As the sun just peeked over Chang'an, the Taiji Chamber of Commerce arbitration court was already packed with people. Huwa wore a "judge of justice" hat made of garlic skins and gold foil, clutched a garlic-shaped gavel that automatically popped out bamboo slips of the "Twenty Rules of the Chamber", and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Silence! Silence! We are trying three cases today. Anyone who makes a fuss again will be fined to treat everyone here to garlic steamed buns!"
Case One: The Sogdian Merchant's Default Dispute
Ali, a Persian merchant, knelt before the court with a miserable look on his face, while the fabric shop owner opposite him jumped up and down waving an IOU. "He bought three hundred bolts of fabric under 'cash on delivery', and three months later not a single coin has been paid!"
Ali rubbed his hands in extreme anxiety. "My goods were robbed by bandits halfway here, I truly have no money!"
The Protagonist tapped his abacus-shaped desk. "According to the Twenty Rules of the Chamber, natural disasters are eligible for mutual aid funds to cover the advance. But..." He suddenly pulled out a small bottle and shook it. "You still haven't paid the fine for your unauthorized price hike last time. We'll use that as compensation first!"
Huwa immediately hopped over and shoved a garlic-skin donation box that read "Deadbeat Begone" into Ali's arms. Ali felt like crying without tears, and the observing merchants slapped their thighs with laughter.
Case Two: The Cra…
Chapter 554