Chapter 91: Declare War? The Emperor

A marriage alliance.

Yes, the Xiongnu Nation proposed a marriage alliance.

Inside the Kong family hall in the capital.

Yang Kai stared at the letter in his hand and fell silent.

To speak plainly, what Yang Kai hopes most is that the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation never go to war.

Now, the Xiongnu Nation has captured the mastermind and simultaneously beheaded the leaders of Da Xia Dynasty troops.

It can be seen as giving the Da Xia Dynasty the greatest face, and the murderer truly is not a Xiongnu.

Of course, whether that is true is unclear, but on the surface their actions appear exceedingly benevolent.

Between great powers it's about appearances; as long as everyone can save face, everything is negotiable.

After all, no one wants war; you give me a step, I give you a step. Now the Xiongnu Nation has indeed offered a step, and it's a big one.

They've even killed their own people; this face‑saving is enough to quell all domestic grievances.

But the sole condition makes Yang Kai frown.

A marriage alliance?

It's not that a marriage alliance is shameful, but the Da Xia Dynasty allying with the Xiongnu is something he never imagined.

Will the common folk resent this? That's the first issue.

The second matter is that the Xiongnu Nation slaughters its own people, which is costly; after all there's a saying that you help relatives but not reason, and unless the impact is huge, they wouldn't kill their own.

Will those soldiers become disheartened? In short, the whole affair is that someone impersonated the Xiongnu, committing arson and looting; it's clear the culprit is neither a Da Xia citizen nor a Xiongnu civilian.

In any case, someone pretended, Da Xia assumed it was the Xiongnu, and without concrete evidence, a Da Xia Dynasty officer disobeyed orders and slashed Xiongnu cavalry, only to be reported himself.

From the Xiongnu Nation's viewpoint, the killing isn't wrong; after all, they're not cowardly.

Yet the Xiongnu King chose to kill his own men, giving the Da Xia Dynasty a step, even at the cost of offending the entire army; the face‑saving is huge, even demoting himself would be insufficient.

Nevertheless, all this was done solely for the marriage alliance.

It's rather odd.

If the Xiongnu Nation acted thus and then demanded other benefits, they'd think it fine; but merely a marriage alliance feels oddly strange, far too strange.

It's not that a marriage alliance is difficult; it's actually very easy.

From Yang Kai's perspective, a marriage alliance is nothing more than selecting a princess to send off in marriage.

Then the two nations are friendly—your good, my good—no border wars, maintaining balance, and even because of the alliance, your people can trade here, my people can trade there.

I need iron ore, you need firewood, rice, oil, and salt; how great would the benefits be? How much advantage? If war breaks out, before the armies move, supplies go first. The treasury still holds thirty to forty million taels of silver, which would be entirely allocated to war reserves—first rewarding the three armies, then buying provisions, and commissioning workers to forge weapons.

Domestically, war would drive prices up; aristocratic families would certainly seize the opportunity, and even those not far from the border would likely purchase iron ore, forge weapons, and sell them to the Xiongnu.

Once the war starts, beyond supplies and provisions, each death warrants a bounty of five hundred taels of silver, tax exemption for the whole family for three years, plus other perks—for example, if a male descendant is born, he may attend a private school with half the tuition waived by the court.

These are the Da Xia soldiers' benefits; thus they can fight with peace of mind, knowing the Da Xia will take care of them after death.

In such a great war, tens of thousands of deaths are not an exaggeration, especially in siege battles.

According to the emperor's temperament, the war would last at least half a year, with casualties likely reaching a hundred thousand.

Just the silver amounts to fifty million taels in compensation, plus other items, no less than one hundred and fifty million taels of silver.

The rest need not be mentioned.

But if a princess is sent for a marriage alliance, the loss is directly capped at thirty to forty million taels of silver, and trade would be boosted, potentially earning thirty to forty million taels of silver over ten years; rounding the profit.

That's a hundred million taels of silver.

The Da Xia Dynasty's annual treasury intake is twenty million taels of silver; a woman brings five years' tax revenue.

Isn't that a good thing? In other words, regardless of silver, sacrificing one person to save the lives of a hundred thousand soldiers makes the deal priceless.

One could say the marriage alliance is no issue; the entire court, civil and military, would agree, even the emperor himself.

Only he feels this matter is somehow different.

"Lord Yang, after such long contemplation, do you think the marriage alliance is inappropriate?"

Kong Ping spoke, looking at Yang Kai, and asked.

Upon hearing that, Yang Kai immediately shook his head.

"The marriage alliance itself isn't improper, but the Xiongnu Nation's actions, merely for a simple alliance, are puzzling," Yang Kai replied.

He voiced his inner doubts.

At that, Kong Ping smiled faintly and replied, "In fact, the Xiongnu Nation's intent is obvious."

"Their national fortune has been diminished, so they are anxious, fearing the Da Xia Dynasty might declare war."

"Thus they choose a marriage alliance to ease relations; moreover, the twelve border towns, though occupied by the Xiongnu, are unsuitable for their people, lacking many supplies, which can only be purchased and transported by Da Xia."

"Otherwise, relying on the Fuyu Dynasty, the same item costs at least three times more. Lord Yang may not know that a bronze mirror sold by the Fuyu Dynasty to the Xiongnu costs fifteen taels of silver, whereas a bronze mirror at the Da Xia border is only three to four taels."

"In this way, under the guise of a marriage alliance, they smooth relations and promote mutual trade, a win‑win—this is the Xiongnu Nation's intent."

"Lord Yang, you are overthinking it."

Kong Ping smiled as he spoke, his analysis coherent and exuding confidence.

At that, Yang Kai couldn't help but nod.

He was right; the main border city of Da Xia is only fifty li from the twelve towns, yet that modest fifty li brings massive change.

Da Xia's border strictly forbids trade with the Xiongnu Nation; being caught is a death sentence. Though some take the risk, the stringent border control and numerous bandits make it impossible.

Consequently, Da Xia's goods cannot enter the Xiongnu Nation.

Thus the Xiongnu Nation can only rely on the Great Jin Dynasty to the north or the Fuyu Dynasty to the south.

The Great Jin Dynasty is acceptable; its prices aren't too high, though it lacks many resources and its craftsmanship isn't as good as Da Xia or Fuyu.

But the Fuyu Dynasty's prices are three times those of Da Xia.

Thus the common folk can't afford it; yet moving into the city forces them to abandon their plain‑life habits, leaving them with no choice.

These are all problems.

Therefore, Kong Ping's words are indeed reasonable.

"If that's the case, I will now enter the palace and inform His Majesty."

Yang Kai nodded.

Although I don't know what the Xiongnu State is really thinking, regardless, not going to war is a good thing for the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Please go slowly, Sir Yang."

Kong Ping stood up and saw Yang Kai off.

After Yang Kai left.

The smile on Kong Ping's face grew even richer.

The steward entered, said nothing, and just waited for Kong Ping to speak.

"Tell the clan chief, the matter has been settled."

Kong Ping spoke, ordering the steward to make a trip.

"Yes."

The latter nodded and slowly retreated.

After the steward left, Kong Ping's gaze unconsciously turned toward the northwest, that direction being the Xiongnu State, but also the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation.

At the same time.

After leaving the Kong Family's Main Residence, Yang Kai did not go directly to the palace, but went to the Ministry of Rites to handle some official documents.

It's not that he didn't trust the Kong Family's news; on the contrary, he believed the news transmitted by the Kong Family was certainly without problem.

However, the Six Ministries of Da Xia, such a huge organization, had not received the latest news, yet the Kong Family somehow learned of it first—this is problematic.

However, such vast intelligence capabilities are not without reason for the Kong Family, after all, Kong family students are spread across the world; even in the Xiongnu State, many people revere the Kong Family and take the sage as their teacher.

The Crown Prince of the Xiongnu State especially venerates the sage of all ages, that is Confucius, and has an excellent relationship with the Kong Family, often wishing to become a disciple of the Kong Family, but due to his exceedingly special status, the Kong Family has not yet agreed.

Getting advance notice of the information is not really a big problem.

But if I were to truly bring this information to see His Majesty, I fear it would provoke His Majesty's displeasure.

Since the Kong Family can obtain the news, it won't be long before border news also reaches the Ministry of Rites.

Once the news arrives at the Ministry of Rites, then going to the palace will avoid causing these troubles.

But just then, a voice sounded from outside.

"Sir Yang, your granddaughter is outside requesting an audience."

As the voice sounded, inside the room, Yang Kai was somewhat surprised, not expecting his granddaughter to come so properly? "Let her in."

Yang Kai spoke, although he was a bit curious, but he still spoke up immediately.

Soon, two figures appeared, one was Yang Hanrou, the other was the Yaochi Fairy.

"Grandfather."

Upon entering the Minister's Office, Yang Hanrou shouted.

Looking at his granddaughter, Yang Kai's mood softened a bit, but upon glancing at the Yaochi Fairy, he involuntarily spoke.

"Is this person a disciple of the Linglong Immortal Palace?"

Yang Kai spoke, he didn't put on airs, nor did he seem particularly special, just asking a question.

"Junior Yaochi, my master is the Linglong Palace Master, I pay my respects to my senior."

The Yaochi Fairy, still following the manner of immortals, bowed to Yang Kai.

Yang Kai nodded, then looked toward his granddaughter.

"How did you suddenly come running? At this time, you should be in class, right?"

Yang Kai, curious, looked at Yang Hanrou and asked thus.

"The teacher has assigned us new homework."

"My granddaughter doesn't quite understand, so she came to ask you."

Yang Hanrou wore a smile, after all, it's her grandfather, so she seemed quite casual.

"What matter could make you so hurried?"

Yang Kai spoke, inquiring of his own granddaughter.

"Grandfather, do you know about the Zhang Ming case of White Egret Prefecture?"

Yang Hanrou spoke, asking directly.

"The Zhang Ming case?"

Yang Kai didn't understand, and at the same time frowned; what business does a case like this have involving his granddaughter? Yang Hanrou didn't waste words, directly telling Yang Kai the full story.

After the explanation was finished, Yang Kai couldn't help but frown.

"Ten-day immediate execution?"

Yang Kai frowned, and after hearing it also felt problematic; a criminal case, no matter what, cannot be concluded in eleven days, and moreover they were killed outright.

This is a serious problem.

But soon, Yang Kai couldn't help but speak.

"Is this about the tenth year of Yongsheng?"

Yang Kai seemed to have thought of something, and thus said.

"Yes, grandfather, it's exactly the matter of ten years."

Yang Hanrou nodded.

"Then grandfather knows, the Ministry of Punishments was reformed, the White Autumn Prefecture experienced a human trafficking incident, two hundred girls drowned while crossing the river, the governor of White Autumn Prefecture concealed and deceived, using the Ministry of Punishments' statutes, deceiving for half a year, consequently causing widespread resentment among the people of White Autumn Prefecture, ultimately provoking a heavenly calamity, therefore His Majesty demanded the Ministry of Punishments be reformed, any criminal case must be handled severely and swiftly."

"If there were no problem, a direct verdict, eleven days is indeed a bit fast, but at that time His Majesty was furious, the Ministry of Punishments' special approval was also quite normal, not strange."

"Mr. Su Wenjing giving this to you as an assignment—what does it mean?"

Yang Kai remembered; if it were any other day, he would think there was a problem, and the eleven‑day beheading was obviously problematic.

But if it were the tenth year of Yong Sheng, the problem would be smaller: two hundred girls drowned, sparking public anger, shaking court and bureaucracy, dozens of Ministry of Justice officials had their families seized and were beheaded, forcing the Ministry to amend some regulations, mandating that criminal cases be investigated rigorously and swiftly.

It must not be handled in a muddled way, lest similar incidents recur.

Thus the eleven‑day beheading was indeed swift, but at that time it was also a reasonable measure.

"So that's how it is."

"Grandfather, Rou Er understands, I'll leave now."

Yang Hanrou did not answer Yang Kai's question; she also did not know why Su Wenjing did this, and after receiving an answer, she left immediately.

"Okay."

"Return to the Academy and be careful."

"By the way, Hanrou, regardless of whether there is any trick, be cautious; as a daughter, you must never involve yourself recklessly in anything."

Yang Kai added a reminder.

Although he did not know Su Wenjing's intention, taking dossiers from the Ministry of Justice for no reason and assigning them as homework to the students clearly served another purpose.

If it drags them into matters they should not be involved in, trouble will follow, and the Da Xia Academy students are either aristocrats or from prestigious families; once truly entangled, no one dares to act.

"Understood, Grandfather, I'm leaving now."

Yang Hanrou nodded, then hurried away to return to the Da Xia Academy and rejoin the others.

After they left,

a secret report arrived swiftly.

"Minister, a border intelligence report,"

When the official entered, Yang Kai immediately took the report, read it, and his face showed certainty.

Indeed, just as the Kong family said, the Xiongnu king killed those generals, released over a hundred captives, sent envoys to negotiate with Da Xia, and also sought a marriage alliance.

Having received the report, Yang Kai did not waste time and rushed at once to the Prime Minister's Residence.

He needed to discuss a few matters with Li Shan.

Two quarters of an hour later.

Yang Kai, in a hurry, arrived at the Prime Minister's Residence and, without delay, handed the report to Li Shan.

Li Shan examined it carefully, then fell silent.

"Prime Minister, what do you think of this matter?"

Looking at the other's silent expression, Yang Kai could not help asking, wanting to gauge his attitude.

"If it is merely a marriage alliance, there is no great problem; it is a good thing."

"But the Xiongnu state's intention is certainly more than a simple marriage; when you report this, you must choose your words carefully, otherwise any mishap will bring misfortune upon us."

Li Shan opened his mouth; he also did not understand, but he was very supportive of the marriage alliance, saying that sacrificing one woman to bring Da Xia's stability was a good thing.

It is just that the Xiongnu state spent great effort and paid such a high price merely to bring back a princess? That seems illogical.

The problem is, we cannot anticipate what others might calculate; we can only agree for now, but still must speak cautiously, for if anything truly goes wrong and the marriage alliance is seen as your doing, the later reckoning will certainly trouble you.

"I understand," the subordinate said.

Yang Kai nodded; he also knew clearly that Da Xia absolutely could not go to war.

Absolutely not.

Having obtained Li Shan's consent, Yang Kai said no more and headed straight for the Imperial Palace.

He had no hesitation.

Carrying the secret report, he went to the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile,

Inside the palace,

Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Wei Xian stood nearby, recounting some matters within the capital.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Su Wenjing has already assigned the homework, and many nobles have begun investigating the dossier cases,"

"The Crown Prince has visited the Ministry of Justice, and Minister Yang's granddaughter has also gone to the Ministry of Rites,"

Wei Xian spoke, describing earnestly.

"Okay."

Yong Sheng Emperor nodded.

And before him, five identical dossiers were laid out.

They were the dossiers selected by Su Wenjing.

At this moment, Wei Xian could not help speaking.

"Your Majesty, letting the Crown Prince and others investigate this matter—does it have some..."

Wei Xian spoke up.

He was a trusted confidant of the emperor, knew many things, and had some recollection of the Zhang Ming case; that case might involve something huge, though he did not know the specifics.

But letting Gu Jin Nian and his group investigate this matter posed some problems.

"Letting them suffer a loss is a good thing."

"Whether Jin Nian or Da Xia scholars, they need to be tempered."

"Moreover, a group of uncrowned children— even if they truly cause trouble, what can they do?"

"My intention is to let them suffer a loss; otherwise, being protected by their clan, they will eventually cause trouble someday,"

Yong Sheng Emperor said lightly.

Indeed this matter is highly suspicious; he wants to enlist Gu Jin Nian and others to investigate it, because behind it lie many forces—civil officials, military generals, and prestigious noble families—all of which are involved.

Even as emperor, he cannot investigate the matter, but Gu Jin Nian and his companions are different; they are descendants of the powerful.

Having them fill the gap is a good thing.

Just let them fill the gap; he will handle the rest. Of course, if conditions permit, Emperor Yongsheng hopes this group will take a loss.

Suffer a big loss.

Without hardship, how can one become talented?

"Your Majesty, what if the Lord of the Nation?"

Wei Xian continued, saying as follows.

"The Lord of the Nation has already agreed; he is pleased to see this scene."

"No one wishes that their descendants not succeed; Gu Jin Nian has enjoyed the Crown Prince's treatment since childhood, surrounded by fine clothes and delicacies."

"Recently he avenged the people, which was a good deed, but he still broke the rules; the court has its own rules, and the world has its own rules."

"He did a good deed; otherwise, with such behavior, the entire bureaucracy would have impeached him long ago."

"He needs training, and I, the emperor, will train him properly."

Emperor Yongsheng stood up.

Gu Jin Nian's actions, from the common people's perspective, are a good thing; from the scholars' perspective, also a good thing.

But the problem is, he is too reckless; a young man's pride is fine, yet if he were a bit smoother and smarter, that would be better.

Hiding the blade where the enemy cannot see it and delivering a fatal strike at the crucial moment—that is the way of a clever person.

But Gu Jin Nian constantly places the blade in plain sight.

Therefore, he needs to personally teach Gu Jin Nian some principles.

He should carve Gu Jin Nian, this unrefined jade, otherwise with this temperament, disaster will eventually occur.

The Lord of the Nation shares this view, and Su Wenjing holds the same thought, so the three parties' intentions align.

They set this plan.

"Your Majesty is wise."

"If His Highness the Crown Prince solves this case, it will be cause for celebration."

Wei Xian spoke up, offering praise.

"It cannot be solved."

Emperor Yongsheng shook his head and said firmly.

But at the end, he said another sentence.

"If this case is solved, then a marquisate will truly be granted."

The words were whispered, yet Wei Xian beside him heard them and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, Liu Yan's voice sounded from outside.

"Your Majesty."

"Minister of Rites Yang Kai requests an audience, saying a secret report has arrived from the border."

As the voice rang out.

Emperor Yongsheng stepped away from the jade desk, and Wei Xian immediately put the documents on the table away, placing them aside.

"Announce."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke lightly.

Soon, Yang Kai's figure appeared.

He hurried into the main hall and directly presented the secret report.

"I, Yang Kai, salute Your Majesty."

"A secret report has come from the border; I hope Your Majesty will review it."

Yang Kai spoke without any fuss. At that moment, Liu Yan took the secret report and handed it to Emperor Yongsheng.

He opened the report; with a single glance, Emperor Yongsheng finished reading its contents.

"Marriage alliance?"

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, Emperor Yongsheng was also somewhat curious; honestly, if this report hadn't come from Yang Kai, he would have thought it forged.

Although Da Xia is unrivaled in bravery, if it truly went to war with the Xiongnu State, neither side would gain much.

But this time the situation is already set; the Xiongnu State is forcing Da Xia into war, and as the reigning emperor, Emperor Yongsheng would naturally not be weak.

What was unexpected is that the Xiongnu State actually proposed peace; not only peace, but also demanded compensation and apologies—very abnormal—and all their motives turned out to be merely a marriage alliance.

"Your Majesty."

"I think this matter is somewhat suspicious, I think."

Yang Kai spoke; although he wanted to say that ending the war would be fine, this matter truly is somewhat suspicious, and if he didn't speak up, any trouble later would fall on him.

So whether to agree or not depends on the emperor's will.

After all, the Xiongnu State has taken an extremely low stance; to put it bluntly, they are being exceedingly benevolent, and whatever the court's purpose, this war is not a big deal.

"Suspicious?"

"Where does the suspicion come from?"

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Yang Kai and asked lightly.

"The Xiongnu State lowers its stance solely for a marriage alliance; I find it odd. I've thought for a long time but cannot discern the reason; I ask for your forgiveness, Your Majesty, for my dullness."

Yang Kai was quite sly; whether he knew or not, he simply said he didn't know, leaving the emperor to ponder.

In any case, he cannot take the blame.

"If so, the court will discuss this again at tomorrow's morning assembly."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke softly.

Since there is nothing to discuss, there's no need to say anything; we'll discuss it tomorrow.

"Your Majesty."

"I think, whatever the other side's intention, ending the war is best; it would let the Ministries of Revenue and War enjoy peace for a while."

"After all, if it is merely a marriage alliance, I think it's no big deal; after all, marrying off a princess is not a great matter."

Yang Kai spoke up; although he knew these words should not be said, seeing that His Majesty had not given a direct answer, he couldn't help but mention it.

Now the Ministries of War, Revenue, and Works have already begun their tasks; halting them early could save a large amount of unnecessary expense and also quiet the two nations.

So as to avoid complications.

"We'll discuss it again at tomorrow's court meeting."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

He said nothing further; such a major matter must wait for discussion at the court.

"As you command."

Seeing Emperor Yongsheng's stance, Yang Kai also said nothing further.

"Send envoys to the border to negotiate with the Xiongnu Kingdom and see what they truly mean."

But Emperor Yongsheng still spoke in that manner.

"I receive your command."

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Yang Kai's eyes; evidently Emperor Yongsheng had agreed to the matter.

After all, a mere marriage alliance could end the war between the two nations and bring many benefits; it is by no means a losing deal.

Emperor Yongsheng was naturally intrigued, but he felt that the Xiongnu Kingdom had no real need to act that way.

Soon, Yang Kai withdrew from the main hall.

Emperor Yongsheng did nothing else, returned to the jade desk, and had Wei Xian fetch the memorials to begin reviewing them.

But the first memorial concerned matters in the Southeast Sea Island region—pirates, trade, and the like.

Thus.

Until the hour of Hai (11 p. m.).

The sky had already grown dim.

Xiongnu Royal Court.

Two figures stood within the court.

The Xiongnu King and a middle‑aged scholar.

"Your Majesty, we have received reports: the Minister of Rites has met the Da Xia Emperor, and reliable information indicates Da Xia intends a marriage alliance."

The middle‑aged scholar smiled broadly, looking at the Xiongnu King.

Hearing this, the Xiongnu King showed little reaction, but looked at the scholar and said,

"Kong Ru."

"Marrying the Da Xia princess can truly borrow Da Xia's national fortune?"

The Xiongnu King looked at the scholar and asked thus.

Yes.

The person before the Xiongnu King was indeed the Great Scholar of the Kong family.

But this was not unusual; Kong family descendants are spread across the world—Xiongnu Kingdom, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty, Central Continent Kingdom, and almost every power bears the mark of the Kong clan.

Descendants of the sage are immensely numerous.

Although the legitimate line resides in Da Xia, after countless years the Kong family has long understood that one should not place all eggs in a single basket.

The legitimate Kong descendants have also gradually spread to various nations; if the Da Xia Emperor were truly ruthless enough to slaughter the Kong clan completely, the most legitimate bloodline would establish a new legitimate residence.

It is merely a change of location, provided the bloodline remains legitimate.

At that time, Da Xia would also face a flood of criticism, which is why the Da Xia Dynasty originally refrained from attacking the Kong family—a fundamental issue.

"Your Majesty, if we marry the princess into the Xiongnu Kingdom, I have a way to borrow national fortune; not only can we restore the recent loss of fortune, we can even strengthen it considerably."

"The Da Xia Dynasty possesses nine Heavens' Mandates, three of which are integrated into its national fortune; by taking the princess, we can employ celestial secret arts to borrow Da Xia's national fortune."

The Great Scholar of the Kong family spoke, his face full of certainty and confidence.

Upon hearing this, the latter nodded, appearing very satisfied.

"If this can be done, sir, you shall become my national teacher for the Xiongnu!"

The Xiongnu King said with great delight.

When national fortune waned, a host of calamities followed: first, meteors fell from the heavens, killing Xiongnu civilians and scattering livestock; then, for no apparent reason, a demonic strongman appeared, targeting the Xiongnu realm's top warriors.

The losses are already severe; this is the downside of a declining national fortune.

It haunts him constantly, giving him headaches and sleepless nights.

Now that he can restore and even boost his national fortune, he is naturally pleased, especially since a marriage alliance alone can raise it.

For him, this is no difficult task.

"It is you, Your Majesty, who has the resolve to slay two hundred cavalry."

The Great Scholar of the Kong family slowly spoke, saying,

"Not so."

"Without Kong Ru's plan, I would not have thought of this method."

"Now the people have been killed, the rites have been compensated; Da Xia cannot refuse my request."

"Once the national fortune rises, we can recuperate; ten years later, I will ride my horse into Da Xia and seize the entire northwest, and then the Xiongnu Kingdom may be renamed a dynasty."

The Xiongnu King clenched his fists; this is his greatest dream.

Occupying Da Xia is impossible; it's completely unrealistic, but the chance of reclaiming the entire northwest is not small.

If successful, he will be the strongest king on the steppe, the Khagan.

"I hereby offer early congratulations, Your Majesty, on completing your hegemonic feat."

The Great Scholar of the Kong family wore a smile all over his face.

Thus.

Within the Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian and the others were gathered in the pavilion, each with a calm expression.

Gu Jin Nian, Yang Hanrou, Li Ji received identical information.

The Ministry of Punishments has reformed, so this case received a special approval, sentencing eleven days of immediate execution.

There is no problem at all.

About a quarter of an hour later.

Two figures appeared quickly; leading was Wang Fugui, followed by Jiang Yezhou.

The two arrived, somewhat out of breath.

"Any news?"

Seeing the newcomers, Yang Hanrou rose immediately and asked Wang Fugui.

"Huh."

"Huh."

Wang Fugui took a deep breath, then shook his head, his forehead dotted with sweat.

"We've already sent people to investigate, expedited the information, and this matter does have some issues," Wang Fugui said.

Wang Fugui said.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian also rose.

Indeed, with the emperor far away in the mountains, this is Da Xia Capital; although it controls the whole nation, events occurring three thousand li away cannot be examined too closely here.

"What problem?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking Wang Fugui.

"Someone from our clan does business at White Egret Mansion; after questioning many people, this Zhang Ming wasn't a gambler from the start, and he has a daughter, not a son."

"Moreover, there's no selling of wives or daughters; rather, his daughter seems to have disappeared, and later his wife vanished as well."

"So Zhang Ming turned to compulsive gambling; as for selling children, that's unclear, but after his wife and daughter vanished, he drank constantly—he's definitely addicted, and our clan's business is brewing."

"But the incident happened a year or two ago, and Zhang Ming isn't a significant figure; moreover, he only killed a wealthy family's servant, causing no major stir, so little information is known."

Wang Fugui said, this is information coming from White Egret Mansion.

"Daughter?"

"Wife missing? Drinking like a lifeline?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned; these details were not written in the case file.

"The case file has errors?"

Yang Hanrou frowned, couldn't help but speak, appearing somewhat puzzled.

"Not necessarily an error."

"After all, what you know comes from others' words; it may not be true."

"The Ministry of Punishments should have investigated; it would be recorded in the case file, and there wouldn't be a major mistake—otherwise it would be a serious matter."

Su Huaiyu spoke.

He was calm, not believing the case file had errors, but rather that the information was inaccurate.

"Brother Gu, what information did you receive?"

"Is there a problem?"

Jiang Yezhou spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian and asking.

"The Ministry of Punishments reformed, special‑approval case."

Gu Jin Nian answered lightly, yet couldn't help frowning as he looked at the case file on the stone table.

For a moment.

Everyone fell silent.

Each remained mute.

"Actually, in my view we can just summarize directly; at first I thought there was a problem, but after asking people they explained clearly that it's a special‑approval file; perhaps we really overthought it."

Li Ji spoke.

He was indeed very interested at first, thinking they'd crack a big case and show off his ability.

But the result turned out to be the Ministry of Punishments reform; in an instant his interest vanished.

"If it truly is the Ministry of Punishments reform, then there's nothing more to say; perhaps we really overthought it."

Jiang Yezhou also spoke, saying as follows.

"Actually, I think this case file likely has no issues; if it truly involved something, Mr. Wen Jing couldn't have let us handle it."

"After all, we are all scholars; Ministry of Punishments files are not for us to investigate."

Yang Hanrou also spoke.

Logically there's no problem.

"Perhaps we really overthought it."

"Alright, let's set this aside for now; time is still early. If we indeed overthought it, then we'll summarize and submit the report by month's end."

"Everyone, go rest."

Seeing everyone like that, Gu Jin Nian also nodded.

This matter is certainly not as simple as imagined.

There must be hidden intricacies.

However, everyone has obtained too little information, so some confusion is inevitable.

After saying that, Gu Jin Nian set off immediately.

Regardless, there are still more than twenty days, and this kind of matter cannot be rushed.

Gu Jin Nian left.

Su Huaiyu followed with the file in tow.

The others glanced at each other, unsure what to say, and eventually each went back.

On the way back.

Su Huaiyu's voice suddenly rose.

"Actually there is a way to uncover the truth,"

Su Huaiyu spoke, reminding Gu Jin Nian.

"What method?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

"It's actually simple: seeing is believing."

Su Huaiyu calmly said, indicating the only way to solve the case.

Seeing is believing.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly.

"Do you mean go to White Heron Mansion? Investigate in person?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"When the Ministry of Justice investigates, the most direct method is to go personally."

"The file contains little information, and the obtained data is scant; if someone intends to conceal it, being in the capital makes it even harder to learn the details."

"White Heron Mansion is three thousand li away, but if expedited, it can be reached in two days."

Su Huaiyu gave the answer.

What she said was correct.

If one truly wants to investigate the case, a trip would certainly yield results.

In fact, Gu Jin Nian also had this thought, but leaving the capital left him a bit hesitant.

After all, given his position, what if he were ambushed after leaving? "No rush, we'll discuss later."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"You're afraid of being ambushed if you go out, right?"

Su Huaiyu saw through Gu Jin Nian's reservation at a glance.

"Not entirely."

Gu Jin Nian neither denied nor admitted; fearing death is understandable, but there are also reasons of insufficient preparation.

If he truly goes, he must discuss it with his family; otherwise, if trouble arises, at least there would be someone to look after him.

Another point is that he needs to make use of the ancient tree.

To see if any information can be obtained.

And calculating the timing, people from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty are expected to depart soon.

The assassination attempt is expected to happen soon; once that matter ends, leaving the capital will be fine, and then no one will dare act rashly.

It happened once; it cannot happen a second time.

At present.

It is indeed a tumultuous season.

He cannot go anywhere himself, so he will watch the developments first.

Without saying more, Gu Jin Nian returned to his quarters to rest.

The next day.

Dawn had just broken.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

In the main hall.

An extremely fierce argument erupted.

Yang Kai was the first to bring up the marriage alliance with the Xiongnu Nation.

He hoped the two nations would be friendly, turning weapons into jade and silk.

However, once he said that, civil officials and Confucian scholars quickly agreed, while most military generals refused.

What this matter truly entailed, no one knew; no one knew what conspiracy lay within.

The problem is, Da Xia suffered losses, yet now seeks a marriage alliance to avoid declaring war?

These generals could not tolerate it one by one.

Although the Xiongnu Nation clarified that it was a misunderstanding and proactively offered reparations and apologies, many generals still refused the marriage.

If you say the Xiongnu send women for the alliance, they would accept, but sending Da Xia women to Xiongnu? They refuse.

The argument was intense, lasting from the hour of Mao to the hour of Wei—a full day of dispute.

Each side had its own reasoning.

But in the end, the matter was settled.

Agreed to a marriage alliance.

But instead of sending a real princess, they appointed a minister's daughter, gave her the title of princess, and married her off to the Xiongnu.

The candidate is selected by the Ministry of Rites.

This is the final answer.

Because, no matter whose viewpoint you take on this matter, except for those who think it sounds a bit disgusting.

One woman, bringing national peace and economic prosperity, is in any case not a loss‑making transaction.

Even if the generals object, in the end they cannot argue against these civil officials and Confucian scholars.

Just because they object, they still object.

The most vehement is Marquis Changyang, who never agreed from start to finish.

But there was no way around it; Emperor Yongsheng spoke up.

Moreover, although the generals did not agree, they were mostly just angry; plus, war is a good thing for them—having not fought for over a decade, they also want to seize this chance to expend their remaining vigor.

But war is not a matter of sentiment.

The greater consideration is the economic issue.

Therefore, no matter how the court session argues today, as long as they cannot prove that the Xiongnu State harbors malicious intent, the result will inevitably be to agree to the marriage alliance.

The court session ends.

The Ministry of Rites immediately begins selecting a minister's daughter.

At the same time, the news is sent to the Xiongnu State.

So that they can prepare to send people over to receive the princess.

Of course, the bride price must be prepared; these cannot be omitted.

And once the marriage alliance spreads in the Capital, it instantly sparks huge controversy.

(End of chapter)