The negotiations reached a stalemate.

Seeing this, Zhang Tingyu spoke up at the opportune moment: "You have come from afar, and your sincerity is commendable."

How about this: the soap can be traded, but the price must be in accordance with the rules of my Great Qing Dynasty;

As for silk and porcelain, they can also be supplied in appropriate quantities.

"We could offer a discount on tea; what would your country's opinion be?"

James and his companion whispered for a moment, then forced a smile: "In that case, we are willing to accept Lord Zhang's proposal. However, the soap formula..."

Yuntang interrupted him directly: "The recipe belongs to Her Majesty the Empress, and there is absolutely no way it could be leaked! Mr. James, you should give up on that idea."

James's face darkened. After much discussion, he had no choice but to follow the Qing Dynasty's suggestion.

After the negotiations concluded, the Western delegation left in a huff.

As Yinzhi watched their retreating figures, he sneered, "These foreigners really think that our Great Qing is a fat sheep to be slaughtered."

Zhang Tingyu sighed softly, "They won't let this go easily; we need to be more vigilant in the future."

Yuntang patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "What are you afraid of? They'd fight tooth and nail for the formula to make our soap!"

---

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, after listening to the report on the negotiations, Emperor Yongzheng nodded with satisfaction: "My dear ministers, you have worked hard. Although the foreigners have temporarily backed down, I am certain they will try something else."

The imperial decree was sent to Lin Ruhai, instructing him to strengthen security at the soap workshop and report any unusual activity immediately!

"Yes." Zhang Tingyu also agreed with the Emperor's decision.

Who would have thought that such a small piece of soap would become a major target for foreigners?