Chapter 144: The Duke Presses for Marriage, Three Urgencies and Three Delays, Prince Ning Steps In, Peace Talks Confirmed

As four thousand heads fell to the ground.

Lord Zhen Guo used his unique methods to temporarily resolve the matter.

Li Lengqiu and the others were taken away directly.

As Lord Zhen Guo said, they will wait for Prince Ning to come in person to give an explanation.

If Prince Ning does not give an explanation, this matter will never end.

Obviously, everyone can see that Lord Zhen Guo just wants to make an example, to curb these people's vigor, and at the same time send a warning to all forces within Da Xia.

If anyone dares to move Gu Jin Nian, be ready to pay with their life.

Two more hours later.

The main force set out again; Gu Jin Nian dispatched troops to escort all the victims' families away, first fearing for their personal safety, second fearing someone might bribe them.

His purpose is simple: to have someone like Li Lengxin die.

There is nothing else.

The main force departed again, hurrying toward the northwestern border.

Gu Jin Nian still has more important matters to handle; the three‑dynasty peace talks are indeed urgent.

Counting the time, Gu Jin Nian is already two days late; today happens to be the time point for the three‑dynasty peace talks.

Fortunately, the first peace talk cannot yield any result, so Gu Jin Nian can attend the second one without much impact.

Inside the jade carriage.

Gu Jin Nian and Grandfather Gu sit inside, with the army guarding around them.

At this moment, Grandfather Gu's voice gradually rises.

"Jin Nian."

"What do you think of this matter?"

Grandfather Gu's voice sounds, questioning Gu Jin Nian.

Inside the jade carriage, hearing Grandfather Gu's voice, Gu Jin Nian ponders briefly, then speaks.

"Grandpa."

"This matter probably wasn't Prince Ning's intention."

"The most likely scenario is that Li Lengxin, accustomed to being overbearing, was discovered by his grandson, so he decided to act without hesitation and silence his grandson."

This is Gu Jin Nian's thought.

Thinking carefully, this possibility is great.

If Prince Ning were scheming, he could not guess that I would appear here, even if he knows my itinerary; what if I am not resting at this place?

Putting it another way, if I truly am resting here, even a foolish Prince Ning wouldn't fail to guess that His Majesty would send a Prince of War to protect me.

Assuming Prince Ning is plotting in secret, why wouldn't he send a powerful Prince of War? Using four thousand iron cavalry to trouble me? That's a death sentence. Moreover, what is Prince Ning's purpose? What benefit? Openly letting his subordinates kill me? That's courting death. So the most probable explanation is that Li Lengxin, accustomed to acting overbearingly, realized he provoked the wrong person, got hot‑headed, and chose this extreme measure to settle the matter.

After all, such a person has little sense; he thinks that killing me would only bring a beating, and even if it's terrible, it won't cost his life.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's analysis, Grandfather Gu nodded, approving what Gu Jin Nian said.

However, Grandfather Gu continued.

"Then do you know why Grandfather must kill them?"

Grandfather Gu kept asking.

"A warning."

"Grandfather is warning them."

Gu Jin Nian answered directly; Grandfather had said this before.

Inside the jade carriage, Grandfather Gu let out a long sigh and said.

"The warning is only secondary."

"The reason for doing this is to establish authority for you."

"Grandfather's coming out this time is also to establish authority for you."

"Jin Nian, you were famous in your youth; now your name spreads across the world. That is a good thing, but also not a good thing."

"Heaven's Mandate has already emerged; no one knows what the future holds, but the only certainty is that this Mandate will be grasped by the strongest person between heaven and earth."

"You are the contemporary Heaven‑Pride, a future saint of Confucianism and Daoism, the Da Xia Crown Prince; many eyes are on you, so you are exposed in the open while enemies lurk in the shadows."

"Grandfather cannot control the outside, but within Da Xia, Grandfather will still help suppress things for you."

"These four thousand people, innocent or not, Grandfather does not care; as long as you are safe, that is the most important matter for the Gu Family and for Grandfather."

Grandfather Gu's words are weighty and heartfelt; this is his teaching.

"Grandson, I understand."

Gu Jin Nian nodded heavily; he kept Grandfather's words in his heart.

"Jin Nian, you must not only understand, but also act."

"Do you know what you will face next?"

Grandfather Gu spoke; this is the third question.

"Please, Grandfather, guide me."

Regarding state affairs, Gu Jin Nian believes Grandfather knows more than he does, so directly seeking advice is best.

"Jin Nian, before you lie three urgencies and three delays."

Grandfather Gu points out six matters.

"The urgent matter of Confucianism and martial arts."

"Although you have been chosen by the saints as a future saint, that is merely an honorific; whether you can truly become a saint remains unknown. Grandfather certainly hopes you become a saint, but the path to sainthood is harder than ascending to heaven. Even becoming a Half Saint would satisfy Grandfather."

"However, your current Confucian‑Daoist realm is still too low; you must at least become a Great Scholar for Grandfather to be fully at ease. Grandfather is merely mentioning this, not demanding you reach the Great Scholar realm quickly."

"Confucianism and Daoism aren't the martial path; Grandfather Gu understands."

"But regarding the martial path realm, you can't continue like this; you must quickly advance your realm."

"Grandfather Gu knows you have special means to raise the martial path realm; whatever you need, just speak up, and Grandfather Gu will get it for you."

Grandfather Gu spoke, stating what the first urgent matter is.

The martial path realm.

In other words, personal martial strength.

Indeed, one's personal martial strength is too weak—just like this time, surrounded by four thousand attackers; if one were a strong Martial King, there would be no such worry.

Even four thousand iron cavalry couldn't kill me.

What surprised Gu Jin Nian was that Grandfather Gu actually guessed that he had special means to raise his realm.

"Grandfather."

"Actually."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he wanted to tell Grandfather Gu something, but Grandfather Gu shook his head.

"Jin Nian, you don't need to explain anything."

"Just state your request."

Grandfather Gu said, he didn't care what Gu Jin Nian obtained, only that Gu Jin Nian voice his need.

Hearing that, Gu Jin Nian gave no further explanation.

Regarding Grandfather Gu's guess about the Tree of All Beings, Gu Jin Nian wasn't greatly surprised; after all, he had shown some martial path strength, and Grandfather Gu wasn't foolish either.

There were clues everywhere; guessing was quite normal.

"Grandfather, the grandson needs various pills, the more the better, as long as the quality isn't too poor."

Since Grandfather Gu had said that, Gu Jin Nian stopped pretending and directly voiced his need.

Pills.

A large quantity of pills.

"Very well."

"Grandfather Gu will fetch them and deliver them to your academy."

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's request, Grandfather Gu immediately agreed and will get some pills for him.

"Thank you, Grandfather."

Gu Jin Nian beamed with a smile.

With Grandfather Gu's help, becoming a Martial King is no longer difficult.

"With the aid of pills, can one step into the Human-Dragon Realm?"

Grandfather Gu doesn't care what Gu Jin Nian needs; he cares whether Gu Jin Nian can enter the Human-Dragon Realm.

"If the pills are sufficient, one can enter the King Realm."

Gu Jin Nian appeared very confident; as long as the pills are enough, the King Realm is no problem.

Moreover, it's not an ordinary Martial King, but the strongest Martial King.

"Very well."

"Then Grandfather Gu will mobilize all forces to find various Treasure Pills for you."

Grandfather Gu was quite eager; after all, once one becomes a Martial King, self‑preservation is no longer an issue.

Within Da Xia, one can act with unchecked dominance.

After all, a Martial King's combat power is essentially at its peak.

"The first matter can be resolved."

"The second matter concerns state affairs."

"At present, the Court is in a tumultuous season; Da Xia faces external enemies and internal strife. The external foes are manageable with Grandfather Gu's group supporting, but the internal trouble is truly thorny."

"Do you still remember your drowning incident? Grandfather Gu uncovered some clues, but didn't expect the other party to suddenly die the next day—a Marquis died under mysterious circumstances, which greatly shocked Grandfather Gu."

"To effortlessly cause a noble to die instantly, such a method is terrifying; this person hides within the Court, or rather, is rooted in Da Xia."

"It's not a single individual, but a group—a bunch of people who share common interests; Grandfather Gu can't guess exactly what those are."

"Now that you've entered the Court, it means you're fully within their sight; you will face many enemies, who may be high officials of the Court or an obscure official within the Six Ministries."

"You operate in the light, he in the shadows; therefore you must build your own influence and network. Mr. Wen Jing sent you to the Ministry of Rites so you could spot talent, recommend them, and form your own faction."

"Understood?"

Grandfather Gu continued, this is the second matter.

Establishing one's own influence within the Court—euphemistically, forming a faction; bluntly, forming a clique.

Since ancient times, officials forming cliques have been a grave crime; the light punishment is exile, the severe is beheading.

No matter what identity he assumes, Gu Jin Nian would never consider forming a clique; no persuasion would work, but given the current circumstances, Gu Jin Nian understands very clearly.

Grandfather Gu even lets himself form a clique; the Court's situation is perilous, with many unseen dangers.

Moreover, forming a clique is also for one's own benefit; it's impossible that later, when something happens, one must always rely on one's family's influence, right?

Having one's own influence is the best.

And starting from the Ministry of Rites is indeed good: recruiting talent, befriending allies, recommending confidants; of course, one must be talented and have a clear conscience.

"Grandson, I understand."

Gu Jin Nian replied.

"As for the third matter, it's your marriage."

"Jin Nian, when you return from this trip, you must also come of age; a man should marry and have children early—on one hand Grandfather Gu wants great‑grandchildren, on the other the Gu Family needs to continue its lineage."

"This matter is urgent; what are your thoughts?"

Grandfather Gu spoke, but this third matter made Gu Jin Nian a little silent.

He hadn't expected Grandfather Gu to push for marriage? To be honest, Gu Jin Nian still didn't want to marry and have children so early; the reason is none other than that Gu Jin Nian is a transmigrator, and for his own marriage he still hopes to develop it slowly.

He doesn't want to marry because of offspring, nor does he want to simply pick a beautiful woman and end it that way.

That would be so uninteresting.

Moreover, what does marriage bring to a man? In his previous life Gu Jin Nian had a close friend who got married, and then faced endless nagging and endless picking at him every day.

Every three days a small quarrel, every seven days a big quarrel; even when he went out at night to have a drink with a friend, he had to report back on time, and coming home a bit late meant he would get scolded.

Just like that, why get married? To be frank, Gu Jin Nian is a bit marriage‑phobic.

But the feudal society is a bit better; still, such a marriage is doomed.

"Grandfather, the marriage matter, I haven't decided yet; moreover, as long as the Xiongnu aren't destroyed, how can there be a home?"

"Do not take a wife."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head and said firmly.

When that was said, Grandfather Gu became a bit irritated.

"Whether the Xiongnu are destroyed or not, what does it have to do with you?"

"This matter, I have already discussed with the Emperor; when you are ennobled as a marquis, we will find you a minister's daughter. Your uncle's intention is that you marry a princess, or a commandery princess."

"Those few girls from the Immortal Sect, you'd better not think too much; people of the Immortal Sect are not as simple as they appear. They come for your immortal spirit root, and their motives are impure."

"If you truly like them, then Grandfather will step in, have them leave the Immortal Sect, and properly marry into our Gu Family."

Grandfather Gu spoke, not allowing Gu Jin Nian to refuse.

Anyway, the marriage must be completed early; no delays allowed.

"Let's discuss later."

"Grandfather, what are the remaining three matters?"

Gu Jin Nian brushed it off casually.

Anyway, he doesn't involve himself in this topic; he'll pretend to be dead for now and speak later.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian like that, Grandfather Gu had nothing much to say for a moment; after all, he's his own grandson, and talking more would be pointless.

"These remaining three matters aren't urgent, but you must remember that sooner or later you'll have to make a choice."

Grandfather Gu mentioned the remaining three matters.

"First, the struggle for the throne: the Crown Prince and Prince Qin are both very serious about it, but there are also people in the court who covet the throne. These people have enough patience; they won't surface until the critical moment. Your drowning incident, including matters of Jiangning Commandery and White Heron Prefecture, likely all bear their shadows."

"There are princes who are unwilling to accept it and also want to vie for the throne, but they aren't like that young Prince Qin. Prince Qin dares to act and take responsibility; his methods are open and upright, unlike those people who act covertly and schemingly."

"Who is secretly trying to seize the throne, Grandfather can't control, because once our Gu Family steps in, whether we back the Crown Prince or Prince Qin, the outcome will be certain."

"Grandfather does not take part in this matter; this matter must be decided by you. In that case, this massive Dragon‑following merit will fall onto your shoulders."

Grandfather Gu spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he said this.

The struggle for the throne.

Indeed, it's no small matter.

And it is also a problem that the Gu Family will soon face; Grandfather has made it clear: other princes covet the throne, and this particular prince uses underhanded methods, already in secret contact with some people.

Therefore the Gu Family must make an appearance.

In the struggle for the throne, whether it's the Crown Prince or Prince Qin, if the Gu Family supports either side, it can alter Da Xia's future configuration.

This is also why ministers in the court repeatedly attack the Gu Family; most officials are aligned with the Crown Prince, and because the Gu Family hasn't chosen to support the Crown Prince, they see it as a threat.

Of course, the Gu Family's formidable power indeed makes the Emperor wary; who becomes emperor should not be decided by the Gu Family, but by the emperor himself.

This is also why Grandfather Gu stubbornly refuses to take part in the struggle for the throne; even if the Emperor leans toward the Crown Prince, he still does not get involved.

But now it's different.

The Gu Family has produced Gu Jin Nian, a descendant who can stabilize the Gu Family's foundation.

So, this Dragon‑following merit can be taken by Gu Jin Nian, further solidifying the Gu Family's position.

Can't afford not to take it.

"Fine, grandson, consider it carefully."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; regarding the struggle for the throne, it's enough that he has his own thoughts, and as for whom to support, he'll see later.

Earlier he had promised Li Ji, but times change; he'll see the specifics later.

"Second, the transition between the old and the new: if this time the twelve cities are retaken, everything in Da Xia will undergo the old‑new transition."

"It won't be long before the transition arrives, possibly in a storm‑like surge; you also need to be mentally prepared."

Grandfather Gu spoke.

The transition between the old and the new is indeed imminent; after all, the Emperor is old, his grandfather is old, and the whole court's civil and military officials are old.

A new generation needs to appear, to change the scenery.

"Grandson, I understand."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Third, the struggle for Heaven's Mandate: Grandfather has obtained some information; this struggle for Heaven's Mandate will in the future evolve many divine artifacts, and the holder of Heaven's Mandate can use these artifacts to step into the eighth realm."

"This matter isn't urgent, but it should be kept in mind."

Grandfather Gu mentioned the third matter.

These three matters aren't urgent now; they are long‑term goals.

The struggle for the throne, to solidify position.

The transition between the old and the new, to prepare for the future.

The struggle for Heaven's Mandate, the ultimate goal.

Gu Jin Nian firmly kept these three matters in his heart; these things occasionally need to be taken out and carefully pondered.

"Grandfather Gu, I will definitely keep these firmly in mind."

Gu Jin Nian said earnestly.

"Alright, just remember it well."

Grandfather Gu nodded with satisfaction.

Thus, in the jade carriage, the two remained silent.

But after a while, Gu Jin Nian's voice inevitably rose.

"Grandfather Gu, now that we've returned to the border, if Prince Ning comes with men, should we spare Li Lengxin?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth and asked the question he had wanted to ask.

Grandfather Gu did not kill Li Lengxin, but crippled his both legs and arms.

This means he might choose to let Li Lengxin live, but it's uncertain, so he could only ask Grandfather Gu.

"No."

"Grandfather Gu wants Prince Ning to kill Li Lengxin right in front of him."

However, Grandfather Gu was extremely domineering and said exactly this.

He won't spare Li Lengxin; he wants to kill him in Prince Ning's presence.

To make Li Lengxin utterly desperate.

At the same time, he gave Prince Ning a hard slap.

Obviously, Grandfather Gu intends to use Prince Ning to establish his own authority.

He uses this incident to warn those with ulterior motives.

Meanwhile.

Western border of Da Xia.

Inside Prince Ning's residence.

An urgent military disciplinary report was delivered to Prince Ning's residence at once.

Prince Ning's study.

This is Prince Ning's study.

At this moment, a figure rushed into Prince Ning's study at breakneck speed.

"Your Highness."

"A serious matter has arisen: Lord Zhen Guo intervened, wounded General Zhou, and seized the Black Water Iron Cavalry as well."

As the voice rang out.

In the study, the middle‑aged man practicing calligraphy suddenly halted his brush.

In the study stood a middle‑aged man with a square face, a stern countenance, wearing a python robe, exuding an extremely powerful aura.

Especially his eyebrows, sharply slanted downward, gave a sense of keen edge.

This is Prince Ning of Da Xia; in fact, Emperor Yong Sheng still calls him brother.

Second Prince of Da Xia.

Now stationed in the western border, he is effectively the local emperor there. When Emperor Jiande first considered reducing the fiefs, Prince Ning was the top candidate, but civil officials strongly opposed, believing Prince Ning was too powerful; cutting him first would likely spark rebellion.

It would easily provoke Prince Ning's revolt, so they had to start reducing the weaker princes.

Like boiling a frog in warm water.

But they overlooked an important point: reducing fiefs must be done in one decisive push or not at all; trying to cut fiefs while saving face, attempting to do it standing up, is obviously unreasonable.

Thus, once the reduction began, Prince Ning immediately began inciting other princes to rebel.

At first no one heeded him, but as things grew increasingly amiss, Emperor Yong Sheng raised troops in rebellion, and Prince Ning had originally intended to reap the benefits.

Although he aided Emperor Yong Sheng, his early contribution was modest; only later, after Emperor Yong Sheng promised countless rewards, did Prince Ning agree to assist him.

In the end, he became the ruler of the western border, gaining some benefits, though few.

Precisely because of this, Prince Ning became a thorn in the court; both for Emperor Yong Sheng and the ministers, Emperor Yong Sheng betrayed Prince Ning.

Prince Ning could not possibly forget the grudge.

It's simply that the overall situation is already decided, and he is powerless to reverse it.

Now thirteen years have passed; no one knows what this prince is thinking, nor what he intends to do.

However, everyone in the western border knows that Prince Ning dotes excessively on his two sons.

The elder heir, Li Lengqiu, and the younger heir Li Lengxin.

These two heirs are Prince Ning's cherished treasures; no matter what mistakes they make, Prince Ning will not blame them, instead thinking others have provoked his sons.

It is precisely this indulgence that makes the two heirs lawless in the western border.

Nevertheless, the two heirs are also clever; they cause trouble only in the western border and never elsewhere.

But the soldiers of the western border are also curious: while Prince Ning's affection for his offspring is understandable, such excessive pampering is odd, to the point that they sometimes cannot tolerate it.

Yet no one dares to voice an opinion, because those who have spoken have already died.

At present.

As the messenger's voice rang out.

In the study.

Prince Ning's complexion instantly darkened.

"Lord Zhen Guo has also seized my Black Water Iron Cavalry?"

He looked at the other, his voice cold.

"Your Highness, aside from General Zhou Wei and a few others, everyone else has been escorted by Lord Zhen Guo to the border."

"Lord Zhen Guo says you should go to the Da Xia border yourself to give him an answer."

The messenger opened his mouth, lowered his head, and dared not look at Prince Ning. "Will I, the Prince, give an explanation?"

Prince Ning looked at the other party and asked in this way, his voice devoid of anger, appearing exceedingly calm.

"Reply, Your Highness."

"The Duke Zhen Guo said exactly that."

The latter replied.

He affirmed this fact.

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning's expression turned solemn, his thoughts unreadable.

About a quarter of an hour later,

Prince Ning's voice rang out.

"Prepare the horses; I, the Prince, will personally go to the frontier main camp."

"Send a memorial to Da Xia Capital, impeaching the Duke Zhen Guo for leaving the military camp without authorization."

"Draft another letter to petition His Majesty for clemency, granting extralegal mercy and bestowing innocence upon Leng Xin."

"Go quickly."

Prince Ning spoke, issuing two orders.

After saying this, Prince Ning did not linger; he mounted his warhorse and prepared to depart, taking only a few hundred elite troops.

He is Prince Ning.

The ruler of the western frontier, if war had not broken out at the border, all people of the west would have to act according to his mood.

He fears not the Duke Zhen Guo.

The words "Prince Ning"

represent everything.

Yet just before he set out, he couldn't help but pause and say,

"Inform Prince Leng Qiu of this matter and hurry to notify him."

Prince Ning spoke, and after saying this, he left directly.

The latter immediately committed it to memory, but some soldiers couldn't help being curious: what good is telling this to Prince Leng Qiu? What else can he do? Given Prince Leng Qiu's temperament, it would likely only make the matter worse.

But since it was the Prince's command, they had little to argue about.

At this moment, it was the hour of You.

Within the Twelve Cities.

Inside a government office.

Thousands of elite soldiers tightly surrounded the place; inside the office were the Ministers of Rites of three great dynasties, plus the Minister of Rites of the Xiongnu Nation.

One could say that the diplomatic ministers of the Ministry of Rites from four nations were all present.

If any mishap occurred, it would trigger a war among the three dynasties.

This is no joke.

The Ministry of Rites is the diplomatic department of a dynasty; during inter‑dynastic exchanges, its safety is paramount. No matter the cause, if a Minister of Rites is killed, regardless of which dynasty he belongs to,

it would be regarded as a declaration of war.

Unless the exact cause of death can be investigated.

And inside the office,

envoys from each nation were engaged in fierce verbal sparring, each sharper than the last.

"Eighty million taels of silver, you refuse to give."

"One hundred iron mines, you also refuse."

"You still won't give the Da Xia Dragon Cannon."

"All you offer is to amend the historical records; you expect the Xiongnu Nation to return the Twelve Cities—are you, Da Xia, being overly idealistic?"

The Minister of Rites of the Xiongnu Nation spoke, his voice tinged with anger, resisting the conditions put forth by Da Xia Chancellor Li Shan.

Hearing this, Li Shan took a sip of tea calmly, looked at the Xiongnu Nation's Minister of Rites, and slowly spoke.

"The Xiongnu Nation has had its national fortune diminished three times."

"The morale of the Da Xia Dynasty soars like a rainbow."

"With one side weakening and the other strengthening, what right do you Xiongnu have to negotiate terms with Da Xia?"

"Moreover, this is not a return; for Da Xia, it is merely reclaiming what belongs to us."

"If you refuse, Da Xia will retrieve it by another means."

"But when that time comes, any loss will be borne by your nation."

Li Shan's tone was calm, yet behind that calm lay the grandeur of a great nation.

He was very firm.

Throughout the negotiation, Li Shan was exceptionally uncompromising; no matter how much the other side babbled, he refused any silver compensation, mines, and so on.

The only request he was willing to grant was the amendment of the historical records.

Beyond that, he refused any substantive restitution.

"Since the Da Xia Dynasty takes this stance, we have no need to remain here any longer."

The Minister of Rites of the Xiongnu Nation sighed; he was no longer as vehement as before and no longer wished to negotiate with the Da Xia Dynasty.

Hearing this, Yang Kai couldn't help but frown slightly.

As the Da Xia Minister of Rites, Yang Kai also had a measure of tolerance regarding this negotiation.

Li Shan was correct; he was safeguarding the interests of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Yet the other side was not being unreasonable; after all, returning the Twelve Cities and demanding a few items was quite reasonable.

It's as if the Da Xia Dynasty seized another's lands; even when returning them, it would still demand conditions and take a slight advantage.

Otherwise, returning it for free, no dynasty would be willing.

The contradictions between the parties in this peace talk are too great.

It's just that he truly has nothing to say.

At the same time, Yang Kai was also very surprised; logically, given Li Shan's temperament, he shouldn't be like this.

But he didn't expect Li Shan to be so hard‑line on this matter.

"Alright, alright."

Just then, the voice of the Great Jin Dynasty's Minister of Rites sounded, stopping the Xiongnu envoy from leaving.

In an instant, everyone's gaze inevitably focused on him.

Feeling the crowd's stare, the Great Jin envoy was straightforward and addressed the assembly.

"Today, Great Jin and the Fuyu Dynasty have specially come here to reconcile the disputes between the two nations."

"Harumu, these twelve border cities are undeniably Da Xia Dynasty's territory; returning the twelve cities is for the sake of friendship between the two nations."

"Demanding so much silver and privileges is excessive."

The Great Jin envoy opened, and his first sentence was to criticize the Xiongnu Nation.

When those words were spoken, the latter remained silent but clearly showed some resentment.

Since the Great Jin envoys had all spoken, he also had little to say.

But soon, the Great Jin envoy looked at Li Shan.

"Prime Minister Li."

"The Da Xia Dynasty also has some faults; after all, the Xiongnu Nation, for the sake of bilateral friendship, voluntarily wishes to return the twelve cities, yet Prime Minister Zhang's every word seems to signal war."

"That is indeed rather overbearing."

"Although the Xiongnu Nation's fortunes have waned, say a thousand or ten thousand times, the Xiongnu have not been destroyed, and their iron cavalry remains unscathed; if war truly breaks out, Da Xia will also suffer a painful cost."

"There's no need for that."

The Great Jin envoy spoke, offering little blame but still saying a sentence.

Each side having one person speak a line is fairly balanced.

"It's not that Prime Minister's words are harsh; rather, the Xiongnu Nation remains smug, having launched a surprise attack on Da Xia's twelve cities—this is Da Xia's disgrace, not the Xiongnu's glory."

"In short, no compensation will be given."

Li Shan spoke, his stance still resolute, not wavering at all.

Seeing Li Shan like that, Yang Kai also said nothing; after all, if a settlement could be reached this way, it would be something he gladly witnesses.

"Lord Chen Song, since the Da Xia Dynasty takes this stance, the Xiongnu Nation will now prepare to return and fight."

Harumu took a deep breath, and after saying this, rose immediately, intending to leave the place.

Obviously, he did not wish to continue the talks.

With those words, the Fuyu Dynasty envoy spoke.

"Why must it be so?"

"Today is the day of peace talks, not a place to argue."

"Everyone, let's first calm down; both sides take a step back, or perhaps we can think of other ways to cushion the situation a bit?"

The Fuyu envoy rose and spoke; with the two great dynasties sandwiched in the middle, it's difficult, and whenever talks stall, both great dynasties exert all effort to make everyone sit comfortably.

They seemed eager to push this peace talk to success.

However, as the Fuyu envoy said, the crowd indeed fell silent.

Everyone remained silent, quietly weighing pros and cons.

Thus, for a full half‑hour, the hall was utterly silent, so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping.

The atmosphere became extremely awkward for a while.

Until finally, Chen Song spoke, breaking the silence and awkwardness.

"Actually, I have thought of a method."

"I wonder if it could ease everyone's trouble."

With those words, everyone couldn't help but look curiously at Chen Song.

"I, the old man, think as follows."

"Prime Minister Li, you simply don't want to part with gold and silver, deeming it unreasonable; within that logic, I approve."

"And Mr. Harumu, you merely think that returning the twelve cities without any recompense is unacceptable, right?"

Chen Song voiced the two's concerns.

"Correct."

"Indeed."

Both spoke frankly, with no concealment whatsoever.

Having received their answers, Chen Song continued.

"Then, would this be acceptable?"

"The Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty do not wish for war; now that Heaven's Mandate has emerged, we should forge ahead for the people, therefore, the Fuyu Dynasty shall pay thirty million taels of silver to the Xiongnu Nation."

"And our Great Jin Dynasty will dispatch one hundred thousand monks to the Xiongnu Nation and the Da Xia Dynasty to build temples and perform rites for restless souls; this will boost the fortunes of both the Xiongnu and Da Xia."

"It can be seen as compensation for past mistakes, and if the Da Xia Dynasty puts aside prejudice and revises the histories, what do you all think?"

"Of course, all costs for the monks will be borne by our Great Jin Dynasty; neither the Da Xia Dynasty nor the Xiongnu Nation need to pay anything."

Chen Song spoke, expressing his own idea.

The Fuyu Dynasty provides the silver.

Great Jin Dynasty sends monks to build temples, liberate dead souls, thereby increasing the nation's fortune.

Upon hearing this, the crowd indeed seemed a bit surprised.

This Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty actually are willing to open their own wallets just to avoid declaring war?

That is somewhat thought‑provoking.

However, the words "Heaven's Mandate" were mentioned.

Everyone's attention inevitably focused on that, for the phrase Heaven's Mandate is indeed very alluring.

The two great dynasties would rather spend their own money, so they must have some scheme; this Heaven's Mandate is worth studying.

Otherwise, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty would be eager for the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation to declare war, even hoping both sides are crippled.

But that would also be a good thing.

After all, Da Xia does nothing else; merely revising a history book can obtain the twelve cities, which is better than they had expected.

As for monks coming to build temples, that is not a bad thing either.

Liberating the dead souls is also beneficial to Da Xia, as it can increase its national fortune.

This is indeed a decent choice.

"No."

"Thirty‑hundred‑million taels of silver is not enough."

"Five‑hundred‑million taels of silver, plus fifty iron ore deposits."

"This is the Xiongnu Nation's final bottom line."

Ha Lumu spoke, thinking the thirty‑hundred‑million taels of silver were insufficient.

"Three hundred million taels of silver is already a lot."

"Moreover, the Xiongnu Nation's fortune has already begun to decline; inviting monks to liberate resentful souls can at least make up for a bit."

"If the Xiongnu Nation truly refuses, then the Great Jin Dynasty will withdraw from the reconciliation."

Chen Song became somewhat irritated.

To onlookers, the Xiongnu Nation indeed seemed greedy.

"The Fuyu Dynasty also withdraws from the reconciliation."

The Fuyu Dynasty spoke as well, apparently trying to pressure the other side.

As expected, when the talk reached this point, Ha Lumu dared not be boisterous.

He fell silent briefly, pondering.

Finally he sighed and said,

"Five hundred million taels of silver, the iron ore can be omitted; that is the final demand."

Ha Lumu declared that the iron ore mines are not needed, but the five hundred million taels of silver must be taken.

Upon this statement,

the envoys of the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty both frowned.

Yet the two looked at each other, I looked at you, you looked at me.

After about half a quarter‑hour, they all nodded.

"Five hundred million taels of silver is acceptable."

"It's settled then."

"Li Xiang, Lord Yang, what do you think?"

Chen Song nodded, answered affirmatively, and turned his gaze toward Li Shan and Yang Kai.

"If it is only this request, Da Xia can comply."

"Lord Yang, what is your view?"

Li Shan did not hesitate and agreed immediately.

Because this condition is indeed far better than expected.

The twelve border cities are returned, and Da Xia's national fortune is strengthened.

No silver needs to be paid out; it is as if Da Xia regains the twelve cities for free, and with monks coming to liberate dead souls, the Da Xia Dynasty also gains national fortune.

No matter how you look at it, Da Xia suffers no loss, only benefits, no drawbacks.

"Regarding this matter."

"I find it feasible."

"But, since it involves the outcome of the peace talks, I must still consult His Majesty."

Yang Kai actually agrees with this view, but the matter still needs to be asked of the Eternal Prosperous Emperor; of course whether to ask the emperor is not the main point.

Rather, Gu Jin Nian is not present.

The decision must be made by Gu Jin Nian.

However, when Yang Kai said this, the Fuyu Dynasty envoy's voice could not help but rise.

"Fuyu and the Great Jin Dynasty, why reconcile war while paying such a huge price?"

"Yet they did not expect the Da Xia Dynasty still gives no face."

"Lord Yang, the silver need not come from you, the mines are not required, the Da Xia dragon cannon need not be produced; now only a revision of the history book is needed— is that not acceptable?"

"Revising the history book is also to promote friendship between the two nations, not for any other scheme."

"Could it be that revising the history book would damage Da Xia's national fortune?"

The Fuyu envoy sounded a bit irritated.

Indeed, he is right; revising the history book is neither a huge nor a trivial matter, but if a revision can recover the twelve border cities, that is truly a cause for celebration.

Hearing this, Yang Kai could not help but speak out immediately.

"I, this old man, do not mean that."

"I just think it necessary to report something to His Majesty."

Yang Kai spoke.

"Enough."

"I will take charge of this matter."

"The peace terms can be accepted."

But the next moment, Li Shan opened his mouth; he was not verbose and directly agreed to the peace terms.

These peace terms will certainly be a good thing for Da Xia.

"Good."

"Then let's proceed according to this."

The envoys of the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty instantly showed delight.

However, at that moment, Harumu continued speaking.

"There is one more condition."

"Add a defensive line."

"Since the twelve cities are to be returned, beyond the twelve cities a defensive line must be added; otherwise the Xiongnu nation will be in constant danger."

Harumu spoke; this was his additional condition.

"If it is within Da Xia's jurisdiction, this condition can be accepted."

Before Yang Kai could speak, Li Shan directly agreed.

Adding a defensive line is also acceptable.

The premise is that it be under the supervision of the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Agreed."

Harumu nodded and agreed.

Thus, the others gave Yang Kai almost no chance to speak.

They directly drafted a peace treaty.

Li Shan was straightforward, intending to sign the peace treaty on behalf of the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Lord Li, this matter must be reported to His Majesty; it cannot be signed here,"

Yang Kai spoke, strongly urging Li Shan not to.

Although he thought the terms were good, he still felt something was amiss and needed to ask His Majesty.

"I will take responsibility for this matter,"

"If we do not sign now, and the situation worsens, it will not be a good thing for Da Xia,"

"Sir Yang, do you truly wish to see Da Xia declare war?"

Li Shan looked at Yang Kai, his voice calm but his gaze extremely sharp.

For a moment, Yang Kai fell silent.

And finally, under Li Shan's maneuver,

the peace treaty

was also completed.

In an instant, the entire prefectural city became lively.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

The next day arrived.

Northwestern frontier.

Within the ancient city, military camps clustered; this border ancient city, named Tongguan City, is a place specifically for soldiers to reside.

And at this moment.

Hundreds of li away.

A long procession headed toward Tongguan City.

This was Gu Jin Nian's contingent.

But at that moment, a figure rushed swiftly toward the procession.

When the figure appeared before the procession,

A deep voice immediately sounded.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"By Sir Yang's order, I come to inform Your Highness."

"Lord Li has already signed the peace treaty with the three great dynasties."

"Please, Your Highness, proceed swiftly to the border ancient city."

The voice said again.

In the jade carriage,

Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned, while Grandfather Gu couldn't help but show a faint cold smile. — Sorry.

First, I took the six‑o'clock morning train, hadn't slept all night, rode the train while typing and spitting.

Finally arrived in the afternoon, then various nucleic‑acid tests, inspections, information registrations; back at the lodging I felt miserable all afternoon and dared not sleep.

Now that I've finally finished, I'm truly sorry; I hope everyone can forgive me. I went to sleep in July; tomorrow I'll get up and try to finish as early as possible.

(End of chapter)