Testing Attitudes, Exchange Student Program (Seeking Collections, Seeking Votes)

Xu Jiujiu nodded thoughtfully, her expression far from pleasant, as this was clearly telling them something.

In these past few years, the Sun Moon Empire had been preoccupied with internal affairs and was unlikely to launch a large-scale war.

But once they resolved their internal troubles and became united as one, the entire nation acting as a single entity.

That would be the moment full-scale war arrived.

She realized that this Prince Ming, who was rumored to be quite young, seemed much sharper than they had imagined, possessing an excellent grasp of boundaries.

Seeing the situation reach a stalemate, Wei Na tactfully took over the conversation.

"Since Your Highness mentioned exchanges, the Heaven Dou Empire does indeed have an idea."

"Border trade between both sides has become increasingly frequent over the years."

"Many soul devices, mineral resources, and medicinal herbs are deeply popular."

"The Heaven Dou Empire hopes to further expand the scale of private trade in the future."

"By reducing tariffs and opening up more trade routes."

Xue Lingyue, standing to the side, nodded along and said in a sweet voice, "Our Douling Empire shares the same sentiment."

"War benefits no one."

"Trade, on the other hand, can promote development for both sides."

Commercial exchange?

That was certainly doable.

The three Douluo empires were rich in minerals, and their basic resources were high-quality and inexpensive.

If they could trade their industrial products for the raw materials from across the border, why wouldn't they?

"Although I have no authority to intervene in military matters, I will naturally give my full support regarding commercial trade."

"I can make the decision on this matter."

"Within the next year, the Empire will appropriately increase commercial quotas with the Heavenly Soul and Douling Empires."

"At the same time, we will open certain designated cities as trade pilot zones."

"As for the specific details, I will arrange for the Empire's commerce department to liaise with the delegations of each country."

As soon as these words were spoken, joy immediately appeared on the faces of Wei Na and Xue Lingyue.

One of their biggest tasks for this diplomatic mission was to secure more trade benefits.

Reaching a preliminary agreement so smoothly had clearly exceeded their expectations.

At the same time, this sent a major signal to them: the Sun Moon Empire truly had no preparations for war in the short term.

Just then, Qian Duoduo, who had been smiling and drinking on the side, finally spoke up.

"Your Highness, Prince Ming."

"This old man also has a request."

Xu Tianyao looked over and gestured for him to speak freely.

"Please go ahead, Dean Qian."

Qian Duoduo chuckled and stated his purpose for coming, as well as the objective his teachers had entrusted to him.

"I have heard that the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy is currently teeming with talent."

"Especially Mingde Hall, which is the continent's holy land for soul device research."

"Shrek Academy hopes to organize a group of teachers and students to visit and exchange ideas."

"Of course, in exchange, Shrek Academy also welcomes the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy to visit Shrek for academic purposes."

"I wonder if Your Highness could convey this request to His Majesty the Emperor on my behalf?"

Visit and exchange?

Xu Tianyao was perfectly clear about Shrek's little schemes.

The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy was the premier academy of the Sun Moon Empire, gathering the most elite young generation of the nation.

And Mingde Hall was the number one holy land for soul devices on the continent, housing the Sun Moon Empire's most cutting-edge technology and most precious talent.

Shrek Academy simply wanted to catch up with the trends of the era and keep pace with the development of soul devices as quickly as possible.

However, this was not a matter he could rashly decide.

Firstly, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy was under the direct jurisdiction of his older brother; he didn't even know what was considered viewable or off-limits within those walls.

This matter would have to be handed over to professional personnel to assess the risks.

As for Mingde Hall, that was even more impossible.

Nominally, Mingde Hall answered to his Imperial Brother, but in reality, the true power rested with Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen.

One was his grandfather and teacher, the other his grandfather-in-law; under no circumstances could he make private decisions for those two.

He glanced at Meng Hongchen beside him, noticing that her beautiful brows were slightly furrowed at the moment.

He had no choice but to shake his head slightly at Qian Duoduo.

"Dean Qian, the matter you speak of is truly no small thing. Regarding the exchange student program between your academy and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, I can convey your academy's intentions to my Imperial Brother. Before your delegation departs, I will inform you of the result."

"As for the matter of Mingde Hall, it is of great significance. Mingde Hall is a vital asset of our nation, containing far too many secrets. This Prince cannot make the decision alone, but I will report your application truthfully. Whether it succeeds or not, Hall Master Hongchen will personally handle the handover with you."

Qian Duoduo nodded in understanding upon hearing this; just as he had expected, such a place would certainly not be opened to them easily.

Ultimately, the banquet, which had lasted for several hours, came to a close in an atmosphere of mutual satisfaction.

For the envoys of the various nations, the most important task of their trip had been more than half completed.

Although they had not obtained a clear alliance or promise.

At the very least, they had gleaned a 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.

For the current situation on the continent, this was undoubtedly a piece of tremendous good news.

After the banquet ended, everyone returned to their respective lodgings.

However, no one truly rested.

They all had to record everything that had transpired during their conversations in detail and transmit it back to those they represented.

At the Xingluo Empire delegation's residence, Xu Jiujiu stood before the window, gazing at Ming Capital in the night.

A silver soul guidance communicator hovered in her palm.

"Brother."

"Based on today's interactions, Xu Tianran has no plans to launch a war in the short term."

"His focus leans more toward domestic reorganization and development."

"This person, Xu Tianyao, is worthy of focused attention; his influence far exceeds what is recorded in our intelligence."

"Though young, he possesses immense political wisdom."

"I fear he will become one of the most important figures in the Sun Moon Empire in the future."

After she finished speaking, the soul guidance device flashed with a silver light; this segment of information was sealed and collected by a special messenger to be sent urgently to Xingluo.

On the other side, Wei Na and Xue Lingyue also transmitted similar intelligence back to their respective countries.

The news of trade liberalization, in particular, was listed as the highest priority.

Meanwhile, Qian Duoduo sat in his room with an expression of excitement.

"The exchange program actually has a real chance."

"Finally, there is an opportunity to witness the most cutting-edge soul guidance technology of the Sun Moon Empire."

He muttered to himself while organizing the entire evening's events into a report.

He prepared to send it back to Shrek through the academy's special channels.

At the same time.

Inside the Yangxin Hall of the Imperial Palace, the lights remained bright.

Xu Tianran, having just finished a day of state affairs, sat behind his desk reviewing memorials.

Ever since he took charge of the nation's administration, he had rested for only two or three hours each day.

The entire empire had undergone a massive purge.

Countless positions were vacant, and countless interests needed to be redistributed.

The slightest carelessness could shake the foundation of the rule he had worked so hard to establish.

Just then, the respectful voice of a guard came from outside the hall.