The boss of a foreign organization called the police, claiming that he was defrauded by me

Yu Meiren felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing Yang Xia's words.

After carefully considering the matter, Yang Xia turned to Yu Meiren and said...

"I know you are kind-hearted and feel bad about this."

"This grain can be exported to the Atlan Empire and India, but I do not accept their currencies."

"Let them exchange iron ore for copper ore. As for the Red Cake Country, let them negotiate in person. There's no need for Cassirer to relay the message."

"Because there are some things he simply can't decide, and they don't really have much to do with them."

Yang Xia had already seen through all of this, and he would never allow the Red Cake Kingdom to profit from it.

He wanted to use Cassirer, the head of the Atlantean Empire, as an intermediary, while he himself hid behind the scenes and reaped the benefits.

Yu Meiren listened quietly to Yang Xia's instructions, feeling quite puzzled.

Why did Yang Xia target the Red Cake Kingdom? What exactly happened? These questions puzzled Yu Meiren.

Yang turned to Yu Meiren and said, "You don't need to worry about these things anymore. The rest will be discussed between Cassirer and me tomorrow."

"Remember this: no matter what happens, you must stand firm and never allow the Red Cake Country to also obtain the privilege of exporting food."

"This time, I'm going to really dampen the arrogance of the Red Cake Kingdom and see how long they can hold out."

Yu Meiren listened carefully to Yang Xia's instructions, even though she was very kind-hearted and did not want to see the people living in poverty.

But her trust in Yang Xia made her nod in agreement.

"I understand. I will remember your words and do as you instruct."

"I hope you can communicate smoothly with Cassirer tomorrow and resolve this matter as soon as possible, so that the people will no longer suffer."

Yang Xia smiled slightly after hearing Yu Meiren's words and said, "I understand your feelings. I have my own plans for this matter, so you can rest assured."

Yu Meiren could no longer say anything more and could not continue to ask questions.

The following morning, Yu Meiren quickly relayed Yang Xia's reply to Cassirer.

Upon hearing this news, Cassirer was overjoyed, expressing his gratitude with great excitement, and tightly grasped Yu Meiren's hand, saying:

"Thank you so much! Yang Xia agreed so readily this time entirely because of you."

"On behalf of the Atlan Empire, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Yan Kingdom for extending a helping hand in this time of crisis."

"I'll arrange for cargo ships right away to complete the grain exchange as soon as possible. This is wonderful! The Atlan Empire finally has hope of overcoming its difficulties."

Seeing Cassir's delighted expression, Yu Meiren couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

When Cassirer learned that Yang Xia was willing to exchange iron and copper ore for grain, it was as if he saw a ray of light in the darkness.

He grasped at this opportunity as if it were a lifeline, unwilling to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

That afternoon, Cassirer immediately dispatched cargo ships to transport the remaining iron ore, copper ore, and other ores from the national treasury to Yan Kingdom as quickly as possible.

Upon receiving the news, Yang Xia nodded in satisfaction. He hadn't expected the plan to produce such an immediate effect.

In fact, Yang Xia had already made plans in mind and was implementing his plan step by step.

The results are about to be seen, and his need for iron and copper ore is indeed urgent.

He must find a way to acquire these mineral resources in order to complete the construction of the tower defense cannon as soon as possible.

Upon seeing the iron and copper ore transported from the Atlan Empire, Su Qi immediately reported to Yang Xia:

"Your Majesty... the Atlan Empire has taken action, and large quantities of iron ore, copper ore, and other ores are being transported to Yan Kingdom by cargo ships."

"Now we await your instructions. What should we do next? Should we proceed with the exchange as previously agreed?"

Upon hearing Su Qi's request, Yang Xia began to secretly make arrangements for the matter.

Su Qi followed the instructions and exchanged grain with the Atlan Empire according to the previously agreed grain exchange ratio, and even with more favorable conditions.

Yu Meiren was overjoyed upon learning the result and admired Yang Xia even more.

She felt that Yang Xia's willingness to help another country overcome its difficulties at this time fully demonstrated his magnanimity.

Following the example set by Kasir, the leader of the Atlantean Empire, the Indian Empire also began to show interest.

They also prepared iron and copper ore, which were transported to Yan Kingdom as quickly as possible.

Yang Xia was very satisfied with what he saw.

All of this was the result of his meticulous planning. Meanwhile, Yang Xia had already entrusted Su Qin with the responsibility for the progress of ore smelting in Yan Kingdom.

He solemnly instructed Su Qin:

"Iron and copper ore are being shipped in continuously. Our urgent task is to speed up the smelting process."

"I'm entrusting this matter to you. I hope you'll work day and night. The most urgent task right now is the refining of iron and copper ore."

Su Qin knew the matter was of great importance, and immediately nodded in agreement after receiving Yang Xia's instructions.

He quickly deployed the relevant work, secretly organizing steelworkers to begin refining iron and copper ore.

Under Su Qin's personal supervision, the refining progress of iron and copper ore advanced by leaps and bounds.

In the blink of an eye, the resource reserves needed by Yan Kingdom increased from 50% to 85%.

Su Qin reported this progress to Yang Xia, who was very satisfied with the result.

He smiled and said to Su Qin, "That's great... At this rate, we will soon be able to stockpile enough iron and copper ore."

"The day when the tower defense cannon will be built is not far away, and I am really looking forward to it."

Yang Xia could not hide his excitement either. After listening to the report, Su Qin suddenly asked Yang Xia:
"Your Majesty... there has been no movement from the Red Cake Kingdom so far, I wonder why."

"Could they really be self-sufficient and not need our Yan Kingdom's food?"

"Humph……"

Yang Xia sneered and said dismissively to Su Qin, "Things aren't that simple. Judging from the current situation, the Red Cake Kingdom won't last much longer."

"It's just that I'm hesitant to say it because of the boast I made earlier and the way they treated me."

“Cassil came to Yan Kingdom this time with the intention of acting as a mediator between Yan Kingdom and Red Cake Kingdom, but I refused.”

"I want to see how the Red Cake Kingdom will finally plead with the Yan Kingdom. It seems like this is going to be quite a show."

After hearing Yang Xia's words, Su Qin couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Recalling the arrogant attitude of the Red Cake Kingdom, he wondered what it would be like when they bowed down to the Yan Kingdom.

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Red Cake, Liu Zhixiu sat in the palace with a worried expression, gazing at the ministers below.

The ministers, looking terrified, sighed and reported:

"Your Majesty... The food shortage problem is becoming increasingly serious. According to our investigation, several regions have already experienced famine."

“Disaster victims are scattered all over the country. If this continues, it will inevitably lead to serious consequences.”

"The food crisis has already begun to emerge. We earnestly request Your Majesty to find a solution as soon as possible, otherwise public resentment will boil over and we will lose the support of the people."

The ministers earnestly advised Yoo Ji-soo, hoping he would come up with a solution as soon as possible. They warned that if the situation were allowed to continue deteriorating, the consequences would be unimaginable.

If the people go hungry, it will only lead to a loss of popular support and may even shake the foundations of their rule.

Liu Zhixiu was well aware of this, and he also wanted to find a solution as soon as possible.

But now, to obtain food, they must pass through the Yan Kingdom. The thought of the Yan Kingdom and Yang Xia made Liu Zhixiu feel extremely uneasy.

She even felt ashamed. Hearing the ministers' advice, Yoo Ji-soo was even more embarrassed.

Recalling Yang Xia's previous visit, he sincerely wanted to discuss cooperation and even reminded him of the food issue.

However, at the time he was unwilling to exchange iron ore for copper ore, and even rejected Yang Xia's proposed conditions, attempting to take the opportunity to raise the price.

They proactively severed their cooperative relationship with Yan State, but unexpectedly found themselves in such a predicament so quickly.

He is now primarily responsible for the mess that is the Red Cake Kingdom. Looking at the expectant eyes of his ministers...

Liu Zhixiu ultimately gritted her teeth and persevered, solemnly addressing the ministers:

"No... We absolutely cannot compromise like this. We cannot give up the country's iron ore resources under any circumstances."

"There's no room for negotiation on this. Let's think of other solutions and wait and see. I believe there's always a way out."

"As long as we are of one mind and one heart, we will surely find a solution."

The ministers were extremely anxious when they saw that Yoo Ji-soo had made this decision.

They didn't know how to comfort them. Looking at the worried ministers, Liu Zhixiu reassured them:

"You might want to think about why Yan Kingdom suddenly needs so much iron ore. There must be something fishy about this."

"Moreover, I feel that things are not that simple. Although I was the one who took the initiative to sever cooperation with Yan, I still do not regret it to this day."

"I even suspect that Yan Kingdom's need for so much iron and copper ore is probably not for good reasons."

Liu Zhixiu began to speculate, trying to figure out Yang Xia's true purpose in needing so much ore.

He had always harbored doubts about the matter, but had never found conclusive evidence.

However, the more Yoo Ji-soo thought about it, the more suspicious she felt, and she couldn't shake off her unease.

The ministers all earnestly advised Liu Zhixiu, hoping she could recognize the reality.

The most pressing issue at hand is solving the food problem.

But Yoo Ji-soo remained steadfast in her opinion, her stance very clear.

After careful consideration, he earnestly addressed his ministers:

"I understand how you feel. I am also wholeheartedly thinking about the Red Cake Country."

"I am worried that if we send these resources out in exchange for food with the Yan Kingdom..."

"Although it solves the immediate problem, it could very well be digging my own grave. I would never do something so foolish. I would rather face temporary difficulties than bring about my own destruction."

Liu Zhixiu's stubbornness greatly disappointed the ministers below.

They tried every possible method to persuade Yoo Ji-soo, but this time his attitude was unusually firm.

They wouldn't listen to any advice whatsoever. Seeing that things had come to this, the ministers...
It's not convenient to say more, knowing that saying anything now would be futile.

The ministers sighed and said helplessly to Liu Zhixiu, "Your Majesty... we implore you to reconsider this matter carefully and think it over before you act."

"Everything has its priorities. Now that you have made a decision, we can rest assured as long as these problems can be resolved."

Hearing the ministers' words, Liu Zhixiu was immediately flustered and didn't know what to do.

"Enough... I understand your intentions. Please step back and allow me to consider this matter carefully."

"I will carefully consider the final decision and give everyone an explanation."

The people of Red Cake Kingdom are facing a food crisis, with famine victims everywhere, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.

The court officials kept urging Liu Zhixiu to come up with a solution as soon as possible to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Yoo Ji-soo racked his brains but couldn't come up with a solution, which frustrated him greatly.

Liu Zhixiu looked up at the azure sky, where the blazing sun was scorching the earth, and as far as the eye could see, not a blade of grass could grow.

"Ugh……"

Liu Zhixiu sighed deeply, falling into deep thought with an unusually solemn expression, as if she were engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

However, no matter how anxious he was, the drought did not improve at all.

The food shortage problem became increasingly serious, and the ministers in the imperial court all looked worried.

For a time, no one could come up with a solution, and the entire Red Cake Kingdom was in a state of panic. The people were talking about it, and the situation was extremely unfavorable for Yoo Ji-soo.

Faced with her current predicament, Liu Zhixiu had no other choice but to bite the bullet and go to the Great Zhou Dynasty for help.

Upon hearing Yoo Ji-soo's decision, the ministers all lowered their heads, unsure of what to say.

Seeking help from the Great Zhou Dynasty is their only way out; otherwise, the situation will only get worse.

Although Yoo Ji-soo was unwilling, this was the only way to resolve the current crisis.

Recalling how arrogant he had been in front of Yang Xia, he now had to bow his head and beg for help, which made him feel extremely embarrassed.

After deciding to visit the Great Zhou Dynasty, Liu Zhixiu made thorough preparations.

According to normal diplomatic etiquette, when a monarch visits, the other party will send someone of equal rank to greet him as long as prior notice is given. However, to Liu Zhixiu's surprise, this time she came to the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Not only did he fail to meet Yang Xia, but he was also greeted by a minor county official, which made him extremely angry.

Seeing Yang Xia's blatant disregard for him, he found it unacceptable and glared angrily at the county magistrate who had come to greet him, demanding:

"What does the Great Zhou Dynasty mean by this? They call themselves a land of etiquette, but don't they even understand these rules?"

"I came here specifically to pay a visit to the Great Zhou Dynasty, yet you only sent a county magistrate to greet me. Isn't that going too far?"

"I will never tolerate such an insult, nor will I accept charity. Yang Xia... you just wait!"

Liu Zhixiu spoke arrogantly, and seeing how the Great Zhou Dynasty treated him, he angrily turned and left.

But as soon as he returned to the ship, he suddenly calmed down and thought about how the people of Red Cake Kingdom were living in dire straits.

If he were to return to the Red Cake Kingdom now, how should he answer the questions posed by the ministers?

Faced with the people's pleas, how could he solve the famine problem? All sorts of problems followed one after another.

This really gave Liu Zhixiu a headache, but considering the Great Zhou Dynasty's attitude towards him, she found it hard to swallow her anger.

For a moment, Liu Zhixiu was caught in a dilemma, pacing anxiously back and forth on the boat, while the accompanying officials dared not utter a sound.

He was afraid that Yoo Ji-soo would vent her anger on him and get himself into trouble.

"My lord... what should we do now? Are we just going to go back like this?" (End of Chapter)