Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

It was midnight in the imperial city.

This city had truly woken up.

Countless wine shops and nightclubs welcomed the busiest time of the day.

Men and women could be seen on the streets and alleys, drunk.

And under these appearances, undercurrents surged.

The information from the Luming Villa pa.s.sed through various channels to the emba.s.sies of various countries.

“A young general?”

“The illegitimate son of the late Emperor?”

“The eldest princess?”

All sorts of rumors flowed through the doc.u.ments.

The informants were filled with glory.

And in the secret underground meeting rooms of the emba.s.sies, the lights stayed on throughout the night.

For many people, this night was a long one, especially for the people of Xinluo!

“Through our sources… we already know that the young lady from Fusang, whose surname is Chiba, has entered Luming Villa!”

“Considering where she came from… We have to guess that she might have already met Master X and pa.s.sed on the request of the people of Fusang!”

“If that's the case!” Xinluo Amba.s.sador Wen Fengming's face was cold, “Then all of us in the emba.s.sy should cut off our fingers and apologize!”

The emba.s.sy officials present all lowered their heads, feeling ashamed.

Wen Fengming looked at these people and said, “Don't you all know the att.i.tude of the country?”

“The King, the Queen and all the people are waiting for us to send back the good news!”

“Next year is the new year…”

“If we don't come up with a good deal or if the Fusang people come up with a better deal than us…”

“Everyone, do you know what the people of the country will think of us?”

Everyone lowered their heads even more.

The awareness of the people of Xinluo was extremely strong, especially when facing Fusang. It could be described as fiery.

This was caused by a long history of conflict and conflict of interests.

In ancient times, Fusang and Xinluo invaded each other.

During the previous dynasty, Fusang almost destroyed Xinluo. Only because of the help of the w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ did they survive.

Along with great Xia Dingding, they went to the Beizhou.

Xinluo and Fusang both responded to the call of the w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ and sent out the Volunteer Army to follow w.a.n.g s.h.i.+.

In war, for merit, there were many conflicts.

Xinluo's two cla.s.ses and Fusang's warriors had been on opposing sides ever since.

After entering the modern era, the two countries that were facing each other across the sea had become even more opposing due to the issue of transcendent being in the East China Sea as well as the issue of real interests.

Many times, the conflict had gone awry and they had almost fallen into a state of declaring war.

It was the Federal Empire that mediated and forcefully stopped the conflict, allowing the two countries to maintain the superficial plastic relations.h.i.+p.

However, in reality, they had already regarded each other as enemies.

Once the transcendent being of the two countries met on the high seas, they would definitely have a fight.

It was probably only when there was hope of entering China that the two countries could put aside their differences and work together.

Therefore, once Fusang gained an advantage this time, it would lead to good results in next year's trade and industrial treaty negotiations.

Wen Fengming knew that the surging public opinion and boiling anger in the country would push the emba.s.sy into the abyss.

Even if he was the son-in-law of the Li Fa, he would definitely be used as a sacrifice to quench the anger of everyone.

Loosening his collar, Wen fengming said, “How's our plan coming along?”

“When will our people be able to enter the Luming Villa?”

A middle-aged official stood up and said, “Amba.s.sador, the high-quality young ladies that we have selected from the country have already been vetted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs…”

“The earliest tomorrow morning, there will be the first batch of people who will get the permit!”

Only then did Wen Fengming's expression become slightly better.

He said to that person, “Go and tell everyone…”

“Tell them that their work is great and n.o.ble!”

“Our citizens and future generations will thank them for their work today!”

“Yes!” The official nodded.

Wen Fengming let out a sigh of relief.

The Silla Kingdom was a traditional, conservative and extremely united kingdom.

The Confucian ideology still occupied an absolutely dominant position.

As for the girls who were selected to join the entertainment company, they had to receive the strictest Confucian education ever since they were young.

The three followed the four virtues and it was deeply rooted in their bones.

Every one of them was a perfect cla.s.sical beauty.

This was also the trump card of Xinluo's diplomacy.

Very few people could reject a Xinluo concubine who was obedient, had no complaints, was young and beautiful and did not have any risks.

It was precisely because of these people that Wen Fengming did not panic.

In his opinion, since that Master X was willing to come, then he would definitely fall into his own trap.

As long as he succeeded…

He clenched his fists!

Opposite the Xinluo Emba.s.sy, almost diagonally, the bas.e.m.e.nt of the Fusang Emba.s.sy was also filled with officials but the atmosphere was cheerful.

“His Imperial Highness Prince Li Gong's beloved son has paid a visit to Crown Princess Rouan…” an official said happily, “Crown princess has specially sent a VIP invitation and invited his beloved son to visit Zhong Mount…”

“Also, Miss Chiba has also sent back news…”

“That person has already given preliminary approval to attend our ball!”

Everyone immediately cheered.

Amba.s.sador Takeda Neizhi of Fusang even drank the sake in his hand in gratification.

Then, he stood up and looked at his colleagues from the emba.s.sy, “Everyone! We can't be happy yet!”

“We must seize this opportunity!”

“Let Fusang enter China and take a solid step!”

For the Fusang Kingdom, entering China was their ultimate dream.

They could join the family of the Federal Empire and become an 'equal and independent' member.

While they could continue to enjoy their independence, they could also enjoy the honor of being the number one empire in the world.

At the same time, they could also use the national power of this powerful empire to suppress the small fries in the country and maintain social order.

This was the dream of the Fusang people of 'common prosperity'.

“Ha Yi!” Everyone stood up and bowed in unison.

Takeda Neizhi pressed his hand and made everyone sit down. Then, he said, “There's something I want to remind everyone!”

He turned his head and looked to the side.

“The Xinluo people will definitely not sit idly by and watch our cause go smoothly!”

“They will definitely try their best to interfere!”

“They might even resort to violence!”

For Xinluo and Fusang, the gains and losses in diplomacy would be magnified.

Therefore, in order not to lose, all kinds of secret wars between the two countries never ceased.

There were even more a.s.sa.s.sinations and a.s.sa.s.sinations in private.

During the rebellion of the feathered fox, it was possible that the Xinluo people were behind the scenes!

In any case, for Fusang, if something bad happened, it would be fine to s.h.i.+ft the blame to Xinluo because countless facts had proven that the Xinluo people were indeed involved in many plots and schemes against Fusang.

Takeda Neizhi stood up, “Therefore, everyone, we must open our eyes wide, observe carefully and protect carefully!”

He woke up naturally.

When Ling Ping'an opened his eyes, he picked up his phone and looked at the time. It was almost eight o'clock.

Ling Ping'an stretched lazily, “The royal manor's bed is indeed comfortable!”

After getting up from the bed, Ling Ping'an walked to the bathroom and began to brush his teeth and wash his face.

His cat had been following beside him the whole time.

After he finished was.h.i.+ng his face, he turned around and saw the little guy. Ling Ping'an squatted down and picked it up, “Little Darling, let's go down and eat breakfast!”

Meow!

The little cat meowed softly, supporting its master's decision.

It walked to the door, put the room card into its pocket and opened the door.

“h.e.l.lo!” Unexpectedly, there was already someone at the door.

A very young girl, perhaps only sixteen or seventeen years old?

On her small face, it was obvious that she was still young.

However, her voice was a little pleasant and her att.i.tude was very respectful.

The girl bowed deeply, “Young master, I am a volunteer from Xinluo who is in charge of cleaning your room!”

“Xinluo?” Ling Ping'an was quite surprised.

“Yes!” The girl bowed again and seemed a little nervous, “My name is Yin Mingxiu!”

“If there is anything wrong with your work, please punish me, young master!” As she said that, she lowered her head deeply.

Ling Ping'an scratched his head and asked curiously, “Even if you did something wrong, what right do I have to punish you?”

This was indeed a very strange thing.

Yin Mingxiu lowered her head and said, “Young master, you are a guest of Shang Kingdom, a pillar of the world…”

“Because of your dedication, we can live in this safe, peaceful and rich world!”

“If I did something wrong while serving you, it would be a crime against the world…”

“So, it's only right for you to punish me!” As she said that, Yin Mingxiu bowed deeply, her att.i.tude was extremely sincere and her expression was extremely serious.

Ling Ping'an was stunned.

He scratched his head and recalled some of the legends he had read about Xinluo on the internet.

Xinluo's hierarchy was extremely strict.

Xinluo abided by tradition and valued morality.

The Xinluo people had a strong sense of honor and their character was extremely resolute.

The Xinluo people liked to be stubborn and they liked to go to extremes…

In the past, he didn't think much of it, but now, he finally saw the power of the Xinluo people.

Hearing the words of this girl named Yin Mingxiu, Ling Pingan was in a daze. He thought that he was some great figure who had saved the entire world?

But…

“I'm clearly just a sc.u.m who was waiting to die and won by lying down!”

“I can only come here because of my parents' legacy…”

After thinking for a while, he wasn't in a hurry to go down.

Because in his opinion, this Xinluo girl's mentality and worldview were extremely unhealthy!

Although Ling Ping'an didn't have the problem of being a good teacher, he couldn't help it.

He said to the other party, “Miss Yin, come in and talk!”

“Yes!” The Xinluo girl's etiquette was impeccable. She twirled her skirt and walked in very respectfully.

When she entered the room, Ling Ping'an noticed that the girl's body seemed to be trembling.

It was as if being invited into the room was a great honor for her!

“Sit!” Ling Ping'an said to her.

“I don't dare…” Yin Mingxiu lowered her head, “There is no place for a little girl like me in front of the young master of Shang Kingdom!”

“If I tell you to sit, then sit!” Ling Ping'an was a little more domineering.

As expected, Yin Mingxiu finally sat down on a chair with trepidation.

“Miss Yin!” Ling Ping'an looked at the girl who was sitting on the chair, but there were needles on the chair. He asked softly, “Who told you that I can punish you?”

Yin Mingxiu shook her head. She carefully said in a mosquito-like voice, “Young master… a young hero of Shang Kingdom like you is worried about the world…”

“Who told you what kind of hero I am?” Ling Ping'an interrupted her.

“Ah!” Yin Mingxiu looked up, feeling incredulous.

“Me…” Ling Ping'an smiled, “I'm just an ordinary person, an ordinary person like you!”

“So, Miss Yin, you don't have to do this!”

Ling Ping'an knew that it was very difficult to change a person but he still wanted to give it a try.

He patted his own clothes, “Miss Yin, look. I bought these clothes at the mall on sale. 99 for one, 199 for three!”

Yin Mingxiu looked carefully and then nodded. She naturally recognized this kind of clothes.

Because Xinluo Mall also had them, the prices were about the same.

“So…” Ling Ping'an looked at her and said, “I'm not some elite, and I'm not some pillar…”

“Miss Yin…”

“Do you understand?”

Yin Mingxiu nodded and bowed deeply, “I understand!”

“Young master!”

“Thank you for your teachings!”

“Hmm?” Ling Ping'an looked at her more respectful att.i.tude and was completely confused.

“I'll work hard!” Yin Mingxiu bowed deeply.

Ling Ping'an felt that he couldn't communicate at all.

“What are the brains of the people of Xinluo made of?” He shook his head.

He simply stood up and said to Yin Mingxiu, “I'll go down for breakfast. Miss Yin, please help yourself!”

In his opinion, the room service should only be one or two times a day, right?

So, he could endure it.

“Take care, young master!” Yin Mingxiu immediately stood up and watched Ling Ping'an walk out of the door with utmost respect.

It was not until Ling Ping'an's figure disappeared at the door, she then patted her swollen chest.

“The young master of Shang Kingdom is indeed full of spirit!” Her eyes were full of stars.

As for that young master's words, she directly filtered them.

What was this place?

Yan Lou!

And it was the top floor of the ninth floor of the Yan Lou!

Nine was the limit. Those who could live here were naturally true gentlemen, pillars of the country and the hope of the world!

And Yin Mingxiu was a member of the girls group that Xinluo Entertainment Company had been grooming since she was young.

In the Silla Kingdom, most of the commoner girls' biggest dream since they were young was to be selected into the entertainment company and be groomed as a candidate for the girls group.

Because this was not only a choice that could change their fate, it was also the only way for them to rise!

However, within the entertainment company, everyone knew that being a girls group was actually not the best choice.

In fact, the girls group members were all eliminated.

The truly outstanding ones, like Yin Mingxiu, were all members who had been selected from time to time. They completely met all the requirements.

They were proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting.

They definitely had unwavering faith and firm ideals.

They had the belief that they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the common good of the world.

For the happiness of the people of the Silla Kingdom, he did not care about anything.

And Yin Mingxiu was such a winner.

A winner like her would shoulder the mission of connecting the 3,000-year-old special relations.h.i.+p between the Federal Empire of Xia and the Silla Kingdom.

And in her eyes, there was no doubt.

She knew that she was facing a sage that she could only see in books in the past.

A sage that had yet to make a name for himself, but was already known to the world because he possessed all the characteristics of a sage.

Despite being in a high position, he was willing to treat others as equals.

Despite possessing wealth, he was still simple and easy-going.

He had great ambitions and had the world to himself.

And Yin Mingxiu's mission was to serve such a person.

Thinking of this, the eyes of the young girl from Xinluo shone with an endless radiance.

She picked up a rag and began to work.

She worked very carefully and very seriously.

Because in her eyes, she was replacing the world, replacing the people of Xinluo, serving such a talented person who might be able to ascend to the center of the stage in the future.

Therefore, her work was sacred and righteous.

After all, a hero who controlled the world could not be bothered by trivial matters.

A weak woman like her could serve such a hero in place of all the people in the world.

It's a real honor!

Carrying a tray, Ling Ping'an selected a few steamed dumplings, then asked for a bowl of noodles, walked to a window by the independent empty seat and sat down.

I was just about to start eating.

He heard someone behind him say, “Have you heard?”

“From today onwards, a group of young girls from Xinluo will appear in various buildings…”

“They will appear as volunteers…”

“But…” that person laughed and his laughter was extremely wretched. “Since ancient times, there has been a tradition among the young girls of Xinluo…”

“Whoever can win the heart of a beauty, they will be willing to die unswervingly, never leave and follow without consideration of gains and losses…”

“What is this equivalent to?”

“It's equivalent to picking up a beautiful woman who doesn't need money…”

“Moreover, she doesn't want status, won't make a fuss and won't have any complaints…”

Ling Ping'an heard this and shook his head, “Another braggart who doesn't pay taxes!”

With a simple thought, one could understand that what that person said was completely false.

Because…

It was now a society where men and women were equal.

Although the traditions of Xinluo were conservative, this was still the Federal Empire after all.

Even a person from a primitive society would know how to fight for their rights after staying here for a few years!

Not to mention a young girl who was educated and had modern thoughts?

And she didn't care about status, didn't know how to make a fuss and didn't have any complaints?!

Wake Up!

It was the middle of the 28th century of the Republic era!

It wasn't 300 years ago, nor was it 500 years ago.

A woman, if she didn't want this, then what did she want?

His good-looking?

Great weapon to do mighty work?

Hehe!

However, he heard that person mumbling about science.

In the previous cabinet, there were a few ministers and when they were young, they had won the heart of a beautiful Xinluo woman.

There was a certain someone in the virtuous sect who had won the heart of a young girl from the Xinluo. Later on, when he became seriously ill, she did not leave and stay by his sickbed until he died. That Xinluo woman actually followed him to death.

Hearing this, the eyes of countless people around them lit up and they were eager to give it a try.

However, Ling Ping'an buried his head in his breakfast.

This was because that person was no longer boasting, but was making up a story.

He should be hired!