CHAPTER 1181: CHAPTER 1178: THE BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS

Xu Wendong shrugged: "This way we can follow the vine to get to the melon and uproot those people."

Xuanjizi showed a comforting look: "Your Majesty has been waiting for a person, waiting for someone who can turn the tide."

"I will strive not to betray Your Majesty’s trust!" Xu Wendong took a deep breath, feeling a heavy burden on his shoulders.

At this moment, he realized.

Your Majesty does not condone the reckless behavior of the King of Nanhuang, but just hasn’t found the opportunity to act.

But now.

The opportunity has arrived.

Just like that, Xu Wendong returned to Carefree City.

He called Lu Anran, Chu Ye, and Zhang Yunxiao over and said straightforwardly: "I have decided to open up trade with Beiming Country and Langya Country, to transport our seafood to these two countries for sale!"

Although Xuanjizi mentioned convening officials to improve the food safety system, Xu Wendong knew this wouldn’t work.

After all, it was implemented before the monarch went into seclusion.

So.

He could only find a way to transport the seafood to Beiming Country and Langya Country. If the trade route between these two countries can be opened, it would surely be lucrative.

Zhang Yunxiao gave his opinion: "Sir, your idea is indeed good, but we have no trade relations with Langya Country or Beiming Country."

"And there’s the most important point."

"Our Carefree City houses many refugees from Langya Country and Beiming Country. If the two countries demand we hand over those refugees, what should we do?"

He pointed out the core of the problem incisively.

Even if those refugees have turned over a new leaf now, they are ultimately recorded by the two countries.

Handing them over might garner favor from the two countries and potentially establish trade relations.

But doing so.

Xu Wendong’s image would collapse.

After all, he treats the people as his own children, and everything he does is for the people.

But now, to seek wealth, he turns his back on the people under his jurisdiction, which starkly contrasts with his loving and caring image.

Xu Wendong said: "This matter is indeed tricky, but it must be tried!"

He didn’t want to be completely under the thumb of the King of Nanhuang.

So.

He must try to open up trade among the three countries.

Three days later.

Xu Wendong received a reply from Xuanjizi. His proposal was not approved, and the court ministers still adhered to the previous proposal.

The food safety system wasn’t changed.

Xu Wendong immediately stood up, taking Lu Nanyan and Chu Ye, heading directly to Langya Country in the southwest.

Langya Country is also a Third-Level Cultivation Country, with overall strength comparable to the Blackwater Kingdom.

The county bordering Langya Country and Carefree City is called Qingcheng County, which is the fief of the Eldest Princess of Langya Country.

This princess is named Chu Huanyan.

She is the most beloved daughter of the monarch of Langya Country.

It is said that when Chu Huanyan was young, she fell in love with a disciple from an ordinary family, and the two went forward together resolutely.

Although the monarch of Langya Country didn’t want his daughter with a child of ordinary people, he didn’t break them up due to his indulgence.

Logically, with Chu Huanyan marrying the man she loved, her life should be happy.

But things did not go as one wished.

The man she loved left her because he couldn’t cultivate in the end.

Since then, Chu Huanyan has been in low spirits.

Because she realized that even as the Eldest Princess of Langya Country, with a high status and countless cultivation resources, she couldn’t extend the life of the man she loved.

Yet.

She remains someone who loves the people as her children.

This is apparent among the people of Qingcheng County, who are well-dressed and looking spirited, with thriving commerce in the city.

This is in stark contrast to when Xu Wendong first entered Carefree City.

Finally.

He brought Lu Nanyan and Chu Ye to the front of Chu Huanyan’s Princess Mansion.

"Xu Wendong, Carefree City Magistrate from Blackwater Kingdom, pays respects to Your Highness Princess, may I trouble you to inform her!" Xu Wendong spoke politely to the servants of the Princess Mansion.

Knowing he was the County Magistrate of Carefree City, the gatekeeper was stunned for a moment and then said: "Lord Xu, please proceed to the living room, I will go and inform the Princess!"

"Thank you!" Xu Wendong replied courteously, following the servant into the living room of the Princess Mansion.

About ten minutes later.

A sonorous voice came from outside: "The Princess has arrived."

As the words fell.

A beautiful silhouette stepped into the living room.

She wore a white long dress, the hem gently brushed the ground, appearing elegant and dignified.

Her features were as exquisite as a sculpture, her brows and eyes like a painting, and her face devoid of any emotions.

Her figure was graceful and curvaceous.

The long dress outlined her long legs, slender waist, and perfect body proportions.

Her steps were light, as smooth and flowing as clouds and water, every step carrying elegance and confidence.

The whole person exuded a noble, graceful demeanor.

And at the moment she saw Xu Wendong.

Chu Huanyan’s cool, beautiful eyes shook fiercely.

In that moment.

She seemed to see her late husband.

The two bore too much resemblance.

Especially those deep, profound eyes, were exactly the same.

At that moment.

Waves rippled through her calm heart.

"Carefree City Magistrate, Xu Wendong pays respects to the Eldest Princess!" Xu Wendong bowed in salute, unaware of his resemblance to Chu Huanyan’s late husband.

Lu Nanyan and Chu Ye also saluted simultaneously.

Chu Huanyan snapped out of her shock, a charming smile appearing on her cool, beautiful face.

She opened her ruby lips, releasing a gentle and melodious voice: "Lord Xu, there’s no need for formalities, please sit."

Xu Wendong straightened up, and once the opposing party took a seat, he sat on the side Taishi Chair, though he couldn’t shake the feeling of unrest.

Because Chu Huanyan was watching him intently, her eyes reflecting sadness, sorrow, and joy.

This made him feel uncomfortable all over.

He cleared his throat and said: "Your Highness Princess, I came here for a business proposition with you."

Chu Huanyan realized she was somewhat out of character, smiled awkwardly, and said: "What is the business you speak of, Lord Xu?"

With a turn of thoughts, Xu Wendong conjured some seafood from the Western Sea into the living room, including fish, shrimp, crabs, and various shellfish.

Seeing these items, Chu Huanyan and the servants in her mansion all showed astonished expressions because their place was quite far from the Western Sea, and they had never seen this before.

Xu Wendong explained: "These are seafood from the Western Sea. I specially brought some for Your Highness Princess to taste."

"If it turns out to be to your liking, establishing trade between our two countries will be no bad thing."

Chu Huanyan shook her head, eyes filled with helplessness: "I’m sorry, Lord Xu, but I have never enjoyed eating things from the water."

Upon hearing this.

The hearts of Lu Nanyan and Chu Ye sank more than halfway.

But at this moment, Xu Wendong curiously asked: "You don’t like eating such things, could it be related to your illness?"