klisemfg Chapter 367 Dealing with the Imperial Envoy
Chapter 367 Dealing with the Imperial Envoy
The morning glow quietly dyed the sky red, and the air in the camp carried a hint of fresh coolness. Ye Wan stood by the campfire, cupping her teacup in both hands, her gaze fixed on the distant hills. Yesterday, she received news that the imperial envoy was on his way and would arrive early this morning. Her mood remained calm, instead dominated by a sense of calm determination. Since she had to face it, she had to deal with it calmly.
"Sister Wan, are you ready for today's meeting?" Xie Linchuan's voice came from behind. He seemed particularly quiet and seemed to realize the importance of this negotiation.
Ye Wan smiled faintly and turned around. "I'm ready. Don't worry. Today's conversation must avoid all sensitive topics and focus on the team's future and autonomy. Although there are many emissaries from the court, there is only one person who can oppress us - and that is ourselves."
Xie Linchuan nodded, his worries still lingering. Ever since the court learned of his identity, he'd been under immense pressure. But he knew that Ye Wan's calmness and wisdom were their greatest weapons.
"I hope everything goes well." He said softly, his eyes full of trust.
Soon after, the imperial envoys finally appeared in the distance, the sound of horses' hooves gradually approaching. A middle-aged man, about forty, rode at the head of the group. His gaze was sharp, his stature was tall and thin, and he seemed to exude an invisible sense of pressure. He wore an imperial official uniform, a sword hung at his waist as a symbol of his status, and his every move exuded the calm and composed air of a veteran of many battles.
The arrival of the envoy caused a slight commotion in the camp, and everyone quieted down, their eyes unconsciously focused on the newcomer. Ye Wan and Xie Linchuan walked forward side by side to greet the envoy.
"Ms. Ye Wan, Mr. Xie Linchuan, I have long admired you." The messenger stopped his horse and smiled slightly. His tone was a little cold, yet polite. "My name is Zhao Ming. I have been ordered by the court to discuss Mr. Xie's identity and the affiliation of your team with you."
Zhao Ming's eyes quickly swept over Xie Linchuan, then stopped at Ye Wan. He had obviously heard of this team's reputation and knew they were no ordinary people, but judging by his expression, he was more concerned about Xie Linchuan, the man whose fate depended on them.
Ye Wan remained calm and composed, bowing slightly. "Emissary Zhao, welcome. Although life here is simple, it also offers a sense of tranquility. I never expected to have such a significant matter to discuss today."
Zhao Ming nodded gently, clearly unmoved by her politeness. He glanced around, seemingly observing this team camp, a place so different from the outside world. The team members were busy and orderly, appearing extremely nervous, yet also possessing an indescribable confidence and cohesion.
"Ms. Ye Wan, since you're so enthusiastic, why don't you get straight to the point?" Zhao Ming raised an eyebrow, a hint of urgency evident in his words. "We've heard about Master Xie Linchuan's identity. Can you give us a clear explanation?"
Ye Wan's heart stirred, and a gleam of light flashed in her eyes. She took a deep breath, smiled slightly, and replied, "Emissary Zhao, Mr. Xie Linchuan's identity is a truly complicated matter, and I'm afraid it's not appropriate to discuss it here. After all, as everyone knows, identities are often even more complicated, and whether to make them public or not is often not something we can easily decide."
Her tone was gentle, yet it carried a certain undeniable determination. Zhao Ming had obviously not expected Ye Wan to dodge the subject so skillfully. His expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Well, in that case, Ms. Ye Wan, could you tell me what your team's future plans are?" Zhao Ming changed the subject, his tone becoming more direct. "While our court has some understanding of your existence, if your team refuses to submit and obey the court's orders, I'm afraid your future will be difficult to guarantee."
"Submission?" Ye Wan smiled faintly, but there was a subtle chill in her tone. "Emissary Zhao, I'm afraid you have misunderstood our intentions. We have never considered submission. We only wish to maintain our independence and live a peaceful life. If you intend to forcibly interfere, we will certainly not agree."
"Oh? Maintaining autonomy?" Zhao Ming smiled coldly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. "Then, can you tell me how to ensure that your 'autonomy' doesn't become a threat to the imperial court? If every place has this kind of 'autonomy', then wouldn't the entire country be in chaos?"
Ye Wan's eyes held a hint of determination. "Emissary Zhao, you don't understand our situation. We are not bandits or rebels, but simply ordinary people living in a remote area, seeking only peace and quiet. The autonomy we seek isn't about rebelling against the imperial court, but about being able to live the life we want without being disturbed."
Zhao Ming raised his brows slightly, realizing that Ye Wan didn't seem to be planning a direct confrontation with him. Instead, she cleverly and flexibly deflected the question. She didn't directly deny the court's authority, but she also didn't easily give in to their demands. This approach left Zhao Ming feeling a bit irritated.
He was silent for a moment, as if considering whether to continue the questioning. Seeing his hesitation, Ye Wan continued, "We understand the court's concerns and are willing to assist the government in maintaining stability in this area. However, we hope to maintain a certain degree of autonomy and avoid excessive interference."
"Your demands are very high." Zhao Ming sneered, "However, given Mr. Xie's status, the court does not intend to interfere too much for the time being. As for other matters, I will report them and the court will make a decision."
Ye Wan nodded gently. "Mr. Xie's status does bring us more attention and pressure. But if your court is truly willing to coexist peacefully and respect our small wishes, we will certainly cooperate."
Zhao Ming was silent for a moment, his eyes seemed to have made a decision. "Okay, Ms. Ye Wan, I will report your request truthfully. But whether it can be approved by the court is not up to me."
"Then I'll leave it to Envoy Zhao." Ye Wan smiled slightly and bowed gently, "I look forward to the court's reply."
Zhao Ming smiled coldly, nodded, and turned to leave. Before leaving, his eyes lingered on Xie Linchuan again, as if searching for something, but in the end he didn't say another word.
As the envoys' group gradually retreated, the atmosphere in the camp seemed to relax. Ye Wan watched the retreating figures, knowing that this struggle was far from over; the real test had just begun.