I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

"Your Majesty, although my position is humble, I have been documenting state affairs daily and have gained some understanding of the situations in various countries. South Vietnam is located in the south, with a warm climate, so even if a cold snap were to occur, it wouldn't be this severe. Furthermore, South Vietnam does have a huge demand for cotton, but their reserves have always been ample, so they wouldn't rush to cancel the contract just because of a minor disaster."

Zhou Qing analyzed the situation clearly. "What's more, the timing of the South Vietnamese merchants causing trouble at the border is too coincidental. I suspect someone may be behind this."

"How dare you!" Li Wenbing, the Minister of Revenue, suddenly shouted angrily, "You're just a mere attendant, what do you know about state affairs? Talking nonsense in the court is unbecoming!"

"Lord Li, calm down." Zhou Qing responded calmly, "I am only speaking the truth. If there is anything inappropriate, please correct me."

Li Wenbing was choked by his words and was speechless, his face flushed red.

"Lord Zhou, what you say makes sense." Xu Feihong nodded. "Then, in your opinion, how should we respond?"

"I believe we can send envoys to Nanyue to understand the true situation and to demonstrate Daqian's stance. At the same time, we should secretly investigate whether other forces are manipulating this situation." Zhou Qing thought for a moment and added, "Furthermore, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We should find other ways to sell cotton or develop alternative industries."

"Excellent!" Xu Feihong clapped her hands in admiration. "Lord Zhou, though young, has a unique perspective. Minister Zheng, what do you think?"

Zheng Jiang was secretly surprised that this little attendant could say such insightful words. It seemed that he should not be underestimated.

"Your Majesty, Lord Zhou is absolutely right. I will immediately arrange for an envoy to go to South Vietnam."

"Well, I'll leave this matter to you." Xu Feihong nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Zhou Qing, "Lord Zhou, please come with me to the imperial study to discuss the details."

The ministers in the court looked at each other in bewilderment. How could this attendant suddenly be so highly regarded by the empress?

After the court session, Zhou Qing followed the empress to the imperial study. Song Jiayun was sorting documents and looked a little unhappy when she saw Zhou Qing come in.

"Lord Zhou, your performance in the court just now was very good." After Xu Feihong sat down, he personally poured Zhou Qing a cup of tea. "Tell me what you think. Who do you think is behind the South Vietnam incident?"

Zhou Qing took the teacup, feeling secretly moved. This empress was truly courteous and respectful, even pouring tea for him herself.

"Your Majesty, I think the most likely target is Western Qin." Zhou Qing put down his teacup and analyzed seriously, "Western Qin has always wanted to advance eastward, but our Great Qian is so powerful that they dare not act rashly. If they can weaken our Great Qian through economic means, that would be the best option for them."

"Furthermore, the relationship between Xi Qin and South Vietnam has always been ambiguous. If Xi Qin promises South Vietnam better conditions, South Vietnam is likely to cooperate with their actions."

Xu Feihong nodded repeatedly after hearing this: "That makes sense. So how do you think we should deal with this?"

"If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth." Zhou Qing said confidently, "Since Xi Qin wants to wage an economic war, we will just play along. Daqian is vast and rich in resources, and is filled with talented people. Why should we be afraid of a small group like Xi Qin?"

"Hahaha!" Xu Feihong laughed, "Well said! I just like your heroic spirit."

Song Jiayun watched from the side with gritted teeth. This Zhou Qing was really good at flattery. He actually made the empress so happy.

"Your Majesty, I have another suggestion," Zhou Qing continued. "We can send caravans to the countries of the East China Sea to open up new trade routes. We can't put all our eggs in one basket."

"I understand." Xu Feihong nodded, "I'll leave this matter to you."

"Your Majesty?" Zhou Qing was a little surprised. "Your Majesty, I am only an attendant. I am afraid..."

"If I say you can do it, then you can do it!" Xu Feihong said domineeringly, "From today on, you are my special envoy, specifically responsible for foreign trade affairs."

Zhou Qing was shocked. The empress was going to use him. Although it was just an honorary position, it was of great significance.

"I obey your order!" Zhou Qing knelt down and accepted the order.

"Get up, no need to be so polite." Xu Feihong waved him to stand up, "Go and get ready first, I will issue an edict tomorrow."

After Zhou Qing left, Song Jiayun couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, isn't it too soon for you to promote him like this? He is just a humble attendant after all."

"Jiayun, do you have any opinions about Lord Zhou?" Xu Feihong asked with a smile.

"I dare not." Song Jiayun quickly denied, "I just feel that promoting him too quickly might give other ministers something to think about."

"Other ministers?" Xu Feihong sneered. "Do I need to consider their expressions when I employ people? Minister Zhou has real talent and knowledge, so it's only natural for me to employ him."

Song Jiayun didn't dare to say anything else and could only organize the documents silently.

Zhou Qing returned to his residence, feeling incredibly excited. From a humble attendant to the Empress's special envoy, the transition was incredibly fast.

But he also knew that this was just the beginning. The real test was yet to come.

The next day, the court was in an uproar.

"Your Majesty, Zhou Qing is so young and has no qualifications. How can he take on such an important task?" Li Wenbing was the first to jump out and object.

"That's right. Foreign trade is a matter of great importance. How can we treat it as a joke?" Another minister echoed.

"Enough!" Xu Feihong shouted coldly, "When is it your turn to tell me what to do when I employ people?"

The court suddenly became quiet, and everyone could feel the empress's anger.

"Lord Zhou is knowledgeable and insightful, exactly the kind of talent I need. Anyone who disagrees can challenge him to a duel."

Li Wenbing wanted to say something else, but when he saw the empress's eyes, he shut his mouth.

"Okay, that's settled." Xu Feihong glanced around. "Anything else?"

The ministers looked at each other and dared not say anything.

After the court was dismissed, Zhou Qing was surrounded by several ministers.

"Mr. Zhou, congratulations!" Zheng Jiang said with a smile and bowed.

"You're too polite, Minister Zheng." Zhou Qing replied.

"Lord Zhou is young and promising, with a bright future!" Another minister also came over.

Zhou Qing returned the gifts one by one, but he knew very well in his heart that these people were fence-sitters who changed their stance according to the wind.

"Lord Zhou, are you free tonight? I would like to invite you for a drink." An old minister came over and whispered.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir, but I still have official business to attend to." Zhou Qing declined.

The old minister looked unhappy, but he didn't dare to lose his temper.

After returning home, Zhou Qing began to think about his next plan. Foreign trade, though seemingly simple, actually involves interests from all sides.

The first thing he had to do was to find out the current trade situation in Daqian and then make a detailed plan.