After thinking for a mont, he solemnly advised, "The improvent of red yams is imnsely beneficial to our Great Chu and its people. I needn’t elaborate, as you surely understand. Even though the improvents aren’t complete, the prior improvent of wheat was indeed a great achievent. Granting your cousin’s wife a First-Rank Enjoin was a modest acknowledgnt."
"However, if this negotiation with the grasslands succeeds, His Majesty will undoubtedly bestow rewards. You were the first to propose the idea and have done substantial preparatory work. In terms of rit, none can surpass you. When the ti cos, even if His Majesty wishes to suppress you, he won’t be able to."
"Yet, you must also realize that a tall tree catches the wind. Too many honors and excessive brilliance are not necessarily favorable."
His words carried a profound ssage.
Qin Bohan, having spent years by the Emperor’s side, understood this well.
The Emperor’s profession is inherently the most suspicious in the world. While tolerable in the youthful years, suspicion only deepens with age, viewing others with the perpetual fear of betrayal.
Typically, for an official, achieving a matter of such magnitude once in a lifeti is enough to rest on one’s laurels forever.
Song Chongjin, though still young, is already set to accomplish two major feats for the nation and its people. His future prospects are boundless.
If it were to be proclaid that a new variety of red yam had been improved, the Emperor’s suspicions might beco uncontrollable.
Even if the Emperor made no overt reaction, those crafty old foxes in the court would certainly thwart Song Chongjin’s progress. Youthful ambition can be admirable, but being overly young also poses a barrier to advancent.
These old foxes are skilled at strategizing for the future. Song Chongjin’s rapid rise poses an imnse pressure and threat to them.
They might consider ways to suppress him.
Luckily, Song Chongjin stated that the yam improvents were not yet complete. It might be wise to cautiously delay a few years, waiting for an opportune mont to present them.
Were it not for treating Song Chongjin as one of his own, Qin Bohan would not have offered such advice.
Song Chongjin is not foolish, and imdiately grasped Qin Bohan’s implication.
He gratefully said, "Thank you, Uncle, for the reminder! I will heed it!"
Qin Bohan had seen enough of the hot-headed youths who failed to understand advice, quickly blaming others and lanting the world’s injustice upon them.
Seeing Song Chongjin so perceptive, Qin Bohan’s heart was naturally comforted.
Unable to refrain from advising further, "In the future, do not reveal these yams so easily. If distributed, retrieve them promptly. Ensure that non-essential persons don’t co into contact. Even those around you must keep their mouths shut! Carelessness cannot be tolerated!"
Song Chongjin nodded repeatedly.
Having provided necessary cautions, Qin Bohan said no more.
Now that his belly was full and his body ward, he casually inquired about official matters.
Song Chongjin composed himself and began reporting the recent negotiation outcos.
It seed Qi Le showed genuine intention, for the grasslands made significant concessions.
So far, most terms proposed by Great Chu had been agreed upon by the grasslands.
For instance, the location of the trading market, the pathways for comrce, security for caravans from the grasslands’ side, and the tax rates—all were more favorable to Great Chu.
The grasslands’ negotiators persistently opposed Great Chu’s proposals, sotis leaving abruptly after heated exchanges.
But by the next day, begrudgingly, they would return to the table to proceed.
After two or three rounds, most terms would eventually be consented to.
Although slightly tumultuous, overall progress was smooth.
Consequently, Great Chu’s negotiating team was quite invigorated, even exhibiting traces of complacency. ntioning the grasslands no longer carried earlier caution; rather, they perceived them now as re posturing, tough in appearance but fragile against Great Chu’s firmness.
Especially seeing the grasslands, probably irritated, resorting to petty tricks—Great Chu saw these as signs of their weakness.
However, Song Chongjin maintained vigilance, doubting the grasslands could continuously retreat.
Even with Qi Le’s involvent.
However, Qi Le herself was inherently untrustworthy, warranting extra caution.
Thus, Song Chongjin expressed all his concerns to Qin Bohan.
Qin Bohan nodded, acknowledging the negotiations proceeded too seamlessly. Moreover, if the grasslands aid solely for agreent, what was happening in the Capital City? Why had Eunuch Xiao Yang arrived from Chicheng County?
This must be a deception.
Recalling Song Chongjin’s ignorance about events in Chicheng and the Capital City, Qin Bohan quietly explained in a few words.
Song Chongjin wasn’t overly surprised; having always been wary of Qi Le, he knew her promises were not to be trusted.
Upon learning she advocated for bilateral talks but simultaneously initiated a sche in the Capital against the Emperor, it confird her unreliability.
Both beca acutely vigilant against Qi Le and the grasslands.
Nonetheless, in the negotiation team, Qin Bohan took charge upon arrival, with Song Chongjin as his deputy. As long as they remained cautious, whatever plans the grasslands held would likely co to naught.
Yet, Qin Bohan harbored concerns; His Majesty’s mandate was clear, commanding successful negotiation news by New Year’s Eve—a resolute order.
If the grasslands seize this timing, perpetually delaying or leveraging it, things would beco more difficult.
These thoughts briefed through his mind; naturally unsuitable to voice aloud.
As his representative presence from the Capital and for the Emperor, the negotiation team’s achievents deserved encouragent and praise, primarily appreciating their efforts.
What cos next would depend on eting the grasslands’ representatives.
Thus, Qin Bohan settled his thoughts.
With discussions concluded, darkness had already fallen, outside bitter winds whipped the air, striking harshly with snowflakes.
Anticipating Qin Bohan’s party, the military camp naturally prepared a warm reception.
At the generals’ command, cooks slaughtered several sheep and a plump pig, pairing them with cabbage, tofu, and fragrant chilies—livelier than any New Year celebration.
Preparations complete, soone ca to invite Qin Bohan and Song Chongjin to the feast.
Outside, a grand tent was erected; upon entering, the warmth mixed with the aroma of at, chilies, and alcohol surged forth.
A stove was arranged inside the tent, with several large pots cooking substantial chunks of at, glistening red with flavors blending with oil, escaping through tent’s seams and whisked away by the wind.
Cooks, clad in thin clothing, had their sleeves rolled up high, wielding shovel-like ladles, turning at in pots.
Assistants called out, tossing cabbage and tofu into the pots.
Most attendees arrived, without too much formality, seating was arranged according to rank and position.
Several dozen wine jars were placed on the table, with seals already broken, and their robust fragrance mingled with at aroma, enticing one to salivate.
Upon Qin Bohan and Song Chongjin’s entry, all rose to greet them.
They were ushered to the head seats.
Qin Bohan didn’t decline, seated upright, observing each had before them a large bowl.
As he settled, a Personal Soldier waiting nearby carried a wine jar, pouring wine into each large bowl until they were brimming.
Qin Bohan had never witnessed such drinking, becoming montarily stupefied. Was this how wine was consud?
Reviews
All reviews (0)