The fact that the Jin Kingdom took the initiative to send envoys shows that the Jin Kingdom was more anxious about this matter than the Chu Kingdom.
As a result, Lu Xingzhou and Wang Wentian were no longer in a hurry and just waited for more people from the Jin Kingdom to come.
Fang Zhiran was a little worried and asked, "If we don't go and the Jin Kingdom doesn't send anyone, will we just keep dragging it out?"
Lu Xingzhou glanced at him, smiled and said nothing.
Wang Wentian explained, "Delaying at this time is a psychological tactic. If they're not anxious, then neither are we. If they are anxious, we'll have the upper hand. Even if they keep dragging it out, Da Chu won't be afraid. Just wait patiently, and Prince Yi will make his own arrangements."
But King Yi would not tell Fang Zhiran what arrangements he had made, so Fang Zhiran had no choice but to shut up in disappointment.
Fang Zhiran returned to the tent, feeling indescribably depressed.
Before Lu Xingzhou came, Wang Wentian still valued him very much. After all, he was hardworking and persevering in the military camp. He had also made great contributions in the peace talks with the Jin Kingdom during the recovery of Luancheng. Therefore, Wang Wentian would discuss any matters in the army with him.
But now that Lu Xingzhou is here, Wang Wentian discusses many things with Lu Xingzhou and does not come to Fang Zhiran.
This made Fang Zhiran feel very disappointed and even more unwilling to accept it.
Fang Zhiran felt from the bottom of his heart that Lu Xingzhou was just like himself. He had never been on the battlefield before and had no practical experience. However, he had climbed up step by step from the bottom, while Lu Xingzhou could rise to the top overnight by relying on his status as a prince.
Why?
Seeing Fang Zhiran's depressed look, He Yinxue walked over with a cup of tea.
"Didn't they say that they would be negotiating peace with the Kingdom of Jin these days? Why is the Marquis now idle?" He Yinxue asked in confusion.
Fang Zhiran smiled bitterly and said, "Now that Prince Yi is here, I have no right to speak."
He Yinxue was surprised and asked, "How could this be? Didn't the Marquis of Zhenbei think highly of you before?"
Fang Zhiran sighed helplessly and said, "What does it matter if he values me more? He's a prince, and I'm just a marquis."
What's more, as both are marquises, Fang Zhiran and Wang Wentian cannot be compared.
Fang Zhiran was just a marquis inherited from his ancestors, but the title only lasted until his generation, and there was no more for the next generation. Wang Wentian, on the other hand, was a new noble in the court who held military power, and his ancestors had been generals for generations. How could he compare?
Fang Zhiran couldn't even compare to Wang Wentian, let alone Lu Xingzhou.
Lu Xingzhou was born a prince, destined to be superior to others.
"In that case, if we really recover the northern border in the future, won't King Yi take away all the credit?" He Yinxue asked with wide eyes.
Fang Zhiran could only sigh. He came to the army hoping to return with military merit. If it was really as He Yinxue said, then he would have suffered all these hardships in vain.
He Yinxue placed her hand on Fang Zhiran's shoulder and soothed him softly, "Don't worry, my Lord. No matter what, you are the hero in my heart and the best man in the world."
He Yinxue sat down next to Fang Zhiran and gently leaned her head on Fang Zhiran's shoulder.
Fang Zhiran sighed, but still reached out and hugged her.
————
Just as Lu Xingzhou expected, a few days later, the Kingdom of Jin sent an envoy, but this time it was no longer the envoy who delivered the message before, but the crown prince of Jin who came to visit in person.
Upon hearing the news, Lu Xingzhou laughed. The Jin Kingdom could no longer hold back.
This is not surprising. The Jin Kingdom was a country that lived on horseback, and most of the Jin Kingdom was desert. When spring came, if their cattle and horses wanted to eat abundant food and grass, they still had to come to Luancheng.
As long as the Jin Kingdom has needs, there is room for negotiation between the Great Chu and them.
Lu Xingzhou ordered people to settle the Jin delegation well and start formal peace talks tomorrow.
When Lu Xingzhou returned to the tent, Shen Liyue came to greet him.
"I heard that the Jin Dynasty delegation has arrived? It is said that the one coming is the crown prince of the Jin Dynasty." Chen Liyue heard the news early in the morning, but it was not convenient for her to enter the commander-in-chief's tent, so she just waited for Lu Xingzhou to come back.
“Yeah.” Lu Xingzhou was in a good mood today and was very happy to see Shen Liyue.
Shen Liyue smiled and said, "Then I would like to congratulate the prince first."
Lu Xingzhou also laughed: "But it's too early to congratulate them now. Although the Jin envoys have arrived, we haven't negotiated yet. I don't know if the talks will be successful."
"But the Jin Kingdom sent the Crown Prince this time, which shows the sincerity of the Jin Kingdom in this peace negotiation." Shen Liyue nodded, then remembered something and asked, "Your Highness, have you thought about how to negotiate with the Jin Kingdom?"
Lu Xingzhou knew that Chen Liyue must have an idea when she asked this, so he asked, "Does Yue'er have any good ideas?"
Shen Liyue smiled lightly, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised: "I don't know much about the military affairs of the Yu family, but I do have some ideas about business."
Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly, with a hint of curiosity and anticipation in his eyes: "Oh? I'd like to hear more about it." His voice was gentle and patient.
Chen Liyue took a deep breath and said slowly: "I think the reason why the Jin Kingdom occupied the northern border for such a long time and was unwilling to give it up may be because, on the one hand, they have a strong desire for this land; on the other hand, it may be because they saw the prosperity of the Great Chu."
Lu Xingzhou nodded in agreement and motioned for Shen Liyue to continue.
Chen Liyue continued, "Great Chu excels in producing fine goods like silk and porcelain, which the Jin lacks. The Jin, on the other hand, possesses many unique fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and carrots, which are not common in Great Chu. Furthermore, the Jin has a large population of cattle and sheep, and their meat is delicious, whereas in Great Chu, these foods are relatively expensive and don't taste as good as they do in the Jin. Therefore, I'm thinking that if we rely solely on force to reclaim the northern border, the Jin will likely not easily compromise. But what if we could establish an equal and friendly trade relationship with the Jin? This would benefit both sides and perhaps promote peaceful coexistence between the two countries."
As Shen Liyue spoke, Lu Xingzhou's eyes gradually brightened, and a joyful expression appeared on his face. He was deeply moved by Shen Liyue's wisdom and couldn't help but sigh at her business acumen and keen insight.
"This is a brilliant plan!" Lu Xingzhou said excitedly. "If we can successfully establish trade with the Jin Kingdom, it will not only help us recover the northern border, but also bring more wealth to Great Chu. But how exactly should we implement it?"
Chen Liyue smiled and said, "We can first discuss the details of trade cooperation with the Jin Kingdom. At the same time, we can also establish a trade base in the northern border to promote the development of bilateral trade. Of course, in the process, we must also pay attention to protecting the interests of the Great Chu and ensure fair trade."
Lu Xingzhou nodded repeatedly, expressing his appreciation for Shen Liyue's suggestion. He decided to inform Wang Wentian and the other generals of Shen Liyue's plan and discuss a specific implementation plan together.
Lu Xingzhou looked at Shen Liyue in front of him and liked her more and more. His Yue'er was not only beautiful but also very smart. It was really hard not to be moved by her.
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