readytorunbook Chapter 130 Concubine Shu's Thoughtfulness
Chapter 130 Concubine Shu's Thoughtfulness
Master Chen Xuan gently took out the note and opened it. He saw a big "Success" on it! He chuckled. It was just as he expected. It seemed that their plan was more likely to succeed.
Mo Yan, who was standing by, saw this scene and admired his young master even more. He said quickly, "Your Excellency is truly a man of foresight and foresight."
Master Chen Xuan's expression did not change, and he said calmly, "Don't be too happy too soon. Tell Qi Heng to pass on the message that no one should act rashly in the next two days."
Upon hearing this, Mo Yan immediately responded, "Yes, I understand, don't worry, sir." After that, he turned and left.
At this time, the atmosphere in the study of the Chu Palace was extremely solemn. Several adult princes and first-rank ministers were present, and everyone had a serious expression on their faces. The King of Chu sat on the dragon throne and looked at everyone with a stern face: "Regarding the matter of purchasing grain from Shun State, what do you think? Tell us." His voice was low and powerful, and people couldn't help but feel an invisible pressure.
The eldest prince stepped forward first and said in a firm tone: "Father, the people of Shun are asking for too much. They are trying to rob us! We cannot compromise." His words were full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he was deeply indignant at the behavior of Shun.
Emperor Chu frowned and did not immediately respond to the eldest prince's words. Instead, he turned his gaze to the second prince.
The second prince took a deep breath and then said slowly: "Father, I feel that since Lord Yang has not set a firm price, it means there is still room for negotiation. We might as well have a good negotiation with the people of Shun to see if we can find a solution acceptable to both parties." His tone was calm, but it revealed a thoughtful attitude.
The King of Chu nodded slightly, indicating that he agreed with the Second Prince's point of view. Then, he turned his gaze to Prime Minister Qin and asked, "Prime Minister Qin, what do you think about this matter?"
Prime Minister Qin stepped forward, saluted respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter needs careful consideration. After all, food is different from ordinary supplies. It is related to the stability of the country and the livelihood of the people. I believe that the people of Shun will not make too many concessions easily. In addition, this matter has now become a hot topic. If it is not properly handled, it may cause instability in the hearts of the people." His words revealed deep worry, which made everyone present fall into deep thought.
The eldest prince snorted coldly, with a trace of disdain in his eyes, "Prime Minister Qin is worrying too much! So what if this matter gets out? The people of Shun are not sincere at all, and they are asking for too much. Can't we refuse?" His voice was filled with dissatisfaction and doubt, as if he didn't care about Prime Minister Qin's worries.
The Emperor of Chu glared at the eldest prince, his eyes revealing a hint of majesty. The eldest prince instantly fell silent, not daring to say anything more. He knew that his words just now were a bit rash and made the emperor unhappy.
The King of Chu cast his eyes towards the old man sitting on the side, and his tone became gentle, "Master Lin, what do you think?" This Master Lin is not only the grandfather of the King of Chu, but also the teacher of the King of Chu and his brothers. He is already 84 years old this year. He has experienced countless hardships, has a wide range of knowledge, and is highly respected.
Grand Tutor Lin bowed slightly, then spoke slowly: "Your Majesty, I think what Prime Minister Qin said makes sense. Although the grain price they proposed is indeed much higher than we expected, it does not exceed the current grain price of Da Chu. If we reject it directly, we will not care about the lives of the people; but if the transaction is completed at this price, it will bring huge pressure to the court's finances. So this matter really needs to be considered carefully, and a decision should be made after weighing the pros and cons." His words were clear and people couldn't help but nod in agreement.
After hearing this, the King of Chu's expression eased a little and his tone became gentler: "Grandmaster, what do you think is the appropriate price for grain?"
Master Lin lowered his head slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, he spoke cautiously: "Your Majesty, I dare not make a rash statement on this matter. For our Chu State, we naturally hope that the price will be as low as possible, but this matter must be agreed by Shun State, and we have to discuss it face to face."
The King of Chu knew that this matter could not be rushed and required patience and strategy. He took a deep breath and calmly ordered: "Master Lin, the Second Prince, and Prime Minister Qin, tomorrow the three of you will represent me in negotiating with the envoys of Shun State. You must do your best to lower the price to the lowest possible level."
The three men stepped out in unison and answered respectfully, "Yes, we obey your command." They were well aware of the heavy responsibility they had. This negotiation was related to the livelihood of the people of Chu and was also the key to national interests.
After everyone left, the Emperor of Chu rubbed his aching eyebrows, stood up with the help of the eunuchs, left the imperial study and returned to the bedroom. Not long after he sat down, a eunuch reported, "Your Majesty, the Concubine Shu is outside the palace asking for an audience." The Emperor of Chu paused, remembering that the Concubine Shu had always been gentle and virtuous, and did not fight or compete. He could not help but feel a little puzzled, wondering why she came this time. But he still said, "The Concubine Shu is here? Let her in."
Concubine Shu walked slowly into the palace, bowed to the Emperor of Chu with full courtesy, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I greet you, may your Majesty be well!" The Emperor of Chu waved his hand, "Please stand up, my beloved concubine. Why are you here today?" His voice was unpredictable. Concubine Shu's status in the palace was second only to Concubine Zhang. She never liked to compete. Except for occasionally sending people to deliver some soup and tea, she rarely asked for an audience. Therefore, the Emperor of Chu was a little surprised by her arrival.
Concubine Shu smiled gently, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes, and said softly: "Your Majesty, although it is autumn now, it is still hot and dry during the day, which makes it easy to get a sore throat. I have boiled some chrysanthemum tea and made some autumn pear paste for Your Majesty." As she spoke, she placed the tray in her hand on the table, opened the lid, revealing an exquisite teapot and teacups, as well as a small jar of autumn pear paste.
The King of Chu looked at everything in front of him, his expression eased a little, nodded, and said, "My beloved concubine is thoughtful." He picked up the teacup and took a sip of chrysanthemum tea. He immediately felt a fragrance spreading in his mouth, and his throat became refreshed. Then, he tasted the autumn pear paste, which tasted sweet and not greasy, and made him feel happy.
Concubine Shu stood aside, carefully observing the King's expression, with a trace of worry in her eyes. She asked softly, "Your Majesty, you don't look very well. Is your old headache coming back? Why don't you let me give you a massage?"
The King of Chu nodded slightly and replied tiredly, "Well, that would be great."
Concubine Shu smiled and walked behind the Emperor Chu, stretched out her slender and fair hands, and began to massage skillfully. Her movements were gentle and powerful, just right to relieve the fatigue and pain of the Emperor Chu.
The King of Chu closed his eyes, feeling the warm palm of Concubine Shu caressing his head, and couldn't help but sigh with satisfaction: "My beloved, you are really skillful! I feel much more comfortable with your touch."
Concubine Shu chuckled and responded gently: "As long as Your Majesty finds it useful, it's fine. I'm just a woman and can't help with other things. I just hope Your Majesty can be in good health." As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly, her eyes revealing deep concern.
After hearing this, the King of Chu smiled slightly and felt very satisfied with Concubine Shu's thoughtfulness.
While massaging, Concubine Shu said, "Your Majesty has been busy with state affairs day and night, and your tendons and veins are a little blocked, which makes your head hurt more. Your Majesty should rest more." The King of Chu sighed and said helplessly, "I also want to rest well, but there are so many things in the world that I cannot slack off.
"Shu Fei stopped what she was doing, walked around to the front of the King of Chu, held his hand, and looked at him affectionately: "Your Majesty, I understand your difficulties, but only if you are healthy can you better handle state affairs. "
The King of Chu sighed and said, "The weather is not good. There are disaster victims everywhere, and the court is full of parasites. In addition, there is the recent alliance with Shun State. I am also unable to deal with it."