Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 452: An Old Acquaintance!

Xu Qing's voice was as calm as still water, neither humble nor arrogant, as if he were handling the most ordinary of official matters.

A flicker of barely perceptible gravity passed through the depths of the Northern Barbarian Chancellor's eyes. He knew that this young, overly youthful Minister of Revenue standing before him was likely the toughest opponent they would have to face in these peace negotiations.

Both sides took their seats. After a round of hypocritical pleasantries, the negotiations officially began.

The Northern Barbarian Chancellor spoke first, his tone earnest as he expressed his nation's desire to cease hostilities and forge peace.

Just then, a burly general with a full, bristling beard, seated below the Chancellor, suddenly slammed his hand against the table.

"Bam!"

The rosewood table let out a dull thud, and even the teacups upon it jumped from the impact.

"Minister Xu!" the general bellowed, his eyes wide as copper bells, his voice like a resonating bell. "Our court came bearing sincerity, yet your nation treats us with such contempt! You leave us cooling our heels in the embassy, His Majesty refuses us an audience, and now you send a Minister of Revenue to discuss matters of state! Is this how Great Xing treats its guests? This is nothing short of bullying through power!"

This man was the Northern Barbarian's Grand Marshal, also serving as the deputy envoy for this delegation—a complete and utter hawk. His table-slamming was clearly meant to seize the initiative and probe Great Xing's bottom line.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the main hall grew tense and strained.However, to everyone's surprise, faced with this sudden outburst, Xu Qing didn't even raise an eyelid.

He leisurely picked up the teacup before him, gently blowing at the tea leaves floating on the surface, as if he hadn't heard the general's roar at all.

Only when the general's face had turned from red to purple, and he was about to explode again, did Xu Qing slowly set down his teacup and speak in an exceptionally flat tone.

"If Your Excellency is feeling unwell, you may return to the embassy to rest. The Court of State Ceremonies has excellent physicians who can take your pulse."

The moment these words left his mouth, the Northern Barbarian Marshal's face instantly flushed the color of pig liver.

Xu Qing's words seemed like concern, but they were actually a devastating insult. He hadn't even bothered to respond to the general's point; instead, he had directly dismissed the man's powerful opening salvo as the ramblings of someone "feeling unwell."

far more humiliating than any

general trembled with rage, about

"Sit down!"

Chancellor, who had remained silent until now, finally

the Marshal was filled with resentment, he ultimately

forcing a smile onto his face. "Minister Xu, please forgive him. Marshal Batu has spent long years on campaign; his temperament

began earnestly negotiating with Xu Qing, once again requesting a cessation of hostilities, and

Qing's expression remained completely

offered no promises. He

the Chancellor threw at him, his answer was

is of great importance; I must request instructions from His Majesty. It is not

He was waiting.

hunter, patiently waiting for his prey to exhaust its own

of talks ended in this atmosphere that seemed calm on the surface,

put forward by the Northern Barbarian delegation were deflected

Ceremonies, one of Xu Qing's subordinate officials couldn't help but step forward and ask in a low voice, "Sir, are we just letting them leave like this? Shouldn't we

up the teacup, now

the faintest hint of a curve

"No need."

a rift forming

...

Several days later.

Court of State Ceremonies—the highest hall of the Great Xing dynasty for

the usual feasting and merriment were absent. In their place was an almost solidified, chilling

hall, bright yellow coiled-dragon carpets stretched from the entrance all the way to the highest imperial throne. On either side, towering vermillion pillars,

Xing Emperor sat upright upon the throne, clad in his

Revenue, dressed in a brand-new second-rank official's robe, his

the throne, the assembly was divided