When Wang Defa stood there, gazing at the huge team escorting refined salt, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of foreboding in his heart.
The people of Wei claimed they were former disaster victims. But in Wang Defa's eyes, their every move seemed exceptionally well-trained, not like ordinary civilians who had just experienced a disaster. Although they were dressed in rags and unarmed, they were physically strong and mentally sound, like a well-trained army.
Wang Defa, fully aware of the seriousness of the situation, was eager to learn the truth. He approached Changsun Dechong and asked with a hint of concern, "Minister Changsun, isn't sending so many people to escort the refined salt an overabundance?"
Although Wang Defa felt something was wrong deep down in his heart, he still did not believe that Wei had enough courage and determination to withdraw 200,000 troops from its existing military forces and send them to the border areas of Shu.
After all, the Wei State was currently in the midst of a fierce war with the Xiongnu and the Qian State, and its national strength was already quite strained, with no extra troops to mobilize. Under such circumstances, Wang Defa believed that the Wei State would not be able to make such a risky military move.
Changsun Dechong said to Wang Defa with a smile and a relaxed tone, "Emissary Wang, these people you see are all sincerely grateful to Shu for their assistance during the famine in Wei. Their hearts are filled with gratitude towards Shu, and as a minister of Wei, I cannot stop them from expressing this gratitude. Moreover, the supplies Wei is preparing to ship to Shu this time are no small amount: a full five million kilograms of refined salt. This refined salt was produced by Wei working overtime recently, and it is our way of repaying Shu for their generous assistance."
The sheer volume of five million jin of refined salt nearly overwhelmed Wang Defa's heart. He calculated that if each jin of refined salt sold for only ten taels per jin, after deducting costs and transportation fees, he could still earn eight taels of silver per jin. This meant a massive profit of forty million taels of silver. If he could successfully bring this refined salt back to Shu, the Fourth Prince and Consort Wang would surely commend him greatly, perhaps even offer him a generous reward.
However, Wang Defa was also filled with doubts. He knew the importance of refined salt, and that five million kilograms of refined salt could have a profound impact on a country's economy and livelihood. He began to wonder if Wei's move had ulterior motives, if there was some hidden agenda behind it.
He continued to question Minister Changsun: "Are these disaster victims you mentioned really just going there to express their gratitude? Or is there some other reason behind this?"
Changsun Dechong, still smiling, explained to Defa in a calm yet firm tone, "Emissary Wang, you're worrying too much. Wei and Shu have always been friendly neighbors. How could we possibly do anything that would undermine our friendship? These disaster victims came with us voluntarily; they simply wanted to express their gratitude to Shu in person. As for the refined salt, it's a testament to the friendship between our two countries. We will naturally ensure its safe delivery without any problems."
Although Wang Defa nodded in outward understanding, he couldn't quite let go. He decided to closely monitor the group's movements to ensure Shu's interests were not harmed. After all, as an envoy from Shu, even if he served under the Fourth Prince, he was still a member of the kingdom. He knew he shouldered the responsibility of protecting the nation's interests and must be vigilant against any potential threats to ensure national security and stability.
Wang Defa still felt uneasy. He turned around and stared at Changsun Dechong with a firm gaze. There was a hint of worry in his tone: "Changsun Shangshu, it is obviously inappropriate for so many people from the Wei Kingdom to enter Shu."
He paused and continued, "The borders of Shu are heavily guarded, and they are always highly vigilant against outsiders. Bringing so many people into Shu territory will undoubtedly arouse their suspicion and anxiety."
Chang Sun Dechong was also well aware of this. He knew that it was almost impossible to bring 200,000 ordinary people, even if they were not soldiers, into a country.
After all, no country would easily allow such a large foreign force to enter its territory. Changsun Dechong was well aware of Wang Defa's concerns. He had no room for rebuttal and could only nod silently to express his understanding and support.
Chang Sun De Chong smiled and spoke in a relaxed tone, "Of course, that's for sure. How could I possibly lead 200,000 people into your country? Once we reach the border between Wei and Shu, I will order the remaining 180,000 men to remain in the border area. Furthermore, I myself will not enter Shu, and you, Envoy Wang, will lead 20,000 men to escort this precious refined salt back to Shu."
After hearing Changsun Dechong's words, Wang Defa's worries finally dissipated. Five million kilograms of refined salt were escorted by 20,000 people, which was still a large number, but relatively speaking, it was still normal.
Furthermore, Changsun Dechong would not be accompanying them. This would leave these 20,000 people without a core force, making it difficult for them to cause trouble even if they wanted to. Furthermore, they would be entering Shu territory, and if they dared to cause trouble, the Shu army would be fully capable of quickly suppressing them.
Thus, a mighty convoy set out on its journey to Shu. Before reaching the Shu border, Changsun Dechong met with Eunuch Li, who had returned from Shu. After exchanging some important information, the two men each proceeded according to their plans.
Deep within the palace, Chu Fan was consumed by worry for Liu Xueyu and the fate of the 200,000 civilians. He knew that if Liu Xueyu could not escape on her own, these 200,000 unarmed civilians would be in grave danger, potentially suffering heavy casualties. Chu Fan knew that if his selfish desires led to such horrific losses for the people of Wei, his conscience would never be at peace.
During these tense and anxious days of waiting, Mu Xi and several other women also came to the palace. They tried to comfort and enlighten Chu Fan in various ways, hoping to ease the burden on his heart. Although their companionship and persuasion could not completely eliminate Chu Fan's worries, they at least gave him a sense of warmth and comfort.
Chu Fan asked Mu Xi and Changsun Pinting, "If I am no longer the emperor, will you still love me?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
