Just then, Li Kui rushed over.
"My lord! Something terrible has happened! The Northern Xiang Kingdom has sent people!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Who goes there?"
"It's Liu Bowen, the Prime Minister of Beixiang Kingdom!"
A playful smile appeared on Lu Yan's lips.
"Interesting. It seems this old fox is here to probe my secrets."
"Little Kui, prepare the carriage! I want to see what this old fox is up to!"
When Liu Bowen arrived at the county government office, he was displeased to see Lu Yan's nonchalant and irresponsible demeanor.
But he still suppressed his displeasure and bowed respectfully, saying:
"I have long admired your name, Prefect Lu of Shannan Prefecture."
Lu Yan looked Liu Bowen up and down, then grinned:
"Oh, isn't this Prime Minister Liu? What brings you here?"
"Come on, have some watermelon! This is a new variety that I specially brought from the capital. It's super sweet!"
As he spoke, he picked up a slice of watermelon and handed it to Liu Bowen.
Liu Bowen looked at the watermelon handed to him with a look of disgust.
This Lu Yan is truly a vulgar person!
He inwardly scoffed, but maintained a smile and politely declined:
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Lu, but I do not like sweets."
"Don't like sweets? That's a real shame."
Lu Yan didn't care and continued eating his watermelon, speaking indistinctly.
"Speak, Prime Minister Liu, what brings you here today?"
Liu Bowen cleared his throat and said:
"Lord Lu, I have come here today to discuss matters concerning diplomatic relations between our two countries."
"My king intends to establish friendly relations with Shannan Prefecture and exchange trade. I wonder what Lord Lu thinks?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan burst into laughter, laughing so hard he almost cried.
"Trade between the two sides? Prime Minister Liu, are you sure you're not mistaken?"
"What does your Northern Xiang Kingdom have that our Shannan Prefecture could exchange for?"
Liu Bowen's expression immediately turned somewhat unpleasant.
This Lu Yan is simply going too far!
He suppressed his anger and said:
"Lord Lu, don't push your luck! Although my Northern Xiang Kingdom is not as wealthy as your Shannan Prefecture, it is not without resources!"
Lu Yan stopped laughing and looked at Liu Bowen with amusement:
"Oh? Then tell me, what does your Northern Xiang Kingdom have that I might find appealing?"
Liu Bowen suppressed his anger and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace:
"Lord Lu is too kind. My Northern Xiang Kingdom is famous for its fine horses and steeds, and also..."
He paused, seemingly considering his words.
"And many more, beautiful women."
Lu Yan raised an eyebrow, feigning sudden realization:
"Oh, beauty! Your Excellency, with that look in your eyes, have you perhaps taken a fancy to one of the maids in my backyard?"
"Let me tell you, every single one of the maids in my backyard is a beauty, one in a hundred, and proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
After saying that, he winked at Liu Bowen.
Liu Bowen nearly choked on his breath; he was the prime minister of a nation.
How could she possibly be interested in the maids in Lu Yan's backyard?
Lu Yan is clearly humiliating him!
He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said with a forced smile:
"Lord Lu is too kind. I have not come here for personal reasons."
"Hmph, even if your Northern Xiang Kingdom has many beauties, I wouldn't want them even if they were sent to my bed!"
Lu Yan curled his lip in disdain and casually tossed the cleanly gnawed watermelon rind aside.
"Speak, Prime Minister Liu, what is your ultimate purpose in coming here today? Aren't you tired of beating around the bush?"
Liu Bowen's expression changed.
This Lu Yan is truly an unpredictable guy!
He hesitated for a moment, then decided to get straight to the point:
"I hope that Lord Lu can return the barbarian lands."
"Pfft—" Lu Yan had just drunk the tea.
He suddenly spat it out and pointed at Liu Bowen, bursting into laughter.
"Prime Minister, your joke is quite amusing! The barbarian lands were conquered by me, how could I possibly return them?"
"Isn't your request a bit too unreasonable?"
Liu Bowen's face darkened, and his tone became firm:
"Lord Lu, you're refusing a polite toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Lu Yan sneered and met Liu Bowen's gaze without fear:
"Your Excellency, are you threatening me?"
The atmosphere between the two was tense.
The air seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere became extremely tense.
Li Kui stood to the side, his hand on the sword at his waist, ready to draw his sword and help at any moment.
Lu Yan, on the other hand, looked relaxed and carefree, not at all intimidated by Liu Bowen's imposing manner.
He picked up a slice of watermelon and began to eat it slowly and deliberately.
He said while eating:
"Prime Minister Liu, I advise you to give up on that idea. I will never return the barbarian lands to you."
"If you Northern Xiang Kingdom want it, then come and take it yourselves!"
Liu Bowen was so angry that he trembled all over.
He pointed at Lu Yan and angrily rebuked him:
"Lu Yan! Don't be so arrogant! Do you think you, a mere prefect, can stand against my Northern Xiang Kingdom?"
"My Northern Xiang Kingdom has a million iron cavalry; it would be as easy as turning my hand to flatten your Shannan Prefecture!"
Lu Yan smiled dismissively.
"A million iron cavalry? Who are you trying to scare? I may only have a few thousand men, but every single one of them is a highly skilled and capable soldier!"
"If a fight really breaks out, it's not certain who will emerge victorious!"
"You!" Liu Bowen was so angry at Lu Yan's arrogance that he was speechless.
Lu Yan continued:
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