Cao Yang didn't know which party King Nan'en intended to give the oil fields to. He didn't even know the basic conditions, yet he boldly made promises.
His confidence came from Cao Tailin. The King may decide who gets the rights, but whether the extraction proceeds smoothly depends on Cao Tailin. With his great-grandfather's tacit approval, Cao Yang felt exceptionally confident.
Still, this was the most extreme approach. Ideally, the King and Cao Tailin should be in agreement.
Cao Yang and Situ Meixin went to Diana's room to ask her about the King's intentions.
Diana, still eager to seek his help, told him everything she knew.
The King's demands were harsh: you handle the work, but all the profits stay with us.
ExxonMobil would never accept such conditions. Neither would any other foreign delegation. Negotiations were underway.
The King asked for exorbitant terms; the teams could only respond with their own counteroffers. For now, there was no clear sign of who would ultimately win the contract.
After hearing this, Cao Yang decided to visit Luotai City to speak with Prince Nanda. Nanda had some inside information and could help put in a good word.
Situ Meixin decided to accompany him, worried that Cao Yang, always focused on rescuing people, might forget his own interests.
Cao Yang asked Nanda about the situation.
Prince Nanda frowned. "I don't know either."
Cao Yang carefully explained that he and Situ Meixin hoped to secure the oil field project and asked if Nanda could speak on their behalf to the King.
Nanda was shocked. It seemed impossible to him that these two outsiders, lacking funds and experience, could even attempt such a thing.
"They are beginners. Even if they had the money, there's no way they could handle the oil field project," he thought.
"Cao Yang, you saved me, and I promised to help, but this is extremely difficult—almost impossible."
"Prince, don't misunderstand. I won't extract the oil myself. I know my limits. I'll transfer the extraction rights directly to China's Libao Group—they are experienced and professional."
Cao Yang explained further: "My friends are imprisoned back home. I want to use this oil project to negotiate their release. Money isn't the goal—it's about getting them out."
Nanda, knowing that Cao Yang's friends were in prison and that he had previously sought help, secretly admired his loyalty and sense of justice.
As he prepared to politely refuse, Situ Meixin interjected:
"Your Highness, don't listen to him. Our main goal is still profit—and helping you earn it."
"What do you mean?" Nanda asked.
"If our company secures the project, we're willing to give you 40% of the shares, making you a major shareholder. Whether we sell the project to Libao Group or collaborate on extraction, you'll earn a substantial income."
Nanda shot her a sidelong glance. "The oil fields belong to the nation, my father. You want me to use my family's resources to cooperate with you, and then give me 40%?!"
Situ Meixin smiled faintly. "Your Highness, forgive me for speaking boldly. Though you are the Crown Prince, the future King, until you ascend, there's uncertainty. You have many uncles and siblings—who knows what the future holds?"
"If something unexpected happens, without troops or money, how would you respond?"
"I think having some wealth now ensures that, even in unexpected circumstances, you'll live comfortably."
"Moreover, Cao Yang's great-grandfather dotes on him. If you assist him, he might even speak favorably of you to his great-grandfather."
Nanda's expression darkened. He glared coldly at Situ Meixin.
"Miss Situ, such words are audacious in Nanluo. Since you are Cao Yang's friend, I'll let it slide this time. Say it again, and I won't be so polite!"
"Apologies, Your Highness." Situ Meixin bowed slightly but maintained a calm smile, showing no fear.
Nanda rose and turned to Cao Yang: "I'll relay your proposal to my father, but it's unlikely to succeed. I might even get scolded. Consider it my repayment for saving my life."
"As for Miss Situ's comments, I'll ignore them. Please refrain from saying such things again."
After Nanda left, Cao Yang scolded Situ Meixin: "Look what you said—you made him angry!"
Situ Meixin punched him lightly. "You don't get it. He's already considering it in his mind."
"To make this deal happen, we need to give incentives. Prince Nanda is the best choice."
"Forget profit—I only care about saving people. You, however, have been aiming to benefit yourself all along."
"Don't be ridiculous. I can invest money and offer advice too!"
…
As Nanda walked away, he reflected on Situ Meixin's words. Though he outwardly refused, inwardly he had acknowledged the logic.
Until he became king, uncertainty remained. If something unexpected happened, having funds could allow him to live safely abroad—or raise an army and reclaim the throne.
Though he considered this far-fetched, preparing for contingencies was wise.
As for Cao Yang's influence with Cao Tailin, he was dismissive. Even in extreme circumstances, he doubted Cao Tailin would help solely because of Cao Yang; any assistance would be purely in his own interest.
He didn't like the Cao family. Their independent power outside royal authority was a constant threat.
But in a critical moment, alignment was acceptable.
With trepidation, Nanda approached his father to discuss the oil field.
The King's small eyes narrowed into slits, sharp and perceptive, scrutinizing his son.
Nanda laid everything bare, hiding nothing.
Outsiders thought the King was foolish and indulgent, but Nanda knew better. As the chosen heir, he had to be sincere and transparent.
Sincerity was his ultimate weapon.
The King smiled, satisfied with Nanda's honesty.
"Wait for the Chinese inspection team to arrive. Represent me in talks with them. If it works out, Cao Yang's proposal isn't unacceptable—consider it a favor returned."
"Yes, Father."
Exiting the palace, Nanda was astonished. How could it be this smooth?
Suddenly, he slapped his thigh, realizing the reason…