475: Chapter 475 Tian Feng's Wisdom

"Everyone, speaking of economic warfare, I happen to have some understanding of it."

Tian Feng of the Qi State spoke slowly.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes turned toward Tian Feng, filled with expectation and curiosity.

"When it comes to economic warfare, trade wars are undoubtedly a vital component. In this regard, I must mention the world-renowned official of my Qi State, Guan Zhong." Tian Feng tilted his head slightly, a gleam of pride flashing in his eyes.

Their Qi State had also had its days of glory.

It was once one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period!

Who would dare not give face to the Qi State? Unfortunately, Master Guan Zhong died early. Without Master Guan Zhong, the Qi State's fortunes plummeted.

After the fall of the Qi State, Tian Feng's family fell into ruin, and he was reduced from a noble to a commoner.

However, the extensive collection of books at home became a treasure trove for him to absorb knowledge.

He immersed himself in them day and night, gradually learning about economic and trade warfare through these precious classics.

This was also where his intelligence lay.

Despite his very difficult life, he still did not enter a factory to turn screws.

He knew well that while turning screws wouldn't earn him much money, it could provide a worry-free life where he wouldn't have to wonder where his next meal was coming from.

But Tian Feng knew exactly what he wanted to do. If he went to work in a factory and lived comfortably, once he got used to an easy life, he would only end up hiding in his comfort zone and never come out.

On the contrary, being in a state of turmoil, not knowing where his next meal was coming from, forced him to constantly think of ways to escape such circumstances.

In this process, he could greatly enhance his own abilities.

As long as his abilities increased, he would naturally be able to obtain the things he wanted.

And now, his knowledge was being put to use so quickly.

At this moment, his expression was calm as he cleared his throat and began to tell the group the stories of Master Guan Zhong.

"Master Guan Zhong's use of economic and trade warfare strategies could be described as reaching the pinnacle of perfection. He once defeated four states without shedding a drop of blood, shocking the world."

"Take the Lu State and the Liang State as examples. At that time, the people of these two states were obsessed with weaving thin silk. Master Guan Zhong keenly perceived this business opportunity, so he vigorously promoted thin silk clothing within the Qi State. From princes and nobles down to ordinary citizens, everyone was encouraged to wear garments made of thin silk."

"At the same time, he decisively ordered a ban on the domestic production of thin silk in Qi, instead opening the doors to imports from the Lu and Liang States, purchasing their thin silk in large quantities at extremely high prices."

"Not only that, to further stimulate the over-expansion of the silk-weaving industries in Lu and Liang, Master Guan Zhong also provided generous subsidies to the merchants from those states who came to trade with Qi."

"Lured by the prospect of massive profits, the people of the Lu and Liang States abandoned the agricultural production they relied on for survival and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to weaving silk."

"The crops in the fields were left untended and gradually became overgrown, while the sound of looms echoed day and night."

"However, just as the Lu and Liang States were intoxicated by the false prosperity brought by silk weaving, Master Guan Zhong suddenly made a complete U-turn."

"He issued a new decree in the Qi State strictly forbidding anyone from wearing silk clothing again, while simultaneously closing the trade routes with the Lu and Liang States."

"This sudden turn of events was like a bolt from the blue, catching the Lu and Liang States completely off guard."

"In an instant, the mountains of silk in the two states found no buyers, and due to the long-term neglect of agriculture, domestic grain reserves were nearly exhausted. The people fell into a desperate situation with no food to eat, and panic spread through the two states like a plague."

"Ultimately, under the dual pressure of hunger and despair, the Lu and Liang States had no choice but to submit to the Qi State."

"For the Lai State and the Ju State, Master Guan Zhong employed similarly exquisite strategies."

"He first purchased large quantities of firewood from the Lai State and weapons from the Ju State at very attractive prices."

"This gave the people of the Lai and Ju States hope for quick profits, leading them to abandon agricultural production and throw themselves fully into woodcutting and weapon manufacturing."

"During this process, the Qi State secretly and methodically stockpiled grain."

"When the time was ripe, Master Guan Zhong acted decisively, implementing economic sanctions and cutting off trade with the Lai and Ju States."

"In an instant, the economies of the Lai and Ju States fell into chaos; the people lacked food and clothing, and social order was on the brink of collapse."

"In the end, the two states could only helplessly bow their heads and pledge allegiance to the Qi State."