North America 1773: Do Britain and America even deserve to be called great powers?

Chapter 9 Paying the Pledge of Allegiance

Li Wei sat back down on the straw mat and casually placed the small iron box on the low table, as if it were not a mountain of gold, but just an ordinary box of snuff.

"This kind of 'refreshing powder' is the lowest grade of product."

"I will concoct an 'Oriental miracle drug' for those true nobles that is ten times more potent, capable of relieving headaches, dispelling fatigue, and even bringing moments of bliss."

"And you, Mr. Boyle, are very likely to be my only agent in Boston's high society."

The idea of ​​a sole agent stirred Boyle's heart; it represented immense wealth.

"You don't need to know its formula, you don't need to know where it's sourced."

"All you need to do is use your knowledge of those 'decent people' to get it to the people who really need it."

Li Wei held up three fingers, which appeared exceptionally clear under the dim light.

"You'll take 30% of all the profits."

Thirty percent! This is a number that no baker could imagine.

He understood the meaning behind those three fingers almost immediately.

Once this connection is established, the governor's aide's salon, or even the governor's own dinner party, will no longer be an unattainable dream.

Those gentlemen who usually looked down on him would now give him fawning smiles.

The most beautiful women in Boston would throw themselves at him for a tiny pinch of magical powder in his hand.

Boyle could even imagine himself standing on the balcony of the governor's mansion, dressed in his most magnificent silk gown, overlooking the entire city.

"Thump," a muffled sound.

Boyle abruptly straightened up from the grass mat, took two steps forward, and slammed his fat knees heavily onto the hard ground.

He knelt down on one knee in front of Li Wei.

This action stunned Jeb and Silas, who were standing at the warehouse entrance.

They had never seen their arrogant boss kneel before anyone.

Even Fiona, who had maintained a respectful posture throughout, showed a surprised expression.

She believed Levi's plan would succeed, but she didn't expect Boyle's surrender to be so complete and swift.

"Respected Master!" Boyle's form of address to Levi changed instantly.

He raised his head, his fat face now filled with fervent loyalty and humble pleading.

Please forgive my previous foolishness and offense.

"Boyle is willing to serve you, until death do us part!"

He voluntarily offered his knees, his dignity as a businessman, and what he considered his most precious loyalty.

But Li Wei did not believe in such loyalty.

He only believes in the benefits he holds in his hands, or, to use a less pleasant term, leverage.

Li Wei didn't even try to help him up; he simply looked down at the fat man kneeling before him.

"I'm looking for you because I want to do some business with you."

"A deal that can truly make you a 'superior person.' But my business has its own rules."

"I hate betrayal. Today you are my partner, tomorrow you might betray me for greater gains. Therefore, I need something to guarantee your loyalty."

As Li Wei spoke, he glanced at Fiona.

Fiona respectfully took out a piece of paper and a pen from her bosom and pushed them in front of Boyle.

"What is this?"

"A statement."

"You voluntarily admit that you sympathize with the 'Sons of Liberty,' have privately funded their purchase of contraband, and participated in the tea party that night. Sign it, and it stays with me. If we cooperate well, it will never appear. If we don't cooperate well..."

Boyle's face turned deathly pale instantly.

This is a pledge of allegiance! A pledge that will condemn him to eternal damnation!

If this thing falls into the hands of the British, his whole family will be hanged!

"You...you're extorting me!"

"No, this is insurance."

"In my world, there's no God, only rules. Either follow my rules, or get out and pray that the lieutenant believes you're just a boastful baker."

Boyle was breathing heavily, his obese chest heaving.

He looked into Li Wei's dark eyes and felt as if he were staring into an abyss.

Once he signed his name, he would be handing over his life and fortune to this mysterious Easterner.

But did he have a choice?

Outside the door stood a British lieutenant, his eyes fixed on the enemy.

Inside the door was this devilish Easterner.

Moreover, the Easterner was right. Ever since he arrived at the North Warehouse tonight, he had been unable to convince the British lieutenant that he was just an ordinary bread merchant.

Li Wei didn't urge him, but simply picked up the teacup in front of him and drank it all in one gulp, while Fiona sensibly massaged his shoulders gently.

Three minutes later, greed triumphed over fear, and boasting became a shackle. Boyle still picked up the pen with trembling hands.

"very good."

Levi nodded in satisfaction as Boyle wrote his name.

He carefully put the statement away and placed it close to his body, then asked a question that made Boyle freeze.

"Mr. Boyle, how do you intend to introduce me to the quartermaster of the Governor's Office?"

Boyle was completely stunned.

He hadn't expected that the other side had even anticipated the most crucial move that had just popped into his mind.

He did want to use this connection to get in touch with the quartermaster, who was the real big shot who held real power and could bring huge benefits.

Boyle originally planned to first use this miraculous Eastern medicine to gain influence among wealthy merchants and low-ranking officials, accumulating enough capital and connections before cautiously approaching the quartermaster, the real big fish.

Before he could even speak, the other party had already pulled the trump card from their hand and casually laid it out on the table.

How did he know? Can he read minds? Or does he have an informant among his people?

Boyle dared not think any further and, under Levi's calm gaze, immediately spilled out his entire plan.

"It's...it's Andrew Gage, the nephew of Quartermaster Sir Thomas Gage."

"He is now the adjutant of the Boston garrison, in charge of most of the procurement of supplies." Boyle's voice trembled slightly with nervousness.

"This person has two fatal weaknesses: one is that he is extremely greedy, and the other is that he suffers from severe insomnia. He needs tincture of opium to fall asleep every night, but he is also tormented by its side effects. He is always listless and irritable during the day."

After saying that, he lowered his head, not daring to look at Li Wei again.

After hearing this, Li Wei exchanged a glance with Fiona beside him. Neither of them showed any emotion on their faces, but they both knew that this was truly unexpected good news.

Insomnia.

This is a perfect breakthrough for "Awakening Powder" and the future "Dew of Heaven".

What kind of "miracle drug" would a powerful man, tormented by both insomnia and the side effects of opium, be willing to pay what price for?

The answer is self-evident.

"Very good." Li Wei finally spoke, his voice revealing a hint of satisfaction.

He stood up, walked over to Boyle, and gently touched the other's shoulder with his toe.

This action was humiliating, but Li Wei knew that to these bullies who preyed on the weak, it was precisely an act of acceptance.

Sure enough, Boyle was not angry at all; instead, his face lit up with ecstatic joy.

"Andrew Gage, that's your first pledge of allegiance. Bring him to me."

Li Wei withdrew his foot, turned around and walked back to the low table, picked up the black ceramic cup again, and examined it carefully.

"Remember, from today onwards, you are no longer Boyle the baker."

"You are the spokesperson for 'Oriental Miracle' in Boston."