Chapter 496 Manipulation
Mo Siyan said that the Blue Feather Kingdom is not what it used to be, and war should not be started again unless absolutely necessary.
Wen Zhiming is exceptionally skilled in martial arts and is very intelligent. It's hard to say whether others could succeed in running the trade, but with Wen Zhiming personally going to the northern frontier, the trade between the two countries is sure to flourish.
Mo Dingcang understood that Mo Sixuan meant for him to cooperate with Wen Zhiming's actions as much as possible. The success of the trade fair would benefit both countries, and the current situation of Lanyu Kingdom required a truce and economic recovery more than that of Jinyue Kingdom.
When facing a formidable opponent, trying to outsmart them is likely to backfire.
The best approach is to demonstrate sincerity and commitment, remaining firm on your most important interests while making appropriate concessions on other aspects.
When Mo Dingcang met the commander sent by Wen Zhiming to greet him, he arrived at the allied territory with only two guards. Once there, he didn't put on airs and was willing to follow Wen Zhiming's arrangements regarding the trade plan, manpower, and specific market locations. However, he agreed that once the business grew stronger, the profits must be split 50/50.
Full of sincerity and with a genuine attitude.
Wen Zhiming hadn't intended to take too much advantage of Lanyu Kingdom. Trade between the two countries was a significant matter that would boost their economies and benefit the people of both nations. Since Lanyu Kingdom was so cooperative, he naturally wouldn't make things difficult for them.
One person went straight to the point, while the other repeatedly expressed his approval. The two hit it off immediately, and the rules and regulations of the trade plan, as well as the specific details, were finalized amidst their back-and-forth discussions.
The officials present were not expecting such a major event to be agreed upon at the banquet during their first meeting, without even giving them a chance to speak.
Shocked, the officials would occasionally slip away from their seats, returning with even more solemn expressions; some were so flustered they dared not look up.
When it comes to the most nervous people at the banquet, none other than Xie Guanzhi and Yue Jiaoluo are more likely to be involved.
Although Yue Jiaoluo had said that poison is colorless and odorless, and even silver needles cannot detect it, Xie Guanzhi did not use it immediately out of caution. Instead, he chose to do so after the banquet was halfway through and everyone was slightly tipsy.
Unfortunately, the two princes had already drunk five or six cups, and Mo Dingcang was gradually getting drunk. Most of the officials were also dizzy, but Wen Zhiming was still clear-headed, as if he had only drunk water.
Xie Guanzhi and the others were eagerly waiting. Seeing that the two sides had reached an agreement and the banquet could end at any moment, Yue Jiaoluo kept tugging at his sleeve to urge him on. Xie Guanzhi had no choice but to nod to his trusted confidant who had been waiting for his instructions.
The same wine, served in the same pot, and poured by the same maid, but this time Wen Zhiming and Mo Dingcang didn't pick up their glasses for a long time. They chatted about the special products of various countries. Even Lin Suo, who was sitting below them, was attracted by the conversation and didn't touch his glass at all.
Xie Guanzhi was burning with anxiety. He kept showing a polite and ingratiating smile, glancing back and forth between Wen Zhiming and Lin Suo's wine glasses, and occasionally raising his own glass to pretend to take a few sips.
His uneasy expression was so noticeable that even Mo Dingcang sensed something was wrong and looked at him strangely: "Does your esteemed prefect have some other insight? Why do you look so restless?"
"Huh? No, no..."
Xie Guanzhi quickly stood up and explained, "Both of you are men of great talent and vision, and you share the same ideas. I am truly impressed and moved by your wisdom. I have been looking forward to offering you both a toast, but I was afraid of disturbing your enjoyment."
"So that's how it is. Hahaha..."
Mo Dingcang laughed heartily, "The King of Northern Frontier and I have indeed been chatting so engrossed that we forgot to drink. Since the Prefect is so kind, let us all drink this cup together, wishing our two countries smooth trade and lasting peace..."
Seeing that the important matter had been settled and Xie Guanzhi was so enthusiastic, he was overjoyed. After finishing his sentence, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, completely unaware that the prefect had ulterior motives.
The words of the Allied Prince were like a divine intervention to Xie Guanzhi. Hearing this, he was extremely excited and immediately followed suit, finishing his drink and looking at Wen Zhiming with eager eyes.
With Mo Dingcang taking the lead, the officials below the stage naturally couldn't refuse, and all the officials, including Lin Suo, raised their glasses and drank them down.
Wen Zhiming looked up and met Xie Guanzhi's expectant gaze. She smiled enigmatically, elegantly picked up her cup, and slowly drank the full glass of wine while watching Xie Guanzhi.
Xie Guanzhi was terrified by his gaze, and if he hadn't been holding onto the table in front of him, he would have almost collapsed to the ground.
Only after seeing Wen Zhiming put down his empty wine glass did he repeatedly think to himself: It's good that he drank it, it's good that he drank it.
Hesitating for a moment, a soft sound was heard, and Lin Suo collapsed onto the table in front of him, pointing to the wine glass in front of him and saying, "Poisoned..."
Xie Guanzhi was overjoyed. Everyone sobered up instantly and got up in shock, some checking on Lin Suo's condition, others checking on themselves for any abnormalities. Only he immediately turned to look at Wen Zhiming.
As he expected, Wen Zhiming was about to get up, but he quickly lost his strength and sat back down. Although he tried his best to maintain his sitting posture, it was all in vain. In an instant, he fell onto the table in front of him like Lin Suo.
Xie Guanzhi's smile grew wider and wider. He clapped his hands, and dozens of guards rushed in from outside the door. He grinned and drew his long sword, holding it against the neck of Mo Dingcang, who was the first to notice something was wrong.
"Don't move! I am not skilled in martial arts. If my hand accidentally slips, I'm afraid your old bones will not be able to withstand a brute force strike."
The guards who entered quickly subdued the guards around the two princes. Xie Guanzhi glanced around with a cold smile, then his gaze returned to Wen Zhiming's angry face.
"Oh, what's wrong with Your Majesty of the Northern Frontier? Seeing you like this reminds me of the stone lion in front of my residence. Although it is made of black iron and weighs a thousand pounds, it can only lie obediently at the door and be manipulated by people. Your Majesty and it are truly a perfect match."
What kind of bullshit Northern Frontier King are you? In the capital, you have your own domain. But once you're in the Northern Frontier, whether you're a dragon or a tiger, you'll be at my mercy.
Xie Guanzhi transformed from a humble and obedient official into a powerful figure in control of the entire scene in an instant, his smugness and ambition blatantly obvious.
The officials present panicked. Some of the officials who had been won over beforehand took the initiative to stand behind Xie Guanzhi, while the rest were either fearful or shocked.
Mo Dingcang never expected that a mere prefect would have such audacity, daring to poison the King of Northern Frontier and even hold him hostage with a knife.
"Shameless official! At this crucial moment of peace and cooperation between our two nations, how dare you commit such a treasonous act? Do you know that you are not only harming the King of the Northern Frontier and me, but also millions upon millions of ordinary people?"
"What do I care about the lives and deaths of the common people?" Xie Guanzhi laughed cruelly, the blade advancing further. With just a little more force, he could slit Mo Dingcang's neck.
"Besides, it was you, not me, who plotted to murder the King of the Northern Frontier, obstructed peace between the two countries, and disrupted trade."
"You poisoned our prince's wine, causing his untimely death. To avenge our prince, I have no choice but to send you to hell."
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