As a result, Xu Shi casually said a sentence that was enough to fill the hole completely.
This isn't a kid's allowance! Are you really that rich?!
Oh, your city-states don't use gold and silver... But that's not really a reason. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. In the City of Night Sin, that might not matter, but aren't you still within the territory of the Hualan Empire?
If it were her, Dongfang Xiao would never believe she would have that kind of courage.
"Second, I am willing to regard our relationship as an alliance, so once we become allies, Miss Dongfang's enemies will be my enemies."
Ignoring her surprise, Xu Shi leisurely raised another finger, "For example... Cheng Gujian."
To be honest, this condition is much more tempting than the first one. Judging from the model of the Hualan Empire, the gains and losses of money are only temporary and will not really cause major financial problems.
But the little queen calmed down upon hearing this.
"...Why did you choose me?"
The rise and fall of her hem returned to calm, and she asked very seriously.
This was a question that had always intrigued her. From an outsider's perspective, it seemed more advantageous to cooperate with a powerful minister and a powerless, mascot-like empress.
But she noticed it from their very first meeting: Xu Shi seemed to favor her the most, which made her wonder.
"Didn't I tell you? Your situation is very similar to mine."
Xu Shiqing shrugged, “So I can understand what Miss Dongfang is thinking… Take this matter for example, if the royal family really handles it entirely, I think people will be grateful to Cheng Gujian. On the contrary, if the royal court stands idly by, people will be cursing you.”
“If you were a hopeless case, this wouldn’t matter. But I know very well that you have your own ideas and ambitions. It’s just that there’s always a mountain weighing you down. No matter how great your ambitions are, how much of them can you actually realize?”
Dongfang Xiao didn't know who A Dou was, but he could understand what he meant. Hearing him say that naturally made him feel bad, and he unconsciously bit his upper lip.
The truth is always swift and decisive. What Xu Shi said, even if not exactly the same as her life, could be said to be quite similar.
Her father, the former emperor of the empire, died young. She does not deny that she ascended the throne at a young age. Before his death, her father arranged for Cheng Gujian to assist in governing, which was also out of his love for her.
But now she is twenty-one years old! She has been sitting on the throne for fourteen years, and her mentality is completely different from what it was back then. The more she relied on Cheng Gujian before, the more she now resents him.
Often, her decrees simply couldn't be implemented. A casual remark like "His Majesty is still young and needs more training" could completely negate her ideas. Who could tolerate that?
Don't say she wasn't completely sidelined. For an emperor, even losing a little bit of power can cause sleepless nights.
But what could she do? Over the years, most people in the court trusted Cheng Gujian more than she did. She didn't even dare to ask, "When will the Grand Duke return power to her?" Who knew what would happen if she asked?
All she seems to be able to do is continue playing the role of a mascot, appearing innocent and basking in everyone's praise... But thinking about it carefully, are all the praises truly from the heart? Who knows how many people are mocking her behind her back?
"Miss Dongfang, have you ever heard of a canary?"
Xu Shi seemed to ignore all of this and continued to say, "A beautiful little bird with glossy feathers and a melodious voice, loved by everyone, can only live in a golden cage for its entire life. Once it tries to see the outside world, it will only end up with a bloody head."
“I feel like I’m in a similar situation to you… Here, have a little gift for you.”
As he spoke, he magically produced a beautifully carved little bird and placed it on her desk.
"Get out of my way! I don't need it!"
Upon seeing this small ornament, Dongfang Xiao instantly lost his mind. He frantically swept his sleeve, knocking it to the ground and smashing it to pieces. Other items on the table also clattered and fell to the ground.
Xu Shi probably brought this out just to fit the occasion; frankly, it was just a coincidence. But Cheng Gujian had given her a similar "gift" before, and even the material was the same sea god stone.
At this moment, she truly lost control of her emotions, and the elegant and dignified little empress instantly transformed into a blushing shrew.
"...I apologize, Mr. Xu. I was a little out of line just now. Please don't take offense."
After catching her breath for a while, she finally came to her senses as if waking from a dream. "Go on," she said.
"Um."
Xu Shi didn't care at all; he didn't care what he gave as long as the gesture was there—but now it seems that it was much more than that, the effect was even better than he expected.
So, my recent improvement is quite significant. My words carry the influence of "increasing the entropy of malice," and even if the other party is immune, it is still effective if it hits their sore spot.
"Just helping you deal with Cheng Gujian might not be enough, right? Besides the royal family, there's also the Papacy... As for the empire itself, you can take a look at this."
He then showed several more pictures of Silver Pine Island, which is currently experiencing rapid development.
“I think Miss Dongfang knows better than I do that the Hualan Empire needs a revolution right now, and that’s something that probably only I can bring to you.”
That's right. Launching an economic war would be too low-level if it were just for retaliation. What's more important is to convey to Dongfang Xiao the more advanced concepts and technologies of Night City. These things are more valuable than mountains of gold and silver.
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