Raising a wife? The mistress of the Hou family divorced and remarried her younger uncle

Chapter 242 Negotiation
Xilin Yongxuan was slightly startled when he heard this, and an indescribable strange feeling surged in his heart.

He really couldn't understand why the Princess of Huainan valued the rights and interests of the southwest so much. Although the situation in Huainan has stabilized, economic development is imminent, and what is most needed at this time is capital injection.

Su Qingwan wiped out the mountain bandits in order to announce to the world that it was safe to trade in Huainan. The government even issued a notice promising that if merchants in the fiefdom ran into trouble, they could seek government assistance and the government would back them up. Only when the fiefdom's economy prospers and talents return, can the Huainan region regain its former prosperity. Xilin Yongxuan thought that the tempting proposal of opening a port was enough to impress Su Qingwan. Would she really refuse it for the sake of the southwest?
"Your Highness has wiped out the mountain bandits and is interested in trading with Xilin. Don't you want to rebuild the port instead of relying on the trade route in the southwest?" Xilin Yongxuan was still patient and persuading. "I don't mean to sow discord between Huainan and the southwest. Huainan is located between the southwest and Jiangnan, and is a trade fortress. Once a port is established to connect Jiangnan, it will benefit both Huainan and Jiangnan. This is a move that benefits the people. If your Highness is determined to protect the rights and interests of the southwest and gives up the interests of Huainan and the welfare of the people, it will be putting the cart before the horse. I have been in Huainan City for many days, and I have also heard about the various measures taken by the princess to govern Huainan. You are dedicated to restoring people's livelihood, and all your policies benefit the people. It would be a pity to give up the construction of the port for the sake of the southwest."

"What you said makes sense!" Su Qingwan smiled and said slowly, "Building a port is indeed beneficial to people's livelihood, but have you ever thought about why my father never had such a plan when he was alive? Dayuan has always strictly controlled the minerals, salt, tea, silk and other materials needed by Xilin, just because it does not want to transport these important materials to you. Minerals and salt are government-controlled materials. If a port is opened, it will be extremely difficult to review the trade on the river. It is inevitable that some merchants will forget their principles for the sake of profit and sell them to Xilin. If Xilin was a vassal state of Dayuan, it would be fine, but the two countries are in a hostile relationship. I, Huainan, have been stationed on the border for six generations and have fought with Xilin for hundreds of years, but Xilin has never surrendered. Now, although The armistice treaty was signed, but it was only a stopgap measure. With your ambition, if the situation in Xilin is settled and the conditions for war are met, you will definitely march south and try to seize my Dayuan territory. Therefore, Prince Xilin, the half-dead Xilin, is Dayuan's "good brother". You and I are neighbors, and I don't want you to live too well. This is why I can't build a port to let you stockpile supplies and live freely. I wiped out the mountain bandits only to ensure smooth trade between Huainan and the southwest, and to ensure that the trade route from Jiangnan to the southwest is safe and secure. Huainan can build a trade fortress with Xilin, but it is definitely not a large-scale port, and Huainan will also strictly control the flow of materials on this trade route."

Xilin Yongxuan thought to himself that this little princess was so insightful and had such political acumen far beyond that of an ordinary woman. Her style of doing things was just like that of an old fox who had been handling domestic affairs for many years.

But she is so young, how can she have such experience? Who is her teacher?

Xilin Yongxuan did not want to give up, and said in a gentle tone: "Since the little princess has concerns, I will not force her. Huainan can control trade materials and not build a port, but it should open a river to allow normal trade. What do you think?"

If one plan fails, you might as well save the country in a roundabout way, open a river first, and no matter whether it is merchants or officials, as long as they see the benefits, they will definitely flock to it. Xilin Yongxuan has plenty of patience and does not expect to become rich overnight.

Yun Zhizhou only cares about the people's livelihood, and is far from considering the southwest region like Su Qingwan. He thinks that opening a river and controlling the types of trade is indeed a feasible way. Su Qingwan understood Yun Zhizhou's thoughts, nodded slightly, and replied: "Okay, I can consider it!"

"That's great!" Xilin Yongxuan quickly poured a glass of wine and raised it to Su Qingwan, "I hope we can reach a consensus and work together to benefit the people!"

Su Qingwan also picked up the wine glass, clinked it with his, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Are you here to discuss the specific terms?" Su Qingwan asked. "Yes!"

Xilin Yongxuan smiled, "If the princess has any concerns, you can ask Yun Zhizhou to come and talk. I came to Huainan this time, and I must bring some good news back to the country."

Su Qingwan nodded in agreement: "Okay!"

She needs to discuss this matter in detail with Yun Zhizhou, and Xilin Yongxuan will certainly make many demands. The negotiations between the two sides will definitely last for many days, and it is definitely not possible to reach an agreement in a short time. "I don't know why, but I always feel that the little princess looks kind, like an old friend I know!" Xilin Yongxuan tried calmly, but after a closer look, Su Qingwan and that person's face did not bear any resemblance.

The little princess of Huainan is bright and charming, just like the beautiful peony flowers blooming in Huainan city.

Yun Zhizhou and General Xiao Ning frowned upon hearing this, thinking that the Xilin Prince was too frivolous to dare to openly tease their princess. Su Qingwan naturally knew who he was talking about, but did not respond.

The meal seemed to be a happy one for both the host and the guests. After the meal, Yun Zhizhou sent Xilin Yongxuan and his party back to the posthouse. Su Qingwan wrote a letter and sent someone to send it to the southwest at full speed, detailing the upcoming discussions between Xilin Yongxuan and Huainan.

This matter must be notified to the southwest to avoid any rift. After all, as the real power holder of Huainan, she must consider the development of Huainan in addition to her feelings.

The next day, Xilin Yongxuan sent someone to deliver an invitation, inviting Su Qingwan to appreciate the flowers together.

When Su Qingwan saw the invitation, she couldn't help but look puzzled.

Lu Zhu frowned and couldn't help muttering, "What on earth does Xilin Yongxuan mean?"

Qingyun added, "Isn't it obvious? He must have fallen for the princess. He admires strong women. When the princess was still the Grand Princess of the Southwest, he looked at her with a strange look in his eyes. Now the princess is not only beautiful, but also behaves in a strong way, which he admires. He probably likes her even more. Her personality suits his taste, and her appearance is what all men are attracted to. He likes her twice as much."

Su Qingwan smiled softly and said, "Don't be so exaggerated, he may not have that intention. He will be the emperor of Xilin in the future, he is very clear-headed, you underestimate him too much."

"Princess, you are too careless." Qingyun said disapprovingly, "So what if you want to be the emperor in the future? Even if you can't marry me, I can win your heart and flirt with you. Once a girl falls in love, it's easy for her to lose her mind and be manipulated. Those powerful men all think this way. They are so mean and look down on girls!"

Su Qingwan, "..."