in2ebook Chapter 515 Meeting with Xiang Yan
Chapter 515 Meeting with Xiang Yan
"Jiayang, the Chu envoy Xiang Yan will arrive tomorrow, and he specifically requests to see you by name." Ying Zheng's voice carried a hint of displeasure. "This time, he claims to be representing the King of Chu to formally protest, accusing us of manipulating Chu's agriculture."
Ying Wuyou rose and bowed: "Father, this was expected. The sugarcane strategy has been implemented for two years, and the reduction in Chu's grain production has reached a critical point."
"Many ministers in the court believe that this move damages Qin's credibility." Ying Zheng's gaze sharpened. "You promised that the economic zone would benefit all countries, but now grain prices in Chu are soaring, and the people are complaining. Is this what you call 'mutual benefit'?"
Ying Wuyou calmly replied, "Father, you are wise. The economic zone has indeed brought great profits to the merchants of Chu, and sugarcane cultivation has also greatly increased the income of the people of Chu. The food shortage is because the King of Chu failed to adjust his policies and stockpile food in time, and it is not the fault of our Great Qin."
Ying Zheng gazed at his daughter for a moment, then suddenly smiled slightly: "What a fine 'not the fault of my Great Qin.' So, in your opinion, how should we deal with this now?"
"Your subject suggests that, on the one hand, we should open the border grain market and sell grain to the State of Chu under the guise of 'aid' to quell public discontent; on the other hand, we should raise the standards for purchasing sugarcane so that only the highest quality sugarcane can fetch a high price."
A sharp glint flashed in Ying Wuyou's eyes. "In this way, Chu farmers will become more dependent on the Qin market, while we will obtain more high-quality sugarcane for sugar production, and our profits will actually increase."
Ying Zheng laughed loudly: "Excellent! Kill two birds with one stone! It will not only demonstrate the grandeur of my Great Qin, but also give me real control over the economy of Chu. Let's do it this way!"
As they were talking, Zhou Xun hurriedly entered the hall, holding a scroll of secret reports: "Your Majesty, Princess, the envoy from Chu is Prime Minister Xiang Yan. He brought three cartloads of books as gifts, saying they were presented by the King of Chu. However, according to the secret report, Xiang Yan's entourage includes several soldiers, unlike an ordinary delegation."
Ying Wuyou took the secret report and his gaze fell on the two characters "Xiang Yan".
She looked up at Ying Zheng, her tone resolute: "Xiang Yan's visit is ostensibly for the economic zone, but in reality, it's to probe our strengths and weaknesses. Your subject requests permission to handle the situation independently during our audience tomorrow."
Looking at the sharpness in her eyes, Ying Zheng suddenly recalled how she had looked two years ago in Zhangtai Palace, holding the economic zone planning map and saying, "Business warfare can also subdue the enemy." At that time, the whole court laughed at her for her unrealistic ideas, but now no one dared to underestimate this "woman's strategy."
"Granted." Ying Zheng patted her shoulder. "Meng Tian will accompany you tomorrow. Don't back down if anything happens; your father is here."
After Ying Zheng left, Cui'er brought in freshly warmed tea. Seeing Ying Wuyou still staring at the data on the newspaper, she whispered, "Princess, if Xiang Yan's visit is ill-intentioned..."
Ying Wuyou picked up her teacup, the steam blurring her features: "Good and evil are both part of the game. I want Xiang Yan to understand that if the economic zone exists, the people of Chu can live in peace and happiness; if the economic zone perishes, famine will surely strike Chu."
She looked out the window; the morning mist had dissipated, and the rising sun was shining on the palace walls. Xiang Yan's arrival tomorrow was merely one step in this economic game. What she wanted was not temporary trade, but rather to gradually place the livelihood, trade routes, and lifeline of Chu in Qin's hands—when the time was right, Chu would naturally belong to Qin.
His fingertips landed on the "Daqin Economic Daily" again, and Ying Wuyou added a line to the blank space: "When the Chu envoy arrives, treat him with courtesy and repay him accordingly." The ink was vivid, like a chess piece placed on a board, waiting for the opponent's response.
The Princess's Mansion in Xianyang City had its vermilion gates tightly shut, with two imposing stone lions standing guard before them. Inside, pavilions and towers were scattered in a harmonious arrangement, shaded by lush trees and blooming with vibrant flowers. In the main hall, Ying Wuyou, whose baby fat had gradually faded, sat regally in the main seat, her small figure appearing even more petite against the backdrop of the large chair.
Ying Wuyou was dressed in a dark, flowing robe, her appearance as ethereal as a fairy. Her hair was styled in double buns, each adorned with a jade hairpin, making her look even more charming and adorable. However, contrary to her youthful appearance, her eyes revealed a composure and wisdom beyond her years.
Just then, Xiang Yan entered the hall. He was tall and imposing, his magnificent robes further emphasizing his noble status. When his gaze fell upon Ying Wuyou, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He hadn't expected that Princess Jiayang, who had repeatedly devised ingenious strategies in the Qin Dynasty, was actually such a young girl.
Xiang Yan composed himself, bowed respectfully, and said in a clear voice, "Your subject Xiang Yan, by order of the King of Chu, has come to pay his respects to Princess Jiayang." His voice was deep and magnetic, echoing in the spacious main hall.
Ying Wuyou nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her voice was clear and melodious, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "Prime Minister Xiang, please rise. Please take a seat."
Cui'er gently moved a seat over and placed it in front of Xiang Yan. Upon seeing this, Xiang Yan bowed slightly, then slowly straightened his sleeves and sat down calmly.
As the prime minister and general of the State of Chu, he had experienced countless storms and challenges throughout his life. However, at this moment, when he faced the little princess of the State of Qin, he was at a loss for words.
Just as Xiang Yan hesitated slightly, Ying Wuyou's voice came like a clear spring: "Prime Minister Xiang has come from afar and must be tired from your journey. There's no need for such formalities." Her tone was calm and natural, making people feel very friendly.
Before long, Cui'er and several other maids entered carrying trays of exquisite pastries. These pastries were tempting in color and had a fragrant aroma; most of them were maltose and sweets made from sugarcane, a specialty of the Chu Kingdom.
"General Xiang, please try these snacks made from sugarcane," Ying Wuyou said softly with a smile. "I have heard that the King of Chu is currently very worried about the food problem, and I deeply regret this. Therefore, I have petitioned my father to open the grain market on the border to help the State of Chu overcome this difficulty."
Xiang Yan looked at the exquisite pastries before him, his expression complex. He didn't touch his chopsticks, but gazed at Ying Wuyou, slowly saying, "Your Highness's kindness is appreciated. However, what the King of Chu wants to know is why Qin merchants only use gold and silver to buy sugarcane, and don't allow them to exchange it for grain? Also, why does Qin instruct Chu farmers to switch to sugarcane cultivation, without informing them that this would lead to food shortages?"
Ying Wuyou seemed to have anticipated Xiang Yan's question. She feigned surprise and replied, "General Xiang, you're mistaken. The Qin merchants bought sugarcane because Chu's sugarcane is of excellent quality and widely loved. As for farmers switching to sugarcane, it's because it brings higher profits. These are normal phenomena in a market economy; everyone is buying and selling voluntarily. Where is there any 'manipulation' involved?"
She gently pushed a ledger aside; the tax revenue Chu had earned through the economic zone over the past two years had increased by a staggering 300%. The King of Chu could have used that money to buy grain from other states; why blame free trade?
Xiang Yan was speechless for a moment, and his face turned ugly.
“Of course,” Ying Wuyou said in a softened tone, “Qin, as a friendly state, will not stand idly by while the people of Chu starve. We have prepared 30,000 shi of grain to sell to Chu at a friendly price. At the same time, I have ordered Qin merchants to raise their sugarcane purchase standards and only buy the best sugarcane to prevent farmers from blindly expanding their planting.”