Xu Jiujiu nodded thoughtfully, her expression not looking too good, because this had made things abundantly clear to them.
The Sun Moon Empire had been preoccupied with internal affairs these past few years, so it probably wouldn't launch a large-scale war.
But once it had dealt with its internal troubles and united as one, with the whole country pulling together—
that would be the moment a full-scale war began.
She realized that this Prince Ming, rumored to be so young, seemed a little more clever than they had imagined. He knew exactly where to draw the line.
Seeing that the atmosphere had turned rather tense, Wei Na deftly took over the conversation.
"Since Your Highness mentioned exchanges, the Heaven Dou Empire does indeed have an idea."
"Trade between our countries along the border has grown increasingly frequent over the past few years."
"Many Soul Tools, minerals, and medicinal herbs have been in great demand."
"The Heaven Dou Empire hopes to further expand private trade in the future."
"Reduce tariffs and open more trade routes."
Xue Lingyue beside her nodded as well and said sweetly, "Our Dou Ling Empire feels the same way."
"War benefits no one."
"Trade, on the other hand, can promote development on both sides."
Commercial exchange?
That was certainly possible.
The Douluo Three Kingdoms were rich in minerals, and their basic resources were both high-quality and inexpensive.
Why not trade the Empire's industrial products for their industrial raw materials?
"Though I have no authority to interfere in military affairs, I will naturally give my full support where commercial trade is concerned."
"I can make the decision on this matter."
"Over the coming year, the Empire will appropriately increase its trade quotas with the Heaven Dou and Dou Ling Empires."
"At the same time, we will open selected cities as trade pilot zones."
"I'll have the Imperial Ministry of Commerce coordinate the details with each country's delegation."
At his words, joy immediately appeared on Wei Na and Xue Lingyue's faces.
One of their most important missions on this visit had been to secure greater trade benefits.
They had now reached an initial agreement so smoothly that it had clearly exceeded their expectations.
This also sent them a clear signal: the Sun Moon Empire truly had no plans to go to war in the near future.
Just then, Qian Duoduo, who had been smiling and drinking off to one side, finally spoke.
"Your Highness, Prince Ming."
"This old man has a request as well."
Xu Tianyao looked over and gestured for him to speak freely.
"Please, Principal Qian."
Qian Duoduo chuckled and stated the purpose of his visit, as well as the one his teacher had entrusted to him.
"I've heard that the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy is now brimming with talent."
"Mingde Hall in particular is a sacred ground for Soul Tool research on the continent."
"Shrek Academy hopes to organize a group of teachers and students to visit and exchange knowledge."
"Of course, in return, Shrek Academy would also welcome the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy to visit Shrek for academic exchanges."
"Would Your Highness be willing to convey this to your country's Emperor on my behalf?"
A visit and exchange?
Xu Tianyao knew full well what Shrek was really after.
The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy was the Sun Moon Empire's foremost academy, gathering its most outstanding young people.
And Mingde Hall was the continent's foremost center of Soul Tool research, home to the Sun Moon Empire's most advanced technology and most valuable talent.
Shrek Academy simply wanted to catch up with the times as quickly as possible and keep pace with the development of Soul Tools.
But this was not a decision he could make rashly.
First, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy was directly under his elder brother's authority. He didn't know which things there could be shown to outsiders and which couldn't.
The risks would have to be assessed by the relevant experts.
As for Mingde Hall, that was even less possible.
In name, Mingde Hall answered to his elder brother, but in reality, its true authorities were Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen.
One was his grandfather and teacher; the other, his grandfather-in-law. No matter what, he couldn't make that decision behind their backs.
So he glanced at Meng Hongchen beside him and saw her delicate brows drawn together in a slight frown.
He could only shake his head gently at Qian Duoduo.
"Principal Qian, this is no small matter. As for an exchange student program between your academy and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, I can convey your academy's intentions to my elder brother. Before your delegation returns home, I'll give you his answer."
"As for Mingde Hall, that concerns matters of great importance. It is one of our nation's most vital assets, and it contains too many secrets. I can't make that decision. But I'll also report your application truthfully. Whether it's approved or not, Hall Master Hongchen will discuss it with you in person."
Qian Duoduo nodded in understanding. As he had expected, they certainly wouldn't open such a place to outsiders lightly.
In the end, the banquet, which had lasted several hours, drew to a close with both host and guests in high spirits.
For the envoys of each country, most of the most important tasks on their visit had been completed.
Although they had received no clear alliance or promise,
they had at least gleaned one crucial piece of information from Xu Tianyao's attitude and the many details displayed by the Sun Moon Empire.
The new Emperor, Xu Tianran, had no intention of starting a war for the time being.
In the current situation on the continent, this was undoubtedly wonderful news.
After the banquet ended, everyone returned to their respective lodgings.
Yet none of them truly rested.
They had to carefully record everything that had been discussed and send it back to their respective countries.
At the Xingluo Empire delegation's residence, Xu Jiujiu stood by the window, gazing at Ming Capital beneath the night sky.
A silver Soul Tool communicator hovered in her palm.
"Elder brother."
"Based on today's contact, Xu Tianran has no plans to start a war in the short term."
"His focus seems to be more on domestic consolidation and development."
"Xu Tianyao deserves close attention. His influence far exceeds what the intelligence reports say."
"Though young, he possesses exceptional political acumen."
"In the future, he may well become one of the Sun Moon Empire's most important figures."
As she finished, the Soul Tool glimmered silver. The message was sealed, handed to a designated courier, and rushed to Xingluo.
Meanwhile, Wei Na and Xue Lingyue also sent similar reports back to their countries.
The news of trade liberalization was given the highest priority.
Qian Duoduo, meanwhile, sat in his room, looking utterly excited.
"There really is a chance for the exchange program."
"I'll finally get to see the Sun Moon Empire's most advanced Soul Guidance Technology."
As he muttered to himself, he compiled everything that had happened that night into a report.
He planned to send it back to Shrek through the academy's special channels.
Meanwhile,
in the imperial palace, the lights in Yangxin Hall still shone brightly.
Xu Tianran, who had just finished a day's work on state affairs, sat behind his desk reviewing memorials.
Ever since he had taken charge of the nation's affairs, he had hardly ever slept more than two or three hours a day.
The entire Empire had undergone a sweeping purge.
Countless positions stood vacant, and countless interests had to be redistributed.
The slightest misstep could shake the foundations of the rule he had fought so hard to establish.
Just then, a guard's respectful voice came from outside the hall.
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