The Western Yue and Northern Yuan dynasties did not see it that way. In the eyes of the envoys from both countries, the relationship between the three was one of mutual exploitation. Without common interests, it would have been impossible for the three countries to sit down for peace talks calmly.
Lord Zhao said with a chuckle, "Look at what you're saying. We're not in the same boat. Our Northern Yuan dynasty's Princess Nanning is the Ning Consort of the Eastern Jin dynasty, and her relationship with the Eastern Jin dynasty is excellent. She would never do anything that would harm the Eastern Jin dynasty."
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty knew the intentions of the Northern Yuan dynasty, but no matter how angry they were, they knew what was most important at the moment.
"Has Lord Zhao thought this through? When we first sat down to discuss, your Northern Yuan dynasty did not say this. Lord Zhao, tell me, if the Eastern Jin dynasty were to learn of what the Northern Yuan dynasty has done, what would they do?"
Lord Zhao's expression changed slightly, but he remained calm. "Do you dare to say it, Southern Jin dynasty? If you speak, you are well aware of the consequences."
The envoy from the Western Yue dynasty sat there in silence, watching the show.
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty said, "Since your Northern Yuan dynasty disregards cooperation, why should our Southern Jin dynasty care about these matters?"
Lord Zhao knew very well that it was not advisable to fall out with the Southern Jin dynasty at this time. He softened his tone and said, "Look at what you're saying. I didn't mean that. Our goals are the same, but in this situation, it is indeed not suitable for our Northern Yuan dynasty to step forward."
"If our Northern Yuan dynasty steps forward, it's hard to guarantee that the Eastern Jin dynasty won't overthink things, and that would be bad for both of us."
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty knew Lord Zhao's thoughts. "That's why we are discussing with the Northern Yuan and Western Yue dynasties. No one wants to fall out, do they?"
Lord Zhao and the old man understood that at this point, if they refused the Southern Jin dynasty again, the Southern Jin dynasty might do something. However, it was not easy for them to agree to help the Southern Jin dynasty.
The two sides were at an impasse.
"It seems you are all having a pleasant chat." At this moment, Mo Lingxi walked in with his hands behind his back.
Upon seeing him, the envoys from the three countries stood up as if startled by a mouse and quickly bowed, "Greetings, His Highness Prince Mingrui."
Why would His Highness Prince Mingrui appear here out of the blue? Could it be that he knew something?
Mo Lingxi, as if he were a regular, sat down in a chair and said lightly, "I wonder what you are discussing. May I join?"
The envoys from the three countries exchanged glances secretly, none of them willing to speak first.
Mo Lingxi was not in a hurry. He tapped the armrest of the chair lightly. "No one is answering me?"
The envoys from the three countries trembled slightly, regretting gathering together. If they had known Prince Mingrui would appear, they would never have gathered.
Mo Lingxi said, "Since you won't say, I'll have to use some special means."
"Your Highness Prince Mingrui." The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty, fearing further trouble, had to speak up. "Your Highness Prince Mingrui, we wanted to ask the two countries for help to save Princess Zhi Ya. We apologize for disturbing Your Highness Prince Mingrui's peace."
Mo Lingxi's voice was unreadable. "So that's how it is. According to your Southern Jin dynasty, did I punish Princess Zhi Ya wrongly?"
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty dared not say that the punishment was wrong. In their opinion, although Princess Zhi Ya had done something wrong, she represented the Southern Jin dynasty and was a princess married for political alliance. Prince Mingrui should not have punished her like this.
"It was Princess Zhi Ya's fault, and she deserved to be punished."
Mo Lingxi knew the envoy's thoughts. "It's not impossible for the Southern Jin dynasty to save Princess Zhi Ya. It all depends on how the Southern Jin dynasty acts."
The envoys from the Southern Jin dynasty looked at each other. Was Prince Mingrui trying to extort the Southern Jin dynasty?
"Please, Your Highness Prince Mingrui, enlighten us."
Mo Lingxi said, "I've heard that the Southern Jin dynasty has many good medicinal herbs."
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty understood and felt heartbroken. Prince Mingrui was demanding a large amount of medicinal herbs from the Southern Jin dynasty in exchange for Princess Zhi Ya's safety. Otherwise, they didn't know what fate awaited Princess Zhi Ya. However, the consequences of not agreeing might be even more severe.
"This... Your Highness Prince Mingrui, we have made this decision, but we need to ask our Emperor for approval before we can give you an answer."
Mo Lingxi agreed. "I hope the Southern Jin dynasty does not keep me waiting too long."
The envoy from the Southern Jin dynasty repeatedly assured him that they would not, and once again regretted seeking out the Western Yue and Northern Yuan dynasties. They should have anticipated such a situation.
Mo Lingxi glanced at the Western Yue and Northern Yuan dynasties, who were pretending to be quiet, and left after saying, "Take care of yourselves."
The Western Yue and Northern Yuan dynasties also quickly returned to their rooms, no longer daring to negotiate any terms with the Southern Jin dynasty. In this situation, it was good enough not to be extorted by Prince Mingrui.
The envoys from the Southern Jin dynasty were discussing how to rescue Princess Zhi Ya with the least cost and achieve their goal. In the current situation, they could not afford to do anything else.
...
After the academy opened, Sheng Lengshuang, as the instructor of medicine, came to the academy to teach.
She sat on a stool and scanned the students below. They ranged from five or six years old to over ten years old, but there were less than ten students scattered around, most of whom were boys.
Sheng Lengshuang understood the reason. Learning medicine required a long time, unlike embroidery, blacksmithing, and other skills that could be mastered in a relatively short period, allowing one to earn a living.
"The most important thing in learning medicine is to be able to calm your mind. If you cannot sit for one or two hours or even longer, please leave," she said sternly.
The children looked at each other, hesitating and struggling.
"Um, I heard my parents say that being a doctor is very profitable. Is that true?" a dark and thin boy asked.
The children started discussing.
"I also heard that being a doctor is very profitable. The key is that you can treat yourself when you're sick and don't have to spend money."
"I quite like medicine. Think about it, how amazing it is to heal people."
"My parents made me learn medicine. They said that doctors are not only respected but also make a lot of money."
Sheng Lengshuang did not stop the children. After they finished speaking, she said, "In some ways, what you've said is not wrong, but it's not absolute."
"For example, not all doctors are respected, and not all doctors can make money. Moreover, some skilled doctors can become imperial physicians."
She paused and added, "All of this requires excellent medical skills and moral character, and as I said before, it takes a very long time to learn medicine, perhaps five or ten years, or even twenty years."
Upon hearing such a long time, the children exclaimed, "Such a long time! I can't stick with it, and even if I could, my family couldn't afford it."
Sheng Lengshuang said, "Those who cannot persist in studying medicine for a long time, please leave."
This time, many children did not hesitate and walked out one after another.
In the end, only one boy and one girl remained.
Sheng Lengshuang looked at the two children, who were not very old, and asked with a smile, "Have you thought it through?"