Han Mingze looked at Zhao Zhen apologetically and said, “There are deep feelings between my imperial brother and Du Xiaoli. They don’t wish for anyone else to interfere. I’m afraid the Marquis’ younger cousin will have to be disappointed.”
“Mm, since the feelings between Prince Ding and the future Princess Consort Ding are strong, this marquis can’t be overly forceful. Then let’s change the wager. Why doesn’t Your Majesty wager to open up a city that is settled on the border so it can be used as a trading point between our two countries?”
This was tonight’s main highlight!
The things before were merely Zhao Zhen laying down the groundwork. His true objective was obtaining a liberal city to increase trade!
Feng Ming not only had a vast territory but also abundant amounts of resources. The soil was fertile and their harvest bountiful. In comparison, Northern Yuan was far inferior. If a trade route could be opened up, it would be extremely advantageous for Northern Yuan.
It would also make it more convenient to gather information in Feng Ming!
“The Marquis’ thoughts are too fanciful. What is Northern Yuan’s intention? If you wish to open up a trade city, that’s fine. When Northern Yuan opens one, This Prince will definitely have his people show support,” Han Mingyi refused adamantly.
“Haha, don’t be impatient, Prince Ding. Like this one said, this wager is only valid should this one’s younger cousin win. But if His Majesty is unwilling, let’s drop this subject,” Zhao Zhen said lightly.
“Haha. Even if Marquis Zhen says this, we’re already set to wager, so how can Zhen withdraw? However, it is indeed quite unfair this way. So how about this? If Du Xiaoli wins, you’ll reward her with a thousand pieces of gold. If Marquis Zhen’s younger cousin wins, Zhen will reward her with a thousand gold, and Feng Ming will also open up a trade city. How’s that?” Han Mingze said.
Han Mingyi sent a questioning look toward Han Mingze. He wanted to interject, but Zhao Zhen spoke before him: “Then the matter will be settled like this. The wager will be done according to Your Majesty’s words.”
Saying this, Zhao Zhen smiled provocatively at Han Mingyi and said, “Prince Ding, you should be more confident in the future Princess Consort Ding!”
Han Mingyi shot Zhao Zhen a look. He then lowered his head to drink his wine, paying no more attention to the people around him.
Zhao Zhen raised his wine cup and toasted Han Mingze. When he lowered his head to drink the wine, the corner of his mouth curved into a cold smile.
Following the evening banquet, Han Mingze wrote the secret decree to have Du Xiaoli join the dance competition. He even wrote at the end that should she win over the person from Northern Yuan, he would grant her a request. After he finished writing the secret decree, he had Eunuch Shan deliver it that very night.
***
After Eunuch Shan finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room became tense. Du Yunhan immediately got up and said, “I’ll go to the palace to talk to the Emperor!”
“Aiyo. Prime Minister Du, don’t be impulsive! The Emperor’s edict has already been handed down, and this matter has already been settled with Northern Yuan. Even if you go now, it would be pointless! Not to mention, the Emperor also realizes that this is troubling for Du Xiaoli, which is why he has rewarded her with many benefits. The Emperor put in a lot of thought to this,” Eunuch Shan persuaded.
Du Yun Han and Han Ming Yi looked at Du Xiaoli, not knowing what were the benefits Eunuch Shan mentioned.
Du Xiaoli shrugged and said, “The Emperor promised that should I win, he would grant me one request so long as it is within reason.”
Promising her a request—this was better than bestowing any sort of gold or valuables. As long as the request was not overboard, there was a wide range of choices to choose from!
It seemed that Han Mingze was also aware of the saying ‘in order to make a horse run, you must first feed it with grass’.
“For Eunuch Shan to deliver this message so late into the night, it has been hard on you,” Du Xiaoli said this and stuffed a silver ingot into Eunuch Shan’s hand.
Eunuch Shan accepted the silver and said, “Miss Du, we all know that you are capable, and since this decree has already been passed, you have no choice. Why not look forward and win the competition? This way you are even able to gain profits! You should start preparing for tomorrow’s contest. This humble one still has to report back to His Majesty, so I won’t impose on you any longer.”
After saying this, Eunuch Shan bowed towards Han Mingyi and the others before quickly turning around to leave with the two other eunuchs behind him. Han Mingyi gave Leng Er a look, and Leng Er also followed them outside.
“Eunuch Shan, it is already so late, allow me to send you back.”
“Then I’ll have to trouble Imperial Bodyguard Leng Er.”
After Eunuch Shan and the others left, Du Xiaoli sat down on a stool and tossed the imperial edict onto the table. What Eunuch Shan said was right. Since the imperial edict had been given to her, she must participate in the contest regardless of whether she wanted to. Compared to doing it half-heartedly, she would rather compete seriously and win that 2,000 gold along with the Emperor’s promise!
“In history, there were never any mentions of opening a trade city during a negotiation. If we can open up a trade city on the border of Northern Yuan, it will be extremely advantageous for Feng Ming,” Han Mingyi said. “We can make the other side give up a city with deploying troops, so naturally, the Emperor won’t give up this opportunity.”
“I know,” Du Xiaoli replied. In her previous world, she already knew of things like the treaty ports, so she could analyse the current state of affairs and could understand Han Mingze’s way of thinking. “Right now, I can only properly compete to obtain the Emperor’s promise. Otherwise, I will be exploited for nothing. Oh, by the way, what is the background of this Marquis Zhen?”
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