Chapter 1095: War Drums Rushing to the Heavens

Yuan Li rode her horse, slowly traveling through the streets of Chang'an City, surrounded by bustling crowds and the sounds of a lively marketplace. Her heart was filled with both anxiety about the unknown journey and firmness about serving the country. Passing by the academy, she couldn't help but stop her horse and look toward the familiar school gate, a complex emotion surging in her heart. This place left her with too many memories—fighting side by side with her brother, discussing academics with schoolmates like Li Mu—now all of this would temporarily become a thing of the past.

"Yuan Li!" A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. Li Mu ran out of the academy gate, holding a small package in his hand, "I know you are leaving today, so I specifically prepared some dry rations and medicine; you might need them on the road."

Yuan Li dismounted, took the package, and a warm current surged in her heart, "Li Mu, thank you. I leave the matters in the academy to you."

Li Mu patted her shoulder gently, "Go with peace of mind. I'll take care of the academy side. You must pay attention to safety; we are waiting for your triumphant return."

The two looked at each other and smiled. Yuan Li remounted, nodded to Li Mu, and then rode away. Li Mu stood in place, watching her figure gradually disappear at the corner of the street, silently praying for her in his heart.

A few days later, Yuan Li arrived at the first stop of the border—Yunzhou. Yunzhou was the only way to surrounding small countries and also an important military fortress of the Great Zhou. As soon as Yuan Li arrived in Yunzhou, she rushed to the Garrison Commander's mansion without stopping to discuss negotiation matters with the local garrison general.

The garrison general was an old general about fifty years old, named Zhao Yong. Seeing Yuan Li, a woman, coming to take on such a heavy responsibility, he couldn't help but have some doubts in his heart. But after Yuan Li's clear and unique analysis, Zhao Yong couldn't help but look at her with new eyes.

"Young Lady Yuan, I originally thought you were just here to go through the motions. I didn't expect you to have such insights." Zhao Yong praised, "However, negotiation is no small matter, and those small countries are cunning. Do you have any countermeasures?"

Yuan Li smiled slightly, full of confidence, "General, rest assured. Li'er has already studied the history and culture of those small countries and also analyzed their interest demands. I believe that as long as we treat them with sincerity and explain the pros and cons, we will definitely be able to persuade them to give up the idea of invading."

Zhao Yong nodded, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes, "Good! Young Lady Yuan has such courage and wisdom, and I am willing to fully support you. Whatever you need, just speak up."

In the following days, with Zhao Yong's assistance, Yuan Li prepared a detailed negotiation plan and selected a team of capable accompanying personnel. They were not only proficient in foreign languages but also familiar with border affairs and were Yuan Li's capable assistants for this negotiation.

Finally, the day of negotiation arrived. Yuan Li and her party rushed to the neighboring country—the capital of the Yan Kingdom without stopping. The Yan Kingdom was a small country around the Great Zhou; although its national strength was not strong, its geographical location was dangerous, and it had always been a thorn in the side of the Great Zhou.

After Yuan Li and her party arrived in the capital of the Yan Kingdom, they were received by Yan officials. In the court of the Yan Kingdom, Yuan Li was calm and composed, using fluent Yan language to expound the position and wishes of the Great Zhou, and at the same time, did not forget to emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence between the two countries.

"The Yan Kingdom and the Great Zhou are originally neighboring countries and should live in harmony and prosper together. The current tense border situation is truly not the fortune of the two countries. I have come here this time to hope to reach a peace agreement with the Yan Kingdom and jointly maintain the stability of the border." Yuan Li's words were sonorous and powerful, winning the approval of many officials in the Yan court.

However, the ruler of the Yan Kingdom seemed hesitant. On one hand, he was worried about the powerful strength of the Great Zhou, and on the other hand, he was bewitched by some warmongering forces in the country, delaying making a decision.

Seeing this, Yuan Li's heart sank, but she quickly adjusted her mentality and continued to explain the pros and cons, "Ruler, war will only bring disaster and pain. If the Great Zhou and the Yan Kingdom can coexist peacefully, it will not only be conducive to the peace and contentment of the people of the two countries but also conducive to trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Why not do it?"

Hearing this, the ruler of the Yan Kingdom felt a trace of wavering. Just at this moment, an important minister of the Yan Kingdom stood up and supported Yuan Li's point of view, "Ruler, the envoy's words are very true. War is no child's play; we should consider it carefully. Coexisting peacefully with the Great Zhou is the wise choice for our Yan Kingdom."

Through the joint efforts of Yuan Li and the important minister of the Yan Kingdom, the ruler of the Yan Kingdom finally nodded and agreed to reach a peace agreement with the Great Zhou. Yuan Li felt happy in her heart, but she knew that this was only the first step. Next, she still needed to negotiate with other surrounding countries to completely resolve the border crisis.

In the following days, Yuan Li rushed between various small countries, using her wisdom and courage to win the understanding and support of one country after another. Finally, through her unremitting efforts, the Great Zhou reached peace agreements with surrounding countries, and the border crisis was resolved.

When Yuan Li returned to Chang'an with a sense of achievement and a tired body, she received a hero's welcome. Gu Yi personally greeted her at the gate of the Prime Minister's mansion, his eyes full of appreciation and relief.

"Yuan Li, you have done very well! I did not misjudge you." Gu Yi patted Yuan Li's shoulder and praised.

Yuan Li smiled and shook her head, "Prime Minister, you overpraise me. This is all what Li'er should do. As long as I can serve the Great Zhou, Li'er will not shirk."

After returning to the Prime Minister's mansion, Feng Ji also hugged Yuan Li tightly, her eyes filled with tears, "Li'er, you are back! Mother was worried to death about you."

Yuan Li patted her mother's back gently and said softly, "Mother, Li'er is fine. Look, isn't Li'er back safely?"

The family gathered together, and laughter filled the entire Prime Minister's mansion. And Yuan Li also knew that this successful negotiation was just a beginning in her life. In the future, she would continue to contribute her strength to the peace and tranquility of the Great Zhou. No matter what difficulties and challenges she encountered, she would walk firmly until the day of success. ===== CHAPTER 1789 =====