Just as the Great Qing was methodically advancing its reconstruction efforts and steadily treading the path toward rejuvenation, the international landscape was undergoing subtle yet profound shifts, much like an undercurrent churning beneath the surface of a calm lake. Having emerged from the crucible of war, several neighboring nations had achieved rapid development through tenacious resilience and proactive reform; their technological prowess and military strength were blossoming like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. These developments acted as weights dropped onto the scales of international equilibrium, shattering the once-stable status quo and intensifying competition among nations—a silent yet heart-pounding war.
In this fierce contention, a number of emerging powers focused their sights on the trade sector, attempting to claim a piece of what appeared to be the massive cake held by the Great Qing. Flooding the international market with lower prices and higher-quality products, they sought to seize the market share long dominated by the Great Qing. The nation’s traditional export industries, such as its world-renowned silk and exquisite porcelain, bore the brunt of this unprecedented and violent impact. Confronted with this sudden crisis, domestic merchants felt as though they were trapped at the heart of a storm; anxious and fearful, they appealed to the imperial court, hoping to find a way to break the deadlock.
Su Ran, however, was not intimidated by the crisis …
Chapter 91