Rebirth of The Deer and the Cauldron, Wei Xiaobao Becomes a God

Kangxi smiled and said, "I see. It is fate! Now that the Tokugawa shogunate has been overthrown, the power has returned to the hands of the imperial family. This is really cause for celebration!"

Kangxi looked at Wei Xiaobao again, with a hint of admiration in his eyes, and then said: "Xiaobao, you are a capable person! Our Qing Dynasty really has to thank you very much. Thanks to you, we ended the rule of the Japanese samurai group. Those Japanese samurai wanderers can no longer come to harass our coastal areas."

Wei Xiaobao smiled and responded: "Your Majesty, thank you for the compliment. I am also a Chinese. It is my honor to contribute to China."

Kangxi nodded, and then continued to Ling Zhao: "My Great Qing and Japan have always maintained a harmonious and friendly relationship. The two sides have had long-term trade exchanges in silver and copper mines. However, since the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, these transactions have been forced to stop. I wonder if Luxia is interested in resuming trade cooperation between the two countries?"

After hearing this, Ling Zhao showed an embarrassed expression and explained: "Your Majesty, I actually hope to promote the development of trade between the two countries, but my current status is somewhat special. My father, Emperor Atsushi, is currently regent, and I am only the eighth wife of Xi Bao. I have no decision-making power over state affairs. Therefore, if we want to discuss state affairs, I am afraid we need to send formal envoys to Japan for negotiations."

Kangxi frowned, thought for a moment and replied, "I see, but it doesn't matter. We plan to send an envoy to Ryukyu in the near future, and we can visit Japan at the same time. In this way, we can solve the problem of Ryukyu and discuss trade cooperation with Japan."

Ling Zhao nodded to show his understanding, and suggested: "Your Majesty, the mineral resources of the member countries are jointly developed by the Federation of Heaven and Earth and the member countries. If there is indeed an intention to purchase the silver and copper mines you mentioned, you can discuss them together in the negotiations in Ryukyu. This will not only improve efficiency, but also ensure that the interests of all parties are fully considered."

Kangxi felt nervous after hearing this. Wei Xiaobao, the traitor, was blatantly depriving others of their resources. But he flattered her: "Thank you, Mr. Lingzhao, for telling me. Let's talk about it in Ryukyu."

At this moment, the butler came running and reported to everyone that it was time for dinner in the military camp, and several ministers had been waiting in the camp for a long time.

After hearing the news, Wei Xiaobao took Emperor Kangxi and Wei Zhuer to the military camp for dinner.

As there were many inconveniences in the military camp, especially for female dependents, Princess Jianning, Shuang'er, Ling Zhao and others did not accompany them.

When they arrived at the dock, they found a large warehouse that had been cleverly converted into a makeshift restaurant.

There were more than fifty huge round tables in the restaurant, and at each table sat a squad of eleven soldiers.

There were eight dishes neatly placed on the dining table. This was because today was a festive day, so four more dishes were added. If it were a normal day, there would only be four dishes and one soup available.

The soldiers all sat upright in their chairs, observing strict discipline, and no one dared to steal a bite of food.

At this time, Suo Etu, Tong Guogang and Duolong, three ministers, had been waiting at the door of the restaurant for a long time. When they saw Wei Xiaobao accompanying the emperor, they followed him into the restaurant.

When Battalion Commander Zhang Fugui saw Commander Wei coming, he immediately shouted loudly: "Stand up!" Following his order, all the soldiers stood up in unison.

With a neat "swish" sound, all the soldiers stood up at the same time. Their movements were clean and neat, and it was obvious that they were well-trained.

"Applause and welcome!" Battalion Commander Zhang ordered again.

"Clap, clap, clap..." Warm and loud applause suddenly broke out in the restaurant, as if it was going to blow the roof off.

Amid the soldiers' applause, everyone found their seats.

This was a big round table. After Kangxi sat down, Suo Etu, Tong Guogang and Duolong stood aside and did not dare to sit down. Kangxi glanced at them and said calmly: "Today we are here to experience military life in the Tiandi Army. Everyone should be more casual and do not need to be restrained. Sit down."

After hearing Kangxi's words, Soetu, Tong Guogang and Duolong looked at each other. Although they were a little nervous, they still responded respectfully and then slowly sat down.

Only the eunuch Wei Zhuer, because of his low status, did not dare to sit at the table with everyone else, and could only stand silently behind Emperor Kangxi and serve.

After everyone sat down, Wei Xiaobao gently waved his hand, signaling for silence. Battalion Commander Zhang saw this and immediately blew his whistle. The sharp whistle instantly spread throughout the restaurant, and the thunderous applause immediately turned into silence and came to an abrupt end.

"Report to the commander-in-chief, the soldiers of the Second Battalion of the First Regiment of the Navy's Eastern Fleet Marine Brigade are having a meal. Please give them instructions. Battalion Commander Zhang Fugui." Battalion Commander Zhang straightened his chest and reported loudly to Wei Xiaobao.

Wei Xiaobao nodded and said with a smile: "Continue eating."

After receiving Wei Xiaobao's instructions, Battalion Commander Zhang turned around and gave the order: "Eat!" His voice was firm and powerful, full of majesty.

"Swish, swish, swish..." In the entire hall, there was only the crisp sound of tableware colliding, and no one spoke.

Emperor Kangxi was amazed at the neat and orderly military discipline of the Tiandi Army. He turned to Duolong beside him and asked, "Has your guard battalion ever had such military discipline?"

Facing the emperor's questioning, Duolong could only answer helplessly: "How dare I compare myself with Lord Wei's talents."

Kangxi glared at Duolong angrily.

Like the soldiers' table, this table also had eight dishes.

Wei Xiaobao pointed at the dishes on the table and introduced them, "Your Majesty, these dishes are all made with the marching pots in the military camp. We call them 'disaster dishes'. This one is called canned beef, which is a specialty of the Ryukyu Kingdom and one of the daily military rations of the Tiandi Army. Please have a taste, Your Majesty!"

As soon as Wei Xiaobao finished speaking, Wei Zhuer next to him had already picked up a piece of food and was about to put it in her mouth to taste it.

Kangxi quickly stopped him and said, "Don't worry, there is no need to taste the food today. No one here will hurt me."

After Kangxi scolded Wei Zhuer away, he picked up a piece of canned food with chopsticks and carefully put it to his nose and sniffed it. Suddenly, a strong aroma of meat came to his nose. This aroma was mixed with the mellow taste of beef and the unique taste of spices, like an invisible hand gently caressing his taste buds, making him salivate.

Kangxi couldn't wait to put the canned beef into his mouth. The first thing he felt was the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.

Every bite is full of the original flavor of beef, and the delicate taste is endless aftertaste.