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

"This matter is indeed a bit strange." Xu Feihong said in a deep voice, "Nanyue has always been cunning. I'm afraid they want to take advantage of the disaster in Daqian to deliberately stir up trouble."

Zhou Qing listened, pondering inwardly. South Vietnam's actions were clearly an attempt to exploit misfortune, perhaps even a deeper agenda. He picked up his pen and wrote down this crucial information in detail.

"Your Majesty, I think we should send envoys to Nanyue, firstly to understand the real situation, and secondly to let Nanyue know the attitude of our Daqian." The Minister of Rites stepped forward and said.

"Is there any suitable candidate for envoy?" Xu Feihong asked.

"I recommend Li Wenxuan, a scholar from the Hanlin Academy. He is knowledgeable and has studied in Nanyue for three years. He is quite familiar with the local customs and people of Nanyue." The Minister of Rites replied.

Xu Feihong nodded: "Very good, let Li Wenxuan be the chief envoy, and two deputy envoys accompany him."

At this time, the Minister of War stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this delegation should be equipped with a sufficient escort force. Since South Vietnam has dared to unilaterally tear up the treaty, who knows if this will harm our delegation."

"That makes sense." Xu Feihong thought for a moment, "Let Wang Meng, the commander of the Imperial Guards, select fifty elite soldiers to escort the envoys."

The discussion in the court continued, but Zhou Qing suddenly felt a palpitation. He looked up at Xu Feihong and saw that the empress's face seemed a little off, with beads of sweat oozing from her forehead.

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" Zhou Qing asked in a low voice.

Xu Feihong waved her hands, indicating she was fine, but Zhou Qing still noticed something was wrong with her. The Empress worked late last night, and this morning she had to deal with these difficult government affairs. I'm afraid her health is a bit strained.

"I believe that there must be another country behind Nanyue's move." At this time, a familiar voice sounded.

Zhou Qing looked up and saw that the person who spoke was the middle-aged official he had met at the banquet before. His name seemed to be Zhang Wenhua. This person had left a bad impression on Zhou Qing at that time, and now it seemed that he was speaking out in the court again.

"What is your opinion, Lord Zhang?" Xu Feihong asked.

"I believe that Nanyue must have the support of Beidi behind it. Beidi has always been eyeing Daqian covetously. Now, taking advantage of the disaster in Daqian, they are joining forces with Nanyue to put economic pressure on Daqian. Their intention is obvious." Zhang Wenhua spoke freely.

"If this is true, how should Daqian respond?" Xu Feihong continued to ask.

"I think we should immediately send troops to the border and make military preparations. At the same time, we should reduce cotton exports to South Vietnam to let them know how powerful our Daqian is." Zhang Wenhua said righteously.

Zhou Qing listened and shook his head. Zhang Wenhua's analysis seemed logical, but in reality, it was just unrealistic advice. Daqian was currently engaged in disaster relief, so where would they find extra troops to send to the border? Furthermore, reducing cotton exports would only harm Daqian's own people.

"I will consider Minister Zhang's suggestion." Xu Feihong responded politely, but his tone clearly showed that he did not intend to adopt it.

Zhang Wenhua obviously heard the empress's perfunctory response, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his face, but he still retreated.

After the court meeting, Zhou Qing followed Xu Feihong back to the imperial study. As soon as the empress sat down, she couldn't help rubbing her temples.

"Your Majesty, you really need to have a good rest." Zhou Qing said with concern.

"State affairs are so busy, there's no time to rest." Xu Feihong said with a wry smile, "South Vietnam's actions have made the already difficult situation even more complicated."

"Your Majesty, I have an idea." Zhou Qing hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"tell me the story."

"Instead of sending envoys to South Vietnam, it would be better to send someone to secretly investigate the true situation in South Vietnam. If South Vietnam is really deliberately provoking trouble, then the envoys will be put in a passive position."

Xu Feihong's eyes lit up: "What do you mean?"

"We can have the Jinyiwei sneak into South Vietnam and learn their true intentions. If we find that South Vietnam does have ill intentions, we can make corresponding preparations."

"That's a good idea." Xu Feihong nodded in agreement, "Let the Jinyiwei commander arrange this matter."

As he was speaking, Song Jiayun came in with a bowl of chicken soup. "Your Majesty, your lunch."

"Didn't I say that we should be frugal now and not have these things?" Xu Feihong frowned.

"This is for Lord Zhou." Song Jiayun said, but there was obvious dissatisfaction in her tone.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing quickly said, "Your Majesty, I don't need these. Please enjoy your meal."

"No, I said I would replenish your body, and I must do it." Xu Feihong insisted.

Seeing the empress's persistence, Zhou Qing was even more moved. Such a good emperor who worked for the country and the people had to face so many difficulties and challenges.

"By the way, Lord Zhou, what do you think of Zhang Wenhua?" Xu Feihong suddenly asked.

Zhou Qing's heart trembled. The empress was testing his opinion. After a moment's thought, he decided to speak the truth: "I think this person's words are flowery, but the suggestions he makes are mostly impractical."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"Right now, Daqian is busy with disaster relief. Our national resources are limited. How can we spare troops to send to the border? Moreover, reducing cotton exports will only harm our own people. His suggestion, while seemingly for the sake of the country, will actually plunge Daqian into even greater difficulties."

Xu Feihong nodded with satisfaction. "You're right. Zhang Wenhua is indeed a bit flashy. The reason I'm asking you this is because there have been rumors in the court recently that he's secretly trying to win over some officials."

Zhou Qing was shocked. It seemed that the struggle in the court was more complicated than he had imagined.

At night, Zhou Qing returned to his residence, still thinking about what had happened in the court that day. The provocations from South Vietnam and Zhang Wenhua's unusual behavior made him feel uneasy.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Sir Zhou, someone is looking for you." It was the voice of the residence manager.

Zhou Qing opened the door and saw a young man in gorgeous clothes standing outside, followed by several followers.

"You must be Lord Zhou Qingzhou, right?" the young man said with a smile. "I'm Li Mingxuan, a South Vietnamese merchant. I've long heard of your name."

Zhou Qing became alert. It was definitely not a good thing for a South Vietnamese businessman to come to him at this time.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Li?" Zhou Qing asked politely.

"It's like this. I heard that Lord Zhou is very influential in the court. I would like to ask Lord Zhou for a favor." Li Mingxuan said, taking out an exquisite box from his arms. "This is a small gift. Please accept it, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Qing looked at the box and refused to accept it. "Mr. Li, I appreciate your kindness. But if you have anything to say, just say it directly."

Li Mingxuan's expression changed slightly when he saw Zhou Qing didn't accept the gift, but he still kept smiling. "Sir Zhou is indeed honest and upright. I admire you. Actually, I came here to ask you to say a few good words to His Majesty regarding the cotton trade."