From cute to empress

Chapter 144 Blue Sea and Blue Sky

The morning light streamed through the window lattice, casting a golden glow, tinging the chambers with a dreamy hue. I stood up. Yesterday's decision was like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up waves that wouldn't subside for a long time. Abdicating, handing over this vast kingdom to someone else, had once been unthinkable to me. But now, for him, for the freedom I'd longed for, I had no hesitation.

Today, I will host a banquet at the Imperial Palace to entertain foreign envoys and domestic merchants. This is my last state affair before I abdicate. I hope to secure one last benefit for my people and my country.

In the magnificent hall, the melodious sound of stringed instruments filled the air, and a dazzling array of fine wines and delicacies filled the air. Foreign envoys, dressed in magnificent attire, accompanied by their interpreter, Ms. Li, flanked by leading figures from the domestic business community, including the president of the Zheng Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Liu. I, dressed in a phoenix robe, entered the hall accompanied by diplomat Wang. Glancing at the crowd, I announced, "You have all come from afar and have worked hard. Today's banquet is both to thank you for your visit and to discuss trade strategies with you, striving for mutual benefit and prosperity."

After some pleasantries, I got straight to the point and outlined the terms of our proposed trade agreement. I pledged to open more ports, lower tariffs, and provide necessary trade safeguards. I also expressed my hope that the other party would provide high-quality goods and trade fairly.

The foreign envoy was clearly interested in my proposal. After a few whispered words with the interpreter, he smiled and said to me, "Your Majesty, we appreciate your sincerity. The terms you offer are very generous, and we are happy to strengthen cooperation with your country."

I smiled slightly and raised my glass: "I wish our cooperation will be successful!"

The atmosphere at the banquet gradually grew lively, with everyone toasting and chatting happily. I noticed that the young foreign envoy occasionally glanced at me, his eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity. I paid no attention and continued to discuss the details of the silk and tea trade with Chairman Zheng beside me.

After three rounds of drinks, I was about to raise my glass to toast, but I saw Zhen Youcai, dressed in military uniform, walking into the hall with the gait of a dragon and a tiger...

His arrival was like a flash of lightning, instantly illuminating my world. I put down my glass, my heartbeat quickening, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside me. Why did he come back? Didn't they say the border situation was tense?

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress!" Zhen Youcai knelt on one knee and saluted with his fists clasped. His voice was loud, but it could not hide his fatigue from the journey.

"My dear, please stand up quickly," I gestured for him to stand up and asked with concern, "How is the war at the border? Why are you back?"

"Your Majesty, the battle at the border has been decided. I have fulfilled my mission and repelled the enemy." Zhen Youcai stood up and glanced around, finally landing on the foreign envoys. "I have hurried back to report to Your Majesty on the border situation and also to discuss trade with other countries."

He paused, then continued, "I have been stationed at the border for many years and have witnessed firsthand the lives of the people living there. They yearn for peace, for friendly exchanges with neighboring countries, and, even more so, for a better life through trade. I believe that open trade and the exchange of what we have will not only benefit the stability of the border, but also the long-term peace and stability of our country."

His words were resounding, echoing throughout the hall. The Zheng Chamber of Commerce president and Mr. Liu, the businessman, looked at each other in bewilderment. They were both businessmen, and pursuing profit was their nature, but they were not the kind of people who would be stubborn when it came to national justice.

"General Zhen is absolutely right," Chairman Zheng spoke first. "We businessmen, while driven by profit, are well aware of the saying 'if the skin is gone, the hair will fall off.' For the sake of national interests, we are willing to make some concessions and support fair trade."

Mr. Liu, the businessman, nodded in agreement, "Chairman Zheng is absolutely right. We are also willing to do our part for the country."

I looked at them with joy, my heart filled with emotion. These people are all my people. They may have selfish motives, but when faced with major issues, they all have a sincere heart of patriotism.

I was about to speak when I saw Translator Li lean over to the foreign envoy's ear and whisper a few words. After hearing this, the foreign envoy smiled playfully...

After listening to Li's translation, the foreign envoy smiled and said to me, "Your Majesty, your general is truly a man of great talent and vision, and is truly admirable. I also believe that peace and development are our common goals." He paused, his tone becoming more sincere. "Regarding trade cooperation, we still have many details to discuss. I wonder if you would be willing to..."

I nodded and said, "Of course, we are very willing to strengthen cooperation with your country for mutual benefit."

We then engaged in in-depth discussions with the foreign envoys on the details of the trade. Translator Li and Diplomat Wang assisted, ensuring smooth communication and avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. Zhen Youcai occasionally offered his own perspectives, often insightful and original, which impressed the foreign envoys.

After friendly negotiations, we reached a preliminary agreement on a series of trade cooperation initiatives. We agreed to establish trading posts in each other's countries, simplify customs procedures, reduce tariffs, and strengthen protection for maritime trade. I also expressed the hope that both sides could strengthen cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. The foreign envoys expressed their agreement and pledged to actively promote this initiative.

Watching the representatives of both sides sign and seal the agreement, my heart is filled with joy and anticipation. I believe that the signing of this agreement will open a new chapter in the friendly cooperation between our two countries and bring greater benefits to my people.

Just when everyone thought everything was settled, a guard hurried into the hall, knelt before me, held up a letter, and said in a hurried tone: "Your Majesty, an urgent letter from the border!"

Zhen Youcai was closest to me. He snatched the letter, opened it with a serious expression, and began to scan it. His face grew increasingly grim, his brow furrowed, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

My heart tightened, and a sense of foreboding came over me. I asked, "My dear, what happened?"

Zhen Youcai took a deep breath, handed me the letter, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the border..."