Chapter 18

The three-piece set for warhorses was originally proposed by Qin Mu during the previous imperial examination. Now that Fang Fang Xuanling was using it to show off, he really was something.

"Oh? Horseshoes, what are those?"

Qin Mu feigned curiosity.

"Hehehe, this item is a divine weapon that can shock the world. Once it appears, no country in the world will be a match for the Great Tang. Although Your Majesty has talent that spans the ages, in the face of an absolute disparity in strength, any talent appears a bit... pale."

"I hope Your Majesty will understand this humble minister’s concern and accept these golden words."

Fang Fang Xuanling cupped his hands and bowed deeply.

"Is that so? It seems the Great Tang’s military development level is truly remarkable."

"However... Minister Fang, I am a bit curious. Such a shocking and world-changing divine weapon, who exactly invented and created it?"

After hearing Fang Fang Xuanling’s words, Qin Mu was not shocked. Instead, the signature smile on his lips became even more meaningful, and he looked deeply at the Great Tang Prime Minister before him.

"This..."

"It seems, perhaps, it should be the masterpiece of Empress Zhangsun Chong, the son of the Duke of Zhao, Empress Zhangsun Zhangsun Wuji."

Fang Fang Xuanling’s tone was somewhat hesitant.

He had thought his earnest persuasion would make Qin Mu alert, but he hadn't expected Qin Mu to avoid his own questions and instead throw a difficult problem back at him.

To tell the truth.

When Li Er announced that Empress Zhangsun Chong had won the position of Top Graduate based on that eternal masterpiece of an essay, Fang Fang Xuanling and the entire imperial court were shocked beyond measure.

No one had expected it.

A playboy who only knew how to eat, drink, and play could write such a shocking article, and even change the landscape of the Great Tang single-handedly.

From then on, the playboy Empress Zhangsun Chong leaped to become a god in the hearts of the Great Tang people.

Even today, Fang Fang Xuanling felt somewhat dazed and still couldn't quite believe the fact.

Precisely because of this.

When Qin Mu asked who had thought of the horseshoes, Fang Fang Xuanling was full of hesitation.

"What? Minister Fang seems a bit hesitant."

Qin Mu naturally saw Fang Fang Xuanling’s inner thoughts and continued to press him.

"This... Your Majesty, whoever invented the horseshoes, this is an internal matter of our Great Tang."

"I ask Your Majesty to consider what this humble minister said just now, and not let personal desires plunge the people of both countries into the flames of war."

Fang Fang Xuanling nodded slightly, his tone filled with genuine sincerity.

Qin Mu was, after all, the ruler of a foreign nation; Fang Fang Xuanling would naturally not truly confide in him.

Whether or not the horseshoes were invented by Empress Zhangsun Chong, they had already brought unparalleled changes to the Great Tang’s military power. This was an undeniable fact.

As for the truth, that was not something he needed to worry about.

"Minister Fang, calm down. Perhaps it won't be long before everything comes to light."

Qin Mu did not continue to press Fang Fang Xuanling, but slowly turned to look out the window, his deep eyes without a ripple.

"Comes to light?"

Fang Fang Xuanling looked up, his eyes full of confusion.

"Whoa!"

Just at this moment, the carriage suddenly stopped.

"Young Master, we have arrived at Changancheng."

Wei Wei Zhongxian’s voice sounded slowly outside the carriage.

"Understood." Qin Mu replied, turned back to look at Fang Fang Xuanling, smiled lightly, and said: "Minister Fang, we have arrived at Changancheng, and it is time for you to return to report. As the saying goes, a gentleman’s promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Minister Fang, please do not forget the agreement between us."

"That is natural. One month is the term; I will keep my mouth shut."

"Take care, Your Majesty!"

Fang Fang Xuanling nodded solemnly, bowed to Qin Mu, and then strode toward Changancheng.

"Your Majesty, should we contact our secret agents in Changancheng to watch him?"

After Fang Fang Xuanling had walked far away, Wei Wei Zhongxian asked respectfully in a low voice.

Through Qin Mu’s deployment and arrangements, Yu Yu Huatian had long since led a large number of secret agents to lurk in Changancheng.

This was to gather various intelligence within the capital and to prepare for any unforeseen needs.

Wei Wei Zhongxian was responsible for liaising with Yu Yu Huatian; he knew the situation of the secret agents in Changancheng better than anyone.

"No need."

Qin Mu shook his head calmly.

He understood what Wei Wei Zhongxian meant.

As the saying goes, everyone serves their own master.

Whether Fang Fang Xuanling would keep his promise or turn around and tell Li Er everything, no one could guarantee.

Whether Fang Fang Xuanling will actually keep his promise or turn around and spill everything to Li Er, no one can guarantee.

Sending a secret agent to follow him is the only way to ensure absolute safety.

However.

Qin Mu is very confident.

He believes that Fang Fang Xuanling will absolutely not go back on his word and deceive him.

Firstly, Fang Fang Xuanling is unwilling to escalate the conflict between the two nations.

As an envoy, Fang Fang Xuanling represents the entire Great Tang.

Deceiving the monarch of another nation is by no means a small matter, whether in public or private.

If Qin Mu were to claim later that Great Tang intentionally deceived him, then in terms of diplomatic relations, Great Tang would be in the wrong.

Secondly, Qin Mu believes that Fang Fang Xuanling is a gentleman who will certainly keep his promise.

Taking a step back.

Even if Fang Fang Xuanling were to spill everything to Li Er, Qin Mu still has a way to calmly leave Changancheng.

Ordering Yu Yu Huatian to go ahead and set up a layout in Changancheng was precisely to ensure he could leave without any mishaps.