Mo Lingxi did not explain, "Shall I accompany you around later? There's no need to deal with these people."
Sheng Lengshuang also did not wish to deal with these people. Just as she said "Okay," her gaze fell upon a eunuch who approached with a bow. "What is it?"
The eunuch respectfully bowed and said, "Reporting to His Highness Prince Rui, Miss Sheng, His Majesty requests both of you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He has important matters to discuss."
Sheng Lengshuang and Mo Lingxi exchanged a glance and proceeded to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Upon seeing Zi Cheng, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe and already possessing considerable imperial authority, Sheng Lengshuang couldn't help but remark on the difference in those who became emperors.
Zi Cheng rubbed his slightly weary brow and, with a gentle smile, invited Sheng Lengshuang and Mo Lingxi to sit. "I've invited my uncle and aunt to discuss a matter."
He then handed a document to Sheng Lengshuang. "Uncle and aunt, please take a look. This is a document sent by the Northern Yuan Dynasty."
Sheng Lengshuang held the document, reading it with Mo Lingxi.
As they read the contents, their expressions turned grim.
"The Northern Yuan Dynasty's actions are still so swift. They've already reached the outskirts of Dongdu. As soon as His Majesty agrees, the Northern Yuan envoys celebrating our ascension will enter Dongdu," Sheng Lengshuang sneered.
Zi Cheng's smile faded, a chill creeping into his eyes. "Indeed. Take the previous princess for marriage alliance, for instance; the Northern Yuan Dynasty acted very quickly. Their envoys are also moving swiftly this time. It's as if they don't even regard our Eastern Jin Dynasty."
"However, the Northern Yuan Dynasty's actions present us with an opportunity," Mo Lingxi's eyes glinted coldly. "If my guess is correct, the other kingdoms are unaware of the Northern Yuan Dynasty's movements."
Sheng Lengshuang and Zi Cheng understood immediately.
"This is indeed a good plan. However... what if the other kingdoms learn of the Northern Yuan Dynasty's actions, or what if they are using the Northern Yuan Dynasty as a pawn?"
"That is possible. If that's the case, we can sow discord among the kingdoms."
Mo Lingxi added, "Yes, no country is willing to be a pawn, especially when there are significant benefits at stake."
"The reason these few kingdoms have joined forces is their desire to annex our Eastern Jin Dynasty or to gain the greatest benefits. Such alliances of interest are often the easiest to break."
Sheng Lengshuang pondered, "But we cannot offer greater benefits."
Mo Lingxi replied, "We don't need to offer greater benefits. We simply need to make it clear to the kingdoms who wishes to cooperate with our Eastern Jin Dynasty and who aims to gain the greatest benefits."
Now Sheng Lengshuang understood. "So, you intend to capitalize on the Northern Yuan Dynasty's early arrival?"
Mo Lingxi nodded. "The Southern Ning Princess of the Northern Yuan Dynasty has already been enfeoffed as Consort Ning, holding one of the four highest consort ranks. How should the other kingdoms' princesses for marriage alliances be arranged? Furthermore, the Northern Yuan Dynasty has arrived ahead of schedule."
Upon hearing this, Sheng Lengshuang understood everything. She had to admit, these were the moves of someone skilled in manipulating power, considering their thoughts and intellect.
The three of them discussed the specific details.
After about an hour.
Zi Cheng rubbed his sore neck and exhaled. "I will issue a decree immediately, ordering the Ministry of Rites to grandly welcome the Northern Yuan envoys into Dongdu."
Mo Lingxi and Sheng Lengshuang nodded. A grand welcome was indeed necessary.
"Coincidentally, at tonight's palace banquet, Your Majesty might as well praise the Northern Yuan Dynasty handsomely," Sheng Lengshuang said meaningfully.
Zi Cheng found this idea excellent and lamented, "Uncle, I've sacrificed for you. You must reconcile with Aunt, or I will cry to death."
Thinking of his uncle 'using all means' to force him to use the positions of Empress and Consort to sow discord among the kingdoms, he felt like crying.
Sheng Lengshuang raised an eyebrow and smiled at Mo Lingxi. "Oh, Prince Ming Rui, you truly have quite the ability."
Mo Lingxi touched the tip of his nose. It was a last resort.
...
At the city gate.
The Minister of Rites, along with several officials from the Ministry of Rites and several teams of Imperial Guards, bowed with smiles to the slowly approaching Northern Yuan envoys. "Welcome, Northern Yuan envoys, to our Eastern Jin Dynasty."
His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for the onlookers to hear.
"So it's the Northern Yuan envoys. No wonder the Ministry of Rites is making such a fuss."
"Did the Northern Yuan envoys arrive a bit too quickly? The Emperor has just ascended the throne, and the Northern Yuan envoys are already here. I heard the envoys from other kingdoms are still on their way."
"I suspect the Northern Yuan Dynasty has ill intentions. They calculated against our Eastern Jin Dynasty with the princess for marriage alliance before, and now their congratulatory envoys are arriving so quickly. It's obvious they intend to scheme against us."
The Northern Yuan envoys exchanged glances, understanding that the Eastern Jin Dynasty was being deliberate. However, they had to maintain smiling faces, showing no hint of dissatisfaction or negative emotions.
After exchanging pleasantries, both sides harbored their own calculations.
The Minister of Rites made a gesture of invitation. "The post station has been prepared. Please proceed, esteemed envoys. His Majesty is extremely pleased that the Northern Yuan Dynasty has come so quickly to congratulate the new Emperor of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and has bestowed many good things upon Consort Ning."
The leading envoy of the Northern Yuan Dynasty was also a Minister of Rites, named Zhao.
Lord Zhao noticed the discussions among the surrounding populace and his heart skipped a beat. "The Eastern Jin Dynasty is too kind. My Northern Yuan Dynasty and the Eastern Jin Dynasty are good allies."
The Minister of Rites laughed heartily and patted Lord Zhao. "Lord Zhao, your words are most pleasing. Therefore, has Lord Zhao brought the ten thousand jin of grain and countless livestock from the Northern Yuan Dynasty? Our Eastern Jin Dynasty has been anticipating it for a long time."
His Majesty had said that such a large quantity of grain and livestock must not be missed, otherwise, the Eastern Jin Dynasty would be taken for a fool.
Upon mentioning this, the common people erupted, demanding that the Northern Yuan Dynasty provide the grain and livestock.
"This is what the Northern Yuan Dynasty promised; they must deliver!"
"Yes! Princess Nan Ning has already been made Consort Ning. If the Northern Yuan Dynasty does not comply, we will make them regret it."
"Hand over the ten thousand jin of grain and livestock! Hand it over!"
Countless citizens shouted, their voices shaking the heavens, greatly startling the Northern Yuan envoy procession.
Lord Zhao knew very well that if they did not provide the ten thousand jin of grain and countless livestock, they would not be able to leave the Eastern Jin Dynasty alive, and furthermore, the Northern Yuan Dynasty was in the wrong.
"Everyone, everyone, the ten thousand jin of grain and countless livestock will definitely be provided by the Northern Yuan Dynasty, but only after we have met the Emperor of the Eastern Jin Dynasty," he said placidly.
"At tonight's palace banquet, Lord Zhao will have the opportunity to meet His Majesty of the Eastern Jin Dynasty," the Minister of Rites said ambiguously.
Lord Zhao's eyelids twitched. Tonight's palace banquet was likely a feast of Hongmen.
...
In the evening, at the palace banquet.
Zi Cheng, seated at the head of the table, glanced at Consort Ning beside him, raised his wine cup, and said with a smile to Lord Zhao and the others, "Lord Zhao, you have traveled a long distance. I shall drink a cup with you."
Lord Zhao and the others quickly stood up with their wine cups, repeatedly offering polite words.
After drinking a cup of wine, Zi Cheng suddenly asked Consort Ning, "Consort Ning, do you not miss your homeland? Perhaps it would be best to let Lord Zhao and the others tell you about matters concerning the Northern Yuan Dynasty."
Consort Ning understood the implication, her smile gentle. "Your Majesty speaks wisely. May I ask if I may invite Lord Zhao and the others for a small gathering in the palace tomorrow?"