In the empire, to become a renowned merchant, you must first obtain a renowned merchant license issued by the senior management of the empire. In the long history of the empire, licenses were roughly divided into four types.
The first, and the earliest, trade permit was issued by the Emperor himself to reward dynasties and families who sincerely surrendered or helped each other during the War of Unification of Terra and the Great Expedition. This permit will be valid forever as long as the Empire exists for one day, and is also called the Imperial Authority License.
The second type, that is, during the Great Expedition, the Primarch was also granted the power to issuer licenses, which are also permanently valid. However, this license was mainly applicable to the expeditions and conquest areas of its issuer at that time (that is, if your license was signed by Dorn, you may be confiscated by Tieyong City Management when you go to Boss Pi to do business). After the Horus Rebellion, the only remaining Primarch issued licenses became more effective, such as the licenses of Kiriman and Dorn. The validity of these two certificates was second only to the licenses issued by the Emperor himself, and they were also called Primarch licenses. (Of course, loyalty is the only one who is not loyal)
The third type is that after the Beast War, as the Primarch gradually fell, the High Lords Council also obtained the power to issue it. In the past, the Primarch was issued, and the Lords Council agreed to enhance its effectiveness, and began to classify certificates. In principle, permanent valid certificates were used to reward those who have made great contributions to the Empire. However, in many cases, the High Lords and their core rights groups would use this license as a special reward to bribe those who were strong in the old and strong who were enough to threaten their status. It is equivalent to not fighting for power with me. I promise you eternal wealth. This is also called the Lords license.
The fourth type began to appear at the end of the 40th millennium. In order to cope with the increasing war and expand income, the High Lords Council began to issue a common business license that is only valid for one generation or a limited number of generations. At the same time, the scope of activities is only allowed to be ordinary business licenses in a certain star area. This type of license is basically marked with clear prices, and sometimes even grants the right to the Governor of the Star Area. However, this license has almost no privileges and authority and only exists as a business certificate. (Classic British Financial Solution)
After a long time, the original Imperial Authority license is now extremely holy, because each such license contains a drop of the Emperor's own blood, and most of them are properly kept in the static field. The authority it possesses makes the families with such licenses almost ignore the intervention of most imperial institutions, because the license is personally granted by the Emperor, and no one has the power to deprive it now. Even if the clan leader of the certified family commits a crime, he can only arrest and execute the perpetrator, but the family must continue to fulfill the sacred contract with the Emperor. (Imperial Iron Hat King)
However, after ten thousand years, there are only a handful of ancient merchant families that still exist, and the empire will not be too troubled by this.
At the same time, these ancient Shangshang Langren families not only have special political status, but they can also purchase retired ships from the Imperial Navy through the ancient treaty on the Imperial Bureau license, or even order new ships directly from the Foundry World to expand their original trading formation. If you have some money, you can buy second-hand Monthly Cruiser, and if you have a wealthy fortune, you can directly buy a Shangshang cruiser exclusively for Shangshang Langren. This type of ship is designed by a modular moon-class cruiser to improve the self-sustaining ability and firepower of a single ship. It is generally used to use additional macro cannons and light spears to replace the bulky torpedo launchers and the pure gold collision angle.
As far as Soshyan knows, the Hoyland family has at least 16 such merchant cruisers, as well as three "retired" battleships, as well as a large number of small ships and armed transport ships. Their fleet strength is among the best in the entire Great Vortex Area, and is stronger than the Imperial Navy.
Moreover, these are the paper strength of the Hoyland family. Over the past ten thousand years, no one knows how many hidden ships and strength there are in this family that has made a fortune in the main trade routes of the Great Vortex. However, during the last Badab War, the Hoyland family did not intervene publicly, but only provided transportation assistance to the loyal side. Huron seemed to have never caused trouble for them. It can be seen that even he was concerned about this ancient family.
Various thoughts were passing by Suoshiyang's mind. Now that we want to fight against the Great Vortex, whether it is logistics or combat, the support of this ancient business family is indispensable.
So he turned around and picked up a goblet from the silver plate held by the servants on the side.
"Mr. Ernst Marley Hoyland, the great vortex's rebellion is inseparable from the support of traders. The Hoyland family's ten thousand years of loyalty to the emperor is an example for everyone."
With the help of a child, Old Mare tried to move forward and then bowed slightly.
"The Hoyland family... are the emperor's eternal loyal servants. We will fully support the expeditionary forces and eliminate heresy."
His voice was very old, but not vague, but quite clear. Soshiyang nodded with a smile, then raised his wine glass.
"Let's drink together for the health of the old Ernst."
Soshyan gave the Hoyland family enough face. Old Mare coughed twice and said:
"I...How dare I bear such a great gift!"
“Your contribution to the Empire is worth this cup.”
After saying that, Soshiyan put the drunk wine glass on the plate and came to the last one.
The Claremont family, second only to the Hoyland family, the second largest Shanglang family in the Great Vortex area, also holds an Imperial Signature License, but its strength is not as big as the Hoyland family. The main force of the fleet is 13 Shanghang cruisers and 1 retired battleship. However, the family fully supported the Empire in the last Badab War and sent a fleet to participate in the battle against Huron. Afterwards, they were retaliated against by the Red Pirates many times, and even one battleship was stolen, which led to a great decline. They could have basically competed with the Hoyland family, but now they are completely at a disadvantage.
Moreover, according to information, the Claremont family experienced a serious civil strife several years ago. One quarter of the captains of the family left the Hoyland family, and the territory and trading posts were reduced by nearly half. Even the head of the family was just a 10-year-old boy named Yul Claremont.
Therefore, the one who actually presided over the family was Syllu Claremont, the eldest daughter of the previous head. She was wearing an ice blue uniform and holding her younger brother's hand. After seeing Soshiyan, she bent her knees and pulled the corners of her skirt and lowered her head to perform a noble etiquette. Her younger brother was shocked by the huge space warrior, and her face was pale and subconsciously took two steps back, which caused a slight laughter around her.
Sierlu Claremont was helpless when he saw his brother like this. As soon as he pulled the other party over, Soshiyan suddenly left the Terminator's guard and walked less than two meters away from the boy. Then he bent down with his hands on his back and said with a smile: