Emperor Xiao Xuan Yin receives tribute from Southridge, discovering rare items. Ministry of Revenue records describe Southridge as poor. He travels south in disguise to investigate, believing Seventh Prince, Nolan Shaw, is raising an army. Instead, he sees paved roads, night markets, a navy, heavy cannons, and a Strategic Command Center. He discovers the real culprits are the Ministry of Revenue, the Eastern Palace, and powerful merchants.