In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

Su Gui was amused.

"Indeed, Your Highness is right. I was too cautious. If we wanted them all to be satisfied, we wouldn't be able to survive in the Far East."

"yes."

Li Yuanchang said with a sigh.

This wasn't actually a conflict or difference of ideas between him and Changsun Wuji, or even just one person; rather, it was a clash with the entire era.

His vision is destined to make him an enemy of many people, unless he lives a secluded life. But now the ship of the Prince of Han's mansion is too big, too big to stop.

"By the way, has that Queen of Silla replied yet?"

Su Gui frowned upon hearing this: "Your Highness, we have sent letters no less than three times, and also sent a lot of silks and gifts."

"But each time it was like throwing a stone into the sea, with no reply ever coming."

"For the past two years, Silla and we have maintained a state of zero communication."

"I think Queen Zhende might be doing this on purpose."

Li Yuanchang looked up and adjusted his belt.

"Send someone else; this time, they must be granted an audience with Queen Zhende."

"Of the entire peninsula, only Silla's territory is no longer under our control. The key issue is that Silla also occupies the most fertile pasture. The horse farm issue has not been resolved, and trade and development in the entire Far East region have been severely hampered."

"If the Queen of Silla is willing to cooperate, I am willing to offer an exorbitant price and provide her with preferential trade treatment and protection."

Su Gui nodded: "Yes!"

……

Half a month later.

Officials sent by Yi Won-chang braved the wind and snow to reach the capital of Silla.

This time, the contact was more formal than the previous ones. In the past, it was all about sending letters and gifts, and Li Yuanchang had not had any particularly formal contact because there was Baekje in between.

But now that Baekje has been conquered and is gradually entering a period of peace, the problem of Silla has now been placed before Yi Won-chang.

This time, Li Yuanchang went to great lengths to acquire the ranch.

Eighty cartloads of fine silks and satins were sent, items that even nobles coveted. Li Yuanchang also generously provided other supplies, such as jewelry, gold, and agricultural tools that were relatively scarce on the peninsula.

This is just the first step. It's like in the 21st century, a tycoon gives a female live streamer millions of dollars as a tip.

Which female anchor can withstand such a test?

That female anchor can withstand such a bombardment!

"Xiao Li, a fourth-rank Right Attendant of the Far East Royal Palace, pays his respects to the Queen of Silla. Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years!" Xiao Li, dressed in a black robe and a heavy mink cloak, bowed in a very formal and magnificent palace of the Silla royal family.

Xiao Li, a native of Taiyuan, left in anger after finding no way to seek employment in Taiyuan. He traveled thousands of miles to join Li Yuanchang, who was known for his egalitarian approach to personnel management.

This person was a great omission during the Zhenguan era. He was discovered by Su Gui, who had a keen eye for talent, and later introduced him to Li Yuanchang. He was employed for three years and his value was immense.

He was exceptionally intelligent and articulate, and not only did he become one of the top staff members in the Far East Royal Palace, but he was also intentionally groomed by Li Yuanchang to become a foreign minister.

His appearance signified Li Yuanchang's high regard for him.

But he was met with silence.

Throughout the entire Silla royal palace, there were no fewer than seventy or eighty royal ministers and officials, but they only exchanged glances without exchanging any words.

The throne, partially obscured by the three-colored silk, remained unresponsive.

The scene was completely silent.

Xiao Li frowned, immediately sensing the other party's cold attitude. Based on what had happened before, he basically judged that the Queen of Silla harbored hostility towards the Far East Royal Palace.

This is an innate talent of diplomats; for ordinary people, it's simply the ability to read between the lines.

He understood that in this situation, simply trying to be friendly would only amplify the disrespect, so he did the opposite and started the conversation.

"Your Majesty Queen Zhen De, my master, the King of the Far East, has written to you four times. Why have you not replied despite reading their letters?"

The forceful questioning, which took the initiative, was both polite and carried the air of a superior's inquiry.

These words caused an uproar in the Silla royal court.

Some people are wary of it.

Some people are angry.

In short, there was an uproar.

The three-colored silk curtain is a distinctive feature of Silla culture, making the Silla queen sitting at the back appear even more mysterious.

Her cool voice drifted out, carrying a hint of hostility.

"Your employer?"

"So, you've come as a subordinate of the Far East King?"

"Yes!" Xiao Li replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

This is already a consensus in the Far East. Although they belong to the Tang Dynasty, everyone considers themselves subjects of the Far East King.

"If that's the case, then take your things and go."

"I only receive officials of the Great Tang, not anyone's private servants."

The order to leave came swiftly and decisively.

Xiao Li frowned, his expression darkening slightly.

With sharp wit and a direct, pointed question, she said, "Your Majesty, the King of the Far East is also a king of the Tang Dynasty, and his advisors are subjects of the Tang Dynasty. My official position was granted by the court. Aren't you just distorting the truth and nitpicking?"

"Can I take this as a personal attack on me and His Highness the Prince of the Far East?" He raised both hands and gestured towards the Central Prefecture.

Upon hearing this, the ministers of Silla all changed their expressions.

Nowadays, who dares to offend Li Yuanchang? He's someone even the imperial court can't control.

The Queen of Silla scoffed, "It's not a matter of targeting anyone; I simply obey His Majesty's orders."

Having said that, the attitude is quite clear.

Silla obeyed the court and was hostile to the Far East.

There is a chance as long as the other party is willing to communicate.

Following this principle, Xiao Li continued, "The subjects of the Great Tang Dynasty naturally only obey His Majesty's orders."

"Your Highness is also His Majesty's subject."

"However, the King of the Far East never gave the Queen any orders; he merely wrote a letter, wishing to befriend her. Why is the Queen so indifferent?"

"Is there some kind of misunderstanding?"

"Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? I was unaware of the letter you mentioned."

Xiao Li was speechless. He knew the other person was lying, but he couldn't refute it.

"Very well, if that is the case, then today I will bring His Highness's handwritten letter. I hope the Queen will read it and allow me to return and report."

Inside the palace, there was a brief silence.

Queen Silla was probably driven to desperation by Yi Won-chang's harassment; since it was happening right in front of her, she could only wave her hand impatiently.

Someone went out to collect the letter.

She never revealed her true face, not even a single finger, throughout the entire process.

Shortly after the letter entered the embroidered curtain, Queen Zhende's sneer rang out again.

"Is this how the Far East King makes friends? Isn't this a bit too unusual?" Her tone became noticeably colder, even carrying a queenly murderous intent.

"Your Majesty..." Xiao Li was about to speak and mediate, but Queen Zhende gave him no chance at all, her personality was extremely strong.

"see a visitor out!"

"Queen!"

"Your Majesty, let me finish!"

Xiao Li shouted, but despite his impressive verbal skills, he couldn't withstand the wall of Silla guards who pushed him out bit by bit.

Ultimately, this visit ended in failure.

Xiao Li was also very curious about what was written in the letter. He tried to see the letter several times without success. After staying for three days, he was finally forced to return to the Central Prefecture.