Chapter 1784: War Drums Roaring

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Yuan Li rode her horse, slowly traveling through the streets of Chang'an City, surrounded by bustling crowds and the noisy sounds of the marketplace. Her heart held both anxiety about the unknown journey and firmness about serving the country. Passing by the academy, she could not 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, academic discussions with schoolmates like Li Mu; now all this would temporarily become the past.

"Yuan Li!" a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts; Li Mu ran out from the academy gate, holding a small package in his hand, "I knew you were 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 gently patted her shoulder: "Rest assured and go; I have the academy side. You must pay attention to safety; we will wait for your triumphant return."

The two smiled at each other; 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.

Several 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 Great Zhou. As soon as Yuan Li arrived in Yunzhou, she hurried to the garrison mansion 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 could not help but have some doubts. But after Yuan Li's clear and unique analysis, Zhao Yong could not 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 exclaimed, "However, the matter of negotiation is no small matter; those small countries are cunning and treacherous. Do you have a plan to deal with them?"

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 certainly be able to persuade them to give up the idea of invading."

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

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

Finally, the day of negotiation arrived. Yuan Li and her party hurried to the neighboring country—the capital of the Yan Kingdom. The Yan Kingdom was a small country surrounding 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 Great Zhou.

After Yuan Li and her party arrived at 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 Great Zhou's position and wishes, while also not forgetting to emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence between the two countries.

"The Yan Kingdom and Great Zhou were originally neighboring countries and should live in harmony and prosper together. Now the border situation is tense, which is truly not the fortune of the two countries. I have come this time precisely because I 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 Great Zhou, and on the other hand, he was incited by some warlike 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 Great Zhou and the Yan Kingdom can coexist peacefully, it will not only be conducive to the peaceful life of the people of the two countries but also conducive to the trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Why not do it?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of wavering appeared in the eyes of the Yan ruler. Just at this moment, a high official of the Yan Kingdom stood out 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 Great Zhou is the wise choice for our Yan Kingdom."

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

In the following days, Yuan Li hurried between various small countries, winning the understanding and support of one country after another with her wisdom and courage. Finally, through her unremitting efforts, Great Zhou and surrounding countries reached peace agreements, 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 did very well! I did not misjudge you." Gu Yi patted Yuan Li's shoulder and exclaimed.

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

The family reunited, 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 Great Zhou. No matter what difficulties and challenges she encountered, she would firmly walk on until the day of success. ===== CHAPTER 1785 =====