Chapter 1132

Xue Lingjun had originally prepared to leave, but hearing that the Dakang Emperor Long Xuan'en had already rejected Li Chen Zhou's peace terms, she could not help but change her mind. She had thought she already understood Hu Xiaotian to some extent, but only now did she discover that there were many aspects of Hu Xiaotian she had not deeply understood, such as how he actually presented the hard‑won grain with both hands to Long Xuan'en — a move few had anticipated. To ordinary people it seemed merely superfluous on Hu Xiaotian's part, yet upon careful consideration one would see its exquisite subtlety.

Xue Lingjun understood that Hu Xiaotian's giving of grain was absolutely not out of reverence for Emperor Long Xuan'en, but because he had fully grasped the principle: this batch of grain and fodder was a disaster, not a blessing, for him; handing it over to Long Xuan'en was tantamount to handing over the conflict as well. In many people's eyes, Hu Xiaotian lost both grain and value, yet by sending out those three hundred thousand shi of grain he placed himself on the side of morality. This young man is truly extraordinary, with deep foresight, far‑reaching consideration, and outstanding vision.

Since the new ruler Xue Daohong agreed to resolve the Yongjiang crisis through peace talks, Xue Lingjun realized that Xue Daohong had already begun to regret his two previous blind campaigns, and she also saw that although Xue Daohong had ascended the throne, his power was not secure; this forced him to choose short‑term endurance and concession, deciding to send himself on a mission to Dongliang Jun because he still held considerable hope of winning over Hu Xiaotian — if Hu Xiaotian, under pressure, chose to lead all his troops to surrender to Da Yong, that would indeed be the ideal outcome. Yet Xue Daohong dared not stake everything on himself alone, and at the same time dispatched Li Chen Zhou to Kangdu, hoping to get the Dakang Emperor Long Xuan'en to yield first.

Judging from current developments, the simultaneous diplomatic offensives are far from satisfactory — Hu Xiaotian flatly refuses to surrender, and Long Xuan'en surprisingly also rejects Da Yong's generous offer of grain for land. The peace talks have failed; a battle is inevitable! By ordinary reasoning, a full‑scale war might soon erupt, but Xue Lingjun believes this fight cannot be launched in the short term. Hei Hu is exerting great pressure on Da Yong in Bei Jiang, and Da Yong's military focus remains on the northern frontier; for the time being it cannot free its hands to launch a full‑scale invasion of Dakang, let alone attend to removing Hu Xiaotian, that thorn in the flesh and splinter in the eye.

As a member of the imperial family, Xue Lingjun can see Da Yong's weaknesses clearer than anyone. Since her elder brother Xue Shengkang died suddenly, Da Yong's power center has lost its former strong cohesion; Xue Daohong, whether in ability or charm, cannot compare with his father. Xue Lingjun still remembers the words her imperial brother entrusted to her on his deathbed — no matter what, she must do her utmost to help Da Yong maintain stability — yet her painstaking efforts, as things stand now, seem not to be understood by this nephew Xue Daohong, who even shows displeasure at her excessive interference in state affairs.

Jianping came up behind her and whispered, "Your Highness, everything is packed; we can set out at any moment." Because Guo Zhenhai had been injured, everyone in the envoy began to grow tense. Hu Xiaotian is someone who does not follow rules; if he truly flew into a rage, he might well massacre the envoy, and in that case the first to bear the brunt would inevitably be these attendants.

Xue Lingjun nodded and asked softly, "How is Guo Zhenhai?"

Jianping replied, "Physician Liang examined him. He said the shock damaged his meridians; he may need half a year of rest to recover." She sighed, "I never expected Hu Xiaotian to strike so — " Before she could finish, Xue Lingjun's cold gaze fell on her. Jianping instantly realized she had said too much, and lowered her head in alarm.

Xue Lingjun lifted a finger to inspect her beautifully manicured nails, her expression easing a little. After a while she said, "I have changed my mind. I will not leave for now."

Jianping's face filled with astonishment; she clearly did not understand why the princess had suddenly made such a decision, and she whispered, "Your Highness, Dongliang Jun is no place to linger; we had better leave quickly lest we invite trouble."

Xue Lingjun said, "You little meddler, you keep sticking your nose in more and more — do I really need you to tell me what to do?"

Jianping dropped to her knees with a thump, trembling, and said, "Princess, please do not misunderstand; I am only concerned for your safety, with no intention of overstepping."

Xue Lingjun laughed, "Forget it; do you really think I would stoop to your level?"

Hu Xiaotian, hearing that Xue Lingjun was not leaving immediately, also felt rather surprised. Although he disliked her methods, he could not help admiring her courage. In fact, Xue Lingjun's idea of using the lives of the Yu Tianxing family as leverage against him was nothing special — he himself had employed the same tactic when dealing with Chang Fanqi. In political struggle there are no inherently good or bad means; what truly matters is the outcome. Moreover, in this world there are no eternal friends or enemies, only eternal interests.

In diplomacy one must employ both soft and hard measures; faced with Hu Xiaotian's obstinacy, Xue Lingjun could only choose to retreat. The true purpose of her mission this time was, first, to probe Hu Xiaotian's strength, and second, to obtain as much benefit as possible from him — taking the prisoners led by Qin Yangming was one of her intentions.

Before departing Dongliang Jun, Xue Lingjun paid Hu Xiaotian another visit. Although they had previously been opposed, this fellow actually exemplified what it means to separate the matter from the person; when he saw Xue Lingjun again his attitude improved greatly, his expression was like a spring breeze, and he even changed his address to "junior sister." The hot‑and‑cold shift in his demeanor let Xue Lingjun truly experience how quickly he changes face — so much that even her wisdom struggles to keep up.

News from Kangdu kept arriving via pigeon post, and the favorable reports kept increasing. Emperor Long Xuan'en was not muddle‑headed on the crucial issues; he was not taken in by Da Yong's peace terms and ultimately chose to support Hu Xiaotian. Hu Xiaotian returned the favor, publicly pledging to supply the capital with three hundred thousand shi of grain. This news had been deliberately spread, for as Hu Xiaotian intended, he wanted the world to know his generosity and loyalty, and also to make clear that he had practically exhausted his reserves and should no longer be regarded as a target of public resentment.

Xue Lingjun came under the pretense of bidding farewell; although she and Hu Xiaotian had previously exchanged sharp words, this time she showed no embarrassment, as if the earlier incident had never happened, and she said softly, "Xiaotian brother, I have come this time especially to bid you farewell."

Hu Xiaotian's attitude today was also good; he smiled and said, "Junior sister, why are you suddenly leaving? Could it be that you're still angry about what happened last time?"

Xue Lingjun let out a faint sigh and said, "Last time the fault was entirely mine; after I went back I thought it over carefully, and if I were in your position I would certainly have been angry — I was wrong, I should not have threatened Yu Tianxing with such means. Whether you believe me or not, those words were just talk; I never intended to act on them."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "I'm not right either; I've known junior sister for so long that I ought to know her character, and I should have believed you." These words were ambiguous; he certainly knew her nature — she is no kind soul, and to trust her is to believe she will stop at nothing.

Xue Lingjun smiled faintly and said, "I also understand that you always separate the matter from the person; in fact, I came this time on the Emperor's commission, and regardless of how the negotiations turn out, I do not want public business to affect the affection between us siblings."

Hu Xiaotian nodded repeatedly and said, "Of course — public is public, private is private; I, as a brother, keep them distinct."

Xue Lingjun said, "Xiaotian brother, you previously promised to release Qin Yangming and the several thousand soldiers captured last time."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Did we have that? If you hadn't mentioned it I would have forgotten!"

Xue Lingjun silently cursed, "You little brat, your cheek keeps getting thicker — you can even pretend to forget what you promised, trying to go back on your word?"

Hu Xiaotian naturally understood that Xue Lingjun's attempt to persuade him to surrender had failed, so she was now falling back on securing the release of the prisoners; this envoy could not return empty‑handed. He chuckled and said, "Junior sister, don't worry — I always keep my word, and I could not forget what I promised. Releasing the people is fine, but I also have a small condition."

Xue Lingjun nodded, knowing that this fellow's condition was certainly not as trivial as he made it sound, and with an unperturbed expression said, "Xiaotian brother, just state your condition plainly."

Hu Xiaotian said, "After thinking it over, I still believe harmony should be prized. Although neither of the two wars was started by me, when will the cycle of revenge end? Continuing to fight like this benefits no one."

Xue Lingjun, for a moment unsure what scheme this fellow had in mind, smiled and said, "Xiaotian brother, you ought to have understood this principle long ago."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Therefore I have decided to repay resentment with virtue — not only will I return these prisoners to you, I also intend to give back the Dongluo granary."

Such good fortune came all too suddenly; Xue Lingjun could hardly believe her ears — how could there be such a bargain in the world? Given Hu Xiaotian's nature, he would hardly suffer a loss willingly; to hand over the Dongluo granary to Da Yong for free? Impossible! After finally calming herself, she said softly, "Xiaotian brother, you might as well tell us your condition."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Junior sister should understand my present situation — the Emperor's appointment of me to govern Dongliang Jun is in fact a veiled exile. Since I arrived here, everyone regards me as a slab of meat, everyone wants to take a bite; to be frank, brother, I have no sense of security at all."

Xue Lingjun did not respond, silently calculating in her mind what this fellow actually wanted to say.

In the early hours another First Update arrives; I earnestly ask all night‑owls to cast their Monthly Tickets, and strive to deliver Three More updates tomorrow morning! The Double Period is already past its halfway point, so please promptly use the Monthly Tickets in your hands! (To be continued~^~)