After the banquet, in the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, thank you for asking me to stay."

"But these are extraordinary times, and I have to leave tonight to get back to China as soon as possible."

The tall man, now dressed in military uniform, faced Qin Ze and said respectfully.

Qin Ze gave him a deep look.

The man's name was Huffman, and he came from the Delta Federation.

Although he was only in his early thirties, his forehead was already full of wrinkles, and his face showed an undeniable weariness.

"Alright," Qin Ze nodded.

Huffman bowed, and after raising his head, he said with a grateful expression:

"Your Majesty, thank you again for your forgiveness!"

"That was the choice you made," Qin Ze said calmly, then continued:

"I hope you can end this dispute as soon as possible."

Huffman nodded, his eyes slightly reddening, and his voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes, it will end as soon as possible."

"Emperor Dingle is leading us through this difficult time; internal strife is inevitable..."

He paused slightly at this point, but then said firmly, "It will definitely end soon!"

After saying that, Huffman forced a smile onto his face:

"Once the civil war is over, Emperor Dingle will definitely come to visit you in person to express his gratitude."

Qin Ze looked at his complicated expression and slowly hummed in agreement.

Huffman reached into his pocket, rummaging through his clothes as he spoke:

"This is a gift from the Emperor to you."

As he spoke, he took out a small copper box and handed it over.

Qin Ze casually took it.

Huffman bowed deeply: "Thank you again, Your Majesty!"

"I should go back now."

Qin Ze nodded: "Okay, go back now, have a safe trip."

Huffman took a deep breath, smiled again, and turned to leave.

Just as they reached the door, Qin Ze said, "Tell Dingle that I look forward to seeing him again."

"Of course, before that, he must first fulfill his duties, end the conflict, and restore a peaceful Delta Federation."

Upon hearing this, Huffman's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

He turned around, gave a standard military salute with tears in his eyes, and then pushed open the door and left.

After he left, Qin Ze looked at the box in his hand and slowly unwrapped it.

The box did not contain any precious gold jewelry.

It's just an ordinary coin.

The front is carved with blue hibiscus flowers, and the back is carved with a soaring eagle.

However, looking at this ordinary coin, Qin Ze couldn't help but chuckle.

“It is indeed of great historical and cultural value…” he murmured.

Putting the coins back into the box, Qin Ze looked up at the door and said, "Let Queen Isabella come over."

The servant outside the door responded.

A moment later, Isabella, who had been waiting for a long time, entered the room.

Upon entering, Qin Ze was taken aback: "What's going on here?"

Wearing a red dress and sporting bright red lips, Isabella smiled and held up the exquisite gift box in her hand, saying:

"This is a champagne I've been treasuring for a long time."

"And today is a day worth celebrating, so I think we should have a drink together."

Qin Ze's lips twitched, and he said seriously, "The banquet is over, Isabella."

Isabella, however, opened the gift box herself, took out the bottle of champagne and the two glasses inside, and blinked as she said:

"Your Majesty, I brought this especially for you. Let's drink and chat."

"This has always been the case in my country."

Qin Ze rolled his eyes and shook his head repeatedly: "This is my country now."

Isabella smiled brightly, pulled out the cork, and said, "You're right, but I just asked, and your country has the same custom."

“So, I don’t think you’ll find this abrupt.” As she spoke, Isabella poured a small glass of wine and handed it to Qin Ze.

Seeing the expectant look in her eyes, Qin Ze didn't refuse and took it, saying:

"Sit down and let's talk."

"Regarding your previous proposal to purchase military equipment, that is impossible, no matter how much gold you offer."

Isabella, however, did not show any disappointment. She simply nodded, smiled, and raised her glass, saying:

"Homage to our great and benevolent Emperor."

Qin Ze's face twitched slightly as he said, "This is a private meeting, so let's skip the formalities."

“Okay.” Isabella smiled and nodded.

The two raised their glasses to each other and took a small sip.

——

——

Three days later, at Nanze Port.

"Waaah!"

With a melodious whistle, the Seraphim slowly sailed away from the dock.

On deck, Isabella gazed longingly at the harbor, while beside her, Eddington remarked with emotion:

"Your Majesty, although we did not reach any deals with the Yan Kingdom this time, we still gained quite a lot."

"At least we have gained a better understanding of this powerful country."

"Their military strength is indeed far superior to ours, and culturally, well... I have to be honest, it's equally amazing."

“Yes, it’s a remarkable country.” Isabella nodded slightly, offering her sincere approval.

James, standing nearby, was somewhat indignant and muttered under his breath, "Hmph, these guys are so rude. We sent so many gifts, and they didn't even acknowledge them."

"And they're unwilling to share their industrial technology..."

Before he could finish speaking, Isabella glared at him fiercely: "Shut up, James!"

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