On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, on the day of the Little New Year. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

The Portland Country’s Mission finally grandly entered the capital city.

This journey lasted more than a year, and both the court and the families of these envoys were full of concern.

Now they have finally returned.

Regardless of the outcome, as long as people return safely, it is considered half a success.

When entering the capital, it was already night, Zhao Junyao ordered them to rest well for the night.

On the 24th of the twelfth lunar month.

The Portland Country’s Mission came to Taihe Hall for the official audience.

Ministry of Revenue Officials, scholars from Honglu Temple, and Xia Jingfeng stood in a line in the great hall.

"We bow to the Emperor!"

Zhao Junyao waved his hand.

"No need for formalities, rise!"

Everyone thanked him and stepped back to the sides of the great hall.

Immediately, they began to report the gains from this diplomatic mission to Portland Country.

According to official titles, each reported one after another.

Each one spoke at length, taking more than a whole shi chen to finish.

The process of this diplomatic mission can be summarized into three points.

First: The negotiation process was very difficult. Portland Country was as stubborn as stone, absolutely unwilling to hand over the formula for that kind of mortar.

Second: Through the hard work of all officials of the Great Chu Dynasty, they finally agreed to cooperate, but they still had conditions.

Third: Their condition was that the Great Chu Dynasty must establish a marriage alliance with Portland, must marry their princess, and must allow Portland Country to seek protection.

"..."

Zhao Junyao and all the officials fell silent.

Silver can be given, items can also be given, wanting to seek protection is also acceptable, but this marriage alliance...

The recent marriage alliance with the Western Xia, post-war, brought so many calamities to the people of the Great Chu Dynasty.

The Fifth Prince, who married the Commandery Princess of Western Xia, is not yet laid to rest.

Now bringing up another marriage alliance...

Everyone felt an involuntary shiver.

Zhao Junyao’s gaze swept across the great hall.

The only unmarried prince was Little Seventh.

However, with Little Seventh’s expression of facing death unyieldingly, Zhao Junyao instantly dismissed the thought.

Zhao Junyao then looked at other royal clan members and princely heirs and grandsons.

Seeing them desperately bowing their heads, eager to find a crack in the ground to hide in, he gave up the thought.

Marriage alliance, marriage alliance, marrying enemies instead, better not marry at all.

But what to do about this mortar?

Zhao Junyao was troubled.

"What thoughts do you have, my subjects? Feel free to speak!"

The ministers, seeing the Emperor abandon the idea of a marriage alliance, heaved a sigh of relief.

One by one, they volunteered ideas.

Someone said: "Emperor, our Great Chu is strong, if it really doesn’t work, we can seize it!"

Someone else said: "Emperor, how about letting our experts in Honglu Temple try again?"

Yet another said: "Under great rewards there must be brave men, we can find someone willing to marry and just give him a nominal title of prince!"

The civil and military officials all had differing opinions.

Unfortunately, none of the suggestions were realistic, they were immediately dismissed once spoken.

You say seize it? That’s simply a joke.

Firstly, Portland Country is far away, sending troops would consume an untold amount of resources—we wouldn’t dare to calculate, with such expenses, we could dig a new river for the people of Jiangnan.

Secondly, the Great Chu has always been a land of rites and propriety, emphasizing reputation; directly seizing it is no different than banditry? Embarrassment would extend beyond the great ocean.

For something so minor, forfeiting the reputation built over centuries by ancestors is not worth it!

You recommend letting the gentlemen at Honglu Temple try again?

It’s been over a year, what’s the point of dragging this out? The longer it drags, the more the other side knows you’re desperate for it, the higher their price will be.

You say ’find someone to give a nominal prince title to marry the princess’?

Though Portland Country is small,

they are not foolish! Such clumsy tactics should not be presented outside to make a fool of oneself.

So...

Zhao Junyao was genuinely quite vexed.

The ministers discussed it back and forth.

An entire shi chen passed, and they still couldn’t come up with a strategy.

"Enough, we will discuss this later, court is dismissed!"

Zhao Junyao, irritated, waved his hand and got up to leave.

"Court is dismissed!"

Li Shengan loudly proclaimed, and after the ministers respectfully saw the Emperor off, they all left one after another.

...

Back in the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao personally summoned the Portland Country’s Mission.

This time it was a confidential meeting.

Much of what cannot be disclosed was brought up at this time for discussion.

"How about the stuff?" Zhao Junyao looked at the Minister of Public Works.

"Emperor, that stuff is even more effective than the rumors say. It hardens like a rock when it meets water; I brought some samples back for you to see!"

The Minister of Public Works spoke as he took out two brocade boxes from his bosom.

One was filled with gray powder, the other contained two inch-square hardened pieces of clay.

"Emperor, this powder is before contact with water, this one is after contact!"

Zhao Junyao took the two boxes in hand, pinched some powder to examine, and tapped on the hard block.

"Are you sure it only mixed with water, no other additives?"

"Certain!"

"If the Emperor does not believe, a test can be conducted on the spot!"

Zhao Junyao looked left and right, closed the box, and set it aside, his heart thudding with excitement.

’This is truly good stuff.’

’If this is used to build levees...’

’Then Jiangnan will never suffer from floods again!’

The floods in Jiangnan have been a headache for emperors for centuries, resolving it would mean...

Zhao Junyao’s heart was once again stirred with waves of emotion.

These foreign fair-skinned people really had sharp minds!

They managed to develop such a practical thing...

He had to admit, he was truly tempted.

No one understands better than him as a ruler.

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

It meant Jiangnan would become the largest granary for the Great Chu Dynasty.

It meant the entire Great Chu Dynasty would never face famine and disasters again.

If there was a disaster in the north, there would be no fear, for the south would have enough grain, enough to ensure...

These conditions were too enticing.

Zhao Junyao’s fingers slowly tapped on the table, his mind whirring with calculations.

After an unknown amount of time, he finally spoke to the Minister of Public Works.

"Go and verify! See if this stuff works on the levees!"

"I give you a month to present the final results, can you do it?"

The Minister of Public Works immediately knelt down, pledging with determination.

"It can be done!"

Zhao Junyao nodded with satisfaction, having already made a decision in his heart.

’If this stuff truly works, then matters like marriage alliances are not an issue at all!’

’Bring that princess over and place her in the harem, with good food and drink, how much grain can it really consume?’

’Such a simple matter, why make it so complicated!’

After all, even being a princess, if married to others, she must be a legitimate wife.

If married to myself, she’s just one among a harem of three thousand; whether she is favored or not, well...

Hehe! That’s a matter of the imperial family, who can meddle in it?

Zhao Junyao saw the potential for a lucrative deal.

Instantly, his mood lifted, and he waved his hand.

"You’ve all worked hard, quickly return to rest, I have already made a resolve on this matter!"

"Yes!"

The few did not dare ask further, saluted and respectfully excused themselves.