readsfreenovel Chapter 516 Qing'er
Chapter 516 Qing'er
A wary glint flashed in Xiang Yan's eyes. He understood the calculations behind this seemingly benevolent gesture—raising the standards meant that Chu farmers would need more technical guidance from Qin and become more dependent on the Qin market; while selling grain at a "friendly price" was actually a way to further control Chu's food supply.
"Your Highness is wise and far-sighted, and I admire you," Xiang Yan said with a hint of sarcasm. "But there are already rumors circulating among the people of Chu that this is Qin's 'sugar-coated poison.'"
Ying Wuyou remained unfazed: "Rumors stop with the wise. General Xiang is a discerning man; he naturally knows how many tangible benefits the economic zone has brought to the State of Chu."
Seeing that this argument was unsuccessful, Xiang Yan changed the subject. "I've heard that the Qin state intends to expand its economic zone. Is this true?"
Ying Wuyou nodded and replied with a smile, "That is indeed the case. With the increasing frequency of trade between the two countries, the scale of the Qin-Chu economic zone can no longer meet the needs of numerous merchants. Therefore, our Great Qin hopes to expand southward by thirty li and add some docks and warehouses to promote the further development of commerce."
After listening, Xiang Yan pondered for a moment, then said, "What the princess says is very true. The King of Chu has the same idea and hopes to cooperate with Qin to make the economic zone even more prosperous." He paused, then continued, "To show our country's sincerity, the King of Chu has specially ordered his foreign envoy to bring some small gifts."
Before he finished speaking, several attendants filed in, carrying in three exquisite sandalwood chests. Xiang Yan rose and personally opened the chests. The first two chests were filled with pearls and jade, dazzling and glittering. However, when he opened the third chest, everyone was astonished to find that it was full of bamboo slips.
Xiang Yan smiled and explained, “These bamboo slips are ancient texts on astronomy, calendar, medicine, agriculture, and other subjects from various dynasties in Chu. The King of Chu heard that the princess was intelligent and studious and was quite interested in this knowledge, so he specially ordered his ministers to bring them here for the princess to study.” His gaze fell gently on the little princess, as if he was expecting her response.
Warning bells rang in Ying Wuyou's mind. This gift was far too unusual; it was clearly tailored to her preferences.
"I am grateful for the King of Chu's generous gift. However, the matter of expanding the economic zone still requires a decision from my father and the ministers of the court." Ying Wuyou's tone remained unchanged, her face as calm as still water, as if the lavish gift had not stirred the slightest ripple in her heart. Her small hand gently stroked the bamboo slip, her movements elegant and composed.
A hint of surprise flashed in Xiang Yan's eyes as he gazed at the ten-year-old girl before him, inwardly marveling. Most children, faced with such a valuable gift, would likely be overjoyed and unable to contain themselves. Yet Ying Wuyou's composure was truly beyond his expectations.
After the audience, Ying Wuyou did not linger; she immediately summoned Zhou Xun. Zhou Xun rushed over, bowed, and awaited the princess's instructions.
"Find out the true state of affairs within the imperial court, especially the balance of power between the pro-war and pro-peace factions," she ordered. "Xiang Yan's visit this time is definitely not simple."
After a pause, Ying Wuyou continued, "Find out the background of everyone in the national delegation." Ying Wuyou's voice was clear and firm. "Also, find out which Chu people have been acting suspiciously in the economic zone recently."
Zhou Xun accepted the order and left, knowing full well that the princess's command could not be disobeyed in the slightest.
After Zhou Xun left, Meng Tian emerged from behind the screen, his expression grave.
“Princess, Xiang Yan is no ordinary man.” Meng Tian’s voice was deep and serious. “He is not only the Supreme General of Chu, but also the Prime Minister of Chu. He is the pillar of Chu. His personal visit this time is probably not just about the expansion of the economic zone and the food shortage in Chu.”
Ying Wuyou walked to the window and looked at the leaves falling in the courtyard: "I know."
"Then why does the princess still..."
“Because time will be on our side,” Ying Wuyou replied firmly.
Three days later, Zhou Xun brought back unsettling news: Xiang Liang was secretly mobilizing troops, ostensibly to suppress bandits, and moving towards the Qin-Chu border. Meanwhile, the King of Chu had dispatched numerous envoys to purchase grain from various sources.
Ying Wuyou looked at Zhou Xun and asked, "What's the situation in Qi?"
“King Jian of Qi did indeed intend to surrender to Qin, but Prime Minister Hou Sheng was insatiably greedy,” Zhou Xun said in a deep voice. “He secretly sold grain to the State of Chu at three times the market price, making huge profits from it.”
Ying Wuyou smiled slightly: "It's not surprising that Hou Sheng is greedy. But the amount of grain that Chu can get from Qi is limited, not enough to solve their food shortage."
“Your Highness is wise. But the latest intelligence shows that the Baiyue region is secretly supporting the Chu state.” Li Si’s expression was serious. “They are transporting grain and copper and iron to Chu via waterways, avoiding our notice.”
Ying Wuyou turned around, his gaze sharp: "Baiyue?"
"That's right. The various tribes of Baiyue have always traded with Chu. Now that they see Chu in distress, they are taking the opportunity to raise prices and exchange goods for Chu's gold, silver and promises."
Ying Wuyou pondered for a moment. The intervention of the Baiyue tribes made the situation more complicated. These tribes, located in the south, were familiar with the terrain and adept at using waterways, making them indeed difficult to monitor completely.
Ying Wuyou walked to the window, gazing at the overcast sky outside the palace walls. The wheels of history seemed to continue rolling in their predetermined course—the State of Chu, unwilling to submit, was secretly preparing a counterattack. Her economic zone strategy, while delaying the war, had failed to eliminate it.
"Strengthen the defenses of the economic zone and increase patrols to monitor merchants from various countries," she ordered.
A gentle autumn rain pattered against the green tiles of the princess's residence, creating a soft, rhythmic sound. In the outer courtyard, Qing'er, broom in hand, anxiously swept away fallen leaves. Her gaze frequently drifted towards the gate, and fine beads of sweat glistened on her palms.
Three days have passed, and there's still no news of her younger brother, Xiao Bao. Along with this news came the letter and a small jade bottle that the mysterious old woman had given her yesterday.
"Within three days, mix this substance into Princess Jiayang's food. Otherwise, your brother's life will be in danger."
Qing'er's fingers unconsciously slipped into her sleeve, touching the cool jade bottle. She was just an ordinary cleaning maid in the outer courtyard, not even qualified to serve the princess closely, so how could she possibly be near the princess's food?
But Xiao Bao... her younger brother who is only eight years old, is her blood relative whom her parents held her hand tightly before they passed away and told her to take good care of him.
"Qing'er, what are you daydreaming about? The corridor in the east wing hasn't been swept yet!" the head maid shouted sternly.
Qing'er continued sweeping frantically, as if this could mask her inner turmoil and unease. However, her tears flowed uncontrollably like a burst dam.
She raised her head, her gaze involuntarily drifting towards the inner courtyard, where Princess Jiayang, Ying Wuyou, resided. Although Qing'er was merely a maidservant in the outer courtyard, she had heard of the princess's many deeds and virtuous reputation.