He looked up and saw Xu Zhangjin dressed in traditional Goryeo clothing. Her pink blouse was bright and beautiful, and her light blue dress with wide edges spread out like a blossoming flower petal. The little palace maid put on a thin layer of powder, and her big eyes were lightly covered with a layer of grey eyeshadow. Her face was flushed red, and she looked very beautiful.
Da Changjin did not look like she was here to negotiate, but to talk about love. Lin Wanrong smiled coquettishly, "Sister Changjin, you look so good today, even prettier than the fairies in heaven."
"Thank you for your compliment." Xu Zhangjin lowered her head and said respectfully. Her face was a mixture of joy and sadness. She quickly pushed him to the chair beside her and said gently, "Please sit."
Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Could it be that the negotiation of Goryeo's life and death would be held in this hall? Da Changjin was too careless. As he was hesitating, he heard Xu Zhangjin say gently, "Changjin will help you change your shoes."
Xu Zhangjin squatted down, and there was an indescribable shyness in her eyes. She took off his muddy boots, took a new pair of cloth slippers, and gently helped him put them on.
He had experienced this feeling before, but tonight was different. Xu Zhangjin's expression was strange. It seemed to be shy and painful at the same time, and it was worth pondering.
He could not care less. It was rare for him to be served by a little palace maid, and there was no need to be pretentious. He sighed comfortably and laughed, "Miss Xu is too courteous. I can do it myself, there is no need for you to do it yourself. But then again, Goryeo is really particular about taking off your shoes before entering the room. It should be the same principle as how we in China take off our clothes before going to bed. "
Xu Zhangjin smiled and did not speak. She held his sleeve and led him upstairs. He had been to this place once before, and the room for negotiation seemed to be on the top floor.
The little palace maid walked in front. She seemed to have just taken a bath, and her long hair was tied up with a silk handkerchief, looking natural and friendly. Her jade-like skin was transparent like crystal, and under the flickering light, it shone with a faint color. Her voluptuous breasts moved slightly with each step, and one could vaguely see her towering peaks, making one daydream about the scenery inside. The dress was smooth and soft. As it moved slightly, a faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils. It was melodious and deep, thin but not greasy. It was the exclusive rose perfume of the Xiao Family.
Women were born to be seen by men. With this great ideal in mind, Official Lin's eyes naturally landed on the little palace maid's body, scanning her chest a few times. He sighed inwardly. It really wasn't easy ah. It had been several hundred years since Goryeo produced a natural born beauty like this. No wonder their descendants couldn't wait, even if they had to use a knife to create a beauty.
"My Lord, do you still remember what you said last time?" Xu Zhangjin turned around and asked softly with a blush on his face, "My Lord, do you still remember what you said last time?"
"What we said last time?" Lin Wanrong shook his head in confusion. "Sister Zhangjin, I've spoken more than I've eaten. Which sentence are you referring to?"
Xu Zhangjin lowered his head, "The last time I was here, "When I came last time, you said that our Goryeo's rooms are private, and only family members can enter."
It seemed like that was the case. Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile. "That's what I heard, but you also told me that distinguished guests can also enter. Did I remember correctly?"
Xu Zhangjin made a sound of agreement and sighed. She opened the sliding door, lowered her head, and respectfully said, "My Lord, please enter!"
The room was still the same as last time, but the dressing was somewhat different. The stove in the room was warm, and red candles burned brightly. There was a scarlet silk folded on the low table, and next to it was a tall vase. The vase was filled with bright red azaleas. The water droplets on the petals were sparkling, and they were in full bloom. A faint fragrance floated out, refreshing the mind. The entire room was colored red, and it gave off a joyous atmosphere.
Lin Wanrong cried out in surprise. "So Miss Xu is the true flower picking expert. My apologies, my apologies!"
Xu Zhangjin lowered her head slightly, and softly said, "I've been detained in China for a long time, and have developed many feelings for the people and things here. But as a daughter of Goryeo, I can't be greedy for riches and honor elsewhere. Before I leave, I just want to bring this bouquet of scarlet gold back to Goryeo and treasure it forever to thank you for teaching me. "
This Xu Zhangjin is really strange. She came to China without bringing silk or tea, and only brought a few wilting red flowers. She has a noble air about her. Lin Wanrong laughed. "You don't have to be so polite. It's just a few small flowers, and they're not worth much. If you like them, I'll send someone tomorrow morning to pick a few carts for you to bring back to Goryeo to scatter flowers every day. "
Xu Zhangjin smiled, and pulled him in. After he sat down at the table, she sat opposite him. The little palace maid clapped her hands lightly, and a Goryeo woman came in from outside. She served wine, dishes, and fragrant tea before respectfully retreating.
Xu Zhangjin brushed her long sleeves, and her slender, jade-like fingers picked up the small pot and filled the cups. She raised a cup with both hands and presented it to him. Her eyes looked shy and sad. "Brother Wanrong, this is the sake that I personally brewed. Please have a taste!"
He had already tasted it last time, and it tasted like water. Lin Wanrong smiled. "Today I'm here for official business. If I were to drink the wine and cause trouble, it would be difficult. It's better not to!"
"Daren is worried about Zhangjin," The little palace maid's expression was sad, and her eyes were filled with tears. She lowered her head and was about to cry. "Please don't worry. Even if Zhangjin loses his life, he will not harm you." She brought the cup to her lips, tilted her head back, and drank the wine in one gulp. She choked and coughed lightly, and tears flickered in her eyes.
Lin Wanrong hurriedly stopped her. "Miss Xu, what are you saying? This is my China's territory. Why would I worry about you harming me? What would you gain by harming me?"
Xu Zhangjin gritted her teeth and nodded. She filled the small cup that she had just drunk, and handed it to him. She said gently, "Daren, Zhangjin toasts you!"
The rouge powder on the cup was still there, and the clean sake in the cup had a faint pink color. This girl is really stubborn. Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled. He took the cup and drank the sake in one gulp. It was cool in his mouth, and there was a hint of sourness in the slight spiciness. It was very unique.
"Thank you, Daren." Xu Zhangjin nodded slightly, and her expression became extremely solemn. "Daren, let us begin the negotiations between our two countries! To show the sincerity of our country, please allow Zhangjin to first read out the authorization letter from my King. "
Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat. She even had to read out the authorization letter. This Sister Zhangjin was really strict and did not want to be sloppy at all. Xu Zhangjin took out the prepared document from the pocket of her robe and placed it in front of Lin Wanrong. She read it aloud. Her voice was clear and crisp. "… Green mountains and clear waters, with flowers as a matchmaker. I am the King of Goryeo, Li Chengzhe. I hereby appoint Xu Zhangjin as my representative to discuss the relations between our two countries …"
The King of Goryeo's imperial edict was written in Goryeo. No one knew how Xu Zhangjin translated it, but it sounded similar to the old Emperor's tone. It was probably imitating the tone of the Celestial Empire. Xu Zhangjin finished reading it calmly and said softly, "Daren, it's your turn!"
"Oh, okay. I also have an imperial edict." Lin Wanrong took out the four-word imperial edict, raised it high, and read it aloud. "China is a big country, and the rain and dew are equal. The mysterious handsome man is named Lin San. His merit is great, and his strength is great. He is bestowed with great responsibility and bravery. Negotiating with Goryeo is a matter of life and death. If success is achieved, peace will be achieved. If not, war will be fought. Thus! "
He shook his head and wagged his tail as he spouted nonsense. Xu Zhangjin could only see the words "imperial edict" on the back of the edict. She thought that he was telling the truth, but she did not know that there was another world in the imperial edict. Hearing the unyielding tone of the Emperor of China's imperial edict, the little palace maid frowned and sighed worriedly.
Lin Wanrong put the imperial edict into her bosom, took the teacup next to her, took a sip, and leisurely said, "Our emperor's literary talent is truly outstanding. Miss Xu, can we start now?"
"Yes!" Xu Zhangjin bowed and replied with a solemn expression. "Daren Lin, the King of Goryeo is already aware of the condition that your country is offering to help our country. He has also gathered all the officials to discuss it. Your country's conditions are too harsh. Not only the King, but even the royal family is in a difficult position. "
Lin Wanrong nodded his head. Xu Zhangjin's words were very knowledgeable. She did not say yes or no, and her attitude was very vague. Since the two of them were representing their own interests, there was no need for Lin Wanrong to be polite. He laughed and said, "Miss Xu is right. China's conditions are indeed a little harsh. However, as you've said, it's just a little harsh. Compared to the Japanese who attack cities and do all kinds of evil, our Da Hua is harsh. We didn't hurt anyone, nor did we take over cities. We protected the people of Goryeo and the Goryeo Royal Family, but we had to pay a huge price. We're extremely benevolent. Miss Xu, there is no other country in the world that is as harsh and compassionate as China. "
Xu Zhangjin knew that she was no match for him in arguments. She did not mind that he refuted her. She gently said, "Daren, I believe that both our countries know what your two systems mean for Goryeo. Even if we get rid of the Wokou pirates, Goryeo will fall into China's hands. The country will no longer be a country, and the royal family that is loved by the people will become a decoration. How will the King explain this to the people? "
Lin Wanrong sipped his tea and smiled. "Miss Xu, whoever is responsible will have to bear the responsibility. In other words, China is helping Goryeo and protecting your homeland. As for how you explain this to the people, that is your royal family's business. China has no responsibility or obligation to care. To put it bluntly, the relationship between countries can only be based on the results, not the process. No one is a philanthropist. Since Miss Xu is sitting here, you should have this awareness. "
Negotiating with Daren Lin was not something that the little palace maid was willing to do. Hearing him reject her, her heart was filled with bitterness. She lowered her head and said, "Daren, is there any other solution? You are so smart, you will definitely think of it. "
I am smart, but at this time, I would rather be stupid. Lin Wanrong shook his head and said carelessly, "Miss Xu, I believe that you already have an idea. Rather than waiting for my China to regress and waste time, why don't you tell me what you think?"
Xu Zhangjin was silent. She did not say anything. The light crackling of the candle seemed to strike her heart. The room was filled with bright red and joyous colors, but it did not match the current atmosphere. Lin Wanrong glanced indifferently at the little palace maid. She bit her lips tightly, her snow-white skin shining like crystal under the light. The corners of her mouth curled up into a beautiful arc, showing her tenacity.
"Daren," Xu Zhangjin finally opened her mouth. "My King has made a painful choice and finally thought of a compromise. As long as China is willing to send troops to help, my Goryeo is willing to pay for all of China's military expenses and pensions. Every year, the tribute to China is no less than 100,000 taels and the King of Goryeo will personally come to the capital to pay homage. In addition, to express my Goryeo's sincerity, as long as China is willing, His Majesty is willing to use the heir as a hostage and let him stay in China for a long time. Without the permission of the Emperor, he will not return to Goryeo. "
The matter of being a hostage was seen as a great humiliation by all the dynasties. This King of Goryeo was willing to use the heir to the throne as a hostage to China. It could be considered that he could endure it. Lin Wanrong was not interested in this matter. He chuckled and shook his head. "Miss Xu, I advise you not to play any tricks. The so-called hostage is just a person. The most valuable thing in the world is a person, but the least valuable thing is also a person. That heir belongs to your Goryeo and not China. You treat him like a treasure but in the eyes of my China, he may not even be comparable to a blade of grass. If one heir is gone, we can cultivate another 10 or 100. If you use each country to pledge one, there will be leftovers. As for paying 100,000 taels of silver every year, with China's national strength, 100,000 taels of silver is simply a drop in the ocean. To put it bluntly, we are meat on the chopping block. At this stage, you Goryeo still do not know your place. This makes me feel deeply regretful. If we continue to talk like this, even if we talk until tomorrow, there will not be any results. What will happen to Goryeo tomorrow? I am really worried for you all! "
He sighed pitifully, helplessly playing with the tea cup that was gradually cooling down, and fell silent.
Xu Zhangjin clenched her fists tightly and bit her lips so hard that they turned white. Her expression was gloomy and she pondered for a long time. The room was dead silent.
With a 'dong' sound, Lin Wanrong knocked on the lid of the teacup and stood up. Xu Zhangjin woke up from her thoughts. Seeing his actions, she jumped up in shock. She quickly grabbed his sleeve and said with a hint of tears, "Brother Wanrong, where are you going? You cannot leave! "
"Who said I am leaving." Lin Wanrong smiled, "The tea is cold. I will get someone to change it to something fresh." He paused for a moment and said with a serious expression, "But, Miss Xu, you really have to hurry up. The time you waste now is your own. If you delay for a cup of tea's time, who knows how many Goryeo people will die tragically in the flames of war."
"Master," Xu Zhangjin bit her lips and blood seeped out, "Goryeo can accept your 'one body, two systems', but the matter of stationing troops — —"
"The matter of stationing troops is not negotiable!" Lin Wanrong slammed the teacup heavily on the table, causing a 'peng peng' sound. Xu Zhangjin was shocked and trembled. Seeing his determined expression and imposing manner, like an insurmountable mountain, the little palace maid was filled with admiration and sorrow. Tears welled up in her eyes and she tried her best to hold them back.
Lin Wanrong turned his head and did not look at Xu Zhangjin's expression. He was afraid that his softheartedness would spoil the plan. He waved his hand and said firmly, "One body, two systems, one body, two systems. What is one body? Stationing troops shows sovereignty. It is the sovereignty of our China and Goryeo. If the army cannot be stationed here, the judicial and administrative powers are in your hands. I ask, if China and Goryeo are one body, where is the one body? "
His voice was like a bell and his aura was majestic. At this crucial moment, Xu Zhangjin seemed to be much stronger and said firmly, "Master, stationing troops is fine, but Goryeo also wants our own army. This is our bottom line. If we go beyond this step, Goryeo would rather be a broken jade than an intact tile. "
You finally spoke the truth. Seeing the tears in Xu Zhangjin's eyes falling down, but she turned her head away and stubbornly did not let him see it, he found it funny but also admired her. At such a critical moment, she, a girl, disregarded her own honor and disgrace and stubbornly protected the interests of her country. From her point of view, it was not wrong at all.
"Don't talk about a broken jade and an intact tile so easily," Lin Wanrong shook his head and said slowly, "Miss Xu, I can understand that you want to preserve your armed forces, and I also express my approval!"
"Brother Wanrong, what you said is true?!" Xu Zhangjin seemed to be unable to believe her own ears. She raised her head and looked at him. Two rows of beautiful tears rolled down her cheeks, making her look poignant and moving.
"Do you want me to say it again?" A mysterious smile appeared on Lin Wanrong's face.
"Yes, yes, Zhangjin heard it," The little palace maid was wild with joy and held his hand with a sweet smile, "Brother Wanrong, you are the best!"
I hope that after listening to what I have to say, you will still maintain the same point of view. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Xu, are you sure you really heard what I said?"
Xu Zhangjin nodded her head happily, "Of course, you said that Goryeo is allowed to preserve our armed forces — —" She was stunned, "Master, the armed forces you are talking about are — —"
The little palace maid finally understood. Lin Wanrong said lightly, "Miss Xu's guess is correct. China can allow Goryeo to preserve some of its armed forces. However, these armed forces are only used to maintain peace and order and assist in dealing with crimes. In other words, they are similar to the government constables in China's yamen. China is in charge of the training of these government constables. Their weapons will be allocated by China according to the ratio and can only be used to maintain the basic needs of law and order. As for other matters of security, they don't need to worry about it. "
Xu Zhangjin's heart fell from ecstasy to ice. Master Lin made it sound nice, saying that he wanted to preserve some armed forces for Goryeo. However, what use could these government constables who were controlled do? China was only using them as tools. Maintaining peace and order in Goryeo could only be carried out by the Goryeos.
After everything was said, Lin Wanrong sat quietly. He waited for Xu Zhangjin's decision. He could say with certainty that the King of Goryeo had already predicted the final outcome. The reason why he authorized Xu Zhangjin to negotiate with China was to gain more benefits. No matter what the outcome of the negotiation was, it would not exceed their expectations!
"You already knew our bottom line, didn't you?" A voice came from afar.
"There is no bottom line." Lin Wanrong smiled, "At this point, your biggest bottom line is that there is no bottom line!"
"Master, meeting you was the biggest mistake of my life!" Xu Zhangjin lowered his head, tears dripping down his face.
"Zhangjin, you definitely won't believe me, but I was forced to do all these things. With my personality, I was living a carefree life in the Xiao Family. Why would I come here to annoy you? Life is full of ups and downs, no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. "Lin Wanrong spread his hands helplessly.
The little palace maid let out a long sigh and lightly clapped her hands. A Goryeo maid came in from the door with a tray of four treasures of the study. Xu Zhangjin picked up the small regular script. Before she started writing, tears dripped onto the paper.
Lin Wanrong held her hand. Xu Zhangjin closed her eyes and thought for a while. Her brush moved quickly and she wrote down the details of the negotiation between the two countries on the paper. The King of Goryeo's seal was already stamped on the paper, showing his trust in Xu Zhangjin.
Lin Wanrong saw that there were no objections. To show his sincerity, he took out a brush and signed his name crookedly. In the hundred years of China's history, the first agreement to open up a new territory was born in Lin Wanrong's hands.
Xu Zhangjin stared blankly at the paper that he had written with his own hand. He stood there for a long time. Suddenly, as if he was startled, he threw himself into his bosom and cried bitterly, "Wanrong Ge, you are so cruel!"
"This is not something a girl like you can bear." Lin Wanrong sighed and patted the little palace maid's shoulder to comfort her, "In such a weak position, no one can help you. Your performance today is already very good, much better than I had imagined. If you want to blame me, I will accept it! "
"I don't blame you, this is my life. Brother Wanrong, hug me tightly! Daren, hug me tightly! "Xu Zhangjin's tears fell like rain and she hugged him tightly, her tears soaking her chest.
Alas, every time this girl makes a request, it's so embarrassing. Lin Wanrong hugged her voluptuous body and thought helplessly.
"Brother Wanrong, do you think I am beautiful?!" Xu Zhangjin slowly stopped crying and raised her head from his arms. Her face had a bright blush and the sparkling tears contrasted with her jade-like skin, making her look very beautiful.
She really was a bit beautiful. Lin Wanrong's eyelids gradually became heavy. He looked at the little palace maid's expression and it was not so clear. She swayed and fell down.
"Brother Wanrong, please forgive me! Zhangjin is very happy to have met you! " Xu Zhangjin slowly got up and looked at his sleeping figure as tears fell. She slightly pulled the belt on her body and with a light rustling sound, her clothes fell off. That curvaceous and beautiful body under the fiery red azaleas was incomparably tempting … …
In her dreams, Lin Wanrong felt like a small boat, as if she was floating on a piece of paper with thousands of miles of waves. Sometimes, she would reach the peak, and sometimes, she would fall to the bottom. That comfortable feeling was like taking a sauna.
With an 'ah' sound, he suddenly opened his eyes. Xu Zhangjin and the azaleas in the room were all gone. Only his clothes were scattered and he was lying in the negotiation room. Below him was a small flower in full bloom, bright red and dazzling.
He had been drugged! There was a loud bang in his head and his entire body was numb.
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