom's Prani Chamber of Commerce would also become a laughing stock.
"You mean, we're not going to fight back?"
Fiona frowned slightly. "Won't we be looked down upon by others?"
Fiona knew very well that due to the rise of the Datang Chamber of Commerce and Tang En's special identity, they were now being watched by many people at all times. This time, they were almost plotted against. If they did not fight back, they would definitely be looked down upon and might even cause more trouble.
Tang En smiled and sipped his tea. He said leisurely, "Of course, 'we' won't fight back."
Fiona, who had a telepathic connection with Tang En, had yet to come back to her senses, but Grandia immediately understood what Tang En meant. "You want to kill with a borrowed knife?"
Tang En raised his eyebrows. Of course, Prandal did not have the idiom of killing with a borrowed knife, but Grandia said a very similar phrase, so Tang En felt very surprised. "You're quite cultured … But don't make it sound so bad. It's just a reasonable counterattack."
Fiona also came back to her senses and was stunned. "You mean … to borrow their power?"
The 'they' that Fiona mentioned was naturally Aradeline and even His Majesty Victor. Tang En used common interests to tie them to his war chariot. Now, they were all business partners. Going against Tang En was going against their money. How could they sit back and do nothing when Tang En was attacked?
Tang En sighed and shook his head. "This is the power of collusion between officials and merchants. Tsk, tsk. This filthy and corrupt last dynasty. But I like it."
Elsa and Elijah were already confused by their conversation. How could the innocent sisters understand what these dirty behind-the-scenes deals meant? The only thing they understood was that their lord (big brother) was going to find someone to fight back.
So, they were simply happy.
In the afternoon, Tang En came to the castle alone and met with Victor.
As soon as they met, Victor said with a smile, "The temporary intellectual property protection law has been implemented as soon as possible. Now, we're just waiting for your side to take the lead."
Tang En pulled a chair and sat down. "That's easy. After the Glory Festival, I'll immediately send someone to submit the application. As the first batch of companies to apply, you can give them certain preferential policies and support at your discretion. At the same time, publicize and promote the relevant supporting services."
"I understand."
Because there were only the two of them in the study, both of them were relaxed. They chatted while drinking tea, and soon, the intellectual property protection law was further improved. At the same time, they also finalized the operating method of the hot pot chain.
The poor Emperor Victor was especially enthusiastic when talking about making money. Plus, there was usually no one who could make him lower himself to chat, so he chatted endlessly with Tang En like a chatterbox. But thanks to this, the discussion progressed very quickly.
The hot pot chain relied on various channels under the names of Aubry, Adrian, Victor, and Tang En to spread throughout the Irus Empire as quickly as possible. At the same time, they applied for a patent. This way, Victor would have an excuse to use his own power to fight against imitators and protect his own interests to the greatest extent.
At the same time, the more important role was to promote the benefits of registering a patent to the masses. More people would understand that obtaining a patent meant a lot of wealth, and the Empire's attitude towards protecting the intangible wealth of its citizens.
After settling this matter, Twain said, "Actually, there's another matter that I'm here for today."
"Please go ahead."
Hearing that Tang En had something to say, Victor's spirit was lifted, and he listened carefully.
"At the last event today, Count Mara was instructed by the Kadir family to cause trouble and try to create chaos."
Victor immediately became serious, "Count Mara's family is a vassal of the Kadir family."
Tang En knocked on the table and said, "But later, I found out that there was another group of people who tried to create chaos … It was Baron Birbom's Prani Chamber of Commerce."
"Prani Chamber of Commerce? I remember that they produce high-quality carriages. The royal carriages have always been ordered and maintained by the Prani Chamber of Commerce. "
"That's right."
"Why did they … I understand!"
Victor suddenly realized, "Bicycles!"
The impact of bicycles on the low-end carriage market was obvious, and this was also the most profitable part. It was no wonder that Baron Birbom couldn't sit still.
Tang En nodded and said casually, "Give them a warning … Hmm, let the tax officer find an excuse to check the account book and seal them for ten days to half a month. At the same time, find an excuse to fine them some gold coins."
"Ah …"
Victor was a little embarrassed, "This … I'm afraid it's not appropriate …"
Looking at him like this, Tang En once again deeply understood how aggrieved it was to be a king …
"What's not appropriate?"
"If they refuse to check, unless we completely fall out with them, there's no way to carry it out …"
"Why are you so stupid! Sending the tax officer to check is just to show our attitude! Let them know that we already know that they did it! "
Tang En really didn't know what to say, "As for whether the tax officer can carry out the order, it depends on whether the other party wants to fall out with us immediately. From their reaction, we can also infer their current attitude."
"This … Well, let's give it a try. To be honest, the situation isn't very optimistic."
Victor shook his head and looked at the closed door of the study. He lowered his voice and said, "There have been some changes in the past few days, and the situation is quite serious. I think … the stalemate may not be able to last long."
Victor's attitude made Tang En serious, "What do you mean?"
"In the past, during the Glorious Festival, all the lords above the marquis rank would come to the palace to see me and personally report on the situation of the previous year. At the same time, the treasurer would also report on the tax situation and hand over the taxes to the lords. But this year …"
Victor paused, and his eyes became a little gloomy, "Grand Duke Martani and Grand Duke Abaron didn't come."
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