[Liu Bang's birth year is said to be 256 BC, while another says 247 BC. The previous text used 247 BC, but it has now been changed back to 256 BC!]
Xiong Yuan felt there was nothing wrong with this move, and that the State of Chu could even benefit from it. However, he did not respond immediately, but instead turned his attention to his seven most trusted confidants.
Huang Xie and the others didn't bother with pretense. They whispered among themselves in front of the wicked husband before finally nodding to Xiong Yuan.
Xiong Yuan immediately beamed with joy: "Then let's do as the Grand Commandant says. I will issue a royal decree to establish officials specifically for trade with Qin and to carry out mutual trade."
"However, are those trade certificates truly foolproof and immune to forgery?"
"Don't worry, I guarantee that no one in the world can forge this!" The wicked man patted his chest, making a solemn promise with a face full of righteous indignation, but secretly he was overjoyed.
Indeed, no one can fake it, because... he will become the biggest counterfeiter.
Everything he did was simply to short the Chu state. If any common people followed suit, it wouldn't matter; whether it was a little more or a little less, it would at least improve people's livelihoods.
Huang Xie and the others were still somewhat worried about this, but after all, the identity and reputation of the wicked husband were there, like a golden signboard, so they probably wouldn't do anything to ruin his reputation.
It's true that people in ancient times valued their reputation. It's not that there weren't people who went back on their word, but they were bound by the title of "gentleman." Those in high positions and with great power cherished their reputation, so people tended to trust their words.
However, they encountered a wicked husband who believed in selfishness. He was ruthless towards those who were not family, which doomed the Chu Kingdom to a tragic end.
"I have faith in the Grand Commandant's abilities and methods!" Xiong Yuan's words were perfectly apt; his thoughts were that simple.
The Qin state was stronger than the Chu state. If the evil man were to personally lead his troops to invade Chu, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he could enter an empty land. If he really had any ulterior motives, why would he go through all this trouble?
Conquering a few cities of Chu would bring wealth much faster and in greater quantities. Why use trade as an excuse to cover up a conspiracy, and why incur costs and consequences?
In his opinion, Huang Xie and the others were being overly cautious, completely failing to grasp the current situation, and genuinely believing that the two countries were on equal footing.
These people are so caught up in intrigue and scheming that they sometimes complicate simple things, which is completely unnecessary.
"Come, Grand Commandant, please!" Xiong Yuan raised his wine cup and said with a smile, "Have a little drink. The Grand Commandant should be returning to Qin with Mi Ji soon, so please don't let wine delay you."
Xiong Yuan's smile was somewhat forced. He was truly terrified by his wicked husband's drinking yesterday. He had lived for decades and had seen all kinds of people.
But I have never seen such a beast as this wicked man, who drinks like a cow drinking water and knocks out all the officials in the court.
"Haha, Your Majesty is right. I should go back and report now, lest my king think I've run off with the Queen!" The wicked husband laughed heartily, rarely cracking a joke.
Huang Xie and the others were startled upon hearing this. Even if they knew it was a joke, no subject would dare to speak such nonsense. This showed that the relationship between the wicked man and Ying Zheng was indeed more exaggerated than the rumors suggested.
Upon hearing this, Xiong Yuan's eyes lit up. On one hand, he felt that the relationship between the ruler and his subject was so good that he dared to say such impolite words. He thought that there must be no problem with the promise made by the wicked husband. At least Ying Zheng would not refute the wicked husband's face.
On the other hand, it also served as a reminder to him that the wicked man's status in Qin was far higher than others thought, so why not arrange a marriage alliance with him as well?
Thus, with both young men from Qin standing at the pinnacle of power accompanied by women from Chu, the relationship between the two states was guaranteed to become even more stable.
Thinking of this, Xiong Yuan suddenly asked, "Grand Commandant, you are young and promising. Do you have a woman you admire, or are you engaged?"
"No, I'm a bachelor. Women would only slow me down when I draw my sword!" the wicked husband blurted out without thinking.
Upon hearing this, Xiong Yuan was secretly delighted; this was exactly the answer he had been hoping for. He immediately suggested, "In that case, why not consider a woman from Chu? If we could forge an alliance between Qin and Chu, wouldn't that be a blessing for both countries, strengthening ties even further?"
The wicked man's face turned green upon hearing this. He knew Xiong Yuan's intentions and could not refuse directly. He could only pretend to be deep in thought: "I appreciate Your Majesty's suggestion, but I am not yet of age and need to assist the King of Qin in the affairs of the country and the world. As for personal feelings, there is no need to rush."
Upon hearing this, Xiong Yuan was slightly disappointed, but he couldn't force the issue. He could only shake his head and sigh, "If the Grand Commandant is interested in marriage, he should first consider the women of my Chu Kingdom. They are all gentle and charming, and I can guarantee you will be satisfied!"
The wicked man smiled faintly and didn't reply.
Seeing Xiong Yuan chatting happily with the wicked man, Huang Xie and the others had doubts but no way to interrupt.
Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, Xiong Yuan proposed, "Today's banquet will not discuss state affairs, but only serve as a farewell feast for the Grand Commandant. Bring forth songs and dances!"
At Xiong Yuan's command, court musicians and dancers took to the stage one after another, and the banquet was filled with laughter and joy. Behind this, however, lay a complex web of power struggles and schemes between the states of Chu and Qin.
After a satisfying meal, it was noon.
"Your Majesty, the time has come!" Cao Zhen entered the palace and saw Xiong Yuan and the wicked man still chatting idly, so he gently reminded them, "The Grand Commandant's journey should not be delayed any longer."
Xiong Yuan then came to his senses and realized the urgency of the situation. He quickly stood up, cupped his hands to the wicked man, and said, "Grand Commandant, I have thoroughly enjoyed today's banquet, but matters of state are of utmost importance, so I will not stay any longer. Please convey my greetings to the King of Qin and hope that the friendship between our two countries will last forever."
The wicked man rose to return the greeting, smiling, "Your Majesty is too kind. Today's meeting has been a great honor for me. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will convey your greetings and ensure Lady Mi's safe arrival in Qin."
As Xiong Yuan and the wicked man bid farewell, the atmosphere in the palace became solemn. Although Huang Xie still had doubts, seeing the harmonious exchange between the King and the Grand Commandant, he had to temporarily set aside his unease.
The wicked man assured Xiong Yuan again, "Your Majesty, I will make arrangements immediately upon my return to ensure the smooth progress of trade between our two countries. Please wait patiently for the arrival of my Qin envoy."
"I trust the Grand Commandant, so please go ahead and do it. The State of Chu will fully cooperate." Xiong Yuan nodded in satisfaction. He believed in the wicked man's abilities and in the sincerity of the State of Qin.
However, he did not know that all of this was just a carefully planned game by the wicked man, and that the State of Chu was gradually walking into the trap he had set.
"Come, I'll see you off!"
Xiong Yuan valued the wicked husband highly, patted him on the shoulder, and ordered Cao Zhen to quickly summon all civil and military officials, as he wanted to personally go out of the city to see the wicked husband off.
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