Chapter 138: Who Holds Greater Power?

In the midst of the officials' discussion, they suddenly fell silent.

It was only because, at this moment, Yun Fengyun and Yang Ye walked out hand in hand.

When the Son of Heaven and Prince Pingxi appear, who would dare not show respect?

Yun Fengyun and Yang Ye addressed each other as sworn brothers, causing all the ministers to salute and keep their mouths tightly shut.

Don't look at Prince Pingxi now lacking military authority, but military authority seems unimportant to him.

Everyone is sensible; although Prince Pingxi no longer holds military power, the Pacified West Army's loyalty still belongs to him.

As long as he says a word, who would dare not obey?

Yun Fengyun sat high above, gazing over and looking down upon the ministers.

Meanwhile, Yang Ye sat in front of Yun Fengyun, also on a chair.

In the past, Yang Ye guarded the frontier passes and had no chance to join the autumn hunt.

This year Yang Ye has time to participate, so the responsible officials specially made him such a chair.

After Yang Jun and Yun Fengyun exchanged a few words, he then turned his gaze to the officials present.

"How come, you all don't seem very optimistic about my son?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the officials present felt their hearts sink, shocked beyond measure.

The entire venue fell dead silent, no one daring to speak further.

Those officials who were not optimistic about Yang Jun only felt their old faces sting, as if they had been slapped many times invisibly.

"With the heir apparent's peerless talent, how could we dare not be optimistic?"

"Yes, Your Highness, this subordinate harbors no such intention."

"With Your Highness's guidance, the heir will surely rank among the top."

"This subordinate has long seen the heir's composed demeanor; he must have a sure chance of victory."

"Exactly, only those with genuine strength can have confidence and face anything like this."

"This old official admires Your Highness and believes even more that like father like son; the heir will surely take the top place!"

Soon, amid the officials' back-and-forth chatter, everyone spoke up, practically praising Yang Jun to the heavens.

Prince Pingxi smiled and paid no heed to this crowd.

After all, they're merely a bunch of sycophants; what is there to fear?

Just don't bully my beloved, innocent only son, and that'll be fine.

Yang Ye ignored the officials and drank with Yun Fengyun.

Seeing this, Zhou Tian was indignant.

"It's utterly unfair—Yang Jun this bastard merely relies on Prince Pingxi's power and influence; what's so great about him?"

"I have ability and potential, yet I lack anyone to rely on; this is too unfair!"

"No, I must strive harder, rely on my own strength, and on the hunting grounds slaughter in all directions, displaying my divine might!"

"As long as I crush Yang Jun, I can make others shut up and let them see how formidable I am!"

"I refuse to believe that even if Prince Pingxi is formidable, he would still personally descend to the hunting field to help Yang Jun."

"Without Yang Ye, Prince Pingxi, what is Yang Jun but nothing?"

"Even now, Zhou Tian does not consider himself defeated by Yang Jun's hand."

"That incident was an accident."

"Under Prince Pingxi's pressure, I simply couldn't bring out my full potential."

"Although Yun Fengyun was drinking, he nonetheless heard every word."

"As these words entered his ears, Yun Fengyun felt deeply dissatisfied."

"Alas, this mighty sworn brother—his tiger's might grows ever greater!"

"Although he now lacks actual authority, his prestige remains."

"Now it seems that merely stripping him of military power is meaningless."

"Perhaps, to sleep soundly, the only way is to find someone who can truly and completely replace Yang Ye!"

"Zhou Tian, it seems many are optimistic about you—do you have confidence?"

Yun Fengyun gave Zhou Tian a casual glance.

In a single sentence lay deep meaning, also intended as a reminder.

"Of course!"

Zhou Tian immediately responded respectfully, full of confidence.

"Your subject has long been ready, eager to enter the hunting grounds; please, Your Majesty, advise whether we should begin at once."

Zhou Tian's words earned a satisfied nod from Yun Fengyun.

"Not yet."

Yun Fengyun just likes Zhou Tian's vigor; compared to him, Yang Jun seems utterly insignificant.

With Yang Ye present, Yang Jun's aura rises; I intend to suppress him and lower his spirit.

"Today, foreign visitors have arrived."

Yun Fengyun said no more; in that single sentence, everyone felt somewhat surprised.

Sure enough, there really are foreigners?

As Yun Fengyun spoke those words, amid the officials' murmurs of speculation, outside the autumn hunt lodge, Lin Qingyue slowly approached.

"Official Lin Qingyue pays respects to Your Majesty of the Great Xia; long live Your Majesty, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"

Lin Qingyue bowed to Yun Fengyun, greeting him in a soft, lovely voice.

Seeing Lin Qingyue's appearance and the aura she exuded, the officials could not help but praise her.

Just looking at this beautiful woman, many people couldn't help but think again, as if they had heard this name somewhere.

Zhou Tian saw Lin Qingyue, his eyes wide open, his face full of surprise.

How could the Fifth Senior Sister be here?

Yun Xuanmo originally didn't care about these things; whether it was the autumn hunt or not, he didn't take it seriously.

Just when Lin Qingyue appeared, he couldn't help but his eyes lit up.

The Yun imperial clan had many beauties, but compared to Lin Qingyue, many of them seemed slightly inferior.

Could this woman be a princess of some country?

"Please take a seat."

Yun Fengyun gave the order in a cold voice.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lin Qingyue's demeanor was aloof and cold.

"I am a foreign official from Pillar Prefecture, and I have come this time for the marriage alliance."

Upon hearing this, the officials were all stunned again.

At this point, everyone then recalled some matters.

Pillar Prefecture State and Great Xia had previously had a marriage alliance.

What Great Xia wanted was to gradually devour Pillar Prefecture, eventually letting Pillar Prefecture be completely annexed by Great Xia.

However, after Pillar Prefecture understood Great Xia's intention, it firmly refused.

Great Xia has always been a land of rites, and it also took peaceful means toward Pillar Prefecture; since the other side refused the marriage alliance, of course it did not force them.

This matter, having been dragged on and on, seems to have become something that will no longer be discussed.

But today, the princess of Pillar Prefecture State has appeared, bringing up the old matter again; could it be that this matter will finally be settled?

"Pillar Prefecture and Great Xia are separated only by a narrow strip of water."

"Regarding the marriage alliance, I raise it again today; I hope Your Majesty will approve!"

Lin Qingyue did not take a seat; instead, she respectfully spoke again, and while speaking, she performed another salute.

Upon hearing Lin Qingyue's words, all the officials were delighted.

This is something Great Xia has always wanted to do.

Now that Lin Qingyue has agreed to this matter, isn't that giving Great Xia a great opportunity?

As long as Great Xia has the opportunity to annex Pillar Prefecture, this would be a great achievement in expanding territory!

Furthermore, Lin Qingyue appears beautiful and kind-hearted; such a fine princess should of course belong to China, which is most appropriate.