Chapter 413

Seeing the memorials filling the Imperial Study, Li Chen frowned and said: "Why so many?"

In the past, when he went out to roam, there would be piles of memorials upon his return, but none as many as this time.

The head eunuch, Eunuch Cui, standing to the side, smiled: "Your Majesty, there has been a lot of political business from the southern countries recently."

Eunuch Cui was still the same; he answered whatever Li Chen asked, neither adding fuel to the fire nor deliberately concealing anything.

This was the kind of person who could survive beside an emperor—he understood the sense of proportion.

If an emperor sensed that a minister was adding his own agenda to his words, the emperor would either think the minister was incompetent or suspect that he had received bribes.

Li Chen rubbed his temples but sat down and began to review them seriously.

While he was handling political affairs, only his two personal maids, Chu Ruoyan and Wu Nanzhi, were allowed to come in to serve tea and water; other concubines did not have this qualification.

This was enough to show how high the status of these two concubines was in the harem.

Even Jiang Rong had to report first and could only enter the Imperial Study to discuss matters after Li Chen agreed.

The next day at court, Li Chen attended the morning assembly after a long absence.

The civil and military officials saw him as if they had seen a savior.

What kind of emperor wanders outside all day neglecting his proper work? However, Li Chen didn't care; if you trouble me with every little thing, what do I keep you ministers for?

"Your Majesty, the envoys from the southern countries have all arrived and are waiting for your summons," the Minister of Rites reported.

The situation in the southern countries had been very tense recently, and the kings of those countries certainly wanted to come and probe Li Chen's intentions.

Li Chen nodded slightly: "Summon them."

Soon, more than a dozen envoys in different attire entered the hall one by one.

Although their clothing styles were vastly different, they were all dressed neatly and solemnly.

Facing the Emperor of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, their etiquette had to be perfect.

A middle-aged man wearing a peacock-blue brocade robe bowed respectfully: "The envoy of the Saili Kingdom pays respects to the Emperor of May Tian Ce! My King has entrusted me to convey his highest respects to Your Majesty."

Another white-bearded old man wearing silver ornaments bowed deeply: "The envoy of the Dashi Kingdom pays respects to Your Majesty! My King wishes to form a lasting alliance with May Tian Ce and specifically presents three national treasures."

"The envoy of the Bozha Kingdom..."

"The envoy of the Siam Kingdom..."

"The envoy of the Star Fall Kingdom..."

The envoys stepped forward one by one to pay their respects and express the greetings and respect of their respective kings.

Li Chen sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the crowd calmly.

These envoys were respectful on the surface, but the positions they represented behind the scenes were all different.

Some were truly here to pay tribute, while others were here to probe under the pressure of the Yongzhou Empire.

Li Chen certainly knew the reason why they came.

Yesterday, he had read many memorials, as well as secret letters written to Li Chen by the kings of some countries.

The villa was built against the mountain, with pavilions and towers arranged in an orderly manner. The main hall had purple gold as beams and glazed tiles as roofs, shining brightly in the sunlight.

If viewed from the perspective of a bystander, this was certainly not a problem; these small countries were struggling for survival in the cracks, just for the chance to live.

But Li Chen was not a bystander; he was the Emperor of the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

The secret reports sent by officials at the border recorded many dealings between these countries and the Yongzhou Empire.

There were more than thirty southern countries, and the approach of most was to please both sides and offend neither.

Only a small portion were firmly supportive of the May Tian Ce Dynasty or the Yongzhou Empire.

The rest were those among the southern countries with decent military strength; these countries spoke very tactfully, whether it was their kings or these envoys.

The meaning they expressed was: The Yongzhou Empire promised them some benefits, such as lowering tariffs, exporting advanced weapons and equipment, and training exotic beasts and monsters, increasing the strength of these countries.

They wanted to know what benefits the May Tian Ce Dynasty would give them; if the offer was high, they were willing to submit to the May Tian Ce Dynasty; if the offer wasn't high, they might not be so firm.

These envoys only spoke so tactfully, but that was the meaning.

The court officials were all wondering how Li Chen would reasonably resolve this matter.

After all, the countries that could speak like this were basically the top-tier ones among the southern countries, with strong combat power.

If they could be recruited into their own camp, it would indeed be a great help.

Perhaps they only needed to promise a little benefit to get their help.

Li Chen heard this and said with a smile: "Go back and tell the kings of your countries: as long as they listen to me, I will not destroy their countries. This is the greatest benefit I can give."

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was shocked.

Whether they were envoys or court officials, most did not expect Li Chen's attitude to be so tough.

However, high-ranking officials familiar with Li Chen, such as Guo Poyun and Zhao Wenyuan, were not surprised at all; this was the boldness of a young emperor.

Li Chen would certainly say this—you've been given enough face, haven't you?

They were just some small countries that could be destroyed with a wave of the hand, yet they dared to ask me for benefits?

The Northern Royal Court was fierce enough, wasn't it? Didn't I destroy them all the same?

Did you really think you could gain benefits in the game between two superpowers?

The time I spent away was to give you time to think clearly and give you a chance to survive.

You can't even understand this? And you dare to set conditions with me? Are you worthy?

If the envoy of the Yongzhou Empire came over, saying this might still be considered qualified, but even then, it would only be qualified; I wouldn't care, so who do you think you are?

Reading the memorials yesterday, I was full of anger.

Today you still dare to bring it up to me; tactful or not, are you trying to make me send troops?

Facing the dragon's might, those small-country envoys shivered, cold sweat seeping from their foreheads.

The Saili envoy said tremblingly: "Your... Your Majesty's holy will, I will certainly convey it truthfully to my King."

The Dashi envoy knelt directly on the ground: "The Emperor of May Tian Ce is majestic; how dare we disobey!"

Li Chen waved his hand, and these people, as if granted amnesty, retreated one after another.

After the envoys exited the hall, the court immediately broke into a heated discussion.

The Minister of Revenue, Liu Minghan, couldn't help but step out: "Your Majesty, such a tough stance might..."

It wasn't that he was cowardly; as the Minister of Revenue, he had to consider many things.

The recent subsidy policy was his idea.

If the two countries could trade and have markets, it could strengthen the dependence and connection between the countries.

If a war started, military spending would be a huge expense.

The Minister of War sneered and interrupted Liu Minghan's words, saying: "If those small countries really dare to do this, it just gives us a reason to send troops."

He cupped his hands toward Li Chen and said: "Your Majesty, the Southern Legion can strike at any time."

Liu Minghan rolled his eyes at him; you pay for the military expenses? You only know how to fight every day, and when you fight, you come to me for money.

In front of His Majesty, you are all loyal ministers who follow his will, and I am the only rebellious one?

If the country has no money and no reserves, how can it face the coming natural and man-made disasters? Construction will also stagnate.

Perhaps in Liu Minghan's view, only by constantly developing and becoming strong could one make others fear without fighting.

He wasn't afraid of fighting, he just felt that better methods could be used to solve it.

Li Chen had no intention of stopping these arguments among his ministers; they were all thinking for the future of the country.

However, regarding this matter, Li Chen indeed had his own thoughts. To comfort some ministers, Li Chen said: "In your opinion, how reliable are allies bought with handouts?"

The court was silent.

"What I want is their awe, not their gratitude."

Li Chen's voice echoed in the hall.

To put it bluntly, if he didn't give these small countries a taste of his power, they would really think that the support they received from other countries could counter the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

Can't I give the benefits the Yongzhou Empire can give? But I just won't!

Because the majesty of the May Tian Ce Dynasty does not need to be exchanged for gold and silver!

These words were spoken with great force, and many military generals were already flushed with excitement.

Although the civil officials still had concerns, they had to admit that Li Chen's approach was indeed the most in line with the interests of the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

And this was Li Chen's judgment!

(End of chapter)