Chapter 97: No Alliance! No Tribute! No Land Cession! The Son of Heaven Guards the Nation

Da Xia Capital.

Originally, I thought this matter was basically over.

But unexpectedly, at the final moment, Qi Qi Mu still couldn't help but cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian.

Although Qi Qi Mu said no harsh words.

Yet the provocation in his eyes was self‑evident.

He despised Gu Jin Nian to the core.

He hated Gu Jin Nian to death.

He wished he could crush Gu Jin Nian's bones, scatter his ashes, eat his flesh and drink his blood—that was Qi Qi Mu's thought.

But he could not, nor was he allowed to.

This is the Da Xia Dynasty, not his Xiongnu nation.

He could only watch Gu Jin Nian swagger.

Yet at that final moment, Gu Jin Nian uttered nine words.

He caused more trouble again.

"Those who offend Da Xia."

"Even if far, they shall be punished."

Simple nine words, yet they revealed Gu Jin Nian's very essence; at that moment he had no reservations.

Qi Qi Mu and Mu Ha Er departed; war between the two nations was inevitable, and the Eternal Prosperous Emperor even kept the Xiongnu behind—wasn't his purpose simply to study the Xiongnu?

Study their tactics, study their physiques; once fully understood, the Xiongnu could be made to pay a silver ransom, or in future war, Da Xia's captured soldiers could be exchanged as hostages.

Regardless, this emperor had already made his choice.

Naturally, Gu Jin Nian also spoke bluntly, expressing the Da Xia Dynasty's will.

The words rang out.

The hall was shocked.

The common folk were stunned, unable not to exclaim praise—truly worthy of a grandson taught by the Lord of State, full of blood and courage.

These soldiers, upon hearing this, became even more excited; they looked at Gu Jin Nian, and at that moment he earned their respect.

He won the respect of these soldiers.

As for the civil and military officials, they were completely silent at that moment.

The Lord of State bore a fine grandson.

He truly had a fine grandson; at that moment they felt genuine envy, heartfelt envy.

Envying the Lord of State—how could he produce such a fine grandson?

Mu Ha Er, however, grabbed Qi Qi Mu; using martial true‑qi transmission, he stared at Qi Qi Mu, almost scolding him in a low growl.

"Silence."

"Stop provoking him."

"Do you truly wish to die?"

Mu Ha Er was so angry he was about to vomit blood.

This crown prince is truly unbearably foolish—can't he just shut up? Shut up honestly? Must he keep flapping his mouth? Is that so enjoyable?

Are you sick? The nine words fell.

Unparalleled dominance.

Mu Ha Er hadn't had time to continue speaking.

Suddenly, a shout rang out.

"Look, this is the Great Qian Emperor."

The exclamation echoed.

People collectively turned their gaze toward the heavens.

Above Da Xia Capital, a figure appeared, clad in a black dragon robe, a middle‑aged man with a heroic bearing—this was the Great Qian Emperor.

He was once a presence that nearly unified the Central Plains.

At that time, the Fuyu Dynasty was a vassal of the Great Qian Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty was merely a land inhabited by barbarians.

Unfortunately, the Great Qian Emperor died early, his successors were incompetent, massive turmoil erupted, offending the aristocratic clans; as a result, the overbearing Great Qian Dynasty fractured, and the Fuyu Dynasty seized the chance to rise, reaping many benefits.

But for the Central Plains common folk, the Great Qian Emperor was an overwhelming symbol, hailed as the eternal emperor.

Because of this, later Confucians believed an emperor should be so, and all emperors dreamed of becoming the Great Qian Emperor—or, in other words, surpassing the Great Qian Dynasty.

Expand the realm, the people prosper, above ten thousand, none below.

It can be said that the Great Qian Emperor has become a symbol, and the Great Qian Dynasty is the goal countless Eastern Wilderness monarchs have long pursued.

Now.

Above the heavens.

The Great Qian Dynasty's true spirit manifested—how could that not cause a shock?

"Black dragon robe, this is the Great Qian Emperor."

"How could it be? An emperor from so many years ago—has he sensed us?"

"What divine power does Gu Jin Nian possess, reviving Da Xia's founding ancestor first, then reviving the Great Qian Emperor?"

"Those who offend Da Xia, though distant shall be punished; this remark has caused the kings of this land to revive."

People were curious, not knowing what was happening, but abruptly someone spoke, offering a possibility.

The next moment.

Above the heavens, one silhouette after another emerged.

Each figure was clad in a dragon robe.

They stood towering above the firmament.

These people were all the monarchs of this land, who once held imperial authority here and founded a prosperous age for the realm.

Each was a king worthy of song and tears, and each a dragon among men.

One beam.

Ten beams.

One hundred beams.

One thousand beams.

In the long river of history, monarchs seemed to appear one after another; when Gu Jin Nian uttered those words, their figures materialized, their gazes looking down on everything.

All emperors, past and present, were illuminated.

It was overwhelmingly shocking.

Mu Ha'er, Qi Qi Mu, the Xiongnu nobles who witnessed this scene were nearly torn apart inside; they were terrified, this suppression of their bloodline made them panic, their hair standing on end.

All Central Plains emperors were illuminated; when had they ever seen such a scene? Every emperor's gaze was full of arrogance, of loftiness, and at this moment they seemed to feel those emperors were looking down upon them.

Like a true dragon in the heavens, gazing down upon the ants below.

An indescribable feeling sprouted in the heart: inferiority, fear, and even despair.

And with the appearance of these emperors.

Da Xia Capital also fell into utter stillness.

Through the ages, the monarchs of this land returned in another manner.

They stared at the Xiongnu, their eyes both disdainful and indifferent, lofty, and also haughty.

From ancient times to now, no matter how severe their internal strife, it never fell to foreign invaders, nor to foreigners meddling here, let alone stepping on them? Is that fitting?

Are you worthy?

The gaze of the Da Qian Emperor fell upon Gu Jin Nian.

He was merely a single mark.

A mark between heaven and earth.

Yet at this moment, he looked at Gu Jin Nian as if truly revived.

It even provoked a chorus of astonishment.

Even Gu Jin Nian clicked his tongue a bit; he felt the other's gaze, as if the other truly revived.

But Gu Jin Nian said nothing, and instead bowed a salute to the Da Qian Emperor.

The latter's gaze gradually withdrew.

Immediately after, that disdainful look, spanning the four seas, made all the kings behind him appear radiant and unmatched in dominance.

"Those who offend my Central Plains, even if far away, shall be executed."

At this moment, the Da Qian Emperor's voice rang out; after countless years, their voice once again echoed here.

At this moment, all the monarchs roared in unison.

At this moment, heaven and earth changed color.

Black clouds spread across the firmament, Holy Punishment's Thunder roared, visually terrifying and equally stirring.

Under such terrifying sight.

The Da Qian Emperor transformed into a five-clawed Golden Dragon, merging into this land, merging into Da Xia Capital.

Above Da Xia's Imperial Palace, a Golden Dragon coiled out, a hundred zhang long, spiraling above the palace.

This is Da Xia's national destiny.

At this moment, nine Dragon Pearls circled, representing Da Xia's nine strands of Heavenly Destiny Luck.

But as the Da Qian Emperor turned into a Golden Dragon and surged into Da Xia Capital, Da Xia's national destiny was enhanced—not dramatically, but visibly to the naked eye, and the hundred-zhang Golden Dragon transformed once more.

In an instant.

One by one, the monarchs became golden true dragons, merging into Da Xia's capital; though they were dead, their souls remained on this land, protecting the Central Plains populace.

This scene brought countless commoners to tears.

Although they had never seen these monarchs, they knew the blood flowing in their veins was of the Central Plains.

It was merely dynastic succession; people change year by year.

One golden dragon shadow after another merged into the capital.

The golden national destiny's transformation was terrifying.

In the end, Da Xia's national destiny Golden Dragon swelled to five hundred zhang, flashing above the firmament, illuminating everything in the capital.

"Roar."

The sound of a dragon's roar rang out, deafening, making Da Xia's people even more excited and fervent.

But to the Xiongnu, that dragon's roar was filled with fear and dread.

Who could have imagined such a thing happening at the final moment? Emperor Yong Sheng gazed at the scene, no longer knowing what to say; his heart was filled with genuine joy.

After ascending the throne, he received countless insults; the world said he was a usurper.

But he wanted to tell all under heaven that, though he was a usurper, he was more suitable for the throne, that his father had chosen the wrong person.

Thus he kept striving, working diligently; when ministers insulted him, he said nothing; when others criticized him, he could only change.

He could only swallow this anger alone, because he wanted to be a good emperor, a ruler satisfying the world.

To become such an emperor, he needed achievements for all under heaven to see.

And now, this great achievement has emerged.

Throughout history, all emperors have recognized Da Xia; though Da Xia was not founded by him, now it is his reign.

Isn't this just an indirect endorsement of one's own governance? Manage it well, and that's a good reputation.

This nephew of his is truly excellent beyond measure.

Truly, it's unbelievably good.

At this moment, the Yong Sheng Emperor felt immense joy, yet he also felt a pang of emotion, wondering why Gu Jin Nian was not his grandson. If he were his grandson, he would have supported him to become emperor without a second thought, eliminating all possible risks.

And at this moment.

Some voices gradually rose.

"May the monarch transform into a dragon soul to bless Da Xia's prosperity!"

"Since ancient times, national fortune has signified a dynasty's rise and fall; when the fortune is strong, a golden age arrives, but when it is weak, the dynasty soon declines."

"Throughout history, all emperors have emerged in response to the nine characters 'Crown Prince', and anyone who offends Da Xia, even from afar, will be punished; this is the pride and blood of us Central Plains people, and thus these emperors are born, recognizing Da Xia."

Someone discussed, stating the reason and explaining the situation.

They informed the common folk what exactly had happened.

"This land holds countless stories; our bloodline has never changed. These emperors have always watched us; today they heard the Crown Prince's voice, they endorse his words, and with their lingering gaze, they protect the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Protect the Central Plains people."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has completed the Confucian‑Daoist three immortals' meritorious deeds, and can be called a Half Saint."

At that moment, Su Wenjing's voice rang out, lofty and direct, declaring that Gu Jin Nian had already achieved one of the Confucian‑Daoist three immortals' meritorious deeds.

He awakened not only the imperial heart, but also the great nation's spirit, stirring the people's fervor.

After this day, the Da Xia Dynasty will surely be filled with soaring morale, unmatched spirit, and subjugating the Xiongnu Nation will be a piece of cake.

It's merely a matter of time.

Such achievements are enough to be called meritorious deeds.

The sage's three immortals.

Gu Jin Nian had not yet reached his coronation, yet had already completed it; this is the work of the heavens, calling him a Gu Half Saint carries no disparagement at all.

Of course, this is merely an honorific.

Countless people were astonished; Su Wenjing's appraisal was too lofty, yet undeniably, Gu Jin Nian deserved it.

The civil and military officials quietly gazed at the dragon soul, fully aware of how difficult and extraordinary it is to boost national fortune.

Gu Jin Nian had previously composed countless timeless poems, which raised a small fraction of the national fortune, but that fraction was hardly significant.

But now it is different; the Golden Dragon is five hundred zhang, five times its former size. Though national fortune isn't measured by the dragon soul's volume, Da Xia's fortune has at least more than doubled.

What does that mean? Even reclaiming twelve cities wouldn't raise the fortune so much, unless the Xiongnu Nation is subjugated; otherwise, such an increase is impossible.

In other words, Gu Jin Nian's actions today indirectly enable the Da Xia Dynasty to subjugate the Xiongnu Nation.

Isn't this merit sufficient?

Don't even talk about a marquis; they'd make you a king directly, a non‑hereditary king—no duke could match that.

Although the growth of national fortune and territorial expansion are fundamentally different, what Gu Jin Nian did fully qualifies as meritorious deeds.

One of the three immortals has indeed been completed.

Only the heavens' approval remains.

The people were shocked.

Mu Ha Er truly didn't want to say another word; everyone told him to stop the fuss, but he wouldn't listen.

Now it's fine.

This marriage alliance was a total loss—both the bride and troops were sacrificed.

First, his own nation suffered a second reduction of its national fortune, and the marriage alliance fell through; Gu Jin Nian's proclamation for Da Xia's founding summoned emperors from past and present, who manifested as dragon souls to safeguard the Central Plains people.

In that case, this wave for the Da Xia Dynasty is an absolute windfall.

With such terrifying national fortune, the future Da Xia Dynasty will enjoy favorable weather; even natural or man‑made disasters will never be severe.

Moreover, this national fortune touches countless aspects, affecting every region—bountiful harvests, auspicious snow, talented and virtuous lands—all will be influenced.

Even if the Da Xia Dynasty were to go to war with the Xiongnu Nation, given its national fortune, such events could occur.

The Da Xia Dynasty's surprise raid on the Xiongnu Nation, amid thunder and lightning, left the Xiongnu unaware.

Conversely, if the Xiongnu Nation attempted a surprise attack on Da Xia, the same thunderstorm could inadvertently strike them.

Even before reaching the Da Xia camp, half the troops could already be dead.

The likelihood is huge; similar incidents have occurred on Da Xia's lands before.

A dynasty collapsed, usurped, with a million‑strong army, while an imperial orphan fled, taking three thousand elite soldiers.

Logically, in such a scenario, survival alone wouldn't allow a comeback.

Yet the result was that this escaped imperial orphan survived, formed an army—though not a hundred thousand strong—to clash head‑on with the million‑troop force.

The two armies clashed, a fate that was inevitable.

Then a meteor fell from the sky, annihilating the opponent's million troops, simply because the orphan still possessed national fortune.

Thus he won consecutively, achieving an incredible reversal, becoming the new emperor and ruling the land for another millennium.

The theory of national fortune originated then; every nation now studies it and places great importance on it.

Moreover, Heaven's Mandate now appears.

In this era, those who obtain Heaven's Mandate gain national fortune, and those with national fortune look upon everything with disdain.

"Let's go."

Watching all this, Mu Ha Er truly felt distressed.

He didn't know what to say.

He also didn't know what to say.

This loss was so severe that he didn't know how to explain it after returning to the Xiongnu Nation.

Twenty people left.

The city gate opened at that moment, and the Da Xia Dynasty was not at all afraid of them, allowing them to leave; after all, the two states were at war, no need to execute the envoys.

Leaving those Xiongnu behind is enough; these nobles cannot stay, otherwise trouble would arise.

It is good that the Da Xia Dynasty's national fortune has strengthened, but that does not mean the Da Xia Dynasty now possesses invincible power.

The strengthening of national fortune benefits future generations and requires time to mature.

Thus.

After Mu Ha'er and the others left, an imperial edict was proclaimed at that moment.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:"

"The marriage alliance has been nullified, yet the Da Xia national fortune has increased thanks to the Crown Prince of Lord Lin Yang, Gu Jin Nian; this is the first merit of Emperor Yongsheng."

"Therefore, Gu Jin Nian is granted three royal pearls; the Ministry of Rites shall handle it, bestow upon him the title of Marquis, propose the designation of Lord, select a site for the capital, construct a marquisate residence, and upon the coronation day, hold the grand investiture ceremony together."

"Also, with the strengthening of national fortune, the ruler and the people share joy; a banquet of flowing dishes will be set in the capital for seven days of celebration."

"And a general amnesty across the realm."

The edict was issued, awarding Gu Jin Nian three royal pearls, which together made twelve, but the meaning of this edict is not merely that simple.

The twelve royal pearls are twelve royal pearls; after they are collected, the Ministry of Rites submits the marquisate matter, and the Emperor makes the final approval.

But Gu Jin Nian is clearly different; the twelve royal pearls are still awarded, yet his investiture is not because of the pearls, but because of everything he has done today, which merits a marquisate.

Absolutely worthy.

When the edict was announced, the common folk cheered instantly; the Emperor rewarded merit, and to the people it seemed proper.

Having done real deeds for Da Xia, he should be rewarded; granting a marquisate is absolutely without issue.

But for the officials, His Majesty's decree is somewhat improper.

The Gu Family is now a towering tree that attracts wind; if they are granted another marquisate, wouldn't that cement them as the top aristocracy?

Honestly, this is not a good thing; it isn't good for the Gu Family, nor is it good for others.

All the countless favors rest on a single member of the Gu Family; does everyone feel balanced? If we judge by merit, indeed many cannot reach Gu Jin Nian's level of boosting Da Xia's national fortune.

But having risked life and death for Da Xia and given his life to Emperor Yongsheng, can that merit truly be unmatched?

A marquisate can be hereditary.

Who wouldn't want that? Becoming a marquis makes one the elite among elites; every marquis is not an ordinary person, but a person above others.

Who doesn't feel a stir? And for the Ministry of Rites, if they confer a marquisate now, what about later? It will inevitably become a dukedom, right?

If Gu Jin Nian achieves further merits later, could he be granted a king title?

From the perspective of state affairs, Emperor Yongsheng is not afraid of the Gu Family; he can make Gu Jin Nian a marquis, but what about the next emperor?

Can they keep the Gu Family in check?

It's not that the Gu Family will definitely rebel; Grandfather Gu is loyal to the core, he won't rebel, and everyone believes and is willing to believe that.

Lord Lin Yang will not rebel either; after all, he was deeply cultivated by Grandfather Gu, and his relationship with the Emperor is fairly good and loyal.

Gu Jin Nian will not rebel; he serves the Da Xia Dynasty so devotedly, even at the cost of offending foreign powers and court officials—those who intend rebellion would not act like this.

But what about Gu Jin Nian's son? His grandson? Or the fourth generation of the Gu Family, the fifth generation?

Will they rebel?

At that time, everyone would be dead; the great‑grandson Li Ji might already be dead. When that moment arrives, if the Gu Family is never suppressed, how terrifying could their power become? Only after three generations in government can a high official be cultivated.

A duke or a marquis could make Gu Jin Nian the next‑generation duke, and given Gu Jin Nian's excellence, being granted a king title in the future is not impossible.

Even if Gu Jin Nian cannot become a king, the fourth or fifth generation of the Gu Family certainly could be granted a king title.

At that time, the struggle between imperial authority and royal authority would likely become even more troublesome and sharper.

Because such matters have occurred many times throughout history; ancestors were meritorious officials, loyal to the core, yet their descendants could not resist the urge to rebel.

That is why court officials dislike a single family's dominance—not merely out of jealousy, but due to long‑term considerations.

But now, even if it feels uncomfortable, there is nothing that can be done.

Strengthening Da Xia's national fortune merits a marquisate without question; without political considerations, no one would oppose.

The common folk also support it, the Emperor agrees, officials may argue with the Emperor, but they would never dare argue with the people.

Although these commoners seem like ants before them, when they gather together they surpass everything and become the foundation of the state; anyone who dares oppose the people should be ready for their entire family to be eradicated.

It was at that moment.

A new voice sounded.

"By imperial decree, summon the officials to court."

Wei Xian's voice rang throughout the capital, calling the officials to court.

Obviously, it was to discuss some major matters.

Truly important affairs.

As the imperial proclamation sounded, the officials wasted no words and rushed straight to the capital.

Meanwhile, scholars and commoners on both sides also hurried over.

Especially these scholars, ecstatic, grabbed Gu Jin Nian, and without a word began to hoist him high.

Sounds of joy, cheers, and applause kept rising.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you truly are a model for us Da Xia scholars."

"Today's act of the Crown Prince, we admire, we admire, we admire!"

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, unafraid of strong authority, avenging the people, the Da Xia Poetry Society, poems that become timeless, cutting down Xiongnu's national fortune; today, at the marriage alliance, you single‑handedly halted the alliance, raising Da Xia's prestige. Such deeds are truly a model for us scholars; from today onward, I am a follower of the Crown Prince."

"I am also a follower of Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is mighty."

"Brother Gu is mighty."

The scholars were extremely excited; they were all young people, and they may have once envied and resented Gu Jin Nian, after all scholars look down on each other, and moreover Gu Jin Nian had indeed been a playboy before.

Disdain is quite normal.

But since Gu Jin Nian drowned, everything he has done has forced them to admire and be humbled.

Up to today.

Gu Jin Nian relied on his writings and the hot blood in his heart to do what everyone else dared not, and not only did he do it, he did it perfectly.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Refusing marriage alliances.

Refusing tribute.

Refusing to cede land.

Refusing to pay reparations.

The Son of Heaven guards the national gate.

The sovereign dies for the state.

This is so domineering, Establishing Speech for the nation, and further expressing the backbone of the Central Plains people.

Those who offend Da Xia.

Even if far, they will be punished.

This is the Da Xia ethos, also the ethos of the Central Plains people.

With just this sentence, Gu Jin Nian is destined to be renowned for ages; this already transcends mere poetry and prose.

It is about a person's virtue, ambition, and backbone.

Gu Jin Nian used his ability to conquer Da Xia scholars; at least the scholars of Da Xia Capital were completely won over.

They are all young, and their blood also runs hot.

All youths are arrogant.

They also have pride, but they cannot achieve what Gu Jin Nian does; aside from impotent rage, writing a few poems to insult the court and the Xiongnu Nation.

What else can they do? Naturally, Gu Jin Nian became the model in their hearts, the benchmark.

This is the true scholar.

This is the scholar with proud, soaring backbone.

The scholars are fervent, eager to follow Gu Jin Nian.

It can be said that today's events have at least earned Gu Jin Nian the favor of Da Xia Capital scholars; henceforth, if anyone dares to slander Gu Jin Nian, these scholars will certainly not back down.

Reputation is built through certain deeds.

The deeds Gu Jin Nian has done over time are erupting at this moment; within a few days, more and more people will recognize him, and his reputation will grow.

Every future action will be constantly watched, and Da Xia scholars will study them constantly.

He has become a role model.

As for the common folk, they are also very excited; now that this burst of malice is released, how could they not be pleased?

Moreover, the nation has become strong; how could they not be happy? This is a good thing.

Naturally they celebrate.

Gu Jin Nian, lifted into the air, is at a loss for words.

Can't they celebrate in another way?

Must they throw themselves upward?

Invite me to a teahouse for some new tea would be fine; since you are scholars, can't you do something scholars should do? It's a bit depressing, but the lingering gloom in my heart has completely dissipated.

In short, overall it feels great; this burst of malice is gone, and the pleasure is delightful.

Especially, two princesses a short distance away stepped down from a jade litter.

Tears marked their faces, but now they smile brightly; after all, they have just passed a life‑and‑death ordeal, and if Gu Jin Nian had not intervened at the crucial moment, they probably would never have reached the Da Xia Dynasty in this life.

But soon.

A squad of palace guards hurried over, their faces bearing gentle smiles, clearing the scholars and commoners aside; after Gu Jin Nian landed smoothly, the leading commander, half‑kneeling, said.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty has issued a decree for you to go to the palace."

The speaker's words were exceedingly respectful, eyes full of admiration.

Today's events—whether scholars, common folk, or these soldiers—who does not submit to Gu Jin Nian? Who does not respect Gu Jin Nian?

Establishing Speech for the nation.

Refusing marriage alliances.

Raising Da Xia's national prestige—what deed is not earth‑shaking?

The half‑kneeling ritual is certainly not an exaggeration.

"Fine."

Gu Jin Nian's expression was gentle, but he knew why his uncle had summoned him.

It must be about how he learned that the Xiongnu Nation had stolen the nation's fortune.

But he had already prepared his reply, and he left with the group immediately.

Thus.

The news from Da Xia Capital spread wildly outward in an instant.

The events of today will shock the world.

Refusing marriage alliances, gaining massive national fortune.

More importantly, crushing the Xiongnu Nation's plot is equivalent to earning double profits.

And at this moment.

Mu Ha'er and the others, who had already left the capital dozens of li away, wore extremely grim faces.

They raced all the way toward the Xiongnu Nation, daring not to waste a single moment.

After all, who knows whether new variables will arise; if so, being detained in the Da Xia Dynasty as a hostage would make life certainly miserable.

Going back means taking scoldings, but at least life can go on as usual.

"Mu Xiang, if I return, will I be punished by the Father Emperor?"

At this moment, Qi Qi Mu finally sobered up; while racing, he also reflected on his actions of the past few days.

He had made too many mistakes; a fleeting dispute caused the plan to collapse.

It was one thing that the princess was not taken back, but worse, the Da Xia Dynasty seized the opportunity to issue a national proclamation, gaining the approval of all past and present emperors, strengthening its national fortune.

With one side gaining at the other's loss, the Xiongnu Nation, originally set for a 5‑5 war with Da Xia, is now roughly a 3‑7 split: Da Xia seven, Xiongnu three.

This still assumes that the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will lend assistance.

So he is afraid.

He fears his Father King will blame him.

Hearing Qi Qi Mu's voice, Mu Ha'er truly despised the prince in his heart, utterly foolish.

The initial advantage of their Xiongnu Nation has been brutally ruined by this prince.

If he had never provoked Gu Jin Nian, none of this trouble would have arisen.

It truly was exceedingly foolish.

Nevertheless, Qi Qi Mu is ultimately the Xiongnu Grand Prince, and the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation may soon go to war; should the Xiongnu Nation truly clash with the Da Xia Dynasty,

many variables could arise, and the Grand Prince has a chance of becoming the new Xiongnu Nation.

For him, Qi Qi Mu becoming Xiongnu King is a good thing; his stupidity allows me to control him well, and even if not fully, I can handle him easily.

If another prince were chosen, I'd have to rebuild relations, and more importantly, he would be hard to control.

This is not a good thing for a Chancellor.

So he suppressed his inner fury and sent his voice, saying,

"The Grand Prince need not worry excessively."

"This matter is neither your fault nor mine."

"It was Gu Jin Nian who provoked first; everything the Grand Prince did was only to defend Xiongnu dignity."

"Moreover, most importantly, Emperor Yongsheng had long known our Xiongnu Nation's plan, so naturally, even if the Grand Prince does nothing, the outcome remains the same."

Mu Ha'er spoke; he had already found an excuse.

Although the Grand Prince is foolish and made many mistakes, those deeds aren't truly foolish; they're merely minor lapses of patience.

But the core of all problems lies in Emperor Yongsheng already knowing the Xiongnu Nation's conspiracy.

To put it bluntly, they were simply waiting.

Thus it's no wonder.

Only Mu Ha'er was truly curious how Emperor Yongsheng knew.

The Xiongnu King.

The Grand Prince.

Myself, and the Great Scholar of the Kong Family.

I could never possibly speak it out, nor could the Xiongnu King; as for the Grand Prince, although he cannot guarantee fully, given his arrogance, there is no chance he would reveal it.

Thus only one person remains.

The Great Scholar of the Kong Family.

But that possibility is also slim; he proposed the idea, and then I went to leak it?

For what purpose? To strengthen Da Xia's national fortune?

The Kong Family and the Gu Family are mortal enemies; if this were truly done, it wouldn't be Gu Jin Nian who steps forward, but the heir of the Kong Family. Hence all four have reasons not to disclose it—that is the point Mu Ha'er is curious about.

Receiving Mu Ha'er's reassurance, Qi Qi Mu let out a long sigh, yet soon he could not help but voice some concern,

"Mu Xiang."

"The Da Xia Dynasty's national fortune is now flourishing; if they raise an army to invade our Xiongnu Nation, what should we do?"

As he spoke, the scene just now flashed through Qi Qi Mu's mind.

Da Xia's national fortune is like a dragon.

This is terrifying; compared to it, the Xiongnu are indeed inferior to Da Xia.

"Invasion of our Xiongnu Nation?"

"Your Highness still underestimates the world's pattern."

Mu Ha'er replied,

If you say the two nations are at war, he has nothing to say, because the probability of war is high.

But to say an invasion of the Xiongnu Nation—

that would diminish others' ambition and tarnish one's own prestige.

"Mu Xiang, He Yan?"

At this moment, Qi Qi Mu was utterly obedient and could only ask.

"If our Xiongnu Nation were to fight Da Xia, on the surface it would inevitably be our defeat."

"But in reality?"

"Putting aside the fact that many neighboring vassal states surround our Xiongnu Nation, and these vassals are allied with us, if Da Xia truly dares to attack, they would certainly not stand by, for once the royal court falls,"

"The unlucky ones would be them; under iron cavalry, how could they find safety?"

"Moreover, would the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty just stand by?"

Especially the Fuyu Dynasty, Da Xia obtained nine Heaven's Mandates, and the Fuyu Dynasty is the most defiant; if Da Xia truly destroys us Xiongnu, pacifies the northern turmoil, and completes the great unification, the Da Xia Dynasty's national fortune will soar.

In ten or twenty years, the Fuyu Dynasty will no longer be able to catch up with the Da Xia Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty may not be able to catch up with the Da Xia Dynasty.

Thus, may I ask, Your Highness, would these two great dynasties dare not help us?

To put it bluntly, even if they do not aid our Xiongnu nation, they will replace us with a feudal state to resist the Da Xia Dynasty.

The north will never be peaceful; the two great dynasties will never allow the Da Xia Dynasty to settle into peace.

Even the Central Continent Dynasty does not wish the Da Xia Dynasty to be at peace.

Mu Xiang opened his mouth and described the state of the world.

Within the Eastern Wilderness.

The Fuyu Dynasty is the third oldest; its greatest desire is to surpass the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Da Xia Dynasty is the second oldest, seeking to surpass the Great Jin Dynasty and become the foremost in the Eastern Wilderness.

As for the Great Jin Dynasty, its aim is more direct: to dominate the entire Eastern Wilderness, so it has been biding its time and gathering strength.

Thus an extreme opposition is formed.

Both great dynasties aim to undermine the Da Xia Dynasty, so they support the Xiongnu nation, support some feudal states, and even support certain vassal princes within Da Xia, hoping to cause chaos both inside and outside Da Xia.

Of course, the Da Xia Dynasty has also done many such things, but since the usurpation by Emperor Yongsheng twelve years ago, it has been unable to attend to external affairs; bluntly put, it can only take the blows.

It has been schemed against.

After all, having usurped the throne, many forces were purged, and rebuilding them is extremely difficult.

This is the downside of usurping the throne.

Therefore, the likelihood of war between Da Xia and the Xiongnu nation is very high.

But the ultimate result is nothing more than a contest for the twelve border cities.

However, the difficulty of retaking the twelve cities is also great; at the very least the Xiongnu nation refuses, and the Fuyu and Great Jin dynasties are unwilling to agree.

Moreover, the notion of a horse trampling the royal court? That's even more of a pipe dream.

This is Mu Ha Er's thinking; his gaze is not on Da Xia nor on the Xiongnu, but on the whole world.

"Has the Central Continent Dynasty also gotten involved?"

Be it the Fuyu Dynasty or the Great Jin Dynasty, Qi Qi Mu knows that these two dynasties treat the Xiongnu merely as pawns.

But when the Central Continent Dynasty is mentioned, it's different.

The Central Continent Dynasty is not comparable to the Great Jin, Da Xia, or Fuyu Dynasties.

This is the true hegemon.

It is now campaigning in the Southern Ridge, aiming to seize it, and rumors already say the Central Continent Dynasty plans to stretch the front line and dispatch troops to the Western Frontier.

That is the true hegemon.

The invincible hegemon.

Before the Central Continent Dynasty, the Xiongnu are not even a speck of an ant.

The reason the Central Continent Dynasty does not regard the Eastern Wilderness as an enemy is entirely because the Eastern Wilderness cannot presently bring the Central Continent Dynasty great profit.

To put it bluntly, the Eastern Wilderness currently has no strategic value, and moreover the two are separated by the East Sea, making it unwise to build ships to cross.

There are also some reasons that are hard to explain.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the Central Continent Dynasty is the true hegemon, a colossal presence.

If the Central Continent Dynasty also joins in, then there would truly be nothing to fear.

"Your Highness, do you think the king's marriage alliance this time truly stems from believing the words of the Great Scholar of the Kong family?"

Mu Ha Er spoke lightly, and his words caused Prince Qi Qi Mu's expression to change.

"Are they from the Central Continent?"

He was shocked and somewhat unable to believe it, because he had no knowledge of this information at all.

Mu Ha Er did not answer, but instead spoke lightly, saying

"The reason the Kong family can influence the world is that the Kong family has excellent relations with several high-ranking figures of the Central Continent Dynasty."

"They receive information that is certainly more than ours; the king believes the Great Scholar of the Kong family precisely because of this connection."

"Moreover, although the Central Continent Dynasty appears far away, in reality they have sent many people to infiltrate various nations; our Xiongnu nation has people from the Central Continent Dynasty, as do the Great Jin, Fuyu, and even Da Xia Dynasties."

"Their identities are impeccably clean; tracing back three generations reveals no issues."

"That is the terrifying aspect of the Central Continent Dynasty."

"However, these matters are not for us to discuss at the moment."

"Your Highness, return to the country first; we can discuss other matters later."

Mu Ha Er did not wish to say much, because the information he had was also very limited.

"Fine."

Qi Qi Mu said no more, and the weight in his heart gradually eased.

Meanwhile.

The Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Civil and military officials were all waiting in the Main Hall.

However, Emperor Yongsheng was still in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

He was waiting for someone.

Waiting for Gu Jin Nian.

About a quarter of an hour later.

Two figures appeared one after the other before his eyes.

One was Gu Jin Nian, the other was Wei Xian.

He is very curious.

Extremely curious about how Gu Jin Nian saw through the other's scheme.

Therefore, when Gu Jin Nian entered the hall, without waiting for him to speak, the Yong Sheng Emperor waved his hand and ordered all eunuchs and maids to leave.

Inside the great hall, it instantly became pitch dark.

The Yong Sheng Emperor's voice was the first to sound.

"Jin Nian."

"What on earth is going on here?"

"I want to hear the truth."

The Yong Sheng Emperor's voice was very calm.

Yet his aura at this moment seemed exceedingly cold and austere.

He wants to hear the truth. —Recommendation for a friend's work.

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(End of chapter)