My elder sister is so noble, this time it's my turn to strike back

"Thank you for your hard work, boss. This is your hard work fee."

As Wan Zilang spoke, he placed a large ingot of silver in his hand into the shopkeeper's hand. The shopkeeper was about to take it with a happy look on his face when he heard Wan Zilang's warning again:

"Remember, don't tell anyone about this. If someone asks, do you know what to say?"

The shopkeeper looked serious and assured, "Don't worry, sir. I've been running this teahouse for decades. My wife and children are all here at home. I promise I'll keep this a secret."

"If anyone asks, I'll just say it was indeed set up by a passing merchant. He didn't tell me how to contact me, but he just said he'd come back to my teahouse if he had the chance."

Wan Zilang nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand for the shopkeeper to take the silver and leave.

After the shopkeeper left, Wan Zilang looked at Qiu Ning with sparkling eyes and asked, "Auntie, tell me quickly, how did you predict that the Chu State delegation would pass by here and be interested in these Lu Ban locks and lantern riddles?"

It turned out that as early as three days ago, Qiu Ning had Wan Zilang set up a plan here. He first bribed the shopkeeper with a large sum of money to pay close attention to the customers passing by, especially the little boy who was about seven or eight years old and dressed elegantly.

And placed two Luban locks and lanterns in the most conspicuous place in the lobby to lure the prince of Chu to come and break through.

Firstly, it can ensure that the Sixth Prince can make arrangements early after they arrive in Beijing.

Secondly, Qiu Ning deliberately placed two relatively simple Luban locks and riddles, and asked the shopkeeper to cooperate with them in speaking such a speech, in order to create an illusion for the Chu delegation.

That is, in the entire Great Xia Kingdom, no one can solve this kind of thing. They have never seen the world and are like a frog in a well.

The more ignorant the people of Daxia appear, the more arrogant the Chu delegation will become and the more they will let down their guard.

Then at the banquet, I will be able to slap them in the face more effectively.

"And how can you be sure that no one else will pass by here in the next two days? What if the puzzle is solved in advance?" Wan Zilang asked.

Qiu Ning picked up a piece of cake from the table and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully.

After a while, he took out another piece and handed it to Wan Zilang, indicating that he should try it too.

Wan Zilang didn't understand what was going on, so he took a bite and found that the taste of the pastry was really average. Even the ones made by his own chef were better, not to mention the old pastry shops in the city.

Wan Zilang couldn't eat, so he simply spit out the cake in his mouth and complained:

"This black-hearted shopkeeper actually brought this kind of food to treat me. Is this food for human consumption? I'm going to settle the score with him right now." Wan Zilang was about to stand up, but Qiu Ning pulled him back.

“Sit tight!

Is the answer I want you to give about the pastries?" Qiu Ning rolled her eyes and looked at Wan Zilang with some disdain.

Wan Zilang's face was full of question marks.

Then, Qiu Ning was heard saying, "This is the outskirts of the capital, so it's naturally not as good as the capital. Haven't you noticed that most of the people passing by here are merchants or ordinary people on the road, and ordinary scholars. Very few people pass by here. Can you guess why?"

Wan Zilang waved his fan and answered confidently, "Why else could it be? Scholars are pedantic, always boasting of their purity. They disdain to gather with these peddlers and hawkers. I heard there's an inn ten miles away that specifically caters to students going to the capital for the imperial examinations, as well as passing scholars. I believe most of the students are heading here."

Qiu Ning nodded with satisfaction. "That's right. So, in this environment, very few people can solve this puzzle. This is one reason."

"What about the second?"

"Secondly, even if someone is lucky enough to solve it, the shopkeeper can give the prize money to the person as promised, and then after the person leaves, replace it with another puzzle I prepared."

In this way, as long as the Chu envoys pass by this inn, they will be safe.

After hearing Qiu Ning's analysis, Wan Zilang suddenly understood and admired Qiu Ning even more.

"Auntie, I don't submit to anyone except you. Please accept my knees." He smiled flatteringly and felt very fortunate that he had not completely offended Qiu Ning at the beginning. Otherwise, with Qiu Ning's ability, he would never be able to turn over.

……

In the blink of an eye, the day arrived when the envoys from the State of Chu would come to Beijing to meet the emperor.

The reason why the State of Chu came this time was actually to discuss with Daxia about opening up trade between the two countries, promoting economic exchanges between the two countries, and exchanging what they have.

However, since it was a collaboration, it would involve some sovereignty disputes. For example, the Chu State was rich in Ferghana horses and leather, while Daxia was rich in tea and silk.

It stands to reason that the State of Chu shouldn't have sent a child for such an important matter, but Chu Shaochen was incredibly famous in the State of Chu. Although young, his talent surpassed that of the other ministers. He had already been involved in government affairs and was highly valued by the Emperor of Chu.

Therefore, during this trip to Daxia, the Emperor of Chu specially arranged for Prime Minister Ban Ge to accompany him to assist Chu Shaochen in negotiating trade matters.

Ban Ge and his entourage first stayed in an inn outside Beijing for one night and chose to enter the city early the next morning.

At this time, officials from the Ministry of Rites had already come out to greet them and arranged for the group to stay at the post station. The audience with Emperor Shengjing was scheduled for that evening.

The emperor held a banquet and invited all civil and military officials to attend to welcome the arrival of the Chu delegation and to show his benevolence.

The Queen and the Crown Prince were also released from their house arrest and allowed to attend the palace banquet.

Considering that the young prince of Chu might make provocative remarks at the banquet, the emperor reminded Xiao Yuche to act within his means and not to get fooled or fall into a trap in the heat of the moment.

Emperor Shengjing knew that Xiao Yuche was quite knowledgeable and was afraid that as the crown prince, he would make a fool of himself in public. It would not only be shameful for him, but also for the entire Great Xia Kingdom.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yuche patted his chest, his face full of confidence, and said: "Don't worry, father. This time, I promise not to embarrass you and mother. Not only that, I will also severely curb the arrogance of Prince Chu."

His uncle gave him a great treasure, which contained dozens of ancient quatrains. Not only that, he also collected many ingenious toys from outside for him to study, such as the Nine Rings and the Luban Lock. He had practiced them dozens of times to make sure that there would be no mistakes in every link.

Therefore, Xiao Yuche had absolute confidence that no matter what difficult questions the Chu people would ask at the banquet, he would be able to solve them one by one.

This feeling is like he is a mediocre kung fu master, but he holds a peerless sword and can kill everyone in an instant, becoming the best martial arts master in the world.