Chapter 152: Just Say It Quickly

Hearing this, Xiang Xiang Junzheng had already formed a plan in his heart; he stepped forward one pace and replied respectfully:

"Your Majesty, this humble subject believes Lord Li's words are most appropriate. The vaccine is exceedingly precious and concerns the livelihood and interests of our nation; it must never be carelessly shared with outsiders. However, completely refusing the requests of other nations would also be unwise, likely damaging the harmony between the two countries. Using it as a bargaining chip to secure concessions in border trade would both protect our nation's interests and preserve the face of both nations, truly a strategy that achieves both goals."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng secretly rejoiced in his heart; he had previously discussed this issue in depth with Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, so regarding how to handle the current situation, he was already fully prepared.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng paused slightly and continued:

"But this subject still has one concern: if the vaccine falls into the hands of other nations, and they one day become strong in military might, they may harbor disloyal intentions, posing a threat to our Emperor Tianqi. Therefore, this subject suggests a two-pronged approach: on one hand, use the vaccine as a bargaining chip for border trade concessions; on the other hand, adopt a bidding method where the highest bidder wins, selling only in small quantities. Simultaneously, sign a national document with the purchasing country pledging never to violate our borders, to ensure our nation's security."

Upon hearing these words from Xiang Xiang Junzheng, the atmosphere in the court froze momentarily; all the ministers showed expressions of astonishment and successively praised the cleverness of this plan.

Lord Li stroked his beard, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and spoke softly to the colleague beside him:

"This young man of the Jun family does indeed have some ways."

Another minister nodded slightly and softly echoed: "This plan is indeed thorough; it both safeguards national interests and attends to diplomacy. Rare, truly rare."

Quan Quan Aoyu's eyes also brightened; Xiang Xiang Junzheng could actually devise such a clever plan. He hadn't expected that old Jun's foolish son's mind had finally opened up; he found Xiang Xiang Junzheng slightly more agreeable to look at.

Quan Quan Aoyu nodded in satisfaction, a hint of approval in his voice:

"Minister Jun, this plan of yours is excellent; it considers both national interests and the relationship between the two nations. I approve it."

Quan Quan Aoyu's voice echoed through the court; the ministers successively bowed their heads and agreed, their evaluation of Xiang Xiang Junzheng quietly rising a few notches in their hearts.

Sensing the change in the surrounding gazes, Xiang Xiang Junzheng felt no pride in his heart; instead, he became even more cautious.

The future path of the Jun family is still long; at this critical juncture, he must proceed step by step with utmost care.

Just then, a general clad in iron armor rushed hurriedly into the great hall, knelt on one knee, held a secret report high in his hand, and spoke with a joyful, booming voice:

"Report! Crown Prince has decisively defeated the enemy army in the Northern Frontier, forcing the Northern Kingdom to sign a compensation treaty, capturing three cities, twenty million taels of gold, and a vast amount of rare medicinal herbs and other treasures."

Hearing this, Quan Quan Aoyu's heart shook; he hurriedly took the secret report and scanned it with a glance covering ten lines.

The report detailed how Quan Quan Aoyu and Seeing Jun Jun Zijin had used the smallpox virus and the smallpox vaccine to set a trap, forcing the Northern Kingdom to sign an unequal treaty.

The joy on the Emperor's face grew even greater; he burst into hearty laughter, his voice so powerful it caused the entire palace to tremble:

"Good! Good! Good! Good son! Good daughter-in-law! My son and daughter-in-law are truly a match made in heaven!"

Truly his most favored son, truly his most beloved daughter-in-law; this couple had jointly achieved such a great feat.

Quan Quan Aoyu's five consecutive "goods" fully revealed the excitement and pride within his heart.

Quan Quan Aoyu suddenly rose from the Dragon Throne, swept his gaze over the bewildered ministers, felt a surge of playful mischief, and began to withhold the details:

"Ministers, do you know what kind of extraordinary strategy lies behind this?"

The ministers looked at one another, all shaking their heads to indicate they did not know, eagerly waiting for the Emperor to continue speaking. Especially Xiang Xiang Junzheng; he was so anxious he scratched his ears and rubbed his cheeks, almost blurting out: "Just say it quickly!"

Quan Quan Aoyu scanned the crowd; the ministers' reactions satisfied him immensely. He paced a few steps, whetted everyone's appetite sufficiently, and then slowly opened his mouth:

"My daughter-in-law developed the smallpox vaccine; the news reached the Northern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom coveted the vaccine and sent spies to spy. My son and daughter-in-law turned the enemy's plan against them and set a trap..."

Quan Quan Aoyu kept saying "my son" and "my daughter-in-law," as if afraid others wouldn't know they were his son and daughter-in-law.

He was animated and expressive, chattering away a great deal.

The court ministers listened with great interest, and in their hearts they once again confirmed the weight Lady Lady Qingping held in the Emperor's heart.

Her status within this palace and throughout the entire Emperor Tianqi Kingdom was likely unshakable by anyone else.

The civil and military officials in the hall all knelt on the ground and shouted loudly: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress! Congratulations, Crown Prince and Lady Lady Qingping!"

"Your Majesty, this plan is truly an extraordinary strategy of the ages; the wisdom of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess is astonishing."

One minister loudly praised; a chorus of agreement rose in the great hall, echoing within the hall for a long time.

Quan Quan Aoyu watched the ministers shamelessly flattering him with a smile, his imperial countenance filled with great joy.

He held the secret report tightly in his hand, a hint of barely suppressible joy and pride flashing in his eyes. His eyes, full of joy, turned to look at Xiang Xiang Junzheng's face, who also wore an expression of pride.

Quan Quan Aoyu suddenly felt that looking at Xiang Xiang Junzheng was exceptionally agreeable.

In high spirits, he spoke to Xiang Xiang Junzheng:

"Minister Jun, that young woman of your family is truly intelligent; I am very pleased."

Hearing this, Xiang Xiang Junzheng immediately bowed low and kowtowed, his forehead touching the ground, and thanked the Emperor with a respectful and humble voice:

"Your Majesty overpraises; it is all due to Your Majesty's boundless fortune and the Crown Prince's unparalleled bravery."

Though his voice was low, it could not conceal the excitement within his heart.

Quan Quan Aoyu waved his hand and said loudly:

"When the Crown Prince and Lady Lady Qingping return, I must bestow generous rewards. Minister Jun, you think about what rewards you desire."

Countless thoughts already surged in Xiang Xiang Junzheng's heart. Thinking of his daughter's wisdom, recalling her heroic bearing when fighting side by side with the Crown Prince, his heart was filled with pride.

He knew that this extraordinary strategy of his daughter and the Crown Prince had not only won enormous benefits for the nation but also brought unprecedented glory to the family.

Yet on his face he maintained an expression of fear and trepidation, speaking softly:

"Your Majesty's grace is already like mountains and seas; this humble subject dares not have any further extravagant desires."

Quan Quan Aoyu laughed:

"Minister Jun need not be so restrained; my decision is already made."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng agreed without changing his expression.

After the court dispersed, he hurried home, his heart full of joy and expectation.

He knew that this extraordinary strategy of his daughter and the Crown Prince had not only won enormous benefits for the nation but also brought unprecedented glory to the family.

Winter days are short; by the time Xiang Xiang Junzheng returned to the manor, the first lamps had just been lit.

Within the courtyard of the Jun Manor, laughter and joy rose and fell, a warm and harmonious atmosphere permeating the entire residence.

In the neighboring Jun residence, it was also very lively.

The injured Li Shi and her son lay in bed; Li Shi had injured her waist and spent the whole day screaming at the top of her lungs, making Xiang Junyuan feel irritable and agitated.

Xiang Junyuan truly did not want to stay at home anymore; he turned and was about to walk out, fleeing this unbearable oppressive atmosphere.

Just as he reached under the corridor, a delicate, coquettish voice called out to stop him:

"Master~~"

Qingyu's voice, like winding vines, forced the title "Master" to twist through eighty-one turns.