Chapter 378: The Envoy Arrives

Chapter 378 The Diplomatic Mission

"Miss, what is this for?"

Xin You smiled. "This isn't meant for you."

Sixth Boss sighed in relief. "That's a relief."

If it had been meant for him, he would have been terrified.

"The overseas mission will first stop at Guangcheng before setting sail from its port. Guangcheng has thrived on maritime trade since the previous dynasty and has the most skilled shipbuilders. Sixth Boss, once you arrive in Guangcheng, use this money to order a seaworthy ship and leave reliable men there to oversee its construction." Her voice took on a more serious tone. "Remember, this ship does not belong to the court: it is ours."

Sixth Boss was surprised. "Miss, do you mean to go overseas?"

Xiaolian also looked at her in astonishment.

"Not at present. But I once heard my late mother speak of foreign lands. Since you’ll have the chance to witness them firsthand on this journey, you may discover many valuable skills and treasures worth bringing back. Overseas travel might become routine in the future. Having our own ship is simply being prepared."

"Miss, you're so farsighted. Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Sixth Boss hurriedly pledged.

After he left, Xiaolian couldn’t help but voice her concern. "Miss, entrusting such a large sum to Sixth Boss while he’s traveling so far—aren't you worried he'll run away with it?"

"As a registered member of the envoy, he’ll be traveling with the official delegation to Guangcheng. It won't be easy for him to abscond with the money. You must trust those you employ, or don't employ them at all."

"True, Miss has a sharp eye for people." Though she said this, Xiaolian remained deeply suspicious.

Miss really trusts that guy!

Xin You smiled but said no more.

Having worked together for so long, she did trust Sixth Boss. Still, she planned to write to Lord He, asking him to arrange for the Jinlin Guard stationed in Guangcheng to keep tabs on Sixth Boss. This way, if he encountered any trouble, they could assist—while also keeping an eye on him.

Before the Lunar New Year ended, He Qingxiao received Xin You’s letter.

He read it several times, his gaze turning southward.

Is Ayou planning to sail overseas?

"Sir, there's trouble at a northern estate."

"What's the matter?" He Qingxiao carefully stored the letter and stood.

"The local squire is raising the rents—"

"Let’s go take a look."

At the head of a troop of government soldiers, He Qingxiao rode toward the estate.

Soon, February arrived, and Emperor Xingyuan issued an edict dispatching envoys overseas. Over the two decades since the founding of Great Xia, the court had sent missions abroad every few years—sometimes every two or three, other times four or five—to foster relations with foreign states. Thus, no one found this voyage unusual.

Oh, except that Lady Xin’s associate was among the envoys. Those who noticed this detail didn’t dwell on it, though some who despised Xin You for her role in the new policies complained quietly about her sticking her nose in everything—how improper.

Of course, such words were only spoken behind closed doors. Since Xin You had faced off against the Empress Dowager and held her own, court officials were wise enough not to foolishly criticize the emperor’s daughter in his presence.

In February, Xin You not only received He Qingxiao’s reply but also a delivery of specialties from the northern frontier.

Furs, wild ginseng, hazel mushrooms—all of the finest quality.

"Miss, did Xiaoba send these?" Xiaolian couldn’t keep her hands off a sable pelt, completely taken with it.

Though Xiaoba's New Year's gift for Miss came a little late, it was truly impressive. Thinking of Lord He's New Year's gift—well, one shouldn't compare, as Lord He's gesture was the gift may be small, but it's sent from afar with care.

Ever since realizing Xin You's feelings, Xiaolian has become particularly forgiving toward Lord He.

"Not all of these are from Xiaoba." Xin You pointed at the sable fur Xiaolian was caressing. "These are from Yong'an Count."

Quick-witted Xiaolian smiled in understanding. "Then the reforms must be going well."

If the reforms go well, Lord He might return sooner, and Miss would be happier.

Yet Xin You knew that even if the reforms proceeded smoothly, He Qingxiao wouldn't return quickly—at least not until after the summer taxes were collected, bringing back the results of the new policies' implementation.

The following days passed peacefully, as cherries reddened and banana leaves turned lush green. By the fifth month, an envoy arrived from Xiling, a kingdom in the northwest of Daxia.

Xiling had been torn by civil strife for years, fractured and divided, having only been reunified three months ago. The chief envoy this time was the younger brother of Xiling's newly crowned king, named Bao Ri.

Emperor Xingyuan gave the Xiling envoy his full attention.

To the north of Daxia lay Beining, a nation they'd constantly clashed with. Xiling bordered Beining to the east and Daxia to the southeast, but due to its internal chaos, it had been too caught up in its own troubles to get involved externally.

However, before descending into civil war, Xiling had coveted the fertile central lands.

Emperor Xingyuan was curious about the purpose of Xiling's envoy, now that their civil strife had ended.

"This humble prince Bao Ri pays respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." Emperor Xingyuan's tone was polite, though his gaze was scrutinizing.

The younger brother of the King of Xiling appeared to be in his early twenties, tall and powerfully built, with deep-set features—not unattractive.

Bao Ri rose and declared, "Our kingdom suffered through years of turmoil, but months ago, under my elder brother's leadership, peace was finally restored. He has specially sent me to your noble nation to reaffirm the friendship between our nations."

Detecting no hostility, Emperor Xingyuan's smile grew more genuine. After exchanging pleasantries, he hosted a banquet in the Qianqing Palace.

Amid music, graceful dancers, and merry festivities, Emperor Xingyuan inquired about Xiling's situation, to which Bao Ri answered in detail.

After a few rounds of wine, Bao Ri came to his real purpose: "Your noble nation is a civilized nation of propriety, and my elder brother has long admired it. Now that Xiling is at peace, he has commanded me to come here and propose a royal marriage on his behalf—to seek the hand of a princess of Daxia as his queen."

A stunned silence fell over the hall.

They wanted a Daxia princess for marriage? The court officials' faces darkened.

His own daughter, given away? Emperor Xingyuan's expression was the darkest of all.

Bao Ri immediately sensed the tension—it felt as though the next moment, he, the Xiling envoy, might be cut down.

Appointed by the King of Xiling as chief envoy for this sensitive mission, Bao Ri was no fool. He quickly added, "My elder brother sincerely seeks the hand of your princess and is willing to offer five thousand warhorses as betrothal gifts."

A wave of gasps swept through the hall, and some even fumbled their wine cups.

Five thousand!

To understand what five thousand warhorses meant to Daxia, consider this comparison: Daxia currently had fewer than fifty thousand warhorses in total.

Xiling's horses were already sturdier than Daxia's, so five thousand of them—just the thought made many officials set aside their anger, swallowing nervously while stealing glances at the emperor's reaction.

A marriage alliance might be humiliating, but five thousand warhorses as betrothal gifts spoke of genuine sincerity.

If Daxia acquired five thousand fine warhorses, dealing with the troublesome Beining raiders along the border would become much easier.

Under the earnest gaze of Xiling's Prince Bao Ri, Emperor Xingyuan finally spoke: "Let's not rush into such weighty matters. Rest and enjoy yourselves for a few days first."