Nowadays, the monarchs of various countries are content with seizing a sliver of another nation’s land, not aspiring for the grand ambition of unifying the world under one rule. This has barely maintained Jin Kingdom’s dominance. If Yan were to dispatch troops to annihilate Wei Kingdom, it would plunge the chaotic world into further disorder, causing other nations to feel threatened and inevitably... unite against Yan.
This time, unless... the Jin Kingdom is also dragged into the war.
Coincidentally, the serious injuries of the Princess of Zhen are known to all. The Crown Prince would not readily send Bai Qingyan to fight against Daliang. Thus, he need not worry too much about Bai Qingyan’s safety.
Thinking of this, Xiao Rongyan called out loudly, "Yue Shi..."
Yue Shi responded and came in, hands cupped in salute, "Master!"
"Send someone to Beirong with a message. Let Beirong send an envoy to Daliang, using the pretext of Jin Kingdom’s turmoil hindering Beirong from reclaiming Nanrong and avenging the late Princess Mingcheng, to request Daliang’s assistance in attacking Jin. Also, send people to spread rumors in all our trading houses in Daliang, saying that Daliang and Jin Kingdom have signed a non-aggression pact, but Daliang has delayed ceding the promised cities, causing Jin Kingdom to secretly mobilize troops to the Daliang border!" Xiao Rongyan’s fingers rubbed the armrest, his voice pausing for a moment before continuing, "Then have Mr. Guan, who stays in the Daliang capital, go see the Fourth Prince of Daliang and suggest he station troops at the Daliang-Jin Kingdom border as a precaution."
"Yes!" Yue Shi responded and went out to make arrangements.
Xiao Rongyan also planned to go to Daliang himself to ensure that Daliang could not divert attention to attack Yan.
Xiao Rongyan pressed his lips together and shouted outside, "Prepare the carriage, to the Crown Prince’s Mansion."
The Crown Prince had indeed been entangled in tedious government affairs these past few days, feeling extremely vexed. Upon hearing that Xiao Rongyan had arrived, he immediately felt relieved, quickly put down his pen, and had someone invite Xiao Rongyan to the main hall, saying he would be there shortly.
Quan Yu saw the Crown Prince’s furrowed brow finally relax, now with a smile in his eyes. He handed a wet towel to the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, please wipe your hands. Every time Mr. Xiao comes, Your Highness is particularly happy."
The Crown Prince’s smile deepened: "Rong Yan and I are different. He travels far and wide, has broad horizons, and engaging conversation. Talking with Rong Yan... always enlightens or cheers me up."
"Your Highness, as the Crown Prince of Jin Kingdom, bears great responsibility and naturally cannot roam freely like Mr. Xiao! It’s truly burdensome for Your Highness!" Quan Yu took the wet towel from the Crown Prince after he had wiped his hands.
Xiao Rongyan sat in the front hall, not having finished his tea when the Crown Prince arrived. Xiao Rongyan quickly put down his tea cup, stood, and bowed deeply to the Crown Prince: "Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Rong Yan, there’s no need for such formality with me! Sit down!" The Crown Prince waved a hand and smiled as he took his seat, "How many days have you been back in Dadu City? You’ve seldom come to the Crown Prince’s Mansion. What brings you here today?"
Xiao Rongyan smiled and said to the Crown Prince, "His Majesty has entrusted all government affairs to the Crown Prince. I know the Crown Prince must be extremely busy and would not dare to disturb you frequently. I came today to say farewell, as I leave for Daliang tomorrow."
The Crown Prince was stunned: "Rong Yan, you are indeed a Wei native, so well-informed."
Xiao Rongyan smiled: "Naturally, I care for my homeland. But... I value my friendship with Your Highness and hope for Jin’s prosperity to facilitate my trading. Naturally, I wish the best for Jin!"
The Crown Prince pointed at Xiao Rongyan, laughing: "You! Still a merchant at heart! But... you are right, with Daliang and Wei attacking Yan, it’s indeed an opportune moment for Jin to reclaim lands!" ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
After a brief stay at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, Xiao Rongyan took his leave, stating he would visit the Princess of Zhen’s residence to bid farewell. The Crown Prince immediately summoned Elder Fang for counsel.
Elder Fang, upon hearing the matter, nodded with a smile: "Mr. Xiao is indeed a true merchant, understanding that Jin is currently the most powerful... major nation. Befriending the Crown Prince and offering advice naturally ensures smoother trading in the future!"
"Does Elder Fang believe sending envoys to Daliang to demand lands feasible?" the Crown Prince inquired.
Elder Fang nodded: "Certainly feasible! Mr. Xiao mentioning this to Your Highness shows his loyalty, reflecting no small sincerity towards Jin Kingdom and His Highness. But Mr. Xiao, being a Wei native, also considers his homeland’s interests, merely offering a suggestion and not elaborating further. Allow me to share deeper insights with you, Your Highness."
"Please speak, Elder Fang!" The Crown Prince sat upright attentively.
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