Chapter Thirty-Two: Sounds Like a Treacherous Official

Page (1/3)

Hearing that the envoy from the Tang Kingdom had returned, Li Chen couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement.

His earlier anger quickly gave way to a pleased expression!

Even common folk, when humiliated without cause, would naturally harbor resentment and seek revenge; how could one not retaliate? Let alone respond with gifts and smiles.

Moreover, the Tang Kingdom was not weak by any means among the nations of the world.

At this moment, Li Chen was convinced that the Tang envoy’s earlier departure had been a rash act, perhaps forgetting something important, or maybe there was some hidden scheme behind it all.

“Quick! Bring in the envoy from the Tang Kingdom!”

Among the officials, many ministers wore puzzled expressions, whispering among themselves.

“What’s going on with the Tang Kingdom these days? They were punished but still sent gifts, and their envoy is all over the place, lacking basic etiquette!”

“Indeed, I think the Tang envoy must have been intimidated by His Majesty’s authority, causing him to lose his composure and forget something important just now.”

Amid the crowd’s suspicion and confusion, only Cai Jing’s lips curled into a smug smile.

His thoughts mirrored Li Chen’s; both believed the Tang envoy’s return was ill-intentioned, likely prepared to stir trouble.

Before long, the Tang envoy was led into the great hall.

To everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t the same envoy as before.

Sensing their astonished gazes, the envoy hastily bowed with respect, careful not to offend Li Chen.

But Li Chen was beyond caring for such formalities.

With a wave of his hand, he said, “Envoy of the Tang Kingdom, do you have something to say to our Great Zhou? Or perhaps, does the Tang Kingdom intend to declare war on us?”

Impatient, he wanted to settle matters quickly to begin diminishing their national fortune.

Hearing this from the emperor himself, coupled with the recent history between the two countries, the envoy’s heart trembled.

Especially recalling his sovereign’s instructions before departure, the envoy disregarded propriety and knelt immediately.

“Your Majesty, the Tang Kingdom has no intention of waging war against Great Zhou! I...”

Hearing that war was not on the agenda only deepened Li Chen’s frustration.

Before the envoy could finish, Li Chen waved dismissively and issued an order.

“If not war, then take him out and give him a good thrashing before bringing him back!”

At this, the ministers were stunned.

Where in the world had it ever been customary to beat an envoy before official relations, especially after receiving gifts?

Ouyang Yu instinctively wanted to step forward and advise against it, but before he moved, he caught Ge Siwang’s pointed gaze.

Some other ministers also tried to intervene, but Li Chen was intent on ruining national fortune and acting as a foolish ruler; he would not heed their counsel.

Thus, the poor envoy was beaten before he could utter a complete sentence.

When he returned, his face was pale and his speech faltered, but since he had come on his own accord, no matter how angry he felt, he could only force a smile.

“Your Majesty, I have come under imperial decree to recommend a great talent to you!”

Under the watchful eyes of the Great Zhou officials, the envoy anxiously spoke, careful not to offend the emperor.

If this had been said earlier, perhaps Great Zhou would not have doubted so much.

But after driving away refugees to the Tang Kingdom and twice assaulting their envoys, the scant goodwill between the two nations was nearly exhausted.

Who would believe Tang’s actions were sincere?

Without hesitation, Ge Siwang was the first to stand.

“Your Majesty, our Great Zhou is vast and rich, filled with talented people. There are nearly ten thousand worthy candidates waiting for appointment; we have no need for recommendations from the Tang King!”

Bailian was slower to react but soon realized there might be hidden motives, so she quickly spoke up.

“Yes, Your Majesty, we should select our own officials; we cannot be beholden to foreign recommendations!”

Their thoughts were simple: the Tang Kingdom’s gesture was suspicious.

Even if Tang were sincere and truly recommended a worthy candidate, that person would owe their position to the Tang King. In future conflicts, on whose side would they stand?

If they thought this, Li Chen certainly did too.

Listening to the opposition, Li Chen outwardly appeared calm, but inside he was delighted.

So you all oppose it? That only proves that appointing the recommended candidate would bring endless trouble!

How could I miss such a perfect opportunity to ruin the national fortune?

“Your Majesty, my emperor genuinely wishes to befriend Great Zhou and harbors no ill intent. Moreover, this candidate is actually from your own land; his talents came to my emperor’s attention by chance!”

The envoy was nearly in tears as so many opposed him before he could finish.

Li Chen restrained a smile and waved the ministers down.

“Enough. A great nation should behave with the grace befitting it. Besides, we must first see what kind of talent the Tang Kingdom is recommending!”

Page (2/3)

Saying this, he gestured to the Tang envoy to present the relevant documents.

The envoy’s expression was strange, but he complied.

“Your Majesty, I only know that this great talent is named Yan Song. He often frequents the Listening Cloud Academy. I believe if you send someone there, you will find him.”

After speaking, the envoy’s heart pounded like a drum.

In truth, he need not have been so hurried, but upon meeting another envoy earlier, he decided to seize the moment while Li Chen was in a good mood, which made him rush.

Judging by the ministers’ reactions, he even suspected his words might not be accepted by the emperor.

What surprised him was that as soon as he mentioned Yan Song’s name, Li Chen issued an order.

“Go at once! Dispatch people to find this Yan Song! I want to meet him personally. If he truly has talent, I will surely employ him!”

A joke—Yan Song!

Just hearing the name made it clear he must be a notorious traitor or sycophant.

Such a person was exactly what Li Chen needed to ruin the national fortune.

Considering the earlier opposition and his own dealings with the Tang Kingdom, Li Chen even suspected Yan Song might be a spy.

Hearing Li Chen’s words, the Tang envoy finally relaxed, bowed to Li Chen, and hastened to take his leave.

Once he departed, Li Chen lost interest in continuing the court session, casually brushing aside the ministers' advice before dismissing the assembly.

Of course, he was not truly resigned. Upon returning to the palace, Li Chen summoned Wan’er and instructed her to send people to investigate Yan Song’s background.

After the earlier fiasco, he was determined not to repeat the same mistake.

One Bai Che was already enough to give him headaches; if another appeared, he might as well wait for thunder to strike him down.

...

The next day, in a secret chamber.

“Have you uncovered anything about Yan Song’s background?”

Page (3/3)