Chapter 405 The Robust Imperial Consort 16 (2/2)

"Can."

"But we have one more condition."

Sangji nodded readily.

"speak."

"I've heard that the soaps and perfumes produced by your country's Crown Princess are incredibly profitable."

"The manufacturing methods of these industries, as well as the related trade routes, must be transferred to our country in their entirety."

"make a deal."

Xiao Fengye acted almost without hesitation.

Ignoring her astonishment at the seemingly modern inventions of soap and perfume, Lin Wan'er gently tugged at Lin Tian's sleeve.

"And...and more! After this is done, we must abolish this absurd matriarchal system! We must establish men as the supreme rulers! I...I want to be the prime minister, and my sister will be a princess!"

Lin Tian understood and quickly added.

The envoy from Sanji looked at Lin Tian strangely, as if he had heard something extremely ridiculous, but did not reply. Instead, he looked at Xiao Fengye.

"The system is a matter of national foundation and requires long-term consideration."

"I will never forget Young Master Lin's contributions."

Xiao Fengye sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, hoping to dismiss Lin Tian with a mere promise.

Lin Wan'er wanted to say something, but Lin Tian, ​​as if reassured, stopped her with a smug look on his face.

"In that case, Your Highness, please use the seal."

"The warriors of my Liuyan Kingdom's warships are already itching for battle!"

The envoy from Sanji stood up and took out a contract made of special fish skin from his bosom.

Xiao Fengye took out his personal seal and stamped it without hesitation.

*

A month later, urgent reports from the border flooded into the capital like snowflakes.

"Your Majesty! Urgent dispatch! The Liuyan Kingdom's navy has launched a surprise attack on Wanghai City in the East Sea. The garrison commander has mutinied, the city gates have been opened, and Wanghai City has fallen!"

"Urgent military report! The Liuyan Kingdom's army has landed and captured the cities of Linyuan and Baisha in succession! The defending troops fought desperately, but were outnumbered and perished!"

"Breaking news! Enemy troops are advancing directly towards Jinzhou, a major inland city! The three coastal prefectures have fallen, and countless people have been displaced or killed!"

The atmosphere in the Golden Palace was as heavy as if a lead weight were pressing down on you.

The Empress's face was ashen, and her fingers, gripping the military report tightly, turned slightly white from the force.

The Emperor stood to one side, his brows furrowed.

The civil and military officials below were in an uproar.

"Three cities lost in just ten months! This...this is an utter disgrace!"

An old minister beat his chest and stamped his feet in frustration.

"The barbarians of Liuyan, with their wolfish ambitions! How dare they invade the territory of our Celestial Empire!"

"What are the border troops doing?! Why are they so easily defeated?!"

"I've heard...I've heard that the enemy knows our defenses inside and out, and they always manage to hit our vitals. I'm afraid...I'm afraid there's a traitor within our own ranks!"

Panic and suspicion spread through the court.

Soon, another voice began to emerge.

"Your Majesty! The Liuyan Kingdom has come with great force and is well-prepared, and it is clear that they have inside help."

"Our dynasty has enjoyed peace for a long time, but our navy is weak. If we hastily engage in battle, we fear we will have little chance of victory. In my opinion, it would be better to... better to temporarily avoid their sharp edge, first offer them gold and silver to negotiate peace, stabilize the situation, and then make further plans..."

The Vice Minister of War, a female official known for her composure, stepped forward, bowed, and spoke in a solemn tone.

"absurd!"

"The enemy's iron hooves have trampled our land and slaughtered our people. What difference is there between negotiating peace now and surrendering?! It will only embolden the bandits and make our dynasty lose face!"

General Ling was furious, his voice booming like a bell.