Capítulo 1357: Chapter 1352: Final Decision
Therefore, Wang Hanbing, like Xiao Rongyan, imdiately surmised Fan Yugan’s actions… were likely to force the Minister of Revenue out of the negotiation delegation, to compel Wang Hanbing to speak.
Xiao Rongyan’s fingers tapped on the agarwood table, his deep black eyes hidden behind the mask, voice deep and cold: “It seems our Yan Kingdom has scouts from Zhou, and these scouts have presented Wang Hanbing’s entire background to the Emperor of Zhou!”
Wang Hanbing was slightly taken aback but upon a bit of reflection felt Xiao Rongyan’s reasoning was indeed logical.
After the incident, Xiao Rongyan pondered back and forth and realized that since the first day of the negotiations, Fan Yugan had frequently provoked Wang Hanbing.
Xiao Rongyan understands Fan Yugan; if Fan Yugan dislikes soone, he might provoke them once and then realize they are like cotton, without much temper, resulting in leaving them be. But Fan Yugan persistently provoked Wang Hanbing, which indicates testing…
Initially, Xiao Rongyan rely found it odd, but this ti… Fan Yugan staged a play claiming the Minister of Revenue hit him and paraded the streets with injuries. Xiao Rongyan was sure Fan Yugan aid to exclude the Yan Kingdom’s Minister of Revenue from its negotiation delegation.
After all, every action has a purpose.
Fan Yugan’s purpose is evidently twofold…
Firstly, because the tongue of Yan Kingdom’s Minister of Revenue is fierce, excluding him would allow Zhou to gain more advantages.
Secondly, to assess Wang Hanbing, who is the key figure in Yan Kingdom’s delegation, through provocation, knowing there’s still Liu Rushi in Zhou yet to be revealed.
Xiao Rongyan is more inclined to believe Fan Yugan’s purpose is the second, or perhaps… both.
“Master…” Yue Shi stood at the door and saluted Xiao Rongyan, “The Emperor of Zhou has sent soone to invite the prince to the palace, saying… saying…”
Yue Shi glanced at the Minister of Revenue from Yan Kingdom, who imdiately understood the reason, nearly outraged with anger.
“What did they say?” Xiao Rongyan asked leisurely.
“They said our Yan Kingdom first assassinated important Zhou officials, and then attacked Zhou courtiers, demanding an explanation, or else face war.” Yue Shi quickly bowed afterward, as if nervous about being implicated.
The Minister of Revenue from Yan Kingdom turned pale and stood: “Prince, allow to accompany you to the palace to personally explain to the Emperor of Zhou.”
“It’s no use.” Xiao Rongyan slowly stood, brushed off nonexistent dust from his attire, saying, “Their setup aims to gain concessions from this national gamble, not sothing you can resolve with re explanation.”
“Here’s the letter from the Emperor, have a look!” Xiao Rongyan pointed at the letter on the table and spoke to Wang Hanbing, “Send a letter to the Emperor imdiately, advising him to be wary of spies in Yandu, not to alarm them prematurely, and wait for my return to decide on actions.”
“Yes!” Wang Hanbing responded.
Xiao Rongyan nodded, stepped outside the room without intent of discussing Zhou’s spies arrangent in Yan Kingdom with Bai Qingyan, as Bai Qingyan wouldn’t disclose it even if asked.
This is a matter of state, not a personal affair between them, Xiao Rongyan remains clear about this.
“Prince!” The Minister of Revenue pursued Xiao Rongyan for a couple of steps, recalling the last ti Xiao Rongyan erged hurt from the Zhou Imperial Palace, and felt extrely anxious to avoid bringing trouble to Xiao Rongyan this ti.
“No need to be overly worried, Minister; the prince will surely have counterasures!” Wang Hanbing took Murong Li’s reply and gathered with other officials to read, seeing the Minister’s grave expression, and tried to reassure him, “Before the prince’s return, we should wait quietly, as the situation has occurred; excessive concern is unnecessary.”
Murong Li’s letter indicated hesitance, having discussed with Murong Ping who knew Yan Kingdom’s current difficulties and petitioned Zhou for mutual national stakes, agreeing to fulfill whatever Zhou demands as much as possible.
Murong Ping contends that as Yan Kingdom backstabbed Zhou during mutual alliance, Zhou’s demands are naturally justifiable. Should the roles reverse, Yan would likely request Zhou to securely pledge capable commanders as hostage.
Second Prince Murong Ping queried the Sovereign’s true intent for national stake with Zhou, or rely stabilizing Zhou to later pursue ambitions.
Murong Li sincerely responded willing to risk national stakes for citizen peace and soldier’s lives, and Murong Ping similarly expressed willingness to pledge to Zhou to assure the Imperial Court.
However, Murong Li wrote, preferably offering cities and lands to satisfy Zhou, only pledging people if absolutely necessary, agreeing to pledge Murong Ping and Xie Xun to secure Zhou’s peace, determined by the Regent Prince, yet decisively excluding the Regent Prince from pledge, citing it as Yan Kingdom’s limit.
Other land and cities can be given as much as the Regent Prince decides, without objection.
“Both the Sovereign and Second Prince consider Zhou has Yan Kingdom’s leverage, therefore reluctantly… must pledge the Second Prince and General Xie to Zhou.” The Minister’s face looked troubled, “Our Sovereign is genuine about risking national stakes, yet fear Zhou might deliberately incite war against Yan Kingdom, demanding the Regent Prince, which complicates matters.”
Wang Hanbing, pressing his lips silently for a while before raising his gaze, understanding the Sovereign’s sincere intent for national staking. Wang Hanbing already mapped out plans, intending to discuss briefly with the Regent Prince upon return before making final decisions.
·
Upon entering the palace, Xiao Rongyan was led by Wei Zhong to Qiuhua Pavilion.
Qiuhua Pavilion’s three floors interconnect, constructed amidst a millennium-old Wisteria Tree, enveloped within, lush branches casting layers of shadows, vines sprawling across eaves and tiles, cascading into crimson corridors, speckled with golden light filtering between, interwoven with tree shades, swayed by wind onto grand displays of vibrant purple-green, glittering magnificently.
Strolling within carved and embroidered corridors, accompanied by chirping birds, and viewed clouds of auspicious purple; unsuspecting individuals might suspect stepping into celestial palace.
On the third floor, Bai Qingyan knelt studying docunts behind a zitan desk adorned with ivory, while Xiao Ba and Wang Geer played string gas barefoot nearby. Kangle and Xile held by Mrs. Dong and Second Lady Mrs. Liu respectively, enjoying lively chatter.
Sunshine peeking through the Wisteria curtains bathed the room in a layer of purple celadon, impeccably beautiful.
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