From cute to empress

Chapter 140 Clouds Surge and Wind Driven

Golden sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting a shadow over the magnificent hall. I sat upright on the dragon throne, clad in a red palace gown embroidered with golden phoenixes and a nine-phoenix golden hairpin, looking down with dignity. Inside, however, I was far less calm than I appeared. The war on the border was intense, and today, I would be negotiating with foreign envoys over a trade dispute. The situation was tense, with internal and external troubles.

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

With a loud shout, the foreign envoys slowly entered the hall. The leading envoy was tall, with blue eyes and a hooked nose, and his ornate attire betrayed his distinguished status. He saluted me arrogantly, a hint of contempt on his lips.

"Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet with you," he said in a stiff voice, his voice loud and resonant, echoing throughout the hall. "I come here on behalf of my country, hoping to engage in friendly negotiations on trade issues between our two countries."

Translator Li translated his words to me, and I nodded slightly, indicating that he should continue.

"In recent years, our merchants have repeatedly suffered unfair treatment while trading with your country, with their goods seized and their shops sealed, which has seriously damaged our interests." The envoy's voice gradually became stern. "To maintain the friendly relations between our two countries, we demand that your country immediately cease such actions and compensate our merchants."

His attendant handed him a document, which Diplomat Wang took and presented to me. I unfolded it and saw a list of alleged "unfair treatment" and a series of harsh compensation demands—a truly exorbitant price!

I suppressed my rage, threw the documents on the table, and sneered, "Mr. Envoy, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. Your merchants are violating our laws and engaging in smuggling. The evidence is irrefutable. Our country is acting in accordance with the law. How can you say it's 'unfair'?"

"Your Majesty, the innocence of our merchants must not be tarnished!" The envoy slammed the table and stood up, his tone aggressive. "If your country insists on its own way and refuses to provide a reasonable explanation, we will take necessary measures to safeguard our national interests!"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense. I took a deep breath and was about to speak when I heard a commotion outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, the president of the Zheng Chamber of Commerce and the great businessman Liu request a meeting!" The eunuch's shrill voice sounded outside the hall.

My heart sank, knowing they were here for trade negotiations. Apparently, this negotiation was even more complicated than I'd imagined...

"Xuan." I rubbed my aching forehead, thinking secretly about the pressure that was coming one after another.

Chairman Zheng of the Chamber of Commerce and businessman Liu entered the hall one after the other. Both men were well-fed, their gestures revealing a shrewd and capable demeanor. After they bowed to me, Chairman Zheng spoke first, his tone tinged with anxiety: "Your Majesty, this foreign envoy has come with such force, and the terms they've proposed are far too harsh. We businessmen can't accept them!"

Liu, the great merchant, echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty, if we truly agree to their demands, all our years of hard work will be wasted!"

I understand their concerns, but I have my own decision on how to balance national interests with the interests of merchants. Just as I was about to speak, Translator Li stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, Chairman Zheng and Merchant Liu are concerned about the impact this will have on our trade with other countries. They don't intend to embarrass Your Majesty."

Translator Li's words were neither humble nor overbearing, expressing the merchants' demands while maintaining my dignity. I gave her an approving look and turned to Chairman Zheng and Merchant Liu, saying, "I understand your concerns, but the interests of our nation are paramount. I will not allow anyone to harm the interests of our dynasty!"

My tone was firm, unyielding. Chairman Zheng and Merchant Liu exchanged a look of bewilderment, momentarily at a loss for words. The foreign envoy, perceiving me as wavering, seized the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, our offer is already the maximum concession we can make. We ask that you prioritize the greater good and make a decision quickly."

I sneered and was about to retort, but Translator Li spoke first, "Mr. Envoy, you are aware that our country is vast and rich in resources. Trade with your country is not indispensable to our country. His Majesty the Emperor of our country is kind and merciful. He does not wish to damage the relationship between our two countries, but he will never allow himself to be bullied!"

Translator Li's words were powerful and perfectly articulated our position. The foreign envoy's expression froze, and a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes. I secretly admired Translator Li's wit. She skillfully used the art of language to temporarily ease the tense negotiations.

However, the atmosphere in the hall remained tense. Everyone understood that the negotiations were far from over. I cast my gaze towards the silent diplomat Wang. He was bent in thought, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents surging in the hall. I narrowed my eyes slightly, and a thought suddenly occurred to me: "Lord Wang, you are right..."

"My dear Lord Wang, what do you think of the current situation?" I cast my gaze towards the diplomat Wang who had been silent the whole time. He was looking down in thought, as if he had not noticed the undercurrents in the hall.

The diplomat raised his head and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, I believe that the foreign envoys appear to be strong on their arrival, but in reality they are weak. Their countries have been plagued by natural disasters in recent years, and they are in urgent need of our grain, silk, and other supplies, which is why they are so aggressive. However, they are also worried about losing our important trading partner, which is why they have been trying to negotiate with us."

I nodded. Diplomat Wang's analysis roughly matched my own. Seeing that we were hesitant to agree to their terms, the foreign envoy softened his tone. "Your Majesty, our terms are not non-negotiable. As long as your country is willing to make some concessions, we are also willing to make corresponding adjustments."

I sneered inwardly, thinking this was just one of their usual tricks. I said sternly, "Mr. Envoy, you're wrong. Trade should be based on equality and mutual benefit, not one party exploiting the other. My country is willing to develop friendly relations with yours, but we will never sacrifice our own interests to fulfill the interests of others!"

My tone was firm and resounding, and the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became more solemn. The foreign envoy's face was ashen, knowing that he would not be able to achieve his goal today. He took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and said, "If that's the case, then there is nothing more to discuss. I hope Your Majesty will not regret your decision today!"

With that, he walked away, followed closely by his entourage. Seeing this, Chairman Zheng and Mr. Liu both looked worried. I understand their concerns, but I also know that some things cannot be compromised.

"Your Majesty..." Diplomat Wang hesitated, but I waved him off. I rubbed my brow, feeling a wave of exhaustion. While the negotiations had come to a temporary end, I felt no sense of relief, because I knew this was only the beginning.

In the dead of night, I was alone in the imperial study, reviewing memorials. The moonlight outside the window was like silver, illuminating the pile of memorials on my desk, making my figure seem even more lonely.

"Someone come here." I called softly.

Translator Li entered and respectfully asked, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

"Go check..." I said in a low voice, but my eyes flashed with determination. "Check whether there are other purposes behind the foreign envoys' visit, besides the superficial trade dispute..."