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Inside the reception hall of the Land of Earth's embassy, the atmosphere was harmonious.
Minister Tanaka sat in the guest seat, taking out two exquisite gift boxes and presenting them.
"Sirs, these are the new spring teas recently acquired by the daimyo manor. I specifically brought them for you to taste," Minister Tanaka said with a smile.
Seated in the main position were the envoys from the Land of Earth.
Upon hearing this, he nodded slightly, motioning for his attendant to accept the gifts, and personally poured tea for Minister Tanaka and the other guest.
The other person seated in the guest seat was the envoy from the Land of Wind, who wore a perpetual smile.
The tea was a new tribute from the Land of Fire this year. Its liquor was clear, and its aroma diffused, invigorating one's spirit just by smelling it.
The Land of Earth's envoy picked up the teacup, merely sniffed it lightly, and then put it down, evidently lacking interest in such refined objects.
The Land of Wind's envoy, however, was a connoisseur. He took a delicate sip, and the smile in his eyes deepened.
"Excellent tea!"
"Slightly astringent upon entry, followed by a full, sweet aftertaste. Indeed, it is excellent tea. Minister Tanaka, you are too thoughtful."
Minister Tanaka smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, though his mind was clear as a mirror.
These two in front of him—one pragmatic and profit-driven, the other shrewd and fond of wealth—were both difficult to deal with.
After a few pleasantries, Minister Tanaka, following the established procedure, began to broach the main topic.
"Sirs, you have been in the capital for some time now. Are you satisfied with our hospitality?"
"Last month's shipment to your esteemed nations, what was the feedback from your countries?"
Upon hearing the word "shipment," the Land of Earth's envoy, who had initially appeared composed, showed a flicker of light in his eyes.
The Land of Wind's envoy clapped his hands and laughed. "Minister Tanaka is too modest! That feedback was not just satisfactory, it was... extremely satisfactory!"
"Especially the white sugar, which is now priceless in our Land of Wind! The nobles are practically fighting over it to get more!"
He spoke the truth.
Those crystalline, heart-sweetening white crystals were an unprecedented luxury for the nobles of the Land of Wind, who spent their days amidst yellow sand.
The Land of Earth's envoy also spoke, a rare occurrence. "It's the same in our Land of Earth. My lord is very pleased."
Pleased?
That was too modest a statement.
By reselling these luxury goods, the daimyo manors of both nations had, in just one month, earned financial revenue that they might not have achieved in an entire quarter previously.
This trade route was no longer just a source of wealth.
"It's good that you're satisfied. I can now report back to my lord."
Minister Tanaka nodded, the smile on his face slowly fading, his expression turning serious.
He picked up his teacup again, blew away the foam, but delayed drinking.
Finally, a sigh escaped him.
The sigh was very soft.
Yet, it was like a needle, piercing the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in the hall.
The two envoys exchanged glances.
Here it comes.
These two old foxes had sensed something was amiss from the moment Minister Tanaka entered.
One doesn't visit for no reason.
First gifts, then pleasantries, and now this posture—he must be holding something back.
The Land of Wind's envoy put down his teacup and proactively spoke. "Why does Minister Tanaka sigh? Has there been some mishap in trade?"
Minister Tanaka looked up, his solemn expression perfectly placed.
"Alas, to be frank, I encountered a thorny issue today."
"This matter, I fear, will affect the common interests of our three nations, which is why I came to discuss it with you two."
He did not lower his stance. From the outset, he pulled the Land of Earth and Land of Wind onto his side.
What a cunning old fox!
The two envoys thought to themselves, he wants to define the situation with his very first words.
But on the surface, the Land of Wind's envoy remained enthusiastic. "Speak freely! Our three nations are now allies. If there truly is something, we naturally cannot stand idly by!"
The Land of Earth's envoy also nodded in agreement at the opportune moment.
This was exactly what Minister Tanaka wanted.
With a serious expression, he recounted in full how the Land of Lightning's envoy had aggressively demanded trade, and how the daimyo had sternly refused him.
Of course, in his description, the Land of Lightning's envoy became a madman who resorted to violence at the slightest disagreement.
And the Land of Fire's daimyo became a magnificent monarch who upheld principles, protected allied interests, and refused to bow to evil forces.
"My lord said that our trade with the Land of Wind and Land of Earth is based on a peace agreement."
"The Land of Lightning lacks even the most basic sincerity. This door must never be opened!"
"Otherwise, it would be the greatest injustice to our two allies!"
"But that Land of Lightning envoy actually flew into a rage on the spot, smashed a table at my manor, and even threatened to meet us on the battlefield..."
"Alas, though my lord does not fear war, he also does not wish to lightly initiate conflict. Yet, matters of principle cannot be conceded. This matter is truly difficult."
Having said this, Minister Tanaka looked at the two with a heavy expression.
A brief silence fell over the reception hall.
The expressions of the two envoys were somewhat subtle.
They knew full well what was going on.
This old fox wasn't here to discuss.
He was clearly here to make an accusation, wanting to use their hands to pressure the Land of Lightning!
All that talk about standing up for allies was utter nonsense!
The two cursed inwardly but remained expressionless.
The Land of Wind's envoy was the first to break the silence, speaking righteously. "Absolutely lawless!"
"The Land of Lightning has always acted so domineeringly! Minister Tanaka, rest assured, we will absolutely not stand idly by in this matter!"
The Land of Earth's envoy also said in a deep voice, "Indeed, we will truthfully report this to our country and issue the sternest condemnation of the Land of Lightning's barbaric actions!"
They spoke glowingly.
All condemnation.
Could condemnation make the Land of Lightning lose anything?
Minister Tanaka sneered inwardly. These two old sly dogs still wanted to play both sides and watch the show.
Want to watch the fire from across the river?
Not that easy!
The grave expression on his face deepened. "Thank you, sirs, for upholding justice."
Then, his tone shifted, becoming solemn.
"However... those brutes from the Land of Lightning have always been unreasonable, only recognizing brute force."
"I worry that they might truly stir up trouble at the border."
"Although our Land of Fire is not afraid, if it truly comes to that, for the greater good, for peace... what if, I mean what if..."
Minister Tanaka stopped here, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Our side is forced to make concessions..."
"Our Land of Fire's production capacity is, after all, limited."
He paused, then looked up at the two men's instantly changing faces.
"If there were one more Land of Lightning..."
"Then the silk, tea, and especially the Fire Crystals supplied to the two nations..."
"I'm afraid... they would have to be taken from the two nations' shares."
This statement was nothing short of a thunderbolt!
The faces of the two envoys instantly changed!
They could not care less about the dispute between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.
They even hoped the two nations would fight, so they could reap the benefits.
But!
They absolutely could not disregard their own wallets!
Divide trade shares?
How was that any different from taking money from their pockets?
Over the past month, the nobles behind them had already developed a taste for that pure white sugar and exquisite silk.
Now they were to cut off their supply?
This was worse than killing them!
Moreover, this was not just a simple trade issue. It also concerned their domestic stability!
In an instant, the two old foxes' minds raced.