114: Chapter 0114 Suffering a Loss

Diplomat Zhong Lang, standing to the side, took a step back in fright, his eyes filled with panic.

How did Lin Xiao see through Princess Meng Xi's identity!?

Even if he noticed she was a woman, it shouldn't have gone as far as knowing her status as a princess!?

Could it be... there is a mole in the high-level ranks of the Western Qiang!?

But the Zhenbei Army has only risen for such a short time; how did Lin Xiao manage to do it!?

Their minds were in a mess, and they were completely flustered. All the negotiation tactics they had prepared seemed like a joke!

In the eyes of Princess Meng Xi and Diplomat Zhong Lang, Lin Xiao instantly became unfathomable and terrifying!

Finally, Princess Meng Xi sighed and dejectedly tore off the mustache on her lip and the fake scar at the corner of her eye.

All at once, except for her face still being darkened, she instantly looked much more delicate and pretty.

"General Lin, may I ask... how did you recognize my identity as a princess?"

Lin Xiao grinned. "Western Qiang is right next to Baishui Prefecture. Although no hostilities have broken out, I, as the General, must still be prepared."

Princess Meng Xi frowned. Had Lin Xiao already sent spies into Western Qiang?

Damn it! They hadn't noticed any movement at all!

This also explained why their deal with Prince Bai had been seen through by him so early!

This man's mind is meticulous; it's truly terrifying!

No wonder even the cunning Fox of the Northern Barbarians, Marshal Suhe, suffered a defeat!

With uneasy hearts, Princess Meng Xi and her party followed Lin Xiao to the Baiyu Pavilion.

Princess Meng Xi and Diplomat Zhong Lang found it very strange. Why had they come to a place to eat?

After entering the private room, the room was warm and very comfortable.

"You two, guests are to be welcomed. Since we are going to talk business, I cannot let you go hungry."

Lin Xiao said with a smile, "Why not try the specialty dishes of our Baishui Prefecture first?"

"General Lin is too kind. We were not open and honest, which is truly shameful."

Princess Meng Xi had regained her composure by now, her smile confident and calm, but the strings in her heart were exceptionally tight.

The behavior of this General of the Zhenbei Army was truly unpredictable.

"Huh?"

Just then, Diplomat Zhong Lang suddenly noticed something unusual about the charcoal brazier in the corner.

"General Lin, what kind of charcoal is that?"

Princess Meng Xi looked over and was also surprised; she had never seen this kind of honeycomb coal before.

"Oh, this is honeycomb coal. One can provide continuous heat for four hours. It is a specialty of our Baishui Prefecture."

Lin Xiao smiled and said, "This item can not only provide heat but also be used to cook food. It is very popular in Baishui Prefecture."

"This is coal?"

Diplomat Zhong Lang frowned and said, "Isn't it very dangerous to burn this?"

"Haha, honeycomb coal is processed using special techniques. It is much safer than ordinary coal."

Lin Xiao said, "This item is high quality and inexpensive. If Western Qiang has a need, you can also purchase it from us."

Princess Meng Xi and Diplomat Zhong Lang studied the honeycomb coal for a while, and both felt a bit tempted.

The grasslands lacked timber, and charcoal was even more expensive. In winter, not only people but many young cattle and sheep froze to death.

If cheap coal could be used to replace charcoal, it would greatly reduce the losses during winter.

Not long after, a small clay stove was brought to the table.

An earthenware pot was placed on top of the stove, with crushed pieces of honeycomb coal burning underneath.

Inside the pot, it was "gurgling" and bubbling, and a particularly fresh and enticing meat aroma filled the private room.

Princess Meng Xi and her companion were exhausted from their journey and hadn't eaten well for several days. Seeing the contents of the pot, they couldn't help but swallow their saliva.

"You two, why not try our Baishui Prefecture's delicacy, pickled vegetable hotpot?"

Lin Xiao gestured to the waiter in the shop to serve a bowl for each of them.

Looking at the vegetables and pork in the bowl emitting a special fragrance, their appetites were greatly piqued.

Neither of them considered whether it was poisoned; after all, right under his nose, killing someone wouldn't need to be so troublesome.

When they took a bite of the pickled vegetables and a bite of meat, Princess Meng Xi and Diplomat Zhong Lang's expressions became very subtle.

"These pickled vegetables... could they be preserved with salt?"

Diplomat Zhong Lang immediately tasted the key.

"That's right. The Northern Border lacks vegetables in winter, so the Zhenbei Army processed a large amount of surplus vegetables into pickled vegetables."

As Lin Xiao spoke, he had several other pickled side dishes served: radishes, vegetable stalks, beans, and even some wild herbs.

After tasting them one by one, Princess Meng Xi and her companion couldn't help but ask for two bowls of rice.

"I have never tasted so many kinds of pickled vegetables. How much salt must this take?"

Diplomat Zhong Lang was very moved. One must know that salt and iron were strategic materials; using them to make pickled vegetables was a very extravagant thing!

Lin Xiao naturally wouldn't say that it was very easy for him to obtain salt.

"Princess, how do you find the taste?"

Princess Meng Xi was eating heartily at the moment. Being suddenly asked, she choked!

"Cough, cough!—"

Princess Meng Xi awkwardly wiped her mouth and nodded. "The meat cooked with these pickled vegetables is fatty but not greasy, and has a unique flavor!"

"It is indeed delicious. I imagine it would be excellent with beef or mutton as well. Many thanks for your hospitality, General!" Diplomat Zhong Lang also praised it incessantly.

Lin Xiao saw that the time was right and spoke with a smile:

"Then what if I say I'll use pickled vegetables and honeycomb coal to trade with you for iron ore? What do you think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, both people from Western Qiang were stunned.

So he was waiting for them here!?

"You two should also understand that the Zhenbei Army hasn't been established for long, and we are quite short on silver."

"To be honest... it's very difficult to get much silver from me."

"But Western Qiang wants silver simply to exchange it for living supplies."

"With honeycomb coal, you can let the herdsmen survive the winter and prevent the cattle and sheep from freezing to death."

"With pickled vegetables, you can eat vegetables throughout the winter and save money on buying salt."

Lin Xiao smiled. "Bartering for what each of us needs, isn't that more useful than cold silver?"

Princess Meng Xi and Diplomat Zhong Lang glanced at each other, both seeing a hint of interest in the other's eyes.

Indeed, after taking silver, they would still have to find ways to purchase winter supplies from Prince Qing's territory through black market merchants.

Instead of that, why not just get the goods directly from Baishui Prefecture!"

Trading iron ore for life-saving honeycomb coal, salt, and food—wouldn't that solve everything in one step?"

"General Lin, could you... give us some time to discuss it?"

Princess Meng Xi said with a smile. Agreeing too quickly wouldn't be good for bargaining.

"Haha, of course, no problem. You two might as well stay in Baishui City for a few more days and take your time to consider. There's no rush!"

"I have other good goods here. If you like them, they can also be added to the trade."

Princess Meng Xi's eyes lit up. This Zhenbei Army still has other good things?

With such gems already presented, she was truly looking forward to it.

"Then... Diplomat Zhong and I will disturb you for a few days!"

Princess Meng Xi thought that since they were already here, they might as well look around more and gather some intelligence to take back.

Unknowingly, she had developed a strong interest in this Lin Xiao.

After dinner, Lin Xiao had someone escort the Western Qiang party to the guesthouse.

After watching them leave, Lin Xiao carefully instructed Qin He, who was beside him:

"Send more people to follow them closely. Except for the workshops, military camps, and training grounds which they cannot approach, let them see anywhere else they want."

"Who they meet and what they talk about, record and report it all."

Qin He nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, General. I will definitely keep a close eye on them!"

That night.

Inside the guesthouse.

Princess Meng Xi had already returned to her female attire.

Her long hair was braided into two plaits, her facial features were elegant, and her skin was as white as mutton-fat jade. She stood tall and graceful.

"Princess, those pickled vegetables are certainly good, but their value simply cannot be compared to iron ore."

"And I heard that the Zhenbei Army has taken over the coal mines in Wushan Commandery, so the cost of that honeycomb coal is probably very low."

"General Lin's abacus is clicking so loudly; we cannot fall for his trap!"

Diplomat Zhong Lang thought about it over and over and still felt that they were taking a loss.