Chapter 200: Who Is the Lost Crown Prince?

Quan Quan Wuji raised an eyebrow slightly.

"The matter of the vaccine is of great importance; it is not something to be given away lightly."

Liu Jin hurriedly said:

"Your Majesty, our nation's epidemic is severe, and the common people are suffering unspeakably. If we could obtain the vaccine, we would be eternally grateful and promise generous recompense."

The Emperor nodded slightly, a trace of imperceptible calculation flashing in his eyes:

"The filial piety of the two Crown Princes is appreciated by Us. This smallpox vaccine is indeed precious. Since both nations have a need, let us have a fair competition: the highest bidder wins. Of course, if you can offer conditions that satisfy Us, besides the vaccine, We may also relax restrictions on trade."

Li Chengqian felt a surge of joy in his heart; the Southern Nation was wealthy with formidable financial strength, and he was confident he would not lose the bidding to Shu Capital.

Just as he was about to speak and name his price, Liu Jin cut him off:

"Your Majesty, although Shu Capital does not possess the vast wealth of the Southern Nation, Shu Capital is willing to exchange three mines. These mines contain abundant iron and copper ores, which can help Emperor Tianqi forge more exquisite weapons."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's eyes revealed a hint of surprise and appreciation:

"Crown Prince Liu truly understands righteousness; you intend to use resources to exchange for peace!"

Li Chengqian's heart tightened; although he could offer a higher price, the value of the mines was immeasurable. The refined steel he had originally relied upon had suddenly become worthless, making it difficult to explain matters upon his return. If he failed to secure the vaccine... for a moment, he did not know how to speak.

At this moment, Quan Quan Aoyu, leaning lazily against his chair, saw Jun Jun Zijin mouth a word to him:

"Maritime regions."

Quan Quan Aoyu smiled at the corner of his mouth and spoke unhurriedly:

"I have heard that the maritime regions surrounding the Southern Nation are rich in resources."

Li Chengqian's brow twitched; gritting his teeth, he opened his mouth to say:

"Your Majesty, if you would grant our nation the vaccine, the Southern Nation is willing to cede two surrounding islands along with the resources of the adjacent maritime regions. Additionally, our nation is willing to fully open border trade with Emperor Tianqi to demonstrate our sincerity."

The Emperor's eye twitched; mines would eventually be exhausted, yet the resources in the sea were endless, but the mines were indeed extremely important for Emperor Tianqi's development...

A smile curled at the corner of Jun Jun Zijin's mouth, a expression surprisingly similar to the little fox in her arms.

What resources in the sea were limited to fisheries? If the Southern Nation knew there were abundant mineral resources beneath the waves, they probably would not have agreed so readily.

Before the Emperor of Emperor Tianqi could speak, Liu Jin once again jumped in first:

"We of Shu Capital will also fully open border trade. Shu brocade, tea, and porcelain from Shu Capital are all treasures of the world; we believe they can also bring substantial profits to Emperor Tianqi."

In the great hall, the atmosphere instantly grew tense.

The court officials of Emperor Tianqi looked at one another, hesitation and calculation flashing in their eyes.

The islands of the Southern Nation meant vast maritime rights and treasures within the sea; the mines of Shu Capital were the indispensable foundation for industrial development. The conditions offered by both sides were extremely tempting.

Quan Quan Wuji turned his head slightly to glance at Quan Quan Aoyu, then nodded slightly to the Crown Princes of the two nations, his gaze profound:

"What the two Crown Princes have said, We understand. The vaccine is a vital instrument of the state and cannot be easily transmitted abroad. However, since the two Crown Princes have come in person with such sincerity, We cannot let you return empty-handed. We will order preparations made; when the two Crown Princes depart, you may take it back with you."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian and Liu Jin breathed a long sigh of relief, hastily rising to bow:

"We thank Your Majesty for your great grace; the Southern Nation/Shu Capital will certainly keep this in mind."

And so, while the Southern Nation and Shu Capital expressed their gratitude, Emperor Tianqi effortlessly gained three mines, two islands, and their maritime regions; both the Southern Nation and Shu Capital opened trade with Emperor Tianqi. In exchange for these conditions, they were each granted the right to purchase a fixed quota of smallpox vaccines.

In reality, since Jun Jun Zijin now possessed a laboratory, various vaccines would soon come into existence, so the Emperor of Emperor Tianqi was not particularly worried about the smallpox vaccine flowing to other nations.

Yet, even so, when a bargain lay right before one's eyes, it would be foolish not to take it.

Just as the Crown Princes of the two nations resumed their seats, a eunuch's loud cry rang out from outside the hall:

"The envoy of Eastern Zhou has arrived~~!"

Everyone in the great hall stopped what they were doing and turned their heads toward the door.

Quan Quan Qingle scooted closer to Jun Jun Zijin and He Ling'er, lowering her voice as if afraid others might hear:

"Let me tell you, I heard the Emperor of Eastern Zhou has no son; nowadays, the Emperor's older brother controls the court."

Jun Jun Zijin became interested; she raised an eyebrow slightly, a glint of inquiry flashing in her eyes:

"No son?"

He Ling'er also said:

"This is strange; it is the first time I have heard of an Emperor having no son."

Seeing she had successfully captured the attention of both, Quan Quan Qingle became even more enthusiastic; her voice dropped lower, like the buzzing of mosquitoes, yet imbued with a mysterious air:

"I heard the Empress of Eastern Zhou was originally from Emperor Tianqi. The Emperor of Eastern Zhou is a devoted lover, loving only the Empress of Eastern Zhou throughout his life. However, for some reason, the Crown Prince went missing the year the Empress returned to her home province to visit her parents; she suffered severe trauma and could no longer bear children. He has been searching for the Crown Prince openly and secretly for many years. I do not know the specific details beyond that."

Like a commentator, Quan Quan Qingle briefly recounted the gossip of the Eastern Zhou imperial family to them.

While the few of them were speaking, the envoy had already stepped into the center of the great hall.

This man was in his forties, dressed in splendid robes with an extraordinary demeanor, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of exhaustion and worry.

The envoy of Eastern Zhou respectfully performed the full prostration ritual.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant Shen Shen Qianxi wishes Your Majesty ten thousand years of life, Her Majesty a thousand years, and prays for peace and prosperity in our nation of Emperor Tianqi."

After respectfully presenting the tribute of Eastern Zhou to the Emperor of Emperor Tianqi, the envoy bowed and took his seat.

Melodious music and dance once again filled the great hall; Shen Shen Qianxi was immersed in this magnificent atmosphere when he suddenly felt a sharp gaze prickling his back like thorns.

Instinctively, he turned to look, only to see a cold-looking woman observing him from not far away.

That woman possessed a graceful figure, her brows and eyes exuding an indescribable mystery and nobility.

The person scrutinizing him was Jun Jun Zijin, who was pondering a certain matter.

The Emperor of Eastern Zhou had no children, allowing his brother to seize control of the court. In recent years, he has become increasingly arrogant and ambitious, frequently causing disturbances along Emperor Tianqi's borders. This is most likely related to the political situation in Eastern Zhou.

Just then, Jun Chengcai walked over toward Jun Jun Zijin.

The moment Shen Shen Qianxi's gaze swept over Jun Chengcai, his movements froze abruptly, incredulous shock flashing in his eyes.

Shen Shen Qianxi's stunned gaze remained fixed tightly on Jun Chengcai; the more he looked, the more astonished he became.

He actually discovered that Jun Chengcai's brows, eyes, and facial contours bore an eighty percent resemblance to the Empress of Eastern Zhou!

The spirit and expression between those brows and eyes seemed as if they had been carved from the very same mold as the Empress of Eastern Zhou.

Shen Shen Qianxi's heart was suddenly thrown into a storm of shock, and a bold yet terrifying guess surged within him—could this Young Master be the Crown Prince lost by the Empress in Emperor Tianqi?

The envoy's hand trembled slightly, his eyes flashing with a light woven from excitement and tension.

If this were truly so, then Eastern Zhou might still have a sliver of hope.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's expression, Shen Shen Qianxi naturally did not escape Jun Jun Zijin's eyes.

【Babies, remember to add this to your bookshelf, mwah】