"Your Majesty, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but even Great Liao lost to Great Ming. What chance does our Great Song have? To defeat Great Ming, we would need a stronger ally. But if even Great Liao was defeated, what power could possibly beat Great Ming?" Li Shishi said.
Zhao Ji fell silent for a long while, then sighed. "How could I not know that? I simply cannot swallow this insult. Great Liao is one thing, but a mere Great Ming-a power founded by a convicted soldier-can stand as my equal?"
Li Shishi inwardly despised him, but her expression remained composed. "Your Majesty, this is not entirely a bad thing. At least it washes away the disgrace of Great Song's repeated defeats by Great Liao. It proves that our Great Song, and our Song people, still have strength."
Zhao Ji considered her words. "That is true. Hmph! Great Liao always mocked Great Song for having no capable men. Now they cannot even defeat a single convicted soldier from Great Song. Let us see how they have the nerve to collect our annual tribute now."
At the mention of annual tribute, Zhao Ji's eyes suddenly lit up. He laughed. "Hahaha! Since Great Ming defeated Great Liao, our Great Song no longer needs to pay Great Liao annual tribute!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Li Shishi agreed.
Zhao Ji nodded and looked at her. "You truly know how to put someone at ease. It seems I can always count on coming to you when I am in a bad mood."
"I am willing to ease Your Majesty's worries," Li Shishi said.
Zhao Ji wrapped an arm around Li Shishi's slender waist. "It is still early. Let us enjoy some more time together."
Half a quarter-hour later, Zhao Ji returned to the