From cute to empress

The beating of the night watch drum shattered the stillness of the night, and my peace of mind. The eunuch's shrill voice pierced the night air, bringing news like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up a thousand ripples. The sudden arrival of envoys from a neighboring country, accompanied by unreasonable demands, made me imagine the emperor's furrowed brow and the tense atmosphere in the court.

My hand subconsciously clenched around Zhen Youcai's sleeve. He took it back, the warmth spreading from his palm dispelling some of my unease. He asked the eunuch in a deep voice, his tone calm, yet a subtle hint of anxiety lingering. I knew he, like me, had sensed a coming storm.

Inside the imperial study, the lights were bright, illuminating the emperor's weary face. Upon seeing us enter, he forced himself to perk up and handed us the credential from the neighboring envoy. I glanced quickly at it and saw the conditions listed. Every one of them was harsh and pressing. It was clearly an attempt to take advantage of someone's misfortune!

My heart sank, and I turned to look at Zhen Youcai. He too had a frown on his face, clearly aware of the thorny nature of the situation. This was no longer a simple diplomatic incident; it was a contest between national prestige and the interests of the people.

"Your Majesty, I believe this matter should not be rushed." Zhen Youcai stepped forward and said with a bow, "This move by our neighboring country is merely an opportunity to test our strength. We must respond calmly to resolve this crisis."

The emperor sighed and rubbed his brows: "I know this too, but... alas, the treasury is empty and the border defenses are weak. If a war really breaks out, I'm afraid..."

I understand the emperor's dilemma. He is a benevolent ruler who hates to see his people suffer, and even less to see war break out. However, blindly giving in will only embolden the enemy and ultimately lead to greater losses.

"Your Majesty, I have an idea..." I stepped forward and said softly.

The emperor and Zhen Youcai both looked at me in surprise. I took a deep breath and told them my plan: "I think we can..."

My plan is to exploit the problems of our neighbors and their dependence on our culture and economy to develop a "hard and soft" strategy. On the one hand, we must demonstrate our firm stance and our refusal to yield to unreasonable demands; on the other hand, we must demonstrate our friendship and sincerity, and our willingness to cooperate on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

"This..." The emperor pondered for a moment and looked at Zhen Youcai, "Guard Zhen, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, your Majesty's plan is indeed feasible," Zhen Youcai said after a moment's contemplation. "However, to implement this plan, a lot of preparations still need to be done..."

"Yes..." I nodded. "We need to understand the cultural, political, and economic conditions of our neighboring countries in more detail so we can formulate a more precise response strategy."

"I'll leave this matter to you two," the emperor finally decided. "I have faith in your abilities; you'll handle this properly!"

My heart trembled, knowing that this was not only the emperor's trust, but also a heavy responsibility on my shoulders. I turned to look at Zhen Youcai, and he gave me a firm look, as if to say: "Don't worry, we will face this together!"

The night deepened, but the lights in the imperial study remained bright. Zhen Youcai and I bent over our desks, leafing through various books and materials. I knew this diplomatic game had only just begun, and we still had a long way to go...

"What do you think? We should ask Master Zhao for help?" I put down the book in my hand and rubbed my sore eyes.

Zhen Youcai raised his head, a glint of admiration in his eyes: "Your Majesty is wise, and Scholar Zhao is knowledgeable and talented, and he also has a lot of research on neighboring countries. With his help, we will definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort!"

Zhao Xueshi's study was filled with antique charm and a scholarly air. He stroked his graying beard. After hearing the purpose of my visit, a flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes. "Your Majesty, you are deeply concerned about your country. I admire you. As for the affairs of neighboring countries, it's a long story..."

For the next few days, I spent most of my time in Zhao Xueshi's study. He explained to me the history, geography, culture, and politics of neighboring countries, from their ancestral origins to the succession of emperors, from their customs and habits to their economic lifelines, explaining everything in detail.

I then realized that my previous understanding of our neighboring country was only superficial. Zhao Xueshi's explanation was like opening the door to a new world for me, allowing me to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of this country.

"Your Majesty is extremely intelligent and quick to grasp things." Scholar Zhao said with a smile, "I believe that with your wisdom, you will definitely find a solution to the problem."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for your teachings. Mengmeng has benefited a lot from it." I said gratefully, my heart full of confidence.

At the same time, Zhen Youcai was also making other preparations for the negotiations. He found Coach Sun, who was in charge of training the guards, and conveyed the emperor's will to him.

"Master Sun, the visit of the envoys from our neighboring country is of great importance. The emperor has specially ordered me to select a team of elite guards to be responsible for security." Zhen Youcai said in a serious tone.

"Guard Zhen, don't worry. I'll take care of this!" Coach Sun patted his chest and promised, "I'll go pick some men right away. I guarantee they'll all be capable of taking on ten enemies at once!"

Coach Sun acted decisively and quickly selected an elite team of guards. Each of them was strong and sturdy, with high martial arts skills and a firm gaze. It was obvious at a glance that they were battle-hardened elite soldiers.

"Guard Zhen, what do you think of this team?" Coach Sun asked proudly, pointing at the neatly arranged guards.

Zhen Youcai observed each person carefully and nodded with satisfaction: "Good! With them here, I feel much more at ease."

Everything is ready, just waiting for the arrival of envoys from neighboring countries.

That day, I was flipping through the books given to me by Master Zhao in my room when I suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" It was Zhen Youcai's voice. "The envoys from the neighboring country have arrived!"

My heart skipped a beat, I closed the book, took a deep breath, and stood up.

The moment of decisive battle is finally here!

I walked quickly to the bronze mirror, carefully adjusted my appearance, made sure I was dressed appropriately, and then pushed the door open and walked out.

Zhen Youcai, dressed in military uniform, stood outside the door in a heroic manner. When he saw me come out, a relieved smile appeared on his face: "Your Majesty, everything is ready."

I nodded and followed him to the throne room.

The envoys from neighboring countries were already waiting in the hall, and when they saw me come in, they all cast curious glances at me. I saluted them gracefully and then sat down next to the emperor.

After some pleasantries, the negotiations officially began. I integrated the knowledge I had learned from Scholar Zhao over the past few days, applied it to the current situation, and presented my views with neither arrogance nor servility. My speech was logically clear and well-reasoned, drawing on classics while remaining flexible. I occasionally used easy-to-understand anecdotes to illustrate my point, which delighted the envoys from neighboring countries.

When discussing key issues, I remained calm and composed, unhurriedly presenting my solutions, safeguarding my country's interests while addressing the concerns of neighboring countries. Throughout the negotiations, I engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of ideas with the envoys of neighboring countries. While the atmosphere was tense, it remained manageable.

The negotiations lasted a whole day, and by the evening, a breakthrough was achieved. The two sides reached a consensus on several key issues that had been in dispute and drafted a preliminary agreement.

To celebrate the initial victory in the negotiations, the emperor hosted a banquet in the palace that night to entertain envoys from neighboring countries.

During the banquet, Su embroiderers, accompanied by several palace maids, displayed exquisite embroidery works. Their craftsmanship was so exquisite that the needles and threads seemed to come alive in their hands, with their fleeting movements creating lifelike figures of flowers, birds, fish, and insects that leapt onto the fabrics. The envoys from neighboring countries were dazzled and filled with admiration.

Later, Musician Qian and his band took the stage. Their music was sometimes soothing and melodious, sometimes passionate and generous, and sometimes gentle and lingering, fully showcasing the country's musical culture.

This cultural feast not only showcased the cultural charm of each country, but also brought the two countries closer together and created a more harmonious and friendly atmosphere for the subsequent negotiations.

After the banquet, the emperor summoned me to the imperial study.

"Mengmeng, you did a great job." The emperor's face was filled with a pleased smile. "Thanks to you, this diplomatic problem was resolved so smoothly."

"This is what Mengmeng should do," I said modestly, "thanks to Master Zhao's teachings and Guard Zhen's help."

The emperor nodded and looked at me deeply. "Mengmeng, you are very talented and hardworking. I believe that you will become an excellent..."

He suddenly paused, as if thinking about something.

"What can it be?" I asked curiously.

The emperor didn't answer my question, but just smiled and waved his hand: "It's getting late, you should go back and rest early."

Although I was confused, I didn't ask too many questions, so I took my leave and left the imperial study.

Back in my bedroom, I couldn't sleep at all. The emperor's unfinished words kept echoing in my mind.

"Being able to become an excellent..." What?

"What are you thinking about?"

A familiar voice suddenly sounded behind me. I turned around and saw Zhen Youcai standing at the door with two wooden swords in his hands.

"Nothing." I shook my head, suppressing the doubts in my heart. "Why are you here so late?"

"Let's go and practice sword fighting." Zhen Youcai raised the wooden sword in his hand with a smile on his lips.

I took the wooden sword and walked side by side with him towards the training ground. Under the moonlight, the two figures were getting closer and closer...

Moonlight poured down like water, illuminating the training grounds in a silvery white. I brandished my wooden sword, trying to recall the moves Master Sun had taught me. I'd been practicing diligently for a while now, and my swordsmanship had improved significantly, no longer as clumsy as it had been at the beginning.

"Your Majesty's swordsmanship has become increasingly refined," Zhen Youcai said as he easily parried my attack. His form was nimble, his movements flowing like clouds and water, as if he were one with the moonlight.

I chuckled, "It's all thanks to Guard Zhen's good teaching."

We fought back and forth, the crisp clash of wooden swords piercing the still night. I focused on countering Zhen Youcai's moves, giving my all in every attack and defense.

"My Lady, you must feel it with your heart." Zhen Youcai suddenly spoke, his voice sounding particularly low in the moonlight. "The sword is an extension of your body. It can sense your joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness."

I was slightly startled, carefully considering the implication of his words. Indeed, despite diligently practicing swordsmanship over this period, I've never truly understood the true meaning of the sword. I've viewed the sword as a weapon, never as a companion.

Thinking of this, I took a deep breath, cleared my mind, and focused all my attention on the wooden sword in my hand. Gradually, I seemed to feel the warmth of the wooden sword and the connection between it and me.

"Very good." Zhen Youcai's voice was approving. "That's it. Feel it and become one with it."

I closed my eyes and let my body's instincts drive me to swing the sword. Each move was no longer bound by form, but was filled with power and beauty.

"boom!"

There was a loud bang, and the wooden sword in my hand was knocked out, landing on the ground with a dull thud. I stumbled back a few steps before steadying myself.

"Your Majesty is making rapid progress." Zhen Youcai smiled and walked forward to support me. "With time, Your Majesty's swordsmanship will surely reach a higher level."

I looked up at the handsome, tall man before me, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. For all this time, he had been by my side, teaching me martial arts, answering my questions, and providing me with meticulous care.

"Thank you, Zhen Youcai." I said sincerely.

Zhen Youcai was slightly startled, then smiled and shook his head: "This is what my subordinates should do."

I looked at him, and a sudden sense of unease rose in my heart. For some reason, I always felt that tonight's night was particularly dark, as if something was about to happen...

"Zhen Youcai," I asked in a low voice, "Do you feel that things in the palace tonight seem a little uneasy?"

The smile on Zhen Youcai's face gradually disappeared. He looked up at the night sky, his brows slightly furrowed. "Did your Majesty feel it too?"

I nodded, and the uneasy feeling in my heart became stronger.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from the distance, accompanied by several exclamations: "There are assassins! Protect the emperor!"