The Three Kingdoms: The Prodigal Son of Shu Han, starting with a fiery blaze at Wolong Ridge.

Summary

Tian Yu and Chen Su return from a taxing journey, reporting to Liu Bei before facing Liu Mang, who dominates negotiations with a one-time tariff proposal. Tian Yu explains the burden of multiple taxes on merchants, leading to inflated prices. Liu Mang suggests a uniform tariff of 10-12%, which seems fair but is a strategic trap. Cao Cao, sensing something amiss, agrees to the terms reluctantly, pressured by his son Cao Pi and the need to manage Zang Ba in Xuzhou. Jia Xu and Jiang Ji express concerns about Liu Mang's intentions, suspecting he aims to monopolize the Nakahara market. Despite their reservations, Cao Cao decides to accept Liu Mang's conditions for now, leaving future strategies to his advisors. In the palace, Liu Xie feels overshadowed by Liu Mang's influence, joking about his ineffectiveness as emperor. Meanwhile, Liu Mang receives confirmation from Cao Cao about the tariff agreement, realizing he has successfully manipulated the situation to his advantage. He plans to expand exports from Chengdu while maintaining a stronghold in Nakahara, knowing that Cao Cao's policy might incite Sun Quan's resentment. Pang Tong outlines the dual strategy of confusing Cao Cao with tariffs while preparing for potential conflict with Sun Quan, indicating Liu Mang's cunning approach to economic warfare.

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