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Chapter 55
Chapter 55
As the Great Zhou Bao expanded its circulation, it became a sensation, heightening interest both domestically and abroad.
…
Ten days later, in the Golden Throne Hall of the Qing Dynasty.
Bang!
The sound of a white jade cup shattering echoed through the vast chamber.
“Outrageous, simply outrageous!”
Qianlong’s furious roar reverberated off the gilded walls.
Nearby, ministers like Fu Cha Fu Heng stood in silence, their heads bowed as the emperor seethed.
“Is Nianqin made of gold?”
Qianlong’s bloodshot eyes swept over them in anger.
“The Zhou Dynasty dares demand two hundred thousand bolts of silk, three hundred thousand taels of silver, and three thousand horses from me? Do they think I’m a fool?”
His chest heaved with laboured breaths, and his usually regal demeanor was crumbling under the pressure of his fury. His once sharp and dignified face now looked haggard and worn, drained by the stress of the ongoing war.
After a long silence, Qianlong’s voice lowered to a hoarse whisper.
“Tell the Zhou envoy that this price is impossible. I will not spend such a large sum of money to trade for a defeated general.”
Fu Cha Fu Heng and the other ministers nodded in unison.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
…
In the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang’s court.
“Biao’er, take a look at this,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, sliding a copy of the Great Zhou Bao across the table to his son, Zhu Biao.
“I’ve heard that Qianlong is currently negotiating with the Zhou Dynasty for Niohuru Nianqin’s release, but I doubt Yang Yi will let go so easily. Tell me, what do you think the final outcome will be?”
Zhu Biao fell into thought. His father patiently sipped his tea, giving him time to process the situation.
After a moment, Zhu Biao replied hesitantly,
“Given Yang Yi’s character, he won’t let Niohuru Nianqin return to the Qing Dynasty alive. But he can’t openly break his word either. I suspect that after receiving the ransom, Yang Yi will severely beat or poison Niohuru Nianqin. By the time he reaches the Qing Dynasty, he will likely die from his injuries.”
Zhu Yuanzhang grinned, stroking his beard.
“As expected from my son. I thought the same. Yang Yi is not one to show mercy. We’ll see soon enough how this unfolds.”
…
In the Tang Dynasty.
“Niohuru Nianqin will be returned unharmed,” Li Shimin confidently declared in his court.
“Although Yang Yi’s methods are harsh, he wouldn’t stoop to poisoning in international diplomacy. That would ruin the Zhou’s reputation.”
Changsun Wuji nodded.
“I agree with His Majesty.”
Fang Xuanling, however, shook his head.
“I must disagree. Yang Yi’s ruthlessness suggests that he won’t allow Niohuru Nianqin to return unharmed. After all, a living enemy could strike back one day.”
Du Ruhui interjected thoughtfully,
“Both arguments have merit, but would Yang Yi really use poison? It could undermine his reputation on the international stage.”
The ministers debated fervently, and Li Shimin could only sigh in frustration. It bothered him that none of them could predict Yang Yi’s mind, as if this young strategist had eluded even the most experienced minds of the Tang Dynasty.
“Enough,” Li Shimin said, cutting off the debate.
“We’ll move on from the Qing-Zhou negotiations. Have you heard about the Great Zhou Bao?”
The ministers exchanged glances, and Changsun Wuji smiled wryly.
“Of course, Your Majesty. The Great Zhou Bao has gained immense popularity. Even in Chang’an, people are buying it at inflated prices. Some have even begun traveling to Luoyang just to buy it in bulk and resell it for a profit.”
Fang Xuanling added, “Even my own son showed it to me. It’s quite fascinating, and the news it contains is of great interest.”
Li Shimin rubbed his temples.
“Both Changle and Gaoyang are obsessed with it. I’ve read it myself, and the content is indeed intriguing. Do you think our Tang Dynasty could create something similar, a Great Tang Bao?”
Changsun Wuji frowned thoughtfully.
“It’s not just about the news, Your Majesty. They also publish novels like Dream of the Red Chamber and Romance of the Western Chamber. I’m not sure we could replicate their success so easily.”
Li Shimin sighed again. Imitating such innovation was not as simple as it seemed.
…
In the Qin Dynasty, at Zhangtai Palace.
“Where is my Great Zhou Bao?” Ying Yinman asked her maid, confused by her empty hands.
The maid smiled wryly.
“His Majesty took it, Your Highness. He said he’ll return it once he’s done reading.”
Ying Yinman pouted.
Why does Father always take my things?
Elsewhere in the palace, Ying Zheng held the newspaper in his hands, his sharp eyes scanning the pages.
“Something is strange about this whole Niohuru Nianqin situation,” he muttered, his voice cold.
His ministers—Li Si, Feng Quji, and Wang Wan—exchanged uncertain glances. They had noticed that Ying Zheng had been paying increasing attention to Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty recently.
Wang Wan spoke up first.
“Your Majesty, the Zhou Dynasty’s victory over the Qing Dynasty is certainly something to boast about. Perhaps there’s nothing more to it?”
Ying Zheng’s gaze narrowed. He shared that initial thought, but a nagging suspicion lingered.
“The Zhou are negotiating with Qianlong, yet the focus of their publicity is Niohuru Nianqin’s close relationship with Qianlong. There’s something off about it.”
The ministers frowned, deep in thought.
Li Si pondered aloud.
“Do you suspect the negotiations won’t go smoothly, Your Majesty?”
Ying Zheng remained silent for a moment before replying.
“If it were anyone else, I’d say no. But with Yang Yi involved, I suspect it won’t be as simple as it appears. He’ll do something to Niohuru Nianqin.”
Li Si’s eyes narrowed.
“You believe he’ll release Niohuru Nianqin and then have him assassinated?”
Ying Zheng shook his head.
“No, Yang Yi won’t resort to something so obvious. He’s too clever for that. But I can’t figure out what he will do. How will he ensure that Niohuru Nianqin is no longer a threat while still extorting money from Qianlong?”
The room fell silent again, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. Even Ying Zheng, with all his wisdom, couldn’t predict what Yang Yi might do next.
“Is there really such a perfect plan?”
Although the last question was phrased as an inquiry, it was filled with doubt.
Feng Quji pondered and said, “Your Majesty, perhaps Yang Yi hasn’t thought that far ahead. Perhaps you are overestimating him.”
Ying Zheng calmly replied, “Perhaps.
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