The Prodigal Son

Meeting the next day.

Zhao Luan announced the resumption of trade with the State of Yan during the reign of Emperor Zhao Luan.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

"The people of Yan are fickle and unreliable; how can we continue to trade with them?"

"Has Your Majesty forgotten the Yan people's surprise attack on Dingzhou?"

"If Your Majesty insists on resuming trade with the Yan people, this old minister has no choice but to retire and return to my hometown!"

"This old minister is also..."

As expected, this matter was met with fierce opposition from the court officials.

Lu Chunqiu, Minister of Justice.

Du Zhiwen, Minister of Revenue.

Minister of War Xue Chengdao...

These ministers, who were originally at odds, have now formed a united front and stepped forward one after another.

The entire court was filled with voices of opposition.

Several senior officials, led by Su Yu, directly coerced Zhao Luan into retiring to his hometown.

Looking at the ministers who were so emotional, Zhao Luan felt both helpless and happy.

The court officials all hated the people of Yan.

Once Qin Yu's plan succeeds, there will be no resistance to his attack on Yan!

With all the civil and military officials in the court eager to destroy the Yan Kingdom, how could their great cause not be accomplished?

Unfortunately, she definitely couldn't reveal Qin Yu's wicked plan.

Otherwise, once the news reaches the ears of the Yan people, the grand plan to destroy Yan will be in vain!

"Everyone, please calm down!"

Song Zhuo loudly stopped the crowd, "I know you all hate the Yan people! I also hate the Yan people! However, since Your Majesty has this sentiment, there must be a reason!"

"What kind of logic is that!"

Lu Chunqiu was furious, then glanced at the assembled officials: "As you all know, it was Qin Yu who negotiated with the Third Prince of Yan! That scoundrel Qin Yu must have bewitched His Majesty!"

"right!"

Su Yu realized, "Qin Yu is greedy and lustful; he must have taken bribes from Yan Li!"

"Bullshit!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Fumeng flew into a rage: "You two old bastards had better explain yourselves clearly, or I'll knock your teeth out right here and now!"

"Qin Fumeng! This is the imperial court, not a place for you to run wild!"

Su Yu stepped forward, facing Qin Fumeng directly, "You were supposed to be the regent left to His Majesty by the late emperor, yet a member of the Qin family has committed such a traitorous act, and you still have the nerve to act so arrogantly in court?"

"I've always said Qin Yu is a traitor who has brought ruin to the country. If you have the guts, then kill me right here in court!"

"Come on, shoot here..."

As Su Yu spoke, he stuck his head out and nudged Qin Fumeng.

He had this attitude that said, "If you don't beat me to death, you're not a real man."

"I……"

Qin Fumeng's face twitched, and he almost kicked him.

However, looking at Su Yu's old bones, he didn't have the heart to make a move.

Su Yu was also a veteran official who served three dynasties, and was even older than him, and was not a martial artist.

With that kick, the old man definitely won't be able to get up.

Just as Zhao Luan was about to reprimand the assembled officials, a palace guard rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, the envoy from Northern Qi, Xiao Baoju, requests an audience!"

It's perfect timing!

Zhao Luan chuckled inwardly, and said in a deep voice, "Summon them!"

"Summon Envoy Xiao Baoju of Beiqi to the palace!"

The eunuch in charge of ceremonies shouted loudly.

"snort!"

Su Yu glanced at Qin Fumeng, snorted coldly, and returned to his seat.

Seeing Su Yu's performance, many ministers secretly gave him a thumbs up.

Last time Qin Fumeng beat up Lu Cheng, the Vice Minister of Rites, Su Yu didn't say a word, and many people thought that Su Yu was afraid of Qin Fumeng.

Unexpectedly, Su Yu was so assertive today!

If Xiao Baoju hadn't been about to enter the hall, they would have shouted "Old Master Su is mighty!" a few times.

Soon, Xiao Baoju strode in.

"Envoy Xiao Baoju of Northern Qi greets Her Majesty the Empress of Great Ning!"

Xiao Baoju bowed respectfully.

"What brings you to this audience, Your Excellency?"

Zhao Luan asked the question knowing the answer already.

Xiao Baoju didn't waste any time and went straight to the point: "Our dynasty is willing to exchange three thousand warhorses for half of the Nine Dragon Pendant. We humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"

He ultimately didn't resort to direct force and wanted to try raising the bar a bit more.

Half a piece of the Nine Dragons Jade Pendant?

Hearing Xiao Baoju's words, many ministers who were hearing the name of the Nine Dragons Pendant for the first time were secretly curious.

What kind of treasure is it?

Half a piece could be exchanged for three thousand warhorses?

A glint flashed in Zhao Luan's eyes, then he smiled helplessly: "I understand your country's desire to reclaim its national treasure. I also want these three thousand warhorses, but the half of the Nine Dragon Pendant has indeed been lost."

"Your Majesty, our dynasty has already shown the utmost sincerity!"

Xiao Baoju's face gradually fell. "This item is useless to Your Majesty. Please grant me your request!"

Zhao Luan keenly noticed the change in Xiao Baoju's expression and said calmly, "I said! It's lost!"

"It seems His Majesty is determined not to return it?"

Xiao Baoju's expression turned even uglier.

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Luan's eyes. "What, you think you can threaten me?"

"It's not a threat, it's a warning!"

Xiao Baoju suddenly raised his voice, his gaze sharpening, "The Nine Dragon Pendant is a national treasure of our dynasty, and our dynasty must take it back! To reclaim the Nine Dragon Pendant, our dynasty is prepared to fight!"

As Xiao Baoju finished speaking, the ministers in the court were immediately enraged.

"That old dog is arrogant!"

"Fight if you want, who's afraid of who?"

"That's right, this is the perfect opportunity for us to get revenge!"

"If you're going to fight, then fight! Why all the nonsense?"

The ministers all spoke up.

At this point, whether you want to fight or not, you have to put on an act.

The envoys from Beiqi are standing in the court of Da Ning, threatening the Da Ning Empress in public. Anyone who shows weakness will be punished later!

"What arrogance!"

Zhao Luan suddenly stood up, looking down at Xiao Baoju, and said coldly, "Five years ago, I was not afraid of Bei Qi, so why should I be afraid now? If Bei Qi wants war, Da Ning will fight to the bitter end!"

"Your Majesty possesses great spirit!"

Xiao Baoju sneered, "I'll give your country three days to consider whether you want peace or war. I hope Your Majesty will think it over carefully!"

After saying this, Xiao Baoju gave a symbolic bow and strode out.

As Xiao Baoju left, Zhao Luan raised his eyes and surveyed the assembled officials: "Now do you understand why I agreed to resume trade with the Yan Kingdom?"

Xiao Baoju actually helped him out!

In this way, it would be perfectly logical to resume trade with the State of Yan!

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Song Zhuo spoke first: "The Northern Qi are still harboring treacherous intentions and intend to wage war against our Great Ning again! Resuming trade with the Yan Kingdom at this time can help stabilize the Yan Kingdom and prevent it from being pushed towards the Northern Qi!"

"Prime Minister Song is mistaken!"

Su Yu retorted, "The Yan state is an ingrate. If we feed them enough, they'll probably turn around and bite us back!"

"Lord Su is right!"

Many ministers nodded in agreement.

At this point, it is even more inappropriate to resume trade with the Yan Kingdom!

"No, no!"

Song Zhuo shook his head and then analyzed to everyone, "What Yan lacks most is grain. By trading with Yan, we can control the amount of grain, which is equivalent to controlling Yan's lifeline! As long as we maintain a balance, we can prevent Yan from siding with Bei Qi, and also prevent Yan from resorting to desperate measures!"

"What Prime Minister Song says is absolutely right!"

Zhao Luan nodded. "Northern Qi is only threatening us militarily; they don't necessarily intend to go to war with us! They suffered heavy losses in the battle a few years ago! If we stabilize Yan now, Northern Qi's resolve to wage war will be affected!"

Upon hearing Zhao Luan's words, the assembled officials couldn't help but ponder once more.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Qin Fumeng spoke up in support and then gave Xiao Chengdao a wink.

Xiao Chengdao was secretly puzzled, but after a moment's hesitation, he also spoke up in support: "Your Majesty is wise!"

With the full support of these two military leaders and Prime Minister Song Zhuo, Zhao Luan was powerless to oppose them, even if the court officials wanted to.

Seeing that no one else stood up to object, Zhao Luan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Yes, we need to get my mentor to finalize the resumption of the trade with Yan Li as soon as possible, to prevent any unforeseen changes!