From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Chapter 1207

This is not ordinary tea. It tastes a little light and has a little sweetness.

Zhou Yuan took a closer look and found that the tea leaves were also mixed with wolfberries. The red traces were hidden in the green leaves, like gems, and occasionally revealed, they would emit a shining luster.

"The taste of the Western Regions, right?"

Madam Xue Sang smiled and said with emotion: "No one drank tea like this before. In the Western Regions, tea is very expensive. Only real nobles can afford it."

"I don't know who first added wolfberries. The slight sweetness added to the fragrance of the tea, so there is this unique taste now."

She looked at Zhou Yuan and said, "Your Majesty, I am not a wise woman. I have accumulated a lot of experience and thought about a lot of things in my leisurely life for so many years."

"Just like this tea, the combination of the Central Plains and the Western Regions has produced a more subtle reaction, and the taste has become unique and delicious."

"The Western Regions want to go back, but they can't all go back!"

"Dajin does not lack an ordinary province, but a multi-ethnic cultural A prosperous place where the East and the West blend together."

"This place is timeless and colorful, just like this cup of tea."

Zhou Yuan put down the teacup and nodded, "Good tea."

"I don't know much about the tea ceremony, but I know that brewing tea requires a state of mind and righteousness."

"Only when people's hearts are righteous can the taste of tea be righteous."

"Madam Xuesang cares about the Western Regions and looks forward to returning to her motherland, so she can brew such a unique tea that blends Chinese and Western cultures."

At this point, he squinted and smiled, and whispered, "I came here to accomplish something. If Madam Xuesang wishes that the fate of the Western Regions will have a good direction, then show your cards."

"I can also make new plans based on your cards."

Madam Xuesang was silent for a moment before filling Zhou Yuan's cup of tea.

She said slowly: "I understand the prince's feelings. I want to cooperate with the prince and work together for the progress and return of the Western Region."

"Our paths are connected and our directions are the same, but this does not mean that I completely trust the prince."

"I want to listen to the prince's plan first, and then tell him some of my arrangements."

Zhou Yuan laughed.

He picked up the teacup and whispered, "You don't distrust me for three reasons."

"First, my identity and resume are well known to the world, and I have great credibility."

"Second, I came uninvited, which is very rude, but Madam was very open-hearted to me and said everything."

"Third, Madam's power is limited, and I have the entire Dajin behind me. Madam needs my help."

"Therefore, from what Madam said just now, it can be seen that Madam trusts me."

Speaking of this, Zhou Yuan looked at Madam Xuesang, his eyes were sharp, and he said in a deep voice: "The reason why you said you don't completely trust me may be because of other reasons."

"Let me say it directly, Madam, our paths are connected and our goals are the same, but... after all the things are resolved, you still want to have more requests."

"For example... the authority of the Western Regions."

Madam Xuesang's face finally became a little unnatural.

She whispered, "I have given too much to the Western Regions, and I am so patriotic. Don't I deserve more power?"

She raised her head suddenly and shouted, "Don't I deserve it! That's what I deserve!"

Zhou Yuan said, "The Western Regions have returned to the Jin Dynasty. The appointment of officials should be decided by your majesty, the cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel. According to the actual situation, reasonable arrangements should be made."

Madam Xuesang hummed, "So that talent must be me."

"I know the Western Regions better than anyone else. I have a very superior prestige foundation here. I am sixty years old and have accumulated enough wisdom. My body is very healthy and I can live another twenty years."

"No matter which aspect is arranged, I am the best choice."

Zhou Yuan said softly, "But Madam, if you understand politics, you should understand that 'procedural norms' are more important than 'suitable people'. If the latter is not done well, it is only a mistake in one place. If the former is not done well, it is a big mistake in the world."

This sentence stunned Madam Xuesang.

She pondered for a long time before slowly lowering her head and said bitterly: "I will strive for it. Let's talk about this later. I want to hear your opinion on the Western Regions."

Zhou Yuan organized his words and said in a deep voice: "This place has been very special since ancient times. Many ethnic groups gather here, so there are constant wars and divisions."

"Each nation is like a star, living, migrating, and colliding on this land, so it grows and declines, flickering and fading."

"If you want these stars to be regular, no longer collide, and each emit their own brilliance, there must be a stronger nation to lead them.""The Book of Songs says: The sky has Han, and the mirror also has light. Our Han people are the Milky Way in the sky, and we should accommodate all ethnic groups and sort out the stars."

"As history shows, when the Han ruled the Western Regions, the Western Regions were peaceful, and when the Han lost the Western Regions, the Western Regions were in chaos."

"After a hundred years of wind and rain, this child who left home should go home."

Mrs. Xuesang pressed her forehead and sighed, "Yes, it's time to go home, but what about after going home?"

Zhou Yuan said seriously, "It coincides with the time of great changes in the world and the opportunity for the change of civilization. Our Great Jin Dynasty has suppressed rebellions internally, resisted powerful enemies externally, carried out major reforms, and opened up the sea and territory."

"Inside, there is a one-whip law to survey the land and return the land to the people, and outside, there is the opening of the sea for trade and sailing on the ocean."

"Return the land to the farmers If the people are rich, trade on the sea will enrich the country. Given time, our Great Jin will surely undergo earth-shaking changes. "

"The Western Regions can take advantage of this reform opportunity to connect the Great Jin with the Westernmost Point, rebuild the Silk Road, and become the center of trade and exchange for countries and ethnic groups in the hinterland."

"By then, goods from the west will pass through the Western Regions, and goods from the east will pass through the Western Regions. With people coming, money will come. The glory of the Western Regions is just around the corner."

Speaking of this, Zhou Yuan smiled lightly and said, "It stands to reason that this is a national policy and a strategy, which cannot be explained in a few words."

"But Madam Xuesang is well-informed and knows what I, Zhou Yuan, am doing. What I say counts and I can make the decision."

Madam Xuesang took a deep breath.

She stared at Zhou Yuan and asked, "Where are the women? Where are the women in the Western Regions?"

Zhou Yuan said, "The policies are the same. There will be no discrimination. Breaking old conventions and bad habits is also part of our reform. The capital will take the lead, and the provinces will follow. The Western Regions are no exception."

"I am very professional in cultural construction."

Mrs. Xue Sang stopped talking.

She just kept silent, thinking, and her expression kept changing.

Finally, she raised her head and said slowly, "I don't have any resources, but I can do one thing."

Zhou Yuan said, "What is it?"

Mrs. Xue Sang said, "When this place is broken, when people's hearts are lost, I can stand up and let everyone believe in you."

"This is the prestige I have accumulated in the Western Regions for decades. I have the ability to do it."

"I believe this is still very important to you."

"The tilt of the balance at the most critical moment is enough to determine the outcome."

Zhou Yuan stood up and bowed deeply.