The playboy county magistrate

Princess Ning'an's voice carried the clear, bright quality characteristic of women from the northern deserts, and there was not a trace of hostility in it, as expected. Instead, it sounded as warm and natural as old friends exchanging pleasantries.

The personal maid followed closely behind, standing to one side with her hands at her sides, not daring to say a word.

Li Xuanzhi nodded slightly, his manners impeccable yet respectful and aloof, neither humble nor arrogant.

"May the princess be well."

Not a single word was spoken, but the meaning behind it was extremely cold, completely severing the familiar atmosphere that the other party had deliberately created.

A fleeting hint of helplessness crossed Princess Ning'an's eyes, but her smile remained unchanged. She turned slightly and raised her hand, gesturing for her to enter.

"My lord has come by imperial decree to discuss matters of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Please take a seat in the pavilion and we shall speak."

"Please, Your Highness." Li Xuanzhi raised his hand slightly, his posture upright and his manner perfectly measured.

The two took their seats on either side of the stone table.

The tea on the stone table was warm, with wisps of steam rising and a delicate aroma.

Princess Ning'an personally poured a cup of tea for Li Xuanzhi. Her movements were elegant, and her every gesture exuded grace and poise, unlike the typical ladies of noble families or those from humble backgrounds. She appeared exceptionally poised and composed, without a single flaw.

It has been almost a year since we last met.

She looked up at Li Xuanzhi, her tone tinged with emotion.

"Over the years, Your Excellency has weathered many storms, from being deeply embroiled in clan disputes and suffering from rumors and criticism, to now standing firm in the court and enjoying the Emperor's favor. It is truly admirable."

Li Xuanzhi lightly touched the rim of the teacup with his fingertips, but did not drink the tea. His expression was calm, and he responded indifferently.

"It's nothing more than clarifying right and wrong and staying true to oneself. It's all part of our duty and not worth mentioning."

Princess Ning'an's eyes deepened slightly with a smile as she slowly suppressed her emotions and got to the point.

"Today, we present our credentials and restart diplomatic negotiations, which is a last resort."

"This year, the frost and snow in our northern desert region came early, and the grasslands have deteriorated. Countless cattle and sheep have died or been injured, and the border herders are struggling to make a living and are short of food reserves. If we do not resume trade and exchange goods, the border people will suffer from displacement after winter. At that time, in order to survive, they will have no choice but to harass the more prosperous neighboring countries."

This wealthier country refers, of course, to the Da Yong.

Princess Ning'an spoke such shameless words, yet her eyes held a look of compassion, and every word she uttered concerned the livelihood of the people and the stability of the two countries.

If it were any other official, they would probably have been furious upon hearing Princess Ning'an's threat.

But Li Xuanzhi simply raised his eyes and looked directly at the other person with a clear and sharp gaze.

"The court is already aware of the disaster situation Princess Ning'an described. Our Emperor of Dayong cares deeply for the people and has always been willing to exchange resources; taking care of one's own people is the proper thing to do. As for the long-term peace and stability between the two countries, naturally there must be some guarantee. After all, no one wants to see the story of the farmer and the snake repeated, do they?"

Princess Ning'an naturally understood the meaning behind Li Xuanzhi's words; he was simply making a demand, wanting their Mobei to become part of the Dayong territory. However, Mobei wasn't voluntarily offering themselves up for annexation; they were coming to ask for benefits.

Princess Ning'an pretended not to hear and instead steered the conversation back on track.

"I'm sure Lord Li, who loves his people like his own children, will make an effort for the sake of the people and consider the overall situation. So I will not hold back and will speak frankly about my demands from the northern desert."

"Our country hopes that Dayong can open three private markets near our borders, relax the trade limits on grain, salt, and ironware, and reduce border trade taxes for three years. In this way, the nomadic people of the northern deserts can survive, and the border between the two countries can be kept peaceful for several years."

Grain, salt, and ironware were all core components of military preparedness and people's livelihood. Relaxing quotas, opening private markets, and reducing taxes, seemingly to help disaster victims, were actually ways for the northern desert regions to secretly stockpile strategic resources. This was to strengthen military preparedness and accumulate strength.

Once agreed, the Northern Desert could grow stronger quietly. In the future confrontation, the Northern Desert, which is already skilled in warfare, would rise to power, and the Great Yong would inevitably be put on the defensive.

The members of the delegation outside the pavilion held their breath, silently awaiting Li Xuanzhi's reply.

Princess Ning'an gazed at him quietly, her eyes filled with expectation.

"Lord Li, this is not a factional struggle in the court, nor is it a personal grudge. It is only for the sake of the stability of the border between the two countries and the livelihood of millions of people."

"This livelihood is not only about the people of our northern desert, but also about the people of your Dayong border region. With constant warfare and the ever-present threat of being robbed and losing your lives, life must be tough for you people on the Dayong border region."

"Your Excellency now enjoys the Emperor's favor and holds the power to make decisions on foreign affairs. With just a nod, you can save tens of thousands of people and accumulate immeasurable merit."

To refuse would be cold-blooded and heartless, disregarding the suffering of the people and undermining peace between the two countries.

If they agree, it would mean allowing the northern desert to grow stronger and sowing the seeds of future border troubles.

In this dilemma, unfortunately, Princess Ning'an was facing Li Xuanzhi, who had already seen through all her schemes.

A faint, cold smile played on Li Xuanzhi's lips as he calmly and slowly began to speak.

"The princess's concern for the people is admirable. However, diplomatic relations are never about one-sided charity or assistance, but about equal checks and balances and mutual benefit."

"If the northern desert is suffering from disaster and they sincerely seek help, our Great Yong is a great nation and a land of propriety. With a benevolent heart, we are naturally willing to open our granaries to provide food aid to the disaster victims."

Just as a hint of joy flashed in Princess Ning'an's eyes, he abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming sharp.

"It is absolutely impossible to relax the quota on ironware, open three private markets, and still expect to reduce or exempt taxes year after year."

The salt and iron rights within the Great Yong Dynasty have now been returned to the imperial court's control, and even powerful families who touch them will be punished with confiscation of their property and exile. The northern deserts are not Great Yong territory; to expect such a large pie in one's mouth is simply a pipe dream, a delusional fantasy!

"Grain and salt can alleviate the suffering of disaster victims in the short term, while ironware can sustain military strength for generations to come. Today, the princess seeks trade for the livelihood of the people, but tomorrow she will use her military strength to covet the land of my Great Yong. As a subject of Great Yong, I, Li, am responsible for safeguarding the bottom line of my country and the stability of the borders, and I dare not make the slightest mistake or retreat."

Princess Ning'an's gentle smile froze slightly, and the expectation in her eyes completely faded, replaced by a look of seriousness.

She frowned slightly, feigning helplessness as she offered her explanation.

"Why must you speculate about everything, Lord Li? My northern lands sincerely seek peace and stability, and have no desire to covet the lands of Dayong. Your actions only make Dayong appear magnanimous and deliberately make things difficult for the northern lands, making other small countries feel that you, a great power, are bullying them."

Li Xuanzhi remained calm and composed, and asked a question in return.

"If the princess truly seeks peace, she only desires tranquility. Why then did she provoke such an act that she was confined to the post station, yet she has been slow to contact the ruler of the Northern Desert Kingdom, nor has she resubmitted her letter of credence? Why did she secretly collude with our treacherous officials, stirring up trouble in the court and plotting to undermine the government?"

Old stories are suddenly brought to the forefront, blunt and sharp, leaving no room for sentimentality.

Princess Ning'an's expression finally changed slightly, her fingers tightened subtly, but she still tried to remain calm.

"What do you mean by that, sir? The previous events were all due to the chaos in your dynasty's internal affairs and had nothing to do with my northern desert."