The next morning, Chu Fan, dressed appropriately, appeared at the Royal Elegant Villa. When he learned that Empress Canglan wished to meet with him, a plan began to form in his mind. Chu Fan wondered if Wei's sole attack on Japan might not be in the best interests of the country.
However, if they were to join forces with the Canglan Empire to stage a show, public opinion would be very different. If the Canglan Empress really needed the help of the Wei Kingdom, then it was entirely possible that she would use this meeting as an opportunity to plan an elaborate scheme with the Canglan Empire.
If this plan is executed well, it will not only plunge the Japanese into an intractable predicament, but also bring huge benefits to the Wei Kingdom and the Canglan Empire. However, the realization of all this depends on whether the Empress of the Canglan Empire has enough courage and determination to accept such a complex and risky plan.
When Chu Fan entered the Royal Restaurant, controlled by the Wei royal family, he noticed that Empress Canglan and her entourage were already sitting there waiting. This wasn't surprising, after all, Chu Fan had Eunuch Li send someone to investigate Empress Canglan's whereabouts when he learned she was coming to visit him.
Because Empress Canglan and her entourage had chosen to stay in this restaurant during this period of time, it was only natural that they arrived here before Chu Fan.
Chu Fan's gaze fell on the two women before him, who were just as beautiful as Mu Xi and the others. He stepped forward with a smile and bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have long heard of your great name. I am honored to meet you today. You are truly worthy of your reputation and your elegance."
However, Chu Fan's greetings and salutes were directed towards Liu Ruyan. Although both Liu Ruyan and her sister Liu Mengli possessed stunning beauty, Liu Ruyan's temperament was more calm and dignified. Her eyes revealed an unquestionable majesty, a temperament clearly cultivated by long-term high-ranking positions and the wielding of great power.
In comparison, although Liu Mengli is equally beautiful, she seems to lack some firmness and decisiveness. Her beauty is accompanied by a temperament of weakness and hesitation.
Liu Mengli seemed a little depressed at this moment, as if she was about to be drowned in tears again. Did she really not have the appearance of an emperor?
Seeing this, Liu Ruyan gently patted her shoulder, using this subtle gesture to convey comfort and support. Then, Liu Ruyan turned to Chu Fan and said in a calm tone, "Your Majesty, I am actually just an ordinary maidservant of the Empress. You think too highly of me."
Liu Ruyan gently pushed Liu Mengli forward, allowing her to stand and face Chu Fan. Liu Mengli knew she had to show her strength at this moment. She took a deep breath, stood up straight, and said to Chu Fan in a firm tone, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise."
Liu Mengli's words made Chu Fan feel a little embarrassed, because he had mistaken the maid for the empress, which was indeed a bit rude. However, in the face of such a misunderstanding, the other party did not show any anger, but instead treated it with a tolerant and generous attitude, which made Chu Fan secretly respect her.
Chu Fan quickly adjusted his expression and put on a smile. He politely said to Liu Mengli, "Your Majesty, I hope you can forgive me for my disrespect just now."
Chu Fan then gestured for Eunuch Li to present a steel sword meticulously forged by the Wei State Ministry of Works. Chu Fan took the sword and solemnly handed it to Liu Mengli, saying sincerely, "This sword represents the spirit of our country's craftsmanship and the deep friendship between our two countries. May we work hand in hand to create a bright future together."
Chu Fan knew that to gain the other party's willing cooperation, he had to demonstrate his sincerity and strength. Therefore, he chose a new longsword, recently crafted by the Ministry of Industry, as a gift. This new sword, not yet widely available, was far sharper and more resilient than previous weapons. Chu Fan believed that gifting Liu Mengli with such a weapon would demonstrate his sincerity and his commitment to their cooperation.
Of course, Chu Fan also knew that this weapon was extremely valuable at the moment, but once Wei's soldiers began to equip it on a large scale, the Canglan Empire would realize that the actual value of this longsword was not that high, but by then they would be powerless to do anything. After all, their own country could not produce such a sophisticated weapon.
Liu Mengli stared at the long sword handed to her by Chu Fan. Although it was covered by a scabbard, it was a gift from the emperor of a country after all, so it must not be too bad.
For a moment, she was in a state of daze. They had originally come to seek aid from the State of Wei, and before they had the chance to present their prepared gifts to the Wei lord, the current Emperor Wei, they unexpectedly received a generous gift from the Emperor. This sudden kindness made Liu Mengli feel a little uneasy.
On this occasion, Liu Ruyan took out an exquisite jade pendant from her bosom. She solemnly presented it to Chu Fan and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, this jade pendant came from the Empress of our Canglan Empire. It is a precious item she personally wears. Her Majesty specifically instructed me to give it to you after meeting Your Majesty, as a token of our sincerity and friendship towards the State of Wei."
Although Liu Mengli felt a little confused, she had complete faith in her master sister Liu Ruyan's judgment. She knew that her master sister would never do anything harmful to her. However, a small question arose in her mind: Wasn't that jade pendant just an ordinary ornament that her master sister had casually purchased for only ten taels of silver when she was in the Canglan Empire?
How did it become a personal item for the Empress? However, Liu Mengli quickly realized that the jade pendant was indeed a cherished personal accessory for her master's sister, Liu Ruyan. The idea that the Emperor of Wei could possess his sister's personal belongings was unimaginable in the Canglan Empire.
Chu Fan waved his hands at this moment, displaying a very humble attitude. He sincerely declined, "This item is truly too valuable, and it's something the Empress holds close to her heart. As a man, I really can't accept it. But I appreciate the Empress's kindness."
Liu Ruyan smiled at Chu Fan and whispered softly, "Your Majesty, this jade pendant is valuable, but how can it compare to the deep friendship between our two countries? Furthermore, it was once worn by our Canglan Empress and is now given to you. If it continues to be worn by His Majesty the Emperor of Wei, then this jade pendant will receive supreme honor. It will be a great honor for this jade pendant."
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