The two of them chuckled awkwardly. Liang Long said, "What are you talking about, Prince Ale? Our two countries abide by treaties. How could we possibly start a war? After all, we don't have a death wish!"
Ale nodded. Whether they were speaking sense or nonsense, he had delivered his warning. What happened next was none of his business.
After Ale left, the two men broke out in a cold sweat. They had thought what they saw yesterday was the extent of that mysterious soldier's might. They never imagined such soldiers had existed for years!
Ji Yinghao exchanged glances with Liang Long. "We should just keep to ourselves. No matter how much the Xue and Wei kingdoms offer us, we cannot get involved in this war!"
Liang Long nodded vehemently. "Right, that makes sense. We'd best stick close to Fan Zehao; it won't do us any harm!"
After their discussion, the two hurried to catch up with the main group ahead.
Fan Zehao was leading them on a tour of the trade city, while Zhao Jiaqi was preparing a feast for them in the rear.
Just as she finished, the guests began to arrive one after another, greeting her cordially.
"You must be tired after such a long tour. Please, sit down, have some tea, and rest. We'll have a buffet of grilled meat soon. Let everyone have a taste of this new delicacy."
As soon as she finished explaining, everyone eagerly gathered around to examine the glowing red wire grates, intrigued. This was the first time they had ever heard of "buffet grilled meat."
"Princess Consort, your grilled meat is different from ours on the great steppes. We roast a whole sheep!" Ale said, looking at the neatly arranged slices of meat.
Zhao Jiaqi nodded. "Roasting meat like that on your steppes takes time and effort. My method is quick and easy. You just place the meat slices on the grill, and in a few breaths, they're cooked. Then you dip them in the sauce provided. The taste is different. You should try it!"
Hearing the Princess Consort's description, Ale was eager to try.
While others drank tea, he grilled meat!
Truth be told, while they had heard the Princess Consort's explanation, they weren't quite sure how to grill the meat themselves, so they drank tea to mask their uncertainty. Prince Ale, being jovial, uninhibited, and not afraid of making a fool of himself, was the perfect person to demonstrate.
Prince Ale had never eaten this way before, but he was smart. Following Zhao Jiaqi's instructions, he quickly learned.
Perhaps it was because their tribe often ate grilled meat, they picked it up quickly. The meat he grilled looked juicy and delicious, making everyone else eager to try.
Before long, everyone was captivated by the delicious food, their minds no longer dwelling on what had happened earlier.
After eating and drinking their fill, the important figures left the dining hall and proceeded to the front courtyard for tea.
While drinking tea, they reminisced about the exquisite meal, each of them praising the Princess Consort's ingenuity and culinary skills. However, only they themselves knew how many of those praises were genuine and how many were laced with mockery.
Due to the spring drought this year, the tea harvest was poor. Therefore, she hadn't bought much good tea. Partly because it wasn't necessary, and partly because good tea was expensive. In her words, the remaining silver could be used to donate porridge to the drought-stricken populace for a few more days.
Sitting in her seat, Zhao Jiaqi glanced at the important figures below who were still engaged in lively conversation. She knew her husband had finished his tasks in the front. Now, it was her turn.
She put down her teacup and smiled at them. "Everyone, how did you find the Prince's tour of the inner city these past two days?"
Hearing the Princess Consort's sudden question, everyone fell silent for a moment. Then, Ale replied, "It was excellent. I am impressed with everything, from the food and lodging to the living arrangements and the barracks!"
They had little to say about him. This person was purely Fan Zehao's subordinate. Whether Fan Zehao farted or not, in Prince Ale's eyes, even a foul smell was fragrant.
Ji Yinghao looked at the woman seated at the head of the table. He dared not underestimate her. He smiled and said, "The inner city is so prosperous even during a drought. I imagine it would be even more developed during favorable weather. As for the demonstrations by the soldiers in the barracks, they were truly beyond our reach. Overall, my experience these past two days is that the inner city has become much stronger than before."
"Emperor Tianhan's summary was very accurate. I am quite shocked. I'm considering whether I should establish a mysterious soldier unit like the Prince's when I return," Liang Long said with a hearty laugh, voicing his thoughts.
His statement captured the thoughts of all the emperors. They knew that even if they didn't say it, the Prince and Princess Consort would likely figure it out.
They thought his words might displease the people in higher positions, but coincidentally, Zhao Jiaqi nodded repeatedly upon hearing them, expressing her strong agreement.
"Emperor Liang is correct. If everyone wishes to establish such a unit, we can hold a friendly tournament each year for everyone to spar and learn from each other. This would foster friendship and help us identify and improve our weaknesses. It is an excellent idea. My husband and I would be very pleased for you all to build better and stronger teams and collectively defend this continent and our respective homes!"
Her words left them with nothing to criticize. Not only did she permit it, but she also openly encouraged mutual sparring. Such magnanimity made these grown men feel ashamed.
"The Princess Consort is benevolent. Even I, an emperor, feel inferior in your presence!" Ji Yinghao was truly impressed.
The others nodded in agreement. Although their words were similar, they all meant the same thing: they were surprised that the couple would allow these people to learn from them.
In fact, even if they were forbidden to learn, would these people obey?
Rather than them secretly trying to learn behind their backs, it was more open and conducive to pushing each other in a positive direction.
"Speaking of benevolence, I would like to ask Emperor Lan Jinfeng of the Xue Kingdom, what do these two words mean to you?"
Lan Jinfeng, who was about to cower, suddenly heard the Princess Consort call him out by name and ask him to explain benevolence. His underdeveloped brain could only infer the underlying meaning of her words.
Although Lan Jinfeng did not want to answer, he dared not refuse. He dutifully replied, "Benevolence and righteousness, a gentle and kind nature!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded and her gaze shifted to Yu Xiaoshuang. She raised an eyebrow and asked him, "Emperor Yu of the Wei Kingdom, do you agree with what he said?"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Yu Xiaoshuang reluctantly nodded. "That is the meaning."
"It seems the two of you have not completely lost your humanity and understand the meaning of these words. Then I must ask you, since we established that hundred-year friendly treaty a few years ago, in what way has our Yun Kingdom wronged you to make you join forces and attack us!"
Yu Xiaoshuang's face turned red. He clenched his jaw tightly, strongly disliking a woman interfering in internal affairs.
Fan Zehao spoke directly, but this woman's words always carried a hidden sting, making you hurt all over yet unable to find the mark of the wound.
Such a person was difficult to deal with!
"Princess Consort, forgive my bluntness, but this concerns internal affairs. As a woman, you should be a role model for all women. It would be best if you did not involve yourself in these domestic matters."
Zhao Jiaqi chuckled instead of getting angry and looked at them. "What do you all think?"