The following day, at the post station in the capital, members of the Western mission sat in the hall early in the morning to discuss their next move.

The shock of yesterday's banquet had not yet subsided, especially the Queen's fluent English and sharp words, which were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing their arrogance.

James put down his wine glass and broke the silence: "Gentlemen, you must have all felt it at yesterday's banquet—the Qing Dynasty is unfathomable!"

We must readjust our strategy.

Charles frowned, his fingers tracing the porcelain he had stolen from the banquet: "The Queen is fully aware of our intentions. It seems we can no longer try to obtain technology through indirect means."

John, one of the accompanying merchants, scoffed, "Are we just going to go back empty-handed? The East India Company won't accept that!"

James raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet: "Calm down. Since the covert approach isn't working, let's do it openly—under the guise of trade, to secure the greatest possible benefit."

He unfolded a list filled with their goals for the trip.

"Soap, silk, porcelain, and tea are all rare items in the West, especially soap. If we can bring back the formula, it will be enough for us to gain a foothold in London."

"But will the Qing Dynasty agree so easily?" Charles asked worriedly. "The emperor of the Qing Dynasty is clearly not an easy opponent."

A sly glint flashed in James's eyes: "We can trade them something they're interested in—like steam engine technology or the latest nautical charts. Although the Qing Dynasty is powerful, it still has an interest in Western technology."

The crowd began to whisper among themselves, some in agreement and others in disagreement.

Ultimately, James made the decision: "When we have formal negotiations tomorrow, let's test their bottom line first."

"Remember, our goal is to acquire goods from the Qing Dynasty at low prices and establish a long-term partnership. This will allow us to maintain a long-term presence in the Qing Dynasty and obtain firsthand intelligence!"

---

at the same time.

After the morning court session, Yongzheng summoned his trusted ministers to discuss the upcoming negotiations.

Zhang Tingyu, Ortai, Yinzhi, Yintang and other important officials stood on both sides, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Yongzheng put down the secret report in his hand and said calmly, "You all must already know the true intentions of the Western mission on this trip."

They ostensibly seek trade cooperation, but in reality, they covet the technology and wealth of our Great Qing Dynasty. What good strategies do you gentlemen have?

Zhang Tingyu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, foreigners are greedy by nature and will surely make exorbitant demands during negotiations."

"In my opinion, soap, silk, and porcelain are unique to our Great Qing Dynasty and must be sold at high prices; we must not easily concede."

Yuntang nodded in agreement: "What Lord Zhang said is absolutely right. Especially soap, Westerners have been coveting it for a long time. If it is sold at a low price, it will only make them feel that they have an opportunity to take advantage of it."

After a moment's thought, Ortai added, "The price of tea can be appropriately relaxed."

After all, tea trees cover the mountains and fields, and apart from labor, there aren't many costs. If we can open up their market with tea, in the long run, it will be more beneficial to our Great Qing.”

Yongzheng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "What you all say is exactly what I thought."

He then turned to Zhang Tingyu, saying, "Tingyu, you have always been steady and reliable. During the negotiations, you should mediate and make sure that the foreigners feel that we have done everything we can."

Zhang Tingyu bowed and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

In the corner, Hongyao sat quietly on a small stool, his hands supporting his chin, listening intently to the adults' discussion.

Although he was young, he was intelligent from a young age and had long understood that this negotiation was related to the face and interests of the Qing Dynasty.

When Yongzheng caught a glimpse of him, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, but he did not let him participate. He simply waved his hand and said, "It's getting late. Everyone, go back and make preparations. There will be a tough battle to fight tomorrow."

After the officials took their leave, Yongzheng walked to Hongyao's side and patted his head: "What did you learn today?"

Hongyao looked up and said earnestly, "Father, I understand. Negotiation is like playing chess. You must see through the other party's intentions and also keep your own cards hidden."

Emperor Yongzheng laughed heartily: "Good lad, you've made progress!"

He took Hongyao's hand. "Let's go, it's time to rest. There's more to see tomorrow."

---

The negotiations officially began the following day in the main hall of the Ministry of Rites.

The Western mission was led by James, while the Qing Dynasty was represented by Yinzhi, Yintang, and Zhang Tingyu.

The two sides sat on opposite sides of the long table, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

James spoke first, a beaming smile on his face: "Your Highness, we have come here hoping to establish closer trade relations with the Qing Dynasty. What proposals does your country have in this regard?"

Yun Si's expression suddenly turned cold. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and did not reply.

Yuntang smiled and said, "Mr. James, our Great Qing Dynasty is rich in resources. I wonder what your country would like to buy?"

James was overjoyed, thinking that the other party had relented, and quickly said, "Soap, silk and porcelain are all goods that we are extremely interested in."

Especially soap; the East India Company was willing to pay generous sums if it could be supplied at a reasonable price on a long-term basis.

Yuntang feigned surprise: "Soap? Although this is common in our Great Qing, its production process is complex and its output is limited, so it is probably quite expensive."

James frowned, about to retort, when Charles interjected, "Your Highness, we can exchange it for the latest Western technology, such as steam engine technology, or more advanced navigation instruments."

Yinzhi snorted coldly and put down his teacup: "Steam engine? My Great Qing has long mastered this technology, why should we exchange it with you?"

James thought that if he presented the steam engine, the other party would definitely compromise, but little did he know that the Qing Dynasty's major acquisition upon its return was the latest steam engine blueprints.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!