With those words, Ji Qingge's pupils brightened, radiating an impressive brilliance. Previously, having heard the girl's words, he had thought she wouldn't help him, but who knew she had adopted a roundabout approach? This was brilliant.
This girl was truly as sharp as ice and smart as jade, using her Imperial Father's guilt towards her aunt to leave him speechless.
Indeed, Emperor Jun's expression grew solemn. He knew that only through amicable relations between the two countries could his sister be vindicated and the union be officially termed as a marriage alliance between two nations. Otherwise, it would be impossible to legitimize it.
Seeing Emperor Jun in deep thought, Yun Xiao spoke slowly.
"Actually, Xiao'er knows the biggest reason Uncle wants to attack Eastern Qin. Xiao'er can help you."
Both men in the study looked at Yun Xiao with disbelief. This girl was intelligent and exquisite, but how could she know about such matters? Emperor Jun furrowed his brows and said, "Xiao'er, tell us."
"Xiliang attacks Eastern Qin because it suffers from sandstorms year-round. They wish to conquer a few cities in Eastern Qin and shift eastward to escape the torment of sandstorms. Is that correct?"
Emperor Jun of Xiliang was astonished. His dignified demeanor had completely collapsed, appearing somewhat agitated, yet he also harbored disbelief. Could this little girl's words be trusted?
These sandstorms were something generations of emperors had wanted to control, but none had devised a good solution. Could this girl actually have a way?
Ji Qingge's refined features were marked by a raised, narrow eyebrow, his pupils flashing with iridescent light. His intuition told him that this girl could handle it. She was a complex mixture, her actions often difficult to grasp.
Perhaps she could indeed resolve what they couldn't.
But such a matter was still astonishing, difficult to believe.
The study fell into silence, the scent of sandalwood gently wafting. Almost imperceptible breaths rose and fell rapidly. Emperor Jun finally calmed himself and spoke with composure.
"Xiao'er, if you can truly help Uncle solve this great dilemma, Uncle will absolutely coexist peacefully with Eastern Qin, send a letter to the Emperor of Eastern Qin, and legitimize your mother's status. The two nations will forever be allied states."
"Good."
Yun Xiao stood up with neither humility nor arrogance. She clapped her hands lightly, her posture as proud as an orchid. Her eyes were like light clouds high in the blue sky, indescribably elegant and moving. As her gaze flowed, it became even clearer and more captivating. She extended one hand to play with the blood jade bracelet on her wrist.
This was a gift from the Old Empress Dowager, and it was indeed a good item. Wearing it on her arm made her feel warm, truly a top-grade warming jade.
"Actually, to block the sandstorms of Xiliang, all that is needed is afforestation."
"Afforestation?"
Emperor Jun and Prince Li, Ji Qingge, were stunned. Afforestation? Could a small patch of forest really block the raging sandstorms?
The study fell silent. Emperor Jun narrowed his eyes, carefully considering the feasibility of Yun Xiao's words. He lightly stroked the inkstone on the dragon desk. There was no sound around them.
Ji Qingge carefully evaluated the situation and finally concluded that Yun Xiao's words were highly feasible. These small trees could block the wind and completely block the dust and sand from the desert, bringing clarity to their world.
"Imperial Father, this humble son believes Xiao'er's method is very feasible."
Yun Xiao's delicate eyebrows lifted, her eyes filled with wisdom and clarity, a natural air of authority about her as she paced the study.
"In fact, afforestation has many benefits. For example, the timber can be used for various wooden materials, it can beautify the environment, make the air fresh, and allow the common people to breathe smoothly. However, Xiliang lacks the methods for cultivating and planting trees. If Uncle wishes to do this, it is imperative to send a letter to the Emperor of Eastern Qin and sign a peace treaty. As friendly nations, I believe the Emperor of Eastern Qin will certainly transmit the methods for cultivating and planting trees to Xiliang's skilled craftsmen. However, in return, Xiliang must also offer equivalent technology, such as Xiliang's Seven-Color Dye."
Yun Xiao had observed Xiliang's dyeing technology, finding it several times superior to Eastern Qin's. Their dyeing was done at will; a single piece of cloth could be dyed with seven colors simultaneously, each with vibrant hues, smooth and lustrous, as brilliant and dazzling as a rainbow in the sky after rain.
As soon as Yun Xiao finished speaking, Emperor Jun of Xiliang smiled, tapping his fingers.
"Xiao'er, you are truly too clever. You've made Uncle reluctant to let you leave."
Upon hearing Emperor Jun's words, Ji Qingge immediately stood up excitedly, his refined face flashing with brilliance, his magnetic voice ringing out, "Does this mean Imperial Father agrees?"
Emperor Jun seemed to have made up his mind and nodded firmly, "This matter will be handled by you. I will deal with it in court."
"Thank you, Imperial Father. Your humble son accepts the decree."
Ji Qingge joyfully accepted the order and glanced at Yun Xiao. He had initially found her amusing, but now he had a deeper understanding. This girl was not only amusing but also incredibly sharp-witted.
Just as his Imperial Father had said, he truly wanted to keep her. However, if she did not wish to stay, no one could force her.
Yun Xiao knelt with Ji Qingge and respectfully asked, "Uncle will not change his mind again, will he?"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of embarrassment crossed Emperor Jun's pupils. However, Yun Xiao laughed and continued, "Xiao'er thanks Uncle on behalf of all the people. Uncle is a benevolent and patriotic emperor, a joy to the people of Xiliang and a joy to all under heaven."
"You..."
Emperor Jun smiled again. Being with this little girl truly made one feel cheerful. Emperor Jun signaled for the two kneeling in the study to rise, his gaze towards Yun Xiao exceptionally gentle.
"Xiao'er, I heard that your father was killed by the Emperor of Eastern Qin. Is that true? You should not return. Stay in Xiliang; Uncle will dote on you."
"Uncle misunderstands. My father is fine. Please do not worry. This time, when I return to Eastern Qin, I will definitely ensure that Father does his best to facilitate this matter, so that the two families remain friendly forever."
"Good."
Emperor Jun saw that Yun Xiao did not wish to discuss further matters, so he did not press her. Since she had said so, she must have confidence. He was now beginning to believe in this little girl's capabilities.
"Come and chat with Uncle when you have time."
"Yes, Uncle."
Yun Xiao replied, took her leave with Ji Qingge, and exited the study.
Outside the study, they both laughed. Ji Qingge accompanied Yun Xiao to Huaqing Palace, with guards following at a distance.
Outside the long corridor, the flowers and plants were brilliant, butterflies danced gracefully, and palace servants could be seen everywhere. After a period of diligent work, all parts of the palace had become much cleaner.
Yun Xiao walked a few steps and then stopped, looking at Ji Qingge ahead.
"I need to go back."
Ji Qingge turned gracefully. He could tell that Yun Xiao was eager to return. She must have a man she deeply loved in Eastern Qin, otherwise, she wouldn't be like this. That man was truly blessed to have found such an extraordinary woman, and she seemed to love him dearly.
"Who is that person?"
Ji Qingge said, a hint of regret in his heart. Why hadn't he met her sooner? Now, it could only be a missed opportunity. Even if one met the right person at the wrong time, it was still a fleeting connection, wasn't it?
Yun Xiao paused for a moment, thinking of Murong. A radiant smile bloomed on her beautiful and sweet face, her eyes rippling like clear water. However, she did not wish to tell Ji Qingge for now that that person was about to become the Emperor of Eastern Qin.