Then, he sent a small boat toward the Yingzhou Island dock to report to Hai Gang in Yingzhou City.
Yingzhou Island, spanning over a thousand miles, is equivalent to a province of the Rage Wave Kingdom with over five million citizens, all governed by the Hai Family.
Yingzhou City is considered the capital of Yingzhou Island, with a population of over three hundred thousand. It is a typical seaside city with highly developed maritime trade!
The administrative core of the Hai Family’s rule is this very Yingzhou City!
Marquis Suo Lun waited for more than two hours before he finally received an order from within Yingzhou City permitting him to land.
Then, escorted by four warships, Marquis Suo Lun’s vessel landed at the Yingzhou Island dock.
Suo Lun had assumed that Hai Gang would send Young Master Hai Wuyan to the dock to greet him, but he did not; instead, only a military commander of a thousand men rank was dispatched.
This treatment definitely seemed unequal, indicating that Hai Gang was giving Suo Lun a very cold reception.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over Suo Lun’s heart regarding the upcoming negotiations, and he couldn’t help but look down upon Hai Gang somewhat.
The talented and visionary Hai Gang should not be such a narrow-minded person!
"Marquis Suo Lun, the lord is waiting for you inside the Governor’s Mansion," said the commander of a thousand men.
Hai Gang possessed the territory of a province yet had not submitted to any kingdom; his title was the Governor of Yingzhou Island.
This title was self-proclaimed by him, showing his modesty indeed.
Under the protection of a hundred cavalry, Suo Lun and two others rode in a carriage into Yingzhou City, heading for the Governor’s Mansion.
Within Yingzhou City, the streets teemed with bustling crowds, signifying its prosperity.
The city walls were high and thick, with most houses inside made of stone, presenting a style somewhat similar to the Human Kingdom, yet also akin to that of the rock dwellers.
These houses did not look lavish but were incredibly sturdy.
About a quarter of an hour later, the carriage came to a stop inside the Governor’s Mansion of Yingzhou.
The Governor’s Mansion bore a striking resemblance to that of the Governor of the Southeastern Province—with ornate carved railings and jade-like settings, beautiful pavilions and terraces, both sturdy and luxurious.
The entire Governor’s Mansion entirely lacked the essence of the rock dwellers and seemed somewhat out of place within Yingzhou City.
Guided by the commander of a thousand men, Suo Lun entered the great hall of the Yingzhou Governor’s Mansion!
"Please, Lord Suo Lun, wait again. The lord will arrive shortly," said the commander of a thousand men as he left the great hall of the Governor’s Mansion and closed the door.
Suddenly, within the vast hall, only Suo Lun, Princess Zhi Yan, and Zhuang Zhixuan remained—with not even a pot of tea served.
Having waited for over an hour, Hai Gang still had not appeared.
Not a single person had come out to attend to them. Suo Lun was so parched he felt his throat burning, yet still, no tea was served.
Suo Lun’s brows were tightly furrowed; he was not a person known for his tolerance. Facing such a cold reception, he was exceedingly displeased.
In the Rage Wave Kingdom, he had beaten Zhi Li until he was covered in dust; in the presence of Prime Minister Yan Wujie, he openly slapped him around, so how could he not be angry at receiving such disrespect and indifference from Hai Gang?
After another half-hour of waiting, Suo Lun’s patience was exhausted. He stood up and said coldly, "If the host is not welcoming, then let us take our leave."
Having said that, he was about to lead Princess Zhi Yan and Zhuang Zhixuan out, ready to prematurely end the alliance negotiations that had yet to begin.
Just at that moment, a laughing voice came from behind the hall, and then a handsome and scholarly middle-aged man emerged, bowing from afar to Suo Lun, "Hai Gang, a mere man from beyond the kingdom, greets Her Highness Princess Zhen Yan of the Rage Wave Kingdom and Marquis Suo Lun!"
Note: The second update is here. I ask for your support; thank you,