Shao Yunan actually didn’t quite understand the actions of the Huhar people. No matter how powerful one was, when on someone else’s turf, it was essential to be low-key. Especially in ancient times when transportation was extremely inconvenient, offending the local powers could easily lead to a deadly pursuit, as there were no cars or planes for quick escape.

 The military strength of the Huhar Kingdom was indeed strong, but this was the capital of the Yan Kingdom. Not to mention that Yan Kingdom still had an army led by the Dai family, and Khan Keqin himself was a highly valuable hostage. Khan Keqin couldn’t possibly think that a mere five hundred men could stop Yan Kingdom’s hundreds of thousands of troops, could he? What was he trying to achieve by being so high-profile and arrogant in the capital of the Great State of Yan Kingdom? Did he actually want to become a hostage? Was he a masochist?

Shao Yunan had asked Wang Shijing this question, as well as General Dai and Dai Zhanxiao. Both General Dai and Dai Zhanxiao indicated that Khan Keqin’s behavior was normal, but only Wang Shijing provided clarity. Great State of Yan Kingdom had narrowly won the last war, and that was because the Great Khan of the Huhar Kingdom had died suddenly. Now that Huhar Kingdom had sent a delegation, it indicated that the power transition in Huhar Kingdom was complete. If another war broke out, Yan Kingdom’s chances of winning were slim—of course, this was before Shao Yunan and Jiang Moxi appeared.

However, the Huhar people didn’t know this, not even Dai Zhanxiao knew that his Emperor had a formidable ace up his sleeve. Against this backdrop, Khan Keqin’s arrogance made sense, as Yan Kingdom dared not harm him or face the consequences of Huhar’s retaliation. Additionally, the Huhar people were illiterate and physically strong but simple-minded warriors who didn’t understand the saying that a strong dragon couldn’t crush a local snake. This behavior was a natural reflection of their strong mindset. Wang Shijing had a broader perspective, so he could see the lack of intelligence in Khan Keqin’s actions, but others, including General Dai, did not consider it from an intelligence standpoint. To them, Khan Keqin’s behavior seemed normal.

Shao Yunan nodded in understanding, he had indeed overestimated their intelligence. At this moment, he looked at Khan Keqin, who stood up and glared at Emperor Yongming, as if looking at a fool. He shook his head inwardly, thinking that it would be a miracle if this guy made it back alive. And soon, Shao Yunan would be certain that this guy wouldn’t make it back alive.

 Khan Keqin said: “Emperor of Yan Kingdom, I, on behalf of our Great Khan, brought a delegation to negotiate peace with Yan Kingdom, but I have not seen your sincerity!” Khan Keqin pointed at King Luo Rong: “You killed our warriors and insulted their corpses, you have severed the possibility of peace between our two nations with your own hands!”

 Emperor Yongming looked at Khan Keqin expressionlessly, and Young Master Murong stood up with a mocking smile: “Khan Keqin, you really know how to twist the facts. You claim we severed the possibility of peace between our two nations, but why don’t you mention what you did? The young master of the Duke Lu’s mansion was almost killed by you! Not to mention what you did to our King Luo Rong’s mansion!” With the last sentence, Young Master Murong’s face turned cold, and he glared murderously.

Emperor Yongming remained silent while Khan Keqin looked at Young Master Murong with contempt and said: “The people of Duke Lu’s mansion were disrespectful to me first. My guards merely taught them a lesson. How was I to know that the son of a duke would be weaker than a lamb?”

Duke Lu slammed the table in anger: “Don’t bully us too much! This is not your Huhar Kingdom!”

Khan Keqin ignored Duke Lu and continued: “As for what Young Master Murong said we did to the King mansion, I’m confused. I only heard that the owner of Qingyuan was the most beautiful person in the world, so I went to pay a visit.” Khan Keqin looked rudely at King Luo Rong, whose face was livid: “King Luo Rong and Young Master Guo are not yet married, so I consider myself free to pursue him. A hero deserves beauty, and while the King may not look old, he certainly can’t compare to my valor.”

“Hahaha!”

The Huhar delegation immediately burst into laughter. King Luo Rong stood up, and surprisingly, Guo Zimu stood up too. On the throne, the Empress firmly held Emperor Yongming’s hand.

For the first time, King Luo Rong openly displayed his true emotions in front of the officials.

“Huhar scoundrel, I have killed you once and won’t hesitate to kill you again. Do you want to see which of us is the real hero?!”

As King Luo Rong’s words fell, the faces of Khan Keqin and the Huhar delegation turned grim. Guo Zimu removed his mask, and Emperor Yongming, equally furious, was momentarily stunned. But in the next moment, he quickly grasped the Empress’s hand. However, many people were captivated by Guo Zimu’s beauty.

Guo Zimu looked at Khan Keqin, who was filled with greed, without a trace of fear in his eyes. He wasn’t afraid with his King by his side, Yunan was also by his side.

“I’ve said before, you’re not worthy to even carry the shoes of the hero in my heart. I, Guo Zimu, belong to King Luo Rong in life, and to Luo Rong in death.

Guo Zimu raised his hand and placed it on King Luo Rong’s shoulder. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he daringly planted a kiss on King Luo Rong’s lips, then put his mask back on and sat down. This kiss profoundly moved King Luo Rong. The age gap between him and Guo Zimu had always been his biggest concern, despite him looking younger. Khan Keqin’s words were more of an insult by highlighting his insecurity in this relationship for everyone to see. In terms of appearance, he was ordinary, in terms of age, he was much older than Guo Zimu, in terms of status, he had little power, and in terms of wealth, he was poorer than those noble families. If Guo Zimu wanted to leave him, it would be easy, but he had already given his heart completely.

Guo Zimu’s words and this kiss completely reassured King Luo Rong. He sat down, no longer paying attention to Khan Keqin’s provocations. Many pairs of envious and jealous eyes glared at King Luo Rong. Even with Guo Zimu’s face covered, his unparalleled beauty left many people mesmerized.

Emperor Yongming’s voice brought everyone back to reality, and he said coldly: “Since there’s no possibility of peace between Great State of Yan and Huhar Kingdom, then the matter of peace talks is also off the table.”

“Your Majesty!”

Many officials stood up in shock. Emperor Yongming glanced coldly at them, and seeing that the five marquises and one king did not react, they sat back down. Young Master Murong also sat down.

Emperor Yongming’s reaction surprised Khan Keqin, whose fleeting look of astonishment didn’t escape some people’s notice. Emperor Yongming’s reaction disrupted Khan Keqin’s plans. Regaining his composure, Khan Keqin softened his tone and said magnanimously: “It’s surprising that His Majesty so easily gives up on the peace talks. However, if His Majesty agrees to one condition, peace can still be discussed.”

“Oh? What does Khan Keqin propose?”

Khan Keqin said: “If Great State of Yan Kingdom and Huhar Kingdom form an alliance through marriage, then peace can be discussed.”

Emperor Yongming frowned, his expression becoming even colder and more vigilant: “An alliance through marriage? Is the Great Khan of Huhar Kingdom seeking to marry my daughter?” Emperor Yongming didn’t think the Huhar Kingdom would want Princess Ningyin, even though she was unmarried, as an unfavored daughter had little value.

Emperor Yongming instinctively looked at the Empress. Seeing the Empress’s pregnant belly, he suddenly became furious: “Khan Keqin, are you suggesting that you want to marry my unborn child?!”

If Khan Keqin dared to say yes, he would show him the wrath of an emperor! The Empress gently caressed his belly, exuding killing intent, and Dai Zhanxiao slightly bowed, ready to attack.

The surrounding killing intent made Khan Keqin break out in a cold sweat. The twenty Huhar warriors immediately moved behind Khan Keqin, while the palace guards quickly appeared from both sides, drawing their swords. The atmosphere became tense, ready to snap at any moment.

Khan Keqin could no longer remain calm, his face twitching as he took a deep breath and forced himself to speak calmly: “Your Majesty misunderstands. I know you have no legitimate son yet. The marriage I propose is,” he looked at Loyal and Brave Marquis and his wife: “between the ninth prince of Huhar Kingdom, Chelie, and Lady Jingyan of Loyal and Brave Marquis mansion.”

“Bang!” A loud noise, and Wang Shijing stood up in fury.

The hall fell into a ghostly silence. The muscles on Emperor Yongming’s face tightened visibly, and the Empress placed her cup steadily on the table, the slight sound magnified in everyone’s ears, becoming the only noise in the hall.

The Empress said: “Khan Keqin really does like coveting other people’s wives. Lady Jingyan has long been betrothed to the grandson of King Luo Rong, Jiang Moxi. Didn’t anyone inform Khan Keqin?”

Khan Keqin, not catching the underlying tone of the Empress’s words, looked at Emperor Yongming and said: “Emperor of Great State of Yan Kingdom, if Lady Jingyan marries Prince Chelie, Great State of Yan Kingdom and Huhar Kingdom will form an alliance, and there will be no more wars between our two nations. My Huhar Kingdom’s fifty thousand warriors and a million troops will retreat. Doesn’t that outweigh a mere marriage contract?”

The elite warriors of Huhar Kingdom numbered fifty thousand, as claimed by Khan Keqin, which caused many to turn pale with fear, including Princess Wu Uzhen whose face looked particularly grim. The delegations from Dasi Kingdom and Xianlu Kingdom felt secretly relieved that they were far from Huhar Kingdom, making a war between them unlikely.

Khan Keqin was forcing Emperor Yongming to make a choice. He suggested exchanging a young girl’s marriage for the “safety” of Yan Kingdom. Even though the girl was the beloved daughter of the Loyal and Brave Marquis, he believed that Emperor Yongming would make the “right” choice. If Huhar Kingdom’s million-strong army attacked, Yan Kingdom would not be able to withstand it.

 “A toad wanting to eat swan meat, and you aim for the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s family?!” Shao Yunan didn’t give Emperor Yongming a chance to be cornered, he directly attacked: “Go back and take a good look at yourselves in the mirror before dreaming of marrying my daughter. Who do you think you are?!”

“Madam Shao Wang, do you want war?!”

Khan Keqin took a step forward, and Shao Yunan hurled the cup in his hand to the ground with a crash.

“Do you really think you’re a tiger? In my eyes, you’re not even a worm!”

“Madam Shao Wang, mind your words! This matter needs the Emperor’s decision. As a minister, you should prioritize the greater good!” A fearless official stood up to advise. Following his lead, others also stood up, implying that if peace could be achieved, sacrificing a girl wasn’t a big deal.

After those officials supporting the marriage alliance finished speaking, Wang Shijing moved around the table. “If you want to marry my daughter, you’ll have to step over my dead body first! Anyone who supports this marriage alliance, marry your own daughter off! My daughter from the Wang Shijing family will not be married off!”

Shao Yunan looked at Emperor Yongming: “Your Majesty, the marriage of the County Lord was personally decreed by you. A ruler’s word is not to be taken lightly. But these ministers, instead of upholding your dignity, side with the Huhar scoundrels. I have to suspect that they are traitors to Great State of Yan Kingdom, perhaps even Huhar spies!”

Shao Yunan stood up abruptly, and Wang Qing quickly supported him. Wang Qing was furious but knew he couldn’t say anything. He trusted that with his little father here, there was no way his sister would be married off to Huhar Kingdom.

“Madam Shao Wang, stop with your baseless accusations!”

“Your Majesty, in such national matters, Madam Shao Wang is overstepping as an inner spouse. It is improper!”

Those officials took the opportunity to criticize Shao Yunan, even suggesting he should be expelled to avoid ruining the matter. Nizi remained buried in Jiang Moxi’s arms, her tears soaking his clothes, but she made no sound. Jiang Moxi held her tightly, his eyes on the cup on the table, its water trembling slightly.

Khan Keqin knew he had successfully sowed discord between the Loyal and Brave Marquis and Emperor Yongming. If the emperor didn’t agree, he couldn’t explain it to Great State of Yan Kingdom’s people, who couldn’t withstand another war, if he did, the Loyal and Brave Marquis would retaliate, possibly destroying the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household by the next day. No ruler could tolerate such insolence from a minister. Khan Keqin inwardly sneered, his face smug. As for the divine fruits and water when Yan Kingdom would became Huhar Kingdom’s possession—they weren’t afraid of not obtaining them.

Emperor Yongming lightly tapped the table, and the “righteous indignation” in the hall immediately ceased. Throughout the proceedings, the Grand General’s residence had remained silent, as had the other princes and marquises, including King Luo Rong and Elder Weng. This puzzled Khan Keqin, who expected the Dai family to oppose.

Elder Cen was deeply worried but unable to speak. He trusted the emperor wouldn’t agree but feared that if others persisted, Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan would truly be in danger.

Shao Yunan sat down again, a trace of doubt flashing in Khan Keqin’s eyes. Did the opponent back down so quickly? Then he realized this might be a problem since Lady Yilan was not Shao Yunan’s biological daughter, perhaps he realized there was no need to anger the emperor for a non-biological child. This complicated matters—they had no real intention of allying with Yan Kingdom.

“Qing, bring the bag to your little father.”

Wang Qing, his lips bitten until they bled, handed the bag brought into the palace to his little father. Shao Yunan opened the bag and took out a stack of banknotes. Seeing the pile, everyone except Emperor Yongming and the Empress, including General Dai and Dai Zhanxiao, were shocked.

The pile of banknotes was thick, and Shao Yunan continued pulling them out. The highest denomination in the capital was only a hundred taels.

The sound of rustling notes struck at everyone’s hearts. Shao Yunan pushed everything off the table and stacked it with thick piles of banknotes. In front of him, Wang Shijing stood like a mountain. Everyone gasped—there were tens of thousands of taels!

After emptying the bag, Shao Yunan looked up.

“Khan Keqin, you say your Huhar Kingdom has fifty thousand warriors and a million troops. How many people does Huhar Kingdom have in total?”

Thinking Shao Yunan was scared, Khan Keqin asserted: “Huhar Kingdom has four million people. Though not as many as Great State of Yan Kingdom, every man is a warrior, and even women and children can fight!”

Shao Yunan feigned enlightenment and turned to Emperor Yongming: “Your Majesty, how many people are in Yan Kingdom?”

Emperor Yongming remained silent, and Elder Weng answered: “Yan Kingdom has a population of fifty-three million!”

Shao Yunan nodded again. Then he said: “Your Majesty, my family has always been loyal to you and Yan Kingdom. As an inner spouse, I cannot interfere in your decisions. I was too angry earlier and forgot my place, I ask for your forgiveness.”

“I do not blame you,” the Emperor said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Shao Yunan admitted his fault, and some officials felt they were about to win. Then, they heard Shao Yunan say: “Regardless of whether I can protect my children today, my family will be at odds with Huhar Kingdom! My daughter was born to be loved, not bullied. If Huhar Kingdom bullies my daughter, they are my enemies, the enemies of my family.”

Shao Yunan placed his hand on a stack of banknotes and looked at Khan Keqin. “From today, killing an ordinary Huhar person earns 20 taels from my family, killing a Hu warrior earns 200 taels…”

“Shao Yunan, how dare you!” Khan Keqin’s face changed dramatically as he rushed towards Shao Yunan, and twenty Huhar warriors moved simultaneously.

“Roar!”

Tiger Brother and the Big and Little Gold also moved.

“Ah—!”

Screams filled the air.

“Killing a Huhar noble earns 2000 taels and our exclusive health tea,” Shao Yunan continued.

“Madam Shao Wang!” Some Yan officials, terrified, shouted.

“Killing a Huhar royal earns 20,000 taels and our exclusive health tea, solidified essence, and red wine.”

“Killing the Khan of Huhar Kingdom, I will give up all my wealth, and my family’s exclusive wine and tea recipes!”

“No distinction between men, women, or children!”

Even Emperor Yongming and the Empress struggled to remain calm. They knew Shao Yunan had resources and had converted all his family’s silver into banknotes, but they didn’t know he would go to such extremes. Even General Dai and Dai Zhanxiao looked at Shao Yunan like he was mad.

Jiang Moxi raised his head, his expressionless face with eyes like a demon’s. Khan Keqin, pinned under Tiger Brother’s massive paw, bled from his face, his teeth clenched. The other three delegations and Yan officials were equally horrified.

Jiang Moxi glanced in a direction. No one noticed a figure leaving the shadows. Soon, a whistle echoed, and those who could look up saw something flying into the sky.

After Khan Keqin’s group entered the palace, the gates closed. A team of thirty masked guards suddenly appeared outside the Huhar delegation’s quarters.

 

 

Edited by: Jaisland

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