Chapter 2100: Again Seeing an Old Friend

The number of soldiers Yaguo can support is determined by its economic capacity. To maintain a larger army, it naturally needs a larger base population. However, its population base is too small, making external acquisition the quickest method.

"Secondly," Du Shan continued, raising a second finger, "thanks to the Emperor's Vital Fluid, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is becoming increasingly dense. Yaguo's formerly barren land is growing more fertile, and many areas are now suitable for cultivating crops. However, the Yaguo people's lifestyle is primarily nomadic, and most are not very skilled in farming. Furthermore, their settlements are mainly tribal, and their organizational structure is not suitable for agriculture."

At this point, Ling Guang understood. "So, they're capturing Bailei people to make them farm?"

"They'll be used as serfs," Du Shan said, shaking his head. "The Bailei people should be terrified; their fate if captured by Yaguo will be tragic."

He Lingchuan continued to write tirelessly. "An incompetent lord brings suffering to the common people. Lu Zhensheng painstakingly stole the position of clan head but lacks the ability to properly govern Bailei. If this continues, Bailei will perish within ten years."

Some people are skilled at internal strife but inept at governance.

Du Shan, however, looked excited. "The one Yaguo sent to raid Bailei this time is no ordinary general, but Xidaya, Yaguo's Third Prince. He just passed his coming-of-age ceremony last year, and the King of Ya specifically sent him to handle this lucrative task, firstly for military training, and secondly to gain experience."

Only then did He Lingchuan stop writing and look up.

Seeing his sharp, cold gaze, Du Shan knew the Great Emperor had seen through his intentions.

He fully articulated his idea. "If handled properly," he then said, "this will kill two birds with one stone."

"This will also cause our relationship with Mou Nation to plummet to rock bottom." Du Shan's idea was indeed to stir up significant trouble.

The consequences of these actions required even He Lingchuan to consider them carefully.

Du Shan immediately said, "There's gain in every loss. If we miss this moment, it will likely be difficult to find such a good opportunity again."

He Lingchuan pondered for over two quarters of an hour before finally saying:

"You may proceed with this matter."

Du Shan bowed in great delight. "Yes."

"As for arranging an informant in Mou Nation, I have a better candidate." He Lingchuan took a sip of tea. "What is Dong Rui doing?"

"Mr. Dong has recently been absorbed in his experiments and is said to have made some new breakthroughs. He hasn't come out for a long time."

"I want to take a trip to Julu Port to clear my head. Go ask Dong Rui if he'd like to revisit an old haunt."

"Understood!"

Julu Port, Ghost Market.

Although Julu Port had long been effectively controlled by the Yangshan Chamber of Commerce, and popularly dubbed "Yangshan Port," it wasn't until last year, when the Black Armored Army launched an uprising from Julu Port and overthrew Peng Nation's rule, that the entire region was incorporated into the Dragon God's territory. From then on, the Dragon God's rule here was legitimate.

Regardless of the turmoil and changes in the Glimmering Gold Plain, Julu Port's harbor business remained bustling. The authorities specifically preserved the Ghost Market to maintain the historical port's market vitality.

The more prosperous Julu Port's trade became, the more people came here to make a living, and the more information was exchanged on the bulletin board.

Even around the board, various people gathered, and stalls were set up.

One day, a red-and-white note, half a palm in size, was posted in the most prominent spot on the old board. No one else's information could cover it, because someone was specifically guarding it nearby.

The note contained only a few words:Noon on the New Moon, Huan Sheng Tower.

The New Moon was two days away.

Huan Sheng Tower was a teahouse that had opened in Julu Port earlier in the year. It boasted the newest facilities and the most impressive halls.

Noon was mealtime. Huan Sheng Tower also served refreshments, so it was just as bustling at midday.

Many people were coming and going. Among them, one person wore a gray cloak that covered half their face, allowing only their figure and eyes to suggest they were a woman.

She entered the teahouse. Her gaze swept across the faces of the patrons at each table, but she didn't find the person she was looking for.

Just then, she heard a voice beside her:

"Upstairs."

The second floor featured private booths, where the tea service fee was higher, so there were fewer people. Tables were spaced far apart to facilitate private conversations among guests.

As she ascended the stairs, she saw two people seated by the window. One was drinking tea, while the other waved to her.

The woman walked directly toward them and nodded to him. "Mr. Wei, I hope you've been well."

"Mr. Wei" stood up and pulled out a chair for her. "I've been well, indeed," he replied. "Please, have a seat."

Only then did the woman's gaze fall upon the other person.

He unhurriedly took a sip of tea, allowing her to examine him at her leisure, before finally setting down his cup. "Long time no see, Miss Mai. Please, sit."

The woman slowly sat down. Her back was straight, her shoulders level, and her back maintained a finger's width from the chair. This elegant and dignified posture was characteristic of a well-bred young lady.

"How should I address you, Mr. He, Great Emperor, or Dragon God?"

She smoothly removed her gray cloak, revealing a face that could charm or scold.

Both men's eyes immediately lit up.

The woman had arrived in full adornment. Her brows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn ripples, and her peach-pink lips were slightly moist. She could indeed be called a beauty of unparalleled grace.

He Lingchuan smiled and personally refilled her empty cup. "Then what should I call you—Consort Mei, or Miss Mai?"

"Whatever you prefer. It's all me; a name is just a designation." The woman gave a soft gasp. "The Great Emperor of the Nine Underworlds personally pouring me tea—who would believe it if I told them?"

She was Consort Mei, formerly the Royal Consort of Chun Nation. Her real name was Mai Miao, daughter of Mai Liansheng, a minister of Chun Nation. King Chun had killed her father. She went into hiding, changed her name, and served her enemy, finally seizing the opportunity to eliminate King Chun with the help of Mou Nation and He Lingchuan.

After You Enguang established Peng Nation to replace Chun Nation, she quietly departed.

This reunion took place three years later, and the Glimmering Gold Plain had undergone immense changes once again.

The last time he saw Consort Mei, she seemed like a fragile willow swaying in the wind or a delicate lilac after the rain, exuding a fragile beauty that made one reluctant to harm her. However, upon seeing her again, that sense of fragile vulnerability was gone. Sitting opposite He Lingchuan and Dong Rui was a beauty like a water lily.

Pink, radiant, and alluringly languid, her beauty was strikingly out of place, like a pink water lily blooming in a drab farmyard pond.

Though she was the same woman with the same features, her demeanor and aura were completely different from three years ago.

Dong Rui couldn't help but take a quiet breath. This must be her true self, he thought. Over three years ago, she had played the role of that pitiful little plum blossom exceptionally well.

Consort Mei's posture while drinking tea was also exceptionally elegant. He Lingchuan set down the teapot. "Consort Mei, you've kept your promise and arrived, so you certainly deserve this tea. It wasn't easy for you to travel from Tucheng to here in just two days."

Tucheng was a full eighty li from Julu Port. Factoring in the time it took for the message to travel from Julu Port to Tucheng, her actual travel time might have been less than a day. She must have truly jumped onto a carriage the moment she received the news, indicating her haste.