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墨書 Inktalez
Xiao Luo was taken aback. Yes, what did he want to discuss with her?
"Is the Emperor asking whether to accept the goodwill of Yamataikoku?" Mei Shuang's lips curled slightly, revealing a hint of profound meaning.
Xiao Luo paused again in the act of drinking Sour Plum Soup, his dark and deep eyes flickering with surprise before he nodded, "I suppose so."
"Your Majesty, I wonder how the court officials view this issue?" Mei Shuang pressed her lips together and asked again.
In fact, the intentions of Yamataikoku were quite clear, and Xiao Luo did not hide the court officials' entanglements from Mei Shuang.
One faction argued that the Great Qin Empire was a vast nation with a large population, blessed with a favorable geographical location since ancient times, rich in resources and pastures. There was no need to lower its status by associating with a small country from the Eastern Sea. Moreover, Yamataikoku had a very poor reputation in the Eastern Sea; forming an alliance would tarnish the image of the Great Qin Empire.
Another faction believed that establishing relations with other nations was extremely important. Over the years, due to the Emperor's earlier efforts to pacify the seas, the country enjoyed prosperity. Having more friends was better than having more enemies.
As Xiao Luo considered the opinions of his ministers, Mei Shuang also had an idea in her mind. It seemed that this emperor was uncertain about whether to engage with this sorcery nation from across the Eastern Sea. The reason was clear: if one day they faced a fate similar to that of the Jiu Rang Family from the Eastern Kingdom, being caught off guard and harmed by Poison could lead to devastating consequences.
Thus, the simplest way to eliminate future troubles was not to engage at all. But why hadn’t the usually decisive Xiao Luo done so? Moreover, he even wanted to "discuss" it with her?
Mei Shuang pondered quietly. The arrival of Yamataikoku at this moment was undoubtedly premeditated. From Yamataikoku's perspective, when conquering small nations in the Eastern Sea, they hardly exerted much effort; everyone had surrendered at Queen Himiko's feet except for the Jiu Rang Family ruling over the Eastern Kingdom, which had never submitted. If there hadn’t been any powerful external forces intervening, the Jiu Rang Family would have long been captured. In fact, with Mei Ru as an insider assisting them, they successfully played a role akin to an undercover agent before the Eastern Kingdom. What secrets remained? Therefore, their purpose in coming this time was to form an alliance with the Great Qin Empire and particularly target the Jiu Rang Family-led Eastern Kingdom.
Of course, before knowing this emperor's true thoughts, she didn’t want to be overly clever and voice her opinions. After all, whether it should be accepted or not—both answers were likely ones that the emperor had already heard too many times from those court officials. What special reasoning could she provide?
"After all, everything under heaven belongs to Your Majesty; you can do as you wish..." Mei Shuang replied ambiguously.
This ambiguous statement made Xiao Luo glance sideways at her. Clever enough! She could predict the fate of the Eastern Kingdom and naturally knew about Yamataikoku's situation. Although he had made up his mind internally, he still wanted to hear her opinion. He didn’t expect this woman to have learned how to play Tai Chi.
Xiao Luo put down the Sour Plum Soup in his hands, a hint of meaning at the corner of his lips. "They have another purpose for coming here, which is to exchange Mei Ru..."
Mei Shuang became anxious upon hearing this. "What? Mei Ru has framed court officials and intends to help the fake Left Chancellor usurp power. This is a capital offense! How can we treat it lightly? And you want to let her go? This is ridiculous! Yamataikoku is utterly shameless!"
Seeing Mei Shuang so agitated, Xiao Luo understood her concerns; this was exactly the effect he wanted. With the fish on the hook, he said calmly, "I completely agree, but I also find it difficult to handle. After all, I promised Mei Ru that as long as I saved you, I would spare her life..."
"Isn't she still alive now? Your Majesty has kept your promise. But we absolutely cannot let her go. If she gets out, it will surely lead to endless troubles..." Mei Shuang frowned.
Just a moment ago, she had been dreaming of leaving the palace herself. If Mei Ru were released, wouldn't she be in constant danger outside? Moreover, she had revealed many of Mei Ru's secrets in front of her; the only secret that remained undisclosed would surely be one that Mei Ru would want to take to her grave.
Oh no! If Mei Ru really got out, it would be like a ticking time bomb for her—who knows when it might explode and leave her in ruins! The only one who could control her now was the Sovereign before her; she had to persuade him not to let Mei Ru out.
"She's just a woman; what kind of storm can she stir up?" Xiao Luo feigned indifference.
Damn it, hadn't this woman already stirred up enough trouble? In every major incident, wasn't there always her shadow?
"Although she's a woman, Your Majesty has seen her methods. Moreover, her ambition is growing; please don't be soft-hearted..."
Mei Shuang couldn't afford to be careless about matters concerning her own life. She continued, "People from Yamataikoku never play by the rules and are full of schemes. Even if Your Majesty intends to form an alliance, you must remain vigilant..."
Xiao Luo gazed at Mei Shuang and nodded after a moment. "I understand..."
Mei Shuang widened her eyes. You understand? I haven't finished speaking yet! What I mean is that Mei Ru is a typical representative of Yamatai's multitude; you absolutely cannot let her go, do you understand?
Xiao Luo noticed Mei Shuang's urgency but was not currently considering whether or not to ally with Yamatai. The real issue was how to deal with Mei Ru. Even if the envoy from Yamataikoku had not come, he still needed to consider this matter.
Mei Ru's true identity is that of a person from Yamataikoku. Although she may not be directly related by blood, her actions are undoubtedly influenced by the profound teachings of the masters from Yamataikoku. Therefore, once Mei Ru is controlled, it is only natural for someone to come demanding her. The envoy from Yamataikoku has come at this moment, and while making friends is an excuse, the real intention is to acquire talent.
As Mei Shuang said, once Mei Ru is out, she will surely be a disaster. However, at this moment, he needs to consider the overall situation.
As dinner time approached, Li Gonggong noticed that Xiao Luo had not come out for a long time, so he sent someone in with a tray filled with green headplates for the various palace concubines.
"Your Majesty, it is time to flip the plates; please, Your Majesty..."
Mei Shuang glanced over and saw that there were neatly arranged more than a dozen plates, with Consort Chen's name at the forefront, followed by others, including Shijieyu's name.
She looked at Xiao Luo, who also glanced at her before finally waving his hand. "I will have dinner here tonight; you may leave."
The Emperor's words were equivalent to rejecting any woman from the harem tonight. This made Consort Chen, who was eagerly waiting for Xiao Luo, furious enough to push a bronze mirror off the table onto the floor. With a stern face, she asked the maid beside her, "Go find out where the Emperor is staying tonight?"
After dinner was over and it was still early, Xiao Luo took Mei Shuang to a palace. When Mei Shuang looked up and saw the plaque reading "Library Pavilion," she thought it was the Emperor's collection of books.
However, upon entering, Mei Shuang felt as if she had stepped into a museum; her eyes were overwhelmed.
In the vast palace filled with Lustrous Treasures, aside from the famous calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, there were various rare treasures displayed on the wall-mounted Treasure Pavilion. There were exquisitely crafted Sheep Fat Jade Vases, rare nine-foot tall Red Corals, pure gold crafted Golden Mountains, and so on. The long table in the center was also neatly arranged with various unnamed treasures. As Mei Shuang marveled at them, she thought that any one of these items would be worth a fortune in modern times; yet they were piled here by the Emperor without even a safe to protect them.
In her heart, Mei Shuang sighed inwardly; even the Emperor was not honest. Clearly labeled as "Library Pavilion," it was actually a "Treasure Pavilion."
Xiao Luo brought Mei Shuang to a long table, where a pile of brocade boxes was neatly arranged. He gestured for Mei Shuang to open one. When she did, she exclaimed, "Wow, isn't this the legendary Night Pearl?"
The pearl was the size of an egg and appeared unremarkable at first glance, but it shimmered with a faint iridescence, especially under the current lighting, giving off a subtle glow. It was said that the brightness of such a Night Pearl at night could rival that of a few-watt light bulb.
However, what shocked Mei Shuang was not just this Night Pearl, but the fact that there were a total of twenty such Night Pearls in the boxes below.
Mei Shuang opened another box and gasped, "Is this a pearl? How can it be so big?" It was round and shiny, and there were even black pearls among them.
Mei Shuang was truly dazzled by the sight, while Xiao Luo admired her reaction instead.
In front of these treasures, the awe in her eyes revealed nothing beyond amazement; there was no hint of any additional emotions like greed.
After looking around, Xiao Luo pointed to the rare treasures inside and said to Mei Shuang, "You can choose anything you like from here."
Mei Shuang, upon hearing this, put down the Night Pearl. "I’m just looking; what would I do with these things?"
Xiao Luo was somewhat surprised. "Don’t you like them?"
Mei Shuang glanced around and shrugged. "Then let the emperor give me a Night Pearl. I can place it on my bedside at night and look at it when I wake up."
Xiao Luo nodded. "These were just delivered by the envoys from Yamataikoku. If you like one, feel free to choose."
"What?" Mei Shuang recoiled as if burned, as if that coveted Night Pearl had an Evil Aura about it. "They sent these?"
Thinking about it, it made sense; since Night Pearls came from the sea, it was not surprising that they were sent by Yamataikoku.
"Are they trying to exchange these things for Mei Ru?" Mei Shuang suddenly had an epiphany and asked.
Xiao Luo pointed to the side, and following his gaze, Mei Shuang saw a tall copper mirror standing nearby. The mirror was exquisitely crafted, with unique patterns and inlaid with various precious stones. Standing in front of the mirror, one could see a clear reflection.
"It is said that this copper mirror took a year to make," Xiao Luo said. "It has the function of warding off evil and protecting the home."
Mei Shuang remained silent. Besides this copper mirror and various rare treasures, there were also many expensive silks, which were indeed lavish gifts.
In an instant, Mei Shuang lost her mood. Judging by the emperor's expression, it seemed that accepting this gift was tantamount to agreeing to the conditions of Yamataikoku.
However, she quickly came to terms with it. The friendship between the two nations was a historical trend; how could she alone stop it?
Seeing Mei Shuang deep in thought, Xiao Luo said, "I believe that one day you will find use for these treasures. By then, you can choose whatever you like..."
On the way back, Mei Shuang thought to herself that the emperor seemed quite generous, but no matter how precious these treasures were, could they be eaten or worn? Moreover, she was not a concubine in the palace and had no need to flaunt her favor through imperial gifts.
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