But Mao Wenlong was cunning and delayed for several days. Only after Li Qingquan had produced a considerable amount of money and property did he summon him and announce his decision to him face to face: "I have concluded my consultation with General Gou and will submit a report to the court explaining the situation in Korea and the truth behind the new king's succession."

Raising his hand to stop Li Qingquan from bowing and thanking him, Mao Wenlong continued, "We are explaining the whole story to the court on behalf of the new king, all for the sake of the great plan of exterminating slavery. However, the success of this plan also depends on the Denglai Governor, Lord Yuan."

Li Qingquan nodded vigorously, bowed humbly, and said, "Thank you, Marshal Mao, for your guidance. My king also knows that Master Yuan is the Imperial Tutor, a position of great power, and his words carry great weight with the Emperor of Heaven."

"That's good to know." Mao Wenlong pondered for a moment and said, "At present, Lord Yuan's proposal is not beneficial to your country. When you go to Denglai to pay your respects, you must be careful."

Li Qingquan gave a wry smile and nodded, "I believe that after Lord Yuan understands the situation, he, like Marshal Mao, will consider the overall situation and not be stubborn."

Mao Wenlong smiled, but made no comment on Yuan Keli. Instead, he bowed towards the capital and said, "Long live the wise and mighty Lord. If you run into any setback with Lord Yuan, make a good argument in the capital. There's a chance things will turn around."

Li Qingquan nodded repeatedly, and bowed his hands in humility and admiration, saying, "The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is wise and will definitely make the decision for our country."

In reality, Mao Wenlong didn't know the emperor's inclinations, but judging by his policies and actions over the past year or so, he was certainly not a pedantic person. This year was also the year of the counterattack set by the emperor, so it was impossible for him to disrupt the overall situation.

After chatting for a few more words, Mao Wenlong sent Li Qingquan away and arranged for a large navy ship to take him to Denglai.

According to the relationship between the Ming Dynasty and its vassal states, Yuan Keli held the imperial seal and controlled the Dongjiang River, and also had great power over Korea.

Therefore, Li Qingquan had to follow the procedures, first speaking in favor of Mao Wenlong, then seeking Yuan Keli's support. Once he arrived in the capital of the Ming Dynasty, he could work some more connections, and the request for the title would be almost complete.

Li Qingquan and others boarded a large navy ship and arrived at Miaodao Island outside Dengzhou City with trepidation.

When Teacher Yuan received the report, he became angry and ordered that the Korean envoys were not allowed to enter the water city gate, and that the military equipment carried by the Koreans be inspected and stored on the ships, and not allowed to be carried with them.

The Korean envoys who were turned away could only wait for Mr. Yuan to calm down and wait obediently on Miaodao Island.

Li Mincheng, the clerk of the Korean delegation, was also a strange person. Not only was he not depressed or worried, he also looked at the beautiful scenery of Dengzhou Water City Gate and described it vividly.

"The Water City Gate is the gateway for boats to enter and exit the outer north city. The city walls stand tall, and the water washes over the city walls. The flying pavilion sits on a cliff, overlooking the vast ocean. It is truly a magnificent sight."

Li Mincheng also found Miaodao, where he was imprisoned, breathtakingly beautiful. "Peaks linger around it, surrounding it on both sides. Sandbanks stretch for dozens of miles... Smoke towers are set up at the peaks where you can see the view. Farms and agricultural tents are everywhere. Merchant ships and warships are anchored near the shore innumerable numbers."

Needless to say, this guy is quite cultured. At least, the Ming Emperor Zhu Youxiao felt inferior to him.

After three days of ignoring the Korean envoys, Yuan finally received the Korean delegation. The chief envoy, Li Qingquan, was extremely respectful and humble. He bowed repeatedly and addressed them as "Master" before presenting Yuan with his credentials.

Teacher Yuan's expression remained sullen, unmoved by the delegation's politeness and demeanor. He immediately asked, "Is your old king still alive?"

Li Qingquan quickly bowed and replied, "Where is the old king of the small country?"

Teacher Yuan snorted barely audibly and asked, "Does the old king have a son? Where is he?"

"There is a son who now lives with the old king."

"I heard that the old king is dead, how dare you lie to me?" Yuan Keli looked directly at Li Qingquan with a fierce look.

Li Qingquan quickly defended himself, "How can that be possible? I hope you will not believe the rumors. You can also send someone to the small country to investigate."

Seeing that Li Qingquan didn't seem to be faking it, Yuan Keli couldn't help but ponder for a moment before saying, "But the military deployment is real. Could it be that the old king has abdicated himself?"

Li Qingquan explained, "The previous king's misconduct led to this change. The details are contained in the petition, and your Excellency will understand it after reading it. All our subjects, both great and small, now support the new king. Furthermore, Princess Zhaojing has given the new king authority over state affairs. This is the will of heaven, and he will naturally restore his throne."

Yuan Keli felt helpless, knowing it was too late to intervene, but still holding onto a glimmer of hope, he asked, "Is your country stable?"

"On the day of the rebellion, the market was in chaos, and the court and the people were at peace. Moreover, General Mao was stationed in our country. If there was any suspicion, how could he protect a small country and deceive the court?"

Li Qingquan was no fool. He had discussed the matter many times and reached a consensus on his position. He did not want to give the Qing Dynasty an excuse to launch an army to punish them. By bringing up Mao Wenlong, he was also telling Yuan Keli that Dongjiang Town was leaning towards them.

Yuan Keli lowered his eyes, thought for a while, nodded gently, and said, "I understand. You can retreat and wait for orders."

Li Qingquan and others bowed again and retreated respectfully.

Yuan Keli watched the envoys leave, then took up the petition and the letter of credence and read them over, shaking his head and sighing. He knew that things had come to this point, and for the sake of the greater good, he had no choice but to accept the situation.

Zhang Keda, the general of Dengzhen, was beside Yuan Keli. Seeing Yuan's reluctance, he couldn't help but say, "Dongjiangzhen is currently harassing the Jiannu, and it might be difficult to withdraw troops. Dengzhen does have two divisions of troops who can go and provide assistance."

Yuan Keli shook his head again and said slowly, "From the letter I received, I can see that their sincerity in obedience is no different from before. The courtesy they will receive should be no less than before. Your Majesty is eager to pacify Liao. To share His Majesty's worries, I can only settle for the next best option for the greater good."

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