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

In the court, the ministers were discussing the matter, saying that Nanyue's actions were indeed strange.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Nanyue's actions must be instigated by someone behind the scenes," said Minister of War Li Ming, standing up and bowing. "Nanyue is weak and would never dare to become an enemy of Daqian without cause."

"Then according to Lord Li, how should we deal with this?" Xu Feihong asked.

"I suggest sending envoys to South Vietnam to investigate openly and secretly and to ascertain the truth. If there is indeed someone instigating this, they must be severely punished."

Zhou Qing took notes, thinking to himself. Nanyue's cotton trade was crucial to Daqian. If this source of income were truly cut off, life would become even more difficult for the people.

"Your Majesty, I have a different opinion." A voice sounded, and everyone looked over. It was Zhao Wenyuan, the Minister of Rites.

"Lord Zhao, please speak."

"I believe that Nanyue's actions are intended to test the strength of our Great Qian. Now that our dynasty has suffered a disaster and its national strength has weakened, Nanyue is taking advantage of the opportunity to stir up trouble. If we show weakness and seek peace, it will only embolden them."

As soon as Zhao Wenyuan finished speaking, the Minister of Revenue, Zheng Jiang, retorted, "Minister Zhao, you are wrong. This is a year of disaster, and the treasury is empty. If we become enemies with Nanyue and the two countries go to war, how will the people survive?"

"Minister Zheng is worrying too much," Zhao Wenyuan sneered. "The small nation of Nanyue wouldn't dare to go to war with Daqian even if they had ten times the courage. We only need to send a large army to the border, and Nanyue will naturally submit."

The court was immediately divided into two factions, one advocating peace talks and the other advocating military deterrence.

Zhou Qing watched these ministers arguing endlessly, feeling a little anxious. These people only knew how to argue in the court, but were oblivious to the suffering of the people.

"Enough!" Xu Feihong slammed the table and stood up, and the court suddenly became quiet.

"My dear ministers, the affairs of South Vietnam are indeed important, but the most important thing right now is disaster relief." Xu Feihong's voice was filled with anger. "Hundreds of thousands of people in Northeast China are still starving and freezing, and you are here arguing endlessly over South Vietnam!"

All the ministers lowered their heads and dared not say anything more.

"Lord Zheng, immediately send someone to South Vietnam to investigate the situation. At the same time, have the border guards step up their alert to prevent any untoward movements from South Vietnam."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Zheng Jiang bowed in response.

"As for the cotton trade, we will try to find other ways to purchase it for the time being. We cannot let the people suffer because of this."

"Your Majesty is wise." All the ministers responded in unison.

After the court was dismissed, Zhou Qing followed Xu Feihong back to the imperial study.

"My dear Zhou, what do you think is the deeper meaning of Nanyue's move?" Xu Feihong asked.

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment and replied, "I think Nanyue's move is indeed a bit sudden. Logically speaking, Nanyue and Daqian have been trading for many years and have always had a good relationship. Now that they suddenly tear up the contract, there must be a reason."

"What do you think the reason is?"

"Maybe someone is instigating behind the scenes, or maybe something unexpected happened in South Vietnam." Zhou Qing said cautiously.

Xu Feihong nodded: "You have a point. It seems that we really need to investigate it thoroughly."

Just then, Song Jiayun walked in with a bowl of steaming chicken soup.

"Your Majesty, your lunch is ready."

"Put it down." Xu Feihong waved her hand. "By the way, where's Mr. Zhou Aiqing's chicken soup?"

"It's already stewed and is being kept warm." Song Jiayun said, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.

Zhou Qing saw this and felt a little guilty. The Empress took such good care of him that even those around her were a little dissatisfied.

"Your Majesty, I am much better now. There is no need to make soup for me."

"How can that be? You work for me, so I naturally have to take good care of you." Xu Feihong waved her hand, "Jiayun, go get the chicken soup."

Song Jiayun had no choice but to serve the chicken soup.

Zhou Qing watched Song Jiayun leave and sighed inwardly. It seemed that he had indeed received too much attention, which inevitably aroused jealousy.

"Lord Zhou, your health has improved a lot recently." Xu Feihong looked at Zhou Qing. "Not only have you become stronger, but you've also grown taller. It seems the food in the Imperial Study is indeed good."

"It's all the grace of His Majesty." Zhou Qing said respectfully.

"You don't have to be so formal." Xu Feihong smiled. "We've been together as king and subject for so long, I know your character. You're hardworking and loyal."

Zhou Qing felt warm in his heart. It was indeed a happy thing to be recognized by the empress.

"By the way, what do you think of the debate in the court just now?" Xu Feihong asked.

"I believe both Excellencies have their reasons," Zhou Qing said cautiously. "While peace talks are certainly important, we cannot show weakness. Military deterrence is necessary, but we cannot resort to force lightly."

"So how do you think we can strike a balance?"

Zhou Qing thought for a moment and said, "I believe we can send envoys to negotiate with South Vietnam while secretly mobilizing our troops to prepare. This will show our sincerity publicly and our strength in secret."

Xu Feihong's eyes flashed with approval: "Yes, this is a good idea. It seems that your time in the Imperial Study has not been in vain. You have also gained some insights into political affairs."

Zhou Qing said modestly, "It's all thanks to the emperor's wise teachings."

Just then, Song Jiayun came back with chicken soup.

"Your Majesty, this is Lord Zhou's chicken soup." Song Jiayun placed the chicken soup in front of Zhou Qing, with a hint of reluctance in her tone.

"Thank you, Miss Song." Zhou Qing said politely.

Song Jiayun snorted and did not respond.

Xu Feihong saw it, frowned, but said nothing.

Zhou Qing drank the chicken soup with mixed feelings. The soup was indeed delicious, but it tasted a bit bitter.

"Your Majesty, I have an idea." Zhou Qing put down his bowl and chopsticks and said.

"what idea?"

"Regarding the South Vietnamese issue, I think we can consider it from another angle."

"Oh? Tell me."

"The fact that South Vietnam dared to unilaterally break the contract suggests they have a new source of cotton. Let's find out which country is supplying cotton to South Vietnam."

Xu Feihong's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea. If we can find out the source of the cotton, we can find the mastermind behind it."

"That's right." Zhou Qing nodded. "Furthermore, we can also consider directly contacting that country to see if we can reach a new trade agreement."

"Excellent!" Xu Feihong applauded. "Lord Zhou, you are becoming more and more insightful. This is a very good suggestion. I will have someone check it out."

Zhou Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Being able to help the empress solve her problems was his greatest wish.

In the afternoon, Zhou Qing was sorting documents in the imperial study as usual when suddenly a young eunuch rushed in.

"Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

Xu Feihong took the memorial and his face instantly became serious.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Qing asked with concern.

"The South Vietnamese army is gathering at the border, and something seems wrong." Xu Feihong handed the memorial to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing took it and read it, his heart tightening. The memorial said that South Vietnam had assembled 30,000 troops on the border, nominally for exercises, but their movements were quite suspicious.