Divine Convenience Store-Chapter 123: Royal Envoy

Meanwhile, at the Southern Wu Royal Palace, Princess Wu Meiyu bowed before her father, King Wu Tianzhen.

The Right Minister and the rest of the court officials were lined up, flanking the red carpet leading to the raised throne where a jade screen partly obscured the king’s figure.

"This daughter greets Royal Father." Wu Meiyu said in a respectful tone.

From behind the jade screen, King Wu Tianzhen’s voice rumbled like distant thunder.

"Rise."

No matter how many times the First Princess or the rest of the officials heard his voice, they would always shiver from it.

Straightening her back, Wu Meiyu lifted her gaze just enough to glimpse her father’s form through the translucent jade panel.

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"I assume you’re here to request for another decree?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Wu Meiyu’s fingers curled slightly within her sleeves, but her expression remained serene.

She already spilled everything to her father last night, and his interest in the same store should have at least increased to the point that he issued another command to contact it.

Of course, the Left Minister had probably made his move already, setting up something that could benefit the Kingdom. But he’s not from her faction. Even if he acted like he was not aligned with any other heir, he was closer to the Crown Prince because of his legitimacy to the throne. To her luck, his older brother had been deployed to the northern border to defend against the barbaric tribes trying to encroach upon the kingdom’s lands.

"I believe we shouldn’t wait for the Divine Convenience Store to further spread its influence before making a more official contact. As I’ve proven to you, its products surpass even the finest wares in our Royal Treasury."

"Royal Father, such an establishment cannot be left unchecked. We must extend an invitation to it. Or at the very least, establish direct diplomatic ties before another faction seizes that advantage. Many cultivation sects have already aligned themselves to it. We must too as I’ve heard, it welcomes anyone as customers."

A murmur rippled through the gathered officials. Some exchanged wary glances, while others remained impassive, unwilling to reveal their thoughts so easily.

The Divine Convenience Store was a topic that had already shaken the court ever since the report from the Left Minister had been read yesterday. Even if some of them had yet to witness its products firsthand, that alone was enough to cause unease.

King Wu Tianzhen remained silent for a moment as he considered his daughter’s words. Then, with an air of finality, he spoke.

"You propose sending an envoy?"

Wu Meiyu inclined her head. "Yes, Royal Father. The store’s location might be within our territory but it is not under our jurisdiction. No. We cannot think it falls under our authority to police such a mysterious establishment. If we wish to maintain our Kingdom’s supremacy within the region, we must act with foresight. I request to be appointed as the Royal Envoy to the Divine Convenience Store. I am willing to move and stay in the same city it appears."

A sharp intake of breath from one of the officials broke the silence.

"The First Princess herself?" The Right Minister, an elderly man with a meticulously groomed beard and her staunch supporter within the royal court, finally spoke. His tone was carefully neutral but the undeniable doubt in his eyes was evident. "Your Highness, with all due respect, such a task is beneath your station. Would it not be more fitting for an official from the Ministry of Rites to handle this matter?"

Wu Meiyu smiled while her eyes remained sharp. "Minister Zhang, you misunderstand. This is no ordinary establishment. You would not send a mere scribe to negotiate with an entity capable of producing divine-tier wares, would you?"

The murmuring returned, this time with more urgency as they spoke of divine tier. Of course, they had no idea what exactly could constitute something of that quality but Wu Meiyu’s reasoning was sound. If the Divine Convenience Store truly possessed the means to distribute products that outclassed even royal alchemists and artificers, then treating it as a mere merchant hub would be foolish.

However, King Wu Tianzhen remained unmoved.

"And what do you intend to offer in return? A negotiation must be mutually beneficial. You know as well as I do that such a store does not operate under the rules of mortal commerce. What do you have that would make the store recognize our authority?"

Wu Meiyu’s lips parted, but she hesitated.

That was the crux of the issue. The Divine Convenience Store did not need the Kingdom. It operated outside the influence of any mortal power. While she was confident that they could provide resources, manpower, or even political support, she was not naïve enough to assume that such offers would tempt a store of that caliber.

But upon recalling everything she heard about the store, she knew what it exactly needed.

Her lips curved up slightly, "We’ll offer it our help to propagate its number one principle. Convenience. I’ll see to it that when the time comes the establishment decide to open another branch, our Kingdom will fully support its endeavor. If need be, we can bestow a city or a province in the heart of our kingdom to the Shopkeeper, allowing him to use it as the central hub for his further expansion."

Another official, a vocal ally of the Left Minister, stepped forward. "My apologies but I disagree, Your Highness. We must consider who is best suited to engage with this store on behalf of the royal family. The matters of commerce and external relations are best handled by experienced ministers."

Wu Meiyu’s lips twitched slightly.

So they were already maneuvering to claim control over it. But she had anticipated this.

"Royal Father," she said, clasping her hands before her chest. "This daughter believes that having me as the Royal Envoy will be the best choice. Not only because of my blood but also because I am confident to establish stable relations with the store’s Shopkeeper. I will not merely purchase goods, but also understand the rules of its business and ensure its continued cooperation with our kingdom."

The hall fell silent.

Wu Tianzhen who was silent for a long moment rested his heavy gaze upon her.

"The position of Royal Envoy is not a trivial one, my daughter," He said finally. "Do you believe yourself truly qualified to handle such a responsibility?"

Wu Meiyu met his gaze head-on, "Yes, Royal Father. I have already begun my research into the store’s operations. The owner, Lin Mo, does not bow to authority but he respects fair dealings. He values his independence but understands the necessity of a strong clientele. As a member of the royal family, I have the status to represent our kingdom, the knowledge to navigate such negotiations, and the resolve to ensure our interests are protected."

She let her words settle before delivering the final push.

"As I’ve said, we’re already too late to establish a closer relationship with it first as many sects had already aligned with it. If its influence expands to another kingdom, we will further be at a disadvantage. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to let slip."

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A murmur swept through the court. Even those who opposed her appointment couldn’t argue against her reasoning. The store’s existence was significant and securing diplomatic relations over it was a top priority.

The King remained silent for a long moment. Then, he chuckled.

"You have certainly inherited my boldness, daughter."

Wu Meiyu bowed deeply once more. "This daughter only seeks to serve our kingdom to the best of her ability."

The King exhaled through his nose. "Very well."

"I hereby appoint Wu Meiyu as the Royal Envoy to the Divine Convenience Store. She will oversee all matters relating to this establishment on behalf of the Royal Court."

The Right Minister’s brows lifted slightly while the allies of the Crown Prince and Left Minister frowned but said nothing.

A decree from the King was absolute.

"Thank you, Royal Father." Wu Meiyu’s heart surged with triumph.

’Just you wait, Shopkeeper, I’ll unearth the secrets of your store and indulge myself in your wares.’

—

Lin Mo picked his right ear as he felt a sudden itch. ’Is someone talking about me?’

He took a sip of his iced coffee as he glanced at Yu Qingyan, who was currently watching the recorded Celestial Duel Platform Alpha Test through her Viewing Jade with keen interest.

Behind her was Little Spring and the other Verdant Sky Pavilion disciple who was similarly engrossed.

She may have taken her role as the first Official Distributor very seriously but upon noticing the poster and inquiring Lin Mo about it, she immediately went to check what she missed earlier.

"Shopkeeper! Do you still have the Celestial Gear? Let me test it as well!"

"I still have it but… don’t you have a trip to make? Your inventory is already filled and your caravan is waiting for you." Lin Mo said as he showed her the Celestial Gear bracelet.

Yu Qingyan hesitated for a moment before groaning dramatically. "Ugh, you’re right. Business before pleasure. But you better let me try it next time!"

"Don’t worry? It may be released by the time you return, Miss Yu. I’ll gladly be your opponent by then."