Qin Huaiyuan stepped forward and shielded Qin Yining behind him. Then, he looked at the old man staring at him in confusion.
He didn't recognize this person, so he didn't understand why the other party was looking at him with such a gaze full of anger and resentment.
Zheng Pei took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He smiled kindly and said, "Sir, you must be the famous' Wise Pan An ', Grand Preceptor Qin?"
Qin Huaiyuan cupped his hands in greeting. "That's just some people's false praise. May I ask who this gentleman is? "
"This humble one is a strategist under Prince Zhongshun's command. My surname is Zheng."
Upon hearing Prince Zhongshun's name, Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining immediately understood why this person was so hostile.
After all, Qin Huaiyuan was the one who tried to drive a wedge between them. Judging from this Sir Zheng's age, he might have once followed Pang Zhongzheng.
"So it's Sir Zheng. My apologies for not recognizing you. " Qin Huaiyuan looked around and said with a smile, "Sir, you must be the Minister of War, Sir Lian, right? Is Little Wang Ye also present? "
Lian Shengjie had already stretched his neck and looked at Qin Yining several times. When he heard Qin Huaiyuan mention himself, he felt a burst of pride. However, when he was asked about Pang Xiao, he felt unhappy. He immediately said with a sullen expression, "I'm now in charge of the army.
I'm here to preside over the peace talks according to the imperial decree. Little Wang Ye is only a General Huben. What difference does it make whether he's here or not? "
Qin Huaiyuan raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, "That's true."
Zheng Pei had already sized up Qin Yining. In his mind, he was cursing him for being a seductress who could bring disaster to the country and its people. He smiled and asked, "Dare I ask which official of your country this young lady is?"
These words made the Dayan's face heat up.
Everyone knew that there were no female officials in Dayan.
Lian Shengjie's lecherous nature was no secret.
The goal of bringing a stunning beauty along with the Dayan peace talks team was very obvious.
Zheng Pei's question was akin to trampling on Dayan's dignity.
Qin Yining no longer had a good impression of Mr. Zheng.
Qin Huaiyuan was still smiling as he said, "This is my legitimate daughter. I don't have a son, I only have this one bright pearl. In the future, I have the heart to entrust her with important tasks, so I like to bring her along wherever I go, to let her broaden her horizons and broaden her horizons. "
The Dayan people heaved a sigh of relief. They felt that they had once again regained their dignity and praised Qin Huaiyuan's wit in their hearts.
The people from Da Zhou were secretly disdainful. How shameless of him to find such a dignified reason to present a beauty!
"So it's the daughter of Grand Preceptor Qin. I apologize for my lack of manners." Zheng Pei was still smiling, but his eyes were full of ridicule.
If she was an ordinary lady, under the Lian Shengjie's impudent gaze and Zheng Pei's mocking smile, she would have been so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole to hide in. However, Qin Yining just stood calmly behind Qin Huaiyuan, as if he was a legitimate son following his father out to broaden his horizons.
"Since that's the case, let's talk in the tent." The Dayan Minister of Rites, Cui Wenqing, smiled and said, "I've already ordered people to prepare dishes to go with the wine. Let's talk while we eat."
"Please."
"Please!"
The key members of the peace talks team entered the main tent. Qin Yining naturally followed Qin Huaiyuan.
The tent was a pure white military canopy. A bonfire was burning in the middle of the ground, and an iron pot was boiling water on top of it. The ground was covered with a bright red carpet. Further inside, there were three long tables placed on both sides of the tent.
Lian Shengjie, a deputy general, and Zheng Pei sat on the left.
Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing sat on the right.
Qin Yining, on the other hand, took a seat behind her father.
Lian Shengjie and Qin Huaiyuan sat facing each other. As soon as he looked up, he could see Qin Yining's beautiful face. His heart was already surging with emotions, and his lust was greatly aroused.
Although he was the official in charge of the peace talks, his mind was completely focused on the beautiful woman. He didn't even pay attention to what was discussed.
Fortunately, Great Zhou still had Zheng Pei, a steady and sharp man, who was able to engage in a battle of words with Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing, openly praising and insinuating, and bargaining with them. That was why they did not fall into a disadvantageous position, and did not let Great Yan gain the upper hand in the battle of words.
This negotiation lasted for eight hours.
However, there were many things, such as paying tribute and ceding territory, that didn't reach a consensus.
Da Zhou's people demanded an exorbitant price. They wanted to maximize their benefits.
Qin Huaiyuan, on the other hand, stubbornly refused to relent and tried his best to minimize the losses.
When the lanterns were lit, the soldiers in the tent lit the lanterns. Everyone's mouths were dry from all the talking. Even the wine and dishes were hot and cold. They went back and forth a few times.
Lian Shengjie had been looking at the beautiful woman for the entire afternoon. His mind was already churning with countless tricks.
When he heard that Qin Huaiyuan didn't agree to pay 50 million taels of silver as compensation, he frowned and pretended to think, "50 million taels of silver as compensation for the losses of Da Zhou's soldiers is really not much. However, it's not like we can't discuss it. "
When Zheng Pei saw this, he was just about to open his mouth when Lian Shengjie said with a sullen expression, "Mr. Zheng has been busy the entire afternoon. Shouldn't you let this official say a few words?"
Zheng Pei was Pang Xiao's aide. In the Tiger Army, he had the title of "Military Advisor". However, he didn't have any actual official rank or military rank. The only reason he was able to sit here today was because of Pang Xiao's promotion. Pang Xiao wasn't in the barracks, so the Tiger Army had to send out a representative. Lian Shengjie didn't dare to do anything to him.
However, when Lian Shengjie displayed his authority, there was nothing Zheng Pei could do.
Seeing that Zheng Pei wasn't saying anything, Lian Shengjie stood up and pretended to stretch his arms. He strolled around the tent twice before finally walking over to Qin Huaiyuan's side.
He leaned over to look at Qin Yining's fair face. His eyes were full of desire, but his words were directed at Qin Huaiyuan.
"Of course, peace talk. Peace talk means that we should discuss it together! This official loves to drink wine. I've heard that Grand Preceptor Qin has raised his legitimate daughter as if she were his legitimate son. I'm sure that Miss Gongzi's alcohol tolerance isn't bad. If Miss Gongzi is willing to drink a few cups with this official, then the conditions can still be discussed! "
It's finally here!
Qin Yining closed his eyes.
Qin Huaiyuan's hands gradually clenched into fists. Although he was smiling, his heart was struggling between anger and helplessness.
Qin Yining didn't want to make things difficult for Qin Huaiyuan, so he stood up and curtsied.
"Lord Lian is a peerless hero with a forthright personality. This humble girl admires you greatly. Thus, this humble girl will take this opportunity to propose a toast to Lord Lian."
As she spoke, she picked up the wine jar and poured a large bowl full of wine for Lian Shengjie. Then, she picked up a small white porcelain wine cup for herself.
Lian Shengjie took the white porcelain wine bowl from the beauty. His eyes were filled with her snow-white skin, and his mind was filled with those charming thoughts. How could he possibly react to what he was drinking?
His eyes were fixed on Qin Yining as he drank the bowl in one gulp. He felt a burning sensation in his stomach. Only then did he realize that he had been forced to drink a large bowl of Shaodao!
Lian Shengjie was a bit tipsy, but he didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled.
"Ai! A beauty's grace is the hardest to bear. The wine she pours tastes exceptionally good. "
"Is that so? Then Lord Lian should eat another bowl. As the saying goes, three bowls won't cross the line. With Lord Lian's bravery, you should eat three bowls. "As she spoke, she poured another bowl and looked at Lian Shengjie with sparkling eyes.
Lian Shengjie was already feeling the effects of the wine. Although he wasn't dizzy and disoriented, the wine had boosted his courage. In his most excited moment, he didn't care if there were others around him. His large hand grabbed Qin Yining's soft and delicate hand and pulled her into his embrace.
"Beautiful girl, are you trying to get me drunk? Let me tell you, I, Old Lian, am most afraid of a beautiful girl's gentleness. If you're willing to serve me well, then why can't we talk about peace? I'll loosen up a bit here. Your Majesty is far away from my country, so you have to listen to my repayment. Beautiful girl, you're a very perceptive person. I can also see that. If we have a short-lived marriage, then we won't let down this heaven-bestowed fate. Don't you think so? "
Qin Yining's entire body stiffened and her face turned purple. Her round almond-shaped eyes were filled with humiliation and anger, but more than that, there was nothing she could do.
Wasn't this the purpose of her visit today?
A short-lived marriage? Shouldn't she be glad that the heavens didn't arrange for this Official Lian to take her away?
Veins popped out on Qin Huaiyuan's forehead. He couldn't bear it any longer and stood up to block Qin Yining behind him.
"Official Lian, I only brought my daughter here to see more and gain more knowledge. Let's talk about serious matters first."
Qin Yining looked at Qin Huaiyuan's tall back with tears in her eyes.
Her father was still protecting her in the end.
Although he couldn't disobey the emperor's orders and had no choice but to bring her here, it was still her father who protected her at critical moments!
However, could she let her father protect her with a clear conscience? What if the peace talks failed and the emperor blamed her?
Lian Shengjie's face immediately darkened. His voice was extremely loud due to the effects of the wine.
"What? You know that this Old Lian is fond of women. Didn't you bring such a great beauty here so that I could enjoy her? Now that I'm giving you face, I'm giving you face! Now that you're regretting it, why didn't you do it earlier? Fifty million taels of silver and fifteen cities. Not one less! "
Just now, he only wanted five cities, but now he was raising the price on the spot!
Qin Yining bit her lip. She didn't want Qin Huaiyuan to spoil the important matter for her. As long as her father protected her in his heart, she was already satisfied.
Qin Huaiyuan was also in a dilemma. For a moment, his face turned green and then white.
Lian Shengjie smiled proudly and pushed Qin Huaiyuan aside. He grabbed Qin Yining's hand again and was about to lead her out.
He was certain that Qin Huaiyuan wouldn't dare to stop him!
Who would've thought that at this moment, the curtain of the tent would suddenly be pulled open with a 'whoosh' sound. A tall silhouette carrying a bright and shining broadsword walked in aggressively.
This person had broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a thin waist. He was dressed in a black battle robe that made his face look like jade. However, under his slender, sword-like eyebrows, a storm was brewing in his upturned phoenix eyes!
Qin Huaiyuan turned his head and was stunned when he saw this person.
Qin Yining was even more surprised. "Yao Zhixi …"
She thought quickly and assumed that this person was here to save her. All sorts of feelings welled up in her heart and she almost cried. She frantically tried to persuade him, "Hurry up and leave. This isn't a place for you!"
However, Pang Xiao didn't care. He swung his arm and without another word, chopped down with his broadsword!
The broadsword went straight for Lian Shengjie's face. If it hit, Lian Shengjie's head would split open.
Zheng Pei, who was standing to the side, shouted in fright, "Little Wang Ye, don't!"
Qin Yining was stunned. Then, he stared at Pang Xiao with wide eyes.
Lian Shengjie was so frightened that he sobered up. "Oh my god!" He took two steps back and fell to the ground, narrowly avoiding the broadsword. He was so flustered that he broke out in cold sweat. He pointed a trembling finger at Pang Xiao and shouted,
"Pang Zhixi, what are you doing!"
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