The playboy county magistrate

Dozens of servants from the southern border immediately filed in from outside the hall, each dressed in light, colorful clothes and carrying a gilded tray.

The tray was covered with crimson brocade, and beneath the brocade, the glint of something foreign could be faintly seen.

"My southern borderland borders the sea and is rich in rare treasures, possessing unique treasures. Though it lacks the magnificent horses of the northern borderland and the ancient jade of the western regions, it has unique items from the coastal region, which I respectfully present to the Holy Emperor of the Celestial Empire."

The envoy from the southern border had a pleasant voice and a calm tone. Every word was obsequious and submissive, and his posture was extremely humble, showing no trace of the toughness he had displayed earlier when he was banding together to exert pressure.

He lifted the brocade trays one by one. In an instant, the entire hall was filled with shimmering light, dazzling and radiant.

A plate of flawless, translucent deep-sea pearls. Round and large, they shimmer with a subtle glow. Even in daylight, they still shine brilliantly.

A plate of exceptionally fine blood coral, its branches upright and strong. Its color is intensely red, like flames, and it has been carved into a landscape sculpture depicting the mountains and seas of China. Exquisite craftsmanship, lifelike and exquisite.

Other items include amber, seven-colored glass, and deep-sea pearls, each a rare find, and none more valuable than a priceless treasure.

The eyes of all the civil and military officials lit up, and many of them showed a look of amazement.

Although the southern border region was relatively weak, the treasures it offered were exquisite, beautiful, rare, and hard to find.

The envoy from the southern border bowed and smiled, his voice becoming increasingly respectful.

"These rare treasures from the sea are all presented to Your Majesty. May the Great Yong Dynasty be forever secure and Your Majesty enjoy a long and prosperous life. In addition to these treasures, five noble ladies from virtuous families in the Southern Frontier have been specially selected. They have been skilled in music and dance since childhood and are well-versed in etiquette and manners. Moreover, they are all gentle and beautiful, and are presented to the palace. They wish to serve Your Majesty and fulfill their duty as vassals."

As soon as the words were spoken, five women from southern Xinjiang slowly entered the hall.

They wore light, thin gauze skirts specially made in southern Xinjiang, embroidered with patterns of blue sea and flowers. Their steps were light and slow, as if they were walking on waves, their figures slender and graceful, their skin as white as jade.

The five people stood in a row, each with a different temperament.

Some have bright, clear eyes, exuding a quiet and gentle charm; others have a gentle, radiant smile, lively and captivating.

Raising her hands and bending her knees, she performed a graceful and dignified bow.

In an instant, the solemn and majestic Zichen Hall suddenly gained a touch of gentle and beautiful atmosphere.

The officials glanced at him briefly, then all of them composed themselves and dared not look any longer.

Everyone understood that Nanjiang's move was extremely wise.

Having just offended the Emperor by following the crowd in pressuring him, he now apologizes with valuable treasures and beautiful women. He feigns weakness and tries to appease him, hoping to dispel the Emperor's displeasure.

The emperor's gaze swept indifferently over the hall full of treasures and rows of beauties, his expression calm and detached. He showed neither amazement nor disdain, but simply spoke slowly, his voice even.

"The people of the Southern Frontier have been dutiful and respectful, which greatly pleases me. I have accepted all the treasures and beauties. May trade continue to be smooth and the vassal states be secure next year."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

The envoy from the southern border was overjoyed and immediately bowed in reverence, his heart finally at ease.

The crown prince, who was standing to the side, had a slight glint in his eyes, but his face remained expressionless.

He knew that the gifts from the southern border, though seemingly sincere, were actually a means of self-preservation and avoiding harm. There was no genuine loyalty whatsoever; it was merely a survival strategy.

Li Xuanzhi's eyes were also calm and undisturbed.

By feigning weakness to avoid trouble and protect oneself, by skillfully maneuvering and adapting to all situations, one can remain invincible.

After the tribute from the southern border region came to an end, the indomitable and defiant Khan of the northern desert region stepped forward.

The Khan of the Northern Desert was still harboring resentment after Li Xuanzhi had exposed his selfish intentions.

But when he thought of the past injustices suffered by the Northern Desert under Li Xuanzhi, including the cession of three cities, he had no choice but to suppress his resentment and anger.

His expression remained impassive as he strode forward. His imposing figure exuded the unique, powerful aura of the nomadic peoples of northern Xinjiang.

"My northern desert has no exquisitely crafted artifacts, and even its cities are pitifully few. We naturally have nothing of value, only the robust things nurtured by heaven and earth. I hope Your Majesty of Dayong will be lenient with us."

His voice was rough and loud, making the surrounding air tremble slightly, unlike the soft and ingratiating voices of people from the southern border regions.

As soon as the words were spoken, the attendants from the northern desert lined up and entered, carrying heavy wooden trays and animal-hide gift chests.

A thousand fine horses from the northern desert, all jet black and with strong, muscular bodies, were already lined up outside the palace.

The hall displays a complete black fox fur pelt, its fur jet black as ink, smooth and without any impurities. It is impervious to wind and snow, making it extremely precious.

Other items include sharp and tough bone blades, and rare, air-dried medicinal herbs.

"The northern desert is bitterly cold, and its produce is simple and unadorned. It is not good at embellishment and extravagance, but every piece is tempered by wind and snow and nurtured by heaven and earth."

The Khan of the Northern Desert raised his eyes and stared directly at the dragon throne, a hint of resentment and arrogance still lingering in his eyes.

"In addition to these tributes, I, the Khan, hereby present three noble ladies from the royal family of the northern steppes. They have grown up on the grasslands since childhood and are skilled in riding and archery. They are of a strong and forthright character, unlike the delicate and pretentious women of the southern borders. They are respectfully presented to Your Majesty to serve you."

Three women from the northern desert stepped forward, their aura completely different from that of the women from the southern border.

They wore narrow-sleeved, fitted brocade robes, their shoulders and backs were straight, and their steps were brisk, without a trace of coquettishness or affectation.

Her brows and eyes were deep and bright, her features sharp and spirited. Her gaze was clear and sharp, carrying the unique free and fierce spirit of a woman from the northern desert.

Many military generals' eyes flickered slightly, and they nodded in agreement. They felt that the women of the northern deserts possessed a heroic spirit and a rare kind of integrity.

The civil officials, on the other hand, were cautious, knowing full well that the northern deserts were notoriously untamed and harbored hidden ambitions.

Such a strong-willed beauty entering the palace, seemingly as a gift, was actually a way to plant spies and secretly cultivate power; her intentions were far from pure.

Li Xuanzhi's gaze fell on the three women from the Northern Desert, then he quickly looked away.

The northern desert has never truly submitted; this offering of a daughter is by no means a simple act of courtesy.

There was once a princess named Ning'an from the northern desert. She came to the Great Yong Dynasty but didn't even enter the emperor's harem, yet she still managed to stir up trouble in the capital.

Now, the fact that a royal woman who looks very similar to Princess Ning'an has been sent to the palace shows the wolfish ambitions of the northern desert.

The emperor naturally understood the deeper meaning behind it, but he remained calm and nodded slightly.

"Khan's kindness is appreciated; I will accept it all."

A simple statement, neither praising nor criticizing, neither warm nor cold. It left no room for the northern desert to speculate on the emperor's intentions.

The Khan of the Northern Desert was even more frustrated upon seeing this, but dared not say anything more and could only bow and stand aside. A hint of unvented resentment lurked in his arrogant eyes.

The three kingdoms of the Western Regions followed suit, once again joining forces.

The envoys from Loulan, Uyghur, and Gaochang stood side by side, maintaining their united front.

Although they dared not exert pressure openly anymore, they still exchanged knowing glances.

The Loulan envoy stepped forward with a smile, his voice light and cheerful, carrying the unique exotic accent of the Western Regions.

"Our three regions in the Western Regions are rich in fine jade, rare fragrances, and silverware. This year, we have specially selected century-old jade, thousand-times-refined silver ornaments, and exotic fragrances to present to the Celestial Empire as a token of our sincere loyalty."

Immediately, the room was filled with a jade-like glow and a fragrant aroma.

Translucent and warm-toned Hetian jade, intricately carved silver goblets from the Western Regions, lingering fragrance of exotic ambergris, and uniquely textured Gobi stones.

Each piece is simple and dignified, with a unique exotic style, quite different from the elegance of treasures from the Central Plains.

"We will also select six exceptionally beautiful women from the Western Regions, skilled in singing and dancing, and proficient in music, to be presented to Your Majesty to enhance the elegance of the palace."

Six women from the Western Regions gracefully entered the hall. They had high noses, deep-set eyes, bright eyebrows and eyes, and skin as white as snow.

Her eyes were as clear as glass, and her hair was slightly wavy. She possessed a strong exotic charm.

She wore a colorful skirt embroidered with Western Region patterns, the skirt was wide and flowing, and the colors were rich and bright.

Her slender waist and graceful figure are evident in every gesture.

Her eyes sparkled and shone, possessing a unique and captivating charm.