Chapter 434

A Gu Na flew into a rage, suddenly rose to his feet, and placed both hands on the hilt of his waist dagger.

He uttered a sentence in the Northern Li language,

Mu Nan Zhao said carelessly, "Those who slander the officials of the Great Undertaking Dynasty are as weak as lambs; upon seeing your cavalry, they only scatter and flee, pissing and shitting themselves."

A Gu Na and the girl beside him were stunned, obviously not expecting anyone here to understand the Northern Li language.

Mu Nan Zhao, however, didn't care at all about their reaction, didn't even glance at them, and went on to say, "I am willing to learn a few moves from the officials of the Great Undertaking Dynasty. Life and death are up to fate."

He looked at A Gu Na, his eyes clear and cold, exuding authority without anger.

"Anyway, your brother's head has been placed on this table; today I might as well help General Ho make a pair."

A Gu Na's eyes widened in anger, his saber had already been drawn a fraction with a clatter, about to be unsheathed, but a slender jade hand pressed it down.

The girl first glanced at the still-smiling General Ho, then looked at the calm Mu Nan Zhao.

She lowered her lashes slightly, but spoke in the language of the Great Undertaking Dynasty, "Cousin, don't act rashly."

"Our mission this time is peace between the two countries, not to come and show off our bravery,"

Her tone was somewhat solemn; A Gu Na stiffened his neck, hesitated for a moment, and finally released his grip on the knife.

He plopped down, his face full of displeasure, but did not continue provoking.

The girl bowed to Mu Nan Zhao and General Ho, saying, "Prince A Gu Na's temperament is just like the strong wine of our desert."

"Although he is domineering and flamboyant, he is also sincere and warm toward true friends."

"Please forgive my earlier rudeness."

General Ho also intended to give these Northern Li people a show of force, and only then did he chuckle and say:

"Ah, I was so busy drinking water I forgot to introduce ourselves."

"This is the third princess of the current Northern Li king, the Rou Ran princess born of the empress."

"And the other one, oh, just now we met—Prince A Gu Na, the third princess's cousin."

"They have come this time hoping that I will petition the Imperial Court to allow them to lead an envoy to the capital soon and meet our sovereign."

"To formally establish a treaty of friendship between the two nations."

The Rou Ran princess's gaze fixed brightly on Mu Nan Zhao's face.

From the very first glance just now, she had noticed this handsome man.

Not only his appearance, but his entire aura made him unforgettable at first sight.

He seemed neither fierce nor angry, yet an oppressive presence permeated everything, making one involuntarily look up to him.

Even the father of the Rou Ran princess did not possess such an aura.

Not to mention her cousin, who is all brawn and no brains.

Can't he see that this person is someone he simply cannot afford to provoke?

The Rou Ran princess didn't even doubt it.

If this person were to really make a move, her cousin's life would truly be left lying on this very table.

Northern Li women have always matured earlier than those of the Great Undertaking Dynasty.

The Rou Ran princess was born with a gorgeous beauty, like a red rose in the Western Regions just about to bloom.

Although she is not old, her brows and eyes still retain a touch of childishness, yet her beautiful eyes, as they glance about, are full of bright charm.

However, Mu Nan Zhao's eyes were calm, let alone being stunned.

His reaction was even lacking interest, just short of yawning from boredom.

When the girl lowered her eyes, a flash of annoyance flickered in their depths.

This was the first time a man had seen her react like this!

Mu Nan Zhao indifferently lifted his cup and drank tea.

Anyway, since the other side wasn't fighting, he couldn't be bothered to act.

However, General Ho would not allow Mu Nan Zhao to stay out of it, and immediately clasped his hands in a salute toward him.

"How convenient that the Regent Prince is here on official business; this matter still needs the Regent Prince's personal direction."

"May we submit a memorial to the Imperial Court?"

Upon hearing the three words "Regent Prince," A Gu Na was greatly startled.

The Rou Ran princess suddenly lifted her head and looked at Mu Nan Zhao.

Compared to the dull-witted A Gu Na, she had already guessed that this person's identity was extraordinary, certainly not an ordinary military official.

Thus, after a brief moment of surprise, she revealed a charming, alluring smile.

"The Rou Ran pays respects to the Regent Prince."

Having now revealed his identity, as Regent Prince Mu Nan Zhao represents the Great Undertaking Dynasty.

He naturally needed to state his position: "This matter still requires my consultation with the General."

Mu Nan Zhao looked at General Ho and said, "How to fulfill the host's duty is up to your own arrangements."

The corner of General Ho's raised mouth tightened.

"Still talking about host's duty!"

Naturally, the military camp's fortress cannot accommodate foreign peoples.

Even before the emperor nods, these Northern Li people remain enemies, not guests.

On the surface it's called reception, but in reality it must be carefully guarded against.

Should there be spies who then cause any trouble, as a military commander one would surely not get off lightly.

General Ho resented in his heart that the lofty Regent Prince would dump all these problems on him.

But in front of outsiders he still had to keep a smile, shouting, "Someone! Bring out our storeroom's biggest and finest tent."

"Just set it up outside the northwestern corner of the camp, two li away."

Provide lodging for the Rouran princess and her entourage.

Send another battalion to encircle them, taking turns on guard duty, to protect the princess and the prince.

Ho Jiang gave a chuckle to the Rouran princess and A Gu Na, appearing quite honest.

There's nothing we can do; wolf packs often roam this Gobi riverbank.

For your safety, please remain within the protected zone.

Oh, of course—if you need anything or have any business, just have them relay a message anytime.

Although military life is a bit tight, food and drink are more than enough.

The Rouran princess raised no objection; instead, she thanked General Ho for his "thoughtful arrangement."

Before departing, she gazed deeply at Mu Nan Zhao and gave him a charming smile.

A Gu Na left the central command tent with a dark face.

After walking a stretch, he could no longer hold back and spoke in Beili: "What protection! How is this any different from house arrest?"

And you've got all these soldiers trailing us—are we under escort?

You actually expect me to endure? We're here as Beili envoys for negotiations, not prisoners! Why must we endure in silence?

The Rouran princess looked displeased at A Gu Na, her bright eyes turning icy.

Shut up.

You ought to thank me; otherwise, your head will really end up paired with Cousin Shi Na's!

The Rouran prince ignored A Gu Na and strode off quickly on his own.

Outside the camp, several tents had already been pitched.

The Rouran princess entered the central tent; her maid knelt, holding up a washbasin with both hands, asking her to wash her hands.

The sound of splashing water rang out.

Only then did the Rouran princess whisper, "Cousin, don't forget our mission."

One Ho Jiang is already enough trouble, and now a Regent Prince appears.

You've surely heard the name of the Regent Prince of the Great Undertaking Dynasty.

He is greatly favored by the Great Undertaking emperor; though not of royal blood, he was made Regent Prince, second only to the emperor and above ten thousand.

Such a person, compared to Ho Jiang, is the true sort who devours people and leaves no bones; yet you openly confront him upon first meeting.

The task entrusted by your father—do you still want to see it through?

A Gu Na lowered his head, silent, "I..."

He gritted his teeth and said angrily, "How could I have known at the outset that he was the Great Undertaking Regent Prince?"

This sly Ho Jiang—he deliberately didn't say!