Chapter 93: The People

Borderland.

The third prince of Shenluo and the tenth princess of Fusang frowned.

A sudden enemy raid made their expressions look rather grim.

An enemy raid is nothing special, and an assassination isn't particularly excessive; they are important figures, so encountering a few assassinations is normal.

What they didn't expect was that, at this critical moment, someone actually dared to assassinate them.

That's truly vicious.

If they report this here, the Da Xia Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty will surely face enormous trouble.

The three great dynasties would instantly enter an unprecedented cold‑war phase, targeting each other.

The mastermind behind this has huge ambitions—does he want to spark a war among the three great dynasties? The two exchanged glances, thoughts flashing through their minds.

"The Da Xia Dynasty is indeed cautious; they actually sent Martial King elites to protect us—how considerate."

The Great Jin Twelfth Prince spoke up.

He spoke slowly, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

This is a borderland, still some distance from the Great Jin Dynasty, yet unexpectedly someone sent Martial King elites to attack them.

Honestly, their status doesn't merit being slain by a Martial King.

The Martial King is almost the ceiling of military power for all the great dynasties; those above can be called a dynasty's guardian deity.

But such a being should not be moved.

He is the Twelfth Prince, unworthy of Martial King protection, let alone a Martial Emperor elite. Yet the Da Xia Dynasty dispatched four Martial King‑level strongmen at once—that's a huge show of face.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Kong Yu also spoke, looking as if he'd just survived a disaster, and frowned: "To dare attack us simultaneously, these people must have a formidable background."

"If we keep any survivors, capture them and subject them to severe torture."

Kong Yu said, speculating that this group's background is significant and hoping to keep a survivor.

"Your Majesty's decree: no survivors, kill them."

However, Gu Ningya's voice rang out, reiterating that no survivors would be left; kill on sight.

These elites aren't ordinary; keeping a survivor would easily cause our own casualties, and some might even escape.

It would be better to be ruthless—kill them all cleanly and cripple the enemy forces.

At the same time, Gu Ningya's gaze fell on Kong Yu; he opened his mouth to speak, but remained silent.

Thus.

In less than half an hour.

Swirling yellow sand rose as three iron cavalry units returned.

"Lord Gu, all enemy forces have been exterminated, 4,500 foes eliminated, identities could not be verified."

The leading commander spoke, having led his troops in a charge to slay the opponent's elites.

"Fine."

Gu Ningya nodded, expressionless.

About another half hour later.

Finally, the nine Da Xia elites that had just vanished returned.

They came bearing several corpses.

"Sir, we killed the Martial King elite, a near‑Martial King elite, and captured one survivor."

The nine appeared, and someone reported the battle situation.

Upon hearing this, everyone's complexion changed.

All Martial King elites killed? That's a bit exaggerated, but there's not much to say given the numbers.

"What are their identities?"

Gu Ningya asked impatiently.

It's normal for ordinary people to be unable to determine identities; once you reach the Martial King realm, it's impossible not to know.

"Lord, the identity cannot be ascertained; he severed his own heart meridian, leaving no chance. However, through secret techniques we sensed Azure Dragon true qi and preliminarily judged him to be of the Azure Moon faction."

The latter spoke, giving this answer.

The answer makes sense; these people are outright outlaws, daring to assassinate princes and princesses, trying to sow discord among the three great dynasties—honestly, ordinary folk couldn't pull that off.

Thus severing their own heart meridian is understandable.

As for the survivor, Gu Ningya looked over: a near‑Martial King, whose limbs have been broken and pressure points struck, completely immobilized, unable even to commit suicide.

"Please, everyone."

"Escort this person to Da Xia Capital and detain him in the Suspended Lantern Office; then many matters will become clear."

Gu Ningya said.

Having a survivor is a good thing; even if the other side is stubborn, once he reaches the Suspended Lantern Office, they have a hundred ways to make him speak.

"You're welcome, sir."

Several spoke; as Martial Kings they are top‑tier in the Da Xia Dynasty, yet compared with Gu Ningya they seem somewhat lacking, since Gu Ningya is a direct line of the Gu Family and holds a higher status.

Moreover, Gu Ningya is the commander of this operation; calling him 'Lord' isn't excessive. As soon as Gu Ningya spoke, the others wasted no words and took the person away, disappearing without a trace.

Whether they headed straight back to the capital or stayed hidden, no one knows.

"Princes and princesses, you may proceed."

"Sorry for startling you."

Having resolved the matter, Gu Ningya smiled broadly at the Shenluo third prince and the others.

"Lord Gu, you're too kind."

"Yes, if Lord Gu hadn't intervened, we would have been in trouble today."

A few of them chuckled; being startled didn't bother them—solving the trouble was best.

"Shall we not rest for a while?"

"What if there are still enemies ahead?"

Kong Yu spoke, saying so.

"No need to worry; as long as I'm here, nothing will go wrong."

Gu Ningya smiled, unconvinced.

Kong Yu fell silent for an instant.

At that moment, the servant beside Kong Yu spoke up.

"The road ahead is perilous and unknown; it's safer to set up camp here, rest for a while, and call for reinforcements to avoid any mishap."

He is a servant of the Kong family.

He immediately spoke up, feeling there were still issues ahead and not wanting to risk his life.

"I've spoken."

"With me here, nothing will go wrong."

Gu Ningya's voice was somewhat cold; he didn't want to say it a second time.

"Since Lord Gu says so, I'll head back home. This heir doesn't wish to take risks; if I were truly injured, Lord Gu couldn't bear it."

"Moreover, the Kong family is repairing buildings, and I need to return to supervise a bit, celebrating the longevity of the Holy Ancestors."

"Let's go."

Kong Yu didn't dawdle and set off for home directly.

"Men!"

"Select a hundred elite troops to escort the Kong heir home."

"Tightly control everything; no outsiders may make contact, lest the Kong heir encounter trouble and Da Xia be blamed."

Gu Ningya wasn't lenient either.

If you wish to return, then return, but you still must dispatch a hundred elite to monitor.

Hearing this, Kong Yu slightly frowned.

After a moment's thought he said nothing, and ordered the driver to turn away.

"Everyone, may we meet again when fate permits."

Kong Yu left, exchanged a word with the Da Jin Twelfth Prince and others, and then departed directly.

After Kong Yu's departure.

The others' gazes grew slightly odd, but none spoke, and they returned to the jade carriage and continued onward.

Thus.

The convoy moved forward, and Gu Ningya let out a long sigh.

"Fortunately I'm clever enough to have Jinian read the letter; otherwise, if something serious happened today, Da Xia would be finished."

Gu Ningya felt a sigh of emotion.

The other side even dispatched the Prince of War; that was truly unexpected.

After all, these envoys aren't major figures: the Shenluo Third Prince, the Fusang Tenth Princess, and the Da Jin Twelfth Prince—none of them amount to much; even if they truly died, it would only cause a stalemate among the three great dynasties.

Sending a thousand Iron Cavalry with a provisional Prince of War as escort is already the utmost benevolence.

Logically, no one should cause trouble.

It seems the lingering remnants of Jiande are truly about to surface; after twelve years of dormancy, the reckoning is about to begin.

Compared to the crisis of this escort.

On this day.

Da Xia Capital fell into profound silence.

The princess is getting married.

It's a matter set in stone that cannot be altered, and today the Xiongnu Nation's bridal delegation officially arrived at Da Xia Capital.

The Ministry of Rites had long dispatched people to welcome them, with drums, gongs, lanterns and banners, and even mobilized three thousand Tianyu Army to escort.

On the streets,

The soldiers maintained order, standing on both sides, while the townsfolk gathered to watch, eager to see what the Xiongnu look like and how the prince marrying the princess appears.

Clack clack clack.

The main city gate of the capital slowly opened; this gate is usually closed, opened only when a great army marches out or the emperor travels.

Now that the Xiongnu Nation comes for a marriage alliance, the gates are naturally opened to receive them; after all, the Xiongnu are not a minor state, and they've brought so much silver, refusing them would be impolite.

Many from the Ministry of Rites gathered outside.

As the gate opened, a contingent appeared before the crowd.

They were dressed oddly, clad in iron armor, with round sabers at their waists, and their warhorses were very robust, more fierce than Da Xia's warhorses.

The Xiongnu also looked strange, generally with high foreheads, sparse hair, and ear ornaments, especially the leading group.

They didn't wear iron armor but beast‑skin armor; they were tall and sturdy, each at least six to seven feet tall, some even eight or nine feet.

They looked utterly absurd.

Their faces bore no murderous intent, yet their cold demeanor gave an inexplicable sense of displeasure.

Their gazes swept over as if on patrol, as if they were not a bridal delegation but Xiongnu commanders stepping onto Da Xia soil.

Many townsfolk frowned, and some scholars clenched their fists, very displeased—indeed very displeased.

At that moment, among the Xiongnu ranks, a middle‑aged man, bald on top, wearing a silk long robe, dismounted from his warhorse with a beaming smile.

"Prime Minister of the Xiongnu, Mu Ha'er, pleased to meet Minister of Rites Yang Kai."

The Xiongnu prime minister, smiling broadly, approached Minister of Rites Yang Kai, gave a deep bow, and appeared exceedingly courteous.

At the same time, the leading seven or eight men all dismounted, especially a man nearly nine chi tall, with a grotesque appearance and a face full of flabby flesh, giving an aura of fierce, malevolent deity.

He stepped down from his horse, hurried to Yang Kai, placed his right hand on his left shoulder, and said with utmost respect.

"Qi Qi Mu, pleased to meet the Minister."

Qi Qi Mu.

It was the Xiongnu Crown Prince, who had just been there, inspecting the crowd; though following the prime minister's lead he also appeared somewhat courteous, yet the arrogance and self‑satisfaction in his eyes could not be concealed.

He is the Xiongnu Crown Prince, the future Xiongnu king; a certain haughtiness is thus normal.

"Minister Mu, you are courteous."

"Crown Prince, you are courteous."

Seeing the two, Yang Kai also appeared very courteous, performing the rites of scholar‑official etiquette to express politeness.

As for the others, they directly offered salutations, and among the crowd a young boy wore a face full of joy.

"Zhang Yun."

At this moment, Yang Kai spoke, calling out.

Immediately Zhang Yun hurried forward from behind, looking at Yang Kai with a respectful expression.

"The student is present."

Zhang Yun spoke.

"Zhang Yun, stay close to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince has traveled countless miles to Da Xia for a marriage alliance and may not understand some matters; during these days in the capital, give him proper hospitality."

"This is my Ministerial decree; if any issues arise, you may resolve them yourself."

Yang Kai said, the Xiongnu Crown Prince was just over twenty, and Zhang Yun was eighteen; their ages were close enough to get along, preventing any unfriendly incidents during this period.

"Rest assured, sir; the student will certainly take good care of His Highness the Crown Prince."

Taking the decree, Zhang Yun's face brightened further; the Xiongnu came for a marriage alliance, and he was assisting—if he could serve the Crown Prince well, it would count as merit, paving his future official career.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"This man is the son of my student, diligent and cautious; if the Crown Prince needs to travel these days, he may accompany him, and any uncertainties can be consulted with him."

"If the Crown Prince finds him unsuitable, I can replace him with another."

Yang Kai said, adding thus.

"Very well."

"Thank you, Minister Yang."

Crown Prince Qi Qi Mu nodded, glanced at Zhang Yun, his expression softening slightly as he nodded again, and Zhang Yun, startled by the favor, beamed.

"If the Crown Prince has any needs these days, just contact Zhang; I will see to it properly."

Zhang Yun spoke as if seeking credit.

The Crown Prince smiled faintly but said nothing.

"Set out."

At once, Minister of Rites Yang Kai's voice rang out, and the sound of gongs and drums echoed through the capital's streets, accompanied by lion dances and fireworks.

The Ministry of Rites dispatched people to scatter pastries to the children, hoping to create a lively scene.

The children received the pastries, their smiles widening, but their parents, upon seeing, snatched the treats and tossed them aside.

"Don't eat this."

"Mother will buy you something else at home."

The Da Xia citizens remain petty, giving the Ministry no face; no matter what protocol, they disregard it.

These Xiongnu entrants behaved arrogantly, their gazes hostile; some might think they had seized Da Xia's capital and came to occupy it.

Such conduct greatly displeased the Da Xia populace.

The main procession moved inward; outside the capital gates, a thousand attendants gradually entered, and another thousand elite set up camp outside the gate to rest, though weapons had been surrendered and were guarded by Da Xia troops.

Within the ranks.

Qi Qi Mu gazed at the people's stares on either side, his face calm while his heart brimmed with disgust.

Mu Ha'er wore a cheerful smile, chatting amiably with Ministry officials, appearing all right.

As for the accompanying Xiongnu, they scanned with their eyes, even deliberately glaring at the children, causing some of them to burst into loud cries.

Their demeanor was flippant and contemptuous, utterly overbearing.

The Ministry officials neither failed to see nor wished to intervene; for them, once the marriage alliance proceeded and the princess was escorted away, the matter was settled.

"Minister Yang, may I ask when we may escort the princess and depart?"

Mu Ha'er, who was at the front, spoke, and after some idle chat raised the crucial matter.

"Ah, we have already selected an auspicious day, the twenty‑ninth of November, perfect for the marriage."

"Today we will first see His Majesty; tomorrow at the hour of You, the Ministry will hold a grand banquet in the palace's celebration hall, inviting everyone."

"On the third day we will inventory the princess's betrothal gifts, confirm without doubt, exchange the marriage documents between our sides, and the twenty‑ninth will be the wedding day."

Yang Kai said so; the Ministry's handling was swift. Normally, even for a marriage alliance, at least a month would be required for the round trip.

But with the Xiongnu and Da Xia Ministries accelerating, it could be settled within ten days.

"Very well."

"All of this has been a trouble for Minister Yang."

"However, there is one matter I hope Minister Yang can be more tolerant of."

Mu Ha'er spoke, bringing up an issue.

"Please, speak."

Yang Kai asked curiously.

"We are all Xiongnu, most of us are used to life on the steppe, and our way of acting is especially straightforward."

"Although the King has already issued a death decree forbidding any trouble, Mu Ha'er is still worried that these attendants and the princes and nobles might do something out of line."

"If they indeed commit a slightly out‑of‑line act, we ask the Minister to be lenient; but if a great disaster is caused, there will be no mercy. For minor matters, if conflicts arise, we also ask for leniency."

Mu Ha'er spoke, pre‑emptively outlining what might happen.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai frowned slightly.

He did not answer immediately, but thought it over.

"If it is not too excessive, I will personally intervene, though I still hope such a thing does not occur."

"Only four days; I doubt anything serious will happen in that time."

Yang Kai spoke, saying as follows.

"Certainly, Minister Yang, rest assured."

Mu Ha'er nodded; his words were sincere—after all, with so many people, some disputes are inevitable, and he does not wish any trouble, so it is best to come quickly and leave quickly.

"By the way."

Suddenly, Yang Kai spoke.

"Regardless, there is one person you must not provoke."

Yang Kai suddenly thought of something and specifically warned.

"Who?"

Mu Ha'er was somewhat curious.

Even the Great Prince walking nearby was also curious.

"Gu Jin Nian."

Yang Kai lowered his voice and said.

"Gu Jin Nian?"

Mu Ha'er frowned, then nodded and said, "Understood, thank you for the Minister's reminder."

He knows Gu Jin Nian.

A great talent in Confucianism and Daoism, and also Da Xia's top aristocrat.

"Is it Gu Jin Nian, who undermines our Xiongnu nation's fortunes?"

The Great Prince spoke.

He opened his mouth calmly.

When these words were spoken, the Ministry of Rites staff did not know how to reply.

Even Mu Ha'er fell silent for a moment.

These words are hard to answer.

Everyone was speechless; the Great Prince said nothing, yet felt an indescribable sensation.

Gu Jin Nian undermines the Xiongnu nation's fortunes.

And now he even warns us not to provoke him.

People are like that; the more you try to stop me, the more I will do it.

Of course, the Xiongnu Great Prince is not stupid; directly provoking Gu Jin Nian would be unwise, since the other party's status is also considerable.

But he has a way to trouble Gu Jin Nian.

In four days, Gu Jin Nian also has no way to handle it himself.

"In short, do not provoke him."

"If you provoke him, no one can protect anyone, and I too would find it hard to intervene."

Yang Kai did not nag further; he simply reminded them not to court death, as Gu Jin Nian has already become Da Xia's top troublemaker in their eyes.

Anyway, during this period, how many who provoke Gu Jin Nian meet a good end?

The marriage alliance is the court's decision; Gu Jin Nian could not intervene, which is a good thing.

Thus he does not want these people to bring trouble upon themselves.

If they insist on troubling Gu Jin Nian, they deserve it; they are courting death themselves, and no one is to blame.

"Understood, understood."

"Great Prince, did you understand?"

Mu Ha'er smiled and spoke, keeping it firmly in mind while specifically reminding the Great Prince.

He knows the Great Prince's temper, so he still needed to remind him, lest he truly go after Gu Jin Nian.

"If the enemy does not attack me, I will not attack the enemy."

The Great Prince spoke, stating the simple sentence clearly.

But this meaning instantly made the Ministry of Rites staff frown, clearly bearing a provocative tone.

However, one person was very happy: Zhang Yun.

He had stayed at home during this period, somehow not going to Da Xia Academy, because after Gu Jin Nian defended the people, he earned the admiration of all the academy's students, which left him feeling very awkward.

Especially when three thousand students sought trouble with Gu Jin Nian, his presence was felt, and to protect himself he could only hide at home.

Now the matter is almost over, so he finally came out to frolic.

Thus, after traveling several thousand meters, the group boarded a jade carriage and headed toward the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

They met the Da Xia Emperor.

An hour later.

Inside Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian was looking at the envelope sent by Wang Fugui; for the time being there were no clues, and several people were still investigating.

Just then.

Several figures walked over.

It was Li Ji, Yang Hanrou the Jade Pool Immortal, and Su Huaiyu — four silhouettes. As the four appeared, Li Ji's voice arrived before his person.

"This bunch of Xiongnu dogs, they obviously came to ask for a marriage alliance, yet they act as if they've occupied our Da Xia territory."

"Each one arrogant and overbearing, pulling his leg."

Li Ji, though a bit sturdy and naive, is after all the Crown Prince, his upbringing is decent; normally he wouldn't swear.

As soon as he walked in, he spewed profanity; it seems he's extremely angry.

"Keep your composure; the less capable someone is, the more arrogant they become."

Gu Jin Nian set the envelope aside, looking at Li Ji and said:

"You're the Grandson of the Emperor, how can you get so angry over a little thing?"

"Uncle Jin Nian, it's not that I can't keep my composure; it's that this matter is infuriating."

"You haven't seen it; this bunch of Xiongnu dogs, after entering the capital, look down on everyone with their eyes held high, regarding our Da Xia people as mere ants."

"If we really fought, what would Da Xia have to fear from them?"

"Damn pretense."

Li Ji was displeased; after entering the room, he plopped down and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Then why don't you go back to the palace and ask your grandfather not to agree to the marriage alliance?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

"I can't do that; my father said there's no way, nobody can stop it."

"However, Uncle Jin Nian, given your ability, honestly stopping the marriage alliance shouldn't be a big problem, right?"

Li Ji shook his head; he didn't have the qualifications, but he felt Gu Jin Nian should be capable.

"How to stop it? This is a matter of the Ministry of Rites; all the civil officials have agreed, the princess to be married wasn't chosen from the generals, and there's nothing much for military officials to say."

"If we really stopped it and war broke out, winning would be fine, but who would be blamed if we lost?"

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat helpless; this guy is too childish, completely lacking political awareness—if he became emperor, something would surely go wrong.

Actually, Gu Jin Nian also doesn't want the marriage alliance, but this is a state matter; he has neither merit nor qualifications.

What's there to say? It's impossible to say, "I disagree with this marriage."

Why disagree?

Because I just feel annoyed; anyway, I don't care, let the Da Xia soldiers go fight—are we afraid of them?

Then after a battle, a hundred thousand die; regardless of victory or defeat, who will be responsible for those hundred thousand?

"Brother Jin Nian."

"If you really have a way, could you help stop this marriage alliance?"

"Wang Wan Yue is my sister's close friend; these past days she's been unable to eat or drink, and upon learning she must marry, she almost committed suicide."

At this moment, Yang Hanrou spoke up, she voluntarily spoke, hoping Gu Jin Nian could help, to see if there's any way.

"The Ministry of Rites has already decided it, your father personally decided it."

"Even if I intervene and cause a scene, at most we could change the princess, and even that might not succeed."

"If we truly changed the princess, there would still be someone who has to marry."

Gu Jin Nian also didn't know what to say; although he now has some influence, the problem is that politics is something he can't intervene in.

Interests.

Interests.

Still interests.

The court, up and down, has agreed; I can't come up with logic, how can I refute? 'Sigh.'

"I heard my mother say that the princesses who marry off always meet a miserable end; back when it wasn't Da Xia yet, the Jin state married off several princesses to the Xiongnu."

"Although it brought ten years of peace, I've heard that those married-off princesses each either die or get injured, suffering inhuman abuse there."

"One princess, just after marrying over, begged to come back; I heard the Xiongnu have no etiquette or morality, utter chaos."

"Moreover, some princesses were even imprisoned, chained in iron, subjected to various humiliations by the Xiongnu; after all, the distance is too great, no one cares how a married-off princess fares."

"The more I talk, the worse I feel; my heart feels blocked."

"If I became emperor, I would absolutely not engage in a marriage alliance, damn the marriage alliance."

Li Ji clenched his fists; the more he spoke, the angrier he became; earlier, hearing his mother say that, he was also deeply shaken inside.

Everyone else also fell silent.

Gu Jin Nian's mood was the most complicated; after all, as a transmigrator, his worldview strongly opposes marriage alliances.

But there's nothing to be done.

The historical wheel rolls over; what can I do? Cause a fuss? Shout? Without offending anyone, it just adds a bit of ridicule.

Everyone was very silent.

I imagine the entire populace of Da Xia probably isn't too happy either.

"Uncle Jin Nian, tomorrow the Ministry of Rites is holding a banquet in the palace; will you go?"

After a while, Li Ji, seeing everyone's mood so repressed, involuntarily spoke up to ask Gu Jin Nian, changing the subject.

"I'm not sure; let's see how things go."

"Probably won't go."

Gu Jin Nian isn't interested in the banquet; whether he goes or not, we'll decide based on the situation.

"Alright, if you don't go, then I won't either."

"So that after going, if I see them and get annoyed, I can't help but scold a few words, and then get beaten when I turn around."

Gu Jin Nian said he wouldn't go, so he also wouldn't go.

"I don't want to go either, but my grandfather insists I must go."

"Alas, we women have no status."

Yang Hanrou sighed; she didn't want to go, but there was no way, after all she was the Minister of Rites' granddaughter and had to go.

She spoke, her eyes showing a hint of helplessness.

On one hand it was about her friend's matter, on the other a feeling of helplessness.

But after hearing that, Gu Jin Nian, for some unknown reason, suddenly conceived an idea in his mind.

An earth‑shattering idea.

It could resist the thoughts of scholars across the world.

At present, who is his greatest enemy?

In secret he doesn't know, nor wants to know; who cares who is who.

But openly, the biggest enemy is the Kong family.

What is the Kong family's greatest power? Public opinion.

The most terrifying public opinion.

The mouths of these scholars are the sharpest knives between heaven and earth.

Yet there is another force, extremely terrifying.

Women.

Yes, exactly women.

The thing that can sway public opinion is not only scholars; more importantly, it's women.

In an instant, as the thought arose, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help falling into contemplation.

If this works out.

Later, not only would he not fear the Kong family, they'd even have to fear him.

Overtaking on a curve?

How did I forget this? Hiss.

Gu Jin Nian thought more and more that it was feasible, and thought more and more that he could do it.

Under the ancient feudal society, women had no status, but this is a Confucian‑Daoist world, a transcendent world.

If he possessed Confucian‑Daoist achievements, he could completely overturn this feudal thinking.

It's not about giving women power, but giving women self‑awareness to resist injustices.

This must be done well.

Directly establishing virtue, merit, and Establishing Speech, becoming a saint would be no problem.

However, this requires slow deliberation, step‑by‑step consideration; one must never act rashly, but be cautious and orderly.

Otherwise, if it goes wrong, he'll be finished.

But Yang Hanrou gave him a tremendous insight.

Moreover, Yang Hanrou also fits to become such a role.

A capital aristocrat, Minister of Rites' granddaughter, beautiful as moonlight, and also adept at disguise, meticulous in thought, a perfect female leader.

But he must observe closely; after all, Yang Hanrou is only a friend, not a particularly core figure.

He must control her to execute the plan; otherwise, raising such a person who might defect would doom him.

This plan is put on hold.

Hold off for now.

"Brother Jin Nian, why are you constantly watching your sister?"

Inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze stayed on Yang Hanrou, making her a bit flustered, not knowing what she had done wrong.

"It's nothing."

"Suddenly I find sister Hanrou much more beautiful."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly.

At that moment, she couldn't help but blush and smile, while the Yaochi Fairy beside her flashed a strange look.

It seemed she was a bit jealous.

"Enough."

"It's getting late; I must continue studying."

"Li Ji, you should still attend tomorrow's banquet, otherwise your Crown Prince will scold you again."

"Everyone, you may leave."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, without any fuss, and issued a dismissal.

After the crowd left.

Gu Jin Nian no longer paid attention to these disputes, and his mind couldn't help but contemplate the marriage alliance.

The marriage‑alliance point.

He must determine the other side's intention; if it's for bilateral trade, there's no issue.

Even if he wanted to stop it, he couldn't.

But if it's another situation, such as involving the nation's destiny, then it's absolutely impossible.

He simply lacks evidence.

Groundless speculation without evidence is useless.

"Tomorrow's banquet."

Gu Jin Nian pondered this matter.

He was considering whether to go tomorrow or not.

That's how it is.

Until evening.

The side hall of the imperial palace.

The Xiongnu great prince was holding a banquet, while some Xiongnu nobles held their wine cups, drinking bowl after bowl.

Zhang Yun sat beside the great prince, constantly toasting, and continually speaking sweet words, praising the great prince's might.

"Brother Zhang Yun."

"Your Da Xia women are truly lovely; couldn't you bring a few over for us?"

"We'll give silver."

Someone spoke up, drinking wine, and laughed hahaha.

Upon hearing that, Zhang Yun smiled.

"There is an Office of Rites in the capital; if you wish, you may go there to sit."

He said so, introducing the Office of Rites to everyone.

"Office of Rites? That's a great place!"

"Yes, yes, we've long heard that the Da Xia Office of Rites has many beauties; if possible, we hope Brother Zhang can show us the way."

Upon hearing this, everyone spoke up, saying likewise.

But the great prince's voice then sounded.

"Tomorrow is the day of the banquet."

"No one is allowed to go."

"After the banquet ends, then go to the Office of Rites."

He spoke up, saying so.

Upon saying that, everyone immediately lost interest, yet they still listened to the great prince's words, daring not to act rashly.

"Actually it's fine; I'll contact them, have the Office of Rites send some people over to liven things up for you all; that's not impossible."

Zhang Yun spoke up, he was very enthusiastic.

"Not needed for now; we'll talk about it after tomorrow."

The great prince refused, after all there were orders from above; otherwise he would also want to go see for himself.

"By the way, Brother Zhang, I have a question: what exactly are Gu Jin Nian's abilities, that even the esteemed Minister of Rites avoids him like a snake or scorpion?"

The great prince spoke up, very curious.

"Hmph, Great Prince, it's not that I'm belittling Gu Jin Nian."

"He merely relies on being the grandson of a duke, acting arrogantly and domineering."

"Really, if he were to appear before Your Highness the Great Prince, you could lift him up with one hand."

"As for literary talent, he indeed has some, but only a little."

Zhang Yun's words were clearly sour.

Everyone isn't stupid; they can tell.

Literary talent so-so, cutting off the Xiongnu's national fortune? That's laughable? Nevertheless, understanding is understanding, but after Zhang Yun says this, everyone will still look down on him a bit.

"However, Great Prince, you need not worry; he would not dare provoke you."

Zhang Yun added a sentence.

But the great prince gave a hehe laugh.

"I also won't provoke him; this prince came today for a marriage alliance, not to seek trouble."

"However, if Gu Jin Nian seeks trouble with this prince, then this prince won't give him a good look."

The great prince spoke up.

It's still the same saying: you don't offend me, I won't offend you.

"The great prince's breadth of mind is indeed vast; Zhang Yun raises a cup to you."

Zhang Yun spoke with a smile, continuing to flatter.

Thus, the banquet lasted until deep into the night.

Only then did it disperse.

The next day.

The imperial palace interior had already begun to bustle.

The Xiongnu great prince had come from afar, naturally needing to prepare more grandly.

Starting from the chou hour, they began to busy themselves.

Until the wu hour did they finish.

The grand feast had been set up, and civil and military officials all entered the venue.

In the celebration hall, huge red lanterns hung high, and singers took turns performing in batches.

Fine wine and delicacies were countless.

Starting from the wei hour, every half-hour fireworks burst forth.

This can also be considered extremely lively.

"The Xiongnu great prince has arrived."

The Xiongnu Prime Minister Mu Ha Er has arrived.

Lord Pingyang has arrived.

Voices rang out one after another.

Eunuchs and maids began arranging seats—inner hall and outer hall; the inner hall held the true dignitaries, while the outer hall comprised the officials plus some academy scholars and the Xiongnu country's attendants.

On the right side of the inner hall sat Mu Ha Er, Qi Qi Mu and others, all people of the Xiongnu nation.

The first seat at the side was Prime Minister Li Shan, followed by the Six Ministries Ministers, with Deputy Ministers seated toward the back.

The Crown Prince sat on the emperor's left, relatively close; Li Ji was also there, fierce and spirited.

Emperor Yongsheng had not yet appeared.

Yet the scene had already become lively.

Few military generals attended, given the deep enmity with the Xiongnu; fewer would be better. This banquet invited the Duke of Zhen Guo, but officials of the Ministry of Rites hoped the duke would stay away.

Fortunately, the Duke of Zhen Guo was also weary of these Xiongnu, so he did not honor the invitation.

The banquet had not yet begun; the songstress's dance was captivating, and the Xiongnu stared at her, uttering Xiongnu words that were clearly not kind.

It lasted until the hour of Shen.

Yang Han Rou also arrived, accompanied by a few students of Da Xia Academy—only four or five—since their fathers were high officials, they were invited to such a grand event.

However, with Yang Han Rou's arrival,

the Xiongnu all stared straight ahead.

After all, Yang Han Rou was strikingly beautiful, and standing there indeed drew countless gazes.

"Grandfather."

Yang Han Rou entered the inner hall, saw her grandfather, and couldn't help to speak, giving a sweet smile.

This smile made the Xiongnu stare even more mesmerized.

"Sit at the back."

Seeing his granddaughter arrive, Yang Kai pointed to some seats at the back, letting them sit.

But at that moment,

a figure stood up—it was a person from the Xiongnu nation.

The eldest son of a Xiongnu prince.

"Minister Yang, is this your granddaughter?"

He spoke, his gaze fixed on Yang Han Rou while also questioning Yang Kai.

"Why?"

Hearing this, Yang Kai remained expressionless.

"I did not expect your granddaughter to be so beautiful, leaving an unforgettable impression; Minister Yang, may she sit beside me? I wish to converse briefly with your granddaughter; I hope Minister Yang will agree, for a gentleman appreciates beauty."

The latter spoke, and was very bold and direct.

He wanted to sit together with Yang Han Rou.

To get a little closer.

With those words, Yang Kai couldn't help but frown—his precious granddaughter sitting with a Xiongnu? How disgraceful! Meanwhile, Yang Han Rou's eyes flashed with fear; she was truly scared, for the man was tall and fierce, and terribly ugly, and she felt uneasy.

"The Da Xia protocol dictates that the right side is for guests; it must not be crossed."

Yang Kai replied calmly and outright rejected it.

"Minister, it's only a brief seat to discuss friendship between the two nations, nothing else. Moreover, at this grand banquet, I, as a brother, would not act rashly."

"Minister, such a refusal seems a bit discriminatory toward us, doesn't it?"

Someone spoke up—a Xiongnu noble.

He claimed Yang Kai was discriminating against them.

Upon hearing that, Yang Kai's expression shifted slightly.

For a moment, he found himself in a dilemma.

In an instant, many eyes turned toward them.

The Da Xia officials all frowned, thinking these people truly lacked any upbringing.

Li Ji dared to be angry but could not speak; before the banquet, his father had instructed him never to speak rashly, lest trouble endanger him.

So he said nothing.

Just then, a voice rang out.

"Sister Han Rou."

"Come here."

The voice sounded again.

It instantly attracted countless gazes.

It was Gu Jin Nian's voice.

At the banquet.

Gu Jin Nian had indeed arrived.

He wore a Confucian robe, slowly entered the inner hall, his expression calm, and called out to Yang Han Rou.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words,

Yang Han Rou immediately set off toward Gu Jin Nian, ignoring everyone else.

Her heart was also filled with great joy.

At the crucial moment, Gu Jin Nian arrived—truly a lifeline.

And Yang Kai breathed a sigh of relief.

But before he could fully exhale, Gu Jin Nian's next words made the atmosphere turn cold in an instant.

"Stay away from those barbarians."

"So you don't soil yourself."

A voice rang out.

For a moment, the scene went rigid.

(End of chapter)