After thinking for a moment, he solemnly advised, "The improvement of red yams is immensely beneficial to our Great Chu and its people. I needn’t elaborate, as you surely understand. Even though the improvements aren’t complete, the prior improvement of wheat was indeed a great achievement. Granting your cousin’s wife a First-Rank Enjoin was a modest acknowledgment."

"However, if this negotiation with the grasslands succeeds, His Majesty will undoubtedly bestow rewards. You were the first to propose the idea and have done substantial preparatory work. In terms of merit, none can surpass you. When the time comes, even if His Majesty wishes to suppress you, he won’t be able to."

"Yet, you must also realize that a tall tree catches the wind. Too many honors and excessive brilliance are not necessarily favorable."

His words carried a profound message.

Qin Bohan, having spent years by the Emperor’s side, understood this well.

The Emperor’s profession is inherently the most suspicious in the world. While tolerable in the youthful years, suspicion only deepens with age, viewing others with the perpetual fear of betrayal.

Typically, for an official, achieving a matter of such magnitude once in a lifetime is enough to rest on one’s laurels forever.

Song Chongjin, though still young, is already set to accomplish two major feats for the nation and its people. His future prospects are boundless.

If it were to be proclaimed that a new variety of red yam had been improved, the Emperor’s suspicions might become uncontrollable.

Even if the Emperor made no overt reaction, those crafty old foxes in the court would certainly thwart Song Chongjin’s progress. Youthful ambition can be admirable, but being overly young also poses a barrier to advancement.

These old foxes are skilled at strategizing for the future. Song Chongjin’s rapid rise poses an immense pressure and threat to them.

They might consider ways to suppress him.

Luckily, Song Chongjin stated that the yam improvements were not yet complete. It might be wise to cautiously delay a few years, waiting for an opportune moment to present them.

Were it not for treating Song Chongjin as one of his own, Qin Bohan would not have offered such advice.

Song Chongjin is not foolish, and immediately grasped Qin Bohan’s implication.

He gratefully said, "Thank you, Uncle, for the reminder! I will heed it!"

Qin Bohan had seen enough of the hot-headed youths who failed to understand advice, quickly blaming others and lamenting the world’s injustice upon them.

Seeing Song Chongjin so perceptive, Qin Bohan’s heart was naturally comforted.

Unable to refrain from advising further, "In the future, do not reveal these yams so easily. If distributed, retrieve them promptly. Ensure that non-essential persons don’t come into contact. Even those around you must keep their mouths shut! Carelessness cannot be tolerated!"

Song Chongjin nodded repeatedly.

Having provided necessary cautions, Qin Bohan said no more.

Now that his belly was full and his body warmed, he casually inquired about official matters.

Song Chongjin composed himself and began reporting the recent negotiation outcomes.

It seemed Qi Le showed genuine intention, for the grasslands made significant concessions.

So far, most terms proposed by Great Chu had been agreed upon by the grasslands.

For instance, the location of the trading market, the pathways for commerce, security for caravans from the grasslands’ side, and the tax rates—all were more favorable to Great Chu.

The grasslands’ negotiators persistently opposed Great Chu’s proposals, sometimes leaving abruptly after heated exchanges.

But by the next day, begrudgingly, they would return to the table to proceed.

After two or three rounds, most terms would eventually be consented to.

Although slightly tumultuous, overall progress was smooth.

Consequently, Great Chu’s negotiating team was quite invigorated, even exhibiting traces of complacency. Mentioning the grasslands no longer carried earlier caution; rather, they perceived them now as mere posturing, tough in appearance but fragile against Great Chu’s firmness.

Especially seeing the grasslands, probably irritated, resorting to petty tricks—Great Chu saw these as signs of their weakness.

However, Song Chongjin maintained vigilance, doubting the grasslands could continuously retreat.

Even with Qi Le’s involvement.

However, Qi Le herself was inherently untrustworthy, warranting extra caution.

Thus, Song Chongjin expressed all his concerns to Qin Bohan.

Qin Bohan nodded, acknowledging the negotiations proceeded too seamlessly. Moreover, if the grasslands aimed solely for agreement, what was happening in the Capital City? Why had Eunuch Xiao Yang arrived from Chicheng County?

This must be a deception.

Recalling Song Chongjin’s ignorance about events in Chicheng and the Capital City, Qin Bohan quietly explained in a few words.

Song Chongjin wasn’t overly surprised; having always been wary of Qi Le, he knew her promises were not to be trusted.

Upon learning she advocated for bilateral talks but simultaneously initiated a scheme in the Capital against the Emperor, it confirmed her unreliability.

Both became acutely vigilant against Qi Le and the grasslands.

Nonetheless, in the negotiation team, Qin Bohan took charge upon arrival, with Song Chongjin as his deputy. As long as they remained cautious, whatever plans the grasslands held would likely come to naught.

Yet, Qin Bohan harbored concerns; His Majesty’s mandate was clear, commanding successful negotiation news by New Year’s Eve—a resolute order.

If the grasslands seize this timing, perpetually delaying or leveraging it, things would become more difficult.

These thoughts briefed through his mind; naturally unsuitable to voice aloud.

As his representative presence from the Capital and for the Emperor, the negotiation team’s achievements deserved encouragement and praise, primarily appreciating their efforts.

What comes next would depend on meeting the grasslands’ representatives.

Thus, Qin Bohan settled his thoughts.

With discussions concluded, darkness had already fallen, outside bitter winds whipped the air, striking harshly with snowflakes.

Anticipating Qin Bohan’s party, the military camp naturally prepared a warm reception.

At the generals’ command, cooks slaughtered several sheep and a plump pig, pairing them with cabbage, tofu, and fragrant chilies—livelier than any New Year celebration.

Preparations complete, someone came to invite Qin Bohan and Song Chongjin to the feast.

Outside, a grand tent was erected; upon entering, the warmth mixed with the aroma of meat, chilies, and alcohol surged forth.

A stove was arranged inside the tent, with several large pots cooking substantial chunks of meat, glistening red with flavors blending with oil, escaping through tent’s seams and whisked away by the wind.

Cooks, clad in thin clothing, had their sleeves rolled up high, wielding shovel-like ladles, turning meat in pots.

Assistants called out, tossing cabbage and tofu into the pots.

Most attendees arrived, without too much formality, seating was arranged according to rank and position.

Several dozen wine jars were placed on the table, with seals already broken, and their robust fragrance mingled with meat aroma, enticing one to salivate.

Upon Qin Bohan and Song Chongjin’s entry, all rose to greet them.

They were ushered to the head seats.

Qin Bohan didn’t decline, seated upright, observing each had before them a large bowl.

As he settled, a Personal Soldier waiting nearby carried a wine jar, pouring wine into each large bowl until they were brimming.

Qin Bohan had never witnessed such drinking, becoming momentarily stupefied. Was this how wine was consumed?