T/N:
Heikou (Black Dragon Mouth)
Heicheng (Black Dragon City)
...
Upon arriving at the study, the messenger had been waiting for a long time. He was anxious, wondering if the Queen had changed her mind after such a long delay.
At this moment, his feelings are akin to a poor relative who suddenly learns that a well-connected relative has struck it rich. The wealthy relative wants to offer the poor one an easy job, but the poor relative is afraid of being a burden, yet has no choice but to swallow their pride for the sake of survival.
The letter and food he had brought back were immediately reviewed by the city lord, who, along with the officials of the city lord's residence, sampled the specialties of Black Dragon City. They were full of praise.
Moreover, because he described the living conditions outside the city, the city lord not only agreed to the Queen's request for workers but also planned to personally visit Black Dragon City to pay his respects to the Queen once the blizzard had passed.
The messenger nervously gripped the corner of the table, like a student awaiting exam results, as footsteps approached from outside.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was just checking on the hunting team's results. I didn't expect you to have arrived already."
Given the severity of the blizzard, the journey would have taken at least half a month. Regardless of the outcome, their attitude was impeccable.
"No, no, I just arrived myself."
Yin Jixue smiled and sat down: "Then let's not stand on ceremony and get down to business."
The messenger took out the letter from his pocket: "This is our city lord's reply. He is very willing to send some of the demons from Black Dragon Mouth to work in Black Dragon City, but he hopes that Your Majesty will agree to a few conditions."
The messenger grew increasingly uneasy as he spoke. It was clear that the Queen was trying to help them, yet they were making demands.
Yin Jixue raised an eyebrow: "Let me read the letter first."
The city lord's conditions were not excessive. He hoped that Yin Jixue would send people to help them repair their houses so they could survive the winter safely.
Secondly, he wanted some seeds so they could grow crops like Black Dragon City. Of course, they didn't yet know about the sweet potatoes grown in the scorched earth.
Finally, he wanted to personally select the workers to ensure they would meet Yin Jixue's expectations.
To be honest, these three conditions were not unreasonable, but it was hard to hash out the details through letters alone.
The messenger glanced up to gauge Yin Jixue's reaction. The Queen wasn't angry, but her expression was unreadable.
He hesitated: "The city lord said that if Your Majesty does not agree, he still hopes for this opportunity. He will personally visit Black Dragon City to pay his respects once the blizzard has passed."
Yin Jixue was startled. There was no need for such formality. These conditions were acceptable and would not harm Black Dragon City. She could even gain the faith and devotion of the demons from Black Dragon Mouth.
However, things easily obtained are rarely cherished. How could she agree without seeming too eager, while still giving them hope?
"I think the terms can be discussed further. As for the recruitment, as long as your city lord agrees, Black Dragon City will always welcome your people to come and work."
The messenger was surprised by how accommodating the Queen was. Even if she didn't agree to the city lord's conditions, she was still willing to recruit their workers. He couldn't wait to fly back and deliver this good news to the city lord.
"By the way, do you know where there are more... lower demons?" The lower demons around Black Dragon City had already been organized and managed, and they had even been issued household registration certificates. Although they didn't live within the city walls, they enjoyed the same rights as the city's demons.
"I know, there are many around Black Dragon Mouth."
Black Dragon Mouth didn't have as many trees, so the lower demons were stationed around the area and could be seen at a glance.
Usually, they kept to themselves and coexisted peacefully.
Yin Jixue: "If you can convince them to come and work, I can agree to the conditions in your city lord's letter."
Black Dragon City needed development, especially manpower. It didn't matter what kind of demon they were—as long as they could work, they were good demons.
The messenger's eyes widened. Was such a good thing possible?
He stammered: "But... but didn't you agree to recruit our people from Black Dragon Mouth?"
"Black Dragon City's development requires a lot of help. The number of workers from Black Dragon Mouth is far from enough. The more, the better."
She added: "You've seen how the lower demons live in Black Dragon City. If you just tell them the truth or even bring them here to see for themselves, I believe they will be willing to stay."
The messenger didn't know what to say. The Queen's actions were bold. With so many demons coming, would there be enough food?
Even if Black Dragon Mouth had ample food stores, could every demon be fed?
This Queen was truly unusual. Was she a princess from the human world?
But seeing that the Queen wasn't worried and seemed confident, he was willing to trust her.
"I will relay your message, but if they decide to come, it will likely be after the blizzard has passed."
Yin Jixue nodded: "That's not a problem. We won't start work until spring."
After a few more words, the messenger took his leave, and Yin Jixue felt exhausted.
Would she have to handle all these matters personally in the future?
She, who couldn't even haggle, was not cut out for negotiations.
Oh Demon King, please come back and take a look at your city. We don't need to rely on fighting for food anymore.
Leaving aside everything else, she simply wanted someone to handle the tedious administrative tasks. She just wanted to focus on building up the city and working with the system, while also urbanizing the place where she would live in the future. She couldn't enjoy a life of luxury while her people suffered.
How was she, a liberal arts student who couldn't even write a decent essay, supposed to negotiate with the city lord of Black Dragon Mouth? What a headache.
Feng Xiu, not understanding why the Queen seemed so dispirited, asked: "Your Majesty, are you tired? Should I give you a shoulder massage? Or would you like to take a hot bath?"
Yin Jixue grabbed Feng Xiu's hand and nuzzled it: "Feng Xiu, you're the most considerate."
Feng Xiu's ears turned red: "Your Majesty, I'm just doing my duty."
Wuwu, at least she had a caring maid. But still, she felt so mentally drained.
The next day, Yin Jixue mustered her energy and got up to continue her work. A new day, new tasks.
The Supervisory Court sent word that the glass trade had been settled. A 50x50 sheet of glass was exchanged for twenty high-quality animal hides or goods of equivalent value. In the end, they had traded away almost all the merchant group's goods.
The merchant group didn't lose out either. The earliest glass to appear in the Cangqiong Continent was now in their hands. With a bit of hype, they could make ten or even a hundred times their investment.
They also traded for paper. This was a high-level invention that even the human world didn't have. Such a precious item was only fit for the upper class, and it was the same type used by the Queen of Black Dragon City. Whoever used it would elevate their social status.
The Supervisory Court, using the marketing phrases Yin Jixue had taught them, delivered this pitch with a straight face.
The merchants also found it convincing. Items personally recommended by the Queen—even if they couldn't write, they would buy a sheet to display at home. What if their family produced a queen someday?
Moreover, both glass and paper were making their debut. They were sure to fetch a high price.
Don't think that demons look down on the human world—quite the opposite. In the past, demons had copied many things from humans, such as bamboo slips for writing, monetary systems, and human gold and silver jewelry. Human wisdom was boundless.
But among demons, only the rulers at the top of the food chain were clever. Asking them to invent or create was out of the question.
Ordinary demons couldn't do it either. So what could they do? They had to copy from humans. The answers were ready-made, and since no humans lived among demons, they copied openly and without shame.
Yin Jixue thought to herself that they had struck gold. The cost of paper and glass was minimal, but the goods brought by the merchants were truly valuable.