Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 85 A letter from Xiao Han: Return to Nanzhao Kingdom immediately.

After the rebellion was quelled, Jiang Liushen realized that internal threats to the court and external instability remained. He decided to implement a series of reforms, strengthen border control, improve the lives of the people, and at the same time, reorganize the court and remove those officials with ulterior motives.

Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan devoted themselves to assisting Jiang Liushen, immersing themselves in the lives of ordinary people, understanding their needs, and devising strategies for reform. During this time, Gu Liuli remembered the high-yield potatoes of the Nanzhao Kingdom, knowing that they might be the key to helping the people of Xijing Kingdom escape their predicament. Therefore, she sent people to retrieve potato seeds from her spatial storage and personally taught the people of Xijing Kingdom how to cultivate them.

Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye. The potatoes are growing vigorously on the land of Xijing Kingdom. The scene of a bumper harvest brings smiles to the faces of the people and greatly alleviates the food problem.

Just as the lives of ordinary people were gradually improving, Xiao Jingchuan's father, Emperor Xiao Han, sent a letter informing him that foreign powers were about to visit and hoping they would return home as soon as possible.

Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan decided to say goodbye to Jiang Liushen and Jiang He and return to the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Before leaving, Gu Liuli held Jiang Liushen's hand, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Royal brother, you must take care of yourself and govern Xijing Kingdom well so that the people can live in peace and prosperity forever." Jiang Liushen's eyes reddened slightly, and he nodded: "Royal sister, don't worry, you must take good care of yourself in Nanzhao Kingdom as well."

Then, Gu Liuli walked up to Jiang He and said respectfully, "Father, you are getting old and need to rest more. Under your rule, Xijing Kingdom will surely get better and better." Jiang He looked at her lovingly and said, "Child, have a safe journey. Come back and visit when you have time."

Jiang Liushen, now aware of the reason for their visit to Nanzhao, said to Xiao Jingchuan, "If foreign powers deliberately make things difficult for you, remember to contact me!"

Xiao Jingchuan nodded and helped Gu Liuli onto the horse.

Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan rode at breakneck speed, traveling day and night back to the Nanzhao Kingdom. Upon entering the palace, they immediately sensed an unusually tense atmosphere. The palace servants hurried about, their expressions tinged with unease; clearly, the foreign visit had placed considerable pressure on the entire palace.

Emperor Xiao Han, Xiao Jingchuan's father, was already waiting in the main hall. Upon seeing the two return, he showed a look of relief on his face: "You've finally returned. The purpose of this visit by foreign powers was unclear, and I was really worried about you."

Gu Liuli bowed slightly and said softly, "Father, please don't worry. Now that we've returned, we'll deal with this together. May I ask which foreign land has come from?"

Xiao Han frowned and slowly said, "It's the Northern Rong Kingdom. They've always been ambitious and have been causing trouble on the border in recent years. Their sudden visit this time is likely ill-intentioned." Xiao Jingchuan clenched his fist, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "The Northern Rong Kingdom has repeatedly provoked us. If they dare to harbor any ill intentions, I will certainly not let them get away with it!"

Gu Liuli fell into deep thought, and after a moment said, "Since the Northern Rong Kingdom has taken the initiative to visit, they must have some ulterior motives. We cannot act rashly; we must first find out their intentions." Xiao Han nodded in agreement, "Miss Gu is absolutely right. I have already arranged a banquet to welcome them tomorrow. You should all attend as well and see what they are planning."

The following day, the palace was brightly decorated, and a grand banquet was being held. The envoy from the Northern Rong Kingdom swaggered into the hall, a hint of arrogance on his face. After a few pleasantries, both sides took their seats. After several rounds of drinks, the Northern Rong envoy finally spoke: "I have come here because I have heard of the peace and prosperity of the Southern Zhao Kingdom. My Northern Rong ruler greatly admires this and wishes to establish a friendly alliance with your country for mutual development."

Gu Liuli sneered inwardly; she knew the Northern Rong Kingdom's intentions were far more complex than that. She said calmly, "It's naturally a good thing to establish a friendly alliance with the Northern Rong Kingdom. But I wonder what your country's purpose is..."

What exactly does "common development" mean? A hint of cunning flashed in the envoy's eyes: "Our Northern Rong Kingdom is rich in fine horses. Your country can trade with us and exchange goods such as silk and tea."

Furthermore, we hope to establish a trading post on your country's border to facilitate trade between our two nations.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan's face instantly darkened: "Establishing a trading post on our border? That's probably inappropriate. The border region concerns the safety of the nation; how can we allow you to establish posts there so casually?" (The envoy)

His expression changed slightly, but he forced a smile and said, "General, you are overthinking it. We are just trying to facilitate trade and have no other intentions."

Gu Liuli noticed the tension between the two sides and quickly tried to smooth things over: "This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. Let's set aside this for now and enjoy the fine wine and food." The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became somewhat awkward, but everyone could only put aside their disagreements for the time being and continue eating and drinking.

After the banquet, Gu Liuli, Xiao Jingchuan, and Xiao Han returned to the Imperial Study to discuss countermeasures.

Gu Liuli analyzed, "The Northern Rong Kingdom's desire to establish a trading post on the border likely hides a larger conspiracy. They may be using this opportunity to spy on our military intelligence, or even prepare for future invasions." Xiao Jingchuan nodded and said, "I also feel there's something fishy about this matter, and we can't easily agree to their request. But if we refuse directly, we might trigger a conflict between the two countries."

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Han said, "In my opinion, trade can be considered, but the idea of ​​establishing border outposts must be rejected. We can propose setting up trading posts in other cities within the country, which can both meet their trade needs and ensure border security."

Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan both thought this method was feasible, so they decided to negotiate with the envoy from the Northern Rong Kingdom according to this plan.

The next day, the two sides resumed negotiations. After Gu Liuli presented the Nanzhao Kingdom's proposal, the Beirong Kingdom's envoy's face turned extremely ugly: "How can this be acceptable? We valued the border's geographical location; other cities simply won't do."

Xiao Jingchuan retorted without backing down: "If your country insists on this, then this alliance will probably be difficult to conclude."

The two sides reached a stalemate. Seeing that the negotiations had stalled, the envoy suddenly sneered, "It seems your country has no sincerity in forming an alliance with us. In that case, there's no need for us to talk anymore. However, if this leads to a war between our two countries, your country should not regret it." After saying this, he got up to leave.

Just then, Gu Liuli suddenly said, "Envoy, please wait. I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should." The envoy stopped and looked at her with a puzzled expression: "What insight do you have, Miss Gu?" Gu Liuli smiled slightly: "Your country is a neighbor of ours. If we can live in peace, it will benefit the people of both countries. But if a war breaks out because of a temporary conflict of interests, it is the people who will suffer. I believe your king would not want to see such an outcome."

Upon hearing this, the envoy's expression softened slightly: "What the Crown Princess said makes sense, but our demands are not unreasonable either."

Gu Liuli continued, “I understand your country’s needs, but we also have our concerns. How about this: we can first set up temporary trading posts in cities near the border to conduct a trade trial for a period of time. If both sides find it feasible, we can then discuss the formal establishment of trading posts. This way, we can meet your country’s trade needs while also giving us time to prepare border security measures.”

The envoy fell into deep thought after hearing this. After a moment, he said, "I need to return to discuss the Crown Princess Gu's proposal with the King, but before that, I hope your country can guarantee the safety of the temporary trading post and grant us certain trade preferences."

Gu Liuli nodded and said, "Of course. As long as your country is sincere in its friendly trade with our country, we will definitely cooperate fully."

After the envoy left, Gu Liuli and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Jingchuan looked at Gu Liuli with admiration in his eyes: "Liuli, thanks to you, otherwise this negotiation would probably have fallen apart."

Gu Liuli smiled slightly: "This is a collective achievement. We still need to continue our efforts to ensure that the two countries can reach a peaceful and friendly agreement."

In the days that followed, Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan awaited a reply from the Northern Rong Kingdom while simultaneously preparing to establish a temporary trading post. They went among the people to understand their views and needs regarding trade, and at the same time strengthened military defenses along the border to prevent a sudden attack from the Northern Rong Kingdom.

Finally, amidst the long-awaited gazes of everyone, the envoy from the Northern Rong Kingdom once again embarked on his journey to the Southern Zhao Kingdom. This time, he carried the mission of conveying the important decisions of the Northern Rong King. When this arrogant envoy stepped into the Southern Zhao court, everyone held their breath, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.