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

"Now that they've unilaterally torn up the contract, could it be that they truly harbor evil intentions towards our Daqian?" Xu Feihong's expression darkened. Daqian bordered South Vietnam, which had previously stirred up trouble along the border. But after being suppressed by Daqian's ancestors with courtesy and military force, South Vietnam had remained peaceful. Could it be that South Vietnam was becoming dishonest again?

Zhou Qing paused his writing and looked up at the empress in the hall. Xu Feihong frowned, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. As a chronicler, he was learning more and more about court affairs and naturally understood the importance of the cotton trade to Daqian.

"Your Majesty, Nanyue's actions are indeed unusual," Minister of Finance Zheng Jiang continued. "According to past practice, Nanyue always places orders six months in advance, but this year they suddenly changed their minds. I believe Nanyue has sensed Daqian's predicament and is seeking to exploit it."

All the ministers in the hall nodded and talked about it for a while.

"Hmph, the small nation of Nanyue dares to bully our Daqian like this!" The Minister of War slammed the table and stood up, "Your Majesty, why not send troops to intimidate them and let them know the power of our Daqian!"

"Absolutely not!" The Minister of Revenue quickly shook his head. "Daqian is currently in a turbulent time. If we start another war, I'm afraid it will only make the situation worse."

Xu Feihong didn't express her opinion immediately, but instead looked at Zhou Qing. During their time together, she had discovered that this young recorder, despite his humble background, had unique insights and often offered different perspectives.

"Lord Zhou, what do you think?"

Zhou Qing put down his pen, stood up and saluted: "Your Majesty, I believe that Nanyue's actions are probably orchestrated by someone behind the scenes."

"Why do you think so?" Xu Feihong asked.

"Your Majesty, although Nanyue borders our Great Qian, its national strength is limited, and it has always relied on powerful nations for survival. They've suddenly torn up the treaty. They wouldn't have dared to do so without strong allies backing them up," Zhou Qing analyzed. "I suspect it's either Northern Yan or Western Chu who's behind this."

There was silence in the hall, and all the ministers were thinking about Zhou Qing's words.

Xu Feihong's eyes flashed with admiration. "Minister Zhou, what you said makes sense. So, how do you think Daqian should respond?"

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment. "I believe the most urgent task is not to send troops, but to uncover the truth. If someone is truly behind this, we need to gather evidence and then unite with other countries to isolate South Vietnam."

"Well said!" Xu Feihong nodded. "Then, as Minister Zhou Ai suggested, we should send spies deep into South Vietnam to find out the truth."

After leaving the court, Xu Feihong kept Zhou Qing.

"Lord Zhou, your insights today are very good." Xu Feihong walked to the window and looked at the distant mountains. "You know, what I fear most is not external enemies, but internal troubles."

Zhou Qing stood aside respectfully: "Your Majesty's concern for the world is truly a blessing for Daqian."

"I am a woman. Since I ascended the throne, there have always been those in the court who are dissatisfied. With the South Vietnam incident, I am worried that someone will take advantage of it to cause trouble again." Xu Feihong turned to look at Zhou Qing, "Are you willing to help me share my worries?"

Zhou Qing's heart moved. Is this a signal that the empress wants to use him?

"I am willing to help Your Majesty solve his problems and worries, even if it means death."

Xu Feihong nodded with satisfaction. "Very well, from today onwards, in addition to your duties as a record-keeper, you will also help me keep an eye on the developments in the court. Report any anomalies immediately."

"My minister obeys."

As he was speaking, Song Jiayun hurried in: "Your Majesty, someone outside the Imperial Study wants to see you. They say there's important news about South Vietnam."

Xu Feihong and Zhou Qing looked at each other and both felt that something was wrong.

"Let him in."

Not long after, a middle-aged man was brought in. He had a gaunt face and flickering eyes, and it was obvious that he was not a good person.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." The man knelt down and kowtowed.

"Stand up and talk. Do you have any news about South Vietnam?" Xu Feihong asked.

"Your Majesty, I was originally doing business in South Vietnam and just returned from there a few days ago." The man stood up. "While I was in South Vietnam, I saw many merchants from Northern Yan with my own eyes. They were buying large quantities of cotton."

Zhou Qing was shocked. It was just as he expected.

"Do you have any evidence?" Xu Feihong asked.

"I brought back some letters, all of which are correspondence between merchants from Northern Yan and officials from Southern Vietnam." As he said this, the man took out a few letters from his arms.

Song Jiayun took the letter and handed it to Xu Feihong. Xu Feihong looked at it for a few seconds and his face became more and more ugly.

"Lord Zhou, take a look too."

Zhou Qing took the letter and read it carefully. The contents of the letter indeed confirmed his suspicions. Beiyan was indeed manipulating Nanyue behind the scenes, with the goal of cutting off Daqian's important source of trade.

"This matter is of great importance. You go down first. I will send someone to arrange accommodation for you." Xu Feihong said to the man.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The man stepped back.

"My dear Zhou, what do you think?" Xu Feihong asked.

"Your Majesty, although these letters confirm Northern Yan's conspiracy, I still feel something is amiss." Zhou Qing frowned and said, "This person arrived just in time, as if he came specifically to deliver a letter to us."

"what do you mean?"

"I suspect this might be a trap," Zhou Qing said gravely, "Perhaps Northern Yan wants us to fall for it and use it as an opportunity to provoke a war."

Xu Feihong pondered for a long time: "Then how do you think we should deal with it?"

"Take advantage of their own tricks." Zhou Qing's eyes flashed with a gleam. "Since Beiyan wants us to fall into their trap, we should let them think they have succeeded. But secretly, we must make the real preparations."

Xu Feihong nodded: "Okay, I'll do as you say."

Three days later, the court was once again arguing about the issue of South Vietnam.

"Your Majesty, now that we have evidence, why not send troops to attack South Vietnam immediately!" said the Minister of War passionately.

"Absolutely not!" the Minister of Revenue objected quickly, "The treasury is empty now, where will the money come from to fight the war?"

"Are we going to allow Nanyue to bully Daqian?" the Minister of War said angrily.

Xu Feihong watched the ministers arguing with Her Highness, feeling helpless. She knew that many people in the court were eager for her to send troops so they could accuse her of excessive military spending and disregarding the people's livelihood.

"My dear ministers, I have made a decision on this matter," Xu Feihong said. "Send envoys to Nanyue. First, use courtesy, then force."

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers said in unison.

After leaving the court, Xu Feihong kept Zhou Qing again.

"My dear Zhou, how many people in the court do you think are truly concerned about me?" Xu Feihong asked.

Zhou Qing was silent for a moment: "Your Majesty, I believe that most people are loyal, they just have different standpoints."

"You're quite good at talking." Xu Feihong smiled bitterly, "I know many people are waiting for me to make a mistake."

As he was speaking, Song Jiayun hurried in again: "Your Majesty, this is bad! The person who brought the letter just now has died suddenly in the inn!"

Xu Feihong and Zhou Qing were both shocked.

"What's going on?" Xu Feihong asked.

"According to the people at the inn, the man was fine last night, but was found dead in his room this morning. The coroner performed an autopsy and said that he was poisoned." Song Jiayun reported.