A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1161: The Conditions Are Too Tempting

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the day known as Little New Year.

The delegation from Portland Country finally made its grand entrance into the capital city.

This expedition had spanned over a year, filling both the imperial court and the hearts of the envoys' families with a deep well of concern.

Now, their safe return was finally at hand.

Regardless of the mission's ultimate success or failure, the mere fact of their safe arrival back home was considered a victory in itself.

Upon their entry into the capital, darkness had already enveloped the land. Zhao Junyao decreed that they should be allowed a night of much-needed rest.

The following day, the 24th of the twelfth lunar month.

The Portland Country mission proceeded to the majestic Taihe Hall for their official audience.

Officials from the Ministry of Revenue, scholars from the Honglu Temple, and Xia Jingfeng stood in formation within the grand hall.

"We bow to His Majesty the Emperor!"

Zhao Junyao motioned with his hand.

"No need for such formalities, rise!"

With expressions of gratitude, all present stepped back, taking their positions along the sides of the great hall.

Without delay, the reports commenced regarding the outcomes of the diplomatic mission to Portland Country.

Following the established protocol of official ranks, each individual presented their account in turn.

Their individual narratives were extensive, collectively consuming more than a full 'shi chen' to conclude.

In essence, the entire diplomatic endeavor could be distilled into three pivotal outcomes.

Firstly: The negotiation process proved exceedingly arduous. Portland Country remained as unyielding as stone, absolutely refusing to divulge the formula for their unique mortar.

Secondly: Through the tireless efforts of all the officials representing the Great Chu Dynasty, an agreement for cooperation was eventually reached, albeit with specific stipulations attached.

Thirdly: Their primary condition involved the Great Chu Dynasty entering into a marital alliance with Portland, specifically by marrying one of their princesses, and further, by allowing Portland Country to seek their protection.

"..."

A profound silence fell upon Zhao Junyao and all the assembled officials.

While concessions of silver or material gifts were acceptable, and even the prospect of offering protection could be considered, this demand for a marital alliance…

The recent alliance forged with Western Xia, occurring in the aftermath of conflict, had already brought considerable hardship and suffering to the populace of the Great Chu Dynasty.

Furthermore, the Fifth Prince, who had been wed to the Commandery Princess of Western Xia, had not yet found peace.

And now, the proposal of yet another marital alliance...

An involuntary shiver coursed through everyone present.

Zhao Junyao's gaze swept across the vast expanse of the great hall.

The only remaining unmarried prince was the youngest, Little Seventh.

However, observing Little Seventh's resolute demeanor, one that expressed an unwavering defiance in the face of death, Zhao Junyao immediately discarded the thought.

Zhao Junyao then turned his attention to other members of the royal lineage and the heirs and grandsons of princely families.

Witnessing their desperate attempts to bow their heads lower, as if seeking to melt into the very floor, he relinquished the idea entirely.

A marital alliance, indeed. Marrying into an adversarial relationship was far worse than no alliance at all.

Yet, what could be done about this crucial mortar?

Zhao Junyao was deeply troubled.

"What are your thoughts and proposals, my loyal subjects? Speak freely!"

The ministers, perceiving the Emperor's abandonment of the marital alliance idea, breathed a collective sigh of relief.

One after another, they began to offer their suggestions.

One voice proposed: "Your Majesty, our Great Chu possesses immense strength; if all else fails, perhaps we could simply seize it by force!"

Another suggested: "Your Majesty, what if we task our most skilled experts at the Honglu Temple to attempt negotiation once more?"

Yet another offered: "Great rewards attract brave souls. We could find someone willing to marry and simply bestow upon them a nominal princely title!"

The civil and military officials presented a tapestry of differing opinions.

Regrettably, none of the proposed solutions were deemed practical and were dismissed as soon as they were voiced.

The idea of forceful seizure? It was nothing short of a preposterous notion.

Firstly, Portland Country lay at a considerable distance, and dispatching troops would incur an astronomical expenditure of resources—an amount so vast it would be daunting even to calculate. Such funds could instead be used to construct a new river for the people of Jiangnan.

Secondly, the Great Chu had always prided itself on its adherence to rites and propriety, valuing its reputation above all else. To resort to outright seizure would be no different than engaging in banditry, bringing shame that would echo far beyond the vast ocean.

For such a relatively minor gain, sacrificing centuries of hard-won reputation built by ancestors was an unacceptable price!

As for suggesting the gentlemen of the Honglu Temple try again?

More than a year had already passed; what purpose would be served by prolonging this charade? The longer the delay, the more apparent their desperation would become, inevitably driving up the other side's demands.

And the suggestion to 'find someone and grant them a nominal princely title to marry the princess'?

Although Portland Country was a small nation,

its people were hardly foolish! Such a transparent and clumsy tactic would only serve to make them a laughingstock on the international stage.

Consequently...

Zhao Junyao found himself genuinely exasperated.

The ministers continued their fervent discussion, deliberating back and forth.

An entire 'shi chen' elapsed, yet no viable strategy had emerged.

"Enough, we shall revisit this matter at a later time. Court is dismissed!"

Zhao Junyao, his patience worn thin, waved his hand and rose to depart.

"Court is dismissed!"

Li Shengan's voice rang out loudly. Following the ministers' respectful farewell to the Emperor, they dispersed one by one.

...

Returning to the Imperial Study Room.

Portland Country’s Mission received a personal summons from Zhao Junyao.

This particular meeting was designated as confidential.

Many sensitive topics that normally wouldn't be discussed were brought forth for deliberation during this session.

"What about those materials?" Zhao Junyao inquired, his gaze fixed on the Minister of Public Works.

"Your Majesty, the effectiveness of these materials surpasses even the rumors. They solidify into a rock-like substance upon contact with water! I have brought samples for your inspection!" the Minister of Public Works declared.

As he spoke, the Minister retrieved two brocade boxes from his robes.

One box contained a fine gray powder, while the other held two hardened clay pieces, each about two inches square.

"Emperor, this powder is in its original state before water is added; this block is the result after contact!" the Minister explained.

Zhao Junyao accepted the boxes, examining the powder between his fingers and tapping the hardened block.

"Are you certain that only water was used, with no other substances mixed in?" he questioned.

"Absolutely certain!" the Minister affirmed.

"If His Majesty doubts, a demonstration can be performed right here and now!" he added.

Zhao Junyao surveyed his surroundings, then closed the boxes and set them aside, his heart pounding with palpable excitement.

‘This is truly remarkable stuff,’ he thought.

‘Imagine if this were used for constructing the riverbanks…’

‘Then, Jiangnan would be permanently shielded from the devastation of floods!’

The persistent issue of Jiangnan floods had tormented emperors for centuries, and a solution would signify...

Zhao Junyao’s emotions surged once more, a tempest of anticipation stirring within him.

He marveled at the sharp intellect of these fair-skinned foreigners!

They had managed to invent such a practical and groundbreaking item...

He had to admit, the temptation was immense.

As a ruler, no one understood the implications better than he did.

What it would mean for the Great Chu Dynasty if Jiangnan were never to face flooding again?!

It meant Jiangnan would be transformed into the granary that sustained the entire Great Chu Dynasty.

It meant the Great Chu Dynasty would be liberated from the perpetual threat of famine and disaster.

Should a calamity strike the north, there would be no cause for alarm, for the south would possess ample grain, enough to guarantee...

These prospects were overwhelmingly enticing.

Zhao Junyao’s fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the table, his mind racing through intricate calculations.

After an indeterminate period, he finally addressed the Minister of Public Works.

"Proceed with verification! Ascertain its efficacy in reinforcing the riverbanks!" he commanded.

"I grant you one month to present the conclusive findings. Is this feasible?" he inquired.

The Minister of Public Works immediately prostrated himself, pledging with unwavering resolve.

"It is achievable!" he declared.

Zhao Junyao nodded, a sense of satisfaction settling over him, his decision already firmly made.

‘If this material proves effective, then matters such as marriage alliances become trivial!’

‘Bring that princess here and place her within the harem; with ample food and comfort, how much grain could she possibly consume?’

‘Such a straightforward matter, why complicate it unnecessarily!’

After all, even a princess, if wed to another, would hold the status of a principal wife.

But if married to himself, she would merely be one among three thousand consorts; her favor or lack thereof was a matter of...

Hehe! That was an internal affair of the imperial family, beyond the reach of any outsider’s interference.

Zhao Junyao perceived the immense potential for a profitable exchange.

Instantly, his spirits soared, and he gestured dismissively.

"Your efforts have been commendable. Return and rest yourselves. A decision has been reached regarding this matter!"

"Yes!"

The officials dared not press further, offering their salutations before respectfully taking their leave.