The banquet finally began, and Lu Zheng ordered a batch of cold-resistant high-yield crops from Wang Yanhui.

Without hesitation, Wang Yanhui gulped down a glass of Wuliangye.

"President Lu, you're impressive! Cold-resistant crops—you've opened up the Eastern European black soil market?" Liu Wen asked in amazement.

"No, no! You can't just say that." Lu Zheng quickly waved his hands, indicating it wasn't true.

"I understand, I understand!" Liu Wen nodded knowingly, and the few exchanged glances, sharing a tacit smile, "Come on, let's drink!"

Just joking, there are only a few countries needing cold-resistant crops; the Maple Country certainly doesn't need them. The Northern European countries have always followed Europe and America, so Lu Zheng can't get involved there.

Mao Bear Country might be a possibility, but they can fully support themselves. What's left, if not the chaotic Eastern European black soil, then what else?

But that place is the frontline of contention between Mao Bear and Europe and America, very sensitive, and moreover, Lu Zheng is a Hua Country person.

So naturally it's about making a fortune quietly; one must keep a low profile and not boast about it.

"President Lu, forgive me for speaking bluntly despite knowing little; the people there have been brainwashed by Europe and America in recent years, and may not be friendly towards us. When doing business over there, you should be extra cautious." Wang Yanhui advised.

"Exactly, Old Wang is right." Liu Wen nodded repeatedly, "Let them pay first; anyway, it's so chaotic there, few go for business. It's completely a seller's market."

With just a few words, they confirmed that Lu Zheng was indeed doing business there.

"Thank you both, I will be careful."

Lu Zheng raised his glass to clink with them, thanking them along their lines.

Liu Wen and Wang Yanhui exchanged a glance, see, it's confirmed.

...

On the third day, Qimingxing Seed Company delivered two batches of seeds to Lu Zheng's rented warehouse in the suburbs.

As the receiver, Lu Zheng naturally had to be present to sign for it.

After sending off the people from the seed company, Lu Zheng entered the warehouse with Si Lingxi, took a lap, and then left.

...

On the fourth day, Phoenix Mountain.

"Palace Master! You're back!"

As Si Lingxi returned, the four eagerly waiting maids, Red Crane among them, were very excited yet a bit uneasy.

"Palace Master, although we recently detected some traces of demons, they're all minor demon cultivators, with no sign of the True Desire Demon Ancestor."

"No worries, if he were easy to trace, he'd already be dead. Keep at it." Si Lingxi dismissed their concerns.

"Yes!" The four maids all bowed in unison.

"By the way, has this year's spring sowing begun?" Si Lingxi inquired.

The four maids looked at each other, unsure why Si Lingxi suddenly asked about this.

"Palace Master, I don't know."

These matters aren't centrally managed, Red Crane replied truthfully, "But now should be the time for spring sowing; should I call someone to ask?"

Si Lingxi nodded, then instructed Bi Hu and Xuan Mei, "Go and bring the City Lords, Mountain Masters, and Clan Leaders from the surrounding three hundred miles to Phoenix Mountain."

The City Lords, Mountain Masters, and Clan Leaders are leaders of the various major forces among the Southern Border Mountain People, receiving protection from Phoenix Mountain.

The City Lords' cities are mostly located on the rare plains of Southern Border, with many towns and villages under their rule.

The Mountain Masters' mountains are forces organized by mountain ranges, with scattered villages cooperating closely under unified management.

The Clan Leaders' clans are forces united by family ties, similar to the Northern Domain's tribes, with larger clans forming their own forces, also not small.

"Yes!"

Bi Hu and Xuan Mei quickly responded, then left the backyard, soaring away.

"Go to the tribes below the mountain and find some skilled in farming." Si Lingxi instructed Bai Yuan, then turned to Red Crane, "Prepare more bamboo baskets from the tribes below and come to the main hall to find me."

"Yes!"

Red Crane and Bai Yuan took their orders and hurried away.

"Since it'll take some time to gather the City Lords, Lu Lang, would you like to play a game of chess with me?" Si Lingxi looked at Lu Zheng with a smile.

"Sure!"

...

As Red Crane and Bai Yuan brought a dozen elderly mountain people experienced in agriculture back to Phoenix Mountain, they settled them in a side hall and returned to report. They saw Si Lingxi furrowed in concentration, playing a game with Lu Zheng.

The two women didn't dare interrupt, standing quietly aside.

A moment later, Bi Hu and Xuan Yu brought dozens of leaders to Phoenix Mountain.

Si Lingxi placed a piece, capturing a large dragon from Lu Zheng, and hearing his sharp inhale, she couldn't help but give Lu Zheng a playful, charming glance with eyes full of Spiritual Light.

"Are they all here?" Si Lingxi asked.

"Palace Master, they're all here. Will you meet them personally?" Red Crane inquired respectfully.

Si Lingxi is someone who's incredibly difficult for mortals to meet; although these City Lords and Mountain Masters are regional leaders, they rarely see Si Lingxi, unless achieving great deeds to gain access to her during the Phoenix Festival held every few years.

Si Lingxi nodded, "Since it's about the important matter of eating, I'll speak to them directly to ensure seriousness. Bring them in."

"Yes!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Thus, the following matters no longer required the four maids to intervene. Naturally, other maids from Phoenix Mountain were ordered to lead the dozens of leaders and the farmers into the main hall.

"Greetings, Palace Master!"

"May the Palace Master have eternal fortune!"

"May the Palace Master have great blessings!"

Dozens bowed in unison, various greetings erupting in a clamorous chorus.

"Rise." Si Lingxi lifted her hand casually, and everyone rose instinctively.

The dozens then looked at Si Lingxi with varying emotions—excited, apprehensive, expectant, or calm—waiting for her address.

In their memory, and even historical records, never before had dozens of major forces been summoned to Phoenix Mountain at once.

Big news is coming!

Could it be they're going to wage war with a major force?

Soldiers to soldiers, generals to generals!

Their role to engage the opposing mortal forces?

The chance to earn merit is here!

Consider that the leaders brought by Bi Hu and Xuan Yu are the most loyal and direct forces under Phoenix Mountain within three hundred miles, so although they were either excited or nervous due to realizing Si Lingxi may wage a war, none of the leaders showed any signs of backing down.

However, the dozen agricultural people were different: even within their forces, they weren't particularly valued, never having set foot on Phoenix Mountain nor possessing the "political wisdom" of these leaders, they were entirely bewildered, still caught up in the excitement of personally meeting Si Lingxi.

Then, everyone present heard Si Lingxi say, "Have your respective spring plowings begun?"