In the Court, the officials immediately started arguing heatedly over this issue.
Bai Xilie said nothing, his gaze coldly fixed on the chaos beneath the dragon throne.
At this moment, a soft chubby little hand tugged at Bai Xilie's sleeve.
"Father." Bai Zhi'er softly called out.
Bai Xilie's cold and severe expression changed to a kind smile.
"My sweet daughter, do you want to eat something else?"
Bai Zhi'er shook her head, "Father, we should send an envoy to negotiate. Although Great Chu is vast, you have just ascended the throne, and the foundation of the nation is not yet stable."
Bai Xilie was momentarily stunned, then lightly clapped his hands and laughed.
Looking down at his daughter, his eyes were full of appreciation.
"Good Zhi'er, you think just like father."
He had just ascended the throne and planned to take this opportunity to demonstrate the new emperor's majesty and benevolence to the surrounding small states.
Bai Zhi'er's cheeks were round and pink, and her eyes seemed to hold a sky full of stars.
She sweetly smiled, "Zhi'er is father's child, of course we think the same. So, whom will father send, have you decided on a candidate?"
Bai Xilie pointed to two individuals among the ministers.
The little one stretched her neck to look, her big eyes bright and shiny.
One was tall and strong, arguing vehemently with the minister beside him due to differing political views.
The other, slender and small, stood respectfully, seemingly unaffected by what others said, occasionally raising his eyes to observe the speaker.
Bai Xilie said, "The tall and strong one defected from the former dynasty to me, volunteering his allegiance. Previously, he served as an envoy for the emperor of the former dynasty and has some skills."
"The slender and small one is quite competent, well-read, and eloquent, but unfortunately... his appearance is diminutive, and I'm afraid he might be bullied by these small nations."
Bai Zhi'er listened, fluttered her long lashes, and said, "Hmm, father, just based on appearance, the tall and strong minister uncle doesn't have a steadfast nature."
"Moreover, since he could betray his original dynasty, who knows if he might harbor other thoughts. Sending him to negotiate and resolve conflicts would not be wise!"
The little one shook her head.
But then she pointed to the slender official, "Let's choose him. Mother said that one cannot judge a person by appearance. He may seem slight, but he has a sharp tongue and quick wit."
"I remember reading that Quanrong and Rouran have little grain but plenty of fresh fruits. Father might consider letting the envoy uncle take some of our grain seeds for exchange."
"First, to show the new emperor's grace, and second, with the exchange, we can study and cultivate fresh fruits! For these small countries, they dare to harass but not to confront us directly."
"Since that's the case, if we offer some benefits first, they will behave for a while. Once father strengthens the nation's power, they won't dare to invade."
Bai Xilie internalized his daughter's words.
He was somewhat surprised that his three-year-old daughter understood so much.
Yet, he was pleased and comforted by the little one's cleverness and charm.
He couldn't help but think of his wife, whom he hadn't seen in years.
She had taught their daughter so well.
With a paternal gaze full of affection, Bai Xilie gently watched Bai Zhi'er, stroking her hair with his large hand.
"Father will listen to Zhi'er."
After speaking, Bai Xilie raised his head, his voice sternly issuing a decree, appointing the slender official with the surname Yang to lead the envoys and represent Great Chu to negotiate with Rouran and Quanrong.
Once the Emperor spoke, all the ministers fell silent, all turning their gaze to Lord Yang.
This inconspicuous official, how did he earn the Emperor's favor?
Lord Yang also just realized, quickly kneeling and loudly proclaiming long live the Emperor, "I will not fail the trust bestowed upon me!"