"There was only Old Princess Consort Yu and her mama in the carriage. I didn't see anyone else. I secretly peeked through the curtains and didn't see anything like a wooden box that could hide someone. In addition, the bottom of the carriage was very thin and didn't look like it could hide a living person. "
Ning Shu only climbed into Xiahou Qing's carriage after Prince Yu's carriage was far away.
Originally, she had her suspicions. After all, Old Princess Consort Yu was the last person to see Qi Zhanyu. Moreover, the time of her visit last night was too strange. At that time, the sky was already dark. Visiting at such a late time, although it was said to be out of concern, it seemed to be intentional. Therefore, she had just led people to put on a show. However, after the investigation just now, it seemed that this suspicion couldn't be established.
Ning Shu couldn't help but sigh. However, she was already prepared. If she could find out so easily, it would be a waste of the other party's plan. Only —
Ning Shu raised her face and looked at Xiahou Qing, who was only a small table across from her. Her voice was like a kingfisher, "I still have some doubts in my heart. Old Princess Consort Yu went to visit Qi Zhanyu so late at night and left without saying a word. Was it really just a sudden impulse?
"There's no need to rush. Whether it was a sudden impulse or deliberate, we can slowly investigate." Xiahou Qing clenched his fists and coughed softly.
Ning Shu looked carefully and found that his jade white face showed fatigue. It seemed that he didn't sleep well last night. Thus, she said, "Your Highness stayed in His Majesty's palace last night. Was it because of Fourth Miss Qi's case?"
She waited at the palace gates last night and didn't wait for him until the key to the harem was released. She only waited until Jiusi came to tell her that he would accompany her tonight and asked her to go back and rest first. Then, she left the palace with the Qi Estate's carriage.
Xiahou Qing took a sip of the tea that Jiusi poured and handed to him. His tone was casual as he said, "This case is just one of the many. It's not a big deal."
Ning Shu was speechless, "Then there's something even bigger?"
Xiahou Qing said, "Southern Yan sent an envoy to ask for the princess's hand in marriage."
Ning Shu nodded. She had heard about it. This was also the reason why the Thirteenth Princess disregarded the ancestral rules and barged into the Peace Banquet.
Xiahou Qing coldly raised the corner of his mouth and tapped on the small table with his knuckles, making a crisp sound. "The dowry they want is ten cities."
Ning Shu was stunned. How arrogant!
However, after a brief moment of indignation, she also sighed in understanding. Although this was unexpected, it was also reasonable.
His Majesty was a conservative person. Although he had wielded a sword while riding a horse when he was young, he had only led a few small battles. After he ascended to the throne, he deeply understood the principle that the son of a rich family should not sit under the awning and never held a sword again. Since the previous dynasty, the Great Yue Dynasty had placed more importance on civil affairs than military affairs, causing the border countries to become restless and even provoke them. Under the seemingly rich appearance, there were actually deep worries. Eleven years ago, the invasion of the Hun Dynasty was an example. Fortunately, at that time, Xiahou Qing offered advice to resolve the crisis.
Ning Shu was very curious. Southern Yan was provoking them this time. What method could Xiahou Qing come up with to resolve it?
"Then, Your Majesty, do you plan to marry them?" She asked tentatively.
"Yes."
Ning Shu frowned, "Then what about the cities?"
Xiahou Qing still said one word, "Give them away."
Ning Shu's frown deepened, almost forming a knot. Today, ten cities would be taken away. Tomorrow, it would be a hundred cities. Following that, the entire Great Yue Dynasty might be forcefully taken by the other side. Therefore, once this was done, only four words would await the Great Yue Dynasty: eternal damnation.
However, if they refused to cede the cities, it would give the other side a reason to start a war. In this kind of situation, whether they gave or not, it was not a good idea. It was really hard to get off the tiger.
Just as she was worrying, she heard Xiahou Qing continue to speak as if he was taking a stroll, "However, it is not Southern Yan, but Bei Xun. Three years of taxes from ten cities will be given to Bei Xun. Wait for their cavalry to cross the desert and come to Yangcheng Pass to take it personally. "
Huh? Ning Shu was stunned for a moment, but she immediately reacted.
Bei Xun and Southern Yan were originally one country, but after internal strife, they had never stopped fighting. However, Bei Xun was located in the desert and was not as rich as Southern Yan. Therefore, they had been at a disadvantage for many years. Furthermore, the people of Bei Xun had been suffering in poverty for many years, training them to not care about their lives. Three years of taxes from ten cities was a drop in the ocean for the Great Yue Dynasty, but the people of Bei Xun were willing to risk their lives for it.
Yangguan City and Southern Yan bordered each other. If Bei Xun wanted the money, they would have to invade Southern Yan territory. The war of ten cities and the feud between the two countries would definitely cause chaos. The Great Yue Dynasty could naturally find a chance to breathe and then make a deeper plan.
Raising a wild leopard and letting it fight with a tiger.
It had to be said that this move was really harmful. Of course, Ning Shu did not dare to say this out loud. She clasped her hands together and slowly bowed towards him. She was convinced and said, "Your Highness has a great plan."
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