HRPM – Chapter 297 The Empress Refuses to Give Up (4)

The corner of Xiao Yu’s eye twitched. Jin Luoluo’s shamelessness truly knew no bounds.

She even dared to ask the Empress for money. Still, if Jin Luoluo were ever willing to work for free, that would be the greatest miracle in the world.

“Mother Empress, what Luoluo means is that it’s no easy task for the embroiderers and seamstresses to rush through such a large project. Some rewards in gold and silver would help boost their motivation.”

Even if money had to be discussed, it had to be done tactfully. Asking for it outright would only embarrass the Empress.

The Empress immediately understood.

“Luoluo, don’t worry. Make a list of the expenses required for the clothing, and I shall allocate the necessary funds to you. In short, I want the garments to be distinctive and beautiful, so that the delegation can truly feel our sincerity.”

Jin Luoluo beamed with delight.

“Wonderful! I look forward to our pleasant cooperation. I’ll definitely give you the best discount possible.”

“Luoluo, there’s one more matter I’d like to trouble you with,” the Empress said, making another request.

Since the Empress had been so straightforward about payment earlier, Jin Luoluo immediately agreed this time.

“Of course, of course. It’s no trouble at all.”

After all, she wouldn’t be doing the work herself. As long as there was money to be made, no one would complain that earning money was troublesome.

“Every year when the delegation arrives, various competitions are held, and we are invited to send members of the imperial family and nobility to participate. The contests include both literary and martial events. At the palace banquet last time, I saw you outshine everyone present. Then, at the Moonlit Beauty Competition, you won first place once again. Therefore, I would like to appoint you as the leader of our delegation’s contestants and have you serve as their strategist. You must overwhelm the Jialan Kingdom delegation and secure a glorious victory for Chuyun Kingdom.”

The Empress looked at Jin Luoluo with boundless hope, as though she were the sun itself—as if victory were guaranteed as long as she was there.

After hearing this, Jin Luoluo’s face fell in misery, and inwardly she wanted to cough up blood. Why had she agreed so impulsively just now?

This was exactly the kind of thankless task that required tremendous effort, wasted time, and earned no money. Worse still, if things went badly, she’d be criticized by her superiors. And if she served as team leader and they lost, wouldn’t she become the sinner of all Chuyun Kingdom?

Damn it. Just what part of her had convinced the Empress that she was some sort of brilliant strategist? The only reason she’d succeeded those two times was because of a bit of clever improvisation and sheer luck.

These diplomatic competitions were matters of national importance. They were serious affairs. She couldn’t rely on jokes and antics to muddle through them. How could the Empress put her in such a difficult position?

“Your Majesty, this matter is rather difficult,” Jin Luoluo said solemnly.

“This matter isn’t difficult at all—especially not for someone like you. It certainly won’t be difficult. Luoluo, I have complete faith in your abilities. Every time, you’ve managed to surprise me, and I’m sure you won’t disappoint me this time either.”

Jin Luoluo only wanted to shout:

I don’t even have confidence in myself—where did you get so much confidence from? A pleasant surprise? More likely I’ll give you a heart attack instead!