In the throne room, Wu Tuo's envoy, Maninbu, stood respectfully to the side, waiting for his attendants to present gifts to the Da Wei Emperor.
A pomegranate tree made of gold, a pair of white peacocks, two ivory tusks, and a glowing Shi Tou the size of a fist … Emperor Wenxuan looked at the gifts with great interest and satisfaction.
"This is the sincerity of the Wu Tuo people towards Your Majesty." Maninbu bowed respectfully to Emperor Wenxuan.
Emperor Wenxuan felt extremely pleased.
Back then, the previous Emperor had several sons. He was the most mediocre one, but because he was the eldest son and the crown prince, the previous Emperor passed the throne to him. After Emperor Wenxuan succeeded the throne, he was just like when he was young. He had no achievements in politics. If not for Xu Jingfu's help, he might not even have been able to sit on the throne.
After so many years, he had gone from being ambitious to having to admit that he was just an ordinary person. Later on, he felt that there was nothing wrong with being an ordinary person. From the time he sat on the throne until now, he had finally done something good and displayed the might of the Da Wei. This was a merit that would be recorded in the annals of history.
"Your Wu Tuo Kingdom was waiting for an opportunity to invade the Da Wei's territory. How can this little compensation count?" Emperor Wenxuan said in a low voice.
Maninbu lowered his head in fear. "Your Majesty, this is all a misunderstanding. The Wu Tuo Kingdom is weak and cannot be compared to the Da Wei. Even if the Wu Tuo Kingdom was a hundred times more courageous, they would not dare to invade. However, it is all in the past. There is no point in talking about it now. Not only these gifts, Your Majesty also requests that I present an apology gift to Your Majesty. "He looked at Emperor Wenxuan." It is to allow the merchants of the Wu Tuo Kingdom to open markets in the Da Wei. "
Emperor Wenxuan frowned. "Opening markets in the Da Wei's territory is clearly beneficial to you. How can it be an apology gift? How cunning of the Wu Tuo! "
The Crown Prince stood to the side and said, "Father, why don't we listen to what he has to say?"
Maninbu knelt down. "Your Majesty, the people of Wutuo have no intention of invading Da Wei. Opening a market would only be beneficial to Da Wei. Does Your Majesty remember the historical records of the previous dynasty's wise ruler? He once sent an envoy to the West Moon Kingdom to open a market and learned the art of horse husbandry from the West Moon Kingdom. Later on, the country's warhorses were illustrious and the cavalry was valiant. " He paused for a moment. "The people of Utuo are poor. If we can open a market in Da Wei, we can trade with Da Wei, and the people of Utuo will no longer have to live in poverty like before. Furthermore, the Utopia Kingdom is willing to offer 50% of the harvest from the market to Your Majesty. "
Maningbu's flattery only made Emperor Wen Xuandi feel comfortable and not moved. However, Maningbu's last sentence was exactly what the Emperor wanted to hear.
One had to know that the state treasury had been empty for the past few years. Because of the war between Hua Yuan and the Rundu, they had used up a lot of money. Raising an army required a lot of money. Why did Emperor Wenxuan accept the Utopia Kingdom's request for peace? Other than his dislike of war, it was also because he was embarrassingly short of money.
After fighting a war, who knew how long it would take to recuperate? Moreover, without money, how could they fight a war? Now that they had opened a market, they could receive 50% of the profits every year. Da Wei was so big, and there were many merchants in the Utopia Kingdom … it sounded like a good deal.
Emperor Wenxuan subconsciously looked at Xu Jingfu beside him.
He still trusted Xu Jingfu. If not for Xu Jingfu's support back then, he would not have been able to sit in this position so steadily for so many years.
Xu Jingfu only stood at the side with a smile and did not say anything. Emperor Wenxuan immediately understood and said, "We can accept the request for peace. However, setting up a market is a very important matter. We are the Emperor of Da Wei, and we cannot casually reply to you. Let us think about it carefully before we give an answer. "
Maningbu was not disappointed. He knelt down gratefully and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."
The Utopia Kingdom's emissary behind him also knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Emperor." Emperor Wenxuan was in a very good mood, but the Crown Prince's expression was somewhat ugly. He glanced at Xu Jingfu with unconcealable malice in his eyes.
After the Utopia Kingdom's emissary left, only Xu Jingfu and the Emperor were left in the hall. The eunuchs beside him helped Emperor Wenxuan to the back of the hall. Emperor Wenxuan asked, "Prime Minister Xu, what do you think about setting up a market in Da Wei?"
"Although Maningbu is willing to give 50% of the profits to Your Majesty, this old subject thinks that we should not jump to conclusions." Xu Jingfu said, "In the current confrontation with Uto, Da Wei has the upper hand. We cannot be led by the nose by Uto. Moreover, they are offering 50% now, but Uto is very cunning. When the time comes, if they hide the profits, it will be difficult for Your Majesty to verify everything. Therefore, now is not the time. "
When Emperor Wenxuan heard this, he also felt that Xu Jingfu's words made sense. He nodded and sighed. "Prime Minister Xu, the only person who can share my burdens is you."
"We believe in you."
Xu Jingfu smiled. "Sharing Your Majesty's burdens is the responsibility of a subject. This old subject should do so. I am willing to sacrifice my life for Your Majesty."
When the Crown Prince returned to his residence, he was so angry that he kicked over the table in front of him. The servants around him were shocked and immediately knelt down. No one dared to step forward. Only a red-clothed servant walked out. Ignoring the Crown Prince's rage, she walked to his side and said gently, "Your Highness, why did you lose your temper the moment you returned to your residence? Did you meet an annoying person outside?"
The Guang Yan looked at the beauty beside him. In the entire residence, when everyone was afraid of him, only this woman was fearless and walked over as usual. However, this fearlessness did not make him dislike her. Instead, it made him feel that she was sincerely concerned about him.
"I met an annoying person." The Crown Prince held Ying Xiang and walked into the hall. As he walked, he said, "Prime Minister Xu, that old bastard, dared to ruin my plans!"
He sat down in front of the couch and casually poured himself a cup of wine to calm his anger. Ying Xiang leaned into his arms and smiled. "Why is it Prime Minister Xu again? Recently, just by listening to this servant, Prime Minister Xu has already made Your Highness unhappy for several days. "
"You're right," Guang Yan snorted, "That old fart is now taking advantage of his old age to meddle in this consort's affairs. In this consort's opinion, it won't be long before he will also meddle in this consort's affairs. I think God thinks that he's too meddlesome and wants him to have no descendants in this life! "
These malicious words made Ying Xiang giggle. She reached out her slender jade-like hand and took the cup of wine from the Crown Prince's hand. She took a sip and smiled sweetly: "Of course. With Your Highness like this, you will have many children in the future."
"What are you hinting at?" The Guang Yan pinched her face. The beauty smiled and avoided him. The anger in his heart unknowingly turned into lust. Just as he was about to pull her over and kiss her, someone outside said, "Your Highness, someone wants to see you."
"Who is it?" The Guang Yan's spirits were dampened and he said impatiently.
"Wu Tuo's envoy, Mr. Ma Ningbu."
The Crown Prince was startled. He put down his wine cup and waved his hand. "Let him in."
Ying Xiang also stood up. She tidied her dress and stood beside the Crown Prince.
Ma Ningbu walked in.
He had the appearance of a typical Uto. He was short and stout, and looked honest and amiable. However, when his eyes moved, he looked cunning. He walked to the Crown Prince's side with a smile and bowed. "Your Highness, we meet again."
When the Crown Prince saw Ma Ningbu, his irritation in the hall was aroused. He only said, "Sit."
Ma Ningbu sat down opposite the Crown Prince.
"You've seen the opening of the market," the Guang Yan said. "It's not that I don't want to help you. I've already done my best."
Maninbu was still smiling, and there wasn't the slightest hint of annoyance on his face. "Your Highness has already agreed with the king to help the Wu Tuo Kingdom open a market in the Great Wei, and the Wu Tuo Kingdom will naturally help Your Highness obtain everything Your Highness wants. Could it be … "He said unhurriedly," Your Highness has already given up on that position? "
"Nonsense!" the Guang Yan said angrily. "What do you know!"
"Currently, there are many people in Da Wei who secretly support the Fourth Prince. The Crown Prince and General Fengyun have a grudge against each other. The Da Wei Emperor favors the Fourth Prince … No matter how you look at it, Your Highness is at a disadvantage. "
The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and didn't say anything.
Although he was the Crown Prince, as long as Emperor Wenxuan didn't issue an edict to pass down the throne, he wouldn't be able to sit comfortably as the Crown Prince. Originally, he had chased Xiao Huaijin out of Shuo Jing with great difficulty. However, he hadn't expected that the battle of Jiyang would allow him to regain his reputation.
How could he be willing to let that coward, the Guang Shui, sit on the throne?
"This isn't because of Your Highness," Ying Xiang muttered. "It's clearly because of Prime Minister Xu. Our Highness is also very willing to help the Uto Kingdom open a market in Da Wei. "
Ma Ningbu couldn't help but raise his head to look at the person who spoke. He couldn't help but be stunned by the beauty of this servant.
However, he quickly recovered from his daze and said, "Prime Minister Xu? Prime Minister Xu has been obstructing us recently. It was because of him that news of the battle of Jiyang was leaked. Your Highness, "Ma Ningbu said with a smile," are you sure that Prime Minister Xu is on your side? "
"What do you mean?" the Guang Yan asked cautiously.
"Nothing," Ma Ningbu said with a smile. "I just think that Prime Minister Xu is a smart person. Xiao Zhongwu was killed by Prime Minister Xu. Since he is a smart person, he would never reveal his trump card in front of others. On what basis does Your Highness believe that Prime Minister Xu's display of support for Your Highness means that he truly supports Your Highness? "
"Don't try to sow discord between my relationship with Prime Minister Xu!" the Guang Yan sneered. "Cunning Uto, why would I fall for your trick?"
"It's fine if Your Highness doesn't believe me." Ma Ningbu said with a smile, "However, I still have to say one more thing. If Your Highness is just unwilling to part with Prime Minister Xu's connections and connections, and doesn't care too much about Prime Minister Xu himself, then you don't have to be so troubled. Because … "Ma Ningbu said softly," Shuo Jing in Da Wei and Xu Jingfu aren't the only people who can help Your Highness. Just like how Xiao Zhongwu can be replaced by Xiao Huaijin, Xu Jingfu can also be replaced by someone younger. With the same methods and connections, a young eagle is easier to train than an adult poisonous snake, isn't it? "
The Guang Yan looked at him thoughtfully, but Ma Ningbu laughed loudly and stood up. "Your Highness, you don't have to give me an answer so quickly. In a few days, when His Majesty hosts a banquet to welcome Ambassador Uto, it won't be too late to give me an answer then. " He ordered the attendant behind him, "I'll go back first. In a few days, I'll listen to Your Highness' good news."
Ma Ningbu left.
Only Ying Xiang and the Guang Yan were left in the hall.
The Guang Yan's expression was uncertain as he thought about Ma Ningbu's words. Although he had righteously expressed that he would not sow discord because of Ma Ningbu's words, in his heart, there was still a trace of wavering.
Xu Xiang was a smart man. Recently, he had frequently disagreed with him on the matter of the Wu Tuo. He clearly knew that if he didn't do as the Wu Tuo said, he might lose everything, but he still acted willfully regardless of his position. He had originally thought that the older he got, the more unreliable he became, but now … the Guang Yan was not so sure.
Could it be that Prime Minister Xu had been bought over by Guang Yan a long time ago?
The He family was bustling these days.
Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing came to visit again a few days ago. They were talking about the marriage between He Yan and Xiao Jue. As everyone knew, at the celebration banquet, His Majesty had bestowed a marriage between Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting, and He Yan and Xiao Jue. Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting were going to be married next month. After Bai Rongwei asked an expert to calculate the wedding date of Xiao Jue and He Yan, two dates were set.
One was the seventh day of the New Year, and the other was the tenth day of the New Year. Both were auspicious dates for marriage.
He Yan was not in the fu. Although he was an official without any real power, he still had to do things every day, even though they were all miscellaneous things. When He Yunsheng heard Bai Rongwei's words, he immediately frowned and said, "Then wouldn't there only be a month to prepare? Isn't it too rushed?"
He Sui was originally very happy, but when she heard He Yunsheng say this, she also felt that it was a bit inappropriate.
"Second Young Master He does not need to worry," Bai Rongwei said with a smile, "Rubi and I have already started preparing for Huaijin's marriage two or three years ago. However, Huaijin, this child, has never liked a girl. Even if we prepared, we could only put it aside. Now that His Majesty has bestowed a marriage, and Huaijin likes Miss He very much, there is no need to delay. Tomorrow, I will have the fu send over the list of betrothal gifts. "
"Two or three years ago?" He Yunsheng was still doubtful, "You don't even know who Military Governor Xiao likes, how can you prepare the betrothal gifts?"
This time, it was Xiao Jing who spoke. Xiao Jing said seriously, "In the Xiao family, marriage does not depend on family status. As long as it is a girl that Huaijin likes, it will definitely be the best. Therefore, the betrothal gifts will definitely not be small. "
"Yunsheng is not good with words. Eldest Young Master Xiao, please do not take offense." He Sui glared at He Yunsheng, "We are not complaining about the betrothal gifts. Yan Yan is my daughter. My wife passed away early, so I raised Yan Yan. Although our family is not rich, Yan Yan has been pampered since she was young. I don't care about other things, but … "He looked at Bai Rongwei, and his usually easy-going and honest face became more serious," The person my daughter marries will definitely love and dote on her, just like how I treat her. The betrothal gifts are for others to see. Yunsheng and I don't spend much money on normal days, so I don't care. What I care about is the life Yan Yan will have after she enters the Xiao family. "
He smiled, "I am a rough man, and I don't know how to speak. I know that the Xiao family has an extraordinary status in Da Wei, and it is our family who is climbing up the social ladder. However … I am not boasting, but in the whole of Da Wei, my daughter is also unique. I just want to know … "His tone was unusually sharp," After Yan Yan enters the fu, will Military Governor Xiao still take in concubines? If he does, I don't mind waiting a year or two before marrying my daughter off. If he doesn't, I don't have any objections. "
He Yunsheng looked at his father in surprise.
He had always looked down on He Sui's good attitude towards the Xiao family, and always felt that he was rushing to climb up the social ladder. Even if the Emperor granted the marriage, He Yan was a girl, so of course she had to be more reserved. If the Emperor felt that the He family was easy to manipulate, then wouldn't He Yan be in a tight spot in the future? Not to mention these rich families, even if they lived in the alleys of ordinary people like him, they would hear rumors of the husband's family bullying the new daughter-in-law every now and then.
He thought that He Sui would go along with Grandma Xiao's words and quickly agree to He Yan and Xiao Jue's marriage, but he didn't expect He Sui's question to be so sharp.
Their family was poor, and He Sui married. Even after his wife died, he never thought about remarrying or taking in concubines. This was natural. He Yunsheng didn't think there was anything wrong with it, but this was the case for poor families. It wasn't easy to support one more person. But it was different for rich families. Ever since He Yunsheng went to school, many of his well-off classmates more or less had a few concubines in their manors.
This was the case for rich families, not to mention the children of noble families.
He Yunsheng had thought about this before, but every time he thought about it, he deliberately avoided it. Because the Emperor's marriage was unchangeable, and the world was like this. It was normal for rich and powerful families to have three wives and four concubines. If they didn't, the mistress would be scolded behind her back for being jealous.
But now, He Sui didn't hide it at all and directly said it out loud. And in his words, there was a hint of threat that if Xiao Jue dared to take in a concubine, he wouldn't let his daughter marry him. So what if the Emperor decreed a marriage? To put it bluntly, the Emperor wasn't young anymore, and He Yan was still in the prime of his life. At most, he would have to endure for a few more years, and he would be an immortal. Who would care about whether the Emperor decreed a marriage or not?
A new Emperor brings in new officials. Who knew what the future would be like? Rules were rules when there was no choice, but when there was a choice, they were bullsh * t!
Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing looked at each other. After a moment, Bai Rongwei laughed and said, "Master He, you must be joking. Xiao family has never had a custom of taking in concubines."
"When my parents-in-law were alive, there were no concubines in the manor. Rubi and I have been married for many years, and there was no one else between us. Huaijin should be like this. "
Xiao Jing also said, "Perhaps Master He's words are looking down on Huaijin too much. It's because Miss He is the only woman in Da Wei that Huaijin has deep feelings for her. As his older brother, I know Huaijin's temperament very well. Once he has decided on something, he won't look at anything else. I dare to swear on the entire Xiao family that Huaijin will not have any other woman in his life other than Miss He. If Master He doesn't believe me, you can ask Huaijin face to face again. " He smiled and said, "Things like oaths, even if you say them thousands of times, people who don't keep their promises will still go back on them. People who truly honor their promises will keep it in their hearts even if they don't say it again. "
He Yunsheng looked at Xiao Jing and thought to himself. Just like how he protected He Yan, this Xiao Rubi also seemed to be particularly protective of Xiao Huaijin. The two brothers had such a good relationship, so their family style should be quite good.
The two young masters of the Xiao family, one was as gentle as the spring breeze, and the other was as fresh as the autumn water. They were both giants among men. If they said something, they would definitely do it.
He Sui laughed loudly, "No need. I trust Eldest Young Master, and I also trust Military Governor Xiao. I don't care whether it's the seventh or the tenth day of the lunar month! "
Bai Rongwei also laughed, "That's great. From today on, I will start writing the invitations so as not to miss the auspicious hour."
He Sui and Bai Rongwei discussed marriage matters for a while, then Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing got up and left. After they left, He Yunsheng looked at He Sui and asked, "Father, Eldest Young Master Xiao just said that Military Governor Xiao won't take a concubine in the future. How much do you think he said that?"
He Sui said, "Fifty percent."
"What?" He Yunsheng almost jumped up, "Didn't you just say that you trust the two brothers? You said it so confidently that I really believed it! "
"I didn't grow up with them. I only heard about them from others. How do I know if they are telling the truth? Distance tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's heart. I've only met them a few times. Do you think I can read minds? "He Sui scolded.
"Then you …"
"I just want a guarantee from them. Xiao family also knows that although our family is poor and not a government official's family, we are not easy to bully. If Yan Yan is wronged in their family, I will make them suffer even if I have to risk my life. "
"Come on," He Yunsheng didn't believe it, "Even if we risk our lives together, we can't do anything to them."
He Sui slapped him on the head, "Why do you always praise others and diminish your own prestige? When can you learn from your sister? "
"Learn from what? Learn from her and smile when she sees Military Governor Xiao?" He Yunsheng sneered, "Besides, if Military Governor Xiao really wants to take a concubine in the future, we will be so anxious here. Maybe He Yan, that idiot, won't even care about it and will stupidly help count the money."
"She won't."
"What?"
He Sui lowered his head and smiled, "Yan Yan won't."
"This child looks very arrogant and willful, but her heart is not bad. Sometimes she can be a little stubborn. Xiao Rubi said that once his brother has set his mind on something, he won't look at anything else. Yan Yan is the same, "He Yunsheng said nostalgically," When we were young, I took her to the market to pick out dresses. If she liked the prettiest one, she would definitely get that one. Even if we gave her something more expensive or better, she wouldn't want it. "
"I said those words just to scare the Xiao family. If Yan Yan really wants to marry, I won't stop her. I can tell that Yan Yan likes Xiao Huaijin. The way she looks at Xiao Huaijin is the same way your mother looked at me back then. "
He Yunsheng was moved by He Sui's words at first, but when he heard the last sentence, he immediately stopped being moved. He gritted his teeth and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Besides, don't talk about how stubborn He Yan is. Didn't she like that Fan guy so much before? She doesn't even mention him now. "
There was one more thing that He Yunsheng didn't dare to say. When Fan Cheng died, He Yan was as calm as an ant on the roadside. She didn't even shed a tear.
He Sui said, "How can that be the same? That Fan guy isn't human. "
He Yunsheng: "…"
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