ne and starvation. In some areas, it can be said that only one out of ten villages remains inhabited. The registered population of the province has decreased by more than half. This is just one exampl...Chapter 1689: Under Yuan Shi Dao

"What a good poem."

In the tent, a sudden sound startled King Ning.

He suddenly looked up and saw a middle-aged man dressed in ordinary scholar's robes standing before his desk, looking down at the two lines of poetry he had just written with admiration.

Taking a deep breath, King Ning's every hair stood on end.

This man before him seemed ordinary, yet there was an enigmatic aura surrounding him. At first glance, he possessed the charm of a celestial being, with an air of profound spirituality. However, in Ning Wang's eyes, this very aura felt like a blade that could sever his life at any moment.

If this person could come to their tent silently, get so close without being noticed, then they must have the ability to kill them at any time.

And, he couldn't fight back.

Master, an absolute master.

With a slight squint of his eyes, King Ning turned over countless thoughts in the briefest moment.

The first thing that came to his mind was to call the guards immediately, but that thought was also the first to be stifled.

Since the other party was able to come, they must have confidence in killing themselves before the guards arrive and then escaping unharmed.

Since he did not immediately make a move, it was still unclear whether he was an enemy or a friend. Calling for his guards at this time would be a foolish move. Not only would it appear cowardly and unnecessary, but it could also anger him further.

For a time, King Ning had given the matter much thought. He smiled confidently and said, "If this friend desires it, please take it."

The Prince of Nings is sending a friendly signal, meaning as long as they don't make a move, everything can be negotiated. Whatever they want, they can have it, completely satisfied.

Yuan Shidao let out a light chuckle, but he didn't mind the sharpness in King Ning's words. His tone was still filled with admiration as he said, "This poem's opening lines are ornate and profound in meaning. Coupled with the fact that its author is the founder of the Great Song Dynasty centuries ago, one can see the boundless ambition and resolute spirit hidden behind the elegant language. It's a far cry from those sickly sweet and effeminate verses, possessing more audacity and imperial power."

This half-verse is extremely difficult to match, it doesn't matter about the scenery or the wording, but about the unparalleled domineering attitude of an emperor who has conquered the world and declared himself supreme.

“The latter half of the poem, written by the prince, discarded all conventional phrases and replaced the imagery of "heavenly expanse" and "bright moon" with the pursuit of personal will. This required an extraordinary resolution, determination, and perseverance that only a peerless hero could possess. Each word was grounded and impactful, revealing an undeniable domineering aura in its every stroke. The meaning seamlessly continues from the first half, truly a masterpiece.”

Regardless of whether this mysterious middle-aged man in front of him was a friend or foe, his evaluation clearly touched Ning Wang's heart.

Prince Ning seemed to relax a little, at least from his current attitude, the other party was most likely not an enemy. However, whether they were a friend or not remained to be seen.

"Singing has its connoisseurs, and so does poetry. Brother, your words are highly flattering, but they also make me feel as though I have found someone who truly understands me." The Prince Ning laughed and said.

Yuan Shidao raised his head to look at the King of Ning, gave a light smile, and then cupped his hands to bring the conversation back to business.

"Greetings, Your Highness. I am Yuan Shidao, here at the behest of my prince."

Prince

This keyword made Ning Wang's eyes suddenly deep.

He didn't care at all who the person in front of him was named. Compared to a name, the purpose was what truly mattered.

But the two characters "Prince," elevated the nature of this meeting tonight to a level on par with heaven itself.

"Liao" the King of Ning asked, uttering a single character.he imperial court.""As a lowly official, I live on the salary provided by the imperial court and serve my king loyally. Now, I have been sent here to collect taxes but was killed by the King of Ning....