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If the external pressure on Great Sum vanished, it’s very likely that the Sum Emperor would turn his blade on the aristocratic families next.

Suddenly, every major aristocratic family within Great Sum began to prepare. Some colluded with seigniors, while others chose to ally with princes, ready to overthrow the Sum Emperor and install a new one should he dare to move against them.

However, the following period saw an unexpected calm in Great Sum; the Sum Emperor showed no signs whatsoever of acting against the aristocratic families.

Not only was there no large-scale mobilization of troops, but he also established Prince Lu Shuyun as the Crown Prince, bringing immense joy to the aristocratic families in the South, who began to believe that the Sum Emperor was truly willing to make a full compromise.

One month later.

North Prince Mansion.

Lu Chen, in his study, looked over the messages from the Capital city, feeling a tinge of confusion; his Imperial father must be aware of the problems within Great Wu and Great Qian, so why wasn’t he taking action now?

Not only had he avoided a confrontation with the nobility, but he also named Prince Lu Shuyun as Crown Prince, a move that seemed to be a concession to the Southern aristocratic families.

Could it be that his Imperial father was playing a long game and the establishment of a Crown Prince was merely a smokescreen?

While now was the best opportunity to strike at the aristocratic families, their influence was deeply intertwined with that of Great Sum—rooting out an Ancient Family was akin to scraping the bone to cure the poison.

Despite it being an opportune time to eradicate the Ancient Families, dealing with the nobility was a matter that required a slow and steady approach.

Lu Chen certainly didn’t believe that his Imperial father had completely abandoned the idea of taking action against the aristocratic families.

As Lu Chen pondered over the intelligence reports from the Capital city, Wu Yuan arrived at the entrance of the study and said, “Prince, an envoy from Qi Prince has come to Yan County.”

Hearing this, Lu Chen paused for a moment and, setting aside the reports in his hand, he then said, “Qi Prince? Which Qi Prince?”

Wu Yuan quickly understood and immediately replied, “Your Imperial Uncle.”

The names of Qi Prince and Qii Prince sound alike; Lu Shuyun was the Qii Prince, while the other Qi Prince was Lu Chen’s Imperial Uncle, a seignior with his own feudal lands. Lu Chen had initially thought the envoy was from Lu Shuyun again.

After hearing Wu Yuan’s response, Lu Chen, out of curiosity, said, “What does he need an envoy for?”

The lands under Qi Prince bordered directly with North Country, lying just to its south.

Wu Yuan answered, “It’s most likely about the refugees.”

With that explanation from Wu Yuan, Lu Chen seemed to understand, a slight smile appearing on his face before he said, “Bring that envoy to my study to see me.”

“Yes, Prince.”

Soon enough, Wu Yuan brought a middle-aged man wearing a gray robe into the study.

Upon seeing Lu Chen, the man immediately performed a courteous salutation and said, “This humble official, Liu Zhong, greets the North Prince!”

Hearing this, Lu Chen smiled and said, “A humble official? We are all subjects of Great Sum, how could you call yourself such?”

“Could it be that my Imperial Uncle has other intentions?”

Though they all resided in one empire, it was customary for ministers from different feudal states to refer to themselves as “humble officials” to those from another. Lu Chen, well aware of this fact, was merely jesting to see how Liu Zhong would react, a subtle form of a test.

Liu Zhong showed no signs of panic on his face and spoke with a respectful yet firm tone, “The Prince is correct; it was my mistake. Upon my return, I shall admit my wrongdoing to my King and request his punishment.”

Lu Chen decided not to pursue this topic further and cut to the chase, “Tell me, what is my Imperial Uncle’s business in sending you?”

Liu Zhong replied, “Prince, my King heard that there are vast uncultivated lands in the North Country but a lack of manpower for development. Recently, as you’ve been troubled by the issue of population, and coincidentally, Qi Country has received quite a number of refugees from Xiwu County, my King intends to send these refugees to the North Country to assist you, Prince, in reclaiming the land.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen let out a laugh before saying, “My Imperial Uncle indeed plays a clever game. What do you mean by ‘assisting me in reclaiming the land’? It seems to me that Qi Country simply doesn’t want to take in those refugees, viewing them as a burden, and thus wishes to send them to the North Country instead.”

Liu Zhong, still composed, replied, “Your words are mistaken, Prince. Nowadays, Qi Country is abundant in food, and the nation is wealthy and the people strong; we could still accommodate those refugees from Xiwu County.”

“Sending them to North Country is simply an effort to foster good relations. It is out of goodwill that my King takes the initiative to aid you, Prince.”

Lu Chen said, “Your kind intentions from Qi Country are well received. Since Qi Country is capable of accommodating those refugees, let them stay with you.”

“North Country is impoverished, and we can’t even provide for our own people, let alone spare any food for those refugees.”

Yet Liu Zhong remained unflustered, calmly stating, “Please rest assured, Prince. My King said that if you agree to accept the refugees, their food for the entire year will be provided by Qi Country.”

Hearing Liu Zhong’s words, Lu Chen replied, “Oh? My Imperial Uncle is that generous? He’s even prepared food for the refugees? Qi Country wouldn’t just send the people over and then disregard them afterward, would it?”

Liu Zhong replied, “The refugees’ food rations, along with the refugees themselves, will be simultaneously delivered to North Country. Upon receipt, North Country can verify and count the provisions first.”

Lu Chen could tell that the situation with the refugees from those three counties had become a thorn in Qi Country’s side, and they wouldn’t be acting so humbly otherwise.

Deciding not to haggle any further, Lu Chen planned to take the offer; a year’s supply of food for the refugees would help them settle through the year comfortably. Once corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were harvested, sustaining the refugees in the coming year would not be a great challenge.